This is a chance for tenants in the Porthmadog area to see what improvements transfer to a new, independent not-for-profit housing organisation, could deliver for them.

The show home at 1, Isgraig Tremadog will open Monday to Saturday between 27 January and 6 February and forms part of the Council’s consultation on the proposal to transfer its housing stock to Gwynedd Community Homes.

The Welsh Assembly Government requires all councils in Wales to bring their homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) which means homes should be in a good state of repair, be safe and secure as well as have modern kitchens and bathrooms.  During the consultation various show homes and a mobile display have opened in communities across Gwynedd so that tenants can see what is being proposed and the standards they can expect under the WHQS.

The formal consultation document has already been sent to tenants giving detailed information on the proposal and they will be invited to vote in due course on one of the two options available – remaining with the Council or transferring to Gwynedd Community Homes.

If tenants vote in favour of transferring their homes to Gwynedd Community Homes, £136 million would be invested to bring houses up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard during the first five years after transfer.

Councillor John Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for Care said: "This is one of the biggest ever tenant consultation exercises held in Gwynedd, and I’m pleased that we are able to open this show home in Tremadog.” 

He added: “Strict Government rules mean that the Council is not allowed to borrow the money we need to reach the new standards. Gwynedd Community Homes would be governed by different rules and could borrow the money they need to bring homes in Gwynedd up to the Assembly Government’s expectations.”

Ffrancon Williams, Head of Housing Ballot Project Team said: “Now even more tenants have the opportunity to see for themselves what WHQS improvements will mean and I would urge them to visit the show home in Tremadog.  At the end of the consultation process it will be the tenants themselves who decide on this matter, which is why it is important they carefully consider the information they receive before making their decision in the confidential ballot this Spring."

A free bus service will operate if reserved in advance between the show home  Blaenau Ffestiniog, Penrhyndeudraeth, Porthmadog, Garndolbenmaen and Criccieth on Wednesday, 4 February. For more information and to make a reservation tenants can call freephone 0800 030 4653.

For further information on the housing stock transfer proposals and the show home exhibition programme, tenants can contact:

• The Council’s freephone information line on 0800 0304653
• Independent Tenant’s Advisors on freephone 0800 085 2207 (English) or 0800 019 4004 (Welsh)
• Gwynedd Tenant’s Commission on 0800 0852 207 or gwyneddtc@yahoo.co.uk