Agenda item

a)  Approve the projects noted in the Housing Action Plan for the period from now to 2026/27.

b)  Further approve the allocation recommended for the individual projects, within the financial envelope that has already been approved for this field of work, and up to the total resources already collected.

c)  In order to allow for flexibility when responding to changes in the housing market over time, authorise the Head of Housing and Property Department, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Department and the Head of Finance Department, to vary the exact allocation for individual projects as information about the costs of individual projects, and the demand for various types of support, become firmer over time.

The report was submitted by Cllr. Craig ab Iago.

DECISION

a)  To approve the projects noted in the Housing Action Plan for the period from now to 2026/27.

b)  To further approve the allocation recommended for the individual projects, within the financial envelope that had already been approved for this field of work, and up to the total resources already collected.

c)  In order to allow for flexibility when responding to changes in the housing market over time, authorise the Head of Housing and Property Department, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Department and the Head of Finance Department, to vary the exact allocation for individual projects as information about the costs of individual projects, and the demand for various types of support, become firmer over time.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that the housing field was now in a state of emergency. The Cabinet Member noted that, despite pressing the Welsh Government to address the matter, it was a pleasure to propose the Housing Plan for Gwynedd Council. He explained that the Action Plan highlighted how the Department would implement the vision. He added that the document was being presented and would be in place to inspire people.

The Head of Housing and Property Department noted that Councillors and partners within the Housing sector had been involved in discussions to create the document along the way. He emphasised that it was a composite report, and that a further report on some more detailed business cases would be submitted in the new year. It was noted that the department had worked hard to create a document that would be legible to all. The main fields within the Plan were outlined, noting that the key objective of the plan would be for the Council to build its own houses to rent at a fair price within the county, and to upgrade empty properties in order to return them to use.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾  The Housing Plan was welcomed, and attention was drawn to the quality of the work, which was clear and highlighted what the department intended to do. It was emphasised that research had been undertaken to determine the true need within the county. In terms of the plan for the future, an enquiry was made as to how much flexibility there was to adapt the plan as the years went by. It was noted that the plan set a good foundation, but that the department would continue to examine and make changes during the period. It was emphasised that the plan was flexible but that if a major change was foreseen, that it would be brought back to the Cabinet.

¾  It was noted that there were challenges to be seen in the housing field, and that the plan addressed them in various ways. In terms of grant scheme timetables, it was enquired whether empty housing grants could be backdated. It was noted that certain schemes would be implemented sooner than others, and that the department would look into the idea of back dating grants should this be required to address difficulties residents may be facing.

¾  It was expressed that the plan was ambitious, and an enquiry was made as to whether they were confident of receiving grants. It was noted that the department had received every grant it had applied for so far, and that the plan stretched over six years so that plans were in place should any grant opportunities arise.

¾  The members congratulated the department, noting that establishing the department had shown that the Council was taking the housing field seriously. It was noted that the department had already seen success.

¾  The department was praised for the plan, emphasising that the true achievement would be to realise the plan. It was noted that the foundations were there, praising the department for drawing up equality assessments.

-       Attention was drawn to the variety of projects, and that the department had looked for more than one solution to various problems.