Agenda item

To receive a presentation by Mr. Walis George from Group Cynefin Housing Association.

That the presentation be received.                    

The Chairman introduced Mr. Walis George, Chief Executive - Grwp Cynefin and  Mr. Rhys Davis, Regeneration Director - Grwp Cynefin, to the meeting.

Mr. George and Mr. Davis jointly provided a presentation to the Committee about the work of Grwp Cynefin Housing Association.  Mr. George advised that Gwrp Cynefin aimed to work with local authorities to provide a wide range of housing solutions across North Wales.  The key features of the presentation were:-

·         Social Rental Homes

·         Affordable Homes

·         Rural Development

·         Services for Older People

·         Other Activities

The Chair thanked Mr George and Mr. Davis for their detailed and informative presentation and invited Members to raise questions.

Councillor Paul Shotton sought clarification on the terminology “affordable homes”.  Mr. Davis explained that in a general sense the term was  applied to assist people on a limited income who were either unable to provide a deposit or could afford only a small deposit.

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to the Affordable Housing Register and expressed concerns that developers considering to develop in an area cited the lack of applicants on the Register as a reason not to commit to affordable housing.     In his response Mr. Davis explained that  the Register was more active in an area where there was development and opportunity.  He advised that Grwp Cynefin was  working with developers to make sure there was adequate advertising of development sites.  He referred to the need for an objective assessment to be  made on every location and  commented on the responsibility to properly market affordable housing provision.   He said discussion about that and  improving the marketing strategy not just with the Authority but across all Wales was taking place. He said that as a result the number of people on the Register should improve.

Referring to future developments Mr. Davis commented on  the need for due consideration of the long term investment and not just the opportunity that presented itself at the time.  He said that Grwp Cynefin gave careful consideration to the site, housing needs, and trend in an area.  He confirmed that Grwp Cynefin liaised with the housing department to assess local strategy needs and ensure the continuing viability of a scheme.

Councillor Dave Mackie commented that areas that were previously considered as not being available for development were now being looked at.  He  said there was a need to promote awareness that there was going to be development in such areas.

In response to the comments and questions raised the Chief Officer explained the difference between the Social Register and the Affordable Housing Register.  She commented on the need to renew efforts to promote the Affordable Housing Register and reiterated the view that developers would use lack of evidence of applicants to justify their stance.

Councillor Amanda Bragg asked if Grwp Cynefin worked in partnership with the All Wales Credit Union.    Mr. Davis  confirmed that it did and also had an ongoing relationship with different lenders.  He explained that Grwp Cynefin were also involved in mortgage rescue provision and could guide people to the most appropriate expert advice.

Responding to a query raised by Councillor George Hardcastle regarding the information provided to applicants on the Affordable Housing Register, Mr. George confirmed that detailed supplementary information was provided and an in depth analysis of the position of applicants was undertaken by a specialist team. 

During discussion Councillor Peter Curtis raised a number of questions and concerns around the provision of Extra Care facilities.  Mr. George  responded to the matters raised and concurred that the rent charged had to be affordable.  

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be received.