Coronavirus: Housing Executive issues advice to tenants in North West

All public reception areas in the local offices have closed until further notice. Staff however will still be working from the offices and can be contacted on the following telephone numbers: 03448920900 for general enquiries; 03448920901 for repairs; and 03448920902 for Housing Benefit.

Housing Benefit payments will continue as normal, and should anyone wish to make a new claim or advise of a change in circumstances they are asked to telephone the Housing Benefit number above.

In terms of Homeless Services or those applying for a house, a spokesperson said: “Our services will be disrupted as a result of the closure of our local offices and staff being unable to carryout home visits. However, we will continue to provide advice and assistance by telephone. Customers should contact the general enquiries number above.”

The spokesperson added: “Customers facing financial difficulties as a result of the on-going emergency should telephone their patch manager for further advice. We will have a sensitive approach to those in financial difficulty.

“To minimise the spread of the virus and in keeping with the government’s advice on social distancing, over the coming days our repairs service we will be moving to an emergency service only. We will therefore only carry out repair works where there is a risk to life or property. When reporting a repair, staff will be asking if customers are self-isolating, and, if so, our contractor will be advised. Our contractors will have to carry out a risk assessment before attending to the works and they will contact you to advise on what to do next. Repairs can be reported on 03448 920 901 or online.”