Local social home provider wants ‘a Wales with no poverty’

The company behind a number of major social housing projects in the Welshpool has announced the launch of a new corporate plan which features its priorities and primary intention - a Wales with no poverty.

Revealed for the first time this week, ClwydAlyn’s corporate plan sets out its mission - ‘together, we will end poverty’.

Cris McGuinness (pictured), Chair of the Board at ClwydAlyn, which is behind the impressive Neuadd Maldwyn project in Welshpool, explained why this determination is required.

“In 2023/2024 over 13,500 households in Wales were assessed as homeless, the highest number since Welsh legislation began,” said Cris.

“In the same time period almost 18,000 people were placed into temporary accommodation. These figures reflect a very real and urgent requirement for support within our communities.”

As poverty across all demographics continues to rise in Wales, ClwydAlyn is focused on positive outcomes for as many individuals as possible. The organisation has made significant strides towards tackling poverty, whilst recognising ongoing challenges, and believes proactivity is more important than ever.

Subsequently, ClwydAlyn has once again committed to bold steps towards change, which have been enshrined into the organisation’s new five-year corporate plan.

As an established social homes provider, ClwydAlyn owns and operates over 6,800 homes across Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy, Wrexham, Powys, Gwynedd and Isle of Anglesey.

This includes social housing for families and single people, as well as specialist nursing and care services, supported living and independent living options, low-cost homeownership, leasehold management services, intermediate and market rented homes.

In 2020, ClwydAlyn pioneered a ‘no evictions’ initiative, committing to not evict any residents into homelessness and targeting its resources on working with residents to understand their circumstances.

Clare Budden, Chief Executive Officer at ClwydAlyn, said: “The focus is on putting the right support in place to enable residents to maintain their tenancies. Using our resources, expertise and skills in this way we have been able to reduce our rent arrears.”

The new plan highlights three key priority areas:

• Ending homelessness
• Ensuring that residents and staff can live in safe, warm homes
• Working with partners to provide access to good, affordable food in all neighbourhoods

Ms Budden continues: “We are determined to tackle the inequalities that exist in our region. Our new corporate plan is an active statement of purpose, laying out specifics on how we propose to achieve our priorities.

“From the development of more safe, affordable homes, to working in collaboration to influence and advocate for our residents and communities; there’s a lot to be done.

“We know we can’t end poverty alone and an important part of our work is to join forces with partners across North Wales where our priorities align.

“Engaging in conversations with organisations that share our commitment to ending poverty and inequalities, features significantly in our new corporate plan. We’re committed to working collaboratively and excited to create real change for North Wales.”

To find out more about ClwydAlyn’s new five-year corporate plan, visit: CA-CP25_A4-plan_ENG.pdf

PICTURED: Welsh Cabinet Secretary Jane Bryant with ClwydAlyn’s Head of Technical Innovation and Climate, Tom Boome.