24 January 2008

Final opportunity to see Council show home exhibition (Press release by Gwynned Council)

Council tenants are invited to a brand new Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) show home which opens in Bontnewydd this week.

This is the last chance for tenants to see what improvements transfer to a new, independent not-for-profit housing organisation, could deliver for them.

The show home at 28, Llwyn Beuno, Bontnewydd will open Monday to Saturday between 3 and 14 February and brings to a close the Council’s consultation on the proposal to transfer its housing stock to Gwynedd Community Homes.

The Welsh Assembly Government requires all councils in Wales to bring their homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) which means homes should be in a good state of repair, be safe and secure as well as have modern kitchens and bathrooms.  During the consultation various show homes and a mobile display have opened in communities across Gwynedd to show tenants what is being proposed and the standards they can expect under WHQS.

A formal consultation document has already been sent to tenants giving detailed information on the proposal and they will be invited to vote in due course on one of two options – remaining with the Council or transferring to Gwynedd Community Homes.

If tenants vote in favour of transferring their homes to Gwynedd Community Homes, £136 million would be invested to bring houses up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard during the first five years after transfer.

Councillor John Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for Care said: "This is one of the widest tenant consultation exercises ever held in Gwynedd, and I’m pleased that we are able to open this show home in Bontnewydd.”

He explained: “Strict Government rules mean that the Council is not allowed to borrow the money we need to reach the new standards. Gwynedd Community Homes on the other hand would be governed by different rules and could borrow the money they need to bring homes in Gwynedd up to the Assembly Government’s expectations.”

Ffrancon Williams, Head of Housing Ballot Project Team added: “This is the final chance for tenants to see for themselves what WHQS improvements will mean and I would urge them to visit the show home in Bontnewydd.  At the end of the consultation process it will be the tenants themselves who decide on this matter, which is why it is important they carefully consider the information they receive before making their decision in the confidential ballot this Spring."

A free bus service will operate if reserved in advance between the show home Caernarfon, Waunfawr, Rhosgadfan, Carmel, Talysarn and Penygroes on Tuesday, 10 February. For more information and to make a reservation tenants can call freephone 0800 030 4653.

For further information on the housing stock transfer proposals and the show home exhibition programme, tenants can contact:

• The Council’s freephone information line on 0800 0304653

• Independent Tenant’s Advisors PS Consultants on freephone 0800 085 2207 (English) or 0800 019 4004 (Welsh)

• Gwynedd Tenant’s Commission on 01286 889121 (Welsh) or 01286 889110 (English)

During the consultation Gwynedd tenants have:

• been invited to view a number of Welsh Housing Quality Standard show homes and a mobile display which has visit council estates and other areas across Gwynedd

• received a series of newsletters which explain exactly what transfer to the new organisation would mean as well as what staying with the Council would mean for their homes and services

• been sent a formal consultation document

• been visited by Council officers who will make sure that all tenants have received the information they need and to answer questions 

• been able to contact the Council via its Freephone Information Line (0800 030 4653) or contact the Independent Tenant Advisers, PS Consultants, who were selected by tenants to provide free, impartial advice throughout the process (0800 019 4004 for Welsh speaking tenants and 0800 085 2207 for English speakers).

The Welsh Assembly Government stipulates that under the WHQS every Council home in Wales should be:

• in a good state of repair
• safe and secure
• adequately heated
• fuel efficient and well insulated
• modern and have up-to-date kitchens and bathrooms
• located in a safe and attractive environments
• well managed
• meet the tenants’ specific needs.