The Community and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 16 March 2026 to scrutinise the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan 2026-27 and the Cardiff Council Homes Tenant Engagement Strategy 2026-2030. The committee also considered reports on LT Property Acquisition and the procurement of contractors for recladding works at Beech House and Sycamore House, as well as reviewing a Task & Finish report on access to adult social care services for older ethnic minority communities.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and Tenant Engagement Strategy

The committee scrutinised the draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan 2026-27 and the Cardiff Council Homes Tenant Engagement Strategy 2026-2030, which were due to be considered by Cabinet on 19 March. Councillor Lynda Thorne and Councillor Lee Bridgeman, Cabinet Members for Housing and Communities, along with officers, presented the plans.

The HRA Business Plan aims to ensure the efficient use of housing assets, increase transparency, and provide precise planning for the council's housing management strategy. Key priorities include maintaining existing homes, building new council homes, improving tenant engagement, supporting tenants, and preventing homelessness. The plan also details financial resources and planning, including a 30-year financial model, and outlines the council's approach to meeting the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) 2023, with a significant focus on decarbonisation.

The Tenant Engagement Strategy has been co-produced with tenants and aims to provide a more flexible and inclusive approach to involving residents in shaping services. It sets out six key priorities: engaging with tenants, listening to tenants, improving communication, celebrating tenant contributions, providing training and support, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the potential impact of Welsh Government elections on grant funding, the financial implications of capital financing, and the link between the HRA plan and current housing needs. Officers clarified that the HRA plan is reviewed annually and is flexible, and that governance arrangements are in place to manage financial risks. They also explained that the capital financing budget covers interest and repayment of borrowing for capital investments.

Regarding repairs, the committee welcomed the £1.7 million investment in the Responsive Repairs Unit and the Dry Homes team, aiming to improve response times and address issues like damp and mould. Officers confirmed that emergency repairs are handled within 24 hours, with urgent repairs targeted within 10 days. Improvements to communication and complaint handling were also discussed, with a new Housing Customer Excellence Unit planned.

Concerns were also raised about the WHQS addendum, which imposes strict timescales for investigating and remedying hazards. Officers acknowledged the administrative burden this creates and stated they are seeking further guidance from Welsh Government.

The committee also discussed the council's new build programme, which has delivered over 2,000 homes to date, with a further 482 under construction. New homes are designed to exceed current WHQS standards for energy performance.

The committee agreed to convey its observations to the Cabinet Member.

LT Property Acquisition

The committee scrutinised a report recommending the acquisition of an existing block of self-contained apartments in Cathays, Cardiff, currently used for student accommodation. This acquisition is seen as a quicker route to delivering new homes, which will be used as a managed block to support people on their pathway to permanent accommodation. The income generated from rents and service charges will fund the ongoing management and maintenance of the building. The report noted that a minimum of 40 units is required for financial viability and effective on-site support, a threshold this property meets.

The committee noted that appendices containing exempt information would be discussed in a closed session. No questions were raised in the open session.

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

The committee reviewed a report on the procurement process for recladding and Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) improvement works at Beech House and Sycamore House, two high-rise residential towers on the Hollybush Estate in Whitchurch. The overarching objectives are to ensure compliance with fire safety and WHQS standards, modernise the building fabric for energy efficiency, and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

The proposed procurement strategy involves a two-stage design and build contract, utilising the South-East & Mid Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP3). The evaluation criteria will be 60% quality, 30% cost, and 10% social value. The estimated timescale for construction is from January 2026 to September 2027, subject to cabinet approval and funding.

The committee noted that Appendix A contained exempt information, which would be discussed in a closed session. No questions were raised in the open session.

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

The committee considered the draft Task & Finish report on Access and Experience of Adult Social Care Services for Older Ethnic Minority Communities. The report detailed findings from evidence gathering, including desk-based research, roundtable events, and listening exercises with various community groups.

Key findings highlighted significant barriers to access, including a lack of awareness of services, rights, and entitlements, as well as difficulties with information sharing, language, and literacy. Concerns were also raised about the cultural competency of staff, negative experiences, discrimination, and institutional barriers within the social care system. The report identified a need for improved data collection, targeted training, and more effective community engagement strategies.

Members of the committee thanked the Scrutiny Officer, Chair, officers, and the communities involved for their work on the report.

AGREED: that the draft report on 'Access and Experience of Adult Social Care Services for Older Ethnic Minority Communities' be endorsed for submission to Cabinet.

Way Forward

The committee reviewed the evidence and information gathered during the consideration of the agenda items. In relation to the HRA Business Plan and Tenant Engagement Strategy, the committee agreed to convey its observations to the Cabinet Member. Councillor Owen's suggestion for service areas to provide councillors and residents with specific fulfilment dates for completed work was noted as an observation. The committee also requested further information regarding how the HRA considers current housing needs, as this was not clearly detailed in the presented plan.

The committee also noted that the next meeting would be held on 20 April 2026. Members were reminded of the CFGS workshop taking place on Tuesday, 17 March.