Agenda item

To scrutinise performance matters within the Department.

1.    To accept the report.

2.    To ask the Finance Department to correspond with the valuation office agency to get a list of all the empty houses in Gwynedd.

3.    To ask the Cabinet Member to send a letter to the government noting a concern about high rent in the private housing sector and press upon them to present measures to ensure that the list is affordable and reduces homelessness.

4.    To encourage the Housing and Property Department to publicise new specialist housing developments for people with specific needs.

The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Property and the Head of Department. It was highlighted that the report included information about the department's performance from April to the end of September 2025.   The Cabinet Member explained that he would report on the latest figures to give a correct picture to committee members as the original meeting had been postponed. The statistics for the number of empty houses that have come back into use due to Council support in Gwynedd was corrected as well as the number that have come back into use via the empty homes grant. Reference was made to the measures, and it was noted that 306 houses had come back into use because of the Council's support, with 123 of these via the Empty Homes Scheme grants. It was noted that the figures had increased by the end of November to 321 houses that had come back into use, and 128 via the Empty Homes Scheme, this reflected a huge success. It was stated that the Empty Homes Schemes continued to be successful, and were at the forefront in Wales in terms of bring empty homes back into use for local owners.

Concern was expressed that the current system for grants applications was rather bureaucratic. It was noted that many people waited a long time during the process and could not commence the work required before they moved in. It was asked whether it was possible to amend elements of the grant to speed-up the process? It was suggested that an additional measure should be introduced to identify what took so much time. It was also noted that the deadline of 6 months by which time the owners had to undertake the work was unfair, bearing in mind how busy contractors were, especially in rural areas. It was asked whether it was possible for people to get a time extension? In response, details were given about the grant provision, and it was noted that it was specifically to provide a financial support grant for people to restore essential features in housing to make the houses warm and safe. Because of this, it was emphasised that it was difficult to create a scheme that was suitable for all.

Details were given of the projects underway in the department, to act on the pledges in the 2023-28 Council Plan. The successful progress made during last year was reported on, noting that the department was on its way to delivering every goal. Members were guided through the report as they were updated on the progress of each project to achieve the objectives of the Council Plan.

It was noted that the Tŷ Gwynedd Scheme was making good progress as part of the Homely Gwynedd scheme.  It was noted that the Dol Afon Goch development had nearly been completed, and the lettings process was underway.  It was stated that the development of the former Ysgol Babanod Coed Mawr, Bangor, was also making good progress with structural work underway.  It was noted that 433 social housing units had been let through the Social Housing Construction programme and the partnership with the Housing Associations, which demonstrated that they were on track to achieve the target of 500 by the end of the financial year. The developments of the Buy to Let Scheme were elaborated upon, noting that they had successfully purchased 51 homes to date, 20 of which had been let to local people.

The work of the Energy Service was detailed noting that the residents' support team offered vouchers to pay for energy. It was confirmed that 5,788 vouchers had been distributed since the start of the scheme, worth £239,565. It was noted that the team was busy holding conferences and promotional events, home visits and referring individuals for additional support such as foodbanks, Age Cymru, CAB, etc. There was pride in the team's work, and it was noted how essential the service was during the winter.

Information was provided on the ongoing work to tackle homelessness in Gwynedd, and it was noted that the 137 Bangor High Street site was now open, with individuals having moved there in August and September 2025. It was confirmed that a company has been appointed to carry out mechanical and electrical works on the former Crown Building, Penrallt. The purchase of Tŷ Glyn in Bangor had been completed and it would be suitably modified by the department before aiming to open during 2026. It was noted that the ambitious designs for the Crown building in Caernarfon had now arrived, and that work was underway to develop the project. It was noted that there will be a supportive element for residents at Tŷ Glyn, with various services coming into one safe and suitable space. It was noted that S4C had commissioned a series to follow the work of the homelessness team, which highlighted the good work carried out by the team. It was noted that again this year the team had raised money to give Christmas gifts to children living in emergency accommodation, and the department prided itself on the team's generosity, dedication and efficiency in supporting Gwynedd residents to find accommodation.

Concern was expressed that many people in Gwynedd were still waiting for a house, and it was recognised that the need was challenging to address. It was confirmed that the department was acting on this to reduce the numbers, and in the new year a portal would be launched for residents to track their applications and receive updates. It was expanded that they would be able to share relevant information directly with the portal, which would speed up the process of processing their applications. It was added that it would be possible to receive current statistics through the portal, which would provide constant and transparent updates to residents on the waiting list. It was noted that developments were underway to add a feature that assists Councillors to speak directly on behalf of their constituents.

It was asked what the expenditure on the Tŷ Gwynedd project was, in comparison to other projects such as letting Social Housing. It was highlighted that the projects addressed different needs and provided various benefits to residents in different circumstances. The purpose and attributes of the projects were outlined, by comparing their differences. It was noted that the Tŷ Gwynedd project provided support to residents who wished to own a house, and therefore the Council provided financial support for them to do so at a discount. Reference was made to Tai Gwynedd, which was being developed in Llanberis, stating that they would provide a household for 3 local families who had already been identified. It was explained that a significant grant percentage was being given for the development of Social Housing. It was acknowledged that the cost of developing Tai Gwynedd was greater, but it was reiterated that it was for a different purpose. The pressure on the Council as a result of high rental prices from private sector landlords was recognised.

It was noted that the Department was looking at the Housing Action Plan in its entirety with a view to progressively develop and improve the scheme. Reference was made to the increase in the council tax premium, and a member expressed concern because of the 150% increase. Concern was expressed about empty houses in Gwynedd, particularly houses that have been vacant for a long time. In response, it was clarified that this was a matter for the Finance Department as they dealt with the register. It was recognised that this issue was challenging, and it was noted that it was a political issue to put pressure on the Westminster Government to address the lack of information in the system.

It was asked how many empty houses had been purchased by the Council and remained empty? In response to this, the Cabinet Member confirmed that the figures had been included in the report. It was confirmed that 28 houses were currently not let and that 5 of these were ready for letting. It was noted that 15 houses were currently being refurbished, and work programmes were being developed for the other 8 houses.

Details were given of the 'drop in' sessions' and the One Stop Shop, which provided support for a range of different residents. It was noted that the sessions were held during and after normal working hours, to provide a service to people at a convenient time. It was expressed that they managed to reach a large number of people. It was asked how many people attended the sessions, and whether the vast majority were employed or on benefits?  It was confirmed that the department would collect and share the figures with committee members soon.

In response to an enquiry, details of the specialist housing group that provided a household for residents with additional needs were provided. It was noted that officers and occupational therapists were working together to develop bespoke features and provisions in the houses to meet unique needs. It was noted that the cross-departmental project had been very successful, and that the housing associations had contributed significantly to it and shared the burden. It was noted that this was quite unique to Gwynedd in order to meet the need. It was suggested that more attention should be paid to these developments, and that a press release should be drafted to publicise the innovative work being carried out by the department.

DECISION

1.    To accept the report

2.    To ask the Finance Department to correspond with the valuation office agency to get a list of all the empty houses in Gwynedd.

3.    To ask the Cabinet Member to send a letter to the government to express concern about high rent in the private housing sector and press upon them to introduce measures to ensure that the list is affordable and reduces homelessness.

4.    To encourage the Housing and Property Department to publicise new specialist housing developments for people with specific needs.