SWANSEA: Council to invest nearly £70m in council homes this year—part of £267m four-year plan

Millions of pounds are being earmarked to insulate and weatherproof hundreds of existing homes, making them warmer and more efficient to help reduce the cost of heating for tenants.

The spending is part of the biggest ever investment in council-owned homes for affordable rent in the city, which will see £267 million spent over the next four years.

Where the Money Is Going

Among the major projects planned for spending this year are:

£40 million is being spent on keeping council homes in communities across the city in a good state of repair, including Penyrheol, Fforesthall, Penlan, Sketty, Mayhill, and Townhill.

Within the £40m, £17 million is being set aside for more upgrades at the Dyfatty flats at Croft Street, Griffith John Street, and Clyne and Jeffreys Court.

More than £12.7 million is planned for spending on the council’s pioneering More Homes initiative, which aims to add 1,000 affordable homes for rent to its existing stock. This includes new homes being built at Brokesby Road and £1.5m for acquisitions.

More than £1.2 million will be spent on improving homes at Heol Emrys and Tudno Place, with funding also earmarked for future years to develop more affordable homes, providing estate and environmental improvements.

More than £1.8 million is going on the council’s continuing programme of improving kitchens and bathrooms.

More than £3.6 million is being spent on environmental improvements in places like Garnswllt, Townhill, West Cross, and Fforesthall.

‘Better Homes for Our Residents’

Andrea Williams, Cabinet Member for Service Improvement, said Swansea Council’s ambitious spending programme for council housing reflected its commitment to providing high-quality homes that are energy-efficient and affordable for tenants.

Cllr Andrea Williams said:

“Better homes for our residents are one of the critical building blocks of creating a better future for children, for families and for our city. They improve people’s health and affordable homes that are energy efficient help reduce poverty and together they contribute to happier communities.”

She added:

“Over the last few years there has been a huge investment worth hundreds of millions of pounds into making sure the homes we own are in good shape and fit for the future under the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. In the coming year further investment of an estimated £69m will mean hundreds of families will benefit from improvements to their homes. Money is being earmarked for other projects including electrical re-wiring and weather-proofing where needed as well as general environmental improvements.”

Supporting Local Jobs

Cllr Williams said the council’s housing projects support hundreds of local jobs and apprenticeships, so it’s a “win-win” for local communities.

Funding for the new homes and the upgrades for existing homes is coming from the rents paid by tenants, Welsh Government grants, and HRA borrowing. None of the spending is from council tax.

Swansea University ditches disposable cups as new reusable scheme hits campus

The 2GoCup system, already used by cafés and businesses across Swansea city centre, has now launched in several university catering outlets in a bid to cut waste and push students and staff towards greener habits.

The scheme, delivered by Swansea BID in partnership with Swansea Council, lets customers pay a small deposit for a sturdy reusable cup, which can be returned for a refund or swapped for a clean one at any participating venue.

University officials say early feedback has been “really positive”, with hopes the scheme will become part of everyday campus life.

Ben Lucas, Associate Director of Commercial Services at Swansea University, said the move was about “embedding sustainability into daily routines” and encouraging people to ditch disposables.

Mr Lucas said:

“We’re delighted to introduce the 2GoCup scheme across parts of our campus and to see such a positive response from staff and students.

“Small everyday actions can make a big difference, and this initiative supports our ambition to embed sustainability into daily routines while reducing waste.

“We hope this will encourage even more people to choose reusable options and play their part in creating a greener future.”

The university’s rollout follows the scheme’s growing popularity in the city centre, where businesses including Socialdice / Pieminister, Little Man Coffee at Founders, The Storyteller, First Call Coffee, The Cwtch, The Anchor, Café Ark, Hello Asia and two Jenkins Bakery shops have already signed up.

Local employers such as Swansea.com, Morgans Hotel and Peter Lynn and Partners have also bought reusable cups for staff.

Swansea Council says the scheme supports its ambition to become a net zero city by 2050, with Cllr Andrea Williams calling it a “practical way” to cut waste and keep communities cleaner.

Cllr Williams, who is the council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation said:

“The 2GoCup scheme is an exciting and practical way to help us on our journey to becoming a net zero city by 2050. Every small change adds up, so by reducing single-use waste, we’re protecting our environment, keeping our communities cleaner and supporting local businesses.

“We’re proud to help fund this initiative and welcome Swansea University’s involvement in helping drive positive behaviour change.”

Swansea BID Manager Andrew Douglas said the early response on campus shows the city is “leading the way on sustainability”, adding that more organisations are expected to join in the coming months.

Mr Douglas said:

“Swansea is a city that looks to the future, and it’s fantastic to see both our city centre businesses and Swansea University leading the way on sustainability.

“The 2GoCup model makes it simple for people to make greener choices without any added hassle, and the early response on campus has been really encouraging.

“We’re excited to build on this momentum over the coming months as more organisations come on board.”

The 2GoCup model was created by an Irish start‑up in 2018 and has since expanded across the UK and Ireland. The cups are BPA‑free, designed for repeated use and fully recyclable at the end of their life.

Major makeover for more than 100 council flats in Swansea’s Croft Street

Tenants living in two high‑rise blocks and two low‑rise buildings in Dyfatty will see their homes upgraded inside and out. Swansea Council say the work will include new kitchens, bathrooms, fire‑safety improvements and insulation designed to help cut energy bills.

The scheme forms part of the council’s £55m housing investment programme for the current financial year. Swansea Council say the project is funded entirely through tenant rents and Welsh Government grants, with no contribution from council tax.

£500m already spent on upgrades — and more to come

The authority says Croft Street is the latest phase in a long‑running effort to modernise its housing stock. Over the last decade, Swansea Council say they have invested more than £500m in tenants’ homes, with another £250m planned over the next five years.

Cllr Andrea Williams, Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said the council was confident residents would see a real difference once the work is complete.

Cllr Williams said:

We know there will be some disruption, but our contractors will do all they can to keep it to a minimum and keep tenants informed every step of the way.

New lifts, CCTV and safer communal areas

As well as improvements inside homes, the blocks will receive new lifts, windows, CCTV and upgraded entrances. Swansea Council say communal areas will be fitted with additional safety measures, and the surrounding environment will be improved with new lighting, landscaping, fencing and paths.

A row of garages has already been demolished to create more parking bays. Several small retail units facing High Street will also be refurbished as part of the wider scheme.

Ground‑floor space turned into new homes

One of the biggest changes will see the ground‑floor areas of the high‑rise blocks — previously used for offices and storage — converted into new homes. Swansea Council say this will increase the supply of affordable housing in the city centre and make better use of underused space.

The new accessible flats form part of the council’s ‘More Homes‘ plan, which aims to deliver 1,000 new council homes by 2031. So far, 309 have been added through new builds, buy‑backs and conversions, all built to the council’s ‘Swansea Standard‘ for insulation and energy efficiency.

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Two new councillors join Swansea Council Cabinet in reshuffle

Councillors Rebecca Fogarty and Andrew Williams will share the new post of Corporate Services following a mini‑reshuffle prompted by the temporary absence of long‑serving Cabinet Member Robert Francis‑Davies, who is taking leave due to ill‑health.

Job share approach

Council leader Rob Stewart said the move reflected Swansea’s commitment to flexible leadership and resilience.

“We all want to wish Cllr Francis‑Davies a speedy recovery during his temporary leave of absence.

In the meantime, I want to welcome Cllr Fogarty and Cllr Williams to their new roles. By introducing a second job share post, we are embracing new ways of working that support Cabinet Members and ensure we remain resilient and responsive to the needs of our residents,” he said.

It is the second job share arrangement within the Cabinet. The first, covering Community Services and Support, has been jointly held by councillors Cyril Anderson and Hayley Gwilliam for several years.

Portfolios divided

Under the new structure:

• Cllr Fogarty will oversee the mayoralty, civic functions and commercial services, among other duties.
• Cllr Williams will take responsibility for performance, including planning, public protection, performance monitoring, customer services and licensing.

Other Cabinet members will also see their portfolios adjusted:

• Joint Deputy Leader Cllr David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Delivery, will add parks, sports development and inward investment to his existing responsibilities for health and safety and building control.
• Joint Deputy Leader Cllr Andrea Williams, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, will now also oversee residential inward investment and strategic housing delivery.
• Council Leader Rob Stewart will work alongside Cllr Hopkins and Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, on tourism and regeneration, areas previously led by Cllr Francis‑Davies.
• Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, will take on EV infrastructure and sports development, while also working with the Leader and Cllr Hopkins on community regeneration and suburban centres.

Focus on residents

Cllr Stewart said the reshaped Cabinet would ensure continuity and focus.

“Swansea Council is always here for the people of our city. We’ve re‑shaped the Cabinet and brought two new members on board to make sure we remain focussed on our residents’ priorities, delivering the services that touch their lives every day.”

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Deputy council leader to run first 10k for Parkinson’s UK
Cllr Andrea Williams, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, is taking on the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k to raise funds and awareness after her Parkinson’s diagnosis.

#CllrAndreaWilliams #CllrAndrewStevens #CllrAndrewWilliams #CllrCyrilAnderson #CllrDavidHopkins #CllrElliottKing #CllrHayleyGwilliam #CllrRebeccaFogarty #CllrRobStewart #CllrRobertFrancisDavies #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaCouncilCabinet

Deputy council leader to run first 10k for Parkinson’s UK

Cllr Andrea Williams, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, will join thousands of runners at the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k on Sunday 14 September. The 52‑year‑old has already raised £2,400 towards her £3,000 target.

Her diagnosis came around three years ago after she began experiencing pain in her left shoulder and a tremor in her right hand. She was referred to Dr Ffion Thomas, a neurologist and Parkinson’s specialist at the Gorseinon Parkinson’s clinic, who confirmed the condition.

“When I was diagnosed, it was odd because relief replaced frustration,” said Cllr Williams. “I knew all along because my mum also had Parkinson’s, so the diagnosis meant I could get the right treatment. The prescribed medication has made an encouraging difference — the tremor has calmed, and my emotional well‑being is better.”

As part of her treatment plan, Cllr Williams was advised to exercise more. She now runs every other day, weightlifts and does high‑intensity interval training.

“It’s been a game‑changer,” she said. “It hasn’t just improved my fitness — it’s also improved my mood and overall resilience.”

The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k, organised by Swansea Council since 1981, attracts around 5,500 participants each year across its main race, junior 1k and 3k events, wheelchair race and mascot race. The scenic route takes runners along Swansea’s waterfront.

Cllr Williams said she’s looking forward to the atmosphere on race day:

“As well as the fundraising, this is also about visibility and contributing to Parkinson’s UK in their mission to find a cure. The council’s events team does a superb job in organising the event every year. It benefits from an electric atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to experiencing the buzz of taking part.”

She also plans to run a half‑marathon next summer to continue her fundraising journey.

More information about the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k is available at www.swanseabay10k.com. Donations to Cllr Williams’ fundraising can be made here.

#AdmiralSwanseaBay10k #CllrAndreaLewis #CllrAndreaWilliams #ParkinsonSUKCymru #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

New reusable cup scheme launches in Swansea city centre to cut single‑use waste

The 2GoCup initiative, run jointly by Swansea Council’s Swansea Project Zero team and Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), allows customers to pay a small deposit for a durable, reusable cup. The cup can be returned to any participating business for a refund or swapped for a fresh one.

The scheme is designed to reduce the thousands of disposable coffee cups thrown away in the city centre each week, helping Swansea meet its sustainability targets.

Nine businesses have already signed up, including Socialdice / Pinatas, Little Man Coffee at Founders, The Storyteller, First Call Coffee, The Cwtch, The Anchor, Café Ark, Hello Asia and Kardomah, with another seven to be announced soon. Local employers Swansea.com and Peter Lynn and Partners have also purchased cups for staff.

Cllr Andrea Williams, Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation at Swansea Council, said:

“The 2GoCup scheme is an exciting and practical way to help us on our journey to becoming a net zero city by 2050. Every small change adds up, so by reducing single‑use waste, we’re protecting our environment, keeping the city cleaner, and supporting our local businesses. We’re proud to help fund this initiative and look forward to seeing more businesses join in.”

Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID Manager, said:

“Swansea is a city that looks to the future, and our businesses are proud to be leading the way on sustainability. The 2GoCup model makes it simple for customers to choose greener options without any added hassle, and the positive early response has been fantastic to see. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the months ahead, expanding the scheme and encouraging people to explore new coffee shops across the city — boosting trade for our BID businesses while supporting a more sustainable Swansea.”

Kieran Ivett, owner of Wind Street’s Socialdice and Pinatas, added:

“I’m extremely passionate about this scheme. It’s already delivered fantastic results in Ireland, and I’m confident it will not only inspire visitors to make more sustainable choices but also give businesses the chance to connect with new customers. The idea is straightforward, and I believe people coming into the city will embrace it; all while playing their part in protecting the environment.”

Launched in Ireland in 2018, 2GoCup has expanded across the UK and Ireland. The cups are made from durable, BPA‑free materials, designed for multiple uses, and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.

#2GoCup #BusinessImprovementDistrict #CaféArk #cafe #CllrAndreaLewis #CllrAndreaWilliams #coffee #coffeeShop #FirstCallCoffee #FoundersCo #HelloAsia #Kardomah #LittleManCoffee #ProjectZero #Recycling #reusableCup #Socialdice #Swansea #SwanseaBID #SwanseaCouncil #TheAnchor #TheCwtch #TheStoryteller #zeroWaste