A pilot project
to help tenants facing Council Tax debt has been launched by Cornwall Council
Revenues and Assessment Team, Coastline Housing, Liverty and Ocean Housing.
It is hoped
that some initial extra help and funding for tenants struggling with this particular
debt will help them take big steps forward in many different ways.
Cathy Hadfield
of Coastline Housing, says: “Staff from Coastline Housing, Liverty and Ocean
know that Council Tax debt is a challenge for tenants struggling with other
debts. We are working with Cornwall
Council’s Revenues and Assessment Team to offer extra help with funding and
affordable repayment plans. The project
also offers advice on getting back into work and training to improve tenants’
long term circumstances.”
Ian Stephens, Head
of Revenues and Assessment at Cornwall Council says:
“This
partnership recognizes the issues that debt has on the residents of Cornwall
and the barriers it creates in improving their personal and financial
situation. This pilot aims to specifically help those struggling with Council
Tax debt by providing advice and guidance to reduce debt and explore
opportunities for accessing training, employment and volunteering to enable
tenants to make positive steps towards work and financial sustainability.
“We know that
our tenants can feel confused and overwhelmed by problems caused by debt,
especially when they owe money to multiple organisations. This pilot
seeks to remove that confusion by offering a single point of access to a wide
range of help and support. It’s hoped that a partnership approach which
seeks to address housing related debt and keep people secure in their homes,
will provide a stable basis on which tenants feel confident to take further
steps to improve their long term financial and personal circumstances.”
For more information contact backtowork@coastlinehousing.co.uk
Distributed by Pressat
T. 01209 200200