Coronavirus, banks and bills

I know many of my constituents are concerned about how they will pay their monthly outgoings during the COVID-19 pandemic; below are some links that may help. If you find that these websites do not address your questions and concerns, please do contact me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk and I will do my best to assist you.

Mortgage holidays

The mortgage payment holiday allows you to postpone or reduce your mortgage payments for three months. The first step is to contact your bank; please do not cancel your payments without telling them, as these will be classified as missed payments and may show up in your credit history. Check if you have insurance that will cover your mortgage payments if you cannot pay them (for example, mortgage payment protection insurance or through your current account). Some mortgage providers are introducing other support for customers whose income is affected by the coronavirus outbreak. These may include no fees for late payments and switching to a lower interest rate. This website has more information about mortgages.

Renters

There is a ban on evictions for 3 months, which the government says they will extend if necessary. If you cannot pay your rent, discuss this with your landlord in the first instance. If they will not or cannot be flexible with rent payments and you have no other source of help, please do write to me. This website has more information for people who are struggling to pay their rent.

Bills

Speak to your energy supplier if you’re struggling financially or in arrears with gas or electricity bills. You could get support including:

reduced bills or debt repayments
a temporary break in your bills or debt arrangements

If you have a pre-payment meters they may be able to, for example:

arrange for someone else to top up your meter
add credit to your account automatically
send you a pre-loaded top up card

You may need to leave your meter box unlocked if you need someone else to top it up. Disconnections of pre-payment meters are suspended. Get in contact with your providers to check what options are available to you.