Issue - meetings

(a) That the Audit Wales report into Homelessness Services at Flintshire County Council be noted; and

(b) That the suggested responses to the recommendations of Audit Wales be supported.

The Chief Officer (Housing and Communities) introduced a report which outlined the process of the review by Audit Wales and shared the findings in their recommendations for the Council regarding the local approach to homelessness.  The report also outlined the Councils response to those recommendations.

            The Housing & Prevention Service Manager outlined the process of the Audit Wales review, which involved document reviews, interviews with key senior officers and Elected Members, and focus groups with front line staff directly involved in providing homelessness services.  The overall findings of the review were that: the Council was delivering a high quality service, but this was unsustainable with the level of current funding.

            The Housing & Prevention Service Manager outlined the three recommendations for the Council following the review of Homelessness Services in Flintshire, as outlined within the report.  The Council’s response to the Audit Wales report and the three recommendations was attached at Appendix 2 of the report.

            The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration commended the positive report received in a current challenging environment.

            Councillor Rosetta Dolphin congratulated officers on a positive report.  She commented on the lack of available properties to house people presented as homeless but said that the Homelessness Services Team were doing an excellent job given the restraints being faced. 

The recommendations, as outlined within the report, were moved by Rosetta Dolphin and seconded by Councillor David Evans.

RESOLVED:        

(a)       That the Audit Wales report into Homelessness Services at Flintshire County Council be noted; and

(b)       That the suggested responses to the recommendations of Audit Wales be supported.