Issue - meetings

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Craig ab Iago.

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted confirming that the housing crisis continued in Gwynedd and nationally.

Pride was expressed that Cyngor Gwynedd was the only authority in Wales that had reduced homelessness numbers and the costs of bed and breakfast emergency accommodation this year. It was reported that this confirmed the Department's robust procedures and policies. It was reiterated that the Department had held a 'Homelessness Awareness Week' recently to educate and draw attention to this subject, noting that the response to the campaign had been positive.

⁠Pride was expressed that Dôl Sadler, a supported accommodation site for homeless individuals, the first location of a wider plan in Gwynedd, had reached the short-list for the 'Best Supported Housing Development: Rural/Suburban' award from Inside Housing recently. Hundreds of nominations had been presented for the award and the Department was very proud to reach the short-list.

It was reiterated that other projects were underway to get to grips with the homelessness emergency, namely 137 High Street, Bangor. It was confirmed that this project was a good example of the support available for anyone who experienced homelessness and it was hoped to get more similar locations in the future.

It was confirmed that over 317 social houses had now been built since commencing the current Housing Action Plan. It was reiterated that this had helped to provide 840 Gwynedd residents with a home. It was reported that there were over 220 houses underway over the next year.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Attention was drawn to the fact that the figures for providing Telecare service had reduced recently and it was asked whether there was an opportunity to collaborate more effectively with the team providing the service.

o   In response to the observation, it was acknowledged that these figures had reduced recently because officers were developing a digital version of the service, instead of an analogue version. Due to this, it was noted that they needed to visit each house that used the service to upgrade it. It was acknowledged that this had put an additional workload on the service and had led to a drop in numbers who received Telecare support for the first time. It was confirmed that this work was proceeding well and they hoped that every service user had the digital version by the end of March 2025.

·       It was confirmed that the Scrutiny process was very important to the Council's operation, noting that the Department had received positive feedback about the Housing Action Plan from the Care Scrutiny Committee.

o   It was reiterated that the Department had also attended a Care Scrutiny Committee to discuss the Allocation Policy and other matters, noting that they were very constructive sessions. It was added that a recent Scrutiny session had been held with the Department and representatives from the Housing Agencies and that it was a very valuable opportunity to share a lot of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7