Agenda item

Council was informed that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on the 9^th January 2023 [minute 11 thereof refers], had considered the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2023-26 Carmarthenshire’s Housing Investment Programme which explained the vision and detail of the Council’s Housing Investment Programme over the next three years, including the housing stock improvement plans, the new build programme and the plans to become net zero carbon.

The Cabinet member for Homes, in presenting the report, stated that the Plan outlined that the Council would continue to deliver a comprehensive programme of works to homes and maintain services to all of its tenants. In particular the income received from tenants’ rents and other funding sources over the next three years would enable the Authority to develop a capital programme exceeding £103m, which would:

·       improve and maintain the existing housing stock, reduce the number of empty Council homes and deal with the backlog of repairs, keeping tenants informed of progress;

·       support the delivery of over 2,000 new affordable homes to ensure more homes were available for those in need;

·       support the Council’s Net Zero Carbon principles, creating energy efficient homes, minimising carbon emissions and promoting affordable warmth for tenants to reduce the cost of maintaining a home;

·       help stimulate economic growth, creating jobs and training opportunities in the county; and

·       help build strong sustainable communities – places people were proud to call home.

She expressed the hope that members would agree that the Plan was comprehensive and ambitious and would allow the Authority to achieve key priorities for the Council’s tenants and vulnerable families. In conclusion she stated that this was a huge investment programme and thanked everyone who had contributed to its development and the staff who were always willing to help others.

In response to concerns over the proposed decrease in the budget for all internal works to council houses and voids and major works to homes, and whether the amount was sufficient to deal with the current backlog of work, the Cabinet member for Homes expressed confidence that the budget was sufficient but assured Council that the situation was reviewed regularly. She added that every effort was being made to attract builders etc to enter into the employ of the Council so that it had its own teams to carry out such work.

It was commented that the installation of solar panels on council homes could  greatly help households facing increased heating costs.

RESOLVED that the following recommendations of the Cabinet be adopted:

‘To

5.4.1 Confirm the vision for our housing investment programmes over the next three years;

5.4.2 Agree that the 2023-26 Business Plan can be submitted to Welsh Government;

5.4.3 Note the contribution the Plan makes to the Housing Regeneration and Development Delivery Plan in supporting the delivery of over 2000 homes;

5.4.4 Note the importance of the investment included in this plan and its role in stimulating the local economy and creating local jobs and training opportunities.’