	Health Improvement Committee Tuesday, 3 September 2002 at 3.00 pm
	Present: Councillors Jackson, Mitchell, McCabe, McGraw, Nimmo, Rebecchi and Robertson (A).
	Chair: Councillor McCabe presided.
	In attendance: Ms L Brabender (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Director of Social Work & Housing Services, Head of Financial Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).
	Apologies: Councillors Morrison (D) and O’Rourke.
	With the exception of the decision marked “C” which is open for confirmation or otherwise, the following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.
628	Social Work and Other Housing Services Revenue Budget 2002/03 - Period 4	628
	There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2002 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Social Work and Other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at Period 4 (24 July 2002) which showed a projected overspend of £210,000 and (2) detailing the action being taken by Officers with a view to containing the overspend within the current budget.
	Decided: (1) that the current position of the Social Work and Other Housing Services Revenue Budget 2002/03 be noted; and (2) that the action being taken by Officers with a view to containing any overspend within the current budget be noted.
629	Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04 - Progress	629
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the progress of the Social Work & Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04 and (2) advising that this showed a projected net overspend of £39,000 in the current financial year.
	Decided: (1) that the progress of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04 be noted; (2) that the progress of the specific projects detailed in Section 5 of the report be noted; and (3) that it be noted that the overspend in the Capital Programme would be considered by the Policy & Strategy Committee.
630	Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Within and Outwith Inverclyde	630
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve maintenance rates which reflect the weekly cost per person for permanent residents in residential establishments located both within and outwith Inverclyde.
	Decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that approval be given to the recommended rates detailed in the Appendix to the report in order that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services may make appropriate payments in the event of residential placements being made.
631	Scottish Social Services Council - Registration of the Social Service Workforce	631
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the requirement for social services staff to become registered with the Scottish Social Services Council in order to practice within the social care sector and (2) outlining proposals to meet the Council’s service needs.
	Decided: (1) that the developments made in the regulation of the social service workforce be noted; and (2) that the preparation of an action plan to facilitate the registration of staff in Phase 1 of the development and thereafter be endorsed.
632	Inverclyde Child Protection Committee - Annual Report 2002	632
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the work of the Inverclyde Child Protection Committee and (2) requesting endorsement of the Annual Report 2002.
	Decided: that the Inverclyde Child Protection Annual Report 2002 be endorsed.
633	Introduction of an Integrated Services Delivery Model - Criminal Justice Social Work Services	633
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on proposed changes to the way in which criminal justice services were delivered and (2) seeking approval for the developments detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.
	Decided: (1) that approval be given to the proposals detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, in particular, (a) the development of a closer, integrated partnership with NCH Scotland and (b) the development of an Assessment and Supervision Service in respect of the service provided by the Council’s Criminal Justice Team; and (2) that approval be given to explore the development of shared accommodation with NCH Scotland to facilitate further the integration of service provision.
634	Home Delivery Shopping Service Pilot	634
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the intention to set up a six month Home Delivery Shopping Service pilot project in partnership with Inverclyde Community Development Trust and Tesco Greenock for older and disabled people in receipt of home care and day care services within Inverclyde. Following discussion, Councillor McCabe moved that the proposed pilot project detailed in the report be noted and approved. As an amendment, Councillor Rebecchi moved that consideration be continued for a two month period to ascertain if any other providers are able to participate in the pilot project. On a vote, 2 Members voted for the amendment and 5 for the motion which was declared carried.
	Decided: that the proposed Home Delivery Shopping Service pilot project detailed in the report be noted and approved.
635	Restorative Justice Project	635
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the allocation of £41,600 grant from the Scottish Executive for the purpose of developing or enhancing local Restorative Justice projects and (2) seeking approval of the proposals for the use of the grant set out in the report.
	Decided: that the development of the Restorative Justice project detailed in the report and the extension of the Council’s existing working partnerships with NCH Scotland be approved.
636	Authorised Providers List for Social Care Services	636
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve amendments to the list of Authorised Providers for Social Care Services in terms of the Standing Orders relating to Contracts.
	Decided: that the amendments to the Authorised Providers List be approved.
637	Demolition of Hector McNeil Baths - Removal of Demolition Material	637
	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to authorise the issue of an instruction in the sum of £25,250 for the removal of demolition material in connection with the demolition of Hector McNeil Baths.
	Noted
638	Care Home	638
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the current position with regard to the provision of a care home on the site of the former Hector McNeil Baths and (2) requesting permission to invite tenders for the construction works.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the construction of a care hŽome facility on the site of the former Hector McNeil Baths, Greenock.
639	Implementation of Free Personal and Nursing Care	639
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of further action which required to be taken in order to progress the implementation of free personal and nursing care. It was noted that an assessment of the number of new posts required to implement the necessary action would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee following further detailed discussions with the Head of Personnel Services.
	Decided: that the potential staffing implications of the implementation of free personal and nursing care be noted.
640	Housing Revenue Account 2002/03 - Revenue Budget - Period 4	640
	There was submitted a report dated 16 August 2002 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 4 (24 July 2002) and (2) advising that this projected an overspend of £135,000.
	Decided: (1) that the current position of the Housing Revenue Account - Revenue Budget 2002/03 be noted; and (2) that the action being taken by Officers with a view to containing any overspends within the current budget be noted.
641	Housing Revenue Account 2001/2002 Out-turn There was submitted a report dated 2 August 2002 by the Director of Finance on the out-turn position of the Housing Revenue Account 2001/2002 and the Housing Reserve balance as at 31 March 2002.	641
	Noted
642	HRA Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04 - Progress	642
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04.
	Decided: (1) that the following accumulated variations which are outwith the accepted tender amount by more than 10% be approved in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations:-
	Project Effect on Expenditure
	Greenock Central & Holmscroft Windows £37,024 increase Door Entry Systems £12,125 increase 2 Dunlop/46 Murdieston Streets - Underpinning and Repairs £5,377 increase
	(2) that the Committee approve the following expenditure decrease and increases in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations:-
	Project Effect on Expenditure Lynedoch Court Cladding Metal Angle not Required £26,520 reduction Timber Substitute £7,432 increase Upper Port Glasgow - Replacement Windows Installation of Extract Fans in Kitchens and Bathrooms £8,850 increase; and (3) that the progress of the specific projects detailed in Appendix 1 of the report be noted.
643	Housing Advance Procedures	643
	There was submitted a report dated 12 August 2002 by the Director of Finance recommending a review of the Home Loan Scheme policy currently applied by Finance Services, in light of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.
	Decided: (1) that the Council no longer be the lender of last resort for house purchase and that a decision on whether to lend in Council led improvement projects be delegated to the appropriate Officers; and (2) that the Council no longer provide house purchase loans to Council employees.
644	Inverclyde Care & Repair Business Plan 2003 - 2008 : Request for Revenue Funding	644
	There was submitted a report dated 20 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the Care & Repair Business Plan 2003-2008 and (2) indicating the likely additional contribution from the Council towards the associated revenue funding requirements.
	Decided: that consideration be continued for a further report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services.
645	Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy	645
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the outcome of the Best Value Review of the anti-social behaviour service and (2) outlining the core recommendations for a new strategy for change.
	Decided: (1) that the current position with regard to anti-social behaviour in Inverclyde be noted; (2) that the recommendations for change set out in paragraph 7.2 of the report be approved; and (3) that a further report on the possibility of engaging a specialist team as a pilot project together with the cost implications of this and other changes be submitted to the Committee.
646	Enhanced Energy Advice, Home Safety/Home Security Project: Request for Funding	646
	There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval to utilise £14,000 from the Housing Reserve Fund to enable the purchase of 700 home security packages to be installed in Council houses with tenants over the age of 60, between 1 September 2002 and 31 March 2003.
	Decided: that approval be given to utilise £14,000 from the Housing Reserve Fund to pay for the cost of home security equipment to be installed in vulnerable tenants’ homes as part of the proposed energy advice and home safety/security project, all as detailed in the report.
647	Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) Strategy: Two Year Progress Report (April 1999 - March 2001)	647
	There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the content of the HECA Strategy Two Year Progress Report April 1999 - March 2001, issued separately to Members, and (2) summarising the progress made since the implementation of the Strategy in 1997.
	Decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that the HECA Strategy Two Year Progress Report April 1999 - March 2001 be noted.
648	The Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement - Inverclyde Council’s Response	648
	There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the content of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement and the implications for the Council and (2) setting out the Council’s response which required to be submitted to the Scottish Executive by the deadline of 31 May 2002. The Appendix to the report which included copies of both documents was circulated at the meeting.
	Decided: that the content of the draft Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement and the Council’s response be noted.
649	Training - Request for Virement	649
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting virement of resources to continue the progress of training within Housing Services.
	Decided: (1) that the progress of training within Housing Services be noted; and (2) that approval be given to virement of £15,000 from Research to Training.
650	Community Care Housing Development: Transfer of Site at Corner of Regent Street/ Trafalgar Street, Greenock	650
	There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the progress of the proposal to develop 12 supported housing units for people with Korsakoff’s syndrome on the site at the corner of Regent/Trafalgar Streets, Greenock, (2) setting out the reasons for changing the proposed housing mix by adding 3 houses for mainstream use on the site in addition to the 12 specialist units and (3) advising that in line with the principles of Best Value, the Council would be seeking a capital receipt in respect of the part of the site to be used for the mainstream accommodation which would be based on the District Valuer’s valuation.
	Decided: (1) that agreement be given to the proposal to construct 3 mainstream houses on the site at the corner of Regent Street/Trafalgar Street in addition to the 12 units for people with Korsakoff’s syndrome; and (2) that it be noted that a capital receipt would be generated in respect of the part of the site to be used for mainstream accommodation based on the District Valuer’s valuation.
651	Additional Demolition in Maukinhill - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure	651
	There was submitted a report dated 18 July 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to negotiate with Whiteinch Demolition Ltd, the contractor appointed to carry out the demolition of 48-56 and 58-66 Corlic Street, for additional demolition works at 39-45 Corlic Street.
	Noted
652	Demolition of 6-12 Lansbury Street and 2-4 Poplar Street, Greenock	652
	There was submitted a report dated 12 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for the demolition of the properties at 6-12 Lansbury Street and 2-4 Poplar Street, Greenock at an estimated total cost of £98,000 including fees and other costs.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the demolition of 6-12 Lansbury Street and 2-4 Poplar Street, Greenock.
653	Housing Services Review Group: Minutes of Meetings of 26 June 2002 and 13 August 2002	653
	There were submitted minutes of meetings of the Housing Services Review Group of 26 June and 13 August 2002.
	Noted
654	Housing Control Accounts: Over £500 Write-Offs	654
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking authority to write off outstanding transactions exceeding £500 within the Housing Control Account.
	Decided: that approval be given to write-off an unreconciled debit balance of £3,648.22 from the Housing Control Account (Rent Receipts) to the Housing Revenue Account.
655	Tenant Opinion Survey	655
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for a tenant opinion survey relative to the future of Council housing within Inverclyde which had been considered and agreed by the Housing Services Review Group.
	Decided: that the report be approved and the Committee confirm that a tenant opinion survey relative to the future of the housing stock in Inverclyde take place in October/November 2002 on the basis set out in the report.
656	Capital Allocation for Aids and Adaptations 2002/03	656
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for the apportionment of the additional £150,000 allocation for aids and adaptations in the current financial year.
	Decided: (1) that the additional capital allocation of £150,000 in 2002/03 for aids and adaptations be split equally between the public and private sectors; and (2) that a report on progress on the provision of aids and adaptations be submitted to the October meeting of the Committee.
657	Rent Arrears Performance - Quarterly Update to 30 June 2002	657
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on rent arrears performance to 30 June 2002.
	Decided: that the continuing progress made in reducing current tenant arrears be noted.
658	Irrecoverable Rent Arrears: Request to Write-Off	658
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting the Committee to write-off irrecoverable tenant rent arrears in excess of £500, outstanding as at 31 March 2002.
	Decided: that approval be given to the write-off of former tenant arrears totalling £274,080.32 without prejudice to any future recovery of the debts should that prove possible.
659	Proposed Demolition - Maisonette Property at 10-58 Wren Road, Greenock	659
	There was submitted a report dated 16 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for the demolition of the unoccupied property at 10-58© Wren Road, Greenock as part of the contract for the demolition of 1-49 Curlew Lane at an estimated total cost of £120,000.
C	Decided: (1) that the demolition of the property at 10-58 Wren Road, Greenock be included in the Capital Programme 2002/2003; and (2) that the demolition work be added to the tender for the demolition of 1-49 Curlew Lane, Greenock.	C
	The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee to be informed of the Scottish Executive’s response on the submission of an initial Local Partnership Agreement and to decide on representation on the Joint Community Care Board without delay. This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.
660	Scottish Executive Feedback on the Implementation of Joint Resourcing and Joint Management in Inverclyde	660
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the positive response received from the Scottish Executive on the submission of the initial Local Partnership Agreement on the implementation of joint resourcing and joint management of Community Care in Inverclyde and (2) requesting the Committee to consider representation on the Joint Community Care Board.
	Decided: (1) that the Council welcome the response from the Scottish Executive to the Council’s submission; and (2) that the Council be represented on the Joint Community Care Board by Councillors Jackson, McCabe and 1 Member to be nominated by the Minority Groups.
	The meeting was adjourned from 5.05 pm to 5.10 pm.
	It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.
	Item Paragraph(s) Arrears of Rent - Detailed List 2 & 6 Private Sector Capital Programme Update 6 & 13 Accommodation Requirements - Hospital/Residential Reprovision 3 Service Development - Council’s Residential Provision for Adults with Learning Disabilities 3 Housing Benefit Sundry Debtors: Write-Off Request 6 Sale of Property - Cumberland Road, Greenock 6 & 9 Housing Management Information System 6, 8 & 9 Building Services - Essential Plant Requirements: Tenders 6 & 8 DLO Performance Report - Building Services 8 Recruitment, Retention & Training of Qualified Social Workers 1 Income Collection Management System (Housing Services) - Report on Tenders 6, 8 & 9
661	Arrears of Rent - Detailed List	661
	There was submitted an Appendix setting out details of arrears of rent.
	Noted
662	Private Sector Housing Capital Programme Update	662
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services setting out a number of outstanding issues relating to the Private Sector Housing Capital Programme.
	Councillor McCabe declared an interest in this item and took no part in its consideration or decision. Councillor McCabe vacated the Chair and Councillor Jackson took the Chair for this item.
	Decided: (1) that it be remitted to the appropriate Officers to take all action necessary to progress the 6, 8, 10 and 12 Garvald Street Greenock Housing Action Area for Demolition and that the Inverclyde Council be requested to make the necessary draft Resolution; (2) that it be remitted to the appropriate Officers to take all action necessary to progress the 32-34 South Street and 37-39 Kelly Street Housing Action Area for Improvement; and (3) that a further report be submitted to the Committee on potential timescales taking into account existing and planned commitments in the Private Sector Housing Capital Programme.
	Councillor McCabe then resumed the Chair.
663	Accommodation Requirements - Hospital/Residential Reprovision	663
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the circumstances of two adults with learning difficulties who require to return to the community in order that their care needs can be appropriately met.
	Decided: (1) that the report be approved; (2) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to utilise up to £80,000 of resource transfer monies towards the purchase by Turning Point of a suitable property to meet the needs of the individuals concerned; and (3) that a further report be submitted to the Committee on the outcome of the process in due course.
	Councillor Jackson left the meeting at this juncture.
664	Service Development - Council’s Residential Provision for Adults with Learning Disabilities	664
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the need for and opportunity to re-design the Council’s residential services for adults with learning disabilities to respond to recent changes in legislation and national policy.
	Decided: (1) that the report be approved and it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to take the action necessary to progress the proposals detailed in the report; (2) that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services liaise with the Head of Personnel Services to establish a management framework to review the staffing elements of the proposal; and (3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to submit further reports to the Committee on progress in due course.
665	Housing Benefit Sundry Debtors: Write-Off Request	665
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of irrecoverable Housing Benefit overpayments outstanding as at 31 July 2002 which require approval for write-off.
	Decided: that the write-off of irrecoverable Housing Benefit overpayments totalling £61,594.86 set out in the Appendix to the report be approved.
666	Sale of Property - Cumberland Road, Greenock	666
	There was submitted a report dated 29 July 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval to sell a vacant flat in Cumberland Road, Greenock. The Committee agreed that the flat be offered for sale to an individual but that should the sale not proceed, the flat be advertised for sale on the open market, all as detailed in the Appendix.
667	Housing Management Information System	667
	There was submitted a report dated 8 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the current status of the Housing Management Information System Procurement Project and (2) requesting delegated authority for the acceptance of the most economically advantageous tender in terms of (a) functionality, (b) development potential, (c) conformity to the e-Government and modernising Government agenda and (d) price.
	Decided: (1) that the report be noted; (2) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services in the usual manner to accept the most advantageous tender received for the supply of a Housing Management Information System on the basis set out in the report; (3) that the establishment of the implementation team of temporary posts for a two year period on terms and conditions agreed between Housing Services and Personnel Services be noted; (4) that it be remitted to the Head of Personnel Services to refer the establishment of a permanent systems administration function with staffing and grades commensurate with similar establishments and systems to the Corporate Business Committee; (5) that agreement be given to the provision of training and project accommodation for staff and suppliers’ representatives including the necessary equipment and furniture; and (6) that agreement be given to the carrying out of a full survey of network, server and hub capacity to ensure maximum use is available at all Housing locations.
668	Building Services - Essential Plant Requirement: Tenders	668
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of (1) the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to accept the lowest tender received for a drain cleaning machine and a graffiti removal machine for use by Building Services by means of virement from different budget lines and (2) the subsequent decision to utilise additional funds from the Scottish Executive for the purchase of the equipment.
	Noted
669	DLO Performance Report - Building Services	669
	There was submitted a report dated 19 August 2002 by the Director of Finance providing information on the performance of the Building Services DLO for the period to 24 July 2002.
	Decided: (1) that the current projected budgetary position be noted; and (2) that it be noted that the Business Plan targets and Key Performance Measures would be further developed as a result of the approval of the Business Plans in due course.
670	Recruitment, Retention and Training of Qualified Social Workers	670
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising the Committee of difficulties being experienced in recruiting and retaining qualified social workers and (2) seeking approval for proposals designed to improve training opportunities for existing and new staff which promote recruitment and retention of staff.
	Decided: (1) that approval be given to the establishment of a practice teacher post and a part time training officer post within the Social Work Training Section; (2) that approval be given to the development of a joint social work course within the University of Paisley and with partner Councils; and (3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services and Head of Personnel Services to carry out a review of salaries and conditions of staff within Social Work Services.
	The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow the Committee, if in agreement, to accept the lowest tender without delay. This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.
671	Income Collection and Management System (Housing Service) - Report on Tenders	671
	There was submitted a report dated 29 August 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the result of the tendering exercise in respect of the income collection and management system for Housing Services.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to accept the tender submitted by Radius Computer Services for the supply of an income collection and management system as detailed in the report in the sum of £73,095 with associated annual maintenance costs of £14,105.