Agenda item

Trafod y cynnydd a wnaed gan y Gwasanaeth Tai mewn perthynas â Strategaeth Ddigartrefedd CBSRhCT ar gyfer 2018/2022.

The Temporary Head of Community Safety and Community Housing provided Members with an update on the progress made by the Housing Service in relation to the RCTCBC Homelessness Strategy 2018 – 2022 and the Action Plan supporting the Strategy.

Members were reminded that the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to effect on 27^th April and placed a number of duties on local authorities in respect of the homeless which included:

o   Provision of advice and assistance to anyone threatened with homelessness;

o   Provide appropriate help and support to any homeless person to help secure a suitable home;

o   New powers to local authorities to discharge their homelessness duty into private rented sector.

Officers explained that Rhondda Cynon Taf Homeless Strategy and Action Plan 2018 – 2022 sets out its vision for RCT where homelessness is prevented and where it does occur, people are supposed to secure accommodation and support as part the objectives set out below:

o   Preventing homelessness and repeat homelessness from occurring , wherever possible , therefore reducing homelessness;

o   Ensuring the appropriate support and accommodation is available to meet needs of homeless and potentially homeless people ;and

o   Ensuring people with housing support needs have these fully assessed and have access to services to help sustain independent living.

Members acknowledge that over the last year the Covid 19 pandemic triggered no immediate overall increase in homelessness applications. Officers confirmed that most individuals who presented as homeless required interim accommodation which triggered a surge in Bed and Breakfast placements.

The Head of Service highlighted that single people aged 25 and over accounted for 70% of all homelessness applications and placements in bed and breakfast accommodation in RCT. The main reason seems to be breakdown of relationships with family and friends.

The Committee were informed that due to unprecedented demands, we have experienced a 29% increase in the use of bed and breakfast accommodation in 2020/21 with 701 households placed in 2019/20 and 659 as at 1/03/21. The Officer continued to highlight that Storm Dennis and the pandemic has had a significant impact on the service which has increase demand for both temporary and permanent accommodation.

Officers provided Members of the Health and Wellbeing Committee with an overview of the progress made against each objective set out in the strategy, and highlighting some of the projects and initiatives that the authority has in place going forward.

In conclusion the Temporary Head of Community Safety and Community Housing stated that the impact of the key policies such as raising the LHA and suspending evictions have had some impact on preventing homelessness . Despite this progress, the pandemic has further exposed the severe shortages of affordable homes.

The Officer continued and explained that post lockdown we are expected to see an increase in the level of homelessness which will be particularly relevant to people being evicted from private rented sector and an increase in newly unemployed people being made homeless because of the pandemic.

Member continued to acknowledge the work that is being undertaken to address the effects and will continue to consider the work being done by the service to address any up and coming issues.

Members thanked Officers for a very informative report and put forward their questions and observations.

 Members wanted to express gratitude to the services for work that had been carried out within his area and was pleased to see the forward planning that has been put in place by the service.

Members raised concerns relating the lack of 1 bedroom accommodation which is a challenge put forward their views.

A Member commented that it was pleasing to see the use of the Housing First project and wanted clarity of any gaps in the service which needs to be filled.

The Director explained that

Officer explained that this had been an interesting year and we know there is a lack of 1 bedroom accommodation however this year the challenge has been the enormity of complex needs clients coming through the doors and sometimes housing in the sense is not always the right model. Members were provided with an example of the services available.

After further discussion and questions Members RESOLVED to

o   Acknowledge the content of the report;

o   Monitor the work of the Service over the next 12 Months ;

o   Receive an updating report at a future meeting.