Newport housing take on young recruits

Newport City Homes (NCH) will shortly be welcoming seven new members of staff for six-month positions in its building trade and community involvement teams, as part of the Future Jobs Fund Project.

In partnership with Newport City Council, NCH has created a total of 30 placements for 18-24 year olds who have been claiming Job Seekers Allowance for between 39 and 51 weeks.

The positions, which will take place over the next 18 months, will allow the young person to gain work experience that delivers community benefit, to enhance their CV. At the end of the six-month placement, extra support will be offered to help the employees find permanent work.

In Newport, the Future Jobs Fund was launched in October and a total of 472 placements will be delivered across the city over the next 18 months.

The first phase of recruitment for the positions with NCH involved both staff and residents taking part in the interview and decision-making process.

Claire Douglas, Head of Community Regeneration and Involvement at NCH said: "The project has offered Newport City Homes a chance to offer work experience opportunities to young people in partnership with Newport City Council. It has also shown the commitment from the contractors that are working with us on the investment programme, with whom some of these placements will be made.

"We’re very grateful to the residents who gave their time to be involved in the recruitment to these posts. We've met some brilliant young people that have a lot to offer the organisation and the communities in which they will be working."

read more... “Newport housing take on young recruits”

Massive cash injection for private homes

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has improved and extended its initiative to assist eligible private homeowners to adapt, maintain and renovate their properties.

The authority is proud of its traditional commitment to provide support, where possible, to provide the support and expertise needed to enable high-quality, fit-for-purpose homes, especially for the elderly, disabled or vulnerable.

It has worked hard to put in place an extensive plan for the next three years, making best use of its £8.5m funding to provide not only statutory grants, but also to help others.

It is hoped the targeted investment will improve the quality of private housing stock, enable a better quality of life for many and regenerate and return to use empty properties that can so often have a negative impact on the perception of communities and town centres.

Thousands of people have benefited over the years thanks to a series of grants. That range has now been extended to help first-time buyers, those who need “green” measures in their homes and also landlords who can transform empty eyesores into much-needed homes.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing, said: “The Council’s range of private sector housing grants amount to a substantial investment in communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf. We want to get the maximum results from this money and put every penny to best use to help eligible homeowners with work on their homes.”

“As well as working with individuals to ensure their homes are of the highest standard they can be, the financial support available also means we can continue to regenerate empty properties and, in turn, communities and town centres.”

Grants available include:

Disabled Facilities Grants
1. Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants provide up to £36,000 to adapt a property to the needs of a disabled person who resides at the property, including facilitating access, making the building safe, providing suitable facilities and making environmental improvements. All applications for such funding are referred to the council by occupational therapists.

2. Disabled Adaptations Supplementary Grant assists those who are determined as being able to pay some, but not all, of the cost of the work needed to their home, subject to a means testing process.

3. Relocation Grant for when it is deemed necessary for a person to relocate to a new property that better meets their needs.

4. Minor Works of Adaptation grant to provide assistance towards low cost adaptations at properties, such as handrails, security and more.

Maintenance and Repair Assistance:
1. Aimed at the over-60s to improve security, safety, accessibility, the condition of the property and energy efficiency.

Renovation Grants:
1. Sometimes it is necessary to provide assistance to homeowners to deal with problems that, without intervention, could become a risk to health, welfare or safety to the occupant or the wider general public. They are only available when exceptional circumstances apply and each application will be considered on its own merit.

Empty Property Grants:
It is recognised across the authority that empty homes are a wasted resource and the council is striving to bring such buildings back into use. The below two grants aim to help with this:

1. Empty Property Grant, aimed at helping first time buyers or landlords with the cost of refurbishing empty properties to a habitable condition. Grants of up to £20,000 available to assist in schemes where there is an identified housing need and wider benefit to the community.

2. Financial assistance for the conversion or refurbishment of flats over shops. This grant is awarded to create or regenerate accommodation in town centres, addressing the need for housing, especially for single people, and also regenerating an area in the process. The grants will be aimed in target areas identified by the local authority and up to £15,000 is available.

Energy Efficiency, Affordable Warmth And The Reduction Of Fuel Poverty:
The council is committed to eradicating fuel poverty and improving the energy efficiency of homes across the county to reduce carbon emissions. The below grants assist with this:
1. Energy Efficiency Grant to assist households that are in fuel poverty but do not qualify for funding from other schemes. It will include an insulation grant for cavity wall and loft insulation and also a heating grant to replace defective boilers.

2. Energy Efficiency Grants for first time buyers in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas (NRAs). Penrhiwceiber, Miskin, Tynewydd and Treherbert are the NRAs in Rhondda Cynon Taf and millions have been invested in improving the overall appearance and environment within them. Grants for first-time buyers will assist with loft and cavity wall insulation, boilers, energy efficient windows and doors, central heating and draught-proofing.

Neighbourhood Renewal Areas:
The scheme, as per the above, will continue to be delivered to create a high quality housing and living environment in the NRAs.

All the above grants are subject to application and eligibility, full details of which can be found at: www.rctcbc.gov.uk.

read more... “Massive cash injection for private homes”

RCT secures first of its kind prosecution

Owners who allowed tenants to continue living in their building after it was effectively “closed” by health and fire experts because of the danger it posed, have been prosecuted.

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council’s Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) had no choice but to serve an Emergency Prohibition Order on Washington Buildings, Porth in September last year, because of the genuine risk posed to tenants by a lack of fire escapes and fire precautions. It is believed this is the first prosecution for non compliance in Wales.

They served the order after being called to the property, which was being converted to self-contained flats on the two floors above the furniture showroom, by concerned South Wales Fire and Rescue Service staff, who were undertaking a routine inspection.

The order, issued to owners Topaz Property Management Ltd in Cardiff and tenants, made it clear the building was to be vacated immediately and not used for any purpose until experts deemed it safe to do so.

The following day, officers returned to the property to assess the changes and work needed to ensure Washington Buildings met the high fire safety standards expected of a House in Multiple Occupation.

They were concerned to find a female still living in one of the flats and reminded her, the other tenants and the owners of the order and the legal consequences of it not being followed.

As they continued their work to bring the building back to standard, they were shocked to be called back to the address in December 2008 by fire officers who had dealt with a fire in one of the flats and were treating the female occupant for smoke inhalation.

This incident, and the fact EHOs had also been called to the building between September to December to respond to complaints about household waste left in the garden, left officers with no choice but to charge and prosecute Topaz Property Company Ltd for breach of the Emergency Prohibition Order.

Representatives from the firm attended Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court at the end of last month, where they admitted breaching the order and were fined £1500 and ordered to pay £470 costs.

Andrew Young, Head of Environmental Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, said: “This is an important case and highlights the responsibility landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation have, and the standards we expect from them and their properties.

“We are committed to offering the support and advice needed to prevent landlords and owners from ending up in this situation and that free service remains on offer. We would also recommend landlords join the Landlord Accreditation Wales Scheme.

“In this case, we had no choice but to immediately close the premises due to the genuine threat presented to its tenants by the insufficient fire detection and precaution measures.

“We expected that legal order to be followed and were committed to working with the owners to ensure the necessary measures were put in place to allow the building to be ready for safe use.

“However, the order was not followed and tenants were allowed to remain in the building, so we had no choice but to prosecute. I hope this warns landlords and owners we are serious about this and urge them to make contact with us so we can work with them and ensure their properties are the best they can be.”

Because the property comprises self contained flats it is not subject to the Housing Act requirement to be licensed but nevertheless needs to maintain high standards.

The lack of fire detection and precautions that led to the Prohibition Order were:

• No fire alarm or emergency lighting
• The staircase from the upper floors to the ground floor shop area presents a hazard as an inadequate means of escape in the event of fire.
• The existing final door out of the building from the ground floor shop requires a key to exit and there is no other alternative means of escape.
• The staircase is not a protected staircase
• No hot and cold smoke seals or self-closers were fitted to the flat doors.
• Building work was ongoing while the property was occupied, leading to the main staircase being used as a makeshift canteen with facilities to make hot drinks. Tools were also left lying around, which could impede escape in an emergency.

read more... “RCT secures first of its kind prosecution”

Delivering Affordable Housing in Conwy

Conwy County Borough Council is writing to developers, landowners and agents to explain changes in the way planning applications for housing developments will be determined.

In an effort to increase the availability of affordable housing in the county borough, the Council is introducing a new approach to considering applications for housing.

From 1st December, the level of affordable housing within residential development sites will be based on the Affordable Housing Delivery Statement (AHDS), which was adopted by the Council earlier this year.

All planning applications for new residential developments will be subject to the guidance contained in the AHDS.

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Communities said, “Until the Local Development Plan is adopted we’re required by the Assembly to provide an interim approach to improving the delivery of affordable housing. These changes will help guide developers through the process, whilst tackling the lack of affordable housing.”

Developers, landowners and agents on the Council’s LDP database have been sent details of the changes, details will be published on the website and a workshop is planned to discuss the barriers to delivering affordable housing and the viability of sites proposed in the Conwy LDP.

For more information on the changes contact James Harland (01492) 575461.

read more... “Delivering Affordable Housing in Conwy”

Bills delight for winner of the Latest Rent Bonanza

A lady from Cwmavon is £250 better off - thanks to paying her bills on time.

Patricia Woods won the latest cash prize in Neath Port Talbot Council's rent bonanza prize draw. The draw takes place every three months as a thank you to council tenants who pay their rent and water bills on time.

Patricia Woods received her prize from Councillors Peter Rees, David Williams and Brin Roblin. Also present was Area Housing Officer Kathy Roberts.

Tenants who'd like to be in with a chance of winning a £250 prize in future draws should keep their rent and water accounts clear. Those with a bank account may wish to pay by direct debit. For further information on Direct Debit payments please call: 01639 764650.

Photograph: left to right is: Cllr. David Williams; Housing Officer Kathy Roberts; Mrs Patricia Thomas; Cllr. Peter Rees & Cllr. Brin Roblin).

read more... “Bills delight for winner of the Latest Rent Bonanza”

More to get help to pay their Council Tax or rent

Working families in Swansea are being urged to see if they could get help towards their Council Tax bills or help towards their rent under new rules.

Swansea Council is taking its benefit take-up campaign into schools and supermarkets amid fears that more than a third of people who qualify for the help haven't claimed it.

Since April 2009 the take-up team has helped 725 people in Swansea claim £374,877 worth of Council Tax Benefit but rule changes mean that even more people could be getting vital help towards their Council Tax bills from this month.

Some people have found that prior to November 2 this year- when rule changes came into affect- they didn't qualify at all but now they qualify for nearly their full bill to be paid for them.

And the money comes from central government so claiming does not affect the funding going to the Council for services.

The rule changes mean from November 2 benefit is ignored in the calculations of income and this can improve someone's entitlement to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit- particularly families with more than one child.

This comes off the back of changes in October 2008 which meant Child Maintenance was no longer included as income.

There has also been a change in the regulations for the treatment of capital for those over the age of 60. From November 2 the first £10,000 of savings and investments is disregarded in the calculations.

Swansea Council is using grant funding provided to each Welsh Authority to promote Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit and to try to reach those that are not claiming what they are entitled to.

Paula Lewis, Benefit Take-Up Manager, said: "Thousands of people are not claiming their entitlement to the rebate on their Council Tax. For example people who work could qualify depending on their circumstances and the total income that they have.

"The change in our regulations from November 2 can have a dramatic effect on someone's entitlement to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit- especially in a family that has more than one child.

"People who may have claimed in the past and been told they did not qualify should check if legislation changes mean they now do qualify.

"Swansea Council's benefits take-up team aims to ensure that people have the information and confidence to get the financial support which is rightly theirs.

"An entitlement calculation can be done in minutes over the telephone and individual circumstances are taken into account to assess whether people qualify."

Cllr Stuart Rice, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "I urge everyone to contact the take-up team on 01792 635885 to have a calculation for their particular circumstances. Even a little money off the bill can help."

Anyone wanting information or help should contact the take-up team on 01792 635885.

read more... “More to get help to pay their Council Tax or rent”

Housing advice for young people in Flintshire

A new service providing housing related support for young people who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless has been launched in Flintshire.

Flintshire’s Supporting People Team is working with The Wallich to provide support staff for young people. Supporting People is a grant funded programme responsible for delivering accommodation based support to vulnerable people to assist them to maintain independent living and prevent and reduce homelessness in the county.

The project aims to provide support to assist vulnerable young people to secure permanent or more suitable accommodation or maintain their current accommodation.

Staff will be able to provide and assist with welfare rights, budgeting, household maintenance and related independent living skills. They will also help the young person develop their support networks with friends, family and the community and maximise their opportunities for training and development. Each young person will be given a support plan agreed with them and subject to regular reviews.

Councillor Eric Owen, Supporting People Champion, said: “This new project will make an important contribution to preventing young people in Flintshire from becoming homeless and encouraging them to make positive life choices.”

For more information about this project or to request a referral pack please contact The Wallich on 01352 218382 or e-mail ypfs@thewalllich.net

Photograph: Left to right - Jonathan Roberts – Support Worker – The Wallich, Hayley Willis – Support Worker – The Wallich, Sharon Towers – Deputy Area Manager – The Wallich, Stephen Gamgee M.B.E. – Chief Executive – The Wallich, Councillor Eric Owen – Supporting People Champion, Kimberley Caruana – Reviewing Officer – Supporting People.

read more... “Housing advice for young people in Flintshire”

HMO Multi Agency Team Saves Lives

The intervention of the Denbighshire HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) multi agency team is likely to have saved the lives of several tenants in a property on West Parade in Rhyl.

Following a referral from the local Community Beat Manager, the property was inspected by the multi-agency team. It was discovered that the boiler was faulty and leaking gas and may have been doing this for three months from when it was installed.

The National Gas Emergency Service was called out. The boiler was immediately condemned and the gas supply switched off. Fortunately none of the occupants were smokers, as there could have been the potential for several fatalities.

Following the team’s intervention the landlord has now repaired the boiler and obtained a valid landlord gas safety certificate.

The HMO Multi Agency Team was established two years ago to improve housing conditions in the private rented sector, by encouraging close working relations between all relevant partner agencies to ensure private landlords throughout the County meet their obligations to their tenants.

Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “This is a prime example of how working in partnership can improve the lives of the county’s residents.

“The team provides advice and guidance to private landlords that let out out their properties, to make sure that the health and safety of residents are complied with. People have a right to live in standard accommodation and the multi-agency team will not hesitate in taking enforcement action against any landlord that does not comply with health and safety laws”

If you live in a rented property with gas appliances, your landlords is obliged to provide you with a copy of a landlord gas safety certificate, please ask your landlords for a copy in the first instance”.

If the landlords fails to provide the certificate you can either contact the Housing Enforcement Team on 01824 706389 or the Health and Safety Executive on 02920 263176 who will take action to ensure that the gas appliances are tested. If you need to check if the engineer who carried out the gas safety check is registered, please visit the Gas Safe Register website www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

If you smell gas or are worried about gas safety, you can call 0800 111 999* at any time, day or night. Your call will not cost you anything**. Just pick up the phone, dial the number and you will be put through to a trained operator who will take all the details. Further information can be found on the National Grid website www.nationalgrid.com

*All calls to the National Gas Emergency Service and National Enquiry lines may be recorded and monitored.

**Some mobile phone network operators may charge you for the call.

read more... “HMO Multi Agency Team Saves Lives”

Home sweet Homebuy

A young couple are celebrating after becoming the third household in Rhuddlan to buy their own home through Denbighshire’s Homebuy Scheme with the aid of a commuted sum – that is funding received from a developer in lieu of affordable housing on certain new build schemes in the county.

The timing was even better for the happy new home owners, Emily Gizzie and David Johnson particularly because of their new arrival, five week old Myles!

David said: “The scheme is great and we definitely wouldn’t have been able to buy the house we wanted without it.

“It has meant that we could look for a house on the open market and find one that was completely suited to us.”

“We’d like to say ‘thankyou’ to Tai Clwyd and Denbighshire staff for all their help throughout the whole process.”

The Homebuy Scheme, which is run in conjunction with Tai Clwyd Housing Association, gives the applicant a 30% interest free loan towards the purchase of an open market property and is one of the affordable housing opportunities available to anyone who qualifies to be on the Affordable Housing Register.

County Councillor, Ann Davies, said: “Through the commuted sum funding Denbighshire is able to give eligible families financial help to purchase their own home.

“I am delighted that this scheme has enabled three families in Rhuddlan to purchase a property.

“I hope we will see similar funding initiatives again in future."

Cabinet Lead member for health, social care and wellbeing, Councillor Pauline Dobb, added: “It is wonderful to see a young couple being able to buy their own home with the aid of schemes like Homebuy and I wish David, Emily and Myles every happiness for the future.”

The funding for the three Homebuy’s in Rhuddlan was made possible thanks to the commuted sum payment - one stipulation of the commuted sum is that it must contribute towards affordable housing in the area it came from.

The Homebuy loan is subject to funding being available. No interest or rental needs to be paid on the amount borrowed. The equity share is held by a housing association. The house will be yours and the 30% loan is only paid back if you sell the property.

If you would like to know more about the Affordable Housing Register and how to apply please contact: The Affordable Homes Officer, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, 54 Vale Street, Denbigh. Tel: 0345 2303140 Web: www.taiclwyd.com

read more... “Home sweet Homebuy”

Housing Information Fair at Bontddu near Dolgellau

A Housing Information Fair in the Bontddu and Llanelltyd communities near Dolgellau is being held on 12 November with the aim of providing information on housing. The event is a pilot which hopefully if successful could be replicated in other rural communities where housing is a concern.

The event is a partnership between the Community Council and Gwynedd Rural Housing Enabler - Arfon Hughes, who’s research has found that the area is one of the worst in Gwynedd where there could be affordability problems after Abersoch and Mynytho.

“In order to substantiate this information, the Community Council and I decided to hold an information giving day which would give local people information regarding housing and related issues in order that they can make a decision on their future life in the area,” Arfon Hughes said

Other public sector partners which includes Gwynedd Council, Snowdonia National Park Authority, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd and Cymdeithas Tai Eryri (housing associations) have agreed to attend to give information and to offer guidance on aspects of housing and planning.

The event hopes to attract the 44 residents who are on the housing waiting list and many more in the area to come forward. The event is being held between 3 – 7pm and should be convenient for all local residents and those who work in the area of Bontddu and Llanelltyd.

The community council was in favour of inviting local private sector agencies which include the following invitees who accepted namely solicitors Guthrie Jones and Jones, Estate Agents R G Jones, Sterling Independent Financial Advisors as well as local developers.

“There is also an invitation to any landowner, developer or empty home owner who would like to offer an opportunity for locals to be able to stay in the area. There will be an opportunity for all in housing need to register, and it is important that people do so, so that future planning of accommodation and services can be considered,” added Arfon.

Councillor Gethin Williams (Brithdir, Llanfachreth, Y Ganllwyd and Llanelltyd ward) noted: “I applaud the Community Council in their decision to hold an information day like this and I would like to see everyone who has an interest in obtaining a house in Bontddu and Llanelltyd to come along to meet officers and representatives of local companies to discuss their housing, planning and financial concerns in an informal way. I see this as an event which will go some way in the process of sustaining our communities, and services.”

Tony Williams Community Councillor in Bontddu added: “This is an ideal opportunity for young families to take advantage of free information on their door step for them to consider their future in the area where they grew up. I encourage everyone who wants to stay in the area and those who wish to return to come along.”

read more... “Housing Information Fair at Bontddu near Dolgellau”

Compact involvement for Vale council tenants

Vale of Glamorgan Council tenants are being given a greater say in a range of issues relating to their homes.

The council and five tenants’ associations have signed up to the Vale of Glamorgan Tenants’ Association Compact. A recently-formed tenants’ association for Brecon Court, Barry, is expected to become a further signatory in the near future.

A result of partnership working between the council and the tenants’ associations, the compact sets out clear commitments for both parties to work together, tenant involvement and the way in which tenants can influence the decision-making process relating to a wide range of local authority housing services.

Representing the council at the official signing of the compact were Cllr Paul Church, cabinet member for housing and community safety, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, chair of the scrutiny (housing and public protection) committee, Peter Evans, director of legal, public protection and housing, Tony Jaques, head of housing, and Heather Powney, tenant development officer.

Stressing that the council viewed tenant involvement as a key part of its work, Cllr Church said: "Over the last two years, the number of tenants’ associations in the Vale has risen considerably and each of them brings the views and opinions of individuals directly to the council. They are best placed to understand needs and concerns.

"The establishment of the compact means that the council and the tenants’ associations can achieve real and meaningful participation.

"The council values the input of tenants and, as a direct result of their involvement, the council is reshaping existing housing services and providing new services."

read more... “Compact involvement for Vale council tenants”

Cardiff council wins landlords court case

Cardiff Council has successfully prosecuted two landlords for failing to comply with The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006.

Yashwant and Chandrika Patel of Tudor Street, Cardiff did not attend Cardiff Magistrates Court but entered guilty pleas via their solicitor. They were each charged with two offences under section 234(3) of the Housing Act 2004 on 26th October 2009. The brother and sister were fined £150 each and ordered to pay £80 each towards Prosecution costs , bringing the
total to £460.

The property, located on Ninian Park Road, Riverside has five bedrooms and is located above commercial premises. Officers from Cardiff Council’s Private Sector Housing team inspected
the property in April 2009 following a complaint regarding living conditions. Yashwant and Chandrika Patel were notified of contraventions under The Management of Houses in Multiple
Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006 and were given three weeks to carry out the necessary Repairs.

Two further inspections revealed that some of the required works had not been completed as follows:
The main entrance door and frame into the property were damaged resulting in the door being boarded up. This posed a security risk to the tenants.
Windows in the bathroom and a bedroom were missing Casement openers leaving tenants exposed to the elements.
The windows have now been replaced and Cardiff Council’s Private Sector Housing team will inspect the property to ensure the necessary works are carried out to the front door.

read more... “Cardiff council wins landlords court case”

Carmarthenshire Tenant Networks

Carmarthenshire Housing Services will hold its latest round of Tenant Network meeting in late November and early December.

Taf/Myrddin Tenant Network will hold a meeting at Yr Aelwyd communal lounge in Tregynnwr on Wednesday November 25 at 6.30pm.

Teifi Tenant Network’s meeting will be held in Aberduar chapel vestry, Llanybydder, on Wednesday December 2 at 6.30pm, while Tywi Tenant Network will meet in Maes Elfryn communal lounge, Llandeilo, on Wednesday December 9 at 6.30pm.

All tenants and residents on the county council’s sites are welcome to attend. There will be a buffet available. Transport will be provided to the venues or travelling expenses will be reimbursed. There will be crèche facilities if required, but you will need to inform Housing Services beforehand.

There will a guest speaker attending each meeting as well as the area housing manager and area housing officers.

Carmarthenshire County Council tenant participation officer Maria Evans said: “Please take this opportunity to have your voices heard. At our meetings we can discuss anti-social behaviour, housing repairs, estate improvements or any housing issues that are important to you.

“If you have any issues that you would like to discuss at our meetings please contact me.”
Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for housing Cllr Hugh Evans said: “The tenant network meetings are a great opportunity for people to come along and have their voices heard.”

For further information, please contact Maria Evans, tenant participation officer, on 01267 228933 or email on MLEvans@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

read more... “Carmarthenshire Tenant Networks”

Consultation commences on additional licensing scheme for HMOs in Cathays

Cardiff Council is inviting comments from tenants, landlords, members of the public and interested organisations on the proposal to introduce an Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation in the Cathays Ward of Cardiff.

Additional licensing could bring significant benefits in Cardiff by securing improved housing accommodation and better management of properties. The scheme would improve safety for the occupiers and could also bring improvements to the wider community.

In the Executive Business meeting on 10th September the Executive Board agreed that the Private Sector Housing team could consult with the public and other interested organisations including The Welsh Assembly Government, Tenants, Local Residents, Landlords, Universities, and Letting Associations etc.

Additional licensing powers enable the Council to extend the scope of its Mandatory HMO licensing to other descriptions of HMO either in all or in part of its district.

Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman, said: “I would like to encourage residents of the Cathays area to get involved with the process and feedback any comments they may have. Additional Licensing will not only benefit the people who live in private rented accomodation but it will also benefit the wider community.”

The consultation period runs for 2 months between Oct 15th – Dec 15th , and gives tenants, landlords, the general public and interested organisations the opportunity to comment on the scheme.

Any comments received will be considered when making the decision to declare an Additional Licensing Scheme for the Cathays Ward.

There are several ways in which people can view or obtain the Public Consultation document and associated questionnaire:

• The documents can be downloaded from the Council’s website http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/privaterent or at http://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk
• By writing to Charlotte Dunleavy, PO Box 67, Cardiff, CF11 1LY or e-mailing C.Dunleavy@cardiff.gov.uk

How to submit comments
Comments on the Additional Licensing scheme should be completed using the on-line questionnaire or by requesting a paper copy from Charlotte Dunleavy at the above address.

Closing dates for comments is the 15th December 2009.

read more... “Consultation commences on additional licensing scheme for HMOs in Cathays”

Get help early to avoid homelessness

Fears of soaring homelessness this winter have sparked a new multi-agency campaign urging people to seek help early if they are at all worried that they may lose their home.

Swansea Council's Housing Options has teamed up with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Shelter Cymru, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire Councils to encourage households at risk of homelessness to get advice now.

A campaign using radio advertising, city centre advertising facilities, leaflets and other media is under way.

The move comes amid fears of a rise in potentially homeless households.

Recession also has a knock on affect on other causes of homelessness such as relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, and substance misuse.

Swansea Council along with neighbouring authorities have not seen a sharp increase in the levels of homelessness from former homeowners so far.

However it is believed this is because lenders haven't been taking action due to low interest rates and low house prices meaning little equity in many circumstances. This situation is now on the change.

Since October 1st lenders have to notify the local authority that they are taking action to claim possession of a home before a court will make an order against the owner.

Swansea Council has already started being contacted by some lenders and have taken proactive steps to contact the owner offering free advice to prevent future home loss.

Martin Whatty, Swansea Council's Homelessness Strategy Coordinator, said: "We could be faced with a rush of potentially homeless households in the next few months unless we can get hold of those in trouble and offer good quality advice now.

"Not only could people be left homeless or in unsuitable accommodation but also left with long term debt after selling or losing their home due to negative equity.

"Advice agencies are usually only approached for help when problems escalate into a crisis.

"Too many homeowners feel they can negotiate their way out of a problem without professional help which may result in even more debt.

"The key is getting help at the earliest possible opportunity.

"If we are to be really effective and make a difference, then we need to be getting hold of households as soon as a financial problem arises."

"Support for families going through difficult times can also be just as important as tangible help in keeping a home."

Swansea Council's Housing Options as well as services at Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire Councils have a team of trained advisers to tackle and prevent homelessness.

Services available include specialist money advice teams who can negotiate with lenders, represent in court, and even in some circumstances arrange for the purchase and rent back of the home through a housing association.

Swansea Council Cabinet member for Housing Councillor Peter May said: "We hope that the partnership approach to homelessness prevention in the city will help minimise the effects of the economic downturn.

"Shelter and Citizens Advice Bureau have a long standing partnership with the Council and a commitment to preventing homelessness and improving the housing circumstances of those in need of help.

"Working with them and our neighbouring local authorities, our message is don't let your housing problems get out of hand.

"If you get in touch soon enough there is effective help for either finding somewhere to live or if possible staying in your home."

Anyone experiencing housing difficulties and would like free advice on how we may be able to help should contact Swansea Housing Options on 01792 533100, log on to www.swansea.gov.uk or www.tiny.cc/housinghelp

read more... “Get help early to avoid homelessness”

Thousands of pensioners to get extra help

More than 2,200 pensioners in Carmarthenshire are to get extra help paying their council tax this year.

The county council will be securing a £134,000 Welsh Assembly grant to provide the assistance.

It will be shared amongst pensioners who currently receive partial council tax benefit, and means around an extra £60 off the council tax bill for the 2,200 or so people who will qualify.

Executive board members are expected to rubberstamp the scheme at their next meeting on October 19.

Resources executive board member Cllr Wyn Evans said: “This scheme will provide extra help to those who already qualify for council tax benefit, but are still paying a certain amount.

“It will provide more assistance for those who need it, particularly during these troubled financial times.”

Some £20,000 of the grant is also being made available for Age Concern Carmarthenshire to help them with their outreach service and volunteer recruitment scheme.

Any surplus cash will be used as a hardship fund for any individual cases identified as needing assistance, on an ad hoc basis.

Many people qualify for full council tax benefit, which means they will not need to pay anything and many others will qualify for some reduction but according to government statistics one in three people are not claiming the reduction they are entitled to.

Residents are urged to check up on whether they can claim for help with their Council Tax or Rent. Free advice is on offer from the county council’s housing benefits team; they can provide information and assess what help, if any, people may be entitled to.

Call 0800 288 9002 or email housing.benefits@carmarthenshire.gov.uk for more information.

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City landlord prosecuted

Cardiff Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord for failure to provide safe accommodation for his tenants and for failing to comply with the conditions of a licence under part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 and three offences of failure to comply with the Management Regulations made under Section 234, Housing Act 2004.

Zaid Akbar of Ninian Road, Plasnewydd failed to attend Cardiff Magistrates Court on 5th October 2009 and the matter was heard in his absence. Mr Akbar was found guilty and fined a total of £1600 for four offences and was ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £15.

The property, located on Miskin Street, Cathays has eight bedrooms on the first and second floors over two commercial premises. The property was licensed for eight individuals under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004.

The licence conditions required Mr Akbar to carry out works to provide adequate fire precautions and adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities by the 11th January 2009.

Mr. Akbar was contacted during February 2009 to inform him that the works should have been completed and requesting access for an appointment. But when Council officers made a visit it was revealed that the works required by the licence which included installing mains operating fire alarms and making sure gas and electricity meters were enclosed had not been completed. At a further visit, evidence was gathered confirming that Mr. Akbar had failed to comply with the conditions of the licence.

Cardiff Council’s Private Sector Housing team will inspect the property to ensure the necessary works are carried out and that the tenants are safe.

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