Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were received from County Borough Councillor G Stacey.

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.    Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.    Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To approve as an accurate record the minutes of the hybrid meeting of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee held on the 28^th November 2022.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 28^th November 2022 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

Members acknowledged the information provided through the consultation links in respect of open consultations, Welsh Government consultations and those matters being consulted upon by the local authority.

For Committee members to receive a report on the Council’s arrangements for support of refugees, Ukraine Nationals and asylum seekers in RCT.

The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Service began by advising Members that the work cut across a number of teams, within Public Health, Protection, and Community Services with a number of the Refugee Programmes having been in place for a number of years. Members were informed that the purpose of bringing the report before Scrutiny, was for Members to consider how the Service had responded and continue to respond in terms of both the Wellbeing and support aspect for Refugees and those fleeing wars as well as considering how that aligned with the Services housing responsibilities. The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Service highlighted to Members that this was a long report, and she would talk Members through as well as Members hearing from an Afghan refugee, Mr Osmani.  The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Service then took Members though the key points in the report, before pausing for questions from Members.

A Member stated that he wholeheartedly supported everything that had been said but felt this was the tip of the iceberg and said he would like to know how many properties Clearsprings Ready Homes (Clearsprings) had already provided and if possible, for Members to be given that information. The Member felt it would be useful to arrange a working party on this matter.

The Service Director, Democratic Services and Communications explained that it would be more appropriate, if there was a need for there to be a working party on this particular matter, this would be taken forward through the discussions of Chairs and Vice Chairs, in the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

A Member supported the work being done 100% but felt it would be helpful if Members on either side of a ward could be told when refugees/Ukraine Nationals/asylum seekers were placed, as he had been told by residents, rather than being told directly, in respect of the Welcome Centre.

The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community explained that Clearsprings Ready Homes looked for properties from the private rented sector, so there was no impact on the social housing waiting list. Home Office guidance, in terms of engagement, and ability to consult was very restricted, and concerns had been expressed about the ability to engage and share that information. Where properties were proposed, initial feedback was given from a police perspective and community cohesion perspective and generally those conversations were positive. Clearsprings Ready Homes were under an imperative to secure properties and local Member views were fed back, and they were made aware of those conversations, but the Home Office didn’t allow local Members to veto properties, so it was a very delicate negotiations between Officers and Clearsprings.  In terms of the Members comment about the Welcome Centre, they were some very sensitive issues being managed when that premises were being opened and it was very difficult to get the balance right, in terms of information, but the Director of Public Health, Protection & Community would take on board the feedback, of how difficult  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

For Committee members to receive a report on the Rhondda Cynon Taf Housing Allocation Scheme.

The Head of Community Safety and Community began by advising Members that this was another very long report, which provided the Committee with an overview of the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Housing Allocation Scheme and gave the Committee an opportunity to understand how the policy worked, and to what extent the policy helped the Council and its partners to meet the housing needs of people in RCT. The report also provided the Committee with an overview of the arrangements the Council has with local registered social landlords for the allocation and letting of social housing in the Borough, as well as highlighting the impact of pressures on the operation of the policy and current challenges and how these are being addressed. The Head of Community Safety and Community then summarised some of the key areas in the report, before pausing for questions from Members.

A Member noted the lack of availability of 3 or 4 bed housing raising the concerns of having mixed sharing in properties of 1 or 2 bed occupancy. The Member also raised concern regarding anti-social behaviour issues relating to sheltered accommodation and the age ranges that are currently housed here.

The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community explained that the Allocations Policy is being reviewed and this report highlights particular aspects of the policy that need specific review. The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community confirmed that the full details of the policy will be reported to Committee for scrutiny by Members in due course.  

A Member questioned the banding system and if there were opportunities for the resulting band to be challenged.

The Head of Community Safety and Community confirmed the right to challenge and appeal the banding decision.

A Member stated their concerns regarding the opportunity for Local Members to be involved in the review process and provide an in-depth analysis of the issues faced on a local basis.

A Member questioned if there were figures available for voids.

The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community explained to Members that the Local Housing Market Assessment (HMA) had recently been reported to Cabinet. Members were advised this informs Local Development Plan and Social Housing Grant Investment programmes. Members were informed that a future report could be provided to Committee to explain how developments are identified and how the Social Housing Grants programme / private programmes discharge their responsibilities. The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community also explained that the HMA takes account of homelessness and data from the common housing register to try and forward plan for emerging housing need and informs future policy. Members were informed that a consequence of last HMA is the result of single person accommodation developments emerging in local areas. The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community explained the aim of the local authority is to try to secure mixed developments, but the current overwhelming need is for single person accommodation. The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community acknowledged the difficulties this can place on a local basis but advised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

The following report is provided for the information of Members:

Vale, Valleys, and Cardiff Adoption Collaborative Review of Service and Annual Performance Report

(For Members to acknowledge the information contained within this report but any queries relating to the item can be directed to Scrutiny@rctcbc.gov.uk)

Members were advised of the report that was reported for information and were reminded if they had any queries in relation to this report, they should contact the Scrutiny mailbox.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Officers for the very comprehensive and challenging reports that had been presented and thanked Members for their questions and attendance and Officers for their input and reminded Members that the next meeting of this Committee would be held on 27^th February 2023, at 5pm.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

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