Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of personal interest.

RESOLVED that the decision record of the meeting held on the
16th October 2024 be signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the decision record of the meeting held on the
21^st October 2024 be signed as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member received a report on Compensation Payments which requested to make a small amendment to the amount that tenants (contract holders) are paid in compensation for the supply and use of dehumidifiers. The report outlined that currently the amount was set at a flat rate and required a calculation to be in line with current Ofgem costs per kilowatt hour.

It was reported that Housing Services currently paid a flat rate to its tenants (contract holder) where a dehumidifier had been supplied, based on 12 hours usage a day.  Currently this was set at £10 per day which was not reflective of the actual cost for the tenants to use them as it was far less.

The Cabinet Member noted that since the trial in September 2024, a significant reduction in compensation being paid out was evident.  Furthermore, there had been no challenge to the reduced rate, suggesting that the rate was fair and proportionate.

The Housing Services Manager explained that the prices would be monitored on a quarterly basis and that all those affected would be contacted.

RESOLVED:

4.1      to lower the maximum rate paid to tenants in compensation for dehumidifiers which would be set initially at £1.53 per day; and

4.2      that the amount payable always aligns with Ofgem’s average unit cost per kilowatt hour and the rate reflects any price changes that may occur during any year to ensure fairness and transparency.

The Cabinet Member received a report on the Direct Food Support Fund which sought approval of initiatives that would support the needs of people facing food poverty in Carmarthenshire.

It was reported that as part of Welsh Government’s Direct Food Support Fund 2024/2025, Carmarthenshire County Council had been allocated a budget of £55,916 (revenue funding) and £49,537 (capital funding) to support an increased number of people facing food poverty.

The Cabinet Member noted that in order to support the needs of local communities, the report proposed that the funding would be used to deliver two grant schemes which was set out within the report.

It was further noted that the Authority would enter into an agreement with all successful recipients of the grants, outlining the terms and conditions of the grant.

RESOLVED that:

5.1      the establishment of the following 3rd party grants via the Welsh Government Direct Food Support Fund administered by CCC Bureau team within the Economic Development and Property Division be approved:

• Foodbank support

• Food Direct Capital fund

5.2      delegation to the Head of Economic Development & Property to award funding to successful applicants be approved.