Platform Housing Group advisors help tenants’ secure over £2m of extra income
Housing association Platform Housing Group has announced that its Successful Tenancies team of advisors, who help customers maintain their tenancy, maximise income and reduce spending, have secured £2 million of extra income for residents.
The ongoing cost of living crisis and rise in the price of everyday essentials, saw the team receive 6,317 referrals in 2022-23, a 16 per cent increase compared to the previous year, which resulted in over £2 million being secured for customers, who were really struggling.
Platform’s Successful Tenancies team receive thousands of referrals every year for their free and impartial service, which is often a vital lifeline for their customers.
Michael Bruce, Director of Platform Hub and Income Management said: “Like the majority of support services across the country, Platform continues to see an increase in customers needing our help due to the cost of living and we’re committed to supporting them through these difficult times.”
“Every year billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed by those who need them the most, with our team often finding that customers are initially afraid to ask for help as they are concerned that it will affect their tenancy, which is quite the opposite.
“We’re here to ensure that our customers can get the support they need and to help them claim the benefits they’re entitled to, so they can sleep a little easier at night.”
Platform Housing Group manage over 48,000 homes across the Midlands, making them the region’s largest social landlord. They provide homes for affordable and social rent as well as offering shared ownership. They also run supported housing schemes and retirement living accommodation right across the region.
Earlier this year the organisation signed a one-year pilot contract with technology partners Goodsted to connect more of its volunteers with community events and initiatives.
