Financial advice

We know it’s a difficult time for many people and we can offer help and support if you have any money worries connected to coronavirus. We’re here to help.

• I'm worried about paying rent

  We always want to help our customers sustain their tenancy, so if you’re having concerns about paying your rent, please do talk to us as soon as you can so we can discuss your individual situation. 

  We’ll work with you to find an affordable solution if you’re experiencing financial difficulty.

  To help tenants the notice period for evictions has been extended to six months which came into effect from 29 August.

  What does this notice period mean?

  This means that any landlord issuing an eviction notice will need to give the tenant six months’ notice, unless:

  • At least six months' rent is unpaid, a four week notice period can be applied.
  • The eviction relates to anti-social behaviour, domestic violence or acquiring the tenancy as a result of fraud. The same notice period that was in force before the coronavirus eviction ban can be applied.

   

  You can find more information for tenants here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Landlords and Tenants

• I can't work because of coronavirus

  If you can't work because of having coronavirus or because your following government advice on self isolating, your entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

  To qualify for SSP youmust:

  • have an employment contract
  • have done some work under their contract
  • have been sick for 4 or more days in a row (including non-working days) - known as a ‘period of incapacity for work’
  • earn an average of at least £120 per week
  • give you the correct notice
  • give you proof of their illness, only after 7 days off

   

  You can find out more about SSP on the GOV Website.

• I'm not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay

  If you're unable to work because of having coronavirus or because your following government advice on self isolating, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit.

  You can apply for Universal Credit online from the GOV website.

• I'm self employed and can't work

  If you're self employed and can't work because of having coronavirus or because your following government advice on self isolating, your likely to be eligible for Universal Credit.

  You can apply for Universal Credit online.

  The DWP from 6 April 2020 have relaxed the Minimum Income Floor for all self-employed claimants affected by the economic impact of COVID 19. This means that self-employed claimants will be supported by basing their Universal Credit award on their actual earnings.

• Help claiming benefits

  We can support you to claim any benefits you’re entitled to during this time if you’re unable to work or you’re not getting paid. 

  If you’re already in receipt of housing benefits or Universal Credit your housing cost will continue to be paid and it’s important that you use this to continue to pay your rent as normal.

  If you’ve been working and your situation has now changed, please do let us know so we can help put a plan in place to help you through this time.

  For more information about claiming benefits visit www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses

• Money advice

  Our money advisors can offer debt advice and benefit calculations over the phone. We also work with West Country Savings and Loans who can provide saving advice and offer affordable loans. You can find information about their services at www.westcountry.org.uk 

• Council Tax support

  The Government has given £500 million worth of grant funding to councils in England to support households in their local area. Most of this fund will be used to provide working-age Local Council Tax Support claimants with a further discount on their Council Tax bill.

  You can find out more information about this fund here: Council tax: COVID-19 hardship fund 2020 to 2021 - guidance

Please contact us in the usual way by visiting our contact us page or calling 03000 120 120 and we’ll be happy to help.