FLINTSHIRE Council could become part of a scheme to boost the credit rating of its tenants if they pay their rent on time.

Unlike mortgage payments, people who rent council houses do not have their payments recognised on their credit reference report at present.

However, a national initiative has been launched called Rental Exchange, which is being used by an increasing number of social landlords to support tenants in improving their credit score.

Cllr Andy Dunbobbin, Labour representative for Connah’s Quay Golftyn, has now submitted a motion calling on the authority to join the service.

He said: “I think there is an inequality here because those who have a mortgaged property and make that payment on time, see it reflected on their credit file.

“By participating in the service and working with credit reference agencies, the council would be able to offer tenants the opportunity to build a positive credit history and also be rewarded for paying their rent on time.

“I believe it also has major benefits for things like applying for goods and services, including responsible and affordable financial services, online shopping or even helping a tenant who wants to apply for a mortgage as part of a transition into buying their own home.”

Flintshire Council currently owns and manages about 7,500 properties across the county.

Rental Exchange is run by consumer credit reporting agency Experian in partnership with Big Issue Invest, the social investment arm of The Big Issue Group.

The initiative aims to tackle the financial, digital and social exclusion challenges that rental tenants often face compared to homeowners.

It incorporates a tenant’s payment history into their credit file with no cost to either the housing provider or tenant.

The proposal will be considered at a full council meeting on Tuesday, October 23.