Council rent

Paying your rent is not a choice - it is a condition of your tenancy. But we understand that life can be unpredictable and there may be times when you struggle. If you are behind with your rent or worried about future payments, please speak to us as soon as possible. We are here to help.

How we can support you

Staff at your local area housing office can:

• give you advice about managing your payments
• help you set up a repayment plan
• refer you to debt counselling or money advice services

You can also:

• pay your rent online
• set up a direct debit quickly using our online form

If you miss a payment

If you fall behind, we will contact you to check what has happened and offer support. We will use the method that suits you best, including:

• phone calls
• home visits
• email
• text messages

You can read more in our Rent Management Policy.

Help with benefits

Our Benefits call centre can give advice on:

• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction

You can also apply for these benefits online.

Money and debt advice

Our Money Matters service offers free, independent and confidential advice if you are:

• struggling with debt
• unsure about your benefit entitlement
• worried about managing money

They can be contacted using the details on this page.

Support with welfare reforms

Our Rent Income Support Team helps council tenants affected by:

• Universal Credit
• the under‑occupancy deduction (sometimes called the bedroom tax)
• other welfare reform changes

If these changes affect you, or you are worried about how you will manage, please contact us. The sooner you ask for help, the more we can do.