The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme was introduced to help people who need financial help with their rent and Council Tax, where Housing and Council Tax Benefit does not meet the full amount charged.

These payments are entirely discretionary and each case is assessed on its own merits.  We will look at the individual circumstances of your claim and consider any other options available to you before we decide whether to award a Discretionary Housing Payment.

The Council receives a limited amount of money from the Government each year towards the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme.  

When Discretionary Housing Payments cannot be made

There are certain circumstances in which the Council is not allowed to make these payments:

1. For water, heating, lighting, meals or other ineligible service charges included in your rent
2. To cover any shortfall in your Housing Benefit due to an overpayment being recovered
3. To pay an excessively high rent

As the Government restricts the amount of money we can spend on the scheme each year, not everyone who makes an application for Discretionary Housing payment will be successful.

How to apply for Discretionary Housing Payments

Download and complete the Discretionary Housing Payment application form and sign and return it to:

Customer and Benefit Services at the Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, BD23 1AH

What if my application for Discretionary Housing Payments is not successful

There is no appeal procedure against our decision not to award a Discretionary Housing Payment, but you can write and ask us to reconsider your application.

Please note that Discretionary Housing Payments are usually only awarded for a limited period and so should not be regarded as a long-term solution.  However, the original period may be extended, depending on the circumstances.

You can also download a leaflet on Discretionary Housing Payments