By Ryan Hirst | March 7, 2012 | DIY Industry News

Council tenants are going to be paid for doing their own DIY jobs from next month.In a scheme that is sure to anger many private homeowners who struggle to find time for their own repairs, council tenants stand to pocket up to £500 a year for carrying out simple repairs like decorating, fixing leaky taps, and fitting doors instead of calling maintenance staff, they could stand to pocket up to £500 a year.

The scheme, Tenant Cashback  is part of Housing minister Grant Shapps vision to help cut the £4billion-a-year maintenance bill for social housing.

He said the scheme could allow their tenants the opportunity to become ‘apprentices in the home’.

Mr Shapps said: ‘Rather than having to wait for landlords to act, tenants should be able to tackle their own DIY dilemmas — and get paid for it.

 

via Council tenants told to do their own DIY…. and get paid £500 a year for it | Mail Online.

This is a great opportunity for tenants as it gives them the chance to pick up new skills, and be paid for it. Nevertheless homeowners are going to have something to say about this, as the cost could leave some in debt, and also putting off anyone renting their properties out in the future.This is a brave call from Mr Shapps.

It is easy to renovate your home, especially in the kitchen. Simple things like changing furniture handles or hinges can be a cheap way of modernising, while also adding a little bit more value to your property.

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