Client A received support with dealing with council tax debt. They had a consideable amount of debt, due to not claiming council tax deduction. Due to failed attempts by the local authority to engage with client A to resole the amount owing, the debt was then passed on to a debt collector.
The debt collector went to the clients home several times, left letters, and on each occasion, the debt increased due to call out charges.
Client A came to the service, anxious, and scared. They presented the letter which stated that the debt collector would return to collect goods from the property, for the value of the amount owed. Client A broke down in the office, disclosed she was ill of health, mentally and physically. They had medical evidence as this was an ongoing health issue.
We contacted the Bailiffs, provided the medical evidence and a financial statement, offering an affordable monthly payment towards the arrears. The creditor put the account on hold whilst this was being dealt with.
At first, they refused the offer, we then contacted the council and advised them of this, they stepped in and assisted, advising the bailiffs that the offer was reasonable and had to be accepted. We gave the client the details to set up the standing order to pay the xx per month to the bailiffs, we advised them not to miss it, the pay plan was set up by the client, and they said they felt less anxious.
We supported Client A to apply for council tax deduction and to complete a mentally impaired application for council tax exemption.
Client A said:
"I cannot thank the team enough for the support they gave me, they acted quickly dealing with the bailiffs and I was so thankful they sorted it out, and the payment plans was something I could afford. I felt so comfortable with the service and would recommend them to anyone who needs support."
Client B needed housing support as they were threatened with homelessness, due to the landlord selling the private tenancy they were in, plus the rent had been increased to an unaffordable amount.
We supported client B to access Property pool, complete the applications, upload all the documents required and obtain a reference from the landlord.
Client B had the notice to quit from the landlord, we contacted the landlord and obtained a copy of the Energy performance certificate, a gas safety certificate, and electrical certificate. We then supported client B to complete an online presentation form to the local housing solutions (Homeless prevention team). We then emailed the service and advise of our involvement, attaching the documents regarding the notice to quit and certificates. Client B was then allocated a case worker from Housing solutions who would support and guide them through their threat of homelessness.
We applied for discretionary housing payments to assist with the rent top up, to avoid arrears occurring. This was awarded, client B was up to date with their rent, so there were no arrears that would act as a barrier to being rehoused. We also advised client B of the housing shortages and that she would be advised to look for a private tenancy, as well as the property pool, due to lengthy waits for accommodation, due to the lack of social housing. We needed them to manage their expectations, as there was many people in emergency accommodation.
Sometime later, client B was matched to a tenancy by the housing team, and was able to move to the affordable tenancy with the family.
This case reached a positive outcome.
Few words from the client:
"I cannot thank the team enough for the support they gave. I did not have a clue which was to turn and where to start. They made the process easy for me, guiding me through what I had to do. I felt so much better knowing I had them there helping me and assisting me to deal with it all. It has been a lengthy process, but finally, I have a tenancy now for me and the children, that is affordable and hopefully stable. I would recommend this service to anyone who is struggling, they really do know their stuff. Thanks again, you are both amazing."
Client C had broken up with her partner; he had left the family home. Support was given to apply for Universal Credit entitlement for her and the children. We also supported client C with her rent arrears, which had accumulated due to a gap in new claim. We applied for Discretionary housing payments to assist with the arrears, which halted a pending procession order from the landlord.
Client C was vulnerable and lacked confidence as she had always depended on her ex-partner, who had dealt with everything. We met with the client over several appointments, supported her to navigate and understand the UC online system. We also supported her to put together a budget plan, set up pay plans for her utility bills in her name, and set the payment days to coincide with her benefit payment.
DHP was awared and the arrears were cleared, we arranged for future rent payments to go directly to the landlord. This alleviated the pressure from client C, as she was learning to manage her own finances.
Through the support, client C became empowered to manage her benefits and responsibilites independently. She took control of managing her finances, and was self-reliant now that she was a lone parent.
Feedback from Client C:
"I am so glad I took the step to meet wiht the advisor. I did not know what to expect and felt extremely nervous. I was put at ease from the off. They made me feel so relaxed and calm, I do not know what I would have done without their intervention. I am now in the receipt of the correct benefit, managing my money, home, and bills. Me and the children are a lot happier, and I feel a lot more confident in myself. The advisor has put me in touch with another service, who are going to help me enrol on to a course, whilst the children are at school. I am nervous, but it is in the same centre as I saw Ann & Cheryl, so I feel comfortable coming. My goal is to hopefully get a part-time job soon, hopefully gaining some skills will assist me with this.
Thanks so much Ann & Cheryl, you offer an amazing service."
Merseyside Housing & Debt Advice CIC
Unit 4 Reflection Court, Canal Street, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA10 3JQ
Copyright © 2024 Merseyside Housing & Debt Advice CIC - All Rights Reserved.