A DEBT prevention project is being run across the borough to help Dudley tenants to deal with a range of issues.

The project, a result of a partnership between Dudley Council and Dudley Citizens Advice, has helped more than 260 housing tenants with problems ranging from becoming unemployed, experiencing delays in benefit payments and being unable to afford repayments on loans and debts.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: “It is really important tenants pay their housing rent as it is a priority debt, which means that non-payment could lead to eviction from their property.

“This partnership project aims to help anyone who is worried about losing their home due to financial problems.”

To help tenants not get into rent debt, the council has also launched their new eHousing scheme, which allows tenants to view their account 24 hours a day.

Using the free initiative, tenants can access their records to track their account activity, make payments, update contact details, as well as opting out of receiving paper statements.

Cllr Partridge added: “More and more people are using modern technology for their financial activity, so we felt it was important to introduce a new facility which would provide our tenants with online access to their account.”

Tenants who are worried about debt should speak to their rent officer by calling 01384 811689, or to access the new eHousing scheme, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/housing