The Communities, Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 7 July 2025 to discuss a range of issues including the impact of the new Home Adaptations Policy, progress on Supported Housing Schemes, and updates on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Ten Towns initiative. The committee resolved to receive reports on these matters and also discussed the proposed relocation of the Outdoor Education Service.

Home Adaptations Policy 2025 - 2029

The committee received an update on the impact of the new Home Adaptations Policy, which was implemented in November 2024. Councillor Linda Evans, Cabinet Member for Homes and Deputy Leader, presented the report, highlighting that the reintroduction of means testing for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) had helped to reduce pressure on the service. This ensures that those in genuine need receive adaptations more promptly, while also preventing those who do not qualify from remaining on waiting lists. The report indicated that while DFG inquiries had decreased, demand for Council Property Adaptations remained consistent. Discussions also covered ongoing conversations with the Hywel Dda health board regarding additional funding and the receipt of funds from the Regional Partnership Board. The committee resolved to receive the update report.

Supported Housing Schemes

A report was considered regarding the council's approach to increasing the supply of specialist supported accommodation for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). Councillor Linda Evans explained that £3.7 million has been allocated in the HRA capital programme for 2025-2028 to develop these homes, which will help avoid costly out-of-county placements and support resident independence. The committee heard that a supported scheme on Bryn Road, Seaside, was expected to be completed by September 2025. Assessments for learning disabilities and mental health conditions are undertaken by Social Services, ensuring appropriate support. The report also noted that providing these services in-house generates significant revenue savings, estimated at approximately £1,000 per individual per week. Since 2021, £3.2 million has been received from the Welsh Government's Housing Care Fund to support these schemes. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report and requested further information on the location of supported schemes and an update on their impact.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund and its Replacement

The committee reviewed the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in Carmarthenshire, covering the conclusion of the original programme (UKSPF1) and the transition to the extended programme (UKSPF2). Councillor Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, presented the report, noting that UKSPF1 had a total of £38.6 million in funding, which has reduced to £12.9 million for UKSPF2. The fund focuses on three priorities: Communities & Place, Supporting Local Business, and People and Skills, delivered through Anchor Programmes, Standalone Projects, and Commissioned Projects. The committee requested a list of successful applicants for SPF funding to assess geographical spread, which was agreed to be provided. The Economic Development Manager explained that grant opportunities had been advertised through various networks, including social media and direct outreach. The reduction in funding from UKSPF1 to UKSPF2 was attributed to a pro-rata reduction in strategic projects and a significant decrease in community fund applications being supported. The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) is in discussions with the Welsh Government regarding a successor to the SPF. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Ten Towns Update Report

An update on the work of the Ten Towns initiative was presented, highlighting its contribution to economic growth in ten rural market towns across the county. Councillor Carys Jones, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy, reported that the initiative had created 20 new jobs, brought 5 vacant properties back into commercial use, and supported 95 businesses with appearance improvements. Additionally, 11,600 people had received support through the Hwb Bach y Wlad, and circular economy projects had reduced landfill waste. With an additional £1.1 million in transition funding for the current year, the authority has extended funding and developed new initiatives, including a project with secondary school pupils to develop business plans. A new grant funding scheme for green and blue infrastructure projects has also received 35 applications. The committee heard that the Hwb Bach y Wlad aims to benefit villages as well as towns, and that while the Ten Towns project focuses on specific towns, villages can access funding through other grants like the SPF. The school project aims to increase the use of community assets and foster intergenerational links. The committee resolved to receive the report.

Alternative Outdoor Education Offer - Update

The committee considered a report on the proposed relocation of the Outdoor Education Service from Pendine to Pembrey Country Park. Councillor Hazel Evans explained that the current Pendine site is nearing the end of its operational life and will be sold for housing development. The Outdoor Education provision will move to Pembrey Country Park, which will also be available for public use outside of school terms. The Senior Outdoor Recreation Manager confirmed ongoing staff training and development, and the use of other local facilities for activities. The committee was informed that a new nature and conservation curriculum would be developed, and grant aid had been received for high and low rope areas. A feasibility study is underway for the new site, which may cause a slight delay in the opening date. The committee proposed and agreed to a site visit to the new Outdoor Education Centre in the future. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Forthcoming Items

The committee received a list of forthcoming items for its next meeting on 30 September 2025. It was noted that due to a light agenda, items previously circulated by email would be added to the formal agenda. The committee resolved to approve the forthcoming items with this amendment.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee unanimously resolved to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 May 2025 as a correct record.