Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A M Cook and J P Curtice.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Communities Cabinet Advisory Committee held on 6 October, 2015, be approved as a correct record.

K Grunhut, Tackling Poverty Manager and J Storer, Senior Welfare Rights Adviser, presented a Welfare Reform Update which outlined the changes to the benefit system that were announced in the Summer 2015.

The Officers provided a comprehensive overview of Tax Credits and Universal Credit and the effect these changes would have to residents within Swansea.  It was noted that the changes were due to take effect from April 2015.

Members’ asked questions of the Officers who responded accordingly.

In response to a specific question regarding the numbers of people in Swansea that may be affected by the Benefits cap, Officers stated that this information was not held by the Welfare Rights’ Team.  However, colleagues in Housing Benefit may have the relevant information.

The Chair thanked the Officers for their informative presentation.

RESOLVED that:

1)    The report be noted;

2)    The Chair discuss the possibility of a presentation to Council with the Presiding Member and Leader;

3)    Welfare Rights’ Officers obtain information regarding the number of people in Swansea that may be affected by the Benefits cap from Housing Benefit colleagues.

Presentation by Karen Grunhunt – Tackling Poverty Manager.

K Grunhut, Tackling Poverty Manager, circulated a report on the Swansea Communities First Overview.

She detailed the Programme Themes; Cluster Areas, Swansea Wide Communities First Programme Performance Measures 2014/15 and 2016/17 and Beyond.

Members’ asked questions of the Officer who responded accordingly.

The Chair thanked the Tackling Poverty Officer for the informative report.

RESOLVED that a follow up report be included in the Work Plan for future consideration.

The Chair referred to the Work Plan and stated that he would discuss potential issues with the Cabinet Member for Next Generation Services.

RESOLVED that relevant Officers be invited to attend the next Committee and provide an update in respect of:

1)    Progress on City and County of Swansea House Building Programme (targets in the LDP; Social Housing);

2)    Changes to Council Tax in relation to Empty Properties;

3)    Rent Recovery and Housing Benefit Fraud; and

4)    Private Rented Sector Lettings Team and change Policy.