Denbighshire County Council has refurbished 2,972 properties across the county as part of its efforts to ensure that its entire housing stock meets the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.
A further 477 properties are due to be refurbished in the next 12 months and by the end of 2013, the total number of properties refurbished will be 3,463.
The Council has sought to use the contracts for the works to support local sub-contractors and supply chains within Denbighshire. Examples include:using local apprentices; all sub contractors used by Adever and 69% of site personnel with Brammal came from the county; all kitchens supplied locally; 100% of heating contract works dealt with by local workforce.
Councillor Hugh Irving, Cabinet Lead Member for Community Development, said: ” The original objective of Welsh Government was that all social housing stock would be brought up to the standard by the end of 2012. However, this has not proved to be a realistic target for many landlords. Here in Denbighshire, the programme has been smoothed to reduce an over-reliance on one contractor, some small delays in approving contracts and respecting the wishes of tenants not wanting work carried out around Christmas time have all added to the 2012 target being exceeded.
“The majority of residents say they are happy with the work undertaken, with satisfaction rates of over 90% being recorded on all completed contracts. The Welsh Government says it is also happy with progress being made by Denbighshire and the Council continues to make improvement to its housing stock a key priority over the coming years”.
The Head of Housing and Community Development for Denbighshire, Peter McHugh has been appointed to a Ministerial Task Force to advise the Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage on options to enable local authorities to achieve Welsh Housing Quality Standard.”
