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Housing

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Help with housing, and council tax

The schemes and services below can help you get back on track with rent, save money on your council tax and make sure that you are claiming everything that you are entitled to housing-wise.

Berneslai Homes Tenants

Are you in a council property looked after by Berneslai homes?

You may be able to get support from Tenants First. They can help with money management advice and support:
  • If you are behind with your rent, and need help to get back on track
  • If you need help completing online applications for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support
  • If you need help with your family budget
  • If you need help with rent charges due to under occupation sometimes known as ‘bedroom tax’
  • If you are having issues with Universal Credit
You can self-refer for tenancy support by emailing tenantsupportservice@berneslaihomes.co.uk


Find out more

Repairs and maintenance.
Contact emergency repairs hotline, including cases of damp and mould on 01226 787878 or visit the Repairs and maintenance web page. 




Discretionary Housing Payments

If you claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit but are still struggling to pay your rent, BMBC might be able to offer you a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

This is a short term payment that can sometimes be awarded to help cover rent. You don't have an automatic right to a DHP, and not everyone who applies will get one, but they will consider all applications.


BMBC takes into account:
  • your income
  • your outgoings
  • your personal circumstances
if you’ve had a DHP before and what you’ve done to improve your financial situation


Find out more:
You can read more about DHPs and apply online here
The council only has a limited amount to spend on DHPs each year. Once it's gone, they can't make any further awards.



Council Tax Support

If you’re on a low income, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support to help you pay your Council Tax bill. This reduces your bill in the same way other discounts do (like single person discount).


To claim Council Tax Support you need to:
  • be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax bill (rented property or your own home).
  • be on a low income - whether it's from paid work, benefits or a pension.
  • and have between you and your partner
  • less than £10,000 in savings if you're working age
  • less than £16,000 in savings if you're pensionable age (unless you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit)
Find out more
Check if you are eligible and apply online here




Council Tax Discretionary Relief

Council Tax Discretionary Relief is an extra payment which can help towards reducing your Council Tax bill. BMBC looks at each request for Council Tax Discretionary Relief on a case by case basis.


When making a decision they'll look at all of the following:
  • Your income and how this compares to other people in a similar situation.
  • Your savings if you have any.
  • The difference between any Council Tax reduction you receive and your payments.
  • If your accommodation is suitable for your needs.
  • If your property is empty, the reason it why can't be sold or let.
  • If there is anyone in your household who is able to help you.
  • Any loans or debts you may have.
  • If it's reasonable that you could manage your money better.
  • If you've tried to put the situation right yourself.
  • If a major incident has occurred that has forced you out of your home.


Find out more:
For more information, including how to apply visit the Council Tax Discretionary Relief web page. 




Council Tax Discounts

Have you checked if you are eligible for a Council Tax Discount?
More people are eligible than you might think, here are a few examples of who might be eligible.
If you live in a property on your own, you can apply for a single person discount to your Council Tax bill. This will reduce it by 25%.
Full time students and student nurses can apply for a student discount.
Barnsley care leavers are entitled to 100% Council Tax discount. You can receive this discount even if you don't live in the Barnsley area. The 100% discount will apply until you become 25.
If you've had to adapt your home because someone living there has a disability, you may be able to get a Council Tax discount.
If you are having structural work or major repairs done in your home, you can apply for a 25% discount for up to 12 months


Find out more:
For full details of who is eligible and to apply visit the BMBC Council Tax Discount web page or ring 01226 787787 lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays)





Damp & Mould: Private sector landlords, tenants and homeowners

Are you struggling with damp, mould or condensation?

Find out more

Guidance and information from BMBC about Damp and mould 

If your landlord refuses to deal with the damp and mould, or they don’t make repairs in a timely way, you should report it to the council’s Housing and Community Safety Team. You can do this by emailing safer@barnsley.gov.uk or by phoning (01226) 773555.

BMBC Warm Homes Team

Warm Homes team can advise on saving money and keeping warm. They can offer grants for homeowners and private tenants who need insulation and boilers.

Referrals can be made to support with energy debt, fuel vouchers and they can signpost to local community groups who can undertake free home visits for households with mould and damp or in fuel poverty

Find out more

Make your home warmer and cheaper to run The team can be contacted on 01226 773366 or by email warmhomes@barnsley.gov.uk 

Support for private tenants struggling with poor housing conditions or issues with their landlord

Barnsley's Safer Communities team support private sector households with poor housing, damp and mould, self-neglect and hoarding.

Find out more

Advice on rights and responsibilities: Advice for private tenants

The team can be contacted online, by email – Safer@barnsley.gov.uk or by telephone – 01226 773555  

Homelessness

Support for anyone who is homeless or worried about losing their home in the next couple of months: Housing and Welfare team- focus on homeless prevention. Can provide advice and assistance to those at risk of losing their home, or who have become homeless.

Find out more

Homeless and housing advice The team can be contacted 01226 773870 or freephone 0808 196 3530 or by email adviceservices@barnsley.gov.uk

Local Offer Website

Click here to go to Barnsley's SEND Local Offer.
Find information for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.

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