Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Housing Services.

Submitted – a report by the Head of Housing Services in relation to the above.

The Service Manager – Community Housing reported that the Tenants Participation was first introduced on Anglesey in 1998 which gives tenants and leaseholders the opportunity to have a say into how their home is managed.  As a social landlord in Wales, Isle of Anglesey County Council is required ‘to maximise tenants’ rights to participate and promote excellence in tenant participation in order to comply with the Welsh Government’s National Tenant Participation Strategy which was published in 2007.  She noted that the Authority’s Tenants Participation Strategy 2015 – 2018 is the third strategy of its type for the Housing Service.  The aim of the Strategy is to consult and involve tenants within the service.  The Service Manager reported the key success during 2016 – 2017 as noted within the report.

The Committee considered the report and raised the following main matters :-

·      Clarification was sought as to the potential impact on people on low income as regard to the changes to the benefits system due to the introduction on the new Universal Credit system.  The Service Manager – Community Housing responded that deep concerns are expressed due the impact on the most vulnerable people in society with the rollout of the Universal Credit system and potentially young families being without money to pay for basic essential as they will have to wait for a number of weeks for the Universal Credit to be administered.  She noted that Foodbanks will be under extreme pressure following the introduction of the Universal Credit and a campaign ‘Bring a Tin a Week’ has been launched for public sector workers to contribute towards local foodbanks;

·      Concerns were expressed as to tenants being unable to pay their rent during awaiting benefits through the new Universal Credit; it was expressed that people should not be at risk of losing their home.  The Head of Housing Services responded that the Council will be supportive of tenants who are awaiting Universal Credit before any action is taken through Court for repossession of local authority property.  She noted that private tenancies and people who are self-employed will also be affected by the introduction of the Universal Credit system;

·      Members referred to the Housing Service campaign as regard to the ‘estate clean-up days’ at the local authority’s housing estates recently.  The Service Manager – Community Housing  responded that 22 estate clean-up days occurred during 2016/17 which included estates at Llangefni, Holyhead, Moelfre, Llanfairpwll, Aberffraw, Newborough, Pentraeth, Llanddeusant, Llansadwrn, Benllech and Cemaes;

·      Clarification was sought as to the working relationship with North Wales Police as regard to antisocial behaviour on housing estates.  The Service Manager – Community Housing responded that a good working relationship exists with the Police Authority with monthly meetings held with the Island’s Inspector to share information of incidents of antisocial behaviour which occurs on the housing estates.  She further noted that the local Police Support Officers are working with young people on housing estates to drive forward community initiatives to try and reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour;

·      Reference was made to the Môn Tenants and Officer Voice Group and questions were raised as to the success of this Group.  The Service Manager – Community Housing said that the Môn Tenants and Officer Voice Group continues to meet on a quarterly basis which incorporates tenants from across the Island.  She noted that a number of the tenant representatives resides in the Holyhead area and it is considered that increase in tenant participation from other areas needs to be addressed;

·      Reference was made to the ‘Community Hubs’ bases across sheltered housing schemes on the Island and questioned the success of such a venture.  The Service Manager – Community Housing said that the 22 communal lounges are used almost daily and have been viewed by tenants as an excellent base for community hubs to be formed.

The Chief Executive suggested that this report be forwarded to the monthly briefing sessions for Elected Members so as to allow all the Members the opportunity to be aware of the work done by the Housing Service.

It was RESOLVED :-

·      To accept the progress report for 2016/17 and to thank the Officers for their work;

·      That Elected Members and the Senior Leadership Team to play an active role in promoting tenants’ participation and ensuring all tenants have a voice and has a part to play in future housing and corporate developments.

ACTION : As noted above.