Prizes for Tenants
Sheffield Homes is introducing two prize draws for tenants who pay by direct debit or have clear rent accounts. The two prize draws will be held annually. Twenty prizes of £50 shopping vouchers will be awarded.
Sheffield Homes is sending out rent letters over the next two weeks and they contain further details about the draw. Eligible tenants will need to fill in the entry form (to comply with competition legislation) in the next issue of It’s Your Service, the newsletters sent to all tenants.
Peter Morton, Chief Executive of Sheffield Homes, said: "This is another aspect of our work with tenants to ensure they pay their rent. We have introduced new payment methods this year, and have already done a great deal of work to reduce rent arrears. The scheme should pay for itself by further reducing rent arrears and reducing the amount of staff time spent dealing with tenants who pay their rent late or not at all."
"We want to send a clear message that we recognise and value the majority of tenants who pay their rent on time," he added.
Sheffield Homes will monitor the success of the scheme. Other Councils, ALMOs, and Housing Associations run successful incentive schemes for tenants. Sheffield Homes is considering ways of expanding the scheme and will be discussing this with tenants at the next City Wide Forum on Thursday 24 March. Further details about the City Wide Forum are available from the Tenant Participation Team on 273 5566.
The Board of Directors will review the scheme annually.
Ends
For more information please contact Claire Turner, Communications Officer, on 0114 273 6934 or 07764 659181. Email claire.turner2@sheffield.gov.uk. For out of hours media enquiries ring 07711 153995.