Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are currently struggling with socially distancing from our friends and family and dealing with the efforts that come from being stuck at home. The website ‘Nextdoor’ can help, bringing you closer to your local community, digitally.

TPAS Cymru staff tell you their favourite ways to 'upcycle how they recycle', giving you tips on how to improve your recycling, making it more creative and engaging for all the family. 

Over the last few days we’ve seen a number of articles in the news regarding cash as a means for buying and whether it will survive the next ten years in the face of the growing “cashless society”. 

A victory over the border in the fight against "No DSS" gives us hope for reformation of private renting.

New Renting Homes (Amendment): (Wales) Bill?– an easy summary 

A quick look across the border at some of the legislation introduced in the Queen’s Speech tells us that English renters will soon be able to use “lifetime deposits” to easier navigate the Private Rental Sector.

On the 18th December 2019, Welsh Government published a five-year rent policy settlement which provides greater certainty for the sector and, to some extent, tenants.

If you are thinking of setting up a Facebook group, here are my top tips from my own experiences.

TPAS Cymru holds networks twice a year for tenants and staff in social housing who have an interest in housing related issues affecting people with disabilities and their carers. The networks are informal and participatory and give delegates a chance to share their experiences, successes and lessons learned.

There is no arguing that Help to Buy has helped many people onto the property ladder (including myself) as well as helping property developers to buy a few yachts with their £1.09 billion profits; but this hasn’t come without its issues.

For under £5k, your community could have an amazing community asset

In this introductory article, we look at some emerging methods of collecting and managing security deposits in private rental sector accommodation. Recent research by TPAS Cymru asked private renters whether they were happy with the current ways of doing things, and whether they would use alternatives. Nearly 90% of respondents said that they would be interested in using the alternate deposit schemes explained in this article.

Yes we need to build affordable houses as we simply don’t have enough but I argue that these houses must be homes. People need to feel dignity and respect in their home and this means providing flooring.

A brief explanation of alternatives to the traditional deposit (bond) collection and administration for private rental contracts.

Over the last 13 months, a panel of experts have been gathering evidence to examine whether more can be done to increase the supply of affordable housing in Wales through maximizing the resources available. This is what we think. 

For Profit housing is growing in England – what does it mean for Wales? 

David gives his thoughts on RentSmart Wales training for Landlords & Agents and what he would like to see changed

Single parents are twice as likely to live in poverty than coupled parents and are more likely to experience loneliness, isolation and stigma. The challenges they face cannot go unnoticed. See what single parents suggest for social housing providers to ensure positive change. 

Shocking findings from our recent Tenant Pulse survey 

Regulation report for health and safety identifies a need for tenant engagemen

The BBC published an interactive map that shows the scale of the problem facing young people trying to rent.

TPAS Cymru's Engagement and Policy Officer invites views on tackling loneliness and isolation.

TPAS Cymru's Engagement & Policy Officer Elizabeth talks about our response to the Affordable Housing Supply Consultation.

Following recent reports raising concerns about the affordability of social housing rents in Wales, Steffan Evans of TPAS Cymru looks at why this has become a greater issue over recent months. 

A look back at what Tenant Pulse has told us over the last twelve months. 

Here's what the Tenant Pulse Community told us about repairs services in social housing in Wales.

Here's what the Tenant Pulse Community told us about value for money in social housing in Wales. 

Is Tenant Participation mainstreamed and 'at the heart' of your organisation?

In 2018, let’s all make our communications more accessible. Here are 4 simple steps.

The TPAS Cymru Disability Networks are held twice a year in the north and south.  here is what you missed at the last one. 

It’s a week on from our successful annual TPAS Cymru conference and I’ve now had time to reflect on some of the fascinating discussions and conversations had with tenants from across Wales. 

Over my Sunday lunch, I've been mulling over whether it’s a good or bad thing?

Openness & Transparency: 5 Reasons to Bare All

TPAS Cymru considers what the Regulation of Registered Social Landlords (Wales) Bill might mean for tenants in Wales.

It seems like you can’t move in the social housing sector in Wales without hearing talk of ‘value for money’…… and so it should be. Having an environment where people are talking VFM is a start to making delivery of VFM a reality.

A number of recommendations have been made after the Grenfell Tower fire as to how the housing sector could improve its performance to ensure that such horrendous events never happen again. This blog examines one such recommendation, the extension of the Freedom of Information Act to housing associations. 

Why can’t all hotel rooms be accessible?  Our Director calls for greater progress on hotel accessibility

Why you should read the latest Public Ombudsman Case Book

The quarterly report (known as the Casebook) is a useful read. Find out why?

Social housing tenants and landlords from across Wales came together on Tuesday 4th July to celebrate the very best in tenant involvement activity at our annual Participation Awards at the Park Inn, Cardiff. 

Welsh Government has recently opened consultation on their proposed reform of the regulation of registered social landlords in Wales. Here's TPAS Cymru's response. 

Steffan Evans reflects on some of the things he learned by taking part in a debate at the International Social Housing Festival.

Steffan Evans reflects on some of the things he learned by taking part in a debate at the International Social Housing Festival.

A week on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy it’s still hard to comprehend the scale of the disaster and the loss of life: our thoughts are with the victims and the bereaved families

I’ve recently come back from a family road trip in the campervan, driving over 600 miles wasn’t the most relaxing but once pitched up (with a little help from our neighbour!) and deck chairs were out it was great to meet and chat with fellow campers.  

Today is the anniversary of the birth of Joey Deacon who was someone I’ve come to greatly admire and whose book greatly influenced me in how I look and contribute to Society.

If you are involved with tenant participation and engagement you will have probably considered the advantages of using co-production techniques in co-designing new services.  Co-production scored highly in our new Guide to Tenant Participation that TPAS Cymru recently produced and some great work is happening in Housing using Co-production.  NPT Homes are certainly one organisation that have seen great benefit.

If you are involved with tenant participation and engagement you will have probably considered the advantages of using co-production techniques in co-designing new services.  Co-production scored highly in our new Guide to Tenant Participation that TPAS Cymru recently produced and some great work is happening in Housing using Co-production.  NPT Homes are certainly one organisation that have seen great benefit.

Our Director David Wilton sets out why ‘I Daniel Blake’ film is a must see

When you work in the social housing sector it’s often hard to keep up with all the latest terminology and initiatives.