Homelessness and Housing Advice

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What should I do if Im homeless?

If you are homeless, in the first instance you need to contact us using the details below.

Liz Keeble (Homelessness Prevention Officer) (Working days: Wed, Thur, Fri)
Telephone: 01449 724754
Email: Liz.Keeble@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Fax: 01449 721946  

In cases of immediate homelessness please contact:
 
Gillian Spriggs (Homelessness Officer) (Working days: Mon-Fri)
Telephone: 01449 724761
Email: Gillian.Spriggs@midsuffolk.gov.uk

I am struggling with paying my mortgage. What help is available?

The government can help begin to sort out money worries and to make other arrangements for paying mortgages and ensuring that people do not lose their home. You may be eligible for help using one of the following schemes that are currently available:

1. Homeowners mortgage support scheme
2. Local authority repossession prevention fund
3. Mortgage rescue scheme
4. Shared equity loan

Contact us to find out more using the details below.

Gillian Spriggs (Homelessness Officer)
Telephone: 01449 724761
Email: Gillian.Spriggs@midsuffolk.gov.uk

Liz Keeble (Homelessness Prevention Officer)
Telephone: 01449 724754
Email: Liz.Keeble@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Fax: 01449 721946 

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How do I apply for shared ownership?

You need to complete an online housing application form via the Gateway to Homechoice website. You also need to apply to Orbit First Step who is the Homebuy Agent for this area. They have a range of Homebuy options and also hold a register of people interested in shared ownership. They can be contacted on 03458 50 20 50 or online at www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk (opens new window).

More information on How do I apply for shared ownership?

How do I get help with private renting?

The ‘Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme’ is a scheme which enables people to gain access to suitable affordable accommodation in the Private Rented Sector.

The scheme is a legal agreement that provides a private landlord with a "promise to pay" rather than a normal deposit, against uninsurable damage or loss caused by the tenant, equivalent to a figure not exceeding one month's rent. Alternatively the Council can agree to make a payment directly to the landlord under the scheme. To find out more contact us using the details below.

Liz Keeble (Homeless Prevention Officer)
Telephone: 01449 724754
Email: Liz.Keeble@midsuffolk.gov.uk

More information on How do I get help with private renting?

How do I get help with the cost of private rent?

Local Housing Allowance

You may be able to get some help with the cost of private rent if your income and savings are below a certain level. The amount you are entitled to depends on a number of things:

• Money you and your partner or civil partner have coming inm including earnings, some benefits and tax credits, and occupational pensions;
• Your savings (and your partner's or civil partner's savings);
• Your circumstances, such as your age, the size of your family and their ages, whether you or any of your family are disabled, and whether anyone who lives with you could help with the rent.

The Council will also look at whether:

• The amount of rent is reasonable for your particular home;
• Your home is a reasonable size for you and your family;
• The amount of rent is reasonable for the area in which you live.

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Who should I contact for housing advice?

If you would like to speak to a member of staff for housing advice contact us using the details below and we will be happy to help.

Nadia Steggall (Housing Advice Assistant)
Telephone: 01449 714760
Email: Nadia.Steggall@midsuffolk.gov.uk

 

More information on Who should I contact for housing advice?