Issue - meetings

That the Committee notes the implementation of the policy, common register and regional collaboration developments.

The Service Manager, Customer Support presented the update report on the implementation of the Single Access Route to Housing (SARTH) project across the North Wales sub-region.

Explanation was given on the three workstreams.  The establishment of a regional steering group was helping to ensure a consistent approach, along with the sharing of good practice and working together to resolve challenges.  The Council’s successful bid to develop, host and manage the register for Denbighshire Council was due to go live in April 2017 and would provide an additional income stream.  The Service Manager gave a brief summary of statistics from the latest performance monitoring report which indicated a significant demand in the service and positive impact of the triage approach.  After 18 months, the policy would be reviewed and any changes progressed through the steering group before seeking Cabinet approval.

The Chief Officer (Community & Enterprise) reminded Members that the constant movement of the common register was due to individuals being taken off and new applicants added, which reinforced the need for affordable housing.

In response to remarks from Councillor Rosetta Dolphin on the approach to allocations, the Chief Officer agreed to a follow-up discussion outside the meeting.  The Service Manager clarified that there was a clear system for allocating properties with priority based on bandings and matched accordingly.  Any allocations outside this approach required the necessary reason to be recorded which was subject to audit.

Councillor Hilary McGuill questioned why a property in the Mold area was not being leased through NEW Homes.  The Service Manager spoke about close working between the Council and the company, and the aim of NEW Homes in targeting more individuals and matching expectations and affordability.  Following a request, she agreed to share information on the number of young people on the common register who were ‘sofa surfing’ together with a breakdown of the circumstances involved.

Councillor David Healey welcomed the outcomes achieved within a short period.  He asked if it was possible to ascertain the number of cases where homelessness had been prevented and the length of time that individuals in Band 1 (in most serious need) had waited for accommodation.  The Service Manager referred to information on waiting times in section 1.05 of the report and agreed to provide a breakdown for the Committee.

Councillor Bernie Attridge spoke about the significant progress made by the team in reducing use of bed and breakfast accommodation.  This was acknowledged by the Chairman.

Councillor Helen Brown commented that homelessness appeared to be less evident in Flintshire than some other areas, and that there was significant demand for single person’s accommodation nationwide.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the implementation of the policy, common register and regional collaboration developments.