Image demonstrating Advice to council tenants on rent payments and support

Advice to council tenants on rent payments and support


Northumberland County Council would like any tenants who have lost their job or who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the Coronavirus to get in touch.

The authority’s income team is on hand to offer support and advice to help you through this difficult time. 
You can speak to our customer contact centre by calling 0345 600 6400 or request your income officer contact you by emailing income@northumberland.gov.uk

Northumberland County Councillor, John Riddle, Cabinet member with responsibility for housing said:
“We appreciate this is a very difficult time financially for many people and we want to reassure you that we will not be evicting people who are in rent arrears as a direct result of the Coronavirus. It is however important that you speak to us as soon as possible if you encounter financial difficulties. We will still be able to talk to you and provide help and advice to you over the phone. ”

If residents are experiencing financial hardship they can make an application for Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
If residents are otherwise experiencing hardship but are not entitled to benefits they may choose to contact the Northumberland Community Bank.  Telephone: 01670 522779, or Northumberland Community Bank.

Council tenants who make their rent payments  ‘over the counter’ are being asked to look at alternative ways of paying.  

You can pay your rent by Direct Debit or Standing Order and our council officers can support you to set this up.  You can also make payments over the phone by contacting the county council contact centre on 0345 600 6400 or make internet payments by accessing www.northumberland.gov.uk.

Do you claim Universal Credit?

If your personal circumstances change and you claim universal credit you must notify the Department of Works and Pensions of any changes to your income as soon as possible as any delays may impact on the amount of money you receive. 

If due to circumstances related to COVID-19 you need to access benefits - information is available at: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus
 
If you would like to know which benefits you may be entitled to or want to know how much you may receive then please use the benefit calculators available here

Further details about financial assistance available as a result of the Coronavirus is available here: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus/Your-questions-answered.aspx

Residents can telephone 0345 600 6400 and follow the options for the Benefits team. Lines are open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.

We are experiencing a high volume of calls through our call centre. We appreciate there are many residents with concerns. Please bear with us and we will get to you as soon as we possibly can.
 
 
View all news