Cyflwynwyd gan:Cllr. Craig ab Iago
Decision:
To accept and note the information in the
report.
Minutes:
The report was submitted
by Cllr Craig ab Iago
DECISION
To accept and note the information in the report.
DISCUSSION
The report was presented with reference to the number
of people
who were homeless in the County and the
increase in the numbers presenting as homeless as a result of
receiving a 'section 21 notice' from landlords
(notice that there
tenancy will end). It was noted that, during 2022, 169 notices had been issued
and 78% of the reasons given by landlords
for issuing the notice was because they were selling the property. Reference
was made to what the Department was trying to do to try to offer solutions to
this situation, for example offering support packages to private landlords.
Reference was made to House purchase and Land purchase
schemes, noting that 8 houses had been bought and another 5 were either close
to completion or with the purchase agreement in the hands of the solicitors.
Reference was also made to the Gwynedd Homebuy
Scheme, noting that equity loans to the value of £13m were available to give
even more of an opportunity for people to buy a home on the open market in
their local community.
The new Energy service that had been established
was mentioned, noting that over 570 persons had received help with their energy
bills by receiving energy vouchers. It was noted that this was a success but
that the original problem had been created by the Government with the Council
having to try to solve it. Reference was made to the One-Stop-Shop
developments, noting that staff had already been appointed and that the
Department was currently looking for a new name for the 'One-Stop-Shop'.
Observations arising from the discussion
·
Attention was
drawn to the number of social housing
developed in order to
try to reach the ambition of 500 by 2026, noting that 160 had been developed to
date. It was asked how easy would
it be to reach the ambition.
·
In response, it
was noted that the target was not an easy one but that funds had been committed
for the next two years and the Department would be looking at the needs right
across the County. It was noted that a scheme would be in place over the next
three years.
·
The Homebuy
Scheme was praised, noting that the main challenge was finding out that it
existed in the first place. In response, it was noted that a video had been
created and that the Department had visited community councils in Dwyfor.
It was added that the Department would appreciate any further suggestions
in terms of engagement.
·
It was
questioned if the figure of buying 8 houses was low and it was asked if the
Council could do anything to help speed up the process.
·
In response, it
was noted that it was very difficult
to find suitable housing as the Department cannot compete with local people
wanting to buy houses, staff challenges and the need to make the most out of
the money that existed. It was added that there were many obstacles in terms of
the standard of houses such as fire requirements and size of rooms which meant
that many houses were unsuitable. It was noted that the Department had visited
over 100 houses but because of the reasons noted above, it had only been
possible to buy 8 to date.
·
Concern was
expressed about the situation in the private housing sector with fewer private landlords
letting property in the future. It was acknowledged that this was a risk.
·
Reference was
made to the situation in Ukraine and the refugees and the significant risk that
needed to be highlighted and the concerns that many would be presenting as
homeless. It was noted that the Council was trying to obtain information from
the Government and was currently in the dark regarding
the Council's duties. It was added that a system was needed to support he
refugees. It was noted that discussions were currently ongoing with the
Government. The Chief Executive added that a statement would be made in the
Senedd today and it was a hoped that an update would be forthcoming following
that; it was hoped that there would be better support for the refugees.
Awdur:Carys Fon Williams, Head of Housing and Property
Supporting documents: