Agenda item

Context:

We received a report from the Private Sector Housing Manager in order for Members to consider the proposed amendment to the common allocation policy between the Council and Monmouthshire, Melin and Charter Housing Associations.

Key Issues:

Although no longer owning any housing stock, the Council still retains a statutory responsibility for the strategic identification of housing need and leading on all local actions to effectively respond to this need. In this regard, the [Monmouthshire] Housing Register is still a legal responsibility of the Council.

Member Scrutiny:

A Member commented that agricultural work was more often done with machinery, and it was more the case that dairy farmers who would need housing closer to the farm, which may be the reason for less need to re-house agricultural workers today.

It was questioned if, in view of the fact, as the policy had been approved by the relevant local housing associations was any further input necessary.  The Chair advised that we were in receipt of the report for advisory purposes.

It was noted that the Committee were at a disadvantage as they had not received the appendices with agenda despatch.  The Committee agreed where further information was necessary the Chair would be addressed.

In response to a question raised we heard in terms of Syrian refugees MCC had been asked to identify a property for a family due to arrive in June or July.  MCC have agreed to house 20 families over 20 years.

A Member questioned how the high rent in the private sector could be addressed.  Officers explained that in the proposed changes to the allocation policy, where people were working but struggling it would be possible to claim discretionary housing payment, and move to band 3, medium housing need.  The Housing and Regeneration Manager added that part of the responsibility of the new Private Sector Housing team would be to get to a position to identify private housing for waiting list applicants as well as homeless applicants.

We heard that there would be a drop-in session on 10^th May 2016 where landlords would be invited to attend in order to meet the team and receive information regarding licensing requirements.

In response to a question regarding private rented properties we heard that it was difficult to say if there had been an increase or decrease but market rents seemed to continually increase, which proved a challenge for the team.  There was a continual battle to identify properties, and there was not enough to support our duties.

Officers explained that private rented landlords were encouraged to use our services rather than local agents by offering a wide range of complimentary services, such as individual experienced staff, a number of funding pots and housing support.  Officers were keen to develop new services as necessary.

With the introduction of licensing there may be an opportunity for MCC to deliver courses, but this had not been discussed as yet. This was currently provided through Rent Smart Wales as well as other providers.

A Member expressed that Cabinet should ensure that all Members are aware of the policy changes and suggested that a seminar would be useful.

A Member highlighted that there had previously been a working group looking to identify empty homes in the County, and questioned if there was any further development in this area.  Officers explained that the empty homes work continues, but there were staffing capacity issues.  Officers worked closely with the Council Tax colleagues to identify such properties, which would be contacted via mailshot twice a year. In terms of incentive for empty property owners MCC could provide a loan facility, but this was not proving popular.

Recommendations:

The report recommended that Adults Select Committee consider the proposals outlined in the report to adjust the policy and make recommendations to the Council’s Cabinet as appropriate