From anxiety to stability

Bekele*, a 24-year-old refugee from Ethiopia, had recently moved into his first flat after experiencing youth homelessness. Moving into his first home should have been a moment of hope; however, an unexpected council tax bill threatened to overwhelm him.

Bekele had been taking important steps towards a more stable future. He was studying English and preparing to begin college in September, while receiving ongoing tenancy support from a local charity.

However, shortly after moving in, Bekele received an unexpected £1,000 council tax bill.

As an unemployed young person on a low income, the bill was completely unaffordable. More than just a financial problem, it had a serious impact on Bekele’s mental health. The sudden demand caused him severe and overwhelming anxiety at a time when he was already navigating the challenges of homelessness, resettlement and independent living.

The charity supported Bekele to apply for Council Tax Reduction and a student exemption, which would significantly reduce or remove what he owed. However, while these applications were being processed, there was an immediate risk of debt recovery action.

Bekele needed £150 for an initial monthly instalment to prevent the account from progressing towards enforcement.

A small gift made an immediate difference

Thanks to the incredible kindness of Acts 435 donors, the money was raised to pay the initial monthly instalment. This small gift prevented bailiff enforcement from taking place while his Council Tax Reduction and student exemption applications were processed.

Importantly, it gave Bekele some much-needed breathing space.

Bekele was incredibly thankful to everyone who gave. Their support means he can now focus on the next steps in his life: settling into his new home, continuing his English studies and preparing to start college.

Read our current Acts 435 requests here: www.acts435.org.uk/give

* name changed for anonymity