Debts & Loans

Help for NCH tenants with debt problems

NOTTINGHAM City Homes tenants can get advice on debt at an event next month.
The Financial Inclusion Roadshow comes on the heels of changes to NCH's rents department.These include a free text service which allows people to discuss money problems free of charge.

NCH said it wants to cut the £3,222,084 owed in rent arrears – and help tenants, too.
Gill Moy, director of housing services, said: "The Financial Inclusion Roadshow will be a fantastic opportunity to get help and advice from a range of supportive organisations under one roof.

All advice is free and confidential, so don't miss this." Severn Trent, E-on, Norwich Union, the NCH rent team and the Department for Work and Pensions will be on hand at the event, as will Nottingham Credit Union, which will give advice on loan sharks. St Ann's Debt Advice Service, Nottingham Law Centre, New College Nottingham and Castle College complete the line-up.

Services introduced for tenants include a rents call centre, debt advice appointments in ten locations across the city and inclusion officers who support people with rents and benefits issues.



NCH says evictions were down by ten per cent over the past year. One 30-year-old Radford woman, who did not want to be named, said she was grateful for the help NCH has given her since money troubles started in 2007. She has now paid off nearly all of her £750 debt to Nottingham City Homes, by paying an extra amount on top of her normal rent of £62 per week.

"I've had quite a lot of contact with my rent account manager. I know a lot of people find it difficult and aren't sure of where to turn when they have rent arrears."
Ms Moy added: "I would encourage any of our tenants who are facing problems managing their money, particularly in the current financial climate, to speak to their rents account manager and talk through some of the options they have, before they find themselves in more difficulty."



The Financial Inclusion Roadshow is on Wednesday, November 12, at the Guildhall in Burton Street from 10.30am to 4pm.