Newtown private renters given voice on forum

Private housing tenants in Newtown and Welshpool are being urged to have their say on the pressures facing renters as Powys County Council launches a new forum following concerns over high rents, housing conditions and a shortage of suitable homes.

The council is setting up a Private Tenants Forum after a survey of renters highlighted affordability, property standards, limited choice and a lack of long-term security among the main concerns.

Although only 30 people responded to the survey, including 24 current private tenants, the council said that their experiences highlighted some of the difficulties faced by people who rely on privately rented accommodation across Powys.

Respondents pointed to the costs of rent, deposits, and advance payments as barriers to finding or moving to suitable accommodation.

Concerns were also raised about repairs, energy efficiency and landlord standards, while some respondents said the growth of short-term holiday accommodation was affecting the number of properties available for people seeking longer-term homes.

The new forum will be open to private tenants from communities including Newtown and Welshpool and is intended to give renters an opportunity to raise issues collectively and obtain information about their rights and available support.

Respondents to the survey said a forum could also help improve landlord accountability and housing standards and provide support for tenants who might otherwise find it difficult to raise concerns.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: "Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey and shared their experiences of renting privately in Powys.

"The responses have highlighted the real pressures some private tenants face, from affordability and housing conditions to limited choice and insecurity.

"The private rented sector is a significant provider of housing in Powys, so it is important that tenants are heard and have opportunities to help shape the support and information available to them."

The first meeting will be held online using Microsoft Teams on Thursday, 29 October, between 5pm and 6pm.

Cllr Dorrance added: "If you are a private tenant in Powys, I would encourage you to come along to the first meeting, have your say and help shape the forum from the start.

"The first meeting will give private tenants the chance to hear more about the survey findings, find out where to go for help and advice, ask questions and discuss how the new forum should work."

Tenants need to register in advance through Powys County Council. More information is also available by emailing privatesectorhousing@powys.gov.uk.

The initiative will run alongside the council's existing Landlords Forum, which brings together private landlords, council housing officers and Rent Smart Wales to discuss legislation, property standards, registration, licensing and compliance.