Cash for credit

Council tenants are being given the chance to enter a twice-yearly free prize draw - if they keep a clear rent account.

Wigan & Leigh Housing is offering a first prize of £500 and two second prizes of £250, and every council tenant in the borough whose rent account is clear on the day of the draw will be in with a chance to scoop the cash. The first draw will be held during next month's 'marketing week', with the winners being drawn from a random number computer programme.

Tom Frost, Joint Chair of the Wigan & Leigh Housing Board explains:

"Thousands of tenants keep a clear rent account and many more owe very small amounts, often less than one week’s rent. But chasing these small debts - sending reminder letters and visiting tenants - costs us money and we believe this way we can actually save money on administration."

Wigan & Leigh Housing will trial this scheme for two years to judge its impact before deciding whether to extend it further.

Note to Editors

For more information, please contact Phil Brown, Business Services Manager, on 01942 486535.