Pictured above: Michelle Sykes

Derwent Living is helping its residents to tackle their money problems and has appointed a money advice specialist to its supported housing team.

The Derby-based housing provider has appointed Michelle Sykes, a former rent recovery manager with Derwent Living, to intervene in cases of rent arrears and mortgage arrears by offering money advice. This will enable residents to put into place payment plans and in some cases, avoid legal action.

Previously, Derwent Living has outsourced its debt advice to other agencies, but now the housing provider is using its internal resources to help to tackle the problem and initially Michelle will work part-time.

Working with the rent recovery team, cases of rent arrears will be referred to Michelle, who will then make a home visit and take on individual cases, giving them advice on how to tackle their debts. Less severe cases will still be referred to external agencies such as the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

By ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the debt, Michelle will give advice to people on how they can pay their rent in future and clear their current arrears. 

Michelle says: "There are a lot of reasons why someone may have struggled to make their rent payments, and it's my job to look at why and then assess how we can solve the problem. For instance, some people may not have been aware that they are entitled to housing benefits, which can really affect their income. By working with them, I can help to claim back dated benefits and in turn, can then look at paying their outstanding rent."

The money advice specialist role has been created to put in place an intervention when people are coming to the stage where they could face eviction.

Michelle continues: "We don't want to see anyone evicted from their home and by intervening when people are nearly at that point, we can hopefully put into place a payment plan and try and prevent a court appearance. In cases where a court visit is inevitable, I can help them to put together a strong case on how they intend to pay their rent in future and the reasons for non-payment previously."