If you are claiming Universal Credit you will now receive the Housing benefit element directly. This means you are responsible for paying your rent to Council Housing.

The is a winter update being sent to all tenants. This will provide current up to date information about the Universal Credit system and some upcoming changes. To see this document click here (PDF, 233KB).

If you’re struggling to pay your rent and/or you have other debt problems and you are finding it hard to cope, it's important to deal with the problem straight away - the longer you ignore your debts, the worse the situation becomes.

Priority debts

Priority debts are things such as rent, council tax, maintenance, payments ordered by the courts and energy bills. If you don't sort these out, there's a possibility you could lose your home or go to prison.

To find out what debt repayments you can afford, work out a weekly or monthly budget to see what you need to live on. It's important to be realistic and honest with yourself.

Your budget will show how much money you can afford to commit to paying off your debts. Your budget may also show you where you can save money.

• You can download a personal budget sheet to use (DOC, 30KB)

Many organisations offer free, independent advice on debt problems, so you don't need to use companies that charge. There are lots of organisations that will give your free help and advice.

For more information please download the Paying Rent Arrears and Other Debts Help and Advice Leaflet.