WDH rent arrears at lowest level for three years

Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) has reduced current tenant rent arrears to their lowest levels in three years thanks to its specialist Debt Team.

WDH, which manages over 33,000 properties across the district, says much of the reduction has been due to the work of their dedicated Debt Team, which was established in 2007 to specifically reduce tenant debt.

The team has reported a year-on-year decrease in rent arrears since it was set up and latest figures put the debt level at just under £3.2m.

Chris Gent, WDH Debt Team Leader, says the figures underline the excellent work his team has carried out during difficult economic circumstances.

“When you take into account some of the local and national economic issues such as unemployment and the recession, this drop in rent arrears represents a huge effort from WDH to help tenants remain financially stable at a turbulent time,” says Chris.

“We have put tenants in touch with charities that have helped them pay utility bills and reduce other areas of weekly expenditure, and we’ve campaigned to raise awareness and promote good practice when it comes to paying off goods bought on finance.

“It is good to know that we are having a positive impact on our tenants’ financial wellbeing and the local economy too.”

WDH holds regular Money Matters sessions to promote financial inclusion, which tenants and non-tenants can attend to get advice and assistance on their financial concerns.

Last year alone WDH managed to raise over £290,000 from community funds, charitable awards and bank charges to help hundreds of tenants who were struggling to pay their bills.