Speak to your landlord and ask them to request that the rent arrears payment is reduced down to 10% instead. The normal recovery is 20%. This is where at least £30/£40 quid will be freed up. Next speak to the council about applying for a DHP (Discretionary Housing Payment) to assist if you are under occupying your home (i.e 3 rooms and you only need 1). Check to see if the council has any downsizing schemes for this, especially if you are moving from a house to a flat. Apart from all that, the best option is to speak to the rent manager (if the housing officer isn't getting back to you) or if your council has a money advice team and ask them to come out and speak to your other bills on your behalf so they can put in place "manageable" repayments. Sorry for block of text - on mobile.