Financial Support

Published: 18 March 2021

Folkestone & Hythe District Council is continuing to support residents who may be eligible for financial support–with a special focus on addressing some of the other issues which might cause difficulties.

The welfare team is responsible for applying financial support payments for council tax, as well as looking at providing debt advice to tenants who are referred by members of the council tax or housing teams.

While looking at financial stability to pay ongoing bills such as council tax and rent, they also point our most vulnerable customers in the direction where additional help–such as mental health support–is available.

Recent examples include a person suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder having lost a baby earlier in life. She was assisted in applying for financial help by the team and given details of an organisation which supports bereaved parents.

Elsewhere, another customer was identified as possibly being eligible for financial support. They were hesitant to speak at first but received help after an officer reassured them that they were calling solely to assist rather than to collect money.

Cllr Tim Prater–F&HDC Cabinet Member for Revenues, Benefits, Anti-Fraud and Corruption–said: "The welfare team is not just about dealing with a resident'sfinances. They can help people on a wider range of issues which, if dealt with, putsthem in a much better position to control their life and bills.

The team regularly gets compliments and thanks from those they have assisted andother support organisations locally. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic making workingharder, the team have continued throughout to support those that need it most in the hardest of times"