Issue - meetings

To scrutinise performance matters within the Department.

1.    To accept the report.

2.    To ask the Finance Department to correspond with the valuation office agency to get a list of all the empty houses in Gwynedd.

3.    To ask the Cabinet Member to send a letter to the government noting a concern about high rent in the private housing sector and press upon them to present measures to ensure that the list is affordable and reduces homelessness.

4.    To encourage the Housing and Property Department to publicise new specialist housing developments for people with specific needs.

The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Property and the Head of Department. It was highlighted that the report included information about the department's performance from April to the end of September 2025.   The Cabinet Member explained that he would report on the latest figures to give a correct picture to committee members as the original meeting had been postponed. The statistics for the number of empty houses that have come back into use due to Council support in Gwynedd was corrected as well as the number that have come back into use via the empty homes grant. Reference was made to the measures, and it was noted that 306 houses had come back into use because of the Council's support, with 123 of these via the Empty Homes Scheme grants. It was noted that the figures had increased by the end of November to 321 houses that had come back into use, and 128 via the Empty Homes Scheme, this reflected a huge success. It was stated that the Empty Homes Schemes continued to be successful, and were at the forefront in Wales in terms of bring empty homes back into use for local owners.

Concern was expressed that the current system for grants applications was rather bureaucratic. It was noted that many people waited a long time during the process and could not commence the work required before they moved in. It was asked whether it was possible to amend elements of the grant to speed-up the process? It was suggested that an additional measure should be introduced to identify what took so much time. It was also noted that the deadline of 6 months by which time the owners had to undertake the work was unfair, bearing in mind how busy contractors were, especially in rural areas. It was asked whether it was possible for people to get a time extension? In response, details were given about the grant provision, and it was noted that it was specifically to provide a financial support grant for people to restore essential features in housing to make the houses warm and safe. Because of this, it was emphasised that it was difficult to create a scheme that was suitable for all.

Details were given of the projects underway in the department, to act on the pledges in the 2023-28 Council Plan. The successful progress made during last year was reported on, noting that the department was on its way to delivering every goal. Members were guided through the report as they were updated on the progress of each project to achieve the objectives of the Council Plan.

It was noted that the Tŷ Gwynedd Scheme was making good progress as part of the Homely Gwynedd scheme.  It was noted that the Dol Afon Goch development had nearly been completed, and the lettings process was underway.  It was stated that the development of the former Ysgol Babanod Coed Mawr, Bangor, was also making good progress with structural  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5