Agenda and minutes

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

1.2         Apologies were received from Carolyn Thomas MS.

1.3         Vikki Howells MS substituted for Carolyn Thomas MS.

2.1a The Committee noted the letter from the Finance Committee in relation to the draft budget 2024-25.

3.1 The Committee agreed the motion.

4.1 The Committee received a legislative scrutiny refresh training session.

Michael Kay, Senior Responsible Officer for the Bill; Deputy Director, Elections Division

Elaina Chamberlain, Policy Lead: Head, Democracy, Diversity & Remuneration

Sarah Wymer, Bill Manager

Gareth McMahon, Senior Government Lawyer, Legal Services

Elections and Elected (Wales) Bill

Explanatory Memorandum

Written Statement from the Member in Charge

5.1 The Committee received a technical briefing from Welsh Government officials:

Michael Kay, Senior Responsible Officer for the Bill - Deputy Director, Elections Division

Elaina Chamberlain, Policy Lead, Head, Democracy, Diversity & Remuneration

Sarah Wymer, Bill Manager

Gareth McMahon, Senior Government Lawyer, Legal Services

6.1 The Committee considered and agreed its approach to scrutiny.

7.1 The Committee considered the Welsh Government response.

Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip

Ruth Meadows, Temporary Director for Ukraine response

Joanna Valentine, Deputy Director, Transitional Accommodation Division – Ukraine

8.1 The Committee received evidence from:

Jane Hutt, Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip

Ruth Meadows, Temporary Director for Ukraine response

Joanna Valentine, Deputy Director, Transitional Accommodation Division

The Minister agreed to provide additional information requested by the Committee:

·       feedback on progress in relation to converting appropriate placements into commercial lodging arrangements, should thank you payments not be available in year 3;

·       more details on analysis undertaken by the Welsh Government on the reasons for refusal of accommodation;

·       details of the total costs paid to CTM, once all figures are reconciled;

·       details of the Welsh Government’s ongoing work to analyse annual returns on the grant provided to local authorities and registered social landlords to provide homes (including modular accommodation) for those in housing need.

Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip

Stuart Evans, Head of Race; Faith & Belief; Gypsy, Roma & Traveller policy

Amelia John, Interim Director - Communities & Tackling Poverty

9.1 The Committee received evidence from:

Jane Hutt, Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip

Stuart Evans, Head of Race; Faith and Belief; Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Policy

Amelia John, Interim Director - Communities & Tackling Poverty

Lorna Hall, Deputy Director for Equality and Human Rights

10.1 The Committee discussed the evidence received and agreed to write to the Minister on a number of matters raised.

10.2 The Committee agreed to undertake further follow-up work on the provision of sites for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers.