Cyflwynwyd gan:Cllr. Craig ab Iago
Decision:
To accept and note the information in the report.
Minutes:
The report was
presented by Cllr Craig ab Iago
DECISION
To accept and note
the information in the report.
DISCUSSION
The report was
submitted noting that the Cabinet Member was very happy with the department's
performance and attention was drawn to some aspects. It was noted that the
Homelessness situation continued to worsen every day and the figures were now
50% higher than those seen prior to the pandemic. It was explained that the plans created prior
to the pandemic were no longer good enough, and there was a need to create
plans to implement the principle of having suitable homes for local people
within their communities. It was highlighted that one scheme asked private
landlords to use their houses to home local people rather than for holiday
accommodation.
Attention was drawn
to an innovative scheme that was being implemented in the homelessness service,
with specialist mental health support.
It was explained that there was a high percentage of homeless persons
with mental health issues and the department had appointed a member of staff
with expertise in this field to work with the individuals for them to remain in
their homes and to prevent them from becoming homeless.
It was stated that
the Council had bought a parcel of land in Morfa Nefyn
to build housing for local people in the centre of the village in affordable,
easy to heat and environmentally green housing. It was noted that these houses
were based on the concept of Tŷ Gwynedd, namely
creating the type of house Gwynedd residents need and not only a house but a
home.
Overall, the Cabinet
Member noted that he was satisfied with the performance, however, it was
difficult to celebrate as the situation remained unresolved but the department
was trying its best to assist people giving hope in a hopeless situation.
The Head of
Department added that they were aware of the significant challenges facing the
department following the pandemic, brexit, increase
in the costs of living and an increase in homelessness. It was noted that the department was eager to
change some of its plans that could be seen within the Council Plan for 2023/24
to include new priorities that are more specific to get to grips with the
challenges facing the department.
Observations arising
from the discussion
¾
An
enquiry was made about the Mental Health Plan within the homelessness team. It
was explained that the plan was innovative and unique to Gwynedd, and that the
plan would secure support for the homeless by the Health Field. It was stated
that it was a clear example of how the department was trying to think
differently and was working to resolve problems.
¾
It
was stated that the pods in Caernarfon for the homeless now appeared to have
been completed, however, there were issues with Welsh Water and a number of
questions had been raised locally why no one was living in them. It was noted that there had been issues with
drainage, however, there was now a solution and the department hoped that there
would be persons in the pods within the next two weeks.
¾
It
was asked whether the Department as part of the Scheme for Purchasing Houses
and Land had seen the comments on social media as many people had noted their
intention to sell on these sites in order to try and get a local buyer. It was noted that the department was keeping
an eye on this and that people could also approach the Council directly to note
their wish to sell directly to the Council.
¾
It
was asked whether the Council was looking at their estates and small holdings
as locations to construct housing. It was noted that the Council was looking at
every parcel of land in its ownership to ensure opportunities to erect new
housing.
Awdur:Carys Fon Williams
Supporting documents: