Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr. Craig ab Iago.

RESOLVED

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that there was a good and bad news. It was noted that three specific schemes outlined the positive work that the department did. It was explained that the Housing Action Plan was now operational and worked to ensure housing for local people in their communities. It was noted that there were innovative schemes across the county and that several grants had been received to respond to plans such as homelessness.

It was noted that schemes were underway to build housing within the county and that discussions were being held with bodies across Gwynedd to build housing on Council land. Attention was drawn to the One-Stop-Shop scheme which would be available to assist individuals to ensure that they received the support and were aware of any available opportunities. It was noted that the social housing letting scheme for local people which had been started a year ago was taking large strides forward and were continuing to develop although many problems had arisen along the way. Nevertheless, it was emphasised that the department had succeeded to house a high number of people in their communities.

It was explained that, although the schemes were ambitious, the pandemic had slowed many schemes down with the Housing Action Plan. It was stressed that steps were in place to tackle homelessness which had been a crisis prior to the pandemic but that the situation had worsened over the past eighteen months. It was noted that the pandemic had had an impact on the resources that were available together with the capacity to respond. However, with the new performance challenging regime, it was possible to respond quickly to the challenges and tackle problems immediately.

On the whole, it was noted that the department was succeeding and that receiving four National Awards was testament to this success. It was explained that the Cabinet Member would visit every regeneration area over the coming months to explain to Councillors what the Department hoped to do in every area.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾     Attention was drawn to hidden homelessness which seemed to be on the increase across the county. The schemes within the Housing Action Plan were welcomed, and it was highlighted that it had been operational for a mere seven months. It was asked if it would be possible to have information for every ward. It was noted that a discussion regarding hidden homelessness was extremely important as the success of the scheme to get individuals off the street had reduced the housing available to tackle the increase in hidden homelessness.

¾     It was explained that homelessness was at its highest level ever and this was the case across Wales. It was explained that the Council was looking at buying six sites and was continuing to seek to buy houses in order to offer lettings for individuals locally.

¾     It was explained that the money for homelessness would come from the Council's Hardship Fund but it was noted that the Minister had emphasised that the money would not be available in the next financial year. It was explained that if it continued, money would be needed to fund it and assurance would be needed that the money was in the settlement received from the Government. 

¾     It was noted that the report was clear, concise and to the point and was very positive. It was noted that homelessness figures were astoundingly high although there was no shortage of housing, but that a high number of houses were used seasonally at present. The Government was asked that if they were withdrawing the funds, support would be needed with second homes.