UK Bill Help

Norwich residents will not be allowed to go homeless if they proactively seek assistance through one of the schemes set up to serve their needs. These services are available to tenants who need help getting by when they are either short on rent or already falling a month behind.

Shelter

A specialist through Shelter is available for advice, but an appointment is necessary. Local residents may call 0344 515 1860 to request an appointment at the Fishergate office in Norwich. Advice on tenant rights as well as responsibilities can help diffuse a difficult problem with a landlord.

Norwich City Council

Most residents know that council can help with many housing issues, yet few people actually consider making contact when a rent emergency arises. A surprisingly high number of people actually turn to high street loans when they might otherwise qualify for aid.

An income officer can be assigned to each case to determine what options may be available to help a tenant who is experiencing a rent shortfall. Maybe a reduction in work hours is to blame. Perhaps an unexpected repair is causing the arrears.

Regardless of the cause, council’s income officer can help determine the extent of the problem and identify the best solutions to fix the problem. If the tenant is a match for aid programmes or charitable assistance, the income officer can help with necessary applications. Residents may speak with the income officer by calling 0344 980 3333.

Council tenants are served by two budgeting advisers that can work through a financial problem. The goal is to deal with a financial situation early, before the tenant is facing eviction proceedings. To request an appointment with a budgeting adviser on the money advice team, council tenants may call 01603 213107 or 01603 212429.

Families Unit

The Families Unit is a division of council that can be especially helpful when rent arrears and behavioural problems are causing conflict within the family. Issues can be related to adults or children in the home. Enquiries may be directed to 01603 213611.

Home Options

Home Options is the scheme that links potential social housing tenants with area vacancies. Anyone who would like to be considered for social housing may desire to join the housing register first.

Some residents may find that they qualify for Sheltered Housing once they reach age 60. Council administers 28 schemes that provide sheltered housing to area Seniors. A sheltered housing officer assists those who enter into tenancy with one of the schemes.

Anyone who would like to speak with a Home Options specialist may call 0344 980 3333. Alternatively, drop in service is available at City Hall on St Peter’s Street in Norwich.

Stonham services

Many citizens who request aid will be referred to Stonham services for more complicated rent and money problems. Stonham specialises in helping tenants who are dealing with multiple financial needs.

Whether a person is homeless or facing eviction, a specialist can help find a solution. Even tenancy disputes can be resolved. Many tenants who are facing rent arrears and debt problems are able to follow an action plan that allows them to fully recover.

Stonham provides advice services at its St Crispins Road office. A referral form is necessary to begin services. Interested parties may enquire by calling 0845 155 0390.

YMCA

Several locations are provided to area young people who are suddenly homeless. Accommodations are generally provided for a few days with referrals to transitional housing or more permanent placement following. Those interested may call 01603 877950 for matched housing in Norwich.

• Barnards Yard offers those drowning in debt with the opportunity to rent a home for as low as £150 monthly. This is a shared accommodation with three other residents, though each resident is provided with their own private room.
• Forty studio flats are provided through MyPlace in Norwich. While a rental charge applies, it is less than what tenants might have to pay through a regular tenancy. Each resident is assisted by key workers who help them gradually move towards complete independence. A four-page application must be completed which will be reviewed within five days.
• The Norwich Central Assessment Centre also provides housing to both men and women using 34 en-suite bedrooms at the John Drake House. This location doubles as an assessment centre for young people seeking temporary housing.
• Throckmorton Yard houses up to 21 young homeless people in shared flats. Each resident meets with a social worker to plan a permanent move, which includes a focus on employability.
• An additional 36 umbrella units are generally available for single parents with children who live in Norwich.

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Norfolk CAB is located on St Georges Street in Norwich. Both private debt and rent arrears can be included in an advice session. There is no charge for this service. Interested residents can call 08444 111 444 to set up an appointment.

MAP

Wellness advisers can defend against a number of issues that plague tenants. Inability to make rent payments is one of the more common problems brought to the Mancroft Advice Project (MAP).

Norwich residents may call 01603 766994 to meet with a MAP adviser at The Risebrow Centre on Chantry Road. Remote appointments may also be available for some clients who are unable to travel or have transportation issues.

Norfolk Community Law Service

The Norfolk Community Law Service provides free legal advice on rental law and other issues that can affect a family. This is a great way for someone without the resources to still defend against unlawful or unfair landlord practices. While a drop in service is available in the Norwich office, it is recommended to call 01603 496623 to set an appointment so that the necessary documents may be brought in.

Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council

If a tenancy issue is ever based on discrimination, the Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council may be able to intervene. Their telephone is 01603 611644.