Barton House residents will have to pay rent, despite evacuation over safety concerns
Bristol City Council say it's to "maintain a contractual relationship" with tenants
Residents, evacuated from Barton House in Bristol, have been told they will still have to pay rent - despite not knowing when they'll be allowed home.
Two weeks ago, a structural issue was found in the building, which experts believe means Barton House might not cope well if a fire was to break out.
The 400 people living there are now staying with friends and family, or in nearby hotels - with no further information on whether they'll be allowed home in time for Christmas.
Bristol City Council say they will continue to charge rent to "maintain our contractual relationship with tenants".
In a statement, they say if they were to stop charging rent, then tenants who receive Universal Credit, or other housing benefits "would see those benefits needing to be recalculated" .
For people living in a hotel, the authority say they'll continue to cover accommodation and meal costs.
We're also told that taxi costs to get children to and from school will continue being paid for by the Council.