Social Work & Housing Committee

Tuesday 23 May 2000 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor McCabe presided.

In Attendance:  Mr H McNeilly (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Director of Social Work and Housing Services, Head of Accountancy Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Provost Roach and 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.

463

Social Work Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress

463

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the technical progress of the Social Work Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Noted.

464

Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001 -

Financial Position

464

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Noted.

465

Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Within Inverclyde

465

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve the payment of maintenance rates for persons from Inverclyde who are currently or who may in the future be resident in registered residential establishments located within Inverclyde.

Decided: that the recommended maintenance rates be approved and the Director of Social Work and Housing Services be authorised to make appropriate payments for residents’ care in the event of placements being made.

466

Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Outwith Inverclyde

466

There was submitted a report by the Director of 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 located outwith Inverclyde.

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

467

Fostering Allowances 2000/2001

467

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve an increase in the rates of fostering allowances for 2000/2001 as recommended by COSLA.

Decided: that the Committee approve the new rates of fostering allowances for 2000/2001 as recommended by COSLA.

468

Modernising Community Care: An Action Plan

468

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services outlining a number of proposed developments with a view to meeting the objectives set out in the document “Modernising Community Care: An Action Plan” for which the sum of £136,000 had been allocated by the Scottish Executive in 2000/2001.  (Councillor Morrison (D) entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1) that the six developments outlined in the report which meet the objectives of “Modernising Community Care: An Action Plan” be approved; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Head of Personnel Services to refer the proposed establishment and grading of the posts of Resource Worker (Public Information) with administrative support and Co-ordinator (Commissioning) to the Corporate Business Committee for approval.

469

Strategy for Carers in Scotland

469

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services proposing a number of service developments for carers in Inverclyde which are consistent with the principles set out in the Scottish Executive document “Strategy for Carers in Scotland”, the total cost of the service developments being £168,000 in 2000/2001.  The report advised that the total allocation from GAE for the development of carer services in Inverclyde in 2000/2001 was £181,000 and that it was proposed to retain the balance of £13,000 to provide for joint commissioning activities and for the start-up costs of further service developments over the remainder of the financial year.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the service developments for carers in Inverclyde as detailed in the report and that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to report further to the Committee on the progress of the projects; and

(2) that it be noted that any further recommendations for appropriate developments made in consultation with carers groups and organisations will be reported to the Committee.

470

Registration Guidance and Standards

470

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to consider the adoption of revised Registration Guidelines, including outcome standards, to be used as a basis for inspection.  The report recommended that the price for the new combined document be set at £40 for new applicants, but that this be issued free of charge to all existing registered services which are subject to inspection.

Decided: that approval be given to the revised documentation and price.

471

Services for Older People

471

There was submitted a report dated 9 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of the changing needs of older people and (2) recommending the establishment of a Member/Officer Working Group to review the provision of services for older people.

Decided:

(1) that a Member/Officer Working Group be established to review the provision of services for older people;

(2) that Councillors McCabe, Morrison (D), Nimmo, O’Rourke and Rebecchi be appointed to the Working Group;

(3) that the provisional dates and times for meetings of the Working Group be Tuesday 30 May 2000 at 4.00pm, Thursday 8 June 2000 at 1.00pm and Thursday 22 June 2000 at 2.00pm; and

(4) that a report on services for older people be submitted to the meeting of the Social Work and Housing Committee on 1 August 2000.

472

HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress

472

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Decided:

(1) that the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 be noted;

(2) that the Committee approve the following expenditure decrease and increase in terms of the relevant financial regulations:-

Project                                                                                            Effect on Expenditure

Brown Street/Baxter Street Refurbishment, Phase 2

Deletion of Block 1 from the contract for inclusion in

Phase 3                                                                                           £41,000 reduction

Brown Street/Baxter Street Refurbishment, Phase 3

Transfer of Block 1 to Phase 3 contract from Phase 2                       £46,000 increase

473

HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Financial Position

473

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Noted.

474

Major Repairs Programme 2000/2001

474

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the Major Repairs Programme 2000/2001.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted; and

(2) that the Major Repairs Programme 2000/2001 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

475

Demolition Programme 2000/2001

475

There was submitted a report dated 28 April 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the progress of demolition projects throughout the Council’s housing stock, (2) seeking approval of additional funding to progress the programme and (3) requesting authority to issue tenders for further demolition projects.

Following discussion, Councillor McCabe moved:-

(1) that the present position of the demolition programme 2000/2001 be noted;

(2) that the demolition projects at Upper Bow, Phase 3 and South Craigieknowes be added to the Capital Programme 2000/2001 and that home loss payments be made to the remaining qualifying tenants within the Upper Bow properties;

(3) that the funding for demolition works be increased by £600,000 from the Housing Repairs and Renewals fund;

(4) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the demolition of the properties at Upper Bow, Phase 3 and South Craigieknowes; and

(5) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tenders received.

As an amendment, Councillor Rebecchi moved that it be remitted to the appropriate Officers to investigate the potential for disposing of the properties at South Craigieknowes (6, 10-14 Fairrie Street and 15-19 Gilmour Street) at a suitable price to individual purchasers and that a further report thereon be submitted to the Committee.  On a vote, 2® Members voted for the amendment and 6 for the motion which was declared carried.

C

Decided:

(1) that the present position of the demolition programme 2000/2001 be noted;

(2) that the demolition projects at Upper Bow, Phase 3 and South Craigieknowes be added to the Capital Programme 2000/2001 and that home loss payments be made to the remaining qualifying tenants within the Upper Bow properties;

(3) that the funding for demolition works be increased by £600,000 from the Housing Repairs and Renewals fund;

(4) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the demolition of the properties at Upper Bow, Phase 3 and South Craigieknowes; and

(5) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tenders received.

C

476

Seafield House, Esplanade, Greenock - Renewal of Hot and Cold Water Service Pipework

476

There was submitted a report dated 3 May 2000 by the Director of Social and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to the invitation of tenders for the renewal of the hot and cold water service pipework at Seafield House, Greenock.

Decided: that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the renewal of the hot and cold water service pipework at Seafield House, Greenock.

477

Glebe Court Sheltered Housing Complex, Kilmacolm - Warden Call System and Other Works

477

There was submitted a report dated 5 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to the invitation of tenders for the installation of a warden call/door entry system and associated work at Glebe Court, Kilmacolm.  The report advised that a technical survey was presently being carried out to assess the best means by which to replace the existing heating pipework at the property and that the findings of the survey would be reported to the Committee at a future date.

Decided:

(1) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the installation of a warden call/door entry system and associated work at Glebe Court, Kilmacolm; and

(2) that it be noted that a further report will be submitted to the Committee in due course on proposals to replace the existing heating system pipework at the property.

478

6, 8 and 10 Sharp Street, Gourock - Re-roofing Project

478

There was submitted a report dated 25 April 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to the invit•ation of tenders for the renewal of the roof coverings at 6, 8 and 10 Sharp Street, Gourock.

Decided: that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the re-roofing works at 6, 8 and 10 Sharp Street, Gourock.

479

Proposed Extension of Datatag System - Gas Central Heating Boilers

(Combi Boilers)

479

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services recommending the fitting of datatag electronic anti-theft systems to all gas combi boilers within the Council’s housing stock as a means of extending the anti-theft initiative and improving management information.

Decided: that agreement be given to the fitting of datatag electronic anti-theft systems to all gas combi boilers within the Council’s housing stock at an estimated cost of £45,000.

480

BISF Houses

480

There was submitted a report dated 5 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of structural problems which had been identified in the 148 BISF houses within Council ownership in Greenock and Port Glasgow.

Decided: that the upgrading of the cladding of the BISF houses throughout the Council’s housing stock be added to the Capital Plan at a current estimated cost of £2,000,000.

481

Belville Street Concierge System

481

There was submitted a report dated 3 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the progress of the Belville Street concierge system recovery project agreed by the Committee in January 1999.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services in consultation with the Head of Property Services to resolve any outstanding defects in respect of the lighting at the properties.

482

Requests for Financial Assistance - Scottish Council for Single Homeless and Positive Action in Housing

482

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on requests for financial assistance from Positive Action in Housing and the Scottish Council for Single Homeless.

Decided:

(1) that funding of £993 be provided to the Scottish Council for Single Homeless;

(2) that an affiliation fee of £1,000 be paid to Positive Action in Housing; and

(3) that it be agreed that the relevant Officers meet with representatives of each organisation to discuss in greater detail how they might support Inverclyde Council in its work in the areas of homelessness and racial equality.

483

Anti-Social Behaviour - Request from Councillor Rebecchi

483

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request from Councillor Rebecchi that the Committee discuss the policy of Dundee City Council in dealing with anti-social behaviour.

Decided:

(1) that an appropriate Officer of Dundee City Council be invited to make a presentation to the next meeting of the Committee on the operation of the Dundee Families Project and that all Members of the Council be invited to attend; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to investigate the feasibility of establishing a Working Group to examine the problem of anti-social behaviour and to report thereon to the Committee.

(Councillor Morrison (D) left the meeting following consideration of this item of business).

484

The Development of a Tenant Involvement Strategy for Inverclyde Council Tenants

484

There was submitted a report dated 26 April 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve the final draft of the Tenant Participation Policy, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:

(1) that the draft policy statement on tenant participation appended to the report be approved; and

(2) that it be agreed that future reports on tenant participation be placed before Elected Members.

485

Legislative Proposals on Homelessness - Homelessness Task Force Initial Report

485

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on proposed legislative proposals on homelessness as set out in the initial report of the Homelessness Task Force, (2) highlighting the key recommendations and (3) advising of the work undertaken by Inverclyde Council in this area to date and future action proposed.

Noted.

486

Review of the 1998-2001 Inverclyde Council and Scottish Homes Strategic Agreement

486

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking endorsement of the joint principles, action and investment plans set out in the May 2000 Review of the 1998-2001 Scottish Homes - Inverclyde Council Strategic Agreement, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the joint principles and investment plans set out in the Review of the 1998-2001 Strategic Agreement;

(2) that the Committee note the action taken to implement the existing Agreement and that discussions on a new Agreement will commence later in 2000 with a view to its completion by April 2001;

(3) that in respect of the Declaration appended to the May 2000 Review Document, the third paragraph only be amended and that this read “The Council and Scottish Homes propose to sign a new Strategic Agreement in April 2001”;

(4) that a formal signing ceremony relative to the May 2000 Review take place in early summer 2000 and that appropriate publicity be arranged; and

(5) that it be agreed to fund one-third of the cost of carrying out the three proposed Area Renewal Studies at a total cost to the Council of £30,000.

487

New Housing Partnership

487

There was submitted a report dated 9 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising that Chapman Hendy Associates were due to complete the Options Appraisal Study of the Council’s housing stock during May 2000.

Decided:

(1) that Chapman Hendy Associates make a presentation on the findings of the Options Appraisal Study on the Council’s housing stock to a Special Meeting of the Committee to be held on Tuesday 20 June 2000 at 3.00pm and that all Members of the Council be invited to attend; and

(2) that a copy of the report by Chapman Hendy be circulated to all Members of the Council at least fourteen days prior to the meeting of the Committee.

488

Housing Allocation Policy Review

488

There was submitted a  report dated 5 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of progress made to date in the review of the Housing Allocation Policy and (2) making a number of further recommendations in this regard.

C

C

Decided:

(1) that the progress made to date in implementing the policy changes previously agreed by the Committee, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be noted;

(2) that agreement be given to the introduction of a revised scheme of pointing applications as  follows:-

v      Application/residence waiting points                                    4 points per year

v      Elderly points (age over 60 years)                                       16 points for every year over

                                                                                              the age of 60 years

v      For each additional bedroom required                                16 points

v      For each room under-occupied                                          16 points

v      Sex separation                                                                   4 points

v      For each additional person to be

     housed along with the applicant                                          2 points

v      Medical points (elderly persons)                                         32 points

v      Medical points (non-elderly persons)                                  16 points

v      Persons residing in areas of re-development                        40 points

v      Shared amenities                                                                4 points

(3) that agreement be given to the inclusion of Whinhill Court, Greenock as a Designated Elderly Persons Area; and

(4) that approval be given to the appointment of a temporary co-ordinator at salary grade AP2 (£13,650 - £14,811) and three temporary clerical staff at salary grade GS1/2 (£8,376 - £11,313) for a period of approximately nine months to assist with the review of the Housing Allocation Policy, the cost to be contained within the Housing Services approved budget.

C

C

489

Empty Council Houses - Liability for Council Tax

489

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of changes to the rules in respect of empty Council house liability for Council Tax and (2) setting out the implications for the Council.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted;

(2) that it be agreed that following consideration of the research “Housing Depopulation and the Economy” and complementary reports, a strategic review be undertaken into those areas where there are long-term voids and no demand exists and which could be considered for demolition in the longer term;

(3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to submit a further report to the Committee on long-term void properties which could be declared surplus to requirements and confirmed for demolition; and

(4) that representations be made to the Scottish Executive in respect of the liability for Council Tax after a period of time of empty flats, such as those within multi-storey blocks, which cannot be brought into use until major repairs are undertaken to the entire fabric of the building.

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)

Lift Programme 2000/2001                                                           6, 8 & 9

Door Entry Systems: Specifications and Costs                           6 & 9

Water Treatment - Sheltered Housing Complexes -

Report on Tenders                                                                        6 & 8

1-9 Kilmun Road, Greenock - Demolition - Use of

Emergency Powers Procedure                                                      6 & 8

Non-HRA (Private Sector Housing) Capital Programme

2000/01 - 2002/03                                                                          4 & 6

Hospital Resettlement Programme for People With

Learning Disabilities: Commissioning and Contracting

Arrangements                                                                                6, 8 & 9

Supply of Electricity (Heat with Rent) - Report

on Tenders                                                                                     6 & 8

490

Lift Programme 2000/2001

490

There was submitted a report dated 25 April 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on proposals for the lift programme 2000/2001 and (2) requesting the Committee to agree to the invitation of tenders for appropriate areas of the programme.

Decided:

(1) that the expenditure proposals for the lift programme 2000/2001 as detailed in the report be approved;

(2) that authority be granted for the negotiation of a price for the health & safety items with the Council’s maintenance contractor;

(3) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the major lift upgrading works; and

(4) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tenders received.

491

Door Entry Systems: Specification and Costs

491

There was submitted a report dated 5 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the background to the Council’s door entry system programme, (2) detailing the specification used, (3) providing information on the pricing of previous door entry contracts and (4) making recommendations in this regard.

Decided:

(1)   that the report be noted;

(2)   that the basic specification outlined at paragraph 3.2 and the tendering process outlined at paragraph 4, be approved;

(3)   that the Committee endorse the requirement for joint owners to contribute to the cost of a door entry system prior to the system being instructed;

(4) that it be agreed that loans be provided to owner-occupiers where required at appropriate rates of interest should payment for the owner’s share of the system extend beyond a period of two months; and

(5)   that agreement be given to a survey of a selected number of tenants and owners to provide information for future investment decisions.

492

Water Treatment - Sheltered Housing Complexes - Report on Tenders

492

There was submitted a report dated 27 April 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on five tenders received for water treatment works within the Council’s sheltered housing complexes and the Inverclyde Centre.å

Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by G D Chalmers Ltd, in the corrected sum of £30,833.00.

493

1-9 Kilmun Road, Greenock - Demolition - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

493

There was submitted a report dated 2 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to accept the lowest tender received for the demolition of 1-9 Kilmun Road, Greenock, that by Reigart Contracts Ltd in the sum of £153,850.95.

Noted.

494

Non - HRA (Private Sector Housing) Capital Programme 2000/01, 2001/02 & 2002/03

494

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the Non-HRA (Private Sector Housing) Capital Programme 2000/01 - 2002/03.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to submit a more detailed report to the next meeting of the Committee on the four voluntary improvement schemes recommended for approval in 2000/03 including information on the works to be undertaken and a breakdown of the costs involved;

(2) that with the exception of the four proposed voluntary improvement schemes which are to be the subject of a further report as outlined above, the proposed Non-HRA Capital Programme for 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2002/03 as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report be approved;

(3) that it be agreed to archive the current backlog of applications for single element repairs grants;

(4) that the Director of Social Work and Housing Services write to all current applicants to advise them that repairs grant funding will not be available until at least April 2003, or until such time as new monies are allocated by the Council, other than for the following:-

          Lead Replacement (Child Under 16/Pregnancy)

          Grants to Owners within Council Funded Projects

          Care and Repair Projects; and

(5) that a moritorium be placed on any further applications for repairs grants until further notice unless the application is for work in any of the three categories outlined above.

495

Hospital Resettlement Programme for People with Learning Disabilities:

Commissioning and Contracting Arrangements

495

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to the invitation of tenders from approved care provider organisations to deliver the care support element of the first residential project in connection with the resettlement from hospital of people with learning disabilities.

Decided:

(1) that approval be granted to invite tenders from the four providers detailed in the report who had been identified through the pre-tendering exercise;

(2) that the requirements of the tendering process be noted; and

(3) that a report on the tenders received be submitted to the Committee.

496

Supply of Electricity (Heat with Rent) - Report on Tenders

496

There was submitted a report dated 15 May 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the result of the tendering process in respect of the supply of electricity to 3,826 Council properties (Heat with Rent Scheme).  Councillors Rebecchi and Robertson (A)  declared an interest in this item and took no part in its consideration or decision.  The Committee agreed to accept a tender, subject to satisfactory agreement being reached with regard to outstanding legal issues, all as detailed in the Appendix.