Present
Philip Walton(PAW)Wrexham CBC
Marc Williams (SMW)Wrexham CBC
Mike Jenkins(MJ)Wrexham CBC
Sarah Faire (SF)Wrexham CBC
Tracy GibsonWrexham CBC
Alwyn LlwydCymdeitha Tai Clwyd
Graham Worthington (GW)Pennaf Housing Group
Rob White (RW)Wrexham CBC
Kate Porter (KP)Wales and West Association
Nicky Cole (KC)Wales and West Association
Julie Woolfenden (JW)National Landlords Association
Apologies
Terry Nixon
Andy Lewis (ACL)Wrexham CBC
Deiniol Evans (DE)Pennaf Housing Group
Shayne Hembrow (SH)Wales and West Association
- Minutes of Last Meeting 28thApril 2009and Action Points
Action points
Page 1 – Amendment – Alwyn Llwyd was present at the previous meeting and the minutes should be amended accordingly.
Remainder of the minutes agreed
- Releasing resources for affordable housing in Wrexham
SMW and MJ gave a draft presentation on releasing resources for affordable housing in Wrexham prior to a member workshop due to be hold on 08/09/09. MJ clarified that none of the 20 sites within the presentation were being considered for gypsy and traveller site purposes.
A new presentation is still being developed as the deliverability of sites is being clarified.
MJ/RJW to check the south Chirk hospital site in terms of the feasibility to have highways access to the north of the site.
A total number of 300 units are being proposed at this stage. MJ advised of the next step:
-Clarity on public open space sites / policy
-Joint working arrangements with WAG
-Member workshop on short listed sites
-Options for delivery to members
-Route map
NC enquired on what basis WAG will release Bridge Street site. RJW advised that this was still under deliberation. At this stage the assumption is that land is to be gifted but PAW has asked for written confirmation from WAG on this issue.
JW enquired whether affordable housing was available for purchase by landlords – SMW clarified that this was not feasible as Registered Social Landlords would be managing properties.
- RSL nomination agreement update
MJ reported that further discussions have taken place with the RSL’s on the proposal to increase 50% nominations on new lets to 100%. However there was no support for this by the RSL’s to this extent. Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd were prepared to accept 75%, Wales and West could increase this to around 70% in the future, GW advised that Clwyd Alyn would not be able to increase above 50% due to the high demand for properties and given the difficulty they experience now in meeting the existing 50% target within the nomination agreement. GW advised that his preference would be for a central allocations system as is the case in Anglesey.
It was agreed that further discussion would take place with RSL’s on the specific issue of nominations to first lets.
- Allocating Social Housing
Following on from the last WHA meeting, SF and CP have been working together on allocating Social Housing, SF gave a presentation looking at the current position on issues such as application forms, waiting list, allocation policies and assessments. Three options were considered:
-Common housing register
-Common allocations policy
-Choice based lettings.
SF discussed the positives and negatives of each.
The merits of adopting these options on a step by step basis was discussed compared to proceeding specifically to the choice based lettings (CBL) option.
CP advised that the feedback from the Vale of Glamorgan CBL scheme which has been running for 4 years, is that it is proving successful. Concerns were raised about whether the more vulnerable are able to access CBL schemes which tends to be internet based.
It needs to be established that the Orchard system which has been procured by Landlord Services in Wrexham Council has the capacity to handle choice based lettings. Concern was raised that the system would have to meet other strategic needs for example moving people out of temporary accommodation as quickly as possible. PAW suggested that we come back to the next WHA with a business case on taking CBL forward. Agreement on this within the group. PAW suggested achieving political sign off by October / November.
RJW enquired about applicability of nominations for shared ownership properties. SF advised that CBL systems can accommodate policies for particular purposes e.g. local lettings policies. SF advised 2 years development prior to introduction is the norm for CBL’s.
- Local Housing Strategy – mid point report and proposed Action Plan Update
SF had previously circulated the current status of the Local Housing Strategy Action Plan, SF is planning to take a report to Scrutiny Committee in September. Discussion took place on items highlighted in red and black i.e. items which have not been progressed and actions which ought to be dropped e.g.the actions relating to the preparation of common heads of terms for section 106 agreements was identified as not feasible by WCBC Legal team – RSL’s viewed common heads of terms as beneficial to minimise delay, PAW requested that the issue is raised again with Legal and RSL’s would provide example common heads of terms.
- Any Other Business
No matters raised.
Housing Standards & Strategy Team, WrexhamCounty Borough Council,
Ruthin Road, WrexhamLL13 7TU
Tîm Strategaeth A Safonau Tai, Bwrdeisftref Sirol Wrexham,
Ffordd Rhuthun, Wrecsam. LL13 7TU