Agenda and minutes

The Committee agreed to elect Carolyn Thomas MS as a temporary Chair in accordance with Standing Order 17.22.

2.1.      The Chair welcomed Members to the meeting of the Local Government and Housing Committee.

Professor Jo Richardson, Associate Dean Research and Innovation / Professor of Housing and Social Research, De Montfort University

Allison Hulmes, National Director, Wales, BASW Cymru

3.1. The Committee received evidence from:

Professor Jo Richardson, Associate Dean Research and Innovation / Professor of Housing and Social Research, De Montfort University

Allison Hulmes, National Director, Wales, BASW Cymru

3.2. During the evidence Professor Jo Richardson agreed to provide:

·         a copy of the report produced for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation;

·         copies of the reports which include examples of local authority best practice.

3.3. During the evidence session, Allison Hulmes agreed to provide a copy of the 2022 research from “The British Journal of Social Work” relating to the over-representation of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children referred to child welfare services or taken into state care.

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes, North Wales Police

Chief Constable Pam Kelly, Gwent Police

Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner, Dyfed-Powys Police

4.1. The Committee received evidence from:

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes, North Wales Police

Chief Constable Pam Kelly, Gwent Police

Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner, Dyfed-Powys Police

4.2. During the evidence session, Chief Constable Carl Foulkes agreed to provide a copy of North Wales Police’s five-step approach of engagement with communities, that was used ahead of enforcing legislation during the Covid pandemic.

4.3. During the evidence session, Dafydd Llywelyn agreed to provide:

·         a briefing note relating to the number of illegal Gypsy, Roma and Traveller encampments in Wales;

·         further information relating to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community youth forum in Pembrokeshire.

5.1.a. The Committee noted the letter from the Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution to the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee in relation to the implications of the UK Government's proposed legislative programme for the Senedd.

5.2.a. The Committee noted the letter from the Minister for Climate Change in relation to second homes.

5.3.a. The Committee noted the letter from the Minister for Climate Change in relation to building safety.

Naomi Alleyne, Director, Social Services and Housing, Welsh Local Government Association

Tim Peppin, Director of Regeneration and Sustainable Development, Welsh Local Government Association

Daniel Hurford, Head of Policy, Welsh Local Government Association

6.1. The Committee received evidence from:

Naomi Alleyne, Director, Social Services and Housing, Welsh Local Government Association

Tim Peppin, Director of Regeneration and Sustainable Development, Welsh Local Government Association

Daniel Hurford, Head of Policy, Welsh Local Government Association

6.2. During the evidence session, the Welsh Local Government Association agreed to provide:

·         figures of the number of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller sites where planning permission has been successfully sought, and the land subsequently purchased

·         figures for the number of years training for councillors across Wales relating to provisions of sites for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers, as outlined in the Welsh Government race equality action plan

·         a note to clarify the number of transit sites in Wales

·         a note of best practice examples of local authorities consulting and engaging with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities for sites provision.

7.1. The Committee agreed the motion.

8.1. The Committee discussed the evidence received under items 3 and 4.

9.1. The Committee considered and agreed the key issues for its work in relation to housing Ukrainian refugees.