A campaign encouraging council tenants to make rent the first bill they pay is back to offer help and advice over the festive season.

The next stage is aimed at promoting help and advice for people struggling to pay their rent in advance of Christmas.

The campaign has been shortlisted in the Local Government Communication Awards campaign of the year category.

The campaign started on Tuesday and runs until Christmas Eve.

Don Morris, chairman of the housing committee, said: “In the borough 1,205 tenants started the new year in rent arrears.

“This is a really important campaign.

“Rent is the most important bill and coming up to Christmas, which is an expensive time for everyone, it has to be a top priority.”

For more information on the campaign visit basildon.gov.uk/rentfirst