TENANTS of council homes in Denbighshire are reaping the benefit of a five year programme of investment in its housing stock and its communities.

Denbighshire now has the fifth lowest rent levels of the 11 stock retaining councils in Wales and charges the lowest average social housing rent in Denbighshire and of neighbouring authorities.

Over the last five years, the Council has invested in properties:

• £1.9m on estate and neighbourhood improvements, including 17 new play areas.

• £1.6m in disabled adaptations.

• 1,000 properties properties painted externally

• 350 new roofs have been installed.

• 350 properties have been rendered

• 675 kitchens and bathrooms have been fitted.

• 325 sets of windows have been replaced.

The Council is also set to invest in 170 additional homes over the next three years, securing quality homes and services well into the future.

Meanwhile, contractors working on behalf of the Council will be continuing with external works at properties in Bryn Garth and Maes y Goron (both in Denbigh), Maes Gruffydd Estate (Trefnant) and Pant Glas (Ruthin).

Works began on Monday and should be completed by summer, with contractors adhering to social distancing measures to ensure work can be carried out in a safe and continuous manner.

Councillor Tony Thomas, lead member for housing and communities, says he is “delighted by the news”.

He said: "We are delighted to have been able to continue to invest in our properties and our communities over the past five years, making sure our tenants have modern, fit for purpose properties for them and their families.

“Income from rents is used in its entirety to fund the work of Denbighshire Housing. It does not receive any funding through council tax, nor does it subsidise any other council service. Funding is also received from Welsh Government to support and maintain housing stock.”

“We have not only invested in the structural works, but we have also invested in neighbourhoods through improving our open spaces whilst supporting the health and well-being of communities, organising regular roadshow events around the county and supporting people with fuel and financial advice, and helping more people get online”.

The Denbighshire County Council Housing Strategy plan 2016-2021 states provides an overview of housing in the county, illustrating good practice and areas where more work should be focused to provide the strategic emphasis for housing issues in the coming year.

Denbigh County Councillor Mark Young said:

“Denbighshire should be congratulated and be proud to not only be investing in its current housing stock but also to be building new council homes in the future.

“The Welsh Government financial support is welcome plus crucial to achieve all this and having low rents is really important for families and especially those struggling in poverty. Let’s hope all this can be maintained into the future in these very challenging times!

Upper Denbigh Councillor Glenn Swingler added: "I'm very pleased to see DCC taking responsibility, as landlords, for the care of their housing stock. Investment in council housing is an investment in people and an investment in health and wellbeing.

"I'm also delighted to see new council houses being built, especially in my own ward of Upper Denbigh and Henllan. We desperately need more homes that locals can 'actually' afford."