Community Navigators help residents who have debts with other circumstances that mean they require some support to help them manage their finances to deal with issues such as council rent or council tax arrears.
They can support with budgeting advice and supporting residents to make arrangements to pay your debts.
This may include referrals into local services and organisations within the community.
Community Navigators will:
· Assess financial and personal vulnerability.
· Identify risk of eviction, enforcement, or safeguarding concerns.
· Complete a basic affordability overview.
· Support realistic short-term arrangements with Council Tax or Rent where appropriate.
· Maintain engagement where residents struggle to manage contact.
Community Navigators do not:
· Provide regulated debt advice.
· Administer Breathing Space.
· Complete benefit claims or appeals.
· Undertake legally required welfare casework.
· Complete application forms on behalf of residents
· Single Person Discount
Refer if any of the following apply
· Multiple Council Debts: Arrears across two or more council services (e.g., Rent and Council Tax).
· Vulnerability + Arrears: Known vulnerability impacting ability to manage finances, such as digital exclusion, mental or physical ill health AND Rent or council tax arrears.
· Escalation Risk: At risk of eviction or court action, enforcement stage reached letter 3, or repeated failed repayment arrangements (2+ in 12 months). ( council debt)
· Engagement Concerns: Resident disengaged and known to be vulnerable, or unable to navigate services independently.
Do NOT Refer to Community Navigators where:
· First-time arrears under 4 weeks (rent).
· Council Tax arrears under £500 and customer engaging.
· Active repayment plan being maintained.
· The issue is purely benefit entitlement.
· The issue is purely structured debt advice.
- Barking and Dagenham resident
- Multiple Council Debts: Arrears across two or more council services (e.g., Rent and Council Tax).
- Vulnerability + Arrears: Known vulnerability impacting ability to manage finances, such as digital exclusion, mental or physical ill health AND Rent or council tax arrears.
- Escalation Risk: At risk of eviction or court action, enforcement stage reached letter 3, or repeated failed repayment arrangements (2+ in 12 months). ( council debt)