Consider
the report
Minutes:
A report was submitted to encourage a discussion on the priorities of the Gwynedd Housing Partnership Strategy 2013-2017. The role of
the housing associations to
achieve these priorities, along with the way these
matters would be met, was noted by reviewing
the Strategy for the 2017 -
2021 period.
The Housing Strategic Manager highlighted that Housing Associations
provide more than housing and that the report
referred to what had been completed, as well as the main achievements over the strategy's period. Additional benefits were apparent, such as work
opportunities and opportunities for people to move forward in the housing market. Nevertheless, their main emphasis was to build new developments that would be funded
by grants from the Welsh Government. It was highlighted that Welsh Government had set a supply target of 20,000 units by the end
of the next Government, which placed emphasis and urgency on
Councils and Housing Associations to respond. It was the Council that decided on
the strategic priorities of
these development by collaborating with, and directing,
the Housing Associations to
locations where other areas were
targeted that had been divided as
required. The process would identify prospective tenants through the Allocations Policy and the Housing Options Team. Reference was made to the role of the Energy Wardens that were crucial
in terms of introducing and promoting schemes. It was noted that
several Partners of the Partnership contributed toward this role
- an example of energy schemes were 'Nyth' and 'Cartrefi Clyd'.
Along with new developments, it was explained that the Partnership focused on homelessness matters and the Housing Act by collaborating with Housing Associations and Supporting People Team to provide services to the most vulnerable people of our society. By
reviewing the strategy, it was noted that,
as suppliers and promoters, the partners would have to be central to ensure that the relationship continued.
During the ensuing discussion the following observations
were highlighted:
·
Some areas continued to see need
·
What was the vision of
the Housing Associations?
·
More must be done to keep people
local - need confidence in the allocations procedure
·
Why build new? Needed to look at the housing for sale and
empty housing situation
·
Empty bedroom tax being an
additional cost to the tenant.
·
Building from new could create
a ghetto outside of communities where people were seen
moving from village centres to live on the outskirts.
·
A need for schemes that
would include more bungalows
·
It was necessary to look long term and in detail in
terms of housing suitability - a long term vision
was necessary
It was recognised that
the situation was challenging
with substantial difficulties and problems to do what was possible with the available resources. It was highlighted that the Strategy was robust - the challenge was the capacity to implement and fund the schemes.
In response to the concern
in regards to the allocations system, it was acknowledged that the emphasis in the past had been on allocations
within a tight timetable, but by now that
there was recognition to look at attaining the correct tenant for the correct location. The suggestion was accepted to contact the Local Member in areas
with weak lists or situations
where, possibly, a warning would be received beforehand about an empty
house. It was noted that a review
into the Housing Options Team (that
was established in 2012)
was being completed.
Cartrefi
Clyd - in response to an observation, it was highlighted that the requirements of the scheme limited the number of housing. It was reported that every scheme
was different with different criteria and a tight schedule to submit an application.
Concern was expressed about lack of resources
within the unit and that the collaboration and support of the Housing Associations had been advantageous to seek information. It was reiterated that the national guidelines were an obstacle and
it was suggested to contact the Assembly to report that the system did not lead to effective planning.
In response to an observation, and a desire to build more bungalows for older
people, it was highlighted that the Older People Accommodation
Strategy looked at the situation that was common across the County. It was noted that the constructing industry and developers appeared stubborn due to bungalows not being cost effective. It was noted that
four areas had been identified within the Older People Accommodation Strategy and work
was needed to seek solutions and hold
discussions about the aspirations of families.
It was reported that Extra Care Housing had released 16 units for families in
Bangor following work to facilitate and help individuals to move. Following the completion of Hafod
y Gest in Porthmadog, the next
options would need to be looked at, considering different models for smaller
communities that offered the same opportunities for older people.
RESOLVED to accept
the report and welcome the opportunity to hold an initial
discussion about the direction of the Strategy and offer the observations below:
-
Affordability - emphasise that a response is needed to the housing affordability crisis - for the Partnership to look at different methods and ways of making
a difference and respond to the challenge by ensuring affordable
housing for local people
- Seek housing stock suitable
to ensure balance in terms of the provision
- Identify opportunities, at least in areas
where there are weak lists,
to contact the Local Member to discuss the situation along with tailoring marketing methods
-
Consider the possibilities to buy houses for sale
or empty houses as well as new-builds in
order to avoid the possibility of creating unviable communities. A suggestion to discuss the change in emphasis
and adapt the subsidy arrangement in the long term with Welsh Government.
-
As the Full Council will consider implementing
Second House / Empty House Premium, it is possible to attract income to be earmarked for social,
affordable housing - the Partnership would need to hold a discussion for the Council's decision on how to implement
this.
Supporting documents: