ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Having read the article about incentive schemes for tenants ("Carrot fashion", 29 August, page 26), I thought readers might be interested to know how we use surpluses arising from our non-core activities to reduce social exclusion as well as to encourage residents to conduct their tenancies better.

Our board has a social investment fund, for which bids are made annually by staff or residents for good, socially worthy, causes.

This year, the board approved joining Derby Loans, a not-for-profit social business set up to provide affordable credit and other financial services to individuals and businesses in Derby who are financially excluded.

Just as interesting was a decision to fund a mobile office and training facility for socially excluded people in the cities, towns and rural areas in which we operate.

But the scheme that is – in my opinion – really different is the holiday home we have bought. We offer the mobile home, which is on a permanent site, to residents rent-free for one week and pay all site charges and £100 in travelling expenses. There are criteria for letting the mobile home that include good tenancy conduct, but what makes it different is that it also takes into account social exclusion, so residents who may not be able to afford to go on holiday or get respite care can do so.

I believe rewards should not just be linked to good conduct but should be part of a holistic approach to better housing management that incorporates the social exclusion experienced by some of our customers.