Gedling Borough Council offering housing help

Gedling Borough Council is urging people who are struggling paying their rent and council tax to get in touch to see if they are eligible for extra help.

The council can provide ‘top up’ discretionary housing payments to people who have a shortfall in their rent or council tax and are already in receipt of benefits. People must apply for the funding and will need to show evidence that they are in financial hardship.

The council has awarded top up payments to more than 230 applicants this year.

Council leader John Clarke said: “There are many people who are feeling the pinch due to the government changes in their benefits. The discretionary payments are available to those who need it the most, we urge people to get in touch and apply for the extra help.

“We can’t guarantee that everyone will get help but we will consider each application on its individual merit.”

The council is advising that people apply as soon as possible because the funding is year on year and may change at the end of the financial year. The scheme offers help for a short period of time but it can be up to six months or more if the circumstances clearly show that the applicant needs longer help.

People can apply for discretionary housing payments by contacting the council on 0115 901 3970 or email [email protected]