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From the frontline – income services officer Graham Dean

Graham Dean, income services officer at Muir Group, discusses arrears recovery, scrapping Universal Credit and his fascination with Egyptology

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Graham Dean, income services officer at Muir Group #ukhousing

Tell us about your job.

I’m responsible for delivering a robust income and arrears recovery service for all current and former residents. This includes rent and service charge arrears, water charges, repair recharges, court costs and any other sundry debts. I instigate legal proceedings and attend court, and deal with evictions as necessary.

How did you get into housing?

I was living in a Muir property when the position of estate manager became available within the association. I got the job and remained in that role for seven years. I then applied to become an income services officer and have enjoyed working in my current position for the past 10 years.

What is the best part of your job?

Being able to assist any tenant who is experiencing financial hardship. Over the years, I’ve built friendly professional relationships with many of the tenants in my area. They know that if they have any problems with income or rent payments, or indeed any aspect of housing, they’re able to turn to me for help and advice. Alternatively, I can direct them to other professional bodies.

What’s the worst part?

When I have to evict tenants. I am always so disappointed to lose residents in this way after working hard with them to sustain their tenancy.

What would you change about the housing sector?

I’d invest more money in social housing and end the Right to Buy and Right to Acquire in order to prevent the flow of housing into private hands. I would also put a cap on private rent as well as regulating landlords to ensure rented homes meet set standards.

If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?

I would scrap Universal Credit before it’s rolled out across the country and re-establish legacy benefits. Although I can see the benefits of the new system, receiving such small amounts of money on a monthly basis is causing far too much unnecessary hardship for low-income families.

Tell us a secret.

I have a fascination with Egyptology and I’m hoping to get a tattoo of an Egyptian scene across the top of my back.

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