Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A new Access to Social Housing policy has been implemented in Carmarthenshire. The new policy came in to effect on September 19, and aims to provide fairer access to social housing. It was developed following a wide-ranging consultation including housing applicants, tenants, councillors, council and housing association staff, as well as statutory and voluntary bodies. The new policy provides a simplified points-based system, and is common with policies operated by housing association partners. By law, the council must give priority to households that are homeless, living in unsanitary, overcrowded or unsatisfactory houses; those who need to move for medical or welfare reasons, and those who need to live in a particular area of the county to avoid hardship. In addition, local priorities have been identified and built in to the new policy. These include those who are in the highest medical need, those who need a suitably adapted property, and those who need to move to reduce delayed tran...

Social networking sites are helping housing chiefs to consult with tenants in Carmarthenshire. A major consultation programme about how people access council housing in the county is underway. Officers want to hear the views of residents who use the service, as part of plans to improve the lettings system and provide a fairer service to people who need a home. Now in a bid to reach as many people as possible, they are turning to sites like Facebook, using digital television and text messages to gain people’s views. Online surveys, focus groups and roadshows are also being held and consultation was carried out at the recent tenant’s fun day. Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the move as part of a review into its Access to Social Housing Policy. Officers say they want to develop a simpler allocation process, reduce anti-social behaviour and prevent homelessness. They want to ensure that the county’s 9,200 homes and sheltered housing are appropriately let. The aim is to combat prob...