	Health Improvement Committee Tuesday 28 October 2003 at 3.00 pm
	Present: Provost Rebecchi, Councillors Blair, Forbes, Gallacher, Hill, McCabe, Mitchell, Moran, Nimmo, Robertson, Snoddy and Stewart.
	Chair: Councillor Nimmo presided.
	In attendance: Chief Executive, Director of Finance, Head of Financial Services, Director of Legal & Support Services, Director of Social Work & Housing Services, Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services) and Ms L Brabender, Senior Solicitor.
	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.
746	Future of the Housing Stock	746
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the work undertaken since the Council approved a revised Housing Policy Statement in May 2003.
	(Provost Rebecchi entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	Decided: (1) that it be recommended to the Policy & Strategy Committee that, subject to a majority of tenants voting yes in a ballot, the Council adopt a policy of whole stock transfer to a Not for Profit Housing Trust and explore all avenues to protect the Council’s future interest in strategic land retention; (2) that the Council advise the Scottish Executive of its policy and instruct the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to apply for available funding associated with acceptance onto the Community Ownership Programme which includes a bid for resources from the £175 million fund; (3) that the preparation, planning and implementation of the necessary work to achieve the Council’s objectives be the subject of further discussion by senior Officers and that a report thereon be submitted to the Committee at the earliest opportunity; and (4) that a seminar be held in November 2003, chaired by the Convener of the Health Improvement Committee, to update all Elected Members on the processes and procedures necessary to pursue the Council’s policy relative to whole stock transfer and to protect the Council’s interest in respect of land supply.
747	Social Work, Other Housing & Building Services Revenue Budget 2003/04 - Period 6	747
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Social Work, Other Housing and Building Services Revenue Budget 2003/04 as at Period 6 (17 September 2003) and (2) recommending approval of virement requests within the Social Work Budget.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the current position of the Social Work, Other Housing and Building Services Revenue Budget 2003/04 and the efforts made by Officers with a view to containing any overspends within the current Budget; (2) that the virement requests detailed in Appendix 2 be approved; and (3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to submit a report to the next meeting of the Committee with proposals to contain expenditure and income within budget levels in 2003/04.
748	Non-HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2004/05 - Progress	748
	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
749	Revised Maintenance Rates	749
	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 registered residential establishments located outwith Inverclyde.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the establishments as detailed in the Appendix to the report; and (2) that the recommended rates be approved in order that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services may make appropriate payments in the event of residential placements being made.
750	Aids and Adaptations	750
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the provision of aids and adaptations since the commencement of the current financial year.
	Decided: (1) that approval be given to virement of £200,000 from the slippage within the Private Sector Capital Programme to undertake the provision of a number of high priority cases within the current financial year; (2) that the Policy & Strategy Committee be requested to provide additional funding to enable all medium priority cases to be completed in the current financial year; and (3) that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee setting out a 3 year capital programme for private sector housing taking account of the unmet demand for aids and adaptations.
751	Authorised Providers List for Social Care Services	751
	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.
752	Residential Services - Older People	752
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of (1) progress made in respect of the closure programme for Hillend and Kempock Houses and (2) a significant change in the availability of placements for older people requiring residential care due to the scheduled closure of Inverkip House owned by Craegmoor Healthcare which may impact on the closure programme.
	Decided: (1) that the report be noted; (2) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to submit a further report on the closure of the Residential Units as appropriate; and (3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to provide an update to Elected Members on the proposed closure of Inverkip House.
753	Educational Attainment of Looked After and Accommodated Children	753
	There was submitted a report by the Directors of Social Work & Housing Services and Education Services on the educational attainment of young people who are looked after and accommodated by the Council and who have undertaken standard grade or higher examinations this year.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the educational attainment of the young people who have gained qualifications this year; (2) that the financial implications of supporting young people to undertake further educational qualifications be noted; and (3) that the Committee note the intention to develop support services to enable all children and young people who are looked after to enhance their educational attainment.
754	Child Protection	754
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the action taken within Inverclyde to review the Child Protection procedures of Social Work & Housing Services in the light of the recently published Report of the Caleb Ness Inquiry commissioned by Edinburgh & the Lothians Child Protection Committee.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the ongoing work of Social Work & Housing Services to review and audit its Child Protection processes and that a further report will be submitted to the Committee once this exercise has been completed; (2) that the development of an overarching corporate vision in respect of the Council’s Child Protection policy be noted; and (3) that agreement be given to the holding of a Seminar with the aim of informing Elected Members and Senior Officers of the role and responsibility of the Council relating to Child Protection.
755	Housing Revenue Account 2003/04 - Revenue Budget - Period 6	755
	There was submitted a report dated 14 October 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 6 (17 September 2003) and (2) setting out the likely implications for the 2004/05 Budget.
	Decided: (1) that the current budget monitoring position for 2003/04 as at Period 6 (17 September 2003) be noted; and (2) that the implications for the 2004/05 Budget be noted.
756	HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06 - Progress	756
	There was submitted amended 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 progress of the specific projects detailed in the Appendices to the report be noted; (2) that the following variations to the Kitchen and Bathroom Replacement Programme, Phase 2 and Gibshill Timber House Refurbishment, Phase 2 be approved:- Kitchen and Bathroom Replacement Programme, Phase 2 Additional Addresses - £800 Increase Other Small Variations - £762 Increase Gibshill Timber House Refurbishment, Phase 2 Packing Down Ceilings - £2,500 Increase Loss and Expense - £2,188 Increase Packing to Level Roofs - £2,695 Increase Additional Plumber Works, Blocks 1 and 2 - £970 Increase Structural Bracing to Bowed Structure - £2,440 Increase Other Small Variations - £2,005 Increase; and (3) that approval be given to an increase in the Ad Hoc Heating Replacement budget to £222,000 in the current financial year.
757	Transfer of the Management of Development Funding from Communities Scotland to Inverclyde Council	757
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services providing an update on the potential transfer of the management of the Development Funding Programme from Communities Scotland to Inverclyde Council and the action which will require to be undertaken prior to transfer.
	Decided: that a Working Group of Officers from Legal & Support, Finance, Planning and Housing Services be established with a view to ensuring that the Council has in place the necessary arrangements to facilitate the transfer of development funding from Communities Scotland to Inverclyde Council.
758	Investment Programme for Housing Renewal in Inverclyde	758
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval for the disposal of a site at Gibshill which is currently within Council ownership. Following discussion, Councillor Mitchell moved (1) that the Committee not approve the marketing of the site at Gibshill by Communities Scotland and the Council; (2) that the site be not transferred at nil value to a Housing Association and developers; and (3) that the matter of seeking permission from the Scottish Executive to dispose of the site be continued. As an amendment, Councillor McCabe moved (1) that the Committee approve that Communities Scotland and the Council market the site at Gibshill; (2) that the site be transferred at nil value to a Housing Association and developers; and (3) that permission be sought from the Scottish Executive to (a) dispose of the site at Gibshill to assist with the regeneration of the area; and (b) dispose of the site at nil value. On a vote, 3 Members voted for the motion and 6 for the amendment which was declared carried.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee approve that Communities Scotland and the Council market the site at Gibshill; (2) that the site be transferred at nil value to a Housing Association and developers; and (3) that permission be sought from the Scottish Executive to: (a) dispose of the site at Gibshill to assist with the regeneration of the area; and (b) dispose of the site at nil value.
759	The New Pension Credit	759
	There was submitted (1) report by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request from Councillor McCabe that the Committee consider how best to promote the new Pension Credit and (2) report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the work undertaken by both Housing Benefits and the Welfare Rights Service relative to the new Pension Credit which came into effect on 6 October 2003. (Councillor Forbes left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	Decided: that the Committee note the introduction of the new Pension Credit on 6 October 2003 and the work being undertaken within the Council to ensure a maximum take up of new claimants and a smooth transition for existing customers of the Pensions Service.
760	Care and Support at Home Charging Policy	760
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval for amendments to the Council’s charging policy for non-residential care to take account of the new Pension Credits, updated COSLA guidance and operational experience.
	Decided: that the Committee approve amendments to the Care and Support at Home Charging Policy set out in Appendix 1 to reflect (a) the introduction of Pension Credits from 6 October 2003, (b) the publication of revised COSLA guidance on tariff income from capital and (c) operational experience in respect of non-charging weeks.
761	Rent Arrears Performance: Quarterly Update - 30 September 2003	761
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on rent arrears performance in the current year.
	Decided: that the position in respect of rent arrears be noted.
762	Review of Rent Accounting	762
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the recommendations of the external audit review of rent accounting and (2) seeking approval of the level of rent attributes detailed in Appendix 1 and the formal closures of houses as detailed in amended Appendix 2. (Councillor Forbes returned to the meeting and Councillor Blair and Provost Rebecchi left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	Decided: (1) that the current level of rent attribute points detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and (2) that the closure of houses listed in amended Appendix 2 be approved pending area renewal consultation.
763	Supporting People - Draft Strategic Plan	763
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of progress made in the 5 year Strategic Plan for Supporting People which requires to be submitted to the Scottish Executive.
	Noted
764	Supporting People - Sheltered Housing Pilot Proposals	764
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising of the implications of the new Supporting People arrangements in relation to the provision and allocation of sheltered housing and (2) proposing a short term pilot study across 3 sheltered housing complexes to determine the implications of the necessary policy changes in order that Inverclyde Council can comply with the new regulations, identify the impact on the sheltered housing service and propose a way forward.
	Decided: (1) that the terms of the report and specifically the proposed pilot study be approved; and (2) that it be noted that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services will report to the next meeting of the Committee on the full implications of the charging arrangements and on the assessment for access to sheltered housing.
765	Overpayment Policy	765
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the policy and procedures to be followed by Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit when an overpayment of benefit has been identified.
	Decided: that consideration be continued to the next meeting for a further report.
766	Building Strong, Safe and Attractive Communities	766
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the progress of the Council’s bid for additional funding for community wardens, mediation officers, victim support officers, a police officer and solicitor approved by the Inverclyde Anti-Social Behaviour Multi-Agency Working Group chaired by Councillor Hill which was forwarded to the Scottish Executive on 31 August 2003. The report advised that the feedback from the Scottish Executive was that the approach adopted by Inverclyde Council met the requirements of the guidance and that the bid for funding should be successful with some minor adjustments.
	Decided: that the Committee note the report and the progress made.
767	38-40 Quarry Road, Port Glasgow	767
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval to invite tenders for urgent repairs to the British, Iron & Steel Federation (BISF) properties at 38/40 Quarry Road, Port Glasgow to prevent further deterioration to the external elevations and prevent water penetration.
	Decided: (1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders based on the option 2 works (renewal of external elevations); (2) that the total project allowance for the works within the Capital Programme be increased to £46,000; and (3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to forward to all Members details of the specification for the current project and also the previous refurbishment proposals.
	The Committee was adjourned from 4.55 pm to 5.05 pm.
768	Rewiring Programme Phase I 2003/04	768
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking authority to invite tenders for Phase I of the Rewiring Programme 2003/2004. The Head of Housing & Building Services advised the Committee that the total cost of the project was £143,000, £129,000 in 2003/2004 and £14,000 in 2004/2005.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phase I of the Rewiring Programme 2003/2004.
769	Demolition of Surplus Housing Stock at Corlic Street, Greenock	769
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking authority to invite tenders for the demolition of the block at 29-37 Corlic Street, Greenock.
C	Decided: (1) that it be agreed that the property at 29-37 Corlic Street, Greenock be declared surplus to requirements and that the property be demolished; (2) that the project be added to the Capital Programme; and (3) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the demolition works.	C
770	Draft Tenant Participation Strategy	770
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval of Inverclyde Council’s draft Tenant Participation Strategy for 2003/2004. The report advised (1) that the grant available to the Council for year 2 was £23,300, (2) that it was proposed that the Tenant Participation Service be engaged at a cost of approximately £10,000 plus expenses to assist with certain tasks in order to ensure that Communities Scotland’s expected outcomes are met and (3) that the remainder of the grant be used to publicise and make available to all tenants the information produced and also to assist in the implementation of a number of the actions identified in the Strategy.
	Decided: (1) that the draft Tenant Participation Strategy as set out in the Appendix to the report be approved; and (2) that approval be given to utilising the second year grant funding totalling £23,300 on the basis set out in the report.
771	Estate Officers - Roles and Responsibilities	771
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the roles and responsibilities of Estate Officers within the Housing Division of Social Work & Housing Services.
	Decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that there be no alteration to the roles and responsibilities of Estate Officers pending clarification of the future of the Council’s housing stock.
772	Pilot Allocation Scheme	772
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services proposing a pilot allocation scheme in respect of properties which have been adapted by the Council in Port Glasgow.
	Decided: (1) that the report be approved; and (2) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to report to the Committee after a 6 month period on the outcome of the pilot scheme.
	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)
	Major Repairs to Lifts 6 & 8
	Broomhill Court Boiler System - Tender Acceptance 6 & 8
	Landscaping Work at Wren Road, Greenock - Report on Tenders 6 & 8
	Demolition of Surplus Housing Stock, Port Glasgow 6 & 8
	Building Services - Proposed Restructure 1
773	Major Repairs to Lifts	773
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the proposals for major repairs to passenger lifts within Council properties. The Committee agreed to proposals for the works, all as detailed in the Appendix.
774	Broomhill Court Boiler System - Tender Acceptance	774
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the position of the boiler replacement works at Broomhill Court, Greenock and (2) advising of arrangements made to accept a tender from Dalkia Energy & Technical Services Ltd for 2 high efficiency fully modulating gas boilers in the sum of £34,992.40.
	Noted
775	Landscaping Work at Wren Road, Greenock - Report on Tenders	775
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) setting out for consideration tenders received for landscaping work in the Wren Road area and (2) seeking authority to accept the lowest tender based on an amended specification incorporating a reduced standard of cultivation in the central area of the site.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to accept the lowest tender received, that by Land Engineering (Scotland) Ltd in the sum of £36,900.68 based on the amended specification detailed in the report.
776	Demolition of Surplus Housing Stock, Port Glasgow	776
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval (1) to close a number of communal property blocks within Port Glasgow which are surplus to requirements and (2) to invite competitive tenders for the demolition works.
	The Committee decided that the properties at 48-54 Sunnyside Avenue, 190-208 Oronsay Avenue and 33-51 Pladda Avenue, Port Glasgow be declared surplus to requirements and that these be demolished; (2) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the demolition of the 3 blocks at an estimated total cost of £92,210 inclusive of fees, home loss payments and disturbance allowances; and (3) that the District Valuer be instructed to enter into negotiations with the non-resident owner of one of the properties and that this be the subject of a further report to the Committee, all as detailed in the Appendix.
777	Building Services - Proposed Restructure	777
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on a proposed restructure of the Building Services Division of Social Work & Housing Services to provide an enhanced service for the Council’s customers.
	Decided: (1) that agreement be given to re-convene the Building Services Review Group comprising 3 Members of the Majority Group (Councillor Nimmo as Chair and 2 others) and Councillors McCabe and Robertson for the Minority Groups, appropriate Officers and Trade Union representation to consider the matters detailed in the report; and (2) that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee on the progress made by the Building Services Review Group.