AGENDA ITEM NO
1.
REPORT TO:
Social Affairs, Health and Housing Scrutiny
Committee
REPORT OF:
Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer
REPORT NO:
CHPPO/99/09s
DATE:
9 September 2009
CONTACT OFFICER:
Mike Jenkins (Tel 315508)/
Sarah Faire (Tel 315510)
SUBJECT:
Wrexham County Borough Council Local
Housing Strategy 2007/2012
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
To advise Members about achievements and progress made towards
the delivery of the Wrexham Local Housing Strategy and more
specifically, the Local Housing Strategy Action Plan
2.
SUMMARY
2.1
The Wrexham Local Housing Strategy 2007/ 2012 sets out the long
term vision for all housing in Wrexham and was developed by the
Wrexham Housing Alliance after stakeholder consultation.
2.2
The Action Plan establishes the necessary actions and resources
required to achieve the Local Housing Strategy.
2.3
The Council is approximately half-way through the lifespan of the Local
Housing Strategy and Action Plan and therefore a mid-point review has
been conducted (May 2009) to examine progress.
2.4
A copy of the Action Plan is attached at Appendix 1 and it details the
progress made against each action.
3.
RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1
Members are asked to note the achievements and progress made
towards the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy and associated
Action Plan.
4.
INFORMATION
4.1
The Action Plan consists of 5 aims and within each aim is a number of
action points. In total, the Action Plan has 72 action points, and to date,
28 (39%) of the actions are complete. However, it should be borne to
mind that several of the actions (12) cannot be completed because
they are operational tasks and will be ongoing throughout the lifespan
of the Strategy. Therefore, if the ongoing actions are not included as
part of the 72 action points (ie.60 action points can be completed), then
47% of the actions are complete.
4.2
For member information details of action points where no progress has
been made, are significantly off track or no longer relevant are included
in Appendix 2.
4.3
The key achievements since the development of the Local Housing
Strategy are:
Aim: To improve the quality and sustainability of existing homes and
neighbourhoods

Mandatory licensing procedure has been implemented and all
relevant Houses in Multiple Occupation known to the Council are
licensed.

Private Rented Sector Improvement Strategy 2009-12 published.

A rolling programme of rented property inspections has been
established and annual targets achieved.

WCBC has signed up to Landlord Accreditation Wales

The Private Sector Empty Property Strategy 2007-2012
published.

The Housing Renewal Strategy 2007 published.

Since 2006, 175 homes have been referred for improvement
through the Houseproud scheme.

1219 minor adaptations have been carried out.

254 people have benefited through the Home Repair Assistance
scheme.

198 households have received a grant through the Dementia
with Telecare scheme.

Under the Wrexham Warm Homes scheme (operating since
2005), over 15,000 properties have had cavity wall/ loft
insulation installed and approx. 25,000 home surveys have been
completed. Scheme has been extended to July 2010.

A register of approved contractors/ traders (reviewed quarterly)
is available to the public.

351 properties have benefited from increased security through
the Safe at Home scheme.

193 homes have been renovated through Group Repair
Schemes in Renewal Areas.
Aim: To Develop More Good Quality Affordable Housing

North East Wales Local Housing Market Assessment completed
in 2008.

51 affordable homes have been developed through s.106
obligations, providing homes for social rent, shared ownership
and discount for sale.

Over £10 million has been secured through Social Housing
Grant for developing general needs affordable housing (20062010) and which should deliver around over 100 homes for
social rent.

Over £1.3 million has been obtained for affordable housing
through the Strategic Capital Investment Fund providing 17
homes for social rent at Penmare Park, Penley; Ty Newydd,
Gwersyllt; Victoria Gardens, Wrexham.

An event for first time buyers was held (April 09) at Glyndwr
University to promote affordable housing and to build
relationships i.e. estate and letting agents, house builders and
mortgage advisors.

The Affordable Housing Delivery Statement 2008-2011
developed.

Affordable Housing secured as a Council Priority 2009-2012.

Rural Housing Enabler recruited and jointly funded between the
Welsh Assembly Government, WCBC, Flintshire County
Council, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, Pennaf and Wales and West
Housing Associations.

Temporary Housing Surveyor appointed and jointly funded by
Housing Standards and Strategy and Transportation and Asset
Management to identify Council owned land that could be
developed for affordable housing. Site identification is complete,
and work is ongoing to finalise the sites to be progressed.

Over £4.5 million secured through Social Housing Grant for Llys
Madoc Extra Care scheme, estimated start on site Jan 2010.
Aim: Reducing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping

Permanent night shelter opened in December 2008 and
managed by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association.

Private sector leasing scheme has been extended, 33 properties
are being leased for temporary accommodation.

Rent deposit/ bond scheme has been developed and has helped
48 households to secure a tenancy in the private rented sector
(Apr 07-Mar 09).

The homeless prevention service has been reviewed and
funding is in place to maintain service.

Mediation service established through the Wallich (3 year
contract).
Aim: To ensure that appropriate housing is available for all

A standard clause has been developed to ensure that
contractors and consultants comply with Race Relations and
Welsh Language requirements.

A Welsh Assembly grant has been received to improve
standards at the Ruthin Road Travellers site.

Levels of need have been determined for older people in the
Accommodation and Housing Support Strategy for Older People
(completed 2008).

Social Housing Grant secured for 2 wheelchair bungalows (units
in early development stages).

Social Housing Grant has been secured for supported housing:
6 units for young people (site to be finalised)
5 units for people with mental health issues (site secured)
5 units for people with severe learning disabilities (site to
be finalised)
6 units for substance misuse programme (complete)
15 units for people with learning difficulties (9 units
complete and 6 units are in development).
Aim: To provide effective housing advice and access to the full range of
housing options available

WCBC signed up to Home Swapper scheme for Mutual
Exchanges.

Low Cost Affordable Housing Register is being administered by
Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, new application form/ information leaflet
produced by WCBC and Service Level Agreement signed.

The housing advice service has been reviewed and a new
housing options approach service is being piloted until March
2010.

Landlord and Tenant Information Packs (for private sector) have
been developed and distributed.
5.

Customer Service Excellence Award achieved by Strategic
Housing Services.

Empty homes information leaflet developed and online facility
available to report empty homes

Private Sector Liaison Officer (Landlords friend/ advisor)
appointed.

Private Sector Landlords forum re-launched and meetings are
held quarterly.
EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT
There is no requirement for an equalities impact assessment.
6.
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
There are no resource implications.
7.
LEAD MEMBER COMMENT
The Lead Member has been consulted on this report and has no
comments.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
LOCATION
WEBSITE INFO.
Wrexham Local Housing
Strategy 2007/ 2012
WCBC website
http://www.wrexham.gov.u
k/assets/pdfs/housing/doc
uments/strategy.pdf
Wrexham Local Housing
Strategy 2007/ 2012 Our
Future Plans and Resources
WCBC website
http://www.wrexham.gov.u
k/assets/pdfs/housing/doc
uments/futureplans.pdf