The Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee of Carmarthenshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 17 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the first quarter's performance report for 2026/27, a discussion on options for the Housing Service Charge Policy, and an update on supported housing schemes.

2026/27 End of Quarter 1 Performance Report

The committee is set to examine the performance report for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026. This report details progress against the council's Corporate Strategy and Well-being Objectives. The committee will review the performance of various measures and actions, with a particular focus on those identified as High Risk / Slow Progress or Progressing / Possible Risk.

Several areas are highlighted for attention:

• WBO2 - Live and Age Well: The report indicates that the number of private sector empty properties returned to use through direct intervention (HS-EMP/001) is below target, although remedial actions are in place. The average number of days to deliver responsive housing repairs (HS-REPAIRS/001) is also above target, with an exercise planned to investigate data anomalies. The percentage of people referred to the National Exercise Referral scheme attending initial consultations (Measure 3.4.2.6) is below target, as is the percentage completing the 16-week programme (Measure PAM/041).
• WBO3 - Prosperous Communities: Measures related to job creation through regeneration assistance (EconD/009 and EconD/010) are below target. The average time taken to determine major planning applications (PLA/010) significantly exceeds the target, attributed to older applications and advice from Natural Resources Wales. The percentage of Planning Ecology responses made within 21 days (PLA/020) is also below target, with efforts underway to address this. The average time taken to take positive planning enforcement action (PLA/022) remains high, though an improvement is noted compared to the previous year. The percentage of planning enforcement cases where positive action is taken within 180 days (PLA/027) is also below target.
• Core Business Enablers (Planning): The percentage of Planning Ecology responses made to planning consultations within 21 days (PLA/020) is below target. The average time taken to take positive planning enforcement action (PLA/022) is above target. The percentage of 'Positive Action' taken on planning enforcement cases within 180 days (PLA/027) is also below target.

Areas performing Progressing as Planned include participation in sport and physical opportunities facilitated by Actif Communities (Measure 3.4.2.8), and the percentage of households successfully prevented from becoming homeless (HS-HOM/001). Several measures within the Prosperous Communities theme, including business enquiries supported (EconD/012) and accredited qualifications achieved through employability programmes (EconD/022), are meeting or exceeding targets. The percentage of premises with access to superfast broadband (ICT/010) and Gigabit capable broadband (ICT/011) are also on target.

Housing Service Charge Policy Review Report

The committee will consider options for a future Service Charge Policy for council tenants. The current policy includes a cap on annual increases, which was last reviewed in September 2023 with a commitment to a phased removal. Rising costs for housing management, utilities, and repairs have increased the need for the policy to support the long-term sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. The report outlines three options: retaining the existing phased removal approach, extending the incremental removal over a longer period, or removing the cap entirely. The report highlights that the HRA is currently subsidising service charges by a significant amount, particularly for sheltered housing.

Supported Housing Schemes

This report will outline the council's current approach to increasing the supply of specialist supported accommodation for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health support needs through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The council has identified a growing demand for such accommodation, with projections indicating a need for at least 116 individuals over the next two years, a significant proportion of whom will require complex support. Providing this accommodation through the HRA is expected to generate substantial revenue savings compared to private sector placements and residential care. The council's portfolio currently includes 67 units of accommodation, with plans for further developments.

Non-Submission of Scrutiny Report

A report will be presented explaining the non-submission of a scheduled scrutiny report on the Homelessness Wrap Around Floating Support Update. The explanation provided is that the service has only recently completed its recruitment phase and is not yet fully operational or embedded. Further time is needed to ensure the service is integrated and to allow for a more robust assessment of its impact and performance, particularly in preparation for the Homelessness and Social Housing (Wales) Act 2026.

Scrutiny Actions Update

The committee will review the progress made on actions, requests, or referrals recorded during previous meetings. The update details the status of various items, including actions related to the Adaptations Policy, the New Social Housing Allocation Policy, and regeneration projects such as Parc Gelli Werdd. Several actions are marked as Completed, while others, such as an update on Housing Swaps and the Ten Towns Initiative, are noted as Pending or have been incorporated into future work plans.

Forthcoming Items

The committee will be presented with a list of items scheduled for consideration at its next meeting on 12 November 2026. These include the Council Annual Report 2025/26, a Rent Affordability Assessment Report, and Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring reports. A regular update on Housing Repairs, Voids, and Adaptations is also planned. The committee's Forward Work Programme for 2026/27 and the Cabinet's Forward Work Programme for the same period will also be available for noting.

To Sign as a Correct Record the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 6th July 2026

The committee will be asked to confirm the accuracy of the minutes from its previous meeting held on 6 July 2026.