T.A.N.T Newsletter #10
TANT Newsletter – Autumn 2024
Autumn is late this year, but winter will be lurking around the corner. Please do not delay in preparing for it. Check your heating systems for leaks or mold, and report any issues on the NT tenant repair line at 0345 6461311 or email [email protected]. This service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. We recommend that you keep these details stored on your mobile phone or close to your landline.
Benefits & Allowances
With changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance that could affect many NT tenants, we would like to bring your attention to available benefits and allowances. Are you aware of the benefits and allowances you may be entitled to?
For those under 65 with health or mobility issues, consider claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you are self-employed and sick or require treatment, did you know there is a self-employed Sick Pay you may be able to claim?
Blue Badges for parking: do you know how to apply? For those over 65, if you were on PIP before reaching 65, you will continue to receive it. However, if health issues arise after 65, you can apply for Attendance Allowance. Are you worried that claiming housing or council tax benefits may affect other benefits? Health-related benefits are not counted as income and will not affect these claims.
Pension Credits: could you qualify? If eligible for Attendance Allowance, you may receive a higher pension and be entitled to Pension Credits, potentially at the disabled rate. None of these benefits are charity; they are entitlements. While it may seem confusing, for advice and assistance, please check with your local Citizens Advice center or contact our helpline at 0845 463 3563 or email [email protected].
Government reforms
We have always advocated for our members—National Trust tenants—to have warm, dry homes with security of tenure. The Renters’ Rights Bill is now progressing quickly through Parliament and will hopefully support our aims.
Leasehold Reform legislation is also advancing, and we continue to provide input on behalf of our members who are long leaseholders. TANT represents all National Trust domestic tenants free of charge. There is no membership fee, and every tenant is a member unless they choose not to be. If you need help or advice, please contact us using the details provided earlier or visit our website.
Join the Commitee
TANT is run entirely by volunteers, and we are currently seeking new committee members to assist us. Please see our website or call the helpline. We represent many thousands of people living under a National Trust roof—a special community of tenant custodians supporting each other.
We hope you have a wonderful autumn.
Peter Bate, Chair