Compensation policy

Policy Control

Control information

Control detail

Reference number CS/HM/001/2012 
Version number 6.0
Audience Public-facing
Effective date 01 July 2026
Review frequency 3 years
Next review date 01 April 2029
Sponsor Chief Governance Officer 
Owner Head of Complaints & Improvement
Author Head of Complaints & Improvement
Consulted stakeholders • Customer Services Leadership Team
• Resident Engagement Panel
Approving body Chief Governance Officer 
Approval date 20 May 2026
Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) completion date October 2024
Applicable Curo strategic objective(s) ☒ Quality Homes
☐ Purposeful Culture
☒ Trusted Customer Services
☐ Collaboration and Growth
☐ Solid Foundations
Applicable legislation, 
regulations or external 
standards 
• Housing Ombudsman Compensation 
Guidance 
Related internal 
resources 
• Compensation Procedure 
• Complaints Policy 

Contents

 1. Policy Statement and Aims
 2. Definitions
 3. Scope
 4. Roles and Responsibilities
 5. Principles
 6. Application
 7. Reasonable Adjustments
8. Equality Impact Assessment
 Version Control

1. Policy Statement and Aims

1.1. One of our main strategic priorities is Trusted Customer Services. 
This focuses on delivering high-quality, reliable services that meet 
the needs of our customers and communities. 

1.2. Where failures in service have caused dissatisfaction or loss to a 
customer, we will consider whether compensation is appropriate.  

1.3. The accompanying procedure document outlines how we calculate compensation to maintain fairness and consistency. We recognise 
though that each case should be considered on its own merits. In 
agreeing a suitable remedy, we may apply discretion to ensure an 
offer of compensation is fair given the customer’s circumstances.  

1.4. We will also ensure that appropriate policies and procedures deal with compensation which arises from legal liability, statute or regulation. 

2. Definitions 

2.1. Mandatory – Compensation that must be paid because it is 
required by policy, regulation or law. 

2.2. Quantifiable – Compensation that can be objectively calculated 
because the loss is financial and measurable. This would be directly 
linked to a loss that can be proven and calculated on an exact 
amount. 

2.3. Discretionary – Compensation that may be paid by way of apology  where a failure of service has been identified. This is to recognise distress and inconvenience or time and trouble.

3. Scope

3.1. This policy applies to all organisations in the Curo Group, with the 
exception of Curo Enterprise Ltd and Curo Market Rented Services 
Ltd 

3.2. Curo has liability insurance for claims of personal injury or significant damage. This policy is designed to effectively deal with small claims for compensation caused by failure to meet our service standards. 

3.3 This policy should be read in conjunction with our complaints   policy. 

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1.  The Board and Executive, through the Policy Owner, make sure that  the policy delivers Curo’s strategic objectives and reflects corporate values. 

4.2.  The Head of Complaints and Improvement, as accountable lead for the policy, is responsible for ensuring that the principles of the policy are delivered through appropriate procedures within Curo. 

4.3.  All Curo colleagues have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with this policy, follow it and ensure any member of staff who reports to them also does.

5. Principles

5.1.  We are committed to the provision of high-quality services to our 
customers. 

5.2.  When we have failed to deliver services, we will consider suitable 
remedy for the customer, given the impact on them and their 
individual circumstances. 

5.3.  In some instances, we may determine it is appropriate to offer the 
customer compensation, with the aim of restoring them to the 
position they were in before the service failure occurred. 

5.4.  Compensation will be proportionate to the severity of the service 
failure and its impact on the customer with due regard to their 
individual circumstances. We recognise that impact may be worsened 
if the customer is a disabled person, is vulnerable, elderly or has 
young children.   

5.5.  The impact on the customer may be non-financial such as distress and inconvenience or time and trouble.   

5.6.  Compensation will take into account the complainant’s own actions and those of anyone acting on their behalf as a third party.  

5.7.  Compensation will take into account the actions of third parties acting on our behalf, such as contractors. 

5.8. We will monitor and review complaints and compensation payments to learn from them and improve services. 

5.9. Any compensation offered under this policy does not constitute an 
admission of liability. 

6. Application

6.1.  How we assess and calculate compensation is detailed in the 
supporting procedure.  

6.2. Curo will only pay compensation for damage to property where that damage is a clear consequence of a service failure and where we 
have evidence of the damage. We will request evidence of damage in the form of photographs, a home visit from a Curo colleague to 
assess the extent of damage or proof of purchase to help determine 
the appropriate level of compensation due. 

6.3.  When determining the appropriate level of compensation for 
damaged property, we will consider the property’s depreciated value.  

6.4.  If the customer’s claim for damages exceeds our insurance premium, we will redirect the claim to our liability insurance.  

6.5. Where a service failure sits with a contractor or other    
representative acting on our behalf, we will seek to resolve the 
matter directly with our customer and our procedures will provide 
for the recovery of payments from contractors, where that is  
appropriate. 

6.6.  In certain instances, Curo will not pay compensation under this 
policy. These include but are not limited to:

  •  When a customer has experienced a loss of earnings. 
  • When we have not been provided with notice of the issue and reasonable opportunity to respond in line with our service standards. 
  • When the loss or damage is caused through fault of the customer. 
  • When the loss or damage is caused by an alteration or repair to the property which the customer has carried out or arranged themselves without having first gained permission from us. 
  • When the loss or damage is caused by a third party who is not acting on our behalf, such as a visitor or a contractor the customer has employed. This extends to any damage arising from private arrangements customers have made with one of our contractors. 
  • When the loss or damage is the fault of another customer or neighbouring occupier.  
  • When Curo colleagues or contractors cannot gain access to a customer’s home for an agreed appointment.  
  • When Curo colleagues or contractors cannot get spare parts, have kept the customer informed and made any appropriate temporary arrangements.  
  • When extra unforeseen works are required and Curo colleagues or contractors have kept the customer informed and made any appropriate temporary arrangements.  
  • When the service or facility is unavailable because of vandalism, severe weather conditions, force majeure or other actions outside of Curo’s control.  
  • When the customer has not provided sufficient evidence to support a claim of financial loss or damages.  
  • When we have made reasonable alternative arrangements (e.g. to cover for an interrupted service).  
  • When the matter is the subject of an ongoing or settled insurance claim for personal injury or liability against any member of the Curo Group.  

6.7.  Compensation payments will be approved in accordance with Curo standing orders. 

6.8.  This policy does not affect the rights to compensation granted to 
tenants via the provisions of their tenancy agreement.   

6.9.  Any award of compensation under this policy is considered an ex
gratia payment and will be regarded as granted in full and final 
settlement of any claim.

7. Reasonable Adjustments

7.1. Colleagues are empowered to make reasonable adjustments based on individual customer needs ensuring equal access to services. 

7.2. Colleagues are encouraged to assess each situation thoughtfully and make adjustments where appropriate, considering factors such as 
accessibility, medical or specific requirements.  

7.3. These adjustments should be made in a way that meets statutory 
and regulatory requirements, maintains a high standard of service, 
and supports customers in a fair and respectful manner.

8. Equality Impact Assessment

8.1. An Equality Impact Assessment was undertaken for this policy in 
October 2024. During the process insights were gathered from data  
analysis and relevant customer-colleague consultation.  

8.2. Some positive impacts were identified and the have been recorded to enable the sharing of best practice across the organisation.


Version Control

Version number

Update type

Update Summary

Updated by

Update date

1.0 Full review • First version 
created 
• Updated Group 
policy 
  December 2012
2.0 Full review • Policy Review 
• Confirming 
relevance and 
accuracy of 
existing content 
  February 2016
3.0 Full review • Policy Review 
• Confirming 
relevance and 
accuracy of 
existing content, 
including the 
methods in which 
we communicate 
with customers.
Customer 
Service 
Manager  
October 2022
4.0 Full review • Policy Review 
• Focus on aligning 
our approach with 
Housing 
Ombudsman 
guidance and 
complaint handling 
code. 
Customer 
Resolution 
Manager
June 2024
5.0 Interim update • Amendments 
accounting for 
reasonable 
adjustments for 
customers 
Head of 
Complaints & 
Improvement
September 2025
6.0 Full review • Policy Review  
• Aligning policy 
with updated 
compensation 
guidance from the 
Housing 
Ombudsman. 
Head of 
Complaints & 
Improvement
April 2026