Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

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.