NEWS RELEASES
Economic downturn - help for residents
3 December 2008
WITH the current economic downturn, there are a number of potential sources of help which Horsham District Council would like to draw to the attention of local residents.
Some of these are provided directly by Horsham District Council with others by Government agencies, such as the Department for Work and Pensions.
Assistance available from Horsham District Council
Council Tax
There are a number of areas where residents may not be required to pay 100% Council tax. The most common is that households with only a single adult pay only 75% of the charge.
Councils have a statutory duty to collect Council tax but it is recognised that sometimes payment difficulties arise. Recovery action by the Council leads to increased costs and taxpayers in such difficulties are urged to contact the Council (Council Tax section) to make payment arrangements. See further information online or call 01403 215555 for more information.
Council Tax and Housing Benefits
Benefit is payable for claimants whose income falls below a certain threshold. Information can be foud here but anyone who wishes to enquire is asked to call 01403 215555 for advice.
For those on benefits help can also be provided with the cost of certain environmental services such as cesspool emptying, bulky collections and pest control.
Concessionary Fares
Anyone aged 60 or over is entitled to a concessionary bus pass which allows free bus travel throughout the country. Full details, including conditions, and applications can be downloaded online or by calling 01403 215323.
Leisure Access Card
Subsidised admission to Horsham District Council’s leisure facilities is available through the Leisure Access Card. Eligibility is for those residents who are receiving some form of other support e.g. Housing Benefit, Income Support and full time students. Further information is available online or call 01403 215259 for more information.
Homelessness/housing advice
Anyone who feels their home is at risk or who is in need of any housing advice is urged to contact Horsham District Council’s Housing Department on 01403 215560 or visit Horsham District Council’s offices in North Street, Horsham. The Council works closely with the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Assistance available from other agencies
This is not an exhaustive list but the main agencies residents might like to be aware of are:-
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice. Appointments can be made by telephoning 0870 126 4080. More information can also be found online at www.horshamcab.org.uk
Department for Work and Pensions
This Government department provides the main support for unemployed people and those on low income in a number of ways e.g. Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credits, etc. More information can be found online at www.dwp.gov.uk or by calling 0800 88 22 00.
Winter Fuel Allowance
This benefit is also administered by the Department for Work and Pensions. All residents over the age of 60 are entitled to this benefit, which is not means tested. However, anyone over 60 but not on state benefits will not automatically receive this payment unless they make an application, forms for which are available at local Department for Work and Pension offices or online at www.dwp.gov.uk or by calling 08459 151515.
West Sussex Credit Union
This is a financial vehicle that allows members to borrow money at competitive interest rates and where savings are protected by the Financial Services Authority. More information is available online at www.westsussexcreditunion.co.uk or by calling 01903 237221.
3-in 1 Card
School children aged 5 – 19 can apply to West Sussex County Council for a free card which provides cheap travel, can be used as proof of identification and gives access to a number of discount shopping opportunities. More information: www.westsussex.gov.uk or call 01243 777100.
Ends
Note to editors
Horsham District Council has also published a list of help for businesses in the Horsham District.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk