TENANTS HAPPY WITH IMPROVEMENT WORKS

TENANTS HAPPY WITH IMPROVEMENT WORKS

A MULTI-million pound scheme to improve council houses in Carmarthenshire has been given the thumbs up by tenants.

Residents across the county say they are happy with refurbishment works at their homes.

New kitchens and bathrooms are being installed for thousands of tenants, along with windows and doors and garden improvements.

Painting and rendering works are being carried out along with cavity and wall insulation programmes.

Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the work as part of the £200 million Homes Standards programme.

The aim is to improve the condition of the authority’s 9,200 homes and regenerate housing estates across the county.

A survey of tenants shows that a huge 89 per cent are happy with the service they have received during the past year.

Questionnaires were sent out to hundreds of tenants whose homes have been improved.

The results show that of 224 tenants, 83 per cent were happy that work had started at the specified time, and 78 per cent said all works were completed in the specified time.

Some 83 per cent were satisfied with the works carried out, and 89 per cent were satisfied with the service they received from contractors and council officers.

A further 89 per cent said they received designs they chose for improvements.

The council’s Head of Housing Services Robin Staines said: “The Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme is designed to make sure that homes are suitable for the people that live in them.

“It is a huge investment and bringing major benefits to thousands of tenants.

“I am delighted that this survey has shown such high satisfaction levels among residents.

“It is very rewarding to receive such positive feedback from tenants.

“We will strive to improve on these results even further as the programme is rolled out to other parts of the county.”

Housing officers say the programme is helping to reduce heating costs for thousands of tenants, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions in council homes.

There are also benefits for tenant’s health because cold conditions can lead to respiratory conditions and are also linked to depression and anxiety.

Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said:  “The council is committed to providing the very best housing service for tenants and I am delighted with these survey results.

“We will be continuing to roll out the programme in the county to ensure maximum benefits for all.”