Your Rent and Housing Benefit
How we work out your rent
In April 2002 the Government brought in a new way of working out rents for Council Homes. All Councils now have a formula for calculating rent. The aim of this formula is that rents should be fairer, reflecting more closely the size, condition and location of a property. This is known as the target rent.
To work towards target rents we will adjust your rent each year. The aim is that by 2012, all tenants will be paying targets rents.
Paying your Rent
The rent you pay is used to fund the Housing Services we provide, such as repairs improvements and Housing Management.
To enable us to achieve these objectives we need to collect the rent due to us and it is therefore important that all our tenants pay their rent regularly. Rent arrears put upward pressure on rents and limit our ability to provide the services our customers want.
We provide serveral ways to pay your rent, which enables you to choose the method which suits you best. However, our preferred payment method is by Standing Order.
HOW TO PAY
Standing Order Payable through your Bank Account
Rent Book Payment at Reception at Town Hall
By Post Payments should be sent to the Treasurer, Council of the Isles of Scilly, Town Hall, St Mary's Isles of Scilly. TR21 0LW. Receipts are not normally issued for payments unless specifically requested. Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to the Council of the Isles of Scilly and crossed. Please write your name and address on the back of your cheque.
By Direct Deducation from Salary/Pension
If you work for the Council you can have your rent deducted from your salary. Please phone 01720 422537
Housing Benefit (sometimes referred to as Rent Rebate)
If you are on a low income or receiving a state welfare benefit you may be entitled to Housing Benefit to help pay your rent, either all or part of it. you will need to complete a Housing Benefit claim form for this to be assessed. You can pick up a Housing Benefit claim form by contacting the Benefits Section or from Reception at the Town Hall. If you experience any problems completing the form or require any futher advice please contact the Benefits Section at the Town Hall where assistance will be given.
Please note it is your responsibility to get a claim registered with the Housing Benefit Department. Any delay may result in a period where full rent is payable.
Increases in Rent Charges
Your rent is normally reviewed at the beginning of each financial year. When your rent or other elements of your rental charge change we will write to you at least four weeks before the new charge is due.
where Rent Arrears Accrue
Despite a wide range of payment options, rent accounts can get into arrears.
We take a firm but fair approach when dealing with rent arrears in that:
We will not tolerate regular defaulters and will take appropriate legal action against those who deliberately do not pay. However, in cases of genuine hardship we will do our best to help tenants resolve their financial difficulties.
Every effort will be made to ensure debt is addressed early and that appropriate advice and counselling is provided the Housing department or in cases of multiple debt, independent debt counselling experts at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you are unable to make rent payments for any reason please contact the Housing Department immediately. If rent payments are missed, arrears increase quickly and can become difficult to clear.
Independent advice and debt counselling is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau who are available at Park House on the first Monday of every month.
