The Homes, Regeneration and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 03 March 2026 to discuss the regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and review the 2025/26 Quarter 3 performance report. The committee also addressed the non-submission of two scrutiny reports.

County Wide Understanding and Regulation of HMOs

The committee established a Task and Finish Group to conduct a thorough review of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Carmarthenshire. This group will examine the current regulatory framework, the role of HMOs in the housing system, their impact on communities, and explore policy options for future management and regulation. The decision to form this group was welcomed, with emphasis placed on an evidence-based approach that avoids demonising tenants or responsible landlords, and addresses concerns about perceived regulatory gaps. Councillor A.C. Jones declared an interest in this item as a property owner who uses a HMO and left the meeting for its duration.

2025/26 Quarter 3 Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance report for the period of 01/04/2025 to 31/12/2025, covering areas within its remit. Several points were raised and discussed:

• Planning Ecology Responses: The Head of Place and Sustainability confirmed that internal reorganisation had provided additional help to meet the authority's target for planning ecology responses, which is more ambitious than the Welsh Government's target.
• Welsh Language Skills Strategy: The Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities, and Welsh Language committed to providing further information via email regarding the evaluation of the Welsh Language Skills Strategy.
• Planning Enforcement: The Head of Place and Sustainability clarified that the lack of proposed remedial action for planning enforcement targets was an error in the report's wording, and that remedial actions were ongoing. Historic cases were being closed to improve average times, and staff had been redeployed to focus on enforcement action.
• Carmarthen HWB Project: The Head of Economic Development and Property assured the committee that the authority was working closely with the contractor on the former Debenhams store project in Carmarthen to manage costs and address unforeseen works.
• Homelessness Support: The Head of Housing detailed the preventative measures in place, including income management, benefit claims, practical assistance with white goods, and collaboration with private landlords to sustain tenancies.
• Empty Properties: The committee congratulated officers on the progress made in bringing private sector empty properties back into use.
• Pride in Place Funding: The Head of Economic Development and Property explained that Neighbourhood Boards would determine the use of this funding, with efforts to align projects and avoid duplication.
• Pentre Awel Car Park: Feasibility work on expanding the car park at Canolfan Pentre Awel is ongoing, with further information to be provided.
• Welsh Language Learning: The committee commended the ongoing work on Welsh language learning across the authority.

Explanation for Non-Submission of Scrutiny Reports

The committee received explanations for the non-submission of two scrutiny reports: Homelessness Wrap Around / Floating Support and Supported Housing Schemes Update Report. Revised submission dates of 14th September 2026 were agreed for both reports, allowing for more comprehensive and evidenced-based reporting once the relevant teams are fully operational and new schemes are completed.

To Sign as a Correct Record the Minutes of the Meeting Held on the 21st January 2026

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 21st January 2026 were unanimously approved and signed as a correct record.