Open to those looking for their first home with the housing association, the pilot project offers a helping hand by providing a choice of white goods or floor coverings in selected properties.

Robert Harper, who moved in to his new flat in June from a private let with a short term tenancy, explained how the initiative has helped: “I moved because I really liked the flat and the location, but it’s fair to say that it would have been a challenge to find the money for carpets, so it was great to be offered free floor coverings by River Clyde Homes. I got new floor covering laid throughout the flat. The choice of flooring was good and it has definitely helped me settle in to my new home.”

The ‘Make Yourself a Home’ initiative, which will run for a limited time and is available to new customers, covers selected homes on the River Clyde Homes lettings website. The initiative is designed to improve access to social housing by reducing the financial barriers to making a move.

“We recognise the challenges many potential customers have in furnishing a new home”, explained Jonathan Grant, head of customer services (East) for River Clyde Homes. “There is evidence to show prospective customers are turning down properties because they don’t have the money to buy what they need to turn it into a home, even when they are in desperate need of one.

“In this economic climate, where it has become increasingly difficult to secure a mortgage, we are keen to look at ways we can support more people who want to make their home in Inverclyde. And, with secure tenancies, competitive rents, a 24-hour local call centre and a range of customer support, we’re confident that those attracted by this pilot scheme will make themselves a home with us for years to come.”

Whilst this initiative is aimed at new customers, loyal and longstanding tenants have not been forgotten. River Clyde Homes is developing a customer reward scheme to be launched later this year that will recognise those who maintain a credit balance on their rent accounts.