Don’t let rent arrears get you down at Christmas

Although Christmas is a time of celebration, it can also be one of the toughest times of year with bills piling up and rent payments falling into arrears.

East Devon District Council can help ease the burden by offering not only free debt advice, but also practical assistance, such as discretionary housing payments, to tenants having difficulty paying their rent.

Councillor Jill Elson, cabinet member for sustainable homes and communities, said: “It is vital that tenants don’t ignore their financial problems and try not to panic. They should come and talk to us as soon as they think they might not be able to pay their rent.”

“We can check whether they are entitled to apply for a discretionary housing payment, which offers short term assistance while a financial solution is found to their problems.”

“We can offer assistance in other ways, too, from filling in forms to guidance on how they can manage their money.”

The council’s specialist team can be contacted on 01395 517459 or by email via benefits@eastdevon.gov.uk