Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following items:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
4.1 Housing Options Service
The Committee received information in relation to
the Housing Options Service, as contained within the circulated report.
Members queried the lack of affordable housing
available for vulnerable individuals. Officers explained that the service had
not seen an increase in numbers presenting, but the complexity of cases had
increased. In addition, this resulted in difficulty in accessing suitable and
affordable accommodation. Officers stated that some individuals with complex
needs were unable to manage their tenancy. In some instances, Gofal were able to provide support to individuals with
Mental Health needs. Officers added that the service was also looking at
recruiting a Mental Health Support Worker to assist with these cases. Assistance was also given to vulnerable
individuals to help manage their finances to prevent a problem with tenancies. Support is provided until the individual is confident
to manage their own finances.
Members asked what health provision was available
to individuals with no fixed address. Officers informed the Committee there
were two General Practitioners available in the area who provided health
support.
Members queried why there was still rough sleepers
if the introduction of the Housing Act 2014 had given more options for the
authority housing. Officers explained
the criteria was used fully to enable us to assist homeless
presentations but that in some instances
it was a life choice but support was still offered.
Members queried the process that is in place for
emergency calls during non-working hours.
Officers explained that there was a 24 hour telephone duty service
provided by the Duty Team. Emergency Support
would be provided with a full assessment undertaken the following day. Funding has been received from Welsh
Government specifically to improve services for rough sleepers. As a result a night shelter has been opened 7
nights a week until the end of March.
This will be monitored to establish the need going forward. In addition,
during winter months the service provides winter provision for rough sleepers
from Bed and Breakfast accommodation to sleeping bags, hats and gloves
dependant on the preference of the person.
Third sector organisations also provide refreshments once a week.
Members asked in relation to temporary
accommodation, would the tenants receive housing benefits immediately. Officers
explained an application form would be completed the day the tenant moved in
and the process would be exactly the same.
Members queried whether there was any temporary
accommodation available outside the Neath area.
Officers explained that work was ongoing to develop a unit in Port
Talbot. Temporary accommodation was
available in Neath but when looking to move individuals to permanent
accommodation this would be in their home area.
Members asked how do the individuals travel to
their allocated temporary accommodation if they are not in any of the town centres. Officers said that this would form part of
the assessment.
Members asked what was the process for ensuring the safety
of individuals being placed in temporary accommodation outside the Neath Port
Talbot area. It was explained that
officers liaise with relevant officers in the neighbouring authorities to
ensure there was no inappropriate mix of individuals being accommodated.
Discussion took place on the Social Lettings Agency and
whether there was any difficulties in recruiting suitable landlords. It was
explained that the Agency currently has 60 properties and are proactively
working to increase this number with various initiative for example providing
loans to landlords to update empty properties. Officers confirmed that they
only used landlords who achieved the required standard.
Discussion took place on case studies presented to Members
for their information.
Members were appreciative of the service that is
provided by Housing Options and emphasised the need to communicate this provision
externally..
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report
be noted.