A helping hand with Council Tax debt in Cornwall

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