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Coronavirus WhatsApp group reveals rent arrears and furloughing among biggest concerns for CEOs

The financial impact of rent arrears and the question of whether to furlough staff are among two of the key coronavirus-related issues discussed in a private WhatsApp group of almost 200 housing chief executives.

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Almost 200 CEOs from across the social housing sector are part of a WhatsApp group to discuss issues around #coronavirus. Find out what their biggest concerns are #ukhousing

The financial impact of rent arrears and the question of whether to furlough staff are among two of the key #coronavirus-related issues discussed in a private WhatsApp group of almost 200 housing chief executives #ukhousing

Over the past week, key figures in the housing sector have continued to discuss their coronavirus-related concerns in a group chat set up earlier this month by consultancy Campbell Tickell.

A summary of these discussions, released today by Campbell Tickell, revealed that the impact of rent arrears is a key concern for the sector, and that some fearing that a high proportion of these arrears will be “irrecoverable”.


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According to the update, housing associations are stress-testing various assumptions for the loss of rent income, including testing a 50% loss on rents over six months with no recovery.

The digest reveals that sector leaders have also been discussing:

  • Furloughing staff: some chief executives said they will furlough staff, while others have said they will not, or will only as a last resort. The idea of topping up the 80% of pay that the government is providing furloughed workers was raised, however there are still concerns that furloughing staff will look bad.
  • Deprivation intensified: with food banks struggling, there is a real danger of hunger among tenants. Another worry is that tenants in ill health will be reluctant to go to hospital because of a fear of infection.
  • Service charges: it was raised that residents may request lower rents given the reduced service being provided to them during the pandemic. Leaders sought legal advice around challenges to service charges if services are reduced.
  • Carrying out sales: housing associations are reporting that sales are at risk, as surveyors are unable to value properties and mortgage lenders are unable to progress approvals. Some organisations have seen a rise in Right to Buy or Right to Acquire applications, presumably as people use their time to plan long-term investments.
  • Paying contractors: the question has been raised over whether landlords should keep paying contractors that are unable to deliver services. Some organisations have made commitments to SME contractors to honour payments.
  • Closing sheltered accommodation: lift operators and inspectors have been suspending their services. This creates an issue for sheltered and extra care accommodation, as lifts could shut down in a month, meaning buildings may need to be decanted.

These concerns are in addition the ones raised in the WhatsApp group last week, which included the carrying out of essential repairs and the well-being and mental health of staff.

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