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Demand for discounted bills scheme at Northern landlord increases 1,049%
A partnership scheme to offer residents discounts on their water rates at a North East landlord has seen referrals to the scheme increase more than 1,000%.
Sunderland-based Gentoo set up the partnership with Northumbrian Water in 2018-19 to offer residents up to a 50% discount on bills.
In the first year of the scheme, 261 customers identified as being on a low income were offered support and saved a collective amount of £14,410.
In the past year, this increased to 3,000 residents who saved more than £1.3m, a 1,049% increase.
In total, more than 8,000 Gentoo residents have been referred and helped by the scheme so far.
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Of this total figure, the landlord’s Money Matters team worked with Northumbrian Water and the Department for Work and Pensions to identify 3,000 customers on Pension Credit who were eligible for the discounted water rates but were not claiming it.
These customers will now automatically receive the discount year-on-year, with most saving between £150 and £200 a year.
Susie Thompson, executive director of housing at Gentoo, said: “We have seen an increase in customers in need of support during the cost of living crisis. Many people have been struggling with household bills, making partnerships like the one we have with Northumbrian Water so important.
“Our Money Matters team have been supporting customers to access discounted bills for over four years now and are delighted to continue the partnership to reach as many customers as possible.”
Mark Wilkinson, head of income at Northumbrian Water, said: “It’s great that we’re able to work in partnership with Gentoo to support so many customers across the North East.
“We know that lots of people are facing financial pressures but there are things we can do to help, offering tailored support and guidance to those who need it when things get difficult.
“Our partnership with Gentoo is just one of the ways we can ensure that our customers are getting the help they need and we’re delighted for this to continue.”
Gentoo is not the only landlord looking to help residents deal with the cost of living crisis, with many announcing various ways residents can access support, particularly over the past 18 months.
Earlier today, Inside Housing reported how its members contributed more than £500m in ‘social value’ last year through community projects.
While the figure is down nearly a third year-on-year, it shows how landlords are trying to help residents through a challenging time.
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