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NEW Homes business plan

Published: 05/10/2015

Plans for the future growth of NEW Homes as set out in its Business Plan for the next five years will be considered by Flintshire County Councillors. NEW Homes was established in April 2014 to support the Council increase the range of housing options in the local housing market. Proposals include the delivery of 300 new affordable homes throughout the county over the next five years through the Councils Strategic Housing And Regeneration Programme (SHARP). The first scheme is scheduled to be delivered at The Walks, Flint which will comprise up to 50 affordable homes on the site of the former maisonettes. NEW Homes is also scheduled to receive 16 new build properties from developers meeting their affordable housing provision obligations through Section 106 Agreements. These units will be transferred into the company to be let as affordable housing. Plans are also in place to acquire eight housing units to let at affordable rents. . In addition to renting out its own properties, NEW Homes runs a range of offers for landlords which all include a ‘tenant ready’ service. The company is offering a fully managed letting and property management service and also a unique offer for home owners over 55 to lease their properties to the company and access suitable council accommodation Councillor Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader and Chairman of NEW Homes said: NEW Homes was established to provide a new alternative, affordable, housing offer for local people, who either can’t afford high private landlords rents, and/ or don’t qualify for a Council house. I am delighted that this innovative scheme is already making a real difference to meeting local housing need by providing a number of different ways in which people can find affordable homes. Councillor Helen Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing said “Flintshire County Council was the first authority in Wales to set up its own housing company and this innovative scheme was recognised at a national level in November 2014 when the Council won the New Idea of the Year Chartered Institute of Housing award for being the first authority in Wales to set up its own housing company. “I am very pleased with the progress NEW Homes has made in the relatively short time since it was established. It is offering a great service to residents who need more affordable rents and will significantly improve the housing options available for our residents. The company is also offering services to landlords. Councillor Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council said: We are very proud of NEW Homes and that Flintshire is the first council in Wales to take direct action to address local housing need problems. I am delighted that NEW Homes is now realising our ambitions in a practical way.” Flintshire County Council’s Community and Enterprise Scrutiny Committee will consider the report on Wednesday, 7 October and the Councils Cabinet is being asked to approve the Business Plan at its meeting on Tuesday, 13 October. For further information visit: http://www.northeastwaleshomes.co.uk/