	Health Improvement Committee Tuesday, 2 September 2003 at 3.00 pm
	Present: Councillors Blair, Forbes, Gallacher, Hill, McCabe, Mitchell, Moran, Robertson, Snoddy and Stewart.
	Chair: Councillor Gallacher presided.
	In attendance: Chief Executive, 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: Councillor Nimmo.
	With the exception of the decisions marked “C” which are open for confirmation or otherwise, the following paragraphs are submitted for information only having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.
579	Social Work and Other Housing Revenue Budget 2003/04 - Period 4	579
	There was submitted a report dated 20 August 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the outturn position of the 2002/03 Social Work & Other Housing Revenue Budget and the position of the 2003/04 Revenue Budget as at period 4 (23 July 2003) and (2) recommending approval of virement requests within the Social Work Budget.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the outturn position of the Social Work & Other Housing Revenue Budget 2002/03, the position of the 2003/04 Budget as at Period 4 (23 July 2003) and the efforts of Officers to contain any overspends within the current Budget; and (2) that the virement requests detailed in Appendix 2 to the report be approved.
580	Non-HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2004/05 - Progress	580
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the position of the Social Work & Other Housing Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2004/05.
	Noted
581	Revised Maintenance Rates	581
	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, nursing and other care homes funded by Inverclyde Council.
	Decided: (1) that the current rates for residential and nursing homes effective from 1 April 2003 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be noted; and (2) that the increase in rates agreed for establishments outwith Inverclyde as detailed in Appendix 2 be noted.
582	Revised Maintenance Rates for Caladh House	582
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval of a maintenance rate which reflects the weekly cost per person for permanent residents in Caladh House, Greenock.
	Decided: (1) that approval be given to the increase in the maintenance rate to £324.40 gross per week effective from 1 April 2003; and (2) that a further report be submitted to the Committee on future options for Caladh House as a care provider.
583	Inverclyde Joint Care Board - Minutes of Meetings of 26 March and 25 June 2003	583
	There were submitted minutes of the meetings of the Inverclyde Joint Care Board of 26 March and 25 June 2003.
	Approved
584	Inverclyde Joint Care Board - Trade Union Representative	584
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of a request received from the Trade Unions that they be represented on the Inverclyde Joint Care Board.
	Decided: that it be agreed to appoint a Trade Union representative to the Inverclyde Joint Care Board.
585	Housing Revenue Account 2003/04 - Revenue Budget - Period 4	585
	There was submitted a report dated 18 August 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 4 (23 July 2003) and (2) advising that there was a projected overspend of £91,000.
	Decided: (1) that the current budget monitoring position for 2003/04 as at Period 4 (23 July 2003) and the implications for 2004/05 be noted; and (2) that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services report to the next meeting of the Committee with proposals to contain expenditure and income within budget levels in 2003/04.
586	Housing Revenue Account 2002/2003 Outturn	586
	There was submitted a report dated 5 August 2003 by the Director of Finance on the outturn position of the Housing Revenue Account 2002/2003 and the Housing Reserve balance as at 31 March 2003.
	Noted
587	HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06 - Progress	587
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06.
	Decided: (1) that the variations in the contract comprising Phase 2 of the kitchen and bathroom replacement project be approved as follows:- (a) additional addresses £9,774 increase (b) deletion of addresses £9,059 decrease (c) revised kitchen specification £7,823 increase (d) extract fans £2,445 increase (e) other small variations £ 411 decrease; and (2) that the progress of the specific projects detailed in the Appendices to the report be noted.
588	HRA Capital Programme 2003/2004 - Prioritisation of Projects	588
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services proposing a prioritisation of uncommitted projects within the HRA Capital Programme to ensure that the full budget allowance is expended for the benefit of the Council’s tenants and that the allowance is not exceeded.
C	Decided: (1) that approval be given to the priorities amongst the uncommitted and proposed additional projects identified in the report and specifically to the addition of the following projects to the Capital Programme:- (a) Major Lift Repairs; (b) Stock Condition Survey; (c) Demolition works at Kenilworth Crescent; and (2) that approval be given to the amended site start dates for Broadfield Phase 6 and the Gibshill Timber Refurbishment Phase 3.	C
589	Housing Repairs Budget 2003/2004	589
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for controlling the repair budget in the current financial year.
	Noted
590	Kitchen and Bathroom Replacement Phase 3	590
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for Phase 3 of the Kitchen and Bathroom Replacement Project.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phase 3 of the Kitchen and Bathroom Replacement Project at a revised estimated cost of £162,500 including fees.
591	Door Replacement Programme Phases 1A, B and C	591
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for Phases 1A, B and C of the Door Replacement Project.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phases 1A, B and C of the Door Replacement Project and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received for Phase 1C.
592	Upper Bow Farm Estate, Greenock - Proposals for Multi Storey Properties	592
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the current occupancy levels within the Upper Bow Farm multi storey properties and (2) proposing closure of vacant flats within Glencoe, Grampian and Pentland Courts and the relocation of tenants in Nevis Court and closure of the flats. The report proposed that any future allocations in the estate be within Cairngorm Court.
C	Decided: (1) that approval be given to the closure of the vacant flats within Glencoe, Grampian and Pentland Courts; (2) that approval be given to the relocation of tenants from flats within Nevis Court and the closure of the flats; (3) that a public meeting be arranged to explain the proposals to residents of all the multi storey properties in the estate; and (4) that the project be added to the Capital Programme 2003/04.	C
593	Demolition - 2-4 and 14-20 Lansbury Street and 14-52 Thomas Muir Street, Greenock	593
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the issue of tenders for the demolition of the shops and tenements at 14-52 Thomas Muir Street, Greenock and (2) setting out proposals for the demolition of the properties at 2-4 and 14-20 Lansbury Street, Greenock.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the issue of tenders for the demolition of 14-52 Thomas Muir Street at an estimated cost of £110,000 including fees; (2) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the demolition of 2-4 and 14-20 Lansbury Street at an estimated cost of £129,000 including fees; and (3) that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received in each case.
594	Demolition - 86-112 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock	594
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on proposals for the demolition of the unoccupied deck access property at 86-112 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock and (2) seeking authority to close flats within other deck access blocks within the estate.
C	Decided: (1) that the demolition of the property at 86-112 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock be included in the Capital Programme 2003/04; (2) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the work as soon as is practicable; and (3) that flats within other deck access blocks in the area be closed as soon as they become vacant.	C
595	House Condition Survey	595
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the requirement to carry out stock condition surveys and (2) seeking approval to invite competitive tenders for the survey work.
	Decided: (1) that agreement be given to carry out the following surveys as detailed in the report:- (a) survey of Inverclyde Council housing to provide information for the Scottish Housing Standard; (b) survey of Housing Association stock condition to promote information for use in the Local Housing Strategy, Fuel Poverty Strategy and Scottish Social Housing Standard; (c) survey of stock condition in the private sector; (2) that it be noted that funding exists within the HRA Capital Programme and Scottish Executive grant allocations for 2003/2004 to meet the costs of the work; and (3) that the surveys be commissioned through the invitation of competitive tenders for the work.
596	House Improvement and Repairs Grants: Changes to System	596
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of changes to the house improvement and repairs grants system to be implemented in October 2003, (2) detailing the staffing implications of these changes and (3) seeking approval for implementation of a revised structure. Following discussion, Councillor Gallacher moved: (1) that the forthcoming changes to the improvement and repairs grant system be noted and that the investment framework outlined in the paper Prioritisation for Investment in the Private Sector submitted to the Committee in February 2003 be endorsed; (2) that it be noted that the Local Housing Strategy will provide the strategic framework for future investment; and (3) that the limit of grant remain at £12,600 for a period of one year. As an amendment to (3) Councillor McCabe moved that the maximum expenditure be increased from £12,600 to £20,000. On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 7 for the motion which was declared carried. Those Members who voted in favour of the amendment then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the amendment.
C	Decided: (1) that the forthcoming changes to the improvement and repairs grant system be noted and that the investment framework outlined in the paper Prioritisation for Investment in the Private Sector submitted to the Committee in February 2003 be endorsed; (2) that it be noted that the Local Housing Strategy will provide the strategic framework for future investment; and (3) that the Council fix the limit of grant at £12,600 for a period of one year.	C
597	Regulation	597
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the forthcoming inspection visit by Communities Scotland, the regulation body for Housing Services.
	Decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that the draft Equal Opportunities Policy and draft Complaints Procedure for Housing Services set out in the Appendix to the report be approved.
598	Implementation of Homelessness Task Force Recommendations	598
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals to assist the Council in meeting the recommendations of the Homelessness Task Force.
	Decided: (1) that approval be given to the proposals contained in the report to allow the Council to meet its obligations under the homelessness legislation and the Task Force recommendations; (2) that approval be given to the allocation of the Scottish Executive grant for 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 as follows:- (a) £500,000 contribution for capital costs of refurbishing the Inverclyde Centre; (b) £160,000 to be utilised to provide temporary and short term accommodation; (c) £92,000 to be used to ensure the adequate provision of public information on housing and to provide an independent information and advice service; and (3) that approval be given to the invitation of tenders for the independent information and advice service and that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to accept the successful tender.
599	The Short Scottish Secure Tenancy	599
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of emergency powers to approve the implementation of the Short Scottish Secure Tenancy.
	Noted
600	Housing Benefit Control Team - Performance 2002/2003	600
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services providing management and performance information on the Council’s Benefit Control Team and its anti-fraud work during the year 2002/2003.
	Noted
601	Building Strong, Safe and Attractive Communities	601
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the submission of an outline bid to the Scottish Executive on 31 August 2003 for funding from the Building Strong, Safe and Attractive Communities Initiative which would allow the opportunity to formulate an Inverclyde wide environmental and community action strategy involving all partner agencies to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the report including the submission of the outline bid to the Scottish Executive on 31 August 2003; and (2) that a copy of the outline submission be submitted to all Members.
	The meeting was adjourned from 4.45 pm to 5.00 pm.
602	Area Renewal: Communications and Implementation Strategy	602
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the progress being made in developing a general communications strategy relative to the Area Renewal process together with the proposed consultations with Inverclyde Council tenants and residents and (2) providing further information on Communities Scotland’s 3 year investment strategy.
	Decided: (1) that the implementation of the communications strategy be approved and that responsibility for the deployment of resources and ensuring delivery of the overall communications strategy be remitted to the Corporate Management Team; (2) that the neighbourhood consultation process be approved and that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services and the Depute Chief Executive be responsible for the delivery of the consultation process; (3) that the marketing initiative outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the report be approved and that the Depute Chief Executive be responsible for delivering and implementing the process following approval of development briefs by the Council; (4) that the sites at Strone, the former ABC flats, Whinhill and Gibshill referred to in the report be the subject of a further report(s) to the Committee; and (5) that the report be remitted to the Economic Regeneration Committee for information and action as appropriate.
	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)
	Provision of Residential Care Services 6 & 8 for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Complex Physical Needs
	Accommodation Requirements: Community/ 3 & 8 Residential Provision
	Report by Complaints Review Committee 3
	Refurbishment of BISF Houses in South 6 & 8 Maukinhill, Greenock, Phase 1 - Report on Tenders
	Lift Upgrading Programme, Phase 3: Kilblain 6 & 8 and Regent Courts, Greenock - Report on Tenders
	Use of Emergency Powers - Landscaping Works 6 & 8 at Wren Road, Greenock
	Structural Settlement - Old Inverkip Road, Greenock 6
	DLO Performance Report - Building Services - Period 4 8
	Property in Dalrymple Street, Greenock 6 & 8
603	Provision of Residential Care Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Complex Physical Needs	603
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval to negotiate a tender with a provider in respect of residential care services for adults with learning disabilities who also have complex physical care needs. The Committee agreed to authorise the negotiation of a tender with the company and to report on the outcome of the negotiated tender and contract award, all as detailed in the Appendix.
604	Accommodation Requirements : Community/Residential Provision	604
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the progress made in securing appropriate accommodation for 2 people with learning disabilities since their circumstances were last reported to the Committee on 3 September 2002.
	Decided: (1) that approval be given to provide additional funding of up to £48,000 to allow both care and support packages to be implemented; (2) that approval be given to the non-recurring start up costs of £56,000; and (3) that it be noted that the revenue costs of the care packages will be contained within the costs of the existing individual care packages.
605	Report by Complaints Review Committee	605
	There was submitted a report dated 21 August 2003 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on the report by the Complaints Review Committee into unresolved complaints by an individual concerning the provision of Social Work services. The Committee agreed to approve the recommendations contained in the report and note the comments made by the complainer’s advocate, all as detailed in the Appendix.
606	Refurbishment of BISF Houses in South Maukinhill, Greenock, Phase 1 - Report on Tenders	606
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on 5 tenders received for Phase 1 of the refurbishment of the BISF houses in South Maukinhill, Greenock.
	Following discussion, Councillor McCabe moved that the lowest tender received for the work be accepted. As an amendment, Councillor Gallacher moved that the report on tenders be noted and that a further report be submitted to the Committee on the future of the BISF project as a whole. On a vote, 3 Members voted for the motion and 7 for the amendment which was declared carried. Those Members who voted in favour of the motion then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the motion.
C	Decided: that the report on tenders be noted and that a further report be submitted to the Committee on the future of the BISF project as a whole.	C
607	Lift Upgrading Programme, Phase 3: Kilblain and Regent Courts, Greenock - Report on Tenders	607
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on 3 tenders received for Phase 3 of the Lift Upgrading Programme (Kilblain and Regent Courts, Greenock).
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to accept the lowest valid tender, that by Lift Maintenance Ltd in the sum of £314,543.00.
608	Use of Emergency Powers - Landscaping Works at Wren Road, Greenock	608
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of emergency powers to authorise the invitation of tenders for landscaping work at Wren Road, Greenock following failures by the original contractor. The Committee agreed to note the use of the emergency powers and the action being taken against the contractor, all as detailed in the Appendix.
609	Structural Settlement - Old Inverkip Road, Greenock	609
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on further work required to a vacant house at Old Inverkip Road, Greenock and (2) suggesting an alternative proposal for the property. The Committee agreed to declare the property surplus to the Housing Revenue Account and to remit it to the Economic Regeneration Committee to consider whether it should be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements and offered for sale, all as detailed in the Appendix.
610	DLO Performance Report - Building Services	610
	There was submitted a report dated 12 August 2003 by the Director of Finance providing information on the performance of the Building Services DLO for the period to 23 July 2003.
	Decided: (1) that the current position regarding the performance targets be noted; (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; and (3) that it be noted that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services will report to the next meeting of the Committee with proposals on how the 2003/04 expenditure and income can be brought into line with the budget. 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 consider lease arrangements at the earliest opportunity. This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.
611	Property at 210 Dalrymple Street, Greenock	611
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals relative to the occupation of the premises at 210 Dalrymple Street, Greenock originally intended for use by personnel working on the proposed housing stock transfer.
	Decided: (1) that the action taken by the Chief Executive and Director of Social Work & Housing Services in relation to the lease of 210 Dalrymple Street, Greenock be noted; and (2) that it be remitted to the Economic Regeneration Committee to complete the lease formalities on the basis of a one year lease, with an option to extend, to assist with the implementation of new information technology systems for Social Work & Housing Services.