IN the wake of news that Thurrock Council social housing tenants now have an accumulated debt of more than £2 million, the borough's lead councillor has issued words of comfort to people who are struggling.

Thurrock Council's rent debt for this year is expected to be around £2.2million; rent debt in 2023/24 was £1.9million, and 2022/23 was £1.9million.

Cllr Mark Hooper, cabinet member for housing, said: "We are committed to making sure that our tenants can keep their homes by working with them to manage their debts and help them create plans to clear rent arrears.

"When our tenants get into debt officers will get in contact with them during and give them help and advice to identify and apply for any missing benefits entitlement, referred to money and debt support advice and offered help from the council's financial inclusion officers.

"An eviction panel consisting of officers from Housing, Adult Social Care, Revenues and Benefits and Children's Services meet regularly to discuss the best ways help can be given to tenants to prevent them from becoming homeless. The sole focus of this panel is to avoid eviction by ensuring tenants get the help and support they need.

"We have deliberately taken the view that it is better in the long term, both financially and for residents' well-being, that we work with tenants who get into debt and help them find a sound financial footing which means they can clear their debt and begin to regularly pay rent on their home."