UK Bill Help

PFNI reviewed sources of the rental assistance that can keep each tenant in their home rather than face the uncertainty and horror that accompany an eviction from their home. These sources of rental aid to local residents proves that no one has to face an eviction alone.

Bolsover District Council

The first step is always to seek assistance with the Bolsover District Council. While this is not always the most popular step, it is crucial to show that tenants are serious about getting help with rent.

A phone call is a good start. An in person interview is best. The purpose is for a Council officer to be able to evaluate individual needs and match those needs to any available aid.

Council grants are often available to local tenants who are facing eviction. These grants are not exactly handouts of local tax dollars. In many cases, a grant actually comes from a charity that is committed to helping lower-income households. This ability to match a single applicant with multiple aid sources makes the Council interview the most helpful method for obtaining assistance on a late rent payment. They are familiar with several grantmaking entities and can even assist with the application. Some grantor organisations require that the application for aid be submitted by the local Council or other official. Call 01246 242424. An interview may be completed through the closest Contact Centre.

• Sherwood Lodge in Bolsover.
• The Arc on High Street in Clowne.
• 2A Main Street in Shirebrook.
• The Hub on Shiners Way in South Normanton.

Beyond a single grant, the interview will determine whether council housing or other social housing might be a reasonable alternative to struggling to pay private rent.

Citizens Advice Bureau

The local CAB is the source for objective advice and counselling from trusted professionals. The purpose of the service is two-fold. First, any destructive client habits are identified and corrected to improve the financial situation. Secondly, assistance is provided through debt management or through direct cash grants to help correct the situation. These two CABs are located nearby.

• North East Derbyshire Citizens Advice Bureau is located on High Street in Chesterfield. Call 0844 848 9800.
• Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau is on Broad Pavement in Chesterfield. Call 01246 283872.

Borrowing Options

Skip the high street lenders that attempt to charge infinite interest rates. Other than gambling, there is no faster way to secure financial demise than to obtain a payday loan. Instead, these lower cost loan options can be an option when eviction is the alternative.

2Shires Credit Union in nearby Worksop offers multiple loan products with interest rates ranging from 23-26% APR. Any member with savings may obtain a loan at twice its value and pay only 12.7% APR. Rates can vary, so the credit union should be consulted for the latest rates. Call 01909 500575 to enquire about loan products. Bolsover residents are eligible to become members.

Waiting until the last minute is not an option. It could take several days to either schedule a Council interview, CAB appointment or to apply for a loan through the credit union. Any grants could take 30-60 days or more to process. It is therefore necessary to take action right away if it is clear that the rent is delinquent and that an eviction might be inevitable.