Implementing Essex: Have your say in delivering change.

Implementing Essex: Have your say in delivering change.
Since publishing the Essex Report last year the Welsh Assembly Government, Community Housing Cymru, the Welsh Local Government Association and social housing sector in Wales have been finding ways to ease the delivery of affordable housing in Wales. We are holding two seminar events to give stakeholders a chance to hear about and influence work in progress.

Six Workshops held at the seminars will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to give us their views and help us shape what will happen in the future.
The dates and venues are –
North Wales 27th April - Venue Cymru, Llandudno
South Wales 29th April - Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Workshops held in both the morning and afternoon will cover:-
· A new Social Housing Grant system
· A new Regulatory Framework for Welsh RSLs
Workshops held either in the morning or afternoon will cover:-
· A new Intermediate Rent product
· Making best use of public sector land
· The Local Authority strategic housing role
· A potential Welsh Housing Bond
Delegate costs are £50 per head (to cover costs only) and includes lunch.
For booking information please contact Community Housing Cymru on 02920 557400
http://www.chcymru.org.uk/essex-review/index.html

From CORGI to GSR

Many tenants will be aware that landlords are required to undertake gas safety checks including, flues, appliances and fittings annually. From the 1st April 2009 the old Corgi gas registration scheme has been replaced by the ‘GAS SAFE REGISTER’. The GSR is now the only authorized body recognized by government to undertake gas service checks.

From the 1st April only GSR registered engineers will be able to fulfill the statutory gas safety responsibilities as outlined by government. Gas appliances that have been tested prior to 1st April will still be valid until they expire. If you are not sure whether your gas engineer is properly registered with GSR this can be checked by visiting http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk If you require further information contact kerry@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Breaking News - Gwynedd Council Tenants Vote YES! to stock transfer

Gwynedd Council yesterday received the results of the tenants vote in the ballot to decide whether they are in support of Gwynedd Council stock being transferred to a new housing association 'Gwynedd Community Homes'.

The results of the ballot was
Yes to transfer 72%
No to transfer 28%

The turnout was 65%
Numbers eligible to vote - 6,315

Following this result and a consultation period, the Council will now be able to move ahead to set-up the new and not-for-profit independent housing association. As with all other social housing landlords, Gwynedd Community Homes (GCH) will be regulated by the Welsh Assembly Government and run by a voluntary management board made up of four tenants, four Gwynedd councillors and four independent people chosen for their skills and experience.


Councillor Dyfed Edwards, Gwynedd Council Leader said:

“Tenants have told us they want the benefits that transfer would bring which gives us a clear mandate to move forward with the process of transferring our housing stock to Gwynedd Community Homes. This is good news for our tenants as it means substantial investment can be made to their homes.

“This has been a long consultation process and one of the largest that Gwynedd Council has ever undertaken. I am confident that we have done all we can to ensure that tenants received all the facts and I believe the high turnout is a reflection of this.”