Council tenants in Caerphilly County Borough have been invited to see what the future could hold if they voted to have their homes transferred to a housing association.
Later this year, council tenants will vote in a secret ballot on whether to transfer the council’s housing stock to a not-for-profit organisation or leave it with council ownership.
If the vote is ‘yes’, the housing stock will be transferred to the newly set-up Castell Mynydd organisation and will unlock millions of pounds of Welsh Assembly cash to bring the homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.
Two council homes in Risca and Pontllanfraith have been transformed to demonstrate what the effect of transferring could be. Two more showhomes will be opened in Rhymney and Penyrheol in July.
The show homes have been brought up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard to show how Castell Mynydd’s proposed £173 million investment programme in the first five years after transfer would improve tenants’ homes and estates.
Tenants can see the types of kitchens, bathrooms, double glazed windows, heating systems, doors, tiles, taps and flooring that would be available, if transfer goes ahead. The outside, of each showhome has been improved, showing the kind of work that could be carried out in the area, if transfer goes ahead.
Two lucky tenants could each win a washing machine, fridge freezer and sofa by visiting the showhomes and correctly answering a simple question.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman said: “These show homes are a key part of the council’s consultation exercise. Not only do they show what is on offer but trained staff will be on hand to answer any questions tenants may have about the transfer proposal.
“We want all tenants to understand the facts about transfer so they can make an informed choice about the future of their homes.”
The showhomes are open on the following days and times.
Monday to Friday – 9am to 3pm
Tuesday and Thursday – 3pm to 6.30pm
Saturday – 10am to 1pm.
Opening dates:
June 6 to June 11 – 65 Ty Isaf Park Avenue, Risca. NP11 6NB
June 13 to June 18 – 65 Ty Isaf Park Avenue, Risca. NP11 6NB and 40 Meadow Road, Springfield, Pontllanfraith NP12 2AG
June 20 to June 25 – 40 Meadow Road, Springfield, Pontllanfraith NP12 2AG
Whatever the outcome of the ballot, the show homes will be allocated to tenants in line with normal council procedures.
Tenants who would like to visit the show homes but who have difficulty with transport, can ring the council freephone for assistance on 0800 141 2834.
Tenants can call the same number if they have any questions on the housing transfer proposal or they can call the Independent Tenant Advisor, PS Consultants, on 0800 088 4194.