Coactiva partners with Derwentside Homes to maximise rental income and manage the effects of Welfare Reform_20191021081309959

Coactiva -part of the Callcredit

Data specialist Coactiva, part of the Callcredit Information Group has signed a deal with Derwentside Homes to help trace former tenant debtors and manage some of the challenges faced in relation to the Welfare Reform Act 2012.

One of the main changes of the Welfare Reform Act will see some housing benefit claimants receive a lower amount of support if they are deemed to be ‘under-occupying’ their property. A large number of social tenants across the UK have entered into rent arrears as a result of this change.

Derwentside Homes, who own and manage 6,700 properties, formerly owned by Derwentside District Council in County Durham, will use Coactiva’s ThreeSixty Online service to maximise rental income by tracing former tenant debtors and identifying which individuals can afford to pay what is owed.

Alan Tubman, Income Services Manager at Derwentside Homes said: “The Welfare Reform Act 2012 will completely revolutionise the way in which welfare benefits are paid.

“Changes such as under-occupation and direct payment of housing benefit to tenants will make it harder for social landlords such as Derwentside Homes to protect rental income and continue to provide the standards of service our customers have come to expect.

“Coactiva’s ThreeSixty Online system provides access to unique financial intelligence which will help to distinguish between those tenants that can afford to pay and those that need help to allow them to manage their finances effectively.”

Lee Birch, Business Development Manager at Coactiva, part of the Callcredit Information Group said: “Many local authorities and registered social landlords in North East England already benefit from using our ThreeSixty Online tool.

“We are delighted to be helping Derwentside Homes adapt to the changes introduced by the Welfare Reform Act by maximising rental income while also identifying and supporting those individuals that might be experiencing financial stress.”