Carmarthenshire’s award winning housing programme has been showcased to teams across Wales.
Housing professionals have been learning about the successful work being carried out in the county.
The £200 million Homes Standard programme, work to provide affordable homes and the health benefits created by housing improvements have been flagged up as beacons of excellence for others to follow.
The initiatives helped the County Council secure the prestigious Excellence Wales award last month.
The housing team beat off competition from across the country to clinch the industry Oscar for delivering good quality, affordable housing.
Now officers have joined up with the three other finalist authorities to share ideas and expertise.
They met at a special Welsh Local Government Association seminar in Swansea, aimed at highlighting the work that is being done in the housing sector.
Presentations on the work being carried out in Carmarthenshire, Cardiff, Conwy and Rhondda Cynon Taf were given during the day.
Head of Housing Services Robin Staines said: “Excellence Wales has recognised the work being done in Carmarthenshire to deliver a first class housing service.
“We believe that good quality, affordable housing is the bed rock of our communities, and we are constantly striving to make improvements.
“It is vital that we collaborate with other authorities and learn from each other. This sharing of expertise will help ensure we continue to deliver the best service for the people of Carmarthenshire.”
The coveted Excellence Wales award recognised the work that is being done to provide housing advice, increase the supply of affordable homes, and raise the standard of owner occupied and privately rented homes.
It rewarded the £200 million Homes Standard programme, which is aimed at improving the council’s housing stock and regenerating housing estates.
New kitchens and bathrooms are being installed for thousands of tenants, along with windows and doors, cavity and wall insulation, painting works and garden improvements.
The council was also commended for a series of achievements in the housing sector in the past year.
Officers have worked to drastically reduce the numbers of families being housed in bed and breakfast accommodation, and housing unfitness and disrepair have been significantly reduced.
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies, who opened the seminar, said: “The more we collaborate, share experiences and learn from each other, the more we will be able to ensure that we continue to deliver better homes and better communities for the people of Wales.”
Carmarthenshire’s Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “The council is committed to delivering excellent services that will improve the health and well being of people in the county.
“I commend the dedication, effort and innovation of the housing team in Carmarthenshire and I am delighted that this event has been held to share best practice and learn from each other.”
