NORTH Lanarkshire Council are providing an extra £500,000 in funds to help tenants facing rent arrears built up while waiting for Universal Credit payments.
The additional money will boost its Universal Credit Assistance Fund, offering more support to tenants falling into arrears due to waiting for five weeks for the benefit payments.
The fund, which is in place for council tenants struggling with the impact of making a Universal Credit claim or migrating to the benefit, has already helped over 2300 tenants with financial support of more than £730,000.
The original £1 million allocation has reduced as the council directs support to the tenants and families in greatest need.
The housing and regeneration committee agreed to add the additional funding to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic which has seen a sharp rise in the number of people finding themselves out of work and claiming Universal Credit.
Councillor Heather Brannan-McVey, committee convener, said: “We’re encouraging tenants who have fallen behind with their rent payments not to ignore their financial plight and to get in touch and find out how we can help.
“We understand that with unemployment figures rising some people have seen a change to their financial circumstances and are facing challenges presented by waiting times for Universal Credit payments.
“Our fund has already provided vital assistance to tenants and their families facing difficulties and on low incomes.
“We understand the real worry and stress that financial hardship causes - that’s one of the reasons we’ve put this fund in place and supplemented it.”
Tenants eligible to receive assistance must be new Universal Credit claimants.
Their arrears must also be caused by the five-week waiting period for receipt of their first payment.
They must also have the ability to repay the fund via an affordable arrangement, and the tenant/joint tenant must have no existing former arrears.
Tenants struggling to pay their rent should contact their local housing office immediately.
Dedicated income maximisers will help support tenants with Universal Credit and can identify any additional financial assistance they may be entitled to.
Contact the rents team helpline on 01698 524811 to arrange a visit from an advisor.
