This processing activity relates to the assessment and administrative validation of accommodation undertakings (also known as hosting certificates or attestation of accommodation), submitted by individuals who intend to host a foreign national at their residence within the United Kingdom.
It supports local authorities in verifying the suitability of accommodation, the identity of the host, and the legitimacy of the hosting arrangement, in cases where such documentation is required to support immigration, visa, or residence-related procedures.
The competent authority for validation is the mayor or appointed officer of the local council in the area where the accommodation is located. In metropolitan areas with internal borough structures (e.g. London), the task may be delegated to the borough mayor or other delegated executive authority.