Brian was in full-time employment, but he was struggling to maintain his rent payments had debts over £8000 and rent arrears of £1556.90 and had disengaged from his landlord.

We carried out an assessment of his needs and found out that he had a gambling problem which is why he was struggling to maintain his payments. Brian had also taken a full furnisher pack and as he was working he was liable for this which meant his rent was over £98.00 per week. He also had many health problems and the lack of flooring in his flat had a huge impact on his health as it was very cold due to concrete flooring. He had multiple debts that he had taken out when he went on the sick and as he had just started a new job did not qualify for sick pay. Unfortunately, he was not aware that he could apply for sickness benefits through the Department of Work and Pensions. 

Brian was supported to set up payroll deductions as efforts to set up standing orders or direct debits had failed due to his addiction. This meant that his rent and council tax were paid regularly removing the risk of losing his introductory tenancy. We supported him to remove the furnisher pack and this reduced his payable rent. His living conditions were improved by accessing flooring and he received some debt counselling through a partner organisation. He was signposted to an addiction service for support. He has maintained his rent payment and his arrears have reduced to under £200.

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