Services for council tenants affected by demolition

Tenants’ responsibilities

 The tenant is responsible for arranging for meter reading and disconnecting of supplies of gas/electricity and for handing in the keys of vacated property. The Council provides advice and support in these circumstances.

Once you know the date you will be moving, you need to let Property and Housing Services know as soon as possible.

Disconnecting appliances

If you have any gas appliances, you should contact a Corgi registered gas engineer to arrange for the disconnection. This is because supply pipes must be property sealed. Similarly, a qualified electrician should disconnect any electrical appliances, such as showers or washing machines. You can claim this payment back within your Disturbance Claim as long as you have a valid receipt.

Don't forget to arrange for final readings to be taken of gas and electricity meters. You will probably need to give at least 48 hours notice to the gas and electricity companies.

Housing benefit and council tax

You must inform the Benefits Service of any change of address. If you already receive housing benefit or council tax benefit, you must contact the Council and tell them your new address as soon as possible, to make sure you continue to receive all that is due to you.

Remember, housing benefit is payable on your principal address, so you must move into your new property as soon as possible.

If you need to speak to someone concerning housing benefit entitlement please contact Brian Bearhope, Benefits Team Leader.

How to contact us

For Housing Benefits

Email benefits@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk

Telephone: 01289 330044

Write to: Brian Bearhope

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Section

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council

Wallace Green

Berwick-upon-Tweed

TD15 1ED

For Council Tax

Email aal@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk

Telephone: 01289 301740

Write to: Alan Lyall

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Section

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council

Wallace Green

Berwick-upon-Tweed

TD15 1ED

Handing in keys

You will need to agree with the Property and Housing Service the date to hand in keys to your old property. It is important that you hand your keys in as soon as possible after you leave so that we can arrange to have certain services like your water supply, disconnected.

How to contact us

Email sjl@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk

Telephone: 01289 301832

Write to: Simon Lord

Property and Housing Services

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council

Wallace Green

Berwick-upon-Tweed

TD15 1ED