West Lothian Council delivers

How do I apply for a council house?

All applicants for council housing, or existing tenants who wish to transfer to another property, must complete an application form.

How far back can backdated housing benefit and council tax benefit be paid?

We can backdate a housing benefit and council tax benefit claim for up to 52 weeks for you, counting back from the date we receive a written request from you, which states why you haven't applied for benefit before.

I'm being evicted from my council property - what can I do?

Assuming you are being evicted due to non-payment of rent, you should contact your local Housing Office immediately and they will give you advice. You will normally have to pay at least half your outstanding rent to avoid being evicted. You should also contact the Homeless Team who will give you advice about finding alternative accommodation.

I've received a Sheriff Officer letter. Can't I just make an arrangement with the Council?

No, you need to contact the Sheriff Officer to come to an arrangement.

Is it only Council tenants that can apply for Council Tax benefit?

Council Tax benefit is available to everyone who qualifies - not just Council Tenants - if you are on a low income you should apply for council tax benefit.

What happens if I can't keep up with my mortgage repayments when I buy my council house?

If you cannot keep up your mortgage repayments because you are sick or become unemployed, you can ask your lender to allow more time to repay your loan. This means you can make lower payments over a longer time. If you can't keep up repayments your lender may go to court and ask to take over your home. But before this happens, many lenders offer arrears counselling facilities which can involve a detailed financial analysis resulting in arranged payments to help you through a difficult period without resorting to repossession. You may wish to consider taking out additional mortgage protection insurance for such eventualities. You should note that the Council does not have to give you another tenancy if you lose your home in this way.

What is a 'change in circumstances'?

A 'change in circumstances' is when your situation changes and your benefits are affected. If you are getting benefits or think you may now be entitled to get different benefits, you must write and tell us at once if your circumstances change - a phone call is not enough. Tell us at once in writing if any of the following happens: you change your address, you start or stop getting Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, your income and/or capital changes, the income and/or capital of your children or other people in your household changes, anyone joins or leaves your household, you or your partner go into hospital for more than four weeks or long term care in a nursing home.

Why are you chasing me about rent arrears when I am on Housing Benefit?

You may still have an outstanding balance. Your Housing Benefit may not cover the whole rent - or it may be reduced because an overpayment is being clawed back from your weekly Benefit entitlement.