Procedure for the Recovery of Rent Arrears

There are two main steps to our procedure and at each stage we will seek to reach an agreement with you to help you to reduce the amount, which is owed. The two steps are:

1. Advice and Information

To assist you to reduce your arrears and Enforcement Action, which protects our interests in the house in which you live.

2. Enforcement Action

If the payment agreement is not honoured and your rent arrears increase we will consider further action to ensure that the arrears are paid.

Advice and Information

In the event of your account going into arrears the Council will:

a) Send you a letter to remind you of a missing or late payment.
b) Encourage you to make contact with our office to discuss the matter in a confidential manner.

The Housing Rents Team are here to help you and we will provide advice which will include a discussion of any financial difficulties you are experiencing, and ideas about how these may be resolved. We can:

• Provide general advice on what benefits you may be able to claim; to increase your income e.g. by claiming housing benefit;
• Assist you in making a realistic agreement about the repayment of the rent owed; which takes into account any other debts you may have;
• Make recommendations about other agencies who may be able to assist you (e.g. Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureau, etc).

You can contact the Housing department using the details below:

Contact Details

Name: Gillian Spriggs (Housing Officer)
Email: gillian.spriggs@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 01449 724776

or

Name: David Winsley (Housing Officer)
Email: david.winsley@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 01449 724770