Swale Borough Council has launched a new financial support scheme designed to prevent residents from becoming homeless. The Policy and Resources Committee officially approved the Housing Payments Policy on 1 April 2026 to provide short-term assistance to local people facing a housing crisis.
The scheme, which is funded by the government through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, offers help to individuals who are struggling to cover the difference between their benefits and the cost of their housing. This new initiative replaces the previous Discretionary Housing Payments framework that concluded on 31 March 2026.
To be eligible for this additional support, residents must already be receiving Housing Benefits or Universal Credit Housing Costs. The funding is intended to act as a safety net, allowing vulnerable residents to remain in their current homes or to secure new, affordable accommodation while they work to change their personal circumstances.
Councillor Tim Gibson, leader of Swale Borough Council, stated that the fund allows the council to directly assist people who are at risk of homelessness. The council has been allocated £260,758 for these payments, along with £46,039.86 for administrative costs, to support the programme over the next two years.
Residents seeking more information or advice regarding their housing situation can contact the Housing Options Team at the council, which manages the application process for this support.
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