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.