Agenda item

Cabinet Member – Councillor Craig ab Iago

To receive a report on the above  (attached).

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Leisure and Culture presented the report and noted that Gwynedd Council had carried out a Strategic Review of Homelessness in accordance with the requirements of the Housing (Wales) Act (2014). It was reiterated that the findings of the review set a foundation for developing a Homelessness Strategy and that the Housing Service was currently in consultation on local actions that would address the aims and requirements of the Strategy.

Reference was made to an executive summary included with the report that provided a detailed analysis of the levels and nature of homelessness, an audit of the services and review of the resources available to spend on homelessness in the County. It was reiterated that the executive summary provided evidence for the North Wales Regional Homelessness Strategy and the Gwynedd Local Homelessness Provision Action Plan.

The Senior Housing Manager and the Homelessness and Housing Support Manager  gave a PowerPoint presentation summarising the main findings of the review and the considerations identified. It was highlighted that the local action plan (2018-2022) had been created in response to the review and was available on the Council's website.

In response to a question regarding the effect of universal credit on the work of the Homelessness Team, members were reminded that Gwynedd did not yet have a full Universal Credit Service and that only new applicants were given assistance. Nevertheless, it was noted that work was being done to prepare individuals and families for the change and that a dedicated officer was available to help with vulnerable individuals. Members were encouraged to refer any requests for advice to the Housing Solutions Officer who specialises in the service.

In response to an observation about the high numbers evicted from their homes because of failure to pay rent, it was highlighted that the Homelessness Team was very eager to collaborate with the Housing Associations and that information about individuals / families would be shared in an attempt to find a solution before people were evicted. It was reiterated that Housing Associations had steps in place to try to prevent homelessness and if all those steps had been taken the Homelessness Service would step in to assist and provide support.

In response to a question about the Services's capacity to deal with the increase in numbers requesting help, it was noted that the Homelessness Service had insufficient resources to cope with the extra work. The Cabinet Member suggested that a report could be submitted that would highlight that the Service was aware of the challenge it would face in response to the increase. The Head of Service reiterated that every effort was being made to ensure that the person was at the centre of the service and, by anticipating the fuarther increase in demand, it was noted that a financial bid had been submitted to strengthen the capacity for this increasing need. They would have to make the best use of the resource and endeavour to prioritise

The Chair noted that he did not wish to see the impact of Universal Credit becoming an additional burden for the Service's officers, and any concerns should be brought to the Committee's attention before the situation deteriorated.

In response to a comment about the use of Discretionary Housing Payments, and the allegation that the Council returned the funds that had not been used, it was suggested that a request be made to the Head of Finance for an update. The Homelessness Manager reiterated that Gwynedd Council made full use of the Discretionary Housing Payments budget.

In response to a question about provision for young prison-leavers, it was noted that a dedicated officer was in charge of coordinating this work through identifying accommodation before they left prison. It was reiterated that the Officer had been short-listed for a 'Cymorth Cymru' award as the programme had been identified as pioneering.

During the ensuing uent discussion, the following observations by Members were noted:

·         The private sector provision needed to be considered - need to ensure that the standard of the houses met the statutory requirements

·         The review conveyed the problems but did not offer solutions

·         There was a need to bring more empty houses back into use

·         Wylfa - needed to collaborate with Anglesey to try to identify elements that would have an effect

·         There was a need to share good practice with other Councils

·         A suggestion to review the points system - the curent system did not reflect the desperate situation of individuals / families

·         Had the emergence of AirBnB reduced the number of properties available for housing?

·         Suggestion to review the available provision according to area

·         Was it possible for the Council to establish an arm's length company to provide social housing

The Cabinet Member stated that a review of the points system was under-way and that there would be an opportunity to consult on the proposals. It was also highlighted that the Housing Strategy would soon be introduced and that this would identify specific fields and would be an opportunity to consider alternative and creative ideas.

            Resolved:

·         to accept the information.

·         to congratulate the Service for making it on to the 'Cymorth Cymru' shortlist

·         to ask the Cabinet Member to address Members' observations in drawing up the Housing Strategy