There were two housing-related backbench questions at this month’s full council meeting.
V2C reviewing legacy asbestos in housing stock
Cllr. Tim Thomas (Ind, St Bride’s Minor & Ynysawdre) asked about the state of social housing in the county. One area he was particularly concerned about was asbestos, which he’s had to submit several referrals about recently. Although asbestos is safe by itself, it becomes dangerous when broken or inhaled.
While there have been assurances given about dampness and mould in social housing, he asked for assurances on how legacy asbestos was being monitored.
Cabinet Member for Wellbeing & Future Generations, Cllr. Rhys Goode (Lab, Nantymoel), had a recent discussion with V2C on asbestos.
He’s been told by V2C that they’re undertaking a review of asbestos in their housing stock – most of which was built long before asbestos regulations were introduced. It was important that where renovations or retrofitting of housing stock take place, that’s it’s done safely.
More social housing due, but it’s “not a quick process”
Cllr. Heidi Bennett (Lab, Penyfai) asked for an update on how Bridgend Council was working with social landlords to address the housing shortage in the county.
Cllr. Goode told councillors that BCBC was working with social landlords and the Welsh Government on a three-year plan.
Houses are needed urgently to deal with the shortfall, but that process isn’t quick.
The plan provides for 536 social homes over the next three years funded by £41million in grants.
Importantly, there’s a shift from providing 3 and 4-bedroom homes to far more urgently-needed 1 and 2-bedroom homes, as well as providing social homes suited to people with specific needs.
