Decision details

The Rental Exchange Project (EDR36)

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

An initiative known as the Rental Exchange has been developed by Big Issue Invest (the social investment arm of the well known Big Issue Group), in association with the credit referencing agency Experian. The initiative involves Registered Social Landlords providing tenant rental payment records to Experian on a monthly basis so that tenants are recognised for paying rent on time, similar to how homeowners are recognised for paying their mortgage each month.
Stockport Homes has been approached by Experian to join the Rental Exchange. This report provides some background to the project and details the results of some initial ‘proof of concept’ analysis carried out by Experian to demonstrate how Council tenants would benefit if we were to start sharing their rent payment data on a regular basis. The report seeks approval from the Council Executive to participate in the project.

Decision:

The Executive approved a proposal for Stockport Homes to participate in the Rental Exchange project with the Experian Credit Reference Agency. This arrangement would allow Stockport Homes to provide Experian with rental payment records for tenants in order for this to be recognised and potentially to improve their credit rating.

 

Alternative options considered:

None

Reason Key: Affects 2 or more wards;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Equality and/or Environmental Impact Assessment: N/A

Decision Reference: ED1728

Declarations or conflicts of Interest: None

Forward Plan Reference: EDR36

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Stockport Homes Board
Housing Strategy Board

Adult Social Care & Housing Scrutiny Committee
Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration)

Contact: Andy Kippax, Services to Place Email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk Tel: 0161 474 4319.

Report author: Shamim Miah

Publication date: 22/04/2015

Date of decision: 21/04/2015

Decided at meeting: 21/04/2015 - Executive

Effective from: 29/04/2015

Accompanying Documents: