Tenants to get automatic rebates when services go down

As part of a continuing bid to improve the service to Southwark Council's 50,000 tenants and leaseholders, the new cabinet member for housing has given the go-ahead for a scheme which will see cash automatically refunded to tenants when there is a heating or hot water problem.

Tenants and leaseholders contribute to the costs of utilities, such as heating and hot water, as part of their bills.

Previously tenants that experienced problems with communal district heating and hot water service had to apply to the council for a rebate in their service bills.

Starting this month that rebate will automatically be paid into their housing account.

The first wave of rebates will see £7,860 refunded to tenants for the first quarter, April to June 2010.

Councillor Ian Wingfield, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for housing said:

"I am working closely with the housing team to make sure we provide tenants with a professional and proactive housing repairs service.

"A tenant that has to go some time without heating or hot water, should not then be forced to go through the process of filling in an application.

"From August that money that we owe them, having not provided a service they have paid for, will be automatically refunded.

The decision to provide automatic rebates was made by the cabinet member for housing as part of his commitment to providing all tenants with safe, warm and dry homes and a professional housing service.

Meanwhile the search has already begun for a new director of housing, new lighting inspections of estates have been launched, tight controls are being placed on the performance of repairs contractors and the cabinet will soon be able to publish the results of a stock condition survey, which will provide the basis for a long term strategy for major works.