Agenda item

(a)       That the Committee supports the work on the Sheltered Housing Review to date and notes that further work should take place to develop firm proposals for those schemes/ properties identified as appropriate for re-designation, re-modelling or alternative future use; and

(b)       That the Committee supports (in principle) de-commissioning of sheltered schemes which cannot be made fit for purpose, re-designating them for alternative client groups, or agreeing to redevelop the sites, subject to consultation with appropriate ward Members.

The Interim Senior Manager (Council Housing) presented a report to seek support for a review of sheltered housing across the county to potentially re-model and re-designate to enable best use of the current stock to meet future local housing need.  This was one of the recommendations from Member workshops held over the summer period to discuss a review of low demand sheltered housing schemes in the south of the county.

The report detailed a number of reasons for varying demand for the county’s 2,613 sheltered units and highlighted the increasing demand for smaller accommodation for the under 50 age group.  Over the past year, around 25% of sheltered accommodation had been let to applicants not meeting the age criteria for that stock and was allocated on a case by case basis.  A recent review identified that around 60% of the total void rent loss across the Council’s housing stock was attributable to sheltered accommodation, which equated to an estimated loss of £35K per annum.

The Chief Officer referred to the range of sheltered accommodation, some of which was in high demand whilst others were difficult to let.  She clarified that no specific changes were proposed at this stage and that there would be consultation with local Members on a scheme by scheme basis.

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin spoke about the importance of achieving the right mix of people in housing schemes, citing an example in her ward which had worked well despite her initial reservations.  She also pointed out that some housing stock could be better located nearer facilities.

Councillor Gareth Roberts commented on the availability of private accommodation for younger people in his ward and asked about forthcoming changes on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap.  The Chief Officer explained that this would be an issue at supported housing schemes where rents may be higher than the LHA.  Whilst some funding would be available from the Welsh Government to help meet that shortfall, the level of funding was not yet known.  Further information would be included in the update on Welfare Reforms to be brought to the Committee in the New Year.

Following a question from Councillor Ray Hughes on the new bungalows in Leeswood, it was confirmed that the design allowed for disabled access.

In response to comments from Councillor David Cox on the benefits of using local knowledge in allocating housing, the Chief Officer confirmed that officers do engage with Local Members.  She went on to ask Members to encourage people to apply for social housing.

Councillor Ron Davies agreed that a careful approach was needed to allocations, referring to an example in his ward where a particular mix of residents was not working.

Councillor Paul Cunningham welcomed the opportunity for some sheltered stock to be made available to people under 50, which could help to prevent homelessness.

Councillor Dolphin indicated her support for the proposals on the basis that Recommendation 2 was ‘in principle’.  Councillor Helen Brown suggested that the words ‘in consultation with Ward Members’ be included but said that this would not apply to the actual letting of properties.  The Chief Officer stated that no further action would be taken without Cabinet approval and consultation with stakeholders including the Tenants’ Federation.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee supports the work on the Sheltered Housing Review to date and notes that further work should take place to develop firm proposals for those schemes/ properties identified as appropriate for re-designation, re-modelling or alternative future use; and

(b)       That the Committee supports (in principle) de-commissioning of sheltered schemes which cannot be made fit for purpose, re-designating them for alternative client groups, or agreeing to redevelop the sites, subject to consultation with appropriate ward Members.