Welsh landlord hits back at ‘false and misleading’ claims over its allocations

“We understand people care deeply about housing, but it’s important to stick to the facts and not share things you aren’t sure to be true or from a reliable source. It only causes panic and division, which helps nobody,” the landlord said.

In the wake of this, and comments made on other schemes in areas like Penrhys and Tonyrefail, Trivallis then published a detailed Q&A.

“Social homes are allocated by Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT) Council through the Homefinder RCT system,” it said, adding: “The housing register does not prioritise people just because they are ‘local’ but because they are in most urgent need of a home.”

“Allocating homes to people who need them most is fairer because it ensures that those facing serious challenges, like poor health, disability, or homelessness, get the support they urgently require.” 

Trivallis said that in practice, more than 19 out of every 20 homes allocated go to people who have strong local ties to RCT.

In the last year, 90% of people who were allocated social housing in RCT were already living there, while another 6% had a local connection such as working in RCT, it said.

The provider, which has over 10,000 homes across Rhondda Cynon Taff and Cardiff Bay, said it was building more homes for the nearly 5,000 households on the social housing waiting list in RCT.

In January, Trivallis unveiled a new development strategy which includes building 130 new homes a year.

The Mitchell Court scheme involves the demolition and rebuild of former council offices and the Conservative Club in Tonypandy town centre, with 42 flats and eight houses for social rent.

It is set to go before RCT’s planning committee tomorrow afternoon, with officers recommending approval.

Other developments include the regeneration of a housing estate in the nearby ex-mining village of Penrhys, which the landlord has owned since its transfer from the council in 2007.

According to an update last month, Trivallis intends to submit a planning application in August 2025 for the first phase of the proposals for 150 new homes. An outline application for the wider masterplan could then follow in early 2026.

Trivallis declined to comment further.