Agenda item

To enable the Committee to meet with representatives of the Wales and West Housing Association operating in Flintshire.

That the presentation be noted.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Shayne Hembrow of Wales & West Housing and invited him to deliver his presentation to the Committee.

In thanking the Committee for this opportunity, Mr. Hembrow gave an overview of the establishment of Wales & West Housing which now had a portfolio of 10,000 properties across Wales, including 860 in Flintshire.  As a major provider of new homes, a diverse range of stock was held to offer a range of accommodation options to customers.  The creation of smaller companies under Wales & West Housing, for example to undertake repairs and maintenance, provided a more efficient and controlled way of working, and would continue to expand.  An update was given on current/new developments together with investments on energy efficiency measures to combat fuel poverty, provision of free WiFi and the Connect24 telecare service.  Details were also shared on the creation of opportunities for training and employment and joint working with the Council’s Housing Options team to support residents in keeping their own homes, prevent homesslessness and minimise the impact of the ‘bedroom tax’.

Councillor Peter Curtis welcomed the approach taken by Wales & West Housing, particularly in its stance as a ‘living wage employer’ and its work to help individuals access housing through shared ownership schemes.

Responding to a question from Councillor Mike Reece, Mr. Hembrow explained that Right to Buy only applied to around 1,000 of the company’s properties with secured tenancies whilst others had a Right to Acquire under different legislation.  He added that no Right to Buy requests had been received over the past three years.

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin asked about progress with the housing development taking place in her adjoining ward as she was aware of a number of complaints due to the building work.  Mr. Hembrow explained the necessity of moving soil on the site, with steps taken to minimise the impact, and that the scheme was due for completion early in 2016.  Individuals who wished to register for the scheme were able to do so via the Council’s Single Access Route to Housing (SARTH) project.

Councillor Paul Cunningham welcomed the Dementia/disability friendly ethos adopted for services provided by Castell Care and Support.

Councillor George Hardcastle welcomed the provision of free WiFi for residents at Llys Jasmine and asked about the company’s policy on rent arrears concerning anti-social behaviour issues.  Councillor Dolphin pointed out the effects of anti-social behaviour on neighbouring properties.  Mr. Hembrow emphasised that the approach taken by Wales & West Housing was based on values to ‘do the right thing’ for its customers and make a difference in people’s lives, homes and communities.  He said that the majority of tenants valued their homes and wanted to keep up their rent payments but required help to do this.  Due to the challenges in resolving most anti-social behaviour issues through legal measures, the shift in focus was for direct contact with the tenant to discuss and find a way forward, with lower payments if necessary.

Following a query from Councillor Gareth Roberts on the development near Brignant in Holywell, Mr. Hembrow said that work was expected to start on site during this calendar year.

In response to a question from Councillor David Cox, Mr. Hembrow said that the provision of catering services via Castell Catering was not common for housing associations and that this concept had been instigated through a suggestion made by the Council.  He referred to ongoing discussions to deliver support through a partnership with Age Connects.

In thanking Mr. Hembrow for his presentation, the Chairman welcomed the progress made by Wales & West Housing and joint working on extra care schemes, in particular on allocations.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.