Social Work & Housing Committee

 Tuesday 1 August 2000 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Jackson, McCabe, Mitchell, Moody, Morrison (D), Nimmo, 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 & Housing Services, Head of Accountancy Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Provost Roach.

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

The Convener referred to a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking authority to include a contractor in the tender list for the heat leasing project which the Committee had been asked to consider as an additional item.  He indicated that the report had been withdrawn from the Agenda and would be submitted to the meeting of the Corporate Business Committee on 3 August 2000.

629

Social Work Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress

629

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.

630

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

Financial Position

630

There was submitted a report dated 13 July 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Noted.

631

Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Outwith Inverclyde

631

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.Œ

632

Authorised Providers List for Social Care Services

632

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and 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 Authorised Providers List appended to the report be approved.

633

The Way Forward for Care - A Policy Position Paper by the Scottish Executive

633

There was submitted a report dated 11 July 2000 by the Directors of Social Work and Housing Services and Education Services advising of the contents of the Scottish Executive publication “The Way Forward for Care - A Policy Position Paper” which sets out proposals for modernising the regulation of care services and early education and the registration of key groups of staff within the social services workforce.  The report advised that it was intended to introduce a Bill in the Scottish Parliament later in the year with a view to giving effect to the proposals which would have a significant impact on the way in which care is provided and regulated throughout Scotland and could lead to staff employed in registration and inspection being transferred to the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.

Decided:

(1) that the contents of the report be noted; and

(2) that a further report on the potential budgetary and staffing implications be submitted to the Committee once further information has been received.

634

“The Same As You?” - A Review of Services for People With Learning Disabilities

634

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of the publication by the Scottish Executive of “The Same As You?” a report on services for people with learning disabilities which was the first in-depth analysis of services for people with learning disabilities in Scotland for over twenty years, (2) appending an executive summary of the Review and (3) providing an extract of the full list of recommendations.

Decided:

(1) that the recommendations of, and the issues arising from, the Scottish Executive report “The Same As You?” be noted;

(2) that it be remitted to the Chief Executive to establish a short-term working group to consider the implementation of the Review across all Council services;

(3) that the comments on developments and services currently in place set  out in the report be noted and that these be endorsed as the basis for the Council’s initial response to the Scottish Executive; and

(4) that further reports be submitted to the Committee in due course relative to the issue of resources arising from the implementation of the report.

635

Virement

635

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to virement of £40,200 from the Child Supplementation Budget to meet the cost of a one-off payment to the Scottish Adoption Association for the placement of four children for adoption.

Decided: that agreement be given to virement of £40,200 from the Child Supplementation Budget in order to allow the placement to proceed.

636

Social Work and Other Housing Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 3

636

There was submitted a report dated 17 July 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the position of the Social Work and Other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at period 3 (28 June 2000).

Noted.

637

HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress

637

There was submitted a report dated 13 July 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 decreases in terms of the relevant financial regulations:-

Project                                                                                               Effect on Expenditure

Brown Street/Baxter Street Refurbishment, Phase 3

Deletion of the undernoted properties from the contract due

to the non-participation of the owner-occupiers:-

3 Brown Street - all works deleted                                                      £19,263 reduction

38 Baxter Street - all works deleted                                                    £18,828 reduction

35 Brown Street - internal works and works

to paths deleted                                                                                  £  7,906 reduction

(3) that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant financial regulations, the variation due to remeasurement relative to the undernoted project which is in excess of £5,000 or 5% of the accepted tender:-

Project                                                                                               Effect on Expenditure

Replacement Windows - Inverclyde Area 1999/2000

A number of windows due to be replaced through the

contract were replaced on an ad-hoc basis by

Building Services prior to the contract being let                                    £7,840 reduction

638

HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Financial Position

638

There was submitted a report dated 13 July 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Noted.

639

Better Homes for Scotland’s Communities

639

There was submitted a report dated 11 July 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising that the Scottish Executive had set out their proposals for the Housing Bill in a document entitled “Better Homes for Scotland’s Communities” and (2) suggesting that a seminar for all elected Members take place in mid-August to discuss and debate the proposed legislative changes and that thereafter a report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 5 September 2000 incorporating the views expressed at the seminar.  It was also proposed that an “open evening” with invitations for tenants, interested parties and Inverclyde Housing Association Forum take place in late August 2000 to ascertain the views of the wider community.

Decided:

(1) that it be agreed that a seminar for all Members be held on 15 August 2000 at 4.00pm (or at the conclusion of the Finance Sub-Committee if later); and

(2) that an “open evening” for all interested parties be arranged for late August 2000.

640

Housing Allocation Policy

640

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services clarifying the position with regard to the proposed pointing for each room which is under occupied in terms of the revised Housing Allocation Policy.

Noted.

641

Gibshill Retained Stock

641

There was submitted a report dated 12 July 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the findings of the condition survey of the retained stock within Gibshill carried out by the Parr Partnership and (2) advising of the financial implications of carrying out the work necessary to modernise the stock.  The report advised that the modernisation works had been estimated at £1,743,000 or £966,800 should the properties above the shops at Thomas Muir Street and the tenemental properties at Lansbury Street and Poplar Street be demolished.

Decided:

(1) that agreement be given to the establishment of a rolling programme of internal and external works to improve the properties within Gibshill in chronological order;

(2) that detailed consultation take place with the tenants in Gibshill regarding the future viability of the housing stock which is currently difficult to let and that the outcome of these discussions be reported to the Committee; and

(3) that the outcome of the meeting to be held between Scottish Homes and representatives of the Gibshill Steering Group relative to the possible provision of further houses within Gibshill be reported to a future meeting of the Committee.

642

Heat Leasing Project - Scottish Power Infrastructure Works

642

There was submitted a report dated 13 July 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising that Scottish Power had agreed to delete 5% from the rechargeable infrastructure works in respect of the heat leasing project, estimated at £129,000, as a result of its delay in attending to the Council’s requirements.

Councillors Rebecchi and Robertson (A) declared an interest in this item and took no part in its consideration or decision.

Noted.

643

Door Entry Programme 2000/2001 - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

643

There was submitted a report dated 18 July 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 delete the property at 3 Kingsway, Gourock from the door entry programme 2000/2001 and replace it with the tenemental close at 11 Belville Avenue, Greenock.

Noted.

644

Housing Revenue Account - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 3

644

There was submitted a report dated 14 July 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the position of the Housing Revenue Budget as at period 3 (28 June 2000).

Noted.

645

Tenants’ Handbook

645

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising that production of the Tenants’ Handbook was now complete and that this had now achieved Crystal Mark standard and (2) requesting the Committee to fund the costs of £38,060 from the Housing Repairs and Renewals fund.

Decided:

(1) that it be noted that work on the Tenants’ Handbook had now been completed and that the Handbooks were ready for delivery to all Inverclyde Council tenants; and

(2) that the cost of £38,060 be funded from the Housing Repairs and Renewals fund.

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee to consider the proposed response prior to its submission to the Scottish Executive.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

646

Review of Inverclyde Joint Community Care Plan 1998-2001

646

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve the draft Community Care Plan Review which had been circulated separately to Members, prior to its submission to the Scottish Executive.

Decided: that the Review of the Joint Community Care Plan 1998/2001 and the response to modernising Community Care be approved.

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)

Application of  Section 15.2 of Standing Orders relating to

Contracts - Community Alarm Service                                                 6, 8 & 9

Accreditation to Authorised Providers List                                          6 & 9

Demolition - Gibshill Phase 2 - Use of Emergency Powers

Procedure                                                                                               6, 8 & 9

Supply and Delivery of Silicone and Foam - Report on Tender    s    6, 8 & 9

Rewiring Programme 2000/2001 - Phase 3 - Use of Emergency

Powers Procedure                                                                                  6, 8 & 9

Alterations to House in Montrose Avenue, Port Glasgow -

Use of Emergency Powers Procedure                                                   6, 8 & 9

Proposed Voluntary Improvement Schemes 2000/2003                      4 & 6

Building Services Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 3                  8

Electric Heat Leasing Project                                                               6 & 8

647

Application of Section 15.2 of Standing Orders Relating to Contracts -

Community Alarm Service

647

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve application of Section 15.2 of the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts to the community alarm service contract and this was agreed, all as detailed in the Appendix.

648

Accreditation to Authorised Providers List for Social Care Services

648

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the position with regard to the accreditation assessment for authorised provider status of a service provider and the Committee agreed (1) to continue to contract with the provider until the accreditation process was complete and (2) that the outcome of the final assessment be reported to the meeting of the Committee on 5 September 2000, all as detailed in the Appendix.

649

Demolition - Gibshill, Phase 2 - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

649

There was submitted a report dated 9 June 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 Phase 2 of the demolition works in Gibshill, that by Burnfield Builders & Demolishers Ltd in the sum of £548,053.00.

Noted.

650

Supply and Delivery of Silicone and Foam - Report on Tenders

650

There was submitted a report dated 20 July 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on six tenders received for the supply and delivery of silicone and foam and recommending the acceptance of a tender which was not the lowest.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the tender submitted by IFI Scotland Ltd.

651

Re-wiring Programme 2000/2001 - Phase 3 - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

651

There was submitted a report 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 re-wiring programme 2000/2001, that by G F Sharp & Co Ltd in the sum of £100,017.39.

Noted.

652

Alterations to House in Montrose Avenue, Port Glasgow - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

652

There was submitted a report 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 works to adapt a house in Montrose Avenue, Port Glasgow to form accommodation suitable to meet the needs of a disabled occupant.

Decided:

(1) that the use of the emergency powers procedure to accept the lowest tender received for the alteration works to a house in Montrose Avenue, Port Glasgow, that by W H Kirkwood Ltd, in the sum of £39,835.14 be noted; and

(2) that it be noted that the cost of the work will be funded from the Housing Revenue Account Major Repairs Budget.

653

Proposed Voluntary Improvement Schemes 2000/2003

653

There was submitted a report dated 12 July 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services providing further information regarding 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.  The Committee agreed (1) to confirm grant assistance in respect of one of the projects for 2000/2002, (2) confirm in principle payment of grant in respect of two further projects for 2001/2003 and (3) continue consideration of the remaining project for further information, all as detailed in the Appendix.

654

Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 3

654

There was submitted a report dated 12 July 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the position of the Building Services Revenue Budget as at Period 3 (28 June 2000).

Noted.

655

Electric Heat Leasing Project

655

There was submitted a report dated 24 July 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting approval to include a further eight houses at Dubbs Road within the Heat Leasing Project due to commence in August 2000.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted; and

(2) that approval be given to include the eight houses at Dubbs Road detailed in the report within the Electric Heat Leasing Project due to commence in August 2000 at an estimated additional cost of £16,000.