More than two-thirds of Swansea households own their own homes with the rest renting from the council, housing associations or private landlords. The demand for all forms of housing in Swansea, but particularly for single person occupancy, is likely to increase as the population grows and demographics change. House prices are expected to continue to rise, partly fuelled by people being attracted to Swansea from more affluent parts of the UK. Measures need to be taken to ensure that sufficient affordable and low-cost occupancy homes are included in new housing developments.

The local authority manages an ageing stock of council housing which is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain at the standards set by the Welsh Assembly Government. In order to help meet the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS), the local authority is proposing a transfer of its stock to a newly established Community Housing Mutual so that the necessary resources can be raised and invested. The WHQS includes objectives relating to energy efficiency and the attractiveness and safety of the surrounding environment so its introduction should have a positive impact on the revitalisation of deprived communities, help to combat fuel poverty and provide more secure accommodation.

The privately rented sector provides a valuable contribution to the housing supply but some of the worst conditions are found in this sector, which is used by some vulnerable and low-income household groups. As part of its approach to regulating and raising standards, the local authority operates a Landlord Accreditation Scheme. The local authority also administers grants to help home owners renovate and repair their properties or improve disabled access. Swansea Care and Repair, a community based charity, also provides assistance in maintaining properties.

At any one time there are about 4,000 empty homes in the private sector, of which nearly half are empty for more than 6 months. A significant number have been empty for more than 10 years and, together with derelict commercial buildings across our communities, they contribute to urban decline. The local authority’s Empty Property Strategy proposes to intervene through a combination of advice, encouragement, grants and enforcement to address this problem.

If homes and buildings are to contribute effectively to local communities, they ought not to be considered in isolation but in terms of their relationship to the people who live and work in them, and to their local environment, streetscape and history. The location, accessibility and adaptability of new housing are critical to the long-term viability of communities.