Red flags fly for A1 tenants in need of help

Bassetlaw tenants in need of additional support or financial help are being identified earlier by a new ‘Red Flag’ referral scheme.

The scheme launched by A1 Housing allows contractors working on properties to ‘flag up’ potential problems, helping A1 to step in earlier and provide assistance.

Potential warning signs to be looked out for include tenants having no credit on gas and electric meters and leaving heating off in cold weather.

Information will then be passed on to A1 Housing’s money advisors, who are able to offer help and advice to tenants regarding their finances.

This could involve ensuring they are in receipt of the correct benefits, helping them apply for others they may be entitled, or putting them in touch with agencies which may be able to provide further help.

A1 Housing’s managing director Bernard Coleman said: “The scheme is designed to identify tenants who are struggling with their tenancy and may need our help.”

“This can often be people who are always up to date with their rent, are generally good tenants and don’t come to our attention through any other means - but this does not mean they don’t need help.”

Since the scheme launched, seven cases have been flagged and assisted in a variety of ways from money advisor sessions to warden service referrals.

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