Health Improvement Committee

Tuesday, 21 January 2003 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Mitchell, Morrison (D), McCabe, O’Rourke, Rebecchi and Robertson (A).

Chair:    Councillor McCabe presided.

In attendance:  Mr H McNeilly (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Head of Housing & Building Services, Acting Head of Social Work Services, Head of Community Care & Strategic Planning, Head of Financial Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Councillors Jackson, McGraw and Nimmo.

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.

  20

Factoring Arrangements

20

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the current status of the Working Group established with ECHO (Ex Council House Owners) to examine the factoring arrangements for properties formerly owned by Inverclyde Council.

Decided:

(1)  that no change be made to the current factoring arrangements;

(2)  that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services be instructed to write to ECHO to intimate that the Council would be willing to discuss operational aspects of factoring with their representatives; and

(3)  that if ECHO decline to work with the Council on improving the factoring service, it be agreed to meet with other groups within the community to examine ways of improving service delivery.

   21

Social Work & Other Housing Services Revenue Budget 2002/03 - Period 9

21

There was submitted a report dated 10 January 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Social Work & Other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at Period 9 (11 December 2002) and (2) advising that there was a projected overspend of £295,000, a decrease of £165,000 since the last report to the Committee.

Decided: that the current position of the Social Work & Other Housing Services Revenue Budget 2002/03 and the efforts being made by Officers with a view to containing any overspends within the current budget be noted.

   22

Social Work & Other Housing Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04 - Progress

22

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the progress of the Social Work & Other Housing Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04.

Noted

   23

Child Protection Review Report: “It’s Everyones Job to Make Sure I’m All Right”

23

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the findings of the Child Protection Review commissioned by the Scottish Executive and published in the report “It’s Everyones Job to Make Sure I’m All Right” on 25 November 2002.

Decided: 

(1)  that the publication and importance of the Child Protection Review Report be acknowledged; and

(2)  that it be agreed to develop an Action Plan to meet the demands of the recommendations in the report, to be carried out by Officers of the Council and with partner agencies through the Inverclyde Child Protection Committee.

   24

Client Care Needs

24

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising the Committee of the circumstances of an adult whose care needs require to be met by a placement in a special residential unit.

Decided:  that the proposed placement be approved and the cost to the Council, estimated at around £57,000 per year, be contained within the Social Work Services Revenue Budget.

   25

Accounts Commission Performance Audit: “Dealing with Offending by Young People”

25

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the conclusion of the Accounts Commission Performance Audit “Dealing with Offending by Young People” and (2) providing details of the proposed follow up work being conducted by Audit Scotland.

Decided:

(1)  that approval be given to the action as outlined in the report; and

(2)  that the Accounts Commission’s report and follow up audit be noted.

   26

Maclehose Court - Residential Services for Adults with Severe Physical Disabilities

26

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals to implement, from 1 September 2002, changes in the payment terms in respect of the residential unit for people with severe physical impairment and associated disabilities at Maclehose Court, Greenock, operated by Margaret Blackwood Housing Association.

Decided:  that the proposals be approved.

   27

Housing Revenue Account 2002/03 - Revenue Budget - Period 9

27

There was submitted a report dated 8 January 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 9 (11 December 2002) and (2) advising that there was a projected underspend of £633,000, an improvement of £670,000 since the last report to the Committee.

Decided: that the current position of the Housing Revenue Account Revenue Budget 2002/03 be noted.

  28

HRA Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04 - Progress

28

There was submitted a report dated 7 January 2003 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 overall position of the HRA Capital Programme 2002/03 to 2003/04 be noted; and

(2)  that the overall cost and phasing of the works relative to the Income Collection and Management System and the consequent adjustment to the Capital Programme be noted.

   29

Scotland’s Travelling People

29

There was submitted a report dated 19 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the Scottish Executive Guidance concerning gypsy travellers’ unauthorised encampments, (2) appending a proposed draft strategy in this regard and (3) proposing the establishment of a multi-agency group to address the issues raised.

Decided:  that the draft strategy appended to the report and the establishment of a multi-agency group to address the issues involved be approved.

   30

Mortgage to Rent Scheme

30

There was submitted a report dated 4 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising (1) that the Scottish Executive had intimated that it wishes local authorities to implement the Mortgage to Rent Scheme which aims to provide help to those households in mortgage difficulties by offering them the flexibility to change the tenure of their home from ownership to a tenancy in the social and rented sector and (2) that Communities Scotland is developing guidance and will appoint a national co-ordinator to assist in implementation of the scheme.

Decided:

(1)  that the report be noted; and

(2)  that a further report be submitted to the Committee once more details of the proposed scheme are known.

   31

Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 - Repair and Improvement Grants

31

There was submitted a report dated 19 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of changes to the administration of the repairs and improvements grants system in Scotland as a result of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, (2) setting out the implications for the Council, partner agencies and customers and (3) making a number of recommendations in this regard.

Decided:

(1)  that the changes to the system for administering improvement and repairs grants as a result of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and the implications of these changes be noted;

(2)  that the impact of the new provisions be monitored and a report be submitted to the Committee in 6 months time if required; and

(3)  that a report be submitted to the Committee setting out the types of work for which grants are provided.

   32

Section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001

There was submitted a report dated 13 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the duty placed on registered social landlords in terms of Section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to provide accommodation for homeless households referred to them by the Council and (2) appending a draft protocol on partnership working agreed with Cloch, Larkfield, Oak Tree and Port Glasgow Housing Associations.

32

Decided:  that the draft protocol appended to the report be approved.

   33

Florence Street and Mavis Road, Greenock - Renewal of Windows - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

33

There was submitted a report dated 16 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to authorise the invitation of tenders for the renewal of windows at 11 to 55 Florence Street and 31 Mavis Road, Greenock.

Noted

   34

Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme - Award of Grant for Ravenscraig Court: Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

34

There was submitted a report dated 23 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to authorise the invitation of tenders for the installation of electric central heating and smoke alarms at Ravenscraig Court, Greenock and to accept the most favourable tender received for the work.

Noted

    35

Disabled Persons Housing Service

35

There was submitted a report dated 3 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the outcome of a study commissioned into the feasibility of establishing a disabled persons housing service in Inverclyde and (2) recommending the establishment of such a service subject to appropriate resources being identified and match funding being provided by appropriate partner agencies.

Decided:

(1)  that the results of the study into the feasibility of establishing an Inverclyde disabled persons housing service be noted;

(2)  that approval in principle be given to the establishment of such a service under the auspices of the Inverclyde Council on Disability which would have responsibility for seeking appropriate sources of funding; and

(3)  that a further report be submitted to the Committee on progress in due course.

   36

BISF Houses in South Maukinhill, Greenock: Phase 1 Refurbishment

36

There was submitted a report dated 30 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work &

Housing Services seeking approval to invite tenders for Phase 1 of the refurbishment of the BISF (British Iron & Steel Federation) houses in South Maukinhill, Greenock at an estimated cost of £365,000.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phase 1 of the refurbishment of the BISF houses in South Maukinhill, Greenock.

   37

Housing Benefit Service: Progress and Development

37

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the current position with regard to the work undertaken by the Housing Benefit Service and (2) setting out a number of planned developments for the Service.

Decided:

(1)  that the information on the performance of the Housing Benefit Service for 2001/02 and during the current year be noted;

(2)  that approval be given to the Housing Benefit Mission Statement as part of the Strategic Management of Performance Standards;

(3)  that the work associated with the Housing Benefit Performance Standards bid for funding be noted;

(4)  that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services and Head of Personnel Services to carry out a review of the Housing Benefit staff requirements for tax and pension credits; and

(5)  that approval be given to the allocation of Other Housing and Supporting People funds to meet the cost of iWorld software changes as detailed in the report.

   38

Homelessness Strategy

38

It was noted that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

   39

Homelessness Service Funding Arrangements

39

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services providing details of the funding arrangements for the Homelessness Service together with the estimated annual cost.

Noted

   40

Rent Arrears Performance - Quarterly Update at 30 September 2002

40

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services providing an update on the current rent arrears position.

Decided:  that the continuing progress in reducing the level of current rent arrears be noted.

   41

Anti-Social Behaviour

41

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) seeking the Committee’s approval in principle to commence preliminary work on the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Team within Social Work & Housing Services initially to tackle the problem within the Council’s housing stock and (2) recommending that the necessary resources for such a Team be considered as part of the HRA Revenue Budget process for 2003/2004.  (Councillor Morrison (D) left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)  that approval in principle be given to the establishment of an Anti-Social Behaviour Team for the Council’s housing stock; and

(2)  that the resources required be considered as part of the HRA Revenue Budget process for 2003/2004.

   42

Letting Initiative

42

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the outcome of the proposed pilot letting initiative with Thomas Bryce Ltd and (2) making further recommendations on widening the availability of the Council’s houses.  (Councillor Morrison (D) returned to the meeting and Provost Roach entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided: 

(1)  that the conclusions of the pilot letting initiative be noted; and

(2)  that a further report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee outlining a number of options for a longer term letting initiative.

   43

Window Replacement Programme: Additional Properties - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

43

There was submitted a report dated 18 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to accept a negotiated tender for the replacement of windows at 1, 3 and 5 Antigua Street, 45 Trafalgar Street and 116 West Blackhall Street, Greenock, that by Inverclyde Double Glazing in the sum of £41,400.00.

Noted

   44

Housing Services Review Group - Minute of Meeting of 10 December 2002

44

There was submitted minute of meeting of the Housing Services Review Group of 10 December 2002.

Noted

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 approve the Annual Report at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

   45

Community Drugs Team - Annual Report

45

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services appending the Annual Report of the Inverclyde Community Drugs Team for the period 2001/2002.

Decided:  that the Inverclyde Community Drugs Team Annual Report 2001/2002 appended to the report be noted and approved.

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 advised at the earliest opportunity of the use of the emergency powers procedure in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 66(a).  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

   46

Appointment of External Consultants: Tenant Participation - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

46

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to appoint the Tenant Information Service to carry out work in relation to tenant participation in the sum of £18,528.

Noted

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 of business 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)

Hospital and Community Reprovision Programme for

People with Learning Disabilities - Tender Evaluation                        3, 6, 8 & 9

Lift Installation at Westburn Buildings,Greenock -

Use of Emergency Powers Procedure                                                    6 & 8

Gibshill Timbers Refurbishment, Phase 2 - Use of

Emergency Powers Procedure                                                                 6 & 8

Relocation of Shop at Gibshill Estate, Greenock                                  2, 6 & 8

DLO Performance Report - Building Services - Period 9                     8

Building Services Revenue Budget -Request for Virement                8

Social Work Complaints Review Committee: Hearing: Use

of Emergency Powers Procedure                                                            6

Social Work Complaints Review Committee - Minute of

Meeting of 16 December 2002                                                                  3

Purchase of High Access Machine - Use of Emergency

Powers Procedure                                                                                     8

   47

Hospital and Community Reprovision Programme for People with Learning Disabilities - Tender Evaluation

47

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the outcome of the tendering process relating to the provision of services to adults with a learning disability who require 24 hour care and support in the community as a consequence of either hospital reprovision or a breakdown of their domestic care arrangements.

Decided:  that on the basis of the tender evaluation process outlined in the report, Key Housing Association be offered the contract to provide a 24 hour care and support service for up to 14 individuals with a learning disability within the Inverclyde area on the basis set out in the report.

   48

Lift Installation at Westburn Buildings, Greenock - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

48

There was submitted a report dated 16 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to accept the lowest tender received for the installation of a lift at Westburn Buildings, Greenock, that by Elim Construction Ltd in the corrected sum of £180,378.72.

Noted

   49

Gibshill Timbers Refurbishment, Phase 2 - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

49

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to accept the lowest tender received for Phase 2 of the refurbishment of the Gibshill timber houses, that by W H Kirkwood Ltd in the corrected sum of £389,277.00.

Noted

   50

Relocation of Shop at Gibshill Estate, Greenock

50

There was submitted a report dated 20 December 2002 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting authority (1) to add the shop unit refurbishment at 58 Thomas Muir Street to this year’s Capital Programme, (2) to invite tenders for the work and (3) to instruct the Head of Property Services to grant the tenancy of a new shop on appropriate terms and conditions.

C

Decided:

(1)  that the refurbishment of the shop unit at 58 Thomas Muir Street, Greenock, estimated at £26,000 including fees, be added to this year’s Capital Programme;

(2)  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the work; and

(3)  that the Head of Property Services be instructed to grant the tenancy of the vacant shop unit at 58 Thomas Muir Street, Greenock, to the tenant of the existing shop at 22 Thomas Muir Street, on appropriate terms and conditions.

C

   51

DLO Performance Report - Building Services - Period 9

51

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance on the performance of the Building Services DLO for the period to 11 December 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 will be further developed as a result of the approval of the business plans in due course.

52

Building Services Revenue Budget - Request for Virement

52

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval for virement within the existing Building Services Revenue Budget.

Decided:  that approval be given to the virement request schedule as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Legal & Support Services was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow the Committee to be advised at the earliest opportunity of the use of the emergency powers procedure in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 66(a).  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

53

Social Work Complaints Review Committee: Hearing: Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

53

There was submitted a report dated 16 January 2003 by the Director of Legal & Support Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to make appointments to the Social Work Complaints Review Committee to deal with an unresolved complaint.

Noted

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted minute of the Social Work Complaints Review Committee of 16 December 2002 was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow the Committee to be advised of the findings at the earliest possible date.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

54

Social Work Complaints Review Committee - Minute of Meeting of 16 December 2002

54

There was submitted minute of the meeting of the Social Work Complaints Review Committee of 16 December 2002.

Noted

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 advised at the earliest opportunity of the use of the emergency powers procedure in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 66(a).  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

   55

Purchase of High Access Machine - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

55

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to approve the purchase of a high access machine for use by Building Services at an estimated cost of £90,000.

Decided:  that the use of the emergency powers procedure and the resultant reduction in the projected Building Services surplus for 2002/03 be noted.