UK Bill Help

Residents of Norfolk that are homeless or that are on a low income may receive assistance with paying a rent or damage deposit from a council or housing authority. Each scheme will have its own eligibility conditions and the councils will assist people at their own discretion. The help is for either a deposit or maybe a rent in advice payment for a private sector home, and the main programmes are noted below.

In order to get help, the person will need to have a local connection and be on a low income. Some of the deposit schemes are only for the homeless, but other councils will assist families and other residents in Norfolk that are struggling. The type of aid provided will depend on the results of an assessment that occurs with the applicant and the housing option team that is at the local government office.

Councils in Norfolk that loan money for deposits

Breckland Council provides loans for a deposit and additional support to prevent homelessness. This financial aid will be combined with advice in an effort to help people move into a new home or flat, and also sustain the agreement.

The two main programmes are the Homelessness Prevention Fund as well as Rent Deposit Loan Scheme. They will assist the homeless, people in priority need, disabled, and even ex-offenders. Others can also get assistance from the council, and in some cases they will even help people move to Norfolk so a local connection may not be needed. Deposit help is offered along with applications for housing benefits and assistance in locating a PRS property in Breckland district. Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE, telephone 01362 656870. Or residents can find more details on receiving deposit loans from the Breckland Council.

The Broadland Council also offers housing assistance. They can place people into temporary accommodations or hostels, and when the person is on the path to independent living, they can apply for the rent in advance and deposit scheme. The council will offer a loan for these payments, and other support includes free legal aid, furniture for a new home, and referrals to charities and job training. The post is Thorpe Lodge, 1 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0DU, and phone number is 01603 430641. Or for details, read more deposit help from Broadland Council.

South Norfolk Council runs the homeless prevention RADS scheme. Money will be lended out for a rent in advance that is due as well as security deposit. The interest rate will be zero percent, but it does need to be repaid by the tenant. The amount given out from the loan will be equivalent to no more than the Local Housing Allowance level, and the scheme is for the homeless or those that need to resettle as they have an eviction.

Other assistance from the council will be practical support as well as advice on sustaining the tenancy. They will also fast track applications for rent payments as part of housing benefits, and referrals are needed to the office at Swan Lane, Long Stratton, NR15 2XE. Phone – 1508 533744. Or residents can find more information on RADS deposit and rent help in South Norfolk.

While not always available, Norfolk local assistance welfare scheme may help pay housing costs. It will be a grant for deposits for families or individuals looking to resettle into the area. The council assesses each application for funds. More information on the Norfolk assistance scheme to help pay bills.

Additional schemes for prospective tenants

Great Yarmouth Borough Council provides deposit help using their local welfare scheme as well as a bond guarantee. This is discretionary and only for emergencies to eligible families with a connection to Great Yarmouth and Norfolk County. The council office is at Greyfriars Way in Norfolk, NR30 2QE. Ring 01493 846287 for information, or locate additional deposit help in Great Yarmouth.

Landlords can benefit from LetNCC Norwich. This is a programme for landlords in the city, and families can also benefit from it. The Norwich City Council will partner with the property owner on letting their private property to qualified tenants. This will guarantee the landlord rent money and it will ensure no damage occurs to the home, as the tenant and council will cover it.

It will be used for low income families or the homeless, and it will help the private sector landlord increase their income, and LetNCC will also provide tenants safe and affordable housing. Deposits will be paid using a bond guarantee from the council. The Private Sector Leasing Scheme Team Leader can provide more information at the council, and call 0344 980 3333.

Norfolk Citizens Advice has a post of St Crispin’s House, St Georges Street in Norwich. Direct aid is not provided, but the staff at the office can provide free advice on housing and deposit schemes for residents in poverty. Many other services are run too, and ring 01603 660857.

Norwich Salvation Army provide support to people sleeping rough. This will include temporary housing as well as basic needs such as clothing and food. Social workers will also signpost clients to local schemes for the payment of a deposit on a new private sector home.

There are several other housing, shelter, and homeless services provided. The workers refer people to deposit schemes, or give free furniture and other aid. The Pottergate ARC is the main not-for-profit to call at 01603 663496, or use the drop in centre at 28 Pottergate, Norwich, NR2 1DX. Or more details on Norfolk Salvation Army housing schemes.

Saint Martin Housing Trust is a charity based in Norwich that provides housing assistance across all of Norfolk County. Most of the services are short term, temporary accommodations such as Carrow Hill Home. The organisation also addresses employment through programmes such as CAPS, and can refer clients to rent deposit schemes and other financial aid for housing. Read St Martins Housing Trust programmes.