The Communities, Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 27 May 2025 to review the final update on the Emergency Social Housing Allocation Policy and to approve the committee's annual report and forward work plan for the upcoming year. The committee received a final monitoring report on the Emergency Social Housing Allocation Policy, which has been in place since April 2023 and was superseded by a new policy in March 2025. Members also reviewed and approved the committee's Annual Report for 2024/2025 and confirmed the Forward Work Plan for 2025/2026.

Emergency Social Housing Allocation Final Update Report

The committee received a final update on the Emergency Social Housing Allocation Policy, which ran from April 2023 to February 2025. The report highlighted a reduction in unsuitable matches, which was attributed to increased efforts in homelessness prevention. Councillors congratulated the Housing Department on the progress made.

Concerns were raised about the high ratio of advertised properties to directly matched properties in rural northern areas of the county. Councillor L.D. Evans, Cabinet Member for Homes and Deputy Leader, suggested this could be due to a lack of local demand, potentially linked to transport and service provision. She indicated that advertising might be expanded to attract applicants from outside the local area if this was the case. The committee also inquired about the process for reviewing applications, and was informed that reviews occur every six months to ensure applicant circumstances remain up-to-date. Discussions also touched upon housing swaps, with the Head of Housing noting that while data could be shared, the council's ability to implement changes was limited by the Housing Act.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the final monitoring report of the Emergency Social Housing Allocations Policy.

Communities, Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2024/2025

The committee reviewed its Annual Report for the 2024/2025 municipal year. The report, prepared in accordance with Article 6.2 of the Council's Constitution, provided an overview of the committee's work programme and key issues addressed.

During the discussion, a question was raised about the operation of the new Disabled Facilities Grant policy, which originated from a Task & Finish Group. It was reported that the new policy was already reducing application numbers, allowing those in genuine need to receive grants more quickly. Councillor H.A.L. Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, was consulted on this matter.

Regarding the Ten Towns Initiative, the Head of Economic Development and Property, S. Davies, confirmed that a report on this could be brought to the committee.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the 2024/25 Annual Report.

Communities, Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan for 2025/2026

The committee considered its draft Forward Work Plan for the 2025/2026 municipal year, which outlines the issues and reports to be examined. It was noted that the plan is a living document and will evolve throughout the year, influenced by the Cabinet's Forward Work Plan and requests from the committee itself.

A discussion point was raised regarding the absence of the Cabinet's Forward Work Plan from the agenda, and a broken link in the Forthcoming Items report. This will be rectified for future meetings.

An update was requested on Void Properties, with Councillor L.D. Evans stating that the number of voids had significantly decreased, and 75% of the remaining empty properties were with contractors for building work. A further update on Alternative Town Centre Uses was requested, and it was confirmed this would be included in the Shared Prosperity Fund report scheduled for the 7th July meeting.

The committee discussed a potential site visit to Pentre Awel, considering the possibility of rescheduling it to a time with better weather. However, they resolved to proceed with the date as set out in the Forward Work Plan. An informal session was requested regarding the Economic Development business plan before the formal report is presented on 21st January 2026. Additionally, the committee requested that an update on the Disabled Facilities Grant and Adaptations Policy be brought to the next meeting on 7th July 2025.

The committee resolved to approve the draft 2025/26 Forward Work Plan with amendments, including a request for a workshop on Economic Development prior to the formal Business Plan presentation and the inclusion of the Disabled Facilities Grant/Adaptations Policy update at the next meeting.

Forthcoming Items

The committee received a list of items scheduled for its next meeting on 7th July 2025, subject to the approval of the Forward Work Plan. The Head of Economic Development & Property, S. Davies, confirmed that the Shared Prosperity Fund report would include metrics and outputs to demonstrate the fund's success.

The committee resolved to approve the Forthcoming Items.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee unanimously resolved to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15th April 2025 as a correct record.