Keeping you up to date with money matters, welfare support and any changes to our services
Everyone is aware of how quickly circumstances can change currently and English Rural are conscious of the impact this can have on its residents. While the following may help, if coronavirus is impacting your daily life in any way and you feel like you need some support or advice now or at some point down the line, please contact English Rural as soon as you can. The earlier something is put in place the better. You might worry less and share the burden!
Your Local Authorities have been provided with a certain amount of additional funding to help their local communities during these difficult times. They will have determined how this money is being spent so do check your local authority website or phone them and ask what support is available to you should you think you may need it now or in the near future. Local authority websites should also have an overview of help available to their residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
Citizens Advice also regularly update their website relating to Coronavirus. The Citizens Advice website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk provide up-to-date information on current government laws and guidance relating to coronavirus restrictions. This is a useful place for advice on help available to individuals impacted by coronavirus by providing a wide range of information and advice on the help which is currently available, including financial worries, employment and housing advice. There is also a section relating specifically to renting from a housing association.
The national phone number for the Citizens Advice is 0800 1448848 where you can arrange free one to one advice appointments done remotely.
Local Charities and businesses have become vital organisations in many communities and still people in need are often unaware these organisations exist or can help.
Your Local Authority may be able to provide referrals, but it is also worth contacting your Regional Housing Manager if you are struggling in any way as they work within these communities and will be able to assist in most instances.
The rent setting policy applied by English Rural means that none of our rents are above the level at which you will be able to receive financial support from the Government. Claiming financial support from the Government can take time and the important thing is to start this as soon as your circumstances change. Contact your dedicated Regional Housing Manager if you are unsure about how to do this. They will be ready and willing to help you.
The Covid-19 government response changes rapidly to try and stop the progression of the virus. It can quickly become very confusing as to what the rules are.
As the natiional lockdown comes to an end on 2nd December 2020 different parts of the country will be facing different restrictions.
The easiest way to check what the rules are in your area, is to download the NHS 'Track and Trace' app. This app can be downloaded on any smart phone and gives the latest information on the current rules in your area.
It can also be used to alert you when you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, and to scan in and out of shops and venues.
All other up to date information can be found at the Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
And on the English Rural website:
Covid-19: Information for Residents
The Chancellor has extended the initial schemes that were introduced at the start of the pandemic, and they will now run until March 2021.
If you work in the private sector, and pay tax through the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system, your employer can put you on furlough - essentially, lay you off temporarily - by applying for a government grant to pay 80% of your gross salary up to a limit of £2,500 per month.
Full and part-time employees are eligible, as are those on agency, flexible or zero-hour contracts. You do not need to apply for anything, your employer will do this and you should be paid via your normal route.
If you are self-employed and have had a loss of income, you can receive a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly profits over the past three years - up to a cap of £2,500 per month.
You can access the coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) as long as you traded in the past financial year, are still trading now and plan to continue doing so.
If none of the above apply, you will have to try to claim benefits - such as Universal Credit and/or contribution-based employment and support allowance (ESA). For more information, follow the links below:
Financial Support for Bussiness During Coronavirus
Understanding Universal Credit: Employment and Benefits Support
Coronavirus Help from the 'Entitled To' Website
For many people, being at home with a partner under restrictive coronavirus measures is a terrifying situation if you are suffering from domestic abuse. Sadly, domestic abuse is not uncommon in this country, but in these difficult times, there literally can be no escape for the victim.
If this is you, or someone you know, there is help out there. Please reach out and ask - help will be given. You may find the following links useful:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Government Support
Help & Advice from 'Safelives.org.uk'
Help & Advice from 'Refuge'
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on:
