COUNCIL and social housing tenants who receive a support service are being told how a Government scheme will affect them.

Wear Valley District Council is sending letters to those people who will be affected by the Supporting People Programme, which will be launched in the district on April 6.

People who receive warden services, mobile warden visits, advice from a support worker, have a community alarm or live in supported housing will be affected.

People who receive meals-on -wheels or home care services will not.

The scheme aims to make sure that housing benefit is only used only on housing costs, not for support services.

From April 6, customers will have to pay support and service charges separately from their rent. Residents who are receiving housing benefit will continue to get free support service, paid for by a separate Supporting People Programme fund.

For clarification or details residents should contact their support provider or landlord or for information on the Supporting People Programme is available online at www.spkweb.org.uk.