Advice and Support for Housing, Legal, Welfare, Debt and Fuel Poverty Issues

Summary

This project aims to support Hastings residents by offering joined-up advice services that deal with related issues together - like housing, money, legal matters, and fuel poverty. The service should be easy to access, based in local offices, and open to working alongside other organisations. Given the high demand locally, it’s expected that this service will also be supported by other funding sources.

Why it’s Needed

Hastings has high levels of poverty, homelessness, and unemployment. Many people need help with money, housing, and getting into work or training. This service will help prevent homelessness, improve financial stability, and support people to move forward.

What the Service Should Cover

The successful provider will offer professional advice and support in areas including:

Money and Benefits

• Personal debt
• Welfare and in-work benefits (including housing benefit)
• Help with Universal Credit and council tax reduction
• Wage calculations for job seekers
• Budgeting and income maximisation
• Employment rights
• Access to jobs, training, and education
• Financial literacy and managing money
• IT skills and digital access
• Help setting up bank accounts

Housing

• Housing disrepair
• Fuel poverty and utility bills
• Referrals to energy efficiency services

Homelessness Prevention

• Help with rent/mortgage arrears
• Rent negotiations and housing allowance
• Landlord/tenant issues and mediation
• Support finding suitable housing
• Help with rent in advance and guarantor issues
• Support for families in temporary accommodation

Applicants should explain what the grant will fund and how the service fits with existing support. The aim is to add value, not duplicate what’s already available.

Applications can be for individual areas of advice or from partnerships covering all areas. If applying separately, successful applicants must work together to offer joined-up support.

Who It’s For

Residents and families in Hastings who:

• Live in disadvantaged areas
• Are excluded or marginalised
• Are unemployed or on low incomes
• Are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Struggle with fuel poverty

Funding

Funding runs from July 2026 to June 2028. There is £94,500 in total for this project for 2026-27.

Registered charities, non-profit voluntary or community groups operating in Hastings and St Leonards can apply.

Duration

July 2026 – June 2028

How It Should Be Delivered

Advice should be available in accessible locations, with outreach where needed. Services must be open to all residents. Applicants should explain how they’ll reach target groups - especially those who are harder to engage - and how they’ll provide translation and interpretation when needed. Providers should also work with other local services to avoid overlap and make sure people are referred to the right support.

Measuring Success

Applicants should set clear targets and explain how they’ll measure impact. Examples include:

• Number of people receiving free advice
• Increased income for residents
• Fewer homeless households
• Referrals to energy efficiency services
• Improved mental health

Monitoring should include numbers advised, types of advice given, training delivered, referrals made, and outcomes achieved.