New social housing completed ahead of schedule

New homes have been completed ahead of schedule in Newtown as part of a range of changes delivered across Powys in recent months, according to Powys County Council.

The council says 32 new flats in Newtown have been finished ahead of schedule, allowing individuals and families to move into new homes sooner than originally planned. The properties are described as modern and energy efficient, and form part of wider efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing in the county.

The update forms part of the council’s wider transformation programme, which aims to change how some services operate while responding to financial pressures.

As well as the Newtown development, the council said 14 former right-to-buy homes have been brought back into council ownership, increasing the availability of affordable housing in local communities.

Support has also been provided to residents facing financial difficulties. The council reports that 133 families received practical help, including clothing, household items and food. It also says targeted money advice campaigns secured more than £10,000 in additional benefits for residents.

In children’s services, 11 children were placed with Powys foster carers, allowing them to remain closer to their schools, friends and support networks. The council said this approach had also helped avoid more than £1.6 million in costs through its fostering framework.

Cllr David Thomas, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, said the changes were intended to improve outcomes for residents.

“Every transformation must answer a simple question: what difference does it make for residents?” he said.

“The improvements delivered over the last few months show exactly that.

“People are moving into secure homes more quickly, children are staying closer to their communities, families are getting support when they need it most, and schools and services are becoming more efficient and effective.”

Elsewhere, the council said progress had been made on several education projects across Powys, including developments at Sennybridge, Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and Ysgol Calon Cymru.

Environmental initiatives were also highlighted, including solar panels and LED lighting installed in public buildings to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.

The council also reported that nine Local Places for Nature projects are underway to improve community green spaces, while digital changes to some council systems aim to make services easier to access.

The council says the measures are designed to support communities and improve services across the county, although the projects are at different stages of development and their long-term impact will continue to be monitored.