Make you money matter and keep rents up to date

WITH many people making New Year’s resolutions to manage their money better, borough council tenants are being urged to ensure they are not gehind with the rent.

The council has a good record of collecting rents and the majority of tenants know the importance of paying on time.

But last year 28 people were evicted from their homes for rent arrears.

Any tenant who needs advice on budgeting and managing money can contact the council’s free, independent and confidential Money Advice Service.

Advisers will be able to help with debt problems, and offer advice on managing bills, claiming benefits, and negotiating debt payment programmes. To make an appointment to see someone, email moneyadvice@westlancs. gov.uk or call the team on 01695 585250.

They can also provide guidance on alternatives to loan sharks, such as credit unions.

Knowsley Mutual Credit Union – www.knowsley mutualcu.co.uk – is one that operates in West Lancashire.

If you have just made a claim for universal credit and need help to make sure your claim includes your rent you can contact the dedicated universal credit support officer on 01695 712557.

Any delay could result in rent arrears on your rent account.

Tenants can also now pay rent using direct debit weekly, fortnightly or monthly on any date in the month.

This helps with managing money and means those on universal credit can set up a rent payment on their benefit pay date.

To set up a direct debit payment call 01695 585252.

Cllr Jenny Forshaw, portfolio holder for housing and inclusion, said: “Many of us make New Year’s resolutions and for some of us the priority is to get our finances in order, particularly when facing the post-Christmas bills.

“A number of our tenants are in arrears but they have time to get their accounts up to date. If this applies to you make it your resolution to ‘make your money matter.’”