Issue - meetings

That the progress made in delivering the WHQS programme be noted and the Capital Investment Programme in its final year be supported.

The Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) introduced a report to provide an update on the delivery of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) the Council was delivering through its Capital Investment Programme.  The report focussed on the achievements and journey to date.  He explained that the WHQS Programme of Works would have reached its final year (2020-2021) of the six year Capital Programme, however, it had been extended by a further year due to the impact of the Covid pandemic.  The report provided an update on what had been delivered and was to be completed before the extended December 2021 deadline.

The Housing and Assets Senior Manager provided background information and presented the key considerations as detailed in the report.   He said there were a number of properties where the Council was unable to deliver the WHQS because, for a variety of reasons, tenants did not give permission for the work to be undertaken, however, once the property was vacant the work was carried out to bring the property up to the required standard.  From 23 March 2020 all WHQS works to council properties and communal areas ceased with resources being concentrated on properties being closed/completed safely and ensuring all tenants and works were left in a safe manner.  On the Capital side of the work all responsive, urgent, emergency and compliance works continued.  With the easing of lockdown restrictions and further guidance published on 14 June 2020 further action was undertaken.  Discussions are ongoing with the Welsh Government (WG) on the impact of the pandemic on the WHQS programme.

The Housing and Assets Senior Manager advised that the Service had been subject to audits and reviews on the Council’s performance in delivering the WHQS.  He gave reassurance that the Welsh Audit Office (WAO) and Internal Audit had found the Council was making good progress towards achieving the WHQS and no major issues had been raised.  He also reported that the audits had identified that the  Council’s tenants were satisfied with the quality of work carried out in their homes and said the WHQS Tenant Satisfaction Survey was at 96%.(highest to date). 

The Housing and Assets Senior Manager reported that the WG had committed to achieving a carbon neutral public sector by 2030 and to coordinating action to help other areas of the economy to make a decisive shift away from fossil fuels.  The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 required the WG to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in Wales by at least 80% for the year 2050 with a system of interim emissions targets and carbon budgets.  The Council would be required to ensure its homes meet the highest possible thermal efficiency and energy performance (EPC level A) by 2030.  As part of the WHQS the Council’s properties are currently required to meet a minimum of SAP 65 (EPC Level D).  Discussions with WG were continuing on the requirement to procure and deliver a large retrofit programme.  During the next 12 months officers will provide plans as part of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48