Landlord of former Neath Port Talbot council homes pledges �220 million

THE new landlord of thousands of former council homes has promised a �220 million spending spree.

Around 400 Neath Port Talbot Council workers have now moved across to NPT Homes, which took over responsibility for 9,300 council houses and flats at the weekend.

It follows a controversial ballot of tenants last year on whether or not the change should take place, with a view to bringing council homes up to the Assembly's Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Behaviour

NPT Homes will be responsible for managing and maintaining its housing stock.

It has also pledged to increase tenant involvement, tackle antisocial behaviour on its estates and promote welfare rights.

Housing options, homelessness, housing strategy, supporting people, renewal areas, disabled facilities grants and private sector housing improvements will remain with the council.

It will also handle housing benefit claims and the housing waiting list, with NPT Homes handling the latter on a day-to-day basis.

Trust

NPT Homes chairman Roger Williams said: "Tenants have placed a great deal of trust in us as a board and we are committed to delivering on all of the promises set out in the offer document.

"NPT Homes is now one of Wales's largest social landlords. As a community housing mutual, tenants will have a real say on how the organisation is run and how together we can make a difference to the homes and the areas in which they live.

"We are looking forward to creating and sustaining great homes and great communities in the Neath Port Talbot area."

Invest

NPT Homes has said it will invest �220 million over six years in housing improvements. Most of the 400 council staff that have transferred across will remain in their existing offices until NPT Homes, temporarily based in Pontrhydyfen, can find a suitable new location.

Council leader Ali Thomas said: "The transfer to NPT Homes is the most significant change to take place in the history of council housing in Neath Port Talbot."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk

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