Here's an idea

Rent collection is an area that all councils are constantly trying to improve, and Southwark council is no exception.

Christmas is a tricky time for us, because we have a 52-week rent collection year – some other authorities don't collect over the two-week Christmas period, instead having higher rents throughout the year.

Our tenants have told us that they don't want a shorter 50-week collection year, but a 52-week cycle means there is a risk that people won't make their payments either before or after the festive season.

So we came up with the idea of giving away Christmas hampers as an incentive to pay rent on time.

We draw tickets on Christmas Eve and the people drawn who have paid their rents get a hamper.

The draw is publicised on leaflets, posters and till rolls. Previously, only those who paid cash at the housing office could take part in the draw, but this year we have widened the scheme to include those who pay by giro.

The scheme recognises those who pay their rent on time and cracks down on those who don't. The tenants really appreciate it, because those who pay their rent get irritated at those who don't.

This year we are also sending Christmas cards to certain estates as part of a pilot scheme.

The cards will go to those who did not pay their rents on time last year or who are in rental arrears this year, with a message inside saying: "Don't forget to pay your rent on time."

The cards and hampers are a polite way of reminding people that they have competing priorities at this time of year, and they have to think about paying their rent before they start buying presents.