Sector Split over Shapps' Tenant Cashback 'Re-Announcement'

Grant Shapps' "re-announcement" of a scheme to allow social tenants to control their repairs budget has divided opinion in the sector. Home Group is offering its tenants tailored DIY courses at a B&Q training centre and is running three pilot projects called ‘Customer Rewards’. Rosemary Du Rose, executive director of customer service, said: “The people taking part say the Customer Reward Scheme gives them a sense of ownership for the upkeep and maintenance of their homes. There is a real appetite among our customers to take part in our Customer Rewards scheme." However, others in the sector aren’t embracing the tenant cashback scheme. Keith Exford, chief executive of Affinity Sutton, said he thought the scheme was "ill-advised", that it would "cost landlords more" and that it appears to involve jobs that aren't even in the landlord's remit. He added the new tenant cashback scheme would also create opportunities for "fraud and coercion". Read more on 24dash.