Agenda item

(NOTE: Councillors H.A.L. Evans and S.J.G. Gilasbey having earlier declared an interest in this item was not in attendance during the consideration or voting of this item.)

The Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 21^st February 2022 (Minute 8 refers) had considered the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard Plus (CHS+) Business Plan 2022-2025, the purpose of which was to:-

·       Explain the vision and detail of the housing investment programme over the next three years, including housing stock improvement plans, the new build programme, plans to become net zero carbon and what this meant for tenants.

·       To confirm the income received from tenants and other funding sources afforded a capital programme of £120m over the next three years to:

o Improve and maintain the existing stock;

oSupport the delivery of over 2,000 new homes in communities;

oSupport the Councils Net Zero Carbon Principles, creating energy efficient homes, minimising carbon emissions and promoting affordable warmth for tenants;

oHelp stimulate economic growth and recovery following the Covid 19 pandemic;

oHelp build strong sustainable communities – places where people are proud to call home.

·       To confirm the financial profile, based on current assumptions, for the delivery of housing investment programme and Council new build over the next three years.

·       Produce a business plan for the annual application to Welsh Government for Major Repairs Allowance (MRA) grant for 2022/23, equating to £6.2m.

It was advised the report was divided into the following five key themes aimed at driving the business forward for the next three years:-

1.    Theme 1 – Supporting Tenants and Residents;

2.    Theme 2 – Investing in Homes and Surrounding Areas;

3.    Theme 3 – Providing More Homes

4.    Theme 4 – Decarbonisation of Housing Stock

5.    Theme 5 – The Local Economy, Community Benefits & Procurement

In conclusion, the Plan supported the Councils existing tenants as well as prospective tenants and balances what tenants need now and what will be needed in the future. 

The following amendment was proposed and seconded to the first recommendation within the report:

‘To confirm the vision for our housing investment programmes over the next three years and to introduce a Council bungalow programme throughout the Councils member wards in Carmarthenshire. This will free up 3 Bedroom housing for young families. In addition, we need to identify land in members wards for new bungalows in the Carmarthenshire Housing investment programme for 2022-27.

The Proposer outlined the rationale for the amendment

Following a debate and a vote, it was

RESOLVED that the Amendment to the Motion be not supported.

Council thereupon proceeded to vote on the original Motion and it was

RESOLVED that the Motion and the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted: