A Labour council is running what it calls “a quality lettings company … offering great homes for private rent in great locations.”

The agency – called Nuplace and owned by Labour-controlled Telford & Wrekin council – was set up some years ago and now builds and manages its own private rental properties. 

It claims this means “that our modern properties are all purpose built for the rental market with our customers in mind.”

It says its in-house letting team will make the experience of setting up a new home as simple and as straightforward as possible, adding: “We offer security, peace of mind and long term renting solutions – understanding that renting a property is increasingly the right solution for more and more people. 

“All our properties are built in fantastic locations with access to local amenities which are important to you.”

This week the agency has only four available properties listed on its website but it says some 1,350 residents live in Nuplace homes across more than 10 developments in Telford and Wrekin. Around 55% of tenants are understood to be families.

However the agency says it will shortly have properties at three schemes – including a former school and a former YMCA hostel – being made available to private tenants on a first come, first served basis.

A Nuplace spokesperson has told the local media in Shropshire: “Through our sensitive and innovative approach we’ve been able to bring these buildings back into use and provide new homes for generations to come. 

“We’ll continue to explore every opportunity to deliver similar projects as often renovation is more sustainable than new construction, reducing the need for new materials and minimising waste.

“Across the four new developments and where possible, we’ve also installed solar panels and electric charging points to help offset energy costs and deliver on the council’s commitment to reduce carbon omissions and tackle climate change.”