The Communities, Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 8 July 2024 to discuss the results of a consultation on a new social housing allocation policy, receive updates on voids performance and an alternative outdoor education offer, and review the 2023/24 end-of-year performance report. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report on the social housing allocation consultation, the update report on voids performance, and the update report on the alternative outdoor education offer. They also unanimously resolved to receive the 2023/24 end-of-year performance report and noted the explanation for the non-submission of a scrutiny report on the Tenant Incentive Scheme. The committee also unanimously resolved to approve the list of forthcoming items for their next meeting.

New Social Housing Allocation Policy Consultation

The committee considered the findings of a twelve-week public consultation on a new Social Housing Allocation Policy for Carmarthenshire. The report detailed the consultation process, the feedback received, and potential implications for the new policy. Key themes emerging from the consultation included the need for clearer definitions of means to meet their own housing need, explicit mention of vulnerable groups such as those experiencing domestic abuse and care leavers within the policy's banding structure, and a review of community connection areas. The committee was advised that work would now be undertaken to finalise the draft policy, which would be submitted to the committee's October meeting for consideration. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Voids Performance and Improvement Update

An update was provided on the progress of improvements to the Council's Voids service. Members noted a significant reduction in void properties over the previous two years, from 431 to 178, representing 1.85% of the total council housing stock. This reduction was attributed to the creation of an in-house voids repair team, which had resulted in an additional 250 properties being available for let and an increase in income of close to £1 million per annum. The committee expressed their appreciation to officers for their hard work in achieving this reduction. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the update report.

Alternative Outdoor Education Offer - Update

The committee received a presentation on the Council's plans for the continued provision of its Outdoor Education Service. Following the planned closure of the existing facility at Pendine at the end of the 2025 season, the service will transition to an alternative delivery model based from Pembrey Country Park. This new model aims to allow for organic growth and development, operating sustainable education facilities throughout the school terms and doubling accommodation for use during holiday periods. Proposals include yurt-type tents for pupils and glamping pods for teachers. The committee heard that the exact siting of the accommodation was yet to be determined, but could be at the existing caravan/camping site or the nearby vacant horse riding centre land. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the update report.

2023/24 Quarter 4 / End of Year Performance Report

The committee reviewed the 2023/24 Quarter 4 / End of year Performance Report, which detailed progress made against actions and measures within the Corporate Strategy and on the delivery of Well-Being Objectives. Specific points of discussion included clarification on the involvement of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in the grant process for returning private sector empty properties to use. The Head of Housing and Public Protection advised that Rhondda Cynon Taf was the grant administering authority on behalf of the Welsh Government and that discussions were ongoing regarding unsuccessful grant applications. The Head of Place and Infrastructure also addressed a vacant post within the Planning Enforcement Section, noting a moratorium on recruitment but that a case was being compiled to fill the post, with the potential use of consultants in the interim. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Non-Submission of Scrutiny Report

An explanation was provided for the non-submission of the Tenant Incentive Scheme scrutiny report. It was stated that detailed research by TPAS Cymru questioned the impact of such schemes in delivering tangible benefits, and that schemes tend to require significant upfront resources for minimal returns. The council will instead look at more bespoke incentivisation activities as part of their new Estate and Tenancy Management offer. The committee unanimously resolved to note the explanation for the non-submission.

Forthcoming Items

The committee received a list of forthcoming items to be considered at their next meeting on 1 October 2024. These included the Performance Monitoring Report – Q1, the 23/24 Budget Outturn report, Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2024/25, a Ten Towns Update Report, and a report on the New Social Housing Allocation Policy. The committee unanimously resolved to approve the list of forthcoming items.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2024 were signed as a correct record.