The govt has tonight announced help for those who are self employed. Self employed people will be able to claim up to 80% of their profit, up to £2500 a month. However this will take until June to come through.

So in the meantime, check everything going out of your account and see if you can delay it – a few ideas for everyone:

• Council tax first payment can be delayed until June – call 03000 264000
• The Council has put debt recovery on hold until further notice, but call them if you can’t pay – it helps you and the Council.
• Companies like Sky will pause part of your contract (eg Sky Sports)
• Electric and Gas companies will rearrange payments and its worth checking with sites like energyhelpline.co.uk if you an get a cheaper deal – make sure you click the box to see all deals including those you can’t get thru their site.
• You can get a three month mortgage delay from your bank – but you might be on the phone for a while so check their website to see if you can apply online.
• If you rent your home contact the landlord and discuss options. You may be entitled to local housing allowance – ask the council on 03000 262 000. You cannot be evicted for non payment of rent but you will still owe it. If your landlord tries to evict you tell us.
• MOTs can be delayed for 6 months if due after 30th March
• Sites like moneysavingexpert.com have some excellent advice.
• There is more information on the Council website at www.durham.gov.uk
• Check your account to make sure there are not some things going out you no longer need or are not in a contract for.

If you are still struggling and need advice and the Council is not able to give you the advice or help you need let us know your situation and we can see what other ways you might be able to get help.