Applications for cash help expected to rise

The authority has made 50 Disretionary Housing Payments out of 216 applications since the start of the 2013/14 financial year.

And a council spokesman said they expect that number to increase as the year progresses - mainly over changes to welfare reform such as the Bedroom Tax which came into effect on 1st April.

“This year we have received just over £126,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions to provide Discretionary Housing Payments. This is compared to around £40,000 for previous years,” he said.

“While payments are available for a number of reasons, not just the Bedroom Tax, to assist tenants and resident with a temporary housing need that will address a rent shortfall, it appears that the majority of claims so far are related to the Bedroom Tax.”

The spokesman added: “

“Not all applications for Discretionary Housing Payments will be successful and we would expect to receive a significant increase in applications as the year progresses, for example from advice agencies like the CAB and the money advisors working with A1 Housing.”

Bolsover Council said out of the allocated £92,187 grant, it has received 130 applications and paid out 43 awards totalling £12,000.