Riverside seeks a good deal for tenants

Published by Roisin Rowley-Smith for Riverside in Housing and also in Bill Payments, Communities

Riverside has appointed a business development officer to help tenants reduce bills and maximise income.

Jonathan Irving, 36, originally from Bury but now living in Wirral, is set with the task of generating funding to mitigate the onset of welfare reform and its impact on tenants’ ability to pay their rent.

The former local authority business development manager, is also hoping to agree a better rate for tenants’ utilities bills and set up formal partnerships with credit unions nationwide, to encourage tenants to save for life shocks.

Jonathan, who is a skydiving instructor in his spare time, said:  “I’m investigating a range of services for tenants, which we can offer when they sign up for a Riverside property.  These may include preferential rates for white goods, reduced tariffs for utility bills or energy supplies, access to credit unions, or bank accounts to suit individual needs.”   

Jonathan is also investigating the feasibility of a tool to help new tenants assess whether they can really afford to live in their homes, tailor made to size of home and family, income and expenditure.  

“I’m keen to speak to tenants, community groups or businesses who want to get involved.  My aim is to make sure that tenants have a buffer against unexpected expenses, such as the washing machine breaking down, so that they don’t resort to high interest high street stores, or even worse illegal loan sharks.”

Contact Jonathan on 0151 295 61 33 or email: jonathan.irving@riverside.org.uk  to contribute ideas or projects to help tenants save money.