Every year the Council’s Housing Department expects between 600-700 properties to become empty through the year. These properties are then assigned to the department’s own Direct Labour Organisation or, to external contractors, to complete the work needed.
For this calendar year so far, 460 empty properties have been handed back with an average investment of 19.5k each to the Housing Estate Offices ready for allocation of new contract holders.
When refurbishing properties, they must adhere to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS).
The Welsh Housing Quality Standards aim to improve the quality of people’s homes, setting new targets to address decarbonisation and water efficiency.
As part of meeting the WHQS, empty properties are refurbished to a high standard before being given to new contract holders.
This includes new carpets, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and other improvements to ensure new contract holders can enjoy a safe, comfortable and high-quality home.
Recently, Chief Executive of Wrexham Council, Alwyn Jones visited one of the empty properties before refurbishment and has now visited after the refurbishment is complete. He said, “The work on the property is excellent and is such a positive reflection on our approach to tenants, and the commitment of the contractors working for us. The work is to the highest standards and the property the new tenant will get is a truly wonderful home.”
Councillor Terry Evans Lead Member for Housing said, “The continued investment in our empty properties demonstrates our commitment to providing good-quality homes for local people and meeting the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. It is important that when someone becomes a contract holder with Housing they are moving into a property that is safe, comfortable and finished to a high standard.”
We have a range of external contractors that complete some of our voids.
The visit with Alwyn Jones included viewing an empty property where refurbishment works were being carried out by CW Builds. The works have been completed to the agreed standard, with CW Builds also supporting local employment through their delivery of the project.
