Council aid on bills?

Householders who are struggling to pay their rent or council tax bills may be able to get help from Oldham Council.

The lifeline is being made available through the national Discretionary Housing Payments scheme, which can, in special cases, provide temporary help with payments to residents for up to 26 weeks.

The scheme is designed to help residents most in need with payments awarded on the basis of the individual circumstances.

Applicants must be receiving council housing benefit and council tax benefit already to be eligible for the scheme, with the payments designed to provide help with the shortfall that residents have to pay themselves.

Councillor Jackie Stanton said: “This scheme is designed to help those with the greatest need in Oldham who, despite assistance they may receive from us already, may be struggling to pay their rent and council tax.

‘They are specifically aimed at helping residents such as those who may have recently lost their jobs and may need temporary extra help with their payments.

“It is important to remember that the scheme cannot provide assistance with paying off arrears but can potentially give help with ongoing payments.”

For further information on the Discretionary Payments Scheme please contact the council on 0161-770 6633.