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Private sector housing renewal

Published: 16/06/2014

Changes to a council policy dealing with improving private sector housing are expected to be approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (17 June). Local authorities consider all housing conditions in their area and are required to help households who do not have the necessary resources to keep their homes in good repair. New initiatives within this updated policy include an Energy Efficiency loan product, to help deliver gas infill in communities across Flintshire. The focus of the Council’s energy efficiency programme 2014-15 will see 233 council properties in Aston and Mostyn connected to mains gas and the Council is keen to provide a loan offer to private homeowners in the area which would encourage other residents to connect. The introduction of the Welsh Government Property Improvement Loan Scheme is another new project that would make loans available to both owner occupiers and private landlords to make essential improvements to their properties. New conditions for loans given for empty homes support will also be included in the policy and will mean owners must consent to the property being managed by the Council’s chosen social lettings agency for a minimum of two years for a loan and five years where a grant has been provided. Councillor Helen Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “All these initiatives within the policy are designed to help residents improve their living conditions as far as is possible with the money available. It’s about giving local people a better quality of life and adhering to quality standards in all sectors not just council houses.”