Redditch residents could earn some extra cash this new year by completing a quick home survey. 

An official government survey of properties across the borough is offering a £20 thank you to households who help surveyors do their jobs. 

It is called a stock condition survey and it records various details about a property's construction and use ranging from its size, shape and materials to whether it is rented or owner-occupied. 

The results help inform public policy decisions and strategic housing projects including helping get funding for future household energy improvement schemes. 

Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Matt Dormer, said: "This data helps paint a picture of Redditch's needs and when residents help to refresh it from time to time like this, it helps ensure good quality decisions can continue to be made."

Across Worcestershire, the survey is being carried out exclusively by Opinion Research Services in partnership with Redditch Borough Council and other local authorities. 

All residents need to do if contacted by Opinion Research Services is agree to participate and let the surveyors do their job which takes just a few minutes. 

Redditch Borough Council's portfolio holder for housing, Councillor Craig Warhurst, said: "The results of the official stock condition survey help show what's needed in Redditch and are used as evidence when it comes to getting funding for things like energy improvement schemes and other capital projects, so it's an important piece of work. 

"Opinion Research Services is the official contractor doing this for us and we would be grateful if you could participate in the survey if you are contacted. 

"You will even get a £20 voucher as a thanks for your time." 

Residents have been warned to look out for scams and are being told that official council staff and contractors will always carry ID and be happy to wait whilst you check that they are who they claim. 

ID can be validated by contacting the council on 01527 642 252. 

Anyone who cannot provide ID or is not happy to wait whilst you check they are legitimate is fraudulent.