Two-week free period for tenants up-to-date on their rent

Council tenants are reminded that if they have a clear rent account they are entitled to two rent-free weeks over Easter.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is reminding its tenants of the rent-free period which runs from the week starting 29 March for this financial year and again from the week starting 5 April for the next financial year.

Many tenants without a debt continue to pay through these weeks to start the new financial year off right and build a buffer on their rent accounts. Tenants who are in arrears are advised that they must continue to make payments to reduce their debt on these weeks. Payments can be made online via www.stoke.gov.uk or via the 24-hour payment line 01782 234123.

Councillor Carl Edwards, cabinet member for housing and environment, said: “The last 12 months has been challenging for so many people right across the city. Our housing team has supported tenants wherever possible, including with claims for Universal Credit and to help them maximise their income. Our income advice team has identified close on £1,000,000 of additional income for tenants since last April.

“For those people who do owe rent, the rent-free weeks are the ideal opportunity to reduce their debt. We continue to increase the number of tenants who pay their rent by direct debit. There is a £200 High Street voucher prize draw on a quarterly basis for direct debit payers and there will be an annual draw for those tenants who have successfully maintained their direct debit throughout the year.”