In our latest good news story, read about how colleagues across different teams came together to support a tenant and improve their daily life.
The background
During a home visit, one of our Money Advisors, Bradley, supported a tenant by reviewing their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) entitlement and providing advice on council tax arrears and available discounts.
While he was in the tenant’s home, Bradley noticed the tenant’s disability was significantly affecting their daily life due to bulky waste stored in the bedroom. Large items, including a fridge, were blocking access to the tenant’s bed, which stopped them from storing and using their mobility vehicle safely.
Wolverhampton City Council advised they couldn’t collect the items because they couldn’t be moved outside by the tenant. The Council also couldn’t enter the home due to health and safety policy.
How we helped
Bradley escalated the issue after discussing it with the Money Advice admin team. He worked with our Localities, Tenancy Services and Rangers teams to arrange for rangers to volunteer to attend the tenant’s home and move the bulky items to the front of the house so Wolverhampton City Council could collect them at the discounted bulky waste collection rate.
The outcome
The bulky waste is no longer a safety hazard, and the tenant can now safely access their bed and use their mobility vehicle. Not only has this helped to improve the tenant’s quality of life, but they’re also receiving support to maximise their income through a PIP review and council tax support.
During a phone call with Bradley, the tenant expressed how much he appreciated the support he received.
Why is this good news?
This tenant’s story shows the value of looking beyond the initial reason for a visit, and taking a holistic approach to supporting tenants. What began as a benefits and council tax appointment turned into a collaborative effort across Money Advice, Localities, Tenancy Services and the Rangers teams to remove barriers that were affecting the tenant’s independence and wellbeing – a fantastic example of teams working together to find the right solution for tenants.
Read about how we're helping tenants here
Need help? We’re here for you
We’re here to help you live safely and happily in your home. If you, or someone you know, needs support, call us on 0345 60 20 540. Depending on your situation, we'll put you in touch with either our Money Advice or Tenancy Services team. You can also report a problem by completing this short form below.
