Housing support

Our housing support page brings together information that could help if you are worried about rising household costs like rent and mortgage payments, energy costs and more. You’ll find advice on benefits, ways to reduce energy bills and organisations you can contact for support.

If you’re struggling to afford household essentials, like furniture or white goods, look at our financial hardship directory to find local and national services that could help.

You can also read about how we are helping residents with the Government Crisis and Resilience Fund in Portsmouth

Council tax

Whether you own or rent your home you will pay council tax, normally over 10 months, but did you know you can spread your payments over 12 months? Find out about different ways to pay your Council Tax bill.

If you fall behind with council tax payments, you must contact the council tax department immediately to let them know about your situation. They can often suggest ways to help. Use our contact form to get in touch with the council tax department or find out about our council tax support scheme.

Private tenant in Portsmouth?

Find advice on what to do if you’re worried about the rising costs of renting your home, cost saving in the house and more by visiting our private tenant pages

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, don’t sweep it under the carpet, speak to an advice service as soon as possible. Advice Portsmouth provide free, impartial advice.

Find ways to get help with your rent.

Portsmouth City Council tenant?

Get in touch with your local housing office for advice on any issues related to your tenancy, money, debt, benefits and support to find work or training.

Housing offices are open Monday to Thursday 8.30am-5pm, and Friday, 8.30am-4pm – Find contact details and opening times for your local housing office.

Housing association tenant?

Speak to your housing association directly about any cost of living concerns. Many housing associations offer their tenants advice on benefits, debt, employment and training.

Contact your housing officer or customer service team directly.

Homeowner with mortgage?

If you’re struggling to meet your mortgage repayments it important to find out what your options are. Speak to your lender as they have a range of tools that could help.

Worried about the cost of your mortgage? Find out what help your lender could offer

Are you on a fixed rate mortgage? Use this calculator to help you understand the impact of the interest rate rise on your current deal once it comes to an end.

Money Saving Expert has a number of useful mortgage calculators to help you compare rates, consider overpayments, or see what repayments might be in different scenarios.

You could be entitled to Support for Mortgage Interest from Universal Credit. Check eligibility by using an online benefits calculator like Turn2us Benefits Calculator or Entitled to

For free, confidential and impartial advice on your options, speak to someone in person at Advice Portsmouth or check out Citizens Advice online as soon as possible.

Have you considered renting out a room? It could help with paying the bills. Find out more on Gov.uk 

Worried you may be at risk of losing your home?

Contact Housing Needs Advice & Support as soon as you think you may be at risk of losing your home. This gives them more time to help prevent you from becoming homeless or to help you find somewhere else to live. The earlier you seek help, the better.

You can contact Housing Needs Advice & Support by calling 023 9283 4989, by using our online form, or by coming into the Civic Offices in Guildhall Square (you don’t need an appointment).

Find information and read about the support available in specific situations.

Independent, free advice is available from Advice Portsmouth and Citizen’s Advice.

Energy saving at home

Whether you own your home or rent, there are things you can do to reduce your bills and outgoings. Making sure that your home is insulated correctly can reduce your energy bills. Simple changes like washing clothes at a cooler temperature and not leaving your TV on standby can help you save money and the environment. Find energy saving ideas.

Switched On Portsmouth can advise you on energy-saving schemes and the grants available that could make your home warmer and more energy efficient. These range from free boiler repairs, solar panels, insulation and low carbon heating.

Find out more and arrange a free home visit to assess how you could save energy and money:

• Call free on 0800 260 5907
• Visit Switched On Portsmouth