Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service

The 2010 Award is intended to recognise innovation and new ways of responding to homelessness, whether by an individual or a project working in Wales.  They welcome applications from individuals or organisations who wish to undertake research into the issues around women, housing and homelessness; or to assist with the setting up of a new project; or to help a further development of a proven project. The application form and guidance notes can be obtained by contacting Mel Evans on 01792 483072, mele@sheltercymru.org.uk

Source: Grantfinder

Tenants in Neath Port Talbot have voted to transfer their homes to NPT Homes. Independent organisation Electoral Reform Services, which ran the ballot, have released the results of the secret ballot of tenants in which 61.6% voted, 56.6% supported the transfer proposal and 43.4% did not support the Council’s transfer proposal. Go to the NPTCBC website for more information.

Source: Neath Port Talbot CBC Website.

The new strategy sets out plans for a wholesale transformation of how energy is used in the UK’s homes. For more information go to the following website.

Source: Grantfinder

Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration has announced that Barry is to become the seventh Strategic Regeneration Area (SRA) in Wales with a £9 million investment from the Welsh Assembly Government. For more information please visit the Welsh Assembly Government website.

Councillor Peter Rees has been appointed Deputy Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council. Councillor Rees, who represents the Neath South ward, holds the Cabinet Portfolio for Social Care, Health and Housing. He is also the Council’s Older Persons’ Champion.

Source: Neath Port Talbot CBC website.

Shelter Cymru’s training schedule for 2009 is now available for download from their website.

The Report an Empty Property website has now gone live.  They have joined with The Empty Homes Agency so that any empty property reports for Wales are now directed to the Local Authority Area concerned. For more information go to their website.

From Neath Port Talbot CBC website:

First time buyers in Neath Port Talbot’s renewal areas can now apply for energy efficiency grants. Sandfields East and Aberavon and the Upper Amman Valley are set to benefit from £50,000 funding from the Welsh Assembly to help first time buyers reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint by installing such things as new central heating boilers and loft and cavity wall insulation. Grants of up to £5000 are available for first time buyers who have purchased homes since 27th June 2007. These must be existing properties not new builds.http://www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2482&pr_id=3580

The Wales Co-operative Centre and the Consumer Credit Counselling Service are launching a new housing debt helpline to support people vulnerable to losing their homes. Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the ‘Housing Debt Helpline Wales’ offers support to home owners and those in rented property who are finding it difficult to meet their mortgage or rental payments. The website is now live and can be viewed at http://www.housing-debt-helpline-wales.org