The meeting focused on several key topics, including the draft local housing market assessment and the establishment of a board for the long-term plan for towns initiative in Rhyl.

The most significant topic was the draft local housing market assessment. The council discussed the current and future housing needs and demands in Denbighshire. The assessment is a statutory requirement and must be submitted to the Welsh Government. It covers a 15-year period and is crucial for the local development plan, housing, and homelessness strategy. The council highlighted the need for 400 affordable homes per year for the first five years and 153 affordable homes per year for the next 15 years. The majority of the need is for smaller one or two-bedroom properties due to the high number of one or two-person households. The council also discussed the challenges of bringing empty properties back into use and the importance of engaging with stakeholders, including registered social landlords, developers, estate agents, and tenants.

The second significant topic was the establishment of a board for the long-term plan for towns initiative in Rhyl. The UK Government awarded £20 million to Rhyl as part of this initiative. The council must establish a board and appoint a chairperson by the 3rd of June. The funding is intended to address safety and security, high streets heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity. The council discussed the importance of engaging with the local community and businesses in Rhyl to ensure the success of the initiative. The board will have some flexibility in its governance arrangements, but the council will remain accountable for the funding and delivery of the plan.

Other topics included the approval of the minutes from the last meeting, declarations of interest, and the forward work program. The council also discussed the importance of clear communication to address perceptions that funding is disproportionately allocated to certain areas.