The Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 6 July 2026 to review the 2025-26 end-of-year performance report and discuss the amended terms of reference for the Task and Finish Group on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The committee also noted forthcoming items for future meetings and confirmed the minutes from a previous meeting.

2025-26 End of Year Performance Report

The committee reviewed the 2025-26 end-of-year performance report, which detailed progress against the council's corporate strategy and well-being objectives. Several areas were highlighted as being off target, including the average time taken to complete housing repairs, which was noted as being 27 days against a target of 20 days. Councillor Bryan Davies expressed concern about slow turnaround times and a lack of coordination in repairs, while Councillor Terry Davies raised issues regarding enforcement, particularly concerning unauthorised caravans and the conversion of old houses without permission. Councillor Carys Jones, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities, and Welsh Language, acknowledged the complexity of enforcement cases, stating that legal steps can take a significant amount of time. Rodri Griffiths, Head of Place and Sustainability, provided reassurance that significant progress had been made in reducing enforcement cases, down from 2,000 post-COVID to 450, although he acknowledged the lengthy court processes.

Concerns were also raised about the number of private sector empty homes, which stood at 1,805 against a target of 1,660. Gareth Williams, Manager of Housing Services, explained that many of these were in the 6-12 month empty category and were being addressed through advice and engagement. The council's policy on Council Tax premiums for empty homes was discussed, with Councillor Betsan Jones questioning the definition of reasonable grace periods for inherited properties.

The committee also discussed the implementation of an Article 4 Direction regarding short holiday lets, with Councillor Alex Evans querying the remedial action mentioned in the report, as an appeal by Gwynedd Council had reportedly been refused. It was clarified that the report reflected the position at the time of its production, and that the council was ensuring any future actions were legally sound.

Progress on the National Exercise Referral Scheme was noted as being off target for initial consultations but had seen significant strides in the final quarter. The committee also heard about the challenges in improving superfast broadband and mobile phone signal in rural areas, with efforts being made to engage with providers. The impact of the UK government ending the Shared Prosperity Fund on future regeneration funding targets was also raised, with uncertainty noted regarding future funding programmes.

Homes and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group - Amended Terms of Reference

The committee considered the amended terms of reference for the Task and Finish Group on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The group's purpose is to develop a draft HMO Mandatory Licensing Policy and determine whether an additional or selective HMO licensing scheme is needed. Councillor Alex Evans sought clarification on whether planning policies would be explicitly considered within the group's scope, which was confirmed. Councillor Terry Davies raised concerns about the C3 to C4 change of use and sought assurance that planning permission is required for this, which was confirmed by officers. The group's work will focus on understanding the current HMO position, their role in the housing system, community impact, and management, as well as exploring policy options and their implications.

Forthcoming Items

The committee noted the forthcoming items for its next meeting on 14 September 2026, which include the Performance Monitoring (Q1) report, a review of the Housing Service Charge Policy, and an update on Homelessness Support. A site visit to Pembrae was mentioned, with clarification sought as the Pendine Outdoor Activity Centre was understood to be closed.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2026 were confirmed as a correct record.