Issue - meetings

The Head of Housing and Communities provided members with an overview of the report contained in the agenda pack and advised members that satisfactory progress has been achieved against the programs of work.

Members referred to page 89 of the report and asked if Officers could provide examples of the different types of models that have been analysed.

Officers advised members that work was ongoing with colleagues in commissioning, to review different modelling types. There is a need to look at full supported range of accommodation options. It was hoped that this would be moved forward shortly, following events with commissioning colleagues, service providers and meetings with registered social landlords to advise on property opportunities.

Members questioned whether officers were referring to the model of the system or different models of housing?

Officers confirmed that different models of housing such as container housing and canal boats have been explored, however, the cost is high. A briefing paper is being developed. Ongoing work is being undertaken to understand clients needs to help in profiling the type of accommodation required.

Members referred to the review of the housing options IT platform and asked how the homeless could access digital information. Members commented that the page was not user friendly.

The Head of Housing and Communities thanked members for the feedback and confirmed that work was ongoing.

Officers advised members that work is ongoing with Digital Transformation in relation to urgent IT requirements for the service. It was acknowledged that the information on the webpage was not satisfactory. An intern from Swansea University is working with the service to enable improved engagement opportunities.

Members stated it was important to consider people’s needs when accessing information.

Members referred to the increasing number of lettings and the cost of rental properties. There is an issue currently with private landlords selling rental properties. Members enquired whether there was a change in the amount of Section 21 notices.

Officers confirmed that the situation was stable at present and there was no increase in Section 21 notice’s, however, the sector is inaccessible to some clients due to the prohibitive cost of rent. The service employs a private sector officer who carries out a weekly availability check but the rental cost does not fall within peoples budgets.

Members shared concern regarding the cost of rental properties. Members referred to page 19 of the report within the agenda pack and asked if there was an update from the analysis undertaken on temporary accommodation at the Ambassador and Treetops.

The Head of Housing and Communities advised members that more person centred work has been undertaken to understand the holistic needs of people in temporary accommodation. There are challenges in obtaining tenancies due to support needs.

Officers advised members that reports on the Ambassador and the Treetops Hotel have been prepared and the cost element to both of those options was considered. Work has been undertaken to understand the potential housing pathways, and to manage people’s expectations to ensure the pathway was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5