Using Allpay’s direct debit service, First Ark Group said that it is now prepared for welfare reform and the rollout of universal credit, thanks to Allpay’s ‘any day’ collections facility, which enables tenants to quickly and easily set up direct debits straight after their benefits are paid.
First Ark has rolled out Allpay’s direct debit service to its contact centre, which means advisors can now set up paperless direct debits for tenants over the telephone, freeing up time within the rents and finance team.
Following the rollout of universal credit, tenants will benefit from ‘any day’ collections, giving them the ability to set up direct debits on the day they receive their income. This will not only ensure that tenants’ rent is paid first and on time, but also enables them to budget their outgoings under welfare reform.
Kerry Ward, finance associate, First Ark Group, said, “Tenants are now getting high quality service immediately. Rather than having to fill in a paper mandate, wait for it to come up to us and wait for confirmation, they’re getting it all fed back to them straight away over the telephone. Since using Allpay, the take up of direct debits has definitely increased.”
