Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee support the approach taken to date through Phase 1 “Crisis Management”; and

(b)       That the Committee support the Phase 2 “Response” approach, which includes a temporary variation to the Common Allocations Policy, as outlined in the report.

The Housing & Preventions Service Manager introduced the support and approach which had been taken around homelessness during the emergency situation and outlined the future approaches, in line with guidance issued by Welsh Government (WG). 

A detailed presentation was provided which covered the following areas:-   

-       Guidance issued from Welsh Government & Funding

-       Focus on supporting people to avoid a return to the streets

-       Moving people from emergency homes

-       Access to long term settled housing

-       Help to sustain tenancies

-       Returning to family and friends

-       Social Housing

-       Private Renting

-       Supported Housing.

The Housing & Preventions Service Manager also outlined the Phase 3 approach which would commence in January 2021.  He commented that Phase 3 would focus more on prevention, building more affordable homes, improving the emergency housing offer and resource implications on how to maximise opportunities & partnership working.

Councillor Helen Brown whilst welcoming the homeless hub, raised concerns on issues arising in the vicinity and asked that representatives of Wallich be invited to a future meeting of the Committee.  The Housing & Preventions Service Manager suggested that he speak to Councillor Brown following the meeting to provide her with assurances around the services being provided at the homeless hub and the work being undertaken in conjunction with North Wales Police.  It was agreed that Councillor Brown’s suggestion could be considered further prior to the Committee receiving a further report on homelessness in March 2021.

In response to a further question from Councillor Brown around the services being provided at the homeless hub, it was agreed that a list of services be provided following the meeting.

In response to a question from Councillor Ted Palmer around the use of existing housing stock as part of the project in Holywell, the Housing & Preventions Service Manager advised that all housing stock would be considered.

In response to a question from Councillor Veronica Gay, the Housing & Preventions Service Manager outlined the benefits of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) for younger people.  He said he was not aware of many empty HMO’s across the County but welcomed feedback from Councillors if they were aware of any properties.

The recommendations outlined within the report were moved by Councillor Ted Palmer and seconded by Councillor Kevin Rush. 

            RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee support the approach taken to date through Phase 1 “Crisis Management”; and

(b)       That the Committee support the Phase 2 “Response” approach, which includes a temporary variation to the Common Allocations Policy, as outlined in the report.