“IF YOU DON’T PAY, you can’t stay!” is the message Halton Housing Trust is sending to customers this winter to make sure they don’t get left out in the cold by falling in to rent arrears.

The run-up to Christmas is historically a problem time for many people as they fall behind with their rent payments due to the extra financial pressures the festive season brings. The Trust wants to highlight to customers that paying their rent must be seen as a priority and not something they can put off for another day.

Although the Trust is sending out a firm message to its customers that it will not tolerate non-payment of rent, the organisation is also keen to stress that they have a dedicated team of staff who can help with advice and support should customers find themselves in genuine financial difficulty and are struggling to pay.

Rents are the Trust’s main source of income and pays for the housing service customers receive, so outstanding rent arrears could be spent on improving homes and services. Currently £978,000 - 5% of the Trust’s overall income - is owed in outstanding rent and the Trust wants to demonstrate it is getting tough on persistent non-payers. Last year, 36 customers were evicted from their home for not paying their rent on time. While during 2007, 19 have been evicted, with a further 16 receiving warrants for eviction which are due to take place within the next five weeks.

With the money owed to the Trust in unpaid rent it could:

• Fit 200 new kitchens;
• Fit 180 new bathrooms; or
• Rewire 50 homes.

Nick Atkin, the Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “We insist that customers pay their rent on time. The Trust has introduced strict rent arrears procedure, which is based on a firm but fair system. We provide sound advice at every stage. If a customers’ rent account falls into arrears we will agree a way they can clear the debt by paying a realistic amount within a reasonable period of time.

“While every effort will be made to avoid our customers losing their home, if a customer has persistent arrears and refuses to co-operate, we will be forced to take legal action and this could result in them losing their home.”

The Trust is taking pro-active action to recover the outstanding rental income owed to them by:

• Launching the “If you don’t pay, you can’t stay!” poster and leaflet campaign.
• The Senior Management team door knocking customers with excessive arrears during a recent clean-up day.
• Using quarterly rent statements to reinforce the message.
• The introduction of a direct line number 0151 510 5204 to the Income Recovery Team for help and advice.

The Trust has made it as easy and straightforward as possible for its customers to pay their rent and offers seven easy ways to pay. These are by direct debit, standing order, PayPoint, via Housing Benefit, at Halton Direct link, by telephone 24-hours a day or by cheque or postal order.

Helen Bushell, Customer Board Member and Chair of the Trust’s Customer Services Committee, said: “It is important to remember the campaign message and please remember to pay your rent on time. If for any reason you cannot keep up with your rent payment please contact the Trust immediately on 0151 510 5204. If you don’t pay your rent you may run the risk of loosing your home. Remember, we have trained staff who are here to help you.”