EditorSWANSEA: 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.
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