Agenda item

Cabinet Member:      Councillor Craig ab Iago

 

To consider Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd’s Annual Report.  (Copy enclosed)

 

 

* 10.30 – 11.15 a.m.

 

 

 

(a)       An annual report was submitted by the Chief Executive of Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd, drawing attention to the fact that the content of the report covered between 1 April 2016 to March 2017 and that it followed a procedure that had already been agreed with the Council.

 

Members of the Committee were guided through the report and the following main points were noted:

 

·         that the focus was on maintaining the housing stock to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard and on recommencing the work of constructing new houses

·         in each contract awarded, that contractors were expected to participate by investing in the communities and reference was made to those examples in point 4.2 of the report

·         that it could be seen from Table 1, which referred to the various elements, that the work on average complied in full with the WHQS, although some elements did not hit 100% and the reasons for those failures were explained

·         reference was made that some tenants refused to allow work be carried out on the houses and that this was acceptable, unless the work was to be completed in line with health and safety

·         that statistics were submitted to Welsh Government on an annual basis 

·         in terms of the construction work, many partners were being collaborated with and in relation to grounds maintenance, the contract had been awarded to Gwynedd Council and the work done was very good

·         that work was being done on strategic subjects such as: homelessness (18 houses transferred on a lease to use by Gwynedd Council); provision of affordable housing (a total of 39 units and over 100 houses being achieved this year by using a social grant); growth plans and it was emphasised that there were opportunities along the North Wales coast that assisted CCG to achieve more  

·         that there was good collaboration with North Wales Police and specific reference was made to a scheme and arrangements in place in Maesincla.

·         Reference was made to the strong links between houses and the health service specifically in terms of facilitating timely and easier access to mental health services for some tenants 

·         In terms of the repairs service, although this had not been up to standard in the past, he had received a specific focus to improve the service and reference was made to success in point 9.5 and performance had improved and the service was now much more productive and customer satisfaction had increased

·         That CCG was inspected annually by Welsh Government and that it was pleasing to report that the inspectors praised the service and that they had excelled in terms of financial viability      

 

(b) During the ensuing discussion, the following points were highlighted by individual Members:

 

(i)       It was expressed that the general complaint by many Members was a lack of follow-up to the complaints of tenants, specifically relating to community spaces, windows not opening.

 

In response, it was explained that the standards of customer care had improved but that it was obvious that some problems continued and he apologised for this.   Assurance was given that the specific issues would be followed-up and escalated with the appropriate officer. It was noted that there was a County-wide investment programme in place and an intention to upgrade community spaces and it was hoped that the majority of problems could be resolved in the future.    

 

In general, it was noted that CCG listened to tenants and had done a lot to improve customer care. When substantial work was being carried out on an estate, a thorough consultation would be held. On average, it was noted that tenants were very proud of where they lived. Much emphasis was placed on providing an update and reporting back to tenants.  In addition, it was ensured that wardens visited individuals and there was a procedure of phoning individuals to discover views on the service which had proved successful and lessons had been learnt from this exercise. In addition, an investment had been made in a new IT system that would be of assistance for tracking work, etc.  

 

(ii)      With the investment of £4m for the construction of new housing, it was asked whether the houses were suitable for older people and the disabled.  

 

In response, it was noted that CCG collaborated with the Council's Social Service in relation to welfare adaptations to housing and the purpose of this was to help tenants to be able to remain in their homes for a longer period of time.   

 

In relation to new housing, there was a close collaboration with the Council's Strategic Housing Unit and complied with the relevant standards, and leadership would be taken jointly on building in accordance with priority.   

 

(iii)          In response to an enquiry regarding maintaining walking paths renewed as part of the community investment from contractors, it was explained that contractors were not accountable for their maintenance.   It was explained further that some paths had been adopted by the local authority or in some cases from Community / Town Councils and therefore the responsibility for maintaining them would fall on these authorities.  Therefore, there would be a need to identify the status of the paths and in the context of the Llwyn y Ne, Clynnog, walking path, there would be a need to investigate further.   

 

(iv)          In response to a query regarding pest control, it was explained that there was no problem with the pest control contract and the arrangements in place were explained.   The contract was revisited annually and it was noted that it worked successfully.  

 

(v)           In terms of investing in the community, it was explained that the community matters listed in point 4.2 of the report had been added on the contract.  The Community Grant had reduced but it was confirmed that money was still available but through a different procedure.   It was noted further that CCG had developed a community strategy and was discussing with communities and was prepared to receive business cases.   It was confirmed that the Strategy would be shared with the elected Members and welcomed any suggestions / further ideas from Members.  

 

(vi)          That some work elements within Table 1 in the report did not comply with WHQS and therefore it was asked whether those matters would be recorded further in the statistics the following year to ensure that they were not forgotten. 

 

In response, it was explained that the statistics were presented to Welsh Government and it could be seen exactly which house did not comply but that it was difficult in cases where a tenant had refused to have work to be carried out on a house.   

 

(vii)         Why was the rent in Gwynedd lower than in other authorities in the North?   In response, it was noted that the rent allocation policy was being managed by Welsh Government and from the statistics, consideration was  given to the average weekly salaries, tenant affordability to pay, affordability to be able to purchase houses, the county's economy, and therefore, the average salary in Gwynedd was low in comparison with nearby authorities.  

 

(viii)       As a result of the above, it was asked whether this would be a reason why residents moved to Gwynedd as the rent was low? 

 

In response, it was noted that the above was not necessarily true, because there were other factors why individuals moved to the area such as how many houses were available, family background, etc.    It was noted further that legislation managed the co-exchange of houses and that individuals were entitled to request to move with the application being successful if they met the appropriate requirements.     

 

(ix)     In response to questions / observations, it was noted:

·              In terms of obtaining access to houses, that there was a legal procedure to follow and the wishes of tenants were respected unless they were willing for work to be done on their houses 

·              Best efforts were made to attract tenants by advertising and more recently, training had been established, referred to as a tenants academy, and it was hoped that more interest could be attracted as a result  

·              In terms of the closure of offices in Pwllheli, it was confirmed that there was a satellite centre there and members were encouraged to inform tenants of this.   In addition, officers could visit tenants if needed.  

·              It was ensured that the service for Gwynedd housing would not deteriorate as CCG worked outside the County

 

(x)           It was asked whether it would be possible to renovate empty housing stock in communities rather than build from scratch so that the traditional characters of villages could be retained.

 

In response, it was explained that any developments would be considered in detail and an attempt would be made to promote communities in every aspect but there was a need to ensure that the investment made would be viable over 30 years and the reason for that because of the loans for refurbishment.  

 

(xi)          A question was asked on behalf of a member who was absent from the meeting regarding a case in his ward where CCG had forced a tenant to exchange an open fire for an electric fire.   In response, it was explained that CCG had a policy for opportunities to close-up chimneys and install effective electric heaters to protect the health and safety of the tenants.    However, it was emphasised that they dealt sensitively with cases but that he was not familiar with the specific case referred to.

 

(xii)        Any ideas and opportunities from members in terms of identifying areas within their wards where there was an opportunity for community developments was welcomed.   

 

(xiii)       In terms of the lack of parking on estates, it was acknowledged that the matter was problematic due to a lack of land availability on estates, however, an attempt was made to undertake environmental work where possible.  

 

(xiv)       In response to a question regarding a percentage of failure to carry out work on tenants houses, it had been noted in the past 5/6 years that approximately 10% of tenants had refused work from being carried out on their houses; however, it was reported that the percentage had now reduced.   

 

(xv)        It was asked whether it was possible as part of the scrutiny arrangements for local small contractors to undertake work for CCG.   In response, it was confirmed that it was possible but that it was complicated in terms of legal requirements and advertising contracts.  

 

(xvii) It was ensured that wardens and supported housing wardens visited individuals aged over 80 years. 

 

To close, the Chief Executive and Customers and Communities Director were thanked for the report and the clear responses to the questions submitted above.                                Also, the officers were asked to convey the members' gratitude to CCG's workforce for their praiseworthy work and in particular for their excellent response to telephone enquiries.  

 

Resolved:       To accept, note and give thanks for the report.