Agenda item

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 accessible. People who may have been stuck in the system are being supported. The service is looking to ensure people who are eligible to move on, are maximising their opportunities by showing interest and accepting properties. Work will continue with Tai Tarian to ensure the housing register is up to date so all clients who are owed a homelessness duty are correctly placed. The Data Sharing Agreements with Tai Tarian will be reviewed with a full review of the Shared Lettings Policy in 2026. There are a number of observations and requirements for consideration for inclusion in the policy and these will be shared with scrutiny at a later date.

 

Members asked whether clients were met face to face when decisions were made or whether decisions were based on paperwork. Concern was held that people could be judged unfairly by paperwork.

 

Officers confirmed that not all decisions were made face to face presently. Opportunities are being explored with Tai Tarian to be collaborative and increase opportunities for face-to-face meetings. A high number of applicants apply to join the register weekly, which proves difficult for conducting face to face housing needs assessments. Work is ongoing with Tai Tarian to have a more person

centred approach for housing option clients who hold a homeless duty. Concern is held that the amount of people on the housing register has increased, analysis work is being undertaken to determine the reason. Officers agreed on the benefits of meeting clients in person and gave an example of a decision being reversed following intervention.

 

Members asked for further information regarding empty properties across the borough being brought back into use.

 

The Head of Housing and Communities advised members that funding was available for people to apply for a grant to enable empty homes to be brought into use. This is separate to the wider piece of work conducted by Environmental Health in relation to empty properties across the borough. Officers confirmed that properties were at various stages within the scheme. There have been nine site completions to date with 155 applications to the scheme. The scheme is currently full and not based in any specific areas of the borough. Currently there are specific empty properties within the Pontardawe area. There have been fifteen properties put forward from environmental health with inspections taking place over the coming weeks. Progress will be reported back to committee in the next update report.

 

Members requested a copy of the analysis report in relation to the temporary accommodation at the Ambassador and Treetops.

 

Members expressed concern around the Leasing Scheme Wales and requested further information.

 

Officers confirmed that some of the schemes are successful but landlords can obtain considerably more rent in the private market than on the leasing scheme. There have been thirty inquiries over the last two weeks following a promotion by Rent Smart Wales. Some properties were not suitable for inclusion in the scheme due to the £25k limit. Two properties are at the advanced stage in the process and are expected to complete the legal process in the next two to three weeks. The scheme is being promoted as much as possible in the landlord forums. There has been interest in the scheme but landlords are deterred by the low local housing allowance.

 

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.