Monmouthshire prides itself on being conscientious corporate parents. However I believe that we may be failing some of our most vulnerable children; by allowing them to live in what may be considered to be below acceptable housing living conditions. These are, in the main young women, with newly born, and not so young infants, that are settled in 60 year old high density flats/apartments which do not really appear to be appropriate for their circumstances.
Attempts to create environments fit for purpose by renovations of the properties have only succeeded in creating airtight boxes. The renovations carried out, and C/Heating installed is of a high standard, but by its nature is so efficient that condensation has now become a major problem for some tenants? Cost is a major factor for these parents by balancing and rationing their budgets to keep their heating running. Equally parents are fearful of having too many windows open for reasons of security. There is lack of natural ventilation, consequently walls soon drip with moisture, clothes in turn get fousty, the children get chest problems, and a vicious circle continues.
I would appreciate your response at resolving these issues which may really only be of concern for Members who have similarly "ancient " social housing in their Wards. It would be interesting to assess how many of these properties are part of the housing stock across Monmouthshire, and are these problems only associated with them, or is there a wider malaise affecting young parents which is a general social issue? l do have the facility of Flying Start working with many of these parents, but they too are frustrated with the level of support needed to sustain a pleasant way of life.
In posing these questions I am anxious for a positive direction from you as the Cabinet Member responsible for Social Care Safeguarding and Health!
Minutes:
Monmouthshire prides itself on being conscientious corporate parents. However I believe that we may be failing some of our most vulnerable children; by allowing them to live in what may be considered to be below acceptable housing living conditions. These are, in the main young women, with newly born, and not so young infants, that are settled in 60 year old high density flats/apartments which do not really appear to be appropriate for their circumstances.
Attempts to create environments fit for purpose by renovations of the properties have only succeeded in creating airtight boxes. The renovations carried out, and C/Heating installed is of a high standard, but by its nature is so efficient that condensation has now become a major problem for some tenants? Cost is a major factor for these parents by balancing and rationing their budgets to keep their heating running. Equally parents are fearful of having too many windows open for reasons of security. There is lack of natural ventilation, consequently walls soon drip with moisture, clothes in turn get fousty, the children get chest problems, and a vicious circle continues. I would appreciate your response at resolving these issues which may really only be of concern for Members who have similarly "ancient " social housing in their Wards. It would be interesting to assess how many of these properties are part of the housing stock across Monmouthshire, and are these problems only associated with them, or is there a wider malaise affecting young parents which is a general social issue? l do have the facility of Flying Start working with many of these parents, but they too are frustrated with the level of support needed to sustain a pleasant way of life. In posing these questions I am anxious for a positive direction from you as the
Cabinet Member responsible for Social Care Safeguarding and Health!
In response Councillor Burrows advised:
‘I am concerned to hear about the issues you have in your ward but I am informed that since the question was submitted there have been some efforts to commence a meaningful dialogue with you and the Housing Association responsible to begin address the issues that are being raised.
I should just like to remind Members that your referral to collective responsibility as Corporate Parents is technically correct, yes we are Corporate Parents, but I should just like to remind all that this is not a general catch all with respect too all vulnerable youngsters in the County but a specific cohort of youngsters who are defined by us as looked after children.
It follows from this that all our looked after children whether in foster care, specialist placement or those on risk registers and having a relationship with a designated social worker, if there were any difficulties surrounding unsuitability of lodgings these would be known to us and a dialogue in place with the property owner as applicable.
It mandated of all of us who have responsibility to provide Social Services to those that need it in the County, that on a daily basis we have individuals young and old who present to us for the first time, and if they do they will be properly promptly and correctly assessed as to their needs and what we can subsequently do to assist. Their needs may be either simple or complex and in many cases there is no overall solution but purely the management of their existing circumstances. Matters relating to housing are very specific and improvements in living comforts can make a difference, but I would suggest that their solution are in the hands of others.
My sense of the issues you are alluding to are housing environmental matters that if addressed should immediately positively impact on and provide improvement to the affected individuals lives.’
As a supplementary, County Councillor Easson asked:
Where does the Cabinet Member see local members responsibility for wards?
In response County Councillor Burrows:
Noted issues relating to housing, ward members have social housing in ward and encourage active dialogue with housing officers to address issues.