03/29/2024

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Llanelli’s MS encourages local residents to seek support to avoid eviction

Llanelli’s Member of the Senedd, Lee Waters, is encouraging anyone in the local area who has fallen into rent arrears during the pandemic to contact Carmarthenshire County Council and see if they are eligible for Welsh Government support.

Lee Waters MS explained:
“We understand that many people have experienced financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic. That is why the Welsh Government have made changes to the £10 million Tenancy Hardship Grant; meaning anyone facing rent arrears due to covid-related reasons between March 2020 and December 2021 can now apply for the available support.”

Residents who have fallen into rent arrears can apply if they lost their jobs following the removal of the Furlough scheme in September 2021.

Also, people who suffered a significant decrease in income when the Universal Credit uplift was removed by the UK Government may now be eligible under the new criteria.

Lee Waters MS said:
“This funding is a crucial lifeline for so many people in our community. We do not want to see people losing their homes as a result of the pandemic. I am encouraging anyone who, because of the pandemic, may be facing eviction or fallen behind with their rent to contact the local authority immediately to find out what help is available to them.”

The Member of the Senedd added:
“I am pleased that the eligibility criteria has been expanded. Now tenants in social housing who are not in receipt of housing-related benefits are able to apply. I also encourage tenants in private rented accommodation to apply.”
Applications for the Tenancy Hardship Grant are now open, with the final date for rent support being December 31st, 2021.

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