Home and money

On this page you can access basic advice and information on welfare rights issues.

• Council Tax

  Council Tax is a property based charge and is one of the ways the council raises money to pay for local services such as education, social services, libraries, refuse collection, highways and street Lighting. A portion of the Council Tax is passed on to other precepting bodies to provide other services including police services (Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria) and fire and rescue services (Tyne & Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority).

• Housing

  Sunderland has an aspiration to be "the most liveable city in the UK". The quality, type, choice and condition of housing we have available will therefore be crucial to the achievement of this aspiration. Use these pages to find out how we can achieve our aspirations, find advice and information on housing issues, and to link with our partners.

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  Housing advice

  Advice on all housing issues, including homelessness prevention.

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  Benefits and you

  Here you will find information about benefits you may be able claim and tax credits which top up your income if you work

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  Debt and money

  Our self-serve debt advice pages are currently unavailable. The National Debtline website has information that can help you deal with debt

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  Your rights at work

  Where to get advice about your rights at work.

• Looking for work

  Looking for work: careers advice; jobs and job vacancies; help and benefits when looking for work; training and development opportunities.

• Consumer advice

  This page provides details of sources of information, support and advice for consumers. Whether you have bought something in the shops or online, are having difficulties with water or other utility suppliers, financial services (such as banks), holiday or travel companies (including while you are abroad), there are organisations that can help you.

• Planning and building control

  We are responsible for all planning matters in Sunderland. We strive to create a high quality, sustainable environment and protect the conditions in which people live and work.