Powys County Council has announced a robust plan, dubbed “At Home in Powys – Housing Business Plan”, aiming for significant advancements in the council housing sector over the next five years. With a commitment exceeding £170 million, the plan, set to be reviewed by the Cabinet on 19 March, promises the construction of over 330 new council homes by the 2028-29 financial year, involving an investment nearing £104 million.

The scheme is not just about expansion but also about enhancement, with more than £35 million allocated to elevate the council’s existing housing stock to meet and surpass the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. This standard mandates that homes managed by housing associations and local councils are maintained in an optimum condition, ensuring safety, comfort, and sustainability for tenants.

The Housing Business Plan is comprehensive, touching on various key areas including:

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, shared his enthusiasm for the plan, stating, “This ambitious plan will see the council constructing high-quality homes, addressing the current housing emergency head-on. It not only aims to make our homes more energy-efficient for tenants, tackling fuel poverty but also ensures our housing stock contributes to combating climate change.”

He further emphasized the plan’s commitment to continuous investment in existing council homes to uphold the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, concluding, “This initiative is poised to cultivate a stronger, fairer, greener future for Powys.”