THE Older People’s Commissioner for Wales’ team attended the latest meeting of the Vale of Glamorgan Sheltered Housing Forum to discuss the issues that matter to them last week.

The Forum, which is made up of around 20 representatives of sheltered complexes in Llantwit Major, Cowbridge, Barry, Dinas Powys and Penarth, meet every two months to discuss issues affecting some or all of the complexes with local authority staff.

The Commissioner’s team joined the forum at its most recent meeting, which took place at Youldon House in Fairoaks, Dinas Powys, to provide an update on the work of the commissioner.

Issues raised at the meeting included concerns about the provision of scooter storage space at sheltered housing complexes, anti-social behaviour, problems with some residents dumping rubbish, and ongoing improvements to properties aimed at achieving the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Residents also asked about the implications of a proposed merger between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Bridgend Council, considering that the Vale has retained its housing stock, while Bridgend’s is now run by a social landlord.

During the visit the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales’ team also provided an update on the work of the commissioner.

The team outlined some of the projects currently underway, such as work to help to preserve vital community services that older people rely on and the recently published report, A Place to Call Home?, which sets out a range of required actions to improve the quality of life of older people living in care homes in Wales.

Following the visit the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, said: “The Vale of Glamorgan Sheltered Housing Forum is a wonderful initiative that allows older people to remain fully engaged in decisions made relating to their homes.

“While it gives representatives an opportunity to ask council officials questions on issues affecting them, it also allows the local authority to garner the views of the residents. The Forum is not only an important link between tenants and the council, but between the different complexes, with people living in different areas able to forge friendships and offer support and advice to each other.”

The visit to Dinas Powys formed part of the Commissioner’s Engagement Roadshow, which has met with thousands of older people during the past year.

For further details about the Engagement Roadshow, and to find out more about the work of the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, visit www.olderpeoplewales.com