The Chief Executive presented a report that introduced representatives of Valleys to Coast, ie Jo Oak, Chief Executive and Darrin Davies, Corporate Director – Development and Growth, who then gave a presentation upon the latest work of the organisation.

The presentation initially outlined V2C’s agenda, which was

• Their current position
• Their immediate priorities
• Their impact and ambition
• Clarification around empty homes
• Opportunities for questions

In terms of the current position, the Officers explained that V2C had received the highest level of compliance for their governance and financial viability following a recent regulatory review.

Rent levels had been set at 6.5% increase on average (in line with other Welsh HAs and on average £20 lower than rent cap), with rent freeze and additional support for most vulnerable.

Continued partnership working was being developed to better support their customers, including the Housing Health and Innovation programme across Cwm Taf Morgannwg region.

Works had also taken place in terms of supporting Bridgend Town Centre by encouraging colleagues back to the office and re-introducing the organisations reception area.

In terms of the organisations more immediate priorities, these were outlined as follows:-

1.    Tackling dampness, condensation and mould - working collectively with other Welsh HAs & LAs and responding to the Housing Minister

2.    Preventing and tackling homelessness - increased support for customers through cost of living crisis; working in partnership with BCBC and others; investing in new homes to meet demand

3.    Addressing under investment in Bridgend through our ‘Missing Piece’ agenda, so we can do more for our customers and communities.

The Chief Executive of V2C advised that with regards to the organisations impacts and ambitions both currently and moving forward, these were to share with members that its Turnaround Programme has had a positive impact across the business, and for customers, with a repairs backlog reducing in number down as well as complaints also reducing and positive resolutions happening quicker for property tenants.

All the above was being driven forward with plans to create a wholly owned subsidiary to further improve and grow their repairs and maintenance service.

V2C had also launched its ambitious Safe and Happy Sustainable Future strategy to work towards carbon neutrality.

Furthermore, £1.2m had been secured to invest in an optimised retro fit programme. This would commence with improved heating systems to around 200 homes; external wall insulation to around 200 homes; and energy efficient lighting to communal areas at its sheltered schemes.

In relation to clarification in respect of Empty Homes, the Officers explained that Valleys to Coast is not the only RSL in Bridgend and that this on occasions led to some misunderstanding locally about the extent of  ownership of some empty homes.

There was also some misconception over the number of homes V2C owned in relation to properties lost through the Right to Buy Scheme.

With regard to void properties, the Officers explained that there were presently 138 empty homes (voids) in the Bridgend area, with 63 currently undergoing construction work to prepare for re-let. In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79