The Communities, Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 1 October 2024 to discuss a new Social Housing Allocation Policy, options for low-cost home ownership, and progress on the Ten Towns Initiative. The committee also reviewed performance reports and budget monitoring for the first quarter of 2024/25, as well as the previous financial year's revenue outturn. A request to establish a Task and Finish Group to review the planning consultation process was also considered.

New Social Housing Allocation Policy

The committee reviewed the proposed new Social Housing Allocation Policy for Carmarthenshire, which aims to replace the previous emergency policy. Key changes include applicants needing to re-register every six months, direct matching being applied to all priority bands, and amendments to the names of priority bands to align with housing legislation. Community Connection Areas have also been revised for better geographical relevance. The policy was noted to have undergone legal scrutiny and an equality impact assessment, with no negative impacts identified.

During the discussion, members raised questions about the application of local connection criteria, particularly the distinction between urban and rural areas, and the potential for reducing rural areas to prioritise local applicants. The promotion of the consultation was confirmed to have reached housing register applicants via mailshot. The committee also discussed the inclusion of functional comments regarding persons subject to immigration control and the possibility of linking to government websites for clarity. It was noted that the policy would be finalised and presented to the committee in October before going to Cabinet and Council for approval. Concerns were raised about unacceptable behaviour, with clarification sought on whether waste-related issues would be included, and the Head of Housing and Public Protection advised that each case would be treated on its merits. The possibility of an applicant being ineligible for future housing if they refuse a reasonable offer was also discussed, with the assurance that each case would be assessed individually. The committee was also informed about the use of Local Lettings Policies and a sensitive letting policy to create sustainable communities and prevent the repetition of past difficulties.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report on the new Social Housing Allocation Policy.

Low Cost Home Ownership Options for Carmarthenshire

The committee considered a report outlining options to increase the availability of Low-Cost Home Ownership (LCHO) products in Carmarthenshire. The report highlighted the demand for LCHO, as identified in the 2024 Local Housing Market Assessment, and proposed offering additional LCHO products, implementing strict eligibility criteria, and introducing Homebuy Wales in Carmarthenshire. It was also recommended that LCHO products be developed for selected Council new-build sites, with approval sought from the Cabinet Member for Homes on a site-by-site basis.

Key eligibility criteria for LCHO products would include the ability to secure a mortgage, afford repayments, demonstrate a strong local connection, and not be in rent arrears or eligible for Housing Benefit. The report emphasised that these measures would help local people remain in their communities, protect Welsh language and culture, and ensure LCHO products are available to those most in need.

The committee discussed the income thresholds for Affordable Housing Action Areas, noting they were determined by Welsh Government. The current economic climate and its potential impact on mortgage affordability were acknowledged, with the Investment & Development Service Manager confirming that while initial affordability checks are crucial, ultimate payment responsibility rests with the individual. The committee also noted that while Welsh Government funding for Homebuy Wales is restricted to Registered Social Landlords, the Council could explore funding LCHO products directly through the Housing Revenue Account. The possibility of offering 'rent to own' schemes in the future, under the Housing Revenue Account, was also mentioned.

The committee unanimously resolved to approve the Low Cost Home Ownership Options for Carmarthenshire.

Ten Towns Initiative - Progress Update

A progress report on the Ten Towns initiative was presented, detailing efforts to support economic growth in ten rural market towns across the County. The report outlined secured support for local initiatives, collaborative efforts between stakeholders, and the development of tailored economic growth plans. Specific projects approved to date were detailed in Annex A.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) scheme's deadline of the end of 2024 and potential risks if projects were not completed. The Economic Development Manager assured the committee that projects are continually monitored for risks, and flexibility exists for capital projects to extend to February 2025. Regarding a successor to the SPF, it was noted that confirmation would likely come from the UK Government's Autumn budget, but the Authority is actively working with stakeholders on future schemes. The committee was also informed about the adopted community engagement arrangements for the Ten Towns Programme and invited to contact the department for advice on community engagement and scheme progression in their wards.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the progress report.

Performance Report 2024/25 Quarter 1

The committee received the 2024/25 Quarter 1 Performance Report, detailing progress against actions and measures within the Corporate Strategy and Well-Being Objectives. The report indicated that overall performance was mixed, with several areas showing progress while others were off target. Specific concerns were raised regarding planning enforcement, building control decision times, and the percentage of planning ecology responses made within 21 days, all of which were noted as being off target. Remedial actions were outlined for these areas.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2024/25

The committee reviewed the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring reports for the period up to 30 June 2024. It was noted that the revenue budget across several services was forecasting a £287,000 overspend, while the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was predicting a £1,742,000 overspend. Conversely, the capital budget showed a £7,784,000 underspend.

Key issues raised included the level of childhood obesity in the County, with the Head of Leisure explaining that a Task and Finish Group had been established to examine this issue and its findings were progressing through the Council's political process. The Pendine Outdoor Education Centre's income stream being off target was attributed to essential maintenance works, and future plans for a new facility at Pembrey Country Park were discussed. The pause in the Llanelli Levelling Up fund capital programme was explained as being linked to UK Government proposals.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report.

Revenue Budget Outturn Report 2023/24

The committee reviewed the Revenue Budget Outturn Report for 2023/24. Overall, services within the committee's remit reported a £492,000 underspend, while the HRA recorded a £404,000 overspend.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Councillor Martyn Palfreman - Scrutiny Agenda Item Request - Planning Consultations - Task and Finish Group

Councillor Martyn Palfreman requested the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to review the Council's Planning Consultation process. He argued that current arrangements, while meeting minimum statutory requirements, were inadequate, citing issues with the prominence and security of public notices and limited written notification to residents. Councillor Palfreman proposed potential improvements, including wider written notification, better monitoring of public notices, and enhancements to the online planning portal.

The committee discussed the request, noting legal and regulatory requirements for planning consultations, the findings of the Cullen Review, and potential cost implications. A view was expressed that a member seminar on the planning consultation process would be beneficial to broaden understanding across all councillors.

The committee unanimously resolved not to proceed with a Task and Finish Group but to arrange a member seminar on the planning consultation process.

Forthcoming Items

The committee received a list of items scheduled for its next meeting on 11 November 2024. A report on Pentre Awel was noted, and it was agreed to defer this item to the January 2025 meeting due to a forthcoming seminar on the project's current position.

The committee unanimously resolved to approve the list of forthcoming items for its next meeting, subject to the deferral of the Pentre Awel report.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2024 were signed as a correct record.