Thousands of council tenants in Swindon are set to benefit from improved safety measures as part of a £10.5 million upgrade to fire and carbon monoxide alarms in council-owned homes.
The programme, which began in September, has already seen new alarms installed in 1,190 council properties. These new alarms will be fitted with sensors that detect heat, smoke and carbon monoxide, and will automatically notify the Council when they need testing, repairing, or replacing.
Tenants can also choose to receive these alerts directly through a downloadable app, giving them greater control over their home’s safety.
While the installation work is ongoing, tenants are being encouraged to check their current alarms and report any issues by contacting the Council at TLO@swindon.gov.uk.
Swindon Borough Council, which manages 10,383 homes including 31 sheltered housing schemes and four supported housing schemes, is also installing environmental sensors in approximately 10% of the upgraded properties.
These sensors will monitor temperature and humidity levels, and will provide tenants with real-time data and alerts to help them take proactive measures to maintain a safe and healthy living space.
The four-year programme is part of the Council’s new Asset Management Strategy, which was approved by Cabinet Members in February. The strategy outlines plans to invest £250 million in maintaining and improving council-owned homes between 2025 and 2030, without affecting council tax-funded services.
Councillor Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This £10.5 million programme will ensure that all council-owned homes are equipped with modern, reliable fire and carbon monoxide alarms over the next four years. The new devices will help to enhance tenants’ safety by alerting both the Council and residents when maintenance is required. The environmental sensors will provide valuable insights, helping tenants to maintain a healthy living space while allowing our Housing team to offer proactive support.”
Peter Price-Higgott, Relationship Manager at Aico, the company providing the alarms, added: “We’re pleased to support Swindon Borough Council on this important project. Following a successful trial of the technology, the Council has seen the benefits of using our products to improve tenant safety and wellbeing. We look forward to continuing our collaboration throughout the programme.”
