Agenda item

Members discussed the Social Housing Programme Delivery Report and the presentation which provided examples of case studies demonstrating how the grant is able to impact upon people’s wellbeing as well as housing need. The officer explained that key issues for Monmouthshire in respect of affordable housing are:

•           Affordability for people wishing to purchase their own home, the average house price in Monmouthshire being £301,900.  This is in comparison with the Wales average of £185, 529 and means that affordability in the lower quartile of earners would require borrowing of 9 times their salary.   Purchasing a property is out of

•           There is pressure on housing waiting lists, with 3,269 people registered on the Homesearch waiting list for affordable housing, this including social rented housing and intermediate housing (low cost home ownership and intermediate rents).  During a 1 year period between 2018-19, there were 1711 new applications registered on Homesearch, with only 630 properties available and from the 3,269 people registered, only 471 were housed.

•           We have seen a year on year increase in homeless presentations and last year, we received 835 presentations by people who were at risk of homelessness, with 304 households being threatened with homelessness within 56 days.  244 of the 304 households were found to be actually homeless and needing assistance and support. 

The officer advised that just over £5.2 million had been received in social housing grant monies and that most of this had been spent, with a small underspend of £194,376k being returned to Welsh Government, due to land prices posing challenges for delivery of schemes. The money has enabled the delivery of 84 new builds, has helped 10 people buy a property of their choice on the open market, has financed 17 ex-council house buy back properties and 1 rent to own property.  The committee was advised that schemes with different funding streams have particular stipulations and that following a recent review of Social Housing Grant monies grant monies may decrease and changes cannot be predicted at this time.

Challenge:

•           Members questioned the use of the Rural Allocations Policy for a new build developments rather than existing properties that may become available. The committee recommend that the officer explores the application of the policy to properties that are not solely new-build. A review of Homesearch is being undertaken and this will be taken into consideration as part of this review.

•           The Committee highlighted that some bungalows provided by Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) for older people are unsuitable due to steps ~ this would be discussed with MHA.

•           Can Social Housing Grant monies be used to assist people with deposits ~ Unfortunately there are stipulations with the funding and it cannot be used in this way, however there are other new products available through Welsh Government that can assist people with deposits.

•           If funding is to be reduced, what proposals do we have to meet the gap?  Welsh Government have reduced the funding, but the substantial money available to date was specifically for the delivery of new housing targets and was expected to drop, but initiatives such as the ‘Innovative Housing Scheme’, ‘Rent to Own’ and’ Self-build programmes’ are different new funding streams that will be available.

•           Members queried the Joint Project for accommodation for people with high level needs that is a joint initiative between the council and the health board and how this would be managed. The project would be managed by the health board as its funding derives from the Integrated Care Fund.  Whilst the council would be responsible for the planning aspects, the health board would be responsible for the care and support required and the housing association would be the responsible landlord. 

•           The extent to which the housing register was reviewed was discussed and the officer confirmed that people are contacted annually to assess whether circumstances have changed.

Outcome:

•           Members clarified the options appraisal within the report and agreed the importance of having a Programme Delivery Plan in place (option 1) given that affordable housing is a key priority for the council.

•           Members recommend the officer explores the wider application the Rural Allocations Policy, not solely for new builds.

•           The Committee advocates exploration of land ownership and the use of council land ownership for creative uses of land to deliver affordable housing as part of the Local Development Plan renewal.

•           Members highlighted the need to raise awareness of the different available options for people, including ‘Rent to Buy’ schemes.