UK Bill Help

Local Cheltenham residents who are having trouble paying rent have a great deal of support from local agencies. Several entities provide a network of support to ensure that no family must go homeless.

Gloucester CAB

The Gloucester Citizens Advice Bureau is the first step for a local tenant who is having trouble paying the rent. A counsellor is assigned to each case to prepare a budget and link with possible tools for managing the situation.

To ensure that the rent can be paid, a benefits assessment will determine if the tenant is missing out on any benefit. Assistance with applying for any grants through external charities can also be provided where necessary to prevent a housing crisis. Call 01452 527202 to arrange an appointment with a money advisor.

Cheltenham Borough Council

The Council can also provide assistance with locating grant funding. The Housing Options Team with the closely affiliate Cheltenham Borough Homes can work with each tenant to assess their needs.

Some tenants have benefitted from a reduction in rent, thanks to negotiation services of the Council. In other situations, the Team has provided the needed funding in order for a family to move to a more affordable private rental home. There are a couple of tools that can be used.

• Loan scheme: If coming up with first month’s rent and rent deposit create a barrier to moving, the Council can provide a loan to cover the deposit. Restrictions do apply to ensure that only those who really need the help are served.
• Bond scheme: When a landlord consents, a bond may be provided to guarantee payment of rent arrears or damages after a tenant vacates a property. Landlords benefit from the bond scheme in two ways. First, they do not have to manage the deposit in an approved manner. Second, the scheme can cut vacancy rates by helping prospective tenants move in faster.

Call 01242 775168 to speak with a member of the Housing Options Team. Appointments are arranged at the High Street office in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre

Located on Prestbury Road, the Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre can offer additional support when someone in the home has a history of substance abuse. Whether drugs, alcohol or simply a case of mental illness is involved, this organisation provides additional advice for housing matters, particularly where homelessness is a concern. Call 01242 226672 to schedule an appointment.

Tony’s House

Tony’s House is a homeless shelter operating as a part of the Cheltenham Night Shelter Project. This emergency shelter should be contacted in situations where someone has just been evicted and has no place to go. Call 01245 515983 to speak with a counsellor and make arrangements to travel to the facility.

GEAR Projects

Another emergency shelter is operated by GEAR Projects. Through a Countywide Homeless Outreach Service, GEAR outreach workers can travel anywhere to meet with a homeless person. Whether chronically homeless or newly evicted, clients are able to get the assistance they need to find and maintain a place to live. Call the Homeless Outreach Service at 07500 383591.

Each of these agencies is able to provide housing advice and can help match grants or other aid to each client.