25 SOCIAL WORK AND PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING CAPITAL PROGRAMME 1998/99 - 25

FINANCIAL POSITION

SUBMITTED: Report dated 21 December 1998 by the Executive Director Resource Services on the financial position of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 1998/99.

DECIDED: That the Committee note the report and the overspend of £36,000 but agree not to remit in the meantime the cost increase to the Policy and Strategy Committee.

26 REGISTRATION: VARIATION - QUEEN'S RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME 26

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services seeking the Committee's approval of changes in the registration information under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 Section 62, in respect of Queen's Residential Care Home, Ashburn Gate, Gourock.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report be noted and the variation approved; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to issue a new Certificate of Registration.

27 REGISTRATION: VARIATION - SIR GABRIEL WOOD'S MARINERS' HOME 27

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services seeking the Committee's approval of changes in the registration information under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, Section 62, in respect of Sir Gabriel Wood's Mariners' Home, 67 Newark Street, Greenock.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report be noted and the variation approved; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to issue a new Certificate of Registration.

28 REGISTRATION: VARIATION - LYNEDOCH HOUSE 28

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services seeking the Committee's approval of changes in the registration information under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, Section 62, in respect of Inverclyde Association for Mental Health, Lynedoch House, 4 Lower Lynedoch Street, Greenock.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report be noted and the variation approved; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to issue a new Certificate of Registration.

29 REGISTRATION: VARIATION - MARCUS HUMPHREY HOUSE 29

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services seeking the Committee's approval of changes in the registration information under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, Section 62, in respect of Marcus Humphrey House, Quarriers Village, Bridge of Weir, and The Cottage, Marcus Humphrey House.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report be noted and the variations approved; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to issue new Certificates of Registration.

30 REGISTRATION: VARIATION - WOODSIDE RETIREMENT HOME 30

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services seeking the Committee's approval of changes in the registration information under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, Section 62, in respect of Woodside Retirement Home, Quarriers Village, Bridge of Weir.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report be noted and the variation approved; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to issue a new Certificate of Registration.

31 DAY CARE REGISTRATION - NEW APPLICATION: INNERKIP CLUB 31

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services seeking the Committee's approval to register premises at the Innerkip Club, 14 William Street, Greenock, on behalf of Alzheimer's Scotland - Action on Dementia in terms of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 as amended by the Registered Establishments (Scotland) Act 1987.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee note the contents of the report and approve the registration of the premises at the Innerkip Club, 14 William Street, Greenock; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to issue a Certificate of Registration.

32 MODERNISING COMMUNITY CARE - AN ACTION PLAN 32

SCOTTISH OFFICE STATEMENT

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services (i) providing the Committee with details of a document prepared by the Scottish Office "Modernising Community Care - An Action Plan" and (ii) advising of the establishment of allocated funding by the Scottish Office to assist in implementation of the Action Plan.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee note the requirements placed upon Inverclyde Council by the document "Modernising Community Care - An Action Plan";

(b) That it be noted that the requirements will have implications for the way Inverclyde Council plans to deliver its Community Care services;

(c) That the Committee note the clear expectation and co-operation with other statutory agencies, the independent sector, users and carers, as expressed in the Action Plan; and

(d) That the Committee note the relatively small additional allocation to GAE for the purposes of implementing the requirements of "Modernising Community Care - An Action Plan".

33 COMMUNITY SENTENCING: THE TOUGH OPTION 33

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee of a Consultation Paper issued by the Scottish Office on "Community Sentencing: The Tough Option".

DECIDED:

(a) That the contents of the report be noted; and

(b) That the Committee approve a response based on the principles outlined by the Association of Directors of Social Work.

34 CHILDREN'S SERVICES DEVELOPMENT FUND 34

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee of the establishment of the Children's Services Development Fund of which Inverclyde Council would receive £191,000.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee welcome the proposed development of the Children's Services Development Fund; and

(b) That the Committee note that the objectives of the Fund are consistent with those of Inverclyde Council's Children's Services Plan.

35 RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE STAFFING REVIEW 35

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services informing the Committee on the progress of the Staffing Review which has been undertaken in residential child care in Inverclyde and seeking approval of the recommendations attached as a result of the review.

DECIDED: That the Committee approve the proposals for the restructuring of residential child care as outlined in the report and that the report be referred to the Corporate Business Committee to consider the staffing implications.

36 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE "LINK CLUB" 36

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services outlining the future service provision offered by the Link Club currently located at Shaw Place, Greenock.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee approve in principle the redevelopment and relaunch of Link Club services with user involvement, for people with mental health problems;

(b) That the matter be remitted to the Executive Director Legal, Information and Support Services and the Director of Social Work to undertake the task of initiating the contracting process with the Scottish Association for Mental Health to develop the service outlined;

(c) That it be remitted to the Director of Social Work to reallocate staff duties in order to retain valued skills in the mental health field;

(d) That the Director of Social Work be authorised to vire from the employee cost budget to that for payments to voluntary organisations;

(e) That the matter be remitted to the Corporate Business Committee to consider the deletion of a vacant post from the Social Work establishment; and

(f) That the Committee note that this development will have no additional financial implications for the Council.

37 INVERCLYDE JOINT COMMUNITY CARE PLAN 1998/2001 37

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services seeking the Committee's approval for the Inverclyde Joint Community Care Plan 1998/2001.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee approve the Inverclyde Joint Community Care Plan 1998/2001; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services and the Director of Social Work to bring forward proposals in specific areas of services in due course, subject to available resources.

38 REVISED MAINTENANCE RATES FOR ESTABLISHMENTS OUTWITH INVERCLYDE 38

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve maintenance rates for persons from Inverclyde who are currently or who may in the future be resident in registered residential establishments outwith Inverclyde.

DECIDED: That approval be given to the recommended rates applying to residents in establishments outwith Inverclyde funded by Inverclyde Council.

39 HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT MONITORING STATEMENT 1998/99 39

SUBMITTED: Report dated 5 January 1999 by the Executive Director Resource Services on the current position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget 1998/99 as at 9 December 1998.

NOTED

40 HRA CAPITAL PROGRAMME 1998/99 - TECHNICAL PROGRESS 40

SUBMITTED: Report dated 17 December 1998 by the Head of Technical Services on the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 1998/99.

DECIDED:

(a) That the contents of the report be noted;

(b) That the Committee approve the following expenditure decreases in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations:-

Project Effect on Expenditure

Replacement Windows - Mid Auchenleck

Deletion of houses where tenants have made

application to purchase £44,000 decrease

Brown Street/Baxter Street Phase 1

Reduction in cost of external render system due to

non-participation of 2 owner occupiers £16,574 decrease;

(c) That the accumulated variations in the mid Auchenleck replacement window project which is 14.95% (£42,000) less than the completed tender amount be approved in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations; and

(d) That the Committee note the specific reports in respect of the Mid Auchenleck Contract and Gibshill New Housing Contract.

41 HRA CAPITAL PROGRAMME 1998/99 - FINANCIAL POSITION 41

SUBMITTED: Report dated 17 December 1998 by the Executive Director Resource Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 1998/99.

NOTED

42 HOUSING CAPITAL PLAN 1999/2000 AND ONWARDS 42

SUBMITTED: Report dated 18 December 1998 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee of the projects which have been incorporated within the Housing Capital Plan to allow Members to determine the future Capital Programme.

DECIDED: That the following projects be included in the Capital Programme over the next three

C financial years:- C

Project 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 Estimated Total

Capital Expenditure

£ £ £ £

Windows 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 6,000,000

Ad Hoc Heating 900,000 700,000 600,000 2,200,000

Brown Street/Baxter Street 550,000 550,000 - 1,100,000

Broadfield Estate 250,000 250,000 250,000 750,000

Rewiring 300,000 250,000 250,000 800,000

Demolition 400,000 250,000 150,000 800,000

Fees 165,000 165,000 165,000 495,000

HECA 160,000 160,000 160,000 480,000

Peat Road 250,000 250,000 250,000 750,000

Door Entry 250,000 100,000 100,000 450,000

Roofs 550,000 550,000 550,000 1,650,000

Lift Replacement 250,000 100,000 75,000 425,000

Cladding - 1,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000

Carry Forward 1,600,000 - - 1,600,000

(from existing projects)

Totals £7,625,000 £6,325,000 £5,550,000 £19.5 million

43 WOODHALL ESTATE, PORT GLASGOW: PROPOSALS FOR SELECTIVE DEMOLITION 43

SUBMITTED: Report dated 17 December 1998 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising that at the meeting of the Social Work and Housing Committee held on 13 October 1998 (Para 1070), it was remitted to the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services to (i) consult with tenants of the properties affected by demolition in the Woodhall Estate, Port Glasgow (ii) determine if there is any demand from a third party for the properties in question and (iii) to report back to the Committee on the findings.

Councillor O'Rourke declared an interest in this matter and took no part in its deliberation or decision.

Councillor Clocherty at this point assumed the Chair.

Councillor Robertson (A) was present and with consent spoke on the matter.

DECIDED:

(a) That the affected tenants be given the option of moving from the East end to the West end of Woodhall Terrace as an exception to the current Housing Allocation Policy;

(b) That it be remitted to the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services to report back in three months outlining ways of improving the Woodhall estate;

(c) That the Council's stock at 15-26 Woodhall Terrace, 9-19 Mansion Avenue and 97-119 Parkhill Avenue be declared surplus to the Council's requirements and from the date of the Committee decision, the letting of vacant property formally cease;

(d) That the Committee agree that tenants moving from the date of the Committee decision receive Home Loss and Displacement Payments, if appropriate, and subject to paragraph (a) above be rehoused in accordance with Council policy;

(e) That £20,000 be provided in the Capital Programme 1998/99 for possible Home Loss and Displacement Payments;

(f) That the project be included in the Capital Plan with a view to provision being made in the Capital Programme 1999/2000 for demolition and further Home Loss Payments;

(g) That the Committee agree in principle the re-purchase of two owner-occupied flats in Woodhall Terrace and offer rehousing to the occupiers in accordance with the Council's policy at that time; and

(h) That the Committee agree that the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services report on options for those areas where there is a lack of demand for the Council's housing stock.

At this point the Convener re-assumed the Chair.

44 TRANSFER OF SCOTTISH HOMES STOCK - ALLOCATIONS 44

SUBMITTED: Report dated 1 December 1998 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising that at the meeting of the Committee held on 13 October 1998 (Para 1094) it was remitted to the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services to have further discussions with the Convener, Vice-Convener and local ward Members and the local Housing Associations which had taken over the Scottish Homes stock in Greenock concerning the method of allocating waiting points on the former Council list, advising the Committee on the results of these discussions and making recommendations in light of recent changes to the Allocation Policy.

Following discussion, Councillor O'Rourke moved that the Council confirm the policy on pointing all non-Council tenants to the waiting list including those former Scottish Homes tenants who transferred to the various local Housing Associations in 1997. As an amendment Councillor Rebecchi moved that all ex-Council tenants of Housing Association properties have points restored if they were residents of these properties at the date of the changeover. On a vote, three Members voted for the amendment and five for the motion which was declared carried.

DECIDED: That the Committee confirm the Council policy on pointing all non-Council tenants to the waiting list including those former Scottish Homes tenants who transferred to the various local Housing Associations in 1997.

45 THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANTI-SOCIAL, NEIGHBOUR NUISANCE AND DISPUTES 45

STRATEGY

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services providing the Committee with an update on the development of the Council's Anti-Social, Neighbour Nuisance and Disputes Strategy and requesting approval to ensure that mechanisms are in place to facilitate the implementation of the terms of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

DECIDED: That it be remitted to the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services to submit a further report to the Committee regarding the new legislation.

46 THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REPAIRS POLICY FOR INVERCLYDE COUNCIL TENANTS - 46

REPAIRS RESPONSIBILITIES

SUBMITTED: Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services providing the Committee with an overview of current repair services and outlining proposals for improving the service and demonstrating Best Value in its delivery.

DECIDED: That the Committee approve the repairs responsibilities between the Council as landlord and its tenants as set out in Appendix 4 of the report.

47 BELVILLE CONCIERGE SYSTEM 47

SUBMITTED: Report dated 14 December 1998 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising that at the meeting of the Committee held on 13 October 1998 (Para 1069) it was remitted to the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services to report back on the results of experiments undertaken to remedy a number of deficiencies in the Belville Concierge System and with regard to other matters.

DECIDED:

(a) That the contents of the report be noted;

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to invite tenders for (i) an alternative door and panel arrangement at Belville Street at an estimated cost of £46,000 (ii) for the alternative door panel arrangements at Serpentine Walk at an estimated cost of £19,000 (iii) for the supply and installation of a UPS system at an estimated cost of £3,000;

(c) That if the experiment with the new screen material is successful, it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to invite tenders for the installation of screen material at the remaining five blocks of flats at an estimated cost of £14,000;

(d) That if the experiments with the high level lights are successful, it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to invite tenders for the installation of further lights at the remaining five blocks of flats at an estimated cost of £15,000;

(e) That the Council enter into a maintenance contract with Blick at an annual cost of £42,000 for a period of two years and a provision be made in the Revenue Budget 1999/2000 for the necessary costs;

(f) That a series of public meetings with the tenants of the six multi-storey flats take place to explore the opportunities for the Tenants Group and the remit of such a Tenants Group and that the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services report back to the Committee;

(g) That the cost of the alterations be charged to the Major Repairs Budget 1998/99 and provision made in the Revenue Budget 1999/2000;

(h) That authority be delegated to the Director of Central Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received in each case; and

(i) That the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services report back to the Committee in nine months time on the up-to-date position on the Belville Concierge system including a survey of tenants' comments.

48 VIREMENT 48

SUBMITTED: Report dated 18 December 1998 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee of a significant underspend in the Social Work Revenue Budget and proposing areas of expenditure which would assist in maintaining the fabric of the Council's accommodation and at the same time enhance facilities for the Council's customers and clients.

DECIDED: That the Committee agree to virement of £51,995 to allow these projects to be undertaken by 31 March 1999.

49 BROWN STREET/BAXTER STREET PHASE 2 49

SUBMITTED: Report dated 7 January 1999 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee of the proposed addresses for Phase 2 of the Refurbishment Programme at Brown Street/Baxter Street, Greenock.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee agree that a provision of £107,000 be made in the Capital Programme for

1999/2000;

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to invite tenders for the refurbishment of twenty units as outlined in the report at an estimated cost of £514,000;

(c) That it be remitted to the Policy and Strategy Committee to consider a request for £60,000 from the Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 1999/2000 to cover the anticipated grant to owners;

(d) That authority be delegated to the Director of Central Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received, provided the necessary funds for grant are in place; and

(e) That it be remitted to the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services to seek the Secretary of State's consent to increase the maximum grant approval limit to the necessary level and thereafter issue formal approval of grant applications.

50 RESOLUTION: EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS 50

On the motion of the Convener it was agreed unanimously that, in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the undernoted items of business on the grounds that consideration of the items 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)

Gas Maintenance Contract 6 & 9

NCH Children's Hearing Project 11

The McPherson Centre, Gourock 6 & 8

Fewster House and Shankland Road, Greenock 2, 6 & 8

Building and Works Revenue Budget 1998/99 8

51 GAS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT 51

SUBMITTED: Report dated 6 January 1999 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising that the existing gas maintenance contract for the Council's housing stock is due to expire on 31 March 1999 and making suggestions for a new contract.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee note the contents of the report; and

(b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to invite tenders for the gas maintenance contract, taking into consideration the alterations outlined in the report.

52 NCH CHILDREN'S HEARING PROJECT 52

SUBMITTED : Report by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee on the consultations with UNISON in respect of the NCH Children's Hearing Project, approved by the Committee on 1 September 1998 (para 915).

DECIDED: That the Committee note that consultations had taken place with the appropriate Trades Union and that as no agreement had been reached, the recommendation contained in the report submitted on 1 August 1998 be approved.

53 THE McPHERSON CENTRE, GOUROCK 53

SUBMITTED: Report dated 18 December 1998 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee on the latest financial position in relation to the McPherson Centre Project.

DECIDED: That the Committee note the sums of money which are likely to be expended on the McPherson Centre and note that there is an outstanding remit to the Depute Chief Executive to report to the Social Work and Housing Committee on project management.

54 FEWSTER HOUSE AND SHANKLAND ROAD - DEREGISTRATION 54

SUBMITTED: Report dated 15 December 1998 by the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services advising the Committee (i) of the potential costs to the Council following the partial deregistration of the Salvation Army Hostel at Fewster House, Greenock, (ii) on a proposal from the Jericho Society to deregister a hostel at Shankland Road, Greenock and to identify the potential cost to the Council of deregistration, and (iii) seeking Committee approval for the award of Housing Benefit payment in excess of rent officer levels at Fewster House and for approval of a similar enhanced award at Shankland Road, Greenock.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Committee agree that the rent for Fewster House and Shankland Road, when de-registered be restricted to £100 per week for vulnerable persons; and

(b) That the matter be referred to the Policy and Strategy Committee.

55 BUILDING SERVICES - REVENUE BUDGET 1998/99 55

SUBMITTED: Report dated 7 January 1999 by the Executive Director Resource Services detailing the financial position of the Building Services Revenue Budget as at 9 December 1998.

DECIDED: That it be noted that the Executive Director Social Work and Housing Services will report to the next meeting on a number of performance related issues.