Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be noted;

(b)       That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)       That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.

In presenting the Forward Work Programme, the Facilitator drew attention to the special meeting in November to consider the Budget for 2020/21 which would also include the Mid-Year Council Plan Monitoring Report and NEW Homes Board Update brought forward from December.

On Action Tracking, Members were reminded about the site visit to the modular building project in Garden City on 15 November.  Councillor Dolphin’s request for information on the Single Access Route to Housing (SARTH) had been actioned and any further actions arising would be followed up.

Councillor Attridge raised concerns about an increase in homelessness and rough sleeping, particularly in the Deeside area, and the perception on social media.  In acknowledging that this was not just an issue for the Council and that some individuals did not wish to accept the support on offer, he said that this was an important issue and asked that the report scheduled for April 2020 be brought forward to an earlier meeting.

Councillor Palmer suggested a future item on options available within the legislation to support those who refused help.

Councillor Hutchinson asked that his requested report on the allocation of sheltered accommodation be brought forward.  The Facilitator advised that this would be included within an item on tenancy enforcement and anti-social behaviour scheduled for April 2020.  She said that whilst every effort was made to accommodate requests from Members, there were already a range of items already on the Forward Work Programme.

Due to the number of items already scheduled for the next few meetings, the Chairman proposed that the items on homelessness and sheltered accommodation remain as scheduled.

In highlighting the importance of tackling homelessness, Councillor Attridge requested a briefing paper at the special meeting in November.  This was supported by Councillor Ron Davies.  The Chief Officer agreed that an information report would be received on actions being taken to address the rough sleeping situation.  This was supported by the Committee.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be noted;

(b)       That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)       That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.