Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

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.