Housing

If you are struggling to afford your housing costs, there is support available to help you.

If you are in arrears, it is important to take action as quickly as possible, so that the situation does not get worse. Contact your landlord or mortgage lender as soon as possible to explain your situation and agree a repayment plan. Make sure that any payments are affordable to you - do not offer to pay more than you can afford.

If you are in rented accommodation

If you rent your home and have fallen behind with payments, there is further advice for renters via the links below:

• Dealing with rent arrears (from Citizens Advice)
• Help with rent arrears and problems with paying your rent (from MoneyHelper)
• How to deal with rent arrears (from Shelter)

Private tenants, or tenants of Council or social housing, may be able to apply for a grant which will be paid from the Household Support Fund.

If you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element, and you are struggling to pay your rent, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

If you are a homeowner

If your home is on a mortgage and you are in debt with your lender, there is advice available via the following links:

• Dealing with mortgage arrears (from Citizens Advice)
• Mortgage arrears or problems paying your mortgage (from MoneyHelper)
• How to deal with mortgage arrears (from Shelter)

Manage your money

Check whether your income can be increased via benefits you may be entitled to, and learn about how you may be able to reduce your spending.

If your home is at risk

If your landlord or lender has asked you to leave your home, contact our Housing Solutions team straightaway to make a homelessness application.

If your landlord has not asked you to leave - but your home is still unaffordable, despite taking the steps above - please contact us anyway, for advice and assistance.