Agenda item

The Committee received a report on the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2023-26 Carmarthenshire Housing Investment Programme which:

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

·       recognised the effect of the cost of living crisis on the Councils’ tenants.

·       confirmed the income that would be received from tenants’ rents and other funding sources over the next three years and how that enabled the development of a capital programme exceeding £103m,

·       confirmed the financial profile, based on current assumptions for the delivery of the housing investment and council new build programme over the next three years

·       produced a business plan for the annual application to the Welsh Government for Major Repairs Allowance (MRA) Grant for 2023/24 equating to £6.2m.

The report highlighted the importance of the Council supporting its tenants and residents in everything it did, with the following five key themes having been identified as driving the business for the next three years:-

-        Theme 1 – Supporting Tenants and Residents;

-        Theme 2 – Investing in Homes and our Estates;

-        Theme 3 - Providing more Homes;

-        Theme 4 – Providing Affordable Warmth and Decarbonising the Housing Stock;

-        Theme 5 – The Local Economy, Community Benefits and Procurement

The Following questions/issues were raised on the report:

·       Reference was made to the condition of several properties at Dan y Banc, Felinfoel, Llanelli. It was confirmed investigations were being undertaken in relation to drainage issues within the area and investment was planned to bring the properties back into use.

·       In relation to voids, it was confirmed issues within the construction industry, post covid, such as contractor availability and material price rises were adversely impacting on the time scales facilitating the return of voids to the housing stock. The Council had undertaken several measures to reduce the levels over recent months that had resulted in a 25% reduction in void levels and, while there were currently approximately 300 voids, the aim was to reduce that to around 200. However, it should be accepted there would always be an element of voids as properties would need upgrading/ maintenance prior to re-letting. Other measures to be introduced to achieve the reduction would include developing a new minor works framework to include small local contractors and the development of an in-house team to undertake void work.

·       With regard to Theme 1 and supporting tenants, the council had introduced smaller areas for housing officers to manage to provide advice and assistance to tenants in need of help. The Rapid Rehousing Service would also provide wrap around care for those in need and the proposals for its development were currently with the Welsh Government for approval

·       Reference was made to Theme 4 and the proposals to provide an additional 2,000 homes over the next five years and to how that increase would be managed. The Head of Homes and Safer Communities advised the department was investing in its front line provision and, in the new year, it would be examining future resource and investment requirements

RESOLVED THAT IT BE RECOMMENDED TO THE CABINET/COUNCIL TO:-