Carmarthenshire is through to the finals of a national competition for providing good affordable housing.
The county is on the shortlist of finalists for the Welsh local public services’ award scheme announced at the Welsh Local Government Association Conference for Our Homes- delivering good quality affordable housing.
The Awards will be presented at an Efficiency and Innovation Conference in the autumn.
The Excellence Wales scheme describes good quality, affordable housing as the bedrock of Carmarthenshire County Council’s communities.
The council through its direct intervention and working with the voluntary and private sector, can demonstrate significant improvements including: reducing housing unfitness and disrepair, empty properties, unemployment and long term sickness while economic prospects have improved in renewal areas.
There has also been a reduction of domestic CO2 emissions by 11,000 tonnes, saving residents in excess of £1.9m a year on domestic energy costs and the council delivered 113 affordable homes without public capital subsidy in 2009.
Through its community leadership role, the council has promoted a ‘can-do’ approach where all stakeholders (customers, staff, social landlords, and private sector developers), have a contribution to delivering innovative and inclusive services.
Carmarthenshire’s head of housing Robin Staines said: “I think this is true recognition of the impact of our services across all tenures, for which all our staff, members and partners should be recognised and thanked.”
Executive board member for housing and public protection Cllr Hugh Evans aid: “I am delighted that the Excellence Wales Awards have recognised Carmarthenshire hard work to ensure that good quality affordable housing is available to rent or to buy, improving the condition of the public and private housing stock, and bringing empty properties back into use.
“The council’s housing policies also bring economic and environmental benefits for the county.”
Carl Sargeant AM (pictured), Minister for Social Justice and Local Government said: “I congratulate all of the finalists for this year’s Excellence Wales Awards.
“We all know that public services are entering challenging times. In times of challenge and change it is important that we do not lose sight of what is already good. Award schemes such as Excellence Wales help celebrate these achievements, but crucially help to promote, share and embed best practice across Wales’ public services.”
