Health Improvement Committee

Tuesday, 11 March 2003 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Jackson, Mitchell, Morrison (D), McCabe, McGraw, Nimmo, O’Rourke and Rebecchi.

Chair:    Councillor McCabe presided.

In attendance:  Ms L Brabender (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Mr D Robin, Mr C Struthers, Mr R Murphy and Ms B Billings (for Director of Social Work & Housing Services), Head of Customer Services, Head of Financial Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Councillor Robertson (A).

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

      234

Social Work & Other Housing Services Revenue Budget 2002/03 - Period 11

234

There was submitted a report dated 25 February 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Social Work & Other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at Period 11 (5 February 2003) and (2) advising that there was a projected overspend of £249,000, a decrease of £46,000 since the last report to the Committee.

Decided:

(1)  that the current position of the Social Work & Other Housing Services Revenue Budget 2002/03 and the efforts made by Officers with a view to containing any overspend within the current Budget be noted; and

(2)  that approval be given to the virement schedule set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

      235

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

235

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

Noted

      236

Revised Maintenance Rates

236

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve maintenance rates which reflect the weekly costs per person for permanent residents in residential establishments located 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.

      237

Glenburn Resource Centre - Relocation to Gibshill Road

237

There was submitted a report dated February 2003 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on proposals for the relocation of the Glenburn Resource Centre to 10-16 Gibshill Road and (2) seeking authority to invite tenders for the work at an estimated cost of £650,000.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the relocation of the Glenburn Resource Centre to 10-16 Gibshill Road at an estimated cost of £650,000 and that delegated authority be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Standing Orders relating to Contracts and Financial Regulations to accept the lowest acceptable offer. 

      238

Service Plan - Social Work Services 2002/2003

238

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the Service Plan for Social Work Services 2002/2003, copies of which had been circulated to Elected Members.

Decided:  that the contents of the Service Plan for 2002/2003 be noted.

      239

Community Care Accommodation Strategy 2003-2006

239

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval of the proposed Community Care Accommodation Strategy 2003-2006, developed jointly by the Council and NHS Argyll & Clyde, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided: that the Community Care Accommodation Strategy 2003-2006 appended to the report be approved and that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to submit an annual report on progress to the Committee.

      240

Housing Revenue Account 2002/03 - Revenue Budget - Period 11

240

There was submitted a report dated 17 February 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 11 (5 February 2003) and (2) advising that there was a projected underspend of £140,000, a reduction of £493,000 since the last report to the Committee.

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

      241

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

241

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 progress of the specific projects detailed in the Appendices to the report be noted; and

(2)  that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations, an expenditure increase of £8,000 for the provision of entrance canopies for the Gibshill Timber Houses Refurbishment. 

      242

Rent Arrears Performance - Quarterly Update at 31 December 2002

242

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the rent arrears position for the third quarter 2002/03 and (2) providing statistics relative to the financial year to date together with information available from earlier years.

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

      243

Benefit Fraud - Policies and Strategies

243

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the policies and strategies employed within the Housing Benefit Service to counter fraud and appending copies of the Anti-Fraud Policy, Counter-Fraud Strategy and Prosecutions and Sanctions Policy.

Decided:

(1)  that the Committee note the commitment of the Housing Benefit Service to anti-fraud work as outlined by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate, the Accounts Commission, the Department of Works and Pensions and the internal and external auditors; and

(2)  that the Anti-Fraud Policy, Counter-Fraud Strategy and Prosecutions and Sanctions Policy appended to the report be approved.

      244

Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy - Multi-Agency Working Group

244

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking the Committee’s approval for the establishment of a multi-agency Working Group, chaired by a senior Councillor, to co-ordinate a joint strategy for the effective management of anti-social behaviour within Inverclyde and to submit progress reports to the Health Improvement Committee.

Decided:  that the Committee approve the establishment of a multi-agency Working Group on anti-social behaviour, to be chaired by the Depute Leader of the Council.

      245

Homelessness Strategy 2003-2006

245

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval for the proposed Homelessness Strategy 2003-2006, developed in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies, copies of which had been circulated to Elected Members.

Decided:  that the Committee approve the Homelessness Strategy 2003-2006.

      246

Housing Allocation Policy Review

246

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the progress of the review of the Housing Allocation Policy following consultation with Elected Members and the Federation of Inverclyde Tenants and Residents Associations (FITRA) and (2) seeking approval for policy amendments, as detailed in the report, with effect from 1 April 2003.

Decided:

(1)  that the following amendments be introduced with effect from 1 April 2003:-

       (i)  allow single applicants to apply for 1 and 2 bedroom sized housing;

       (ii)   abolish suspension period for alterations to existing housing applications (ie area, size, type) where the change relates to an area of low to medium demand mainstream housing;

       (iii)  agree changes to the wording of the policy document as set out in paragraph 3.1.2;

       (iv)  agree to the revised scheme of redevelopment points as set out in paragraph 4.2.4;

       (v)  agree free advertising of mutual exchanges; and

       (vi)  agree to provide information in a format suitable for those with a disability;

(2)  that it be noted further reports will be submitted to the Committee on:-

       (i)   establishing a common Housing Register;

       (ii)   choice based letting systems and the marketing of void property;

       (iii)  allocation of sheltered housing; and

       (iv)  pressurised letting areas; and

(3)  that it be noted that Housing Services will assist FITRA members with training on aspects of the Housing Allocation Policy.

      247

Implementation of the Scottish Secure Tenancy

247

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) seeking approval of the draft Inverclyde Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement, a copy of which was appended to the report, and (2) providing details of how the Tenancy Agreement would be implemented.

Decided:  that the draft Inverclyde Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement and the implementation details set out in the report be approved.

      248

Inverclyde Energy Saving Team (INVEST) - Progress 2002/03

248

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) providing details of project development and the operation of INVEST during 2002/03 and (2) advising of the re-launch of INVEST under the new name Inverclyde Energy and Safety Team on 4 April 2003 at an event in James Watt College, Waterfront Campus.

Decided:  that the contents of the report and the date of the re-launch event be noted.

      249

Service Plan: Housing Services 2002-2003

249

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on (1) the achievements of the Service Plan for Housing Services 2002-2003 and (2) the objectives for 2003-2004.

Decided:  that the achievements and progress of the Housing Service Plan 2002-2003 and proposed tasks for the forthcoming year be noted.

      250

Improvement and Repairs Grants

250

There was submitted a report dated 14 February 2003 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services setting out the types of grant provided by the Council, as requested by the Committee at its meeting on 21 January 2003 (Para 31). 

Noted

      251

Housing Services Review Group - Minute of Meeting of 21 January 2003

251

There was submitted minute of meeting of the Housing Services Review Group of 21 January 2003.

Noted

      252

Funding of Essential Structural Repairs - 1, 3 and 5 John Wood Street, Port Glasgow: Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

252

There was submitted a report dated 18 February 2003 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 Director of Social Work & Housing Services to commit £25,000 from next year’s Capital Programme Major Repair Budget to assist the funding of essential repairs to 1, 3 and 5 John Wood Street, Port Glasgow, in which Housing Services has a common responsibility.

Noted

      253

Roof Renewal, Phase 4: Mid Auchinleck, Port Glasgow

253

There was submitted a report dated 28 February 2003 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on proposals for roof renewals in Mid Auchinleck, Port Glasgow and (2) seeking authority to invite tenders for Phase 4 of the works at an estimated cost of £110,000, inclusive of fees.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phase 4 of the works and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received.

      254

Lift Renewal, Phase 3: Kilblain and Regent Courts

254

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on proposals for renewal of the lifts in Kilblain and Regent Courts, (2) seeking authority to invite tenders for the works at an estimated cost of £350,000, inclusive of fees and (3) requesting the Committee to approve an increase in the capital allowance for the project from £240,000 to £320,000 for 2003/2004, the balance to be funded in 2004/2005.

Decided:

(1)  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phase 3 of the lift renewal programme at Kilblain and Regent Courts and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received; and

(2)  that approval be given to an increase in the capital allowance for the project from £240,000 to £320,000 for 2003/2004.

      255

Private Sector Capital Programme 2003/2004

255

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services recommending project priorities for the Private Sector Capital Programme 2003/2004.

Decided:  that the Committee agree the project priorities set out in the report for the Private Sector Capital Programme 2003/2004.

      256

Review of Residential Child Care Services

256

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the recommendations of the Officer/Member Working Group asked to review the current provision of residential child care services in Inverclyde and providing indicative costings.

In response to a fire alarm, the meeting adjourned at 4.40 pm and thereafter reconvened at 4.52 pm.

Councillors McGraw and Mitchell did not return to the meeting following the adjournment.

Decided:

(1)  that a phased reprovision of the residential children’s units be implemented, allowing the regulatory requirements to be met more easily and the provision of more homely residential care for young people;

(2)  that the plan be implemented in a phased manner with the initial reprovisioning of Redholm being the first priority; and

(3)  that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to include the implementation of the proposal within the Non-HRA Capital Programme.

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 of the impact of Supporting People on sheltered housing and, if in agreement, to allocate additional funding and approve a review of sheltered housing.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

      257

Supporting People in Sheltered Housing

257

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the impact of Supporting People on sheltered housing, (2) recommending that, as a result of the timescale for implementation and the complexity of changes for Sheltered Housing Services arising from Supporting People, interim measures be put in place pending the development and approval of final arrangements and (3) recommending a review of Council and Housing Association sheltered housing in Inverclyde.

Mr Struthers referred to paragraph 4.1 of the report and informed Members that there was, in fact, a charging policy in place.

Decided:

(1)  that it be noted that all prospective tenants for sheltered housing after 1 April 2003 would be informed of changes resulting from the implementation of Supporting People and that discussions would commence with Housing Associations to ensure that their new tenants are also made aware of the impact of Supporting People;

(2)  that, as an interim measure, approval be given to the allocation of additional funding from Housing Support Balances held within Supporting People of up to £35,000 for the first year to cover the cost of self-funders in Housing Association tenancies; and

(3)  that the Committee approve a review of all Council and Housing Association sheltered housing within Inverclyde, chaired by the Convener of the Health Improvement Committee and comprising 4 other Elected Members, the Community Care Forum, Housing Association representatives and Council Officers.

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)

Care Home for the Elderly - Report on Tenders          6 & 8

Women’s Aid Refuge - Award of Development             6 & 9

Funding and Proposals

Social Work Complaints Review Committee -               6

List of Independent Persons

Curators Ad Litem and Reporting Officers                    6

(Panels) (Scotland) Regulations 2001

DLO Performance Report - Building Services -           8

Period 11

Gas Maintenance Contract - Proposed Extension       6 & 8

      258

Care Home for the Elderly - Report on Tenders

258

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on 6 tenders received for the construction of a Care Home for the Elderly at the former Hector McNeil Baths site and it was agreed that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to accept the lowest tender received for the works, subject to the Policy & Strategy Committee approving the additional resources required, all as detailed in the Appendix.

      259

Women’s Aid Refuge - Award of Development Funding and Proposals

259

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of an award of capital funding from the Scottish Executive and seeking permission to transfer a site to facilitate the new refuge and it was agreed to note the award of funding and to apply to the Scottish Ministers to transfer the site, all as detailed in the Appendix.

      260

Social Work Complaints Review Committee - List of Independent Persons

260

There was submitted a report dated 21 February 2003 by the Director of Legal & Support Services seeking approval of the appointment of independent persons to the Social Work Complaints Review Committee for the purpose of dealing with unresolved complaints under the Social Work (Representations Procedure) (Scotland) Directions 1996.

Decided:  that approval be given to the appointment of the independent persons as detailed in the Appendix to the report to the Social Work Complaints Review Committee for the purpose of dealing with unresolved complaints under the Social Work (Representations Procedure) (Scotland) Directions 1996 and that for the period to 31 March 2005.

      261

Curators Ad Litem and Reporting Officers (Panels) (Scotland) Regulations 2001

261

There was submitted a report by the Director of Legal & Support Services seeking approval of the appointment of individuals to serve as Curators Ad Litem and Reporting Officers for the purposes of Children’s Hearings and proceedings in the Sheriff Court.

Decided:

(1)  that approval be given to the appointment of the Curators Ad Litem and Reporting Officers listed in the Appendix to the report to 31 March 2006, subject to no subsequent adverse comments being received by the Director of Legal & Support Services, and that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to approve any further appointments of Curators Ad Litem and Reporting Officers until 31 March 2006; and

(2)  that these persons be appointed to the existing Panel of Legal Representatives for the period 11 March 2003 to 31 March 2005.

      262

DLO Performance Report - Building Services - Period 11

262

There was submitted a report dated 17 February 2003 by the Director of Finance on the performance of the Building Services DLO for the period to 5 February 2003.

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.

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 gas maintenance contract to be extended to provide continuity of service until a new contract is in place.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

      263

Gas Maintenance Contract - Proposed Extension

263

There was submitted a report dated 11 March 2003 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to an extension of the gas maintenance contract with the current contractor for a period of up to 3 months to provide continuity of service until a new contract is in place. 

Decided:  that agreement be given to extension of the current gas maintenance contract with Trolhurst plc for a period of up to 3 months to provide continuity of service until a new contract is in place, as detailed in the report.