The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and Tenant Engagement Strategy, as well as a report on the access and experience of adult social care services for older ethnic minority communities. The committee will also consider proposals for the re-cladding of high-rise flats.

Delivering the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan 2026-27 & Cardiff Council Homes Tenant Engagement Strategy 2026-2030

The committee is set to scrutinise the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for 2026-27 and the Cardiff Council Homes Tenant Engagement Strategy for 2026-2030. The HRA Business Plan outlines the council's approach to managing its housing stock, including maintaining existing homes, building new council homes, supporting tenants, and preventing homelessness. It also details financial planning and resource allocation for the HRA, which is a ring-fenced account for council housing functions. The plan aims to ensure efficient use of housing assets, increase transparency, and provide precise planning for the council's housing management strategy.

The Tenant Engagement Strategy, developed with input from tenants, sets out a vision for a tenant-focused service where residents feel heard and valued. It identifies six key priorities: engaging with tenants, listening to their views, improving communication, celebrating their contributions, providing training and support, and promoting diversity and inclusion. The strategy proposes a Tenant Review Panel to scrutinise housing services and facilitate continuous improvement, alongside more drop-in sessions and accessible online resources.

The report highlights that the HRA Business Plan is a requirement for securing Major Repairs Allowance Capital Grant from the Welsh Government and serves as a tool to demonstrate affordability and value for money. It also details a projected budget gap of £10.62 million over the Medium-Term Financial Plan period, which will require the use of earmarked HRA reserves. The report also covers the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) 2023, which includes new requirements for decarbonisation and improved energy efficiency, with challenging targets for homes to achieve specific SAP ratings by 2030 and 2034. The estimated cost for meeting these standards is substantial, requiring significant Welsh Government support.

Procurement of Contractor for Recladding and WHQS Improvement Works at Beech House and Sycamore House

The committee will consider proposals for the re-cladding and improvement works at Beech House and Sycamore House, two high-rise blocks on the Hollybush Estate. Following concerns about the insulation behind the render on Beech House, a specialist fire risk assessment indicated that the render does not meet current safety standards. An action plan is in place, including a 24/7 fire watch until the render can be removed. Proposals for the replacement of this insulation are under development and will be the subject of a further report. The objectives for this scheme include ensuring safety and compliance, aesthetic enhancement, improved performance and durability, sustainability, cost efficiency, low maintenance, minimal disruption to occupants, stakeholder satisfaction, and timely project completion. The proposed works include façade systems, fire strategy, window and door replacement, balcony works, roof covering, and ancillary works. The procurement is proposed through a two-stage Design & Build Contract via the SEWSCAP3 framework, with evaluation criteria weighted at 70% for quality and 30% for price. The estimated cost for the works is approximately £25 million (plus VAT), with grant funding agreed in principle from the Welsh Government.

Access and Experience of Adult Social Care Services for Older Ethnic Minority Communities

A draft report on the Access and Experience of Adult Social Care Services for Older Ethnic Minority Communities will be presented for discussion and approval. This inquiry, undertaken by a task and finish group, explored access to services, workforce diversity, training, monitoring, and complaints processes. The report highlights findings from desk-based research and engagement with various ethnic minority community groups and third-sector organisations in Cardiff.

Key findings indicate that many potential service users and carers are unaware of the services offered by Adult Services, do not know how to access them, or are unaware of their rights and entitlements. Information sharing is a significant challenge, with communities often relying on trusted sources like community leaders and organisations rather than official channels. Language and literacy barriers are also prevalent, with difficulties in accessing and completing forms, and a need for information in multiple languages and formats. Concerns were raised about staff knowledge of religious and cultural beliefs, experiences of racism and discrimination, and a lack of continuity in care staff. The report also identifies a need for improved data collection on ethnicity and complaints from ethnic minority service users, and for more culturally appropriate service delivery. Recommendations include enhancing training, increasing workforce diversity, improving data monitoring, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring information is accessible in various languages and formats.