Agenda item

To consider and discuss a report from the Senior Officer – Strategic Planning & Housing on the progress made to date in delivering the revised Strategy and Action Plan approved by County Council in December 2020 (copy enclosed).

12.00 pm – 12.30 pm

The Lead Member for Housing and Communities introduced the report (previously circulated) to the Committee. He stressed to the Committee a great deal of work had been undertaken within the service. He thanked officers for attending the meeting to answer any questions.

The Strategic Planning and Housing Manager guided members through the report. She reminded members the Housing and Homelessness Strategy set out the aims for housing across the County for the period 2021-2026. It involved a number of areas within the Council.  An action plan sat alongside the Strategy with the delivery of the action plan overseen by the Corporate Plan Housing Board. The group met quarterly, with actions reviewed prior to each meeting with an update to the action plan discussed at every meeting. The group had a key role in monitoring the development of the actions and any issues that arose. A copy of the action plan had been included in the agenda papers for members’ information.

The report illustrated the kay areas of progress, in her opinion good progress had been made in delivering key elements of the strategy.

The Chair thanked the Lead Member and Officers for the introduction and invited members to raise any questions. The following points were discussed in more detail:

·         In response to a question submitted by Councillor Chris Evans and read out by the Chair it was advised that housing management and tenancy management was not an action point highlighted in the Strategy’s Action Plan. Officers were happy to attend a further Scrutiny meeting to address members’ concerns on the management of tenancies. Officers had to prioritise work load and resources and the more serious issues often took priority over some issues. The team were productive and did conduct tenancy visits to all households on an annual basis. Officers would also take part in estate walkabouts with members if they requested. The Lead Member encouraged members to contact himself or officers with any concerns.

·         The private sector was an important part of the overall housing market, officers echoed the concerns of Members with regards to the changes to legislation. The reduction in private landlords was concerning, information had been included in the report which linked the reduction to homelessness figures. Work on monitoring the data would continue going forward. There were a number of reasons that had also impacted on the number of private rented accommodation available.

·         Officers confirmed they had noticed an impact on the homelessness sector due to the changes made to legislation governing private rented accommodation. It was stressed officers were managing to support individuals out of homelessness into rented accommodation. Since the Covid-19 pandemic the private sector had been challenging for officers due to rent increases. Members were reminded of the private rented leasing scheme, where possible officers made landlords aware of that scheme.

·         A well-attended private landlord forum had taken place and allowed officers and landlords to have discussions on concerns and raise any questions. The Lead Member stated it was very beneficial for all in attendance.

·         Officers reassured the Committee that under occupation was one of the priorities for officers. Progress had been slow in terms of the numbers. Officers continued to discuss with tenants about options the authority could offer. The delay in the new build properties had impacted on individuals or families moving to more suitable sized properties. Often another challenge faced was people not wanting to move out of their family home although it was now too large for them.

·         Members heard that unfortunately the contractor for construction of the Dell project in Prestatyn had gone into administration earlier in the year. The proposed plan was to begin with the creation of the access and demolition of the bungalow on site. Officers confirmed they would circulate further details once available.

·         Whilst there was a need for one and two bed properties for rent. Officers had to manage resources to accommodate as many individuals and families as possible.

·         There were currently three Denbighshire County Council onsite projects that would be completed by September 2024. An update on affordable housing would be presented to each Member Area Group (MAG) in the near future.

·         Officers confirmed there were no individuals registered with the homelessness service accommodated in caravans. 

·         Early intervention and prevention was one of the key aspects of the homelessness guidance officers worked towards. It was often found that families and individuals did not contact the service until later in the process or they were soon to be evicted. A contract – My Home Denbighshire, had been awarded.  This work centred around early intervention had been awarded to support individuals and prevent people becoming homeless. Since its implementation 231 referrals had been received, of which 206 had been accepted as relevant referrals. There was a wide variety of reasons for referral, officers focused on categories for the higher number of referrals. They were using the data collected to research solutions which could be instigated and implemented at earlier stages in future, with a view to proactively addressing issues and intervening in cases before they presented as homeless.

·         The My Home Denbighshire was a three-way partnership, led by Shelter Cymru. It cost in the region of £260,000 per annum.

·         Monthly monitoring of data to establish any areas for potential homelessness was key in order to proactively support those at risk. Officers implemented early intervention and established early communications in those targeted areas.

·         Officers confirmed the current Local Development Plan (LDP) policy was clear and did not allow Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The policy was currently under review as part of the new LDP. Officers confirmed that HMOs could potentially offer accommodation at affordable rates and served a purpose. The key would be to ensure good management and standard of living within HMOs, if any future policy were to permit their development. It would be an area of discussion for the Strategic Planning Group (SPG), whose meetings were open to all members to attend.

At the conclusion of an in-depth discussion the Committee:

Resolved:  - subject to the above observations to –

(i)   confirm it had read and understood the report, and acknowledged the progress made to date in delivering Denbighshire’s Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2021 to 2026; and

(ii) continue monitoring the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan on an annual basis, unless significant risks or concerns regarding the Authority’s ability to deliver it came to light which required Scrutiny’s attention.