Agenda item

1.    Extend the period of the Housing Action Plan for another two years until the end of the 2028/29 financial year

2.    Commit the usual annual sum of £6m from the Council Tax Premium fund towards funding the extra two years.

The report was submitted by Cllr Paul Rowlinson.

DECISION

1.      To extend the period of the Housing Action Plan for another two years until the end of the 2028/29 financial year  

2.      To commit the usual annual sum of £6m from the Council Tax Premium fund towards funding the extra two years. 

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Property who provided an update on the Housing Action Plan. A request was made to extend the period of the Scheme until the end of the 2028-29 financial year. It was noted that the Cabinet needed to make a decision to enable the Housing and Property Department to plan ahead to ensure that key projects and schemes were realised in a timely manner and to their full potential.

An overview of the scheme's background was provided stating that the Full Council had decided to use a percentage of the money received from raising the second home premium to provide housing for young people in their communities. To implement this, it was explained that the Housing Action Plan had been approved by the Cabinet to include 33 projects across five key areas to ensure that the people of Gwynedd had a suitable, affordable and quality home.

It was noted that there had been significant changes to the housing situation in Gwynedd in recent years, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit and, therefore, the opportunity had been taken to review the Scheme, taking advantage of new opportunities to expand and help even more residents of the county with their housing situation.

Overall, it was reported that good progress had been made on the Scheme so far with almost £70m invested to help the people of Gwynedd with their housing situation. It was noted that new opportunities may arise during the scheme, as national circumstances were continually changing. It was explained that the flexibility already allowed to vary the exact allocation for individual projects would enable the department to act proactively in the face of any changes in the housing market over time.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·         Support for the Premium on empty houses was highlighted, questioning whether it was possible to raise the higher Premium on long-term vacant properties. In response, it was agreed with the comments stated that the current premium was appropriate. However, it was noted that consideration should be given to raising the premium for houses that had been vacant for a very long time.

·         Concern was raised about the condition of houses held by the Council in the smallholding sector. In response, it was explained that the Smallholdings Estate currently offered homes to 39 families in Gwynedd areas. It was noted that the Council had a responsibility to ensure that the houses met the requirements in terms of condition and health and safety. It was explained that there had been no investment in the vast majority of the houses attached to the smallholdings. Also, as a result, it had led to a decline in the quality of housing which had subsequently led to an increase in maintenance costs. It was noted that the intention going forward was to work with the tenants to raise housing standards and ensure consistency.