Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Martyn Groucutt, who was being substituted by Councillor Jill Bond and Councillor Penny Jones, who was being substituted by Councillor Ann Webb. 

None. 

Pre-decision scrutiny of the recommission of the Housing Social Grant Programme.

Cabinet Member Sara Burch introduced the report and Ian Bakewell delivered a presentation, following which, they answered the members’ questions. 

Introduction by Cabinet Member Sara Burch: 

• Councillor Burch discussed the diverse range of services commissioned using the housing support grant from the Welsh Government, emphasizing their importance in meeting housing needs. 

• She highlighted the Council's long-standing relationships with third sector providers, which offer support to people with specific needs or in difficult situations, helping them avoid homelessness or transition to independent living. 

• Councillor Burch noted that most current services and funding arrangements predate the pandemic and are funded by the annual housing support grant allocation. 

• She stressed the excellence of current services and the productive partnerships developed over many years. 

• The recommissioning process aims to be transparent and objective, focusing on the citizens receiving support and ensuring the best outcomes for public money spent. 

• Councillor Burch expressed the importance of not treating this as a routine procurement exercise and appreciated the opportunity for scrutiny before proceeding. 

• She mentioned the approval of the rapid rehousing transition plan in 2023 and the ongoing engagement with service providers to adapt services as needs evolve. 

• The Council's legal duties around homelessness have changed since the pandemic, with further changes expected as new legislation is enacted. 

• Councillor Burch emphasised the need for fair funding, robust monitoring, and avoiding duplication of services, aiming for three to five-year funding arrangements with service providers. 

• She concluded by acknowledging the hard work of everyone involved in these services and the housing options team. 

Key Points made by Ian Bakewell: 

• Ian emphasised the importance of housing support services in preventing homelessness and supporting individuals in maintaining their homes. 

• The Welsh Government's vision for homelessness is to make it rare, brief, and unrepeated, with housing support playing a key role. 

• Monmouthshire receives nearly £3.5 million from the Welsh Government for housing support, but this is insufficient to meet the identified needs. 

• The types of support provided include assistance with accessing suitable accommodation, financial help, daily living skills, and bridging to wider support services. 

• Monmouthshire faces high demand for homelessness and housing support services, with around 2,000 referrals per year and significant needs related to mental health, domestic abuse, and substance misuse. 

• There are currently 900+ people receiving support, but there is still unmet need, including waiting lists for supported housing and housing first services. 

• The Council aims to align services with its priorities, increase value for money, support worker salaries, and reduce the number of small, less resilient projects. 

• The review and tendering process will help ensure compliance with legal requirements and improve contract management. 

• Despite the review, gaps in services will remain due to budget constraints, including the need for dedicated mental health supported accommodation and more comprehensive domestic abuse services. 

• The upcoming Welsh Government legislation may increase demand for housing support and place additional duties on the Council. 

 
Key Questions and points made by Councillors 

• Councillor Powell - asked if the increase in Council tax on empty  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.