The Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates portals and some online forms will be unavailable from Thursday 11 December at 4.30pm until Friday 12 December at 5pm due to essential maintenance
Housing benefit payments due on 22 December 2025 will be paid on this date as normal. The usual payment cycle will resume from the second week of January 2026
Housing Benefit
Universal Credit is now available to all residents who live in the district. We will not be able to accept any new claims for Housing Benefit unless you:
• Are a pensioner
• Live in supported accommodation
• Have been placed in temporary accommodation by our Housing Options Team
You will need to claim Universal Credit for help with rental costs. You will still be able to claim Council Tax Support for assistance towards your Council Tax charge.
Please see our Universal Credit page for further information.
Please note:
If you are already receiving Housing Benefit but need to claim Universal Credit due to a change in circumstance you will be entitled to two weeks full Housing Benefit from the start date of your Universal Credit to assist you before starting with the new benefit.