Housing association eyes global audience with eviction warning

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

While housing associations look for effective channels of communication to inform tenants of welfare changes, one social landlord has taken a novel approach of warning tenants that if they fail to pay their rent, they face eviction.

Lancashire-based Chorley Community Housing (CCH) – part of the Adactus group – is using pitch side hoardings at the football ground of Chorley FC to remind tenants they could end up losing their homes if they don't prioritise their rent.

It says that a big FA Cup run could see the games televised - thus its message could be “broadcast around the world”.

Elaine Birtwistle, arrears recovery manager for CCH, said: “We wanted to get the message across to tenants that if you don’t pay your rent then you could end up losing your home.  Over the past five years we’ve evicted more than 80 tenants for failing to pay their rent and with the continued economic problems in the country many people will be struggling with their finances.  Our message continues to be that rent should be the number one priority.”

CCH say that impending welfare reform changes mean that tenants who are struggling on low incomes need to get in touch with them to discuss their household finances.

Birtwistle added:  “We can provide support and advice to people who have debt problems and our debt advisory service is free and confidential.  But it does require tenants to take some responsibility for their lives and come to us for help.  People who get into a financial mess and do nothing to sort things out will get no sympathy from us as we are interested in making sure the rent is paid above all else.”

Chorley FC play in the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier division but a big FA Cup run could see TV cameras at the Magpies’ Victory Park ground.

Richard Houghton, director of operations with CCH, said: “As gold sponsors of Chorley FC part of our sponsorship deal includes the pitch side hoardings. We’ve got a great spot for our hoardings near the halfway line so if a match is televised then the message that CCH evicts people who don’t pay their rent could be broadcast around the world.”