UK Bill Help

The authorities in Sevenoaks provide financial help to the homeless as well as prospective tenants. The assistance is part of the Private Sector Lettings (PSL) scheme, and funds from the council are used for paying deposits, rent in advance, and other housing costs. In addition, some families that are threatened with homelessness can also get help from PSL.

The programme also involves partnerships with additional resources in the area. There are charities that provide referrals, hostels that link the currently homeless to the PSL scheme, not for profits that offer debt help, and other organisations in Kent County. These agencies, and the rent deposit help they provide, are coordinated by the duty Office who is part of the Sevenoaks Housing Advice Team.

Financial assistance from Sevenoaks Private Sector Lettings

The scheme, which is administered by the Housing Advice Team, provides financial help in two ways. All of the assistance is for families on a low income or in poverty. This may be the homeless, applicants on housing benefits (LHA), Kent County welfare, Universal Credit, or other government benefit schemes. Financial aid may also help current tenants that are threatened with homelessness/evictions. Individuals that also have a connection to the Sevenoaks District may apply.

When qualified, PSL can help pay for the following costs. The council may use a combination of bond guarantees or in kind goods, which will be free furniture or white goods.
1) Damage deposits that a landlord may need.
2) Rent in advance that is equal up to one month of monthly rental costs.
3) Practical support, including furniture for a new private let.
4) Tools and workshops around tenant sustainment.

All of the aid is non-cash; money is never given out. Sevenoaks District Council will provide the funds to clients who meet the criteria. If not qualified for help from Private Sector Lettings (PSL), then the Housing Advice Team will provide linkage to other programmes. This will be form filling for Housing Benefit assistance (LHA) or Universal Credit. Local welfare for paying for white goods and furniture is also stressed. Or they refer applicants to support service in Kent.

Tenancy sustainment scheme from PSL

If a bond is provided, then the client will need to participate in Flying Start. The aim is to help people sustain their new private let. It will last for up to 12 months. It includes monthly sessions with a key work from the Sevenoaks Advice Team. The sustainment schemes offers debt assistance (for payday loans and credit cards), money management classes, employment help, and more. At the end of 12 months, and the rent deposit bond, the tenant will need to take over their own deposit by paying the landlord the money they are due.

All issues which may lead to future evictions are covered from Flying Start. If a challenge is job or work skills, then referrals are given to classes. If the tenant falls into arrears on their rent due to an emergency, then the key worker from the sustainment scheme will go over their budget, income, and expenses. Other topics are part of flying start too.

Free advice from Flying Start is critical to the success of Private Sector Lettings (PSL). The duty office, and council, will not give out bond guarantees for deposits or rent payments if the family will just be evicted again. So sustainment is a focus.

To apply for a bond to pay for deposits or rent in advance, email the duty office. The contact information is housing@sevenoaks.gov.uk. The main criteria are above, but exceptions can be made as well by the Housing Advice Team.