Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

            Councillor Attridge introduced the Regional Homeless Strategy and Local Action Plan report which provided details on the regional strategy agreed by North Wales Councils along with a high level action plan which was informed by independent reviews in each county.  The regional approach would enable sharing of best practice by developing a better understanding of the issues, and promotion of collaborative working where possible.

            The objectives of the homeless strategy were to prevent homelessness and ensure suitable accommodation and satisfactory support was available for those who were homeless.  Common themes had been adopted for the region - People, Homes and Services.  Within those themes the local review and action plan in Flintshire had identified priority actions to take and prevent homelessness in the County.  The key areas identified included youth homelessness; prison leavers; development of housing first approaches; improving access to accommodation; mitigating welfare reforms; and improved partnerships with health and social care.

            Councillor Bithell commented on the possibilities for bringing empty properties back into use, particularly accommodation above shops.  He welcomed any future work with landlords to bring such properties into use.  Councillor Attridge explained that the Council did work with landlords and attended meetings of the Landlords Forum.  There were town centre actions plans in place for this issue and that work was continuing. The Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) commented on the positive work already undertaken by officers and landlords in what was a challenging area.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the North Wales Regional Homelessness Strategy and high level action plan be adopted; and

(b)       That the priority actions highlighted within the Flintshire Homelessness Local Action Plan be supported.