UK Bill Help

Lower income residents of South Norfolk who need help making ongoing rent payments may qualify to participate in one of the supported housing schemes that operate in the district. The aim is to ensure that no person finds themselves sleeping rough no matter the circumstances that they face.

Housing and Advice Team

In extreme cases where a tenant is facing a month or more in rental arrears, council’s Housing and Advice Team can work quickly to assist with new arrangements. An appointment with a specialist may be scheduled by calling 0808 168 2222. Appointments are held in person.

South Norfolk Council
South Norfolk House
Swan Lane
Long Stratton
Norwich NR15 2XE

The team will provide advice to tenants in order to prevent homelessness from actually occurring. They can facilitate enrollment into a housing scheme to ensure continuous safe housing. They may also provide referrals to outside specialists who help in other ways to control the situation.

Grants and loans

Many people who are falling short of rent often look to a miracle. Perhaps they turn to gambling or to a high street loan, only to find themselves in an even deeper hole later in the month.

Sometimes a grant can provide the miracle that a family is seeking. The two primary grants offered through South Norfolk Council (Gaining Independence Grant, Disabled Facilities Grant) are limited to renovations and upgrades necessary to accommodate a disability. While these can be helpful to those with limited mobility, the grants are not designed to pay rental arrears. Other grants may be available however from charities that serve South Norfolk.

The council’s loan program is for homeowners, including landlords. It lends £3,000 to £25,000 to bring homes up to a livable condition (Decent Homes Standard).

Home Options Scheme

The South Norfolk Home Options Scheme can help provide permanently reduced rental rates to those who cannot afford to pay regular rates. Often a tenant who is in arrears can arrange to transition to one of these cheaper homes, thereby preventing the negative repercussions associated with eviction.

Anyone who lives or works in South Norfolk may apply for the scheme. A call to 0808 168 2222 allows for an appointment to meet with a specialist at the Long Stratton office. If approved, applicants will be added to the housing register enabling to move into an upcoming vacancy with reduced rent. There are other options offered through the home options scheme.

For example, some tenants may be eligible for a mutual exchange with another tenant. Saffron Housing does allow the switch, which can help tenants move to a home that they can better afford. Saffron Housing Trust (call 01508 532000) participates in a Housing Exchange scheme. Homeswap is an alternate programme made available to those who live outside of the immediate local area.

Supported housing schemes

Single adults may find immediate housing relief through the local hostels.

• Genesis Housing administers hostels through four locales:
  • In Chedgrave, Baynard House is available. Call 01508 528797.
  • Costessey is served by a hostel on Roundwell Road. Call 01603 748134.
  • Irene Jacoby House provides emergency lodging in Diss, followed by Matthew Court and Rush House. Call 01379 641244.
  • Homeless individuals may find refuge at St. Anne’s House in Ditchingham. Call 01986 895898.
• Solo Housing can help with emergency overnight lodging. Call 01379 640250 to get additional information on their services, or read more Solo Housing lodging and housing.
• Call 01953 602456 for Stonham Wilkinson Housing. Emergency and transitional housing services are available at multiple locations.

South Norfolk Supported Housing can intervene in cases where a tenant has a history of mental illness. Call 01603 612677.

Women’s Aid can provide immediate housing to victims of domestic violence. Locations are confidential for purposes of safety. Those affected by dangerous domestic situations may call 0808 2000 247 for a local representative.

Elderly residents who need help with housing may qualify for one of the sheltered housing vacancies at one of five area housing associations.

• Broadland Housing Association administers Senior housing in Hethersett. Call 01603 750200.
• Circle Anglia manages flats in Poringland. Call 01603 703500.
• Cotman Housing Association oversees flats and bungalows in Costessey. Call 01603 612927.
• Places for People offers units in Diss. Call 01603 615451.
• Saffron Housing Trust administers multiple locations throughout South Norfolk. Call 01508 532000.

Housing with care is also available to Seniors who need help with personal care in the home.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Assistance with applying for housing benefit is just one service provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). Specialists can provide budgeting advice and assistance with rent situations that could lead to eviction. There are three locations serving South Norfolk residents.

• Call 01379 651333 to request advice through the Diss, Thetford and District CAB in Diss.
• Call 08444 111444 to reach a representative with Norfolk CAB in Wymondham.
• Call 01986 895827 for the North East Suffolk CAB located in nearby Bungay, which also serves South Norfolk residents.

MAP

The Mancroft Advice Project (MAP) offers wellbeing advice to tenants struggling with housing problems. South Norfolk residents may meet with a wellbeing adviser in Attleborough at The Community Enterprise Centre. To schedule an appointment, clients may call the main office at 01603 766994.