FIRST LUCKY TENANT SCOOPS £1000 IN RENT ARREARS PRIZE DRAW

18/09/06

Nigel Barnes of Stevenson House on the Rowley Way Estate has scooped £1,000 in Camden’s first ever tenants’ prize draw. Cllr Chris Naylor, the council’s Executive Member for Housing, dropped in on Mr Barnes on Monday 19 September to hand over the winnings personally.

Neil Litherland, Camden Council’s Director of Housing, had earlier drawn Mr Barnes’s lucky winning entry from the hundreds that took part in the competition. The £1,000 draw was only open to tenants who were up-to-date on their rent payments and is part of the council’s new Pay your rent as you go campaign.

This aims to encourage residents to pay their rent promptly to reduce the time and money that Camden Council spends on dealing with rent arrears and allow the council to focus more on improving its service to tenants. The council is also reminding people of the help available if they are having problem paying their rent.

Pensioner Nigel Barnes (77), who has lived on the Rowley Way estate for 18 years, said: “Winning was a little bit of sunshine out of the blue and I plan to treat myself to more of life’s little luxuries. Of course I’m absolutely delighted to win, but I think this is an excellent scheme. I hope it will encourage more people to think twice and ensure they pay their rent on time.”

Cllr Chris Naylor, Camden Council’s Executive Member for Housing, said: “Congratulations to Nigel Barnes on being our first ever prize draw winner. The next draw will be early next year, a time that many of us could do with a bit of extra cash. However you’ve got to be in it to win it and to do that you have to be up-to-date with your rent.

“By paying the rent on time we all win. The council spends less time dealing with arrears and can spend more time making where you live better. Tenants stand the chance of winning a £1,000 and more importantly avoid the stress and problems of dealing with debt.

“As everyone knows, small arrears can quickly turn into a serious problem. Nobody wants a large debt hanging over them. If you are having financial problems please ask for help straight away. If you don’t, we may need to take action - and that could mean losing your home.”

Residents can pay their rent in many different ways. Either in person at a post office, bank or Camden Town Hall, on the phone (020 7974 6104), through the council’s website (www.camden.gov.uk), by Giro bank, or at shops with PayPoint. By far the easiest way is to set up a standing order, which means payments should always be made on time.

The next prize draw will take place in early 2007. To enter the draw, tenants must be up-to-date with their rent account and answer a few simple questions. Application forms will be available from local housing offices or online at www.camden.gov.uk/housing.

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