RCT Homes

RCT Homes is a new not-for-profit local housing organisation. It is a type of Community Housing Mutual, which the Council has helped to establish.

RCT Homes could implement a massive programme of improvements, which the Council simply couldn’t afford. Around £170 million would be spent in the first 5 years to make improvements to tenants’ homes – this is around £120 million more than the Council could afford in the same time.

RCT Homes would be registered and regulated by the Assembly Government, who can take action if promises and standards are not being met. It would also enter into a legally binding contract with the Council.

Importantly, tenants would have a real say in how RCT Homes is run. It would be managed by a board of 15 people, 5 of who would be tenants, working alongside 5 Council nominees and 5 independent people.

All tenants could apply to become members of RCT Homes, with voting at annual and general meetings.

If the Council’s homes transfer to RCT Homes, tenants’ rights and entitlements would be protected and rent guarantees have been provided to ensure that rents remain affordable.

Here, you can meet members of the Shadow Board:

Kel Palmer (Tenant Representative)

In his 54 year career Kel has served on hundreds of different operational, political, sporting and social committees, including high-level committees in Whitehall, Washington and Brussels. He’s also been an RAF Squadron and Station Commander. Kel, a tenant from Fernhill, is committed to working to improve the quality of life in the local community through better housing services.

Stella Wheeler (Tenant Representative)

A retired English teacher, Stella lives at the Llys Gwernifor sheltered housing complex in Mountain Ash. She writes a column for her local paper, is a representative for her sheltered scheme and serves on the Rhondda Cynon Taff Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation. Stella’s aim is to be involved in making decisions that will positively affect the lives and homes of people in the community.

Ken Chinnock (Tenant Representative)

A tenant from Park View in Abercynon, Ken worked in Cardiff City Council’s housing department for 29 years following nine years in the army. He has also served on many committees over the years and at present is on the Committee for Abercynon Social Hall. Ken says that his aim is to support the new organisation by drawing on his skills and experience and speaking with an honest and open mind.

Andrew Morgan (Council Nominee)

A Councillor for Mountain Ash West, Andrew is a former pupil of Mountain Ash Comprehensive School. A former employee of the Council’s housing department he worked in the housing maintenance section for 11 years before leaving his job as a Maintenance Inspector in 2003 to stand in the local elections. A tireless worker for local regeneration, he realises the task faced to improve all homes. “I know the immense task we face but the next few years should be an exciting time for tenants and the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf. Communities should feel assured that local people are involved and looking after their interests.”

Simon Jones (Independent Member)

Since 2003, Simon has been Chair of Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust. Previously he was Chief Executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre for ten years. With a keen interest in community regeneration he also continues part time work for the Wales Co-operative Centre and in his role as Chair of the Communities First Support Network.

Simon was a member of the Welsh Assembly Advisory Group that provided advice on the development of the Community Housing Mutual Model.

“The opportunity to be part of what is likely to be a very exciting and important initiative in RCT is both an honour and a privilege.”

Paul Cannon (Council Nominee)

A Councillor for Ystrad, Paul brings a wealth of local experience to the Board including 30 years in the South Wales Police Force. He has been chosen to Chair the Shadow Board and wants to ensure that the community has a say.

“What’s special is that we have equal membership of Councillors, community representatives and tenants on the Board and all resources get put back into local estates and communities.”

Dennis Weeks (Council Nominee)

Dennis is a Councillor for Penygraig and an active member of the community. His career includes 34 years working at the Royal Mint and being an active member of the Trades Union.

“I believe this is the only way forward and I want to be part of it.”

Jan Hughes (Tenant Representative)

Jan, a tenant from Caergwerlas in Tonyrefail, has worked in a variety of roles all involving service to the public. In addition, she has served on numerous voluntary projects and is secretary of her local Tenants’ Association. Jan says that her aim is to make a positive contribution to tenants’ lives.

Ken Seymour (Tenant Representative)

Ken, a tenant from Marshfield Court in Tonyrefail, is Treasurer to the Rhondda Cynon Taf Tenants’ & Residents’ Federation and is the Federation’s nominee on the Shadow Board. He has been a Council tenant for fifty-six years, thirty-seven of those in the local area.

Professor Hugh Coombs (Independent Member)

A resident from Llantrisant, Hugh is a Professor of accounting at the University of Glamorgan. He also has previous Board-level experience of working with Housing Associations.

“Our Community Mutual will ensure tenants are involved and that they can contribute to helping drive communities forward.”

Clayton Willis (Council Nominee)

Clayton Willis has been a Councillor for Tynant for 12 years. Before becoming one of the Council’s Cabinet Members he spent most of his career in human resources and industrial relations including 30 years as HR manager for a multi-national company. Talking about the proposed new organisation he said, “The future looks brighter now than ever before.”

Graham Stacey (Council Nominee)

A Councillor for over 20 years, Graham is the ward member for Church Village. Recently retired, he has over 30 years experience working as a sales manager in the local area. “We need to bring our housing up to a standard that people deserve, as well as improve the general surroundings on our estate and communities.”

View our Frequently Asked Questions >>