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From the frontline – income team leader Michael Lynch
Michael Lynch, income team leader at Catalyst, talks about tenancy sustainment, the purpose of social housing, and being a Nottingham Forest season ticket holder
Tell us about your job.
I manage a team of eight staff, which is made up of income specialists, income assistants and an apprentice in our west London hub. Basically, I am responsible for ensuring that Catalyst receives the rental income it relies on to provide services to its residents. I am also responsible for the overall performance of the income service, and applying income policy, procedure and law.
We like to think of ourselves as a customer-friendly service, and we pride ourselves on our excellent tenancy sustainment record, with an eviction rate that is very low, at 0.09% of stock.
How did you get into housing?
I actually studied audio and recording technology at university. I ended up working for the YMCA in Nottingham, running their youth recording studio and I quickly realised I enjoyed the support aspect of it more than the music. From there, I decided to apply for a job as a housing support worker and I haven’t looked back since.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is coming to work every day and knowing that I can make a real difference. As somebody that grew up in social housing, I believe that everybody has the right to the dignity and stability that comes with having somewhere to call ‘home’.
What’s the worst part?
Evictions. Luckily, we don’t do many of those at all and I’m blessed to have a team around me that shares my commitment to tenancy sustainment.
Catalyst has one of the lowest eviction rates in the G15 group of large housing associations and all colleagues are committed to sustaining tenancies wherever we can by providing our customers with a range of support, with everything from benefit applications to grants for white goods. We also have a team dedicated to providing our new tenants with support from the outset.
What would your superpower be?
I would have a sort of double superpower where I could print money while keeping inflation down.
As a Nottingham native, I would take the lead from Robin Hood in distributing wealth to the poorest in society... I also need a new car.
What would you change about the housing sector?
I would reverse the trend towards offering fixed-term tenancies. The purpose of social housing is to provide homes that are both affordable and secure – lifetime tenancies provide this. I believe that tenants who know they have a home for life are more likely to become involved in their local communities and care for their home.
By kicking out tenants that, by some arbitrary measure, no longer ‘need’ social housing, we risk undermining our attempts to create mixed communities, putting a cap on aspiration and opportunity.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
Build more social housing. I would also ensure that empty properties are used to house those that need it. Housing scarcity is a myth – there are enough homes in the UK for everyone. All too often in this country, homes are treated as a speculative asset rather than somewhere to live, raise families and be part of a community.
I would introduce penalties for those that leave properties empty, make it harder for overseas investors to buy up properties, and introduce rent controls in the private sector.
Controversially, I’d also get rid of the Right to Buy.
What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?
I am a Nottingham Forest season ticket holder, for my sins. Hopefully, it’s our year!
