Housing provider, Stockport Homes Group, has won the ‘Best use of automation or AI in housing’ award at the Housing Innovation Awards 2026.
The award recognises the organisation’s in-house Universal Credit Verifications automation solution, which has transformed what was once a slow, manual process into a faster digital one.
Before the new system was introduced, it was a manual process to work through thousands of Universal Credit claims during peak periods. Now, most verifications are completed automatically within minutes, allowing colleagues to focus on supporting customers who need extra help.
As a result of implementation, response times have reduced from weeks to just days, and colleagues have more time to work directly with residents on budgeting, arrears prevention, and individual circumstances. The improvement has also helped Stockport Homes Group recover more rent, which is reinvested into homes and neighbourhood services.
The Housing Innovation Awards’ judges said of Stockport Homes’ Universal Credit Verification solution:
“Stockport Homes Group (SHG) set a new gold standard for automation by developing an in-house AI solution for Universal Credit verifications. SHG slashed processing times from one month to just four days and they hailed this an outstanding innovation for protecting vital services and boosting rent recovery while embedding a truly digital first culture.”
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