Updated information about rent and service charges for the coming year is currently landing on doormats and in inboxes. You may be wondering why changes are happening, and what they cover.
How we set your rent
Each year we have to use a formula set by the Government to work out how much rents need to change. The formula uses the rate of inflation, which affects everyone that pays for goods and services. So, an increase in costs, for example energy and contractors, have pushed up the cost of services.
Your rent goes towards the services we provide
The rent you pay goes towards improving homes and making them safe, as well as the services we provide for you. If we didn’t increase rent, we’d need to cut back on investing in homes and services.
You’ll need to take action if you receive Universal Credit towards the cost of your rent
There’s more information on this in your rent letter. It’s important you don’t take any action yet. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for a reminder nearer the time.
It’s a good time to review the benefits you receive
As rents are changing, it may affect the benefits you receive. So, it’s a good time to check all your details are up to date and you’re receiving all the money you’re entitled to. There’s some helpful information here Benefit and budgeting calculators.
If you pay by Direct Debit, you’ll get another letter soon
We’re sending you a separate letter about your weekly or monthly payment schedule – you don’t need to do anything it’s just for information.
If you’re a leaseholder or shared owner, you’ll receive details about your service charges for the year ahead
Service charges include things like repairs, cleaning and grass cutting.
Each April, we estimate what these services will cost. Then, at the end of the year, we work out the actual cost and make a charge or a credit to the property for any difference.
Money worries? Please get in touch
We understand everyone is affected by rising costs, and talking to someone can often help with any worries you have. There’s help available whether you’re a Curo tenant or own your home.
If you’re a tenant, you can contact our supportive Money Advice Team. Call 01225 366316 or email customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk
We know it can be hard to ask for help, but you’ll get a supportive and sympathetic response from our amazing colleagues - someone able to offer practical help to improve your situation. They’re experts at dealing with financial difficulty and are trained to help with problems with debt, including money owed to loan sharks.
They can also make sure you’re getting all the money you’re entitled to.
Other help and advice are also available
There’s also other independent organisations below you can speak to for free about a variety of topics, visit Help and advice for more details.
Citizens Advice
- Bath Citizens Advice: citizensadvicebanes.org.ukBristol Citizens Advice: bristolcab.org.uk
- North Somerset Citizens Advice: nscab.org.uk
- Wiltshire Citizens Advice: cabwiltshire.org.uk
- South Gloucestershire Citizens Advice: southgloscab.org.uk
- North Somerset Citizens Advice: nscab.org.uk
Debt
- Debt Advice Foundation: debtadvicefoundation.org Call: 0800 043 4050
- Step Change: stepchange.org Call: 0800 138 1111
- National Debt Line: nationaldebtline.org Call: 0808 808 4000
- PayPlan: payplan.com Call: 0800 316 1833
- Stop Loan Sharks: stoploansharks.co.uk Call: 0300 555 2222 Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Government Money Helper Service
- Money Helper: moneyhelper.org.uk Call: 0800 138 7777 Webchat, WhatsApp and an Online form are also available
Credit Unions
- Great Western Credit Union - open to all Curo residents. Email: info@gwcu.org.uk Call: 0117 924 7309
- Westcountry Savings & Loans Email: mail@westcountry.org.uk Call: 0800 304 7041
Universal Credit
- uk/universal-credit Call: 0800 328 5644 Text phone: 0800 328 1344