	Social Work & Housing Committee Tuesday 11 April 2000 at 3.00 pm
	Present: Provost Roach, Councillors Jackson, McCabe, Mitchell, Moody, Morrison (D), Nimmo and O’Rourke. Chair: Councillor O’Rourke presided.
	In Attendance: Mr H McNeilly (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Mr A Puckrin (for Director of Resource Services), Director of Social Work & Housing Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).
	Apologies: Councillor Rebecchi.
	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.
325	Social Work Capital Programme 1999/2000 - Technical Progress	325
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the technical progress of the Social Work Capital Programme 1999/2000.
	Noted
326	Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 1999/2000 - Financial Position	326
	There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 1999/2000. Noted
327	Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Within Inverclyde	327
	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.

328	Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Outwith Inverclyde	328
	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.
329	Children’s Services Development Fund	329
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve the establishment of three social worker posts to assist in the implementation of the policy and objectives set out in the Children’s Services Plan, at a total cost of £60,600 including employers’ contributions to be met from the Council’s Children’s Services Development Fund allocation of £69,000 for 2000/01. It was noted that the remainder of the allocation would be used to provide administrative support.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee approve for its interest the proposal for the establishment of three social worker posts as set out in the report; and (2) that it be remitted to the Head of Personnel Services to refer the establishment of the three posts and the allocation of monies for administrative support to the Corporate Business Committee for approval.
330	Relocation of Glenburn Disability Resource Centre	330
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking approval for the relocation of the Disability Resource Centre at Glenburn Primary School and the aids and adaptations store located in Larkfield Industrial Estate to a factory unit at 10-16 Gibshill Road. Councillor Moody declared an interest in this item and took no part in its consideration or decision.
	Decided: (1) that approval be given to the relocation of the Disability Resource Centre and the aids and adaptations store to the factory unit at 10-16 Gibshill Road; (2) that approval be given to the transfer of the existing revenue budget associated with both Glenburn School and the aids and adaptations store to the new premises; and (3) that it be remitted to the Head of Property Services to design and provide costings for the necessary internal adaptations to allow the relocation to take place.

331	Minor Adaptations Budget 2000/2001	331
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services providing a prioritised list of projects to be funded from the Minor Adaptations Budget 2000/2001.
	Decided: (1) that the prioritised list of adaptations projects detailed in the Appendix to the report be approved; (2) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in consultation with the appropriate Officers to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the projects identified, with a view to their completion progressively throughout the financial year 2000/2001 subject to a cost limit of £200,000; (3) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received in each case, in accordance with the Financial Regulations and the Standing Orders relating to Contracts; (4) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to carry out a continuous assessment of the priorities detailed in the report and to adjust these as required in the best interests of the Council and in conformity with Best Value; and (5) that the Head of Property Services be requested to consider undertaking any projects included in the report which relate to building maintenance provided that these are within the limit of current available funding.
332	Regulatory Visits to Social Work Services	332
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services notifying the Committee of the forthcoming visits to Inverclyde by the Social Work Services Inspectorate, the Mental Welfare Commission and the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health Services.
	Noted
333	HRA Capital Programme 1999/2000 - Technical Progress	333
	There was submitted a report dated 22 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 1999/2000.
	Decided: (1) that the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 1999/2000 be noted; (2) that the Committee approve an expenditure decrease of £5,057 in the High Street window replacement contract resulting from the deletion of the common close windows; and (3) that the following accumulated variations which are outwith the accepted tender amount by more than 10% be approved in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations:-
	Project Effect on Expenditure 6-8 and 10-12 Mansion Avenue, Port Glasgow - Demolition Anticipated final account 20.5% less than accepted tender £3,791 reduction 1-9 Clydeview Road and 23-33 Darndaff Road, Greenock - Demolition Anticipated final account 11.7% less than accepted tender £18,156 reduction
334	HRA Capital Programme 1999/2000 - Financial Position	334
	There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 1999/2000.
	Decided:
	(1) that the report be noted; and (2) that it be noted that the draft final position of the Capital Programme 1999/2000 will be reported to the next meeting of the Committee.
335	Heat Leasing Project, Kilblain Court, Greenock - Removal of Asbestos - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure	335
	There was submitted a report dated 8 March 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 instruct the contractor involved in the replacement of the heating systems at Kilblain Court, Greenock to remove asbestos from the heating cupboards at a cost of £11,825 inclusive of fees.
	Noted
336	Window Replacement Programme 2000/2001	336
	There was submitted a report dated 7 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the window replacement programme 2000/2001.
	Decided: (1) that the proposals for the window replacement programme 2000/2001 and the proposed phasing of works set out in Appendix 1 to the report be approved; (2) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in consultation with the appropriate Officers to arrange for the invitation of tenders for those works identified in the Appendix which are not to be carried out by Building Services; and (c) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tenders received.

337	Belville Street Roofing Programme, Phase 5	337
	There was submitted a report dated 30 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for Phase 5 of the Belville Street Roofing Programme (Hawick Court, Greenock).
	Decided:
	(1) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in consultation with the appropriate Officers to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phase 5 of the Belville Street Roofing Programme (Hawick Court, Greenock); and (2) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received.
338	Cartsdyke Court, Greenock - Cladding	338
	There was submitted a report dated 30 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for insulation and render works at Cartsdyke Court, Greenock.
	Decided: (1) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in consultation with the appropriate Officers to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the insulation and render project at Cartsdyke Court, Greenock; and (2) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received.
339	Teviot, Duns and Ettrick Places, Greenock - Repainting Works	339
	There was submitted a report dated 21 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for repainting works at Teviot, Duns and Ettrick Places, Greenock.
	Decided: that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in consultation with the appropriate Officers to arrange for the invitation of tenders for repainting works at Teviot, Duns and Ettrick Places, Greenock.
340	Multi Storey Flats - Capital Plan	340
	There was submitted a report dated 2 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services recommending the inclusion in the Capital Plan of the remaining multi storey blocks not yet clad with a rain screen option or rendered with insulation render.
	Decided: that inclusion be made in the Capital Plan for the cladding of the Council’s remaining multi storey blocks as set out in Appendix 1 to the report at an estimated current cost of £14.2 million including fees.

341	Rough Sleepers Initiative Funding - Update	341
	There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising that following the two bids made to the Scottish Executive for rough sleepers initiative funding totalling £277,755, the First Minister had approved funding of £101,178 to the Council. The report also outlined the work undertaken by the existing rough sleepers initiative project within Inverclyde since its inception in February 1998.
	Decided: (1) that the report and the outcome of the bidding process be noted; and (2) that it be noted that the annual report for the year 2000 will be published shortly and that Members will be notified accordingly.
342	New Housing Partnership	342
	There was submitted a report dated March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services providing an update on the progress of the Options Appraisal Study and Stock Condition Survey.
	Noted
343	Revision of Redecoration Allowances	343
	There was submitted a report dated 19 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to the implementation of a proposed system for calculating redecoration allowances which could be used for a variety of projects.
	Decided: (1) that the proposed system for calculating redecoration allowances and the amounts set out in the report be approved; and (2) that it be remitted to the Debt Recovery Group established by the Corporate Management Team to address the question of recovery of sums due to the Council in respect of rent arrears and community charge and council tax arrears and to report thereon during summer 2000 to the Finance Sub-Committee.
344	Arran, Bute and Cumbrae Courts, Grieve Road, Greenock	344
	There was submitted a report dated 30 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the present position regarding the re-housing of tenants following the closure of Arran and Bute Courts, Greenock, (2) outlining the cost implications resulting from the closures and (3) recommending that, due to falling occupancy levels, Cumbrae Court be also closed and arrangements made for the re-housing of the remaining tenants.
C	Decided: (1) that Cumbrae Court be declared surplus to requirements and the Director of Social Work and Housing Services be authorised to close the property and re-house the remaining tenants; (2) that the cost of providing home loss and disturbance payments/displacement allowances to the qualifying tenants, estimated at £90,000, be met from the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001; (3) that the demolition of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae Courts be added to the Capital Plan; (4) that the security equipment at Cumbrae Court be changed to free-standing door entry systems as an interim measure; (5) that the door entry system at Cumberland Court be converted to a free-standing operation and a resident caretaker be appointed, the post being offered to concierge operatives in the first instance; and (6) that the concierge staff be redeployed within the Housing Service, if possible, failing which within other Services of the Council.	C
345	Robert Street Area, Port Glasgow - Outcome of Joint Options Appraisal	345
	There was submitted a report dated March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the outcome of a joint options appraisal carried out by Housing Services and Scottish Homes relative to the 430 houses in the Robert Street area, Port Glasgow, together with the financial implications thereof. Following discussion, Councillor O’Rourke moved:- (1) that the 430 properties in the Robert Street area, Port Glasgow remain in the Capital Plan pending the findings of the Area Renewal Study which will incorporate the Robert Street area and which is expected to be commissioned by Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership within the next twelve months and that a further report be submitted to the Committee on the findings of the study; and (2) that each householder in the Robert Street area be sent a letter from the Council fully explaining the Council’s position relating to the housing in the area and that, in addition, they be invited to attend a public meeting.
	As an amendment, Councillor Moody moved:- (1) in addition to motion (1) above, Inverclyde Council, as an interim measure, enter into negotiation with Scottish Homes with a view to commissioning a pilot scheme comprising one block, this programme to be funded over a period of two years jointly by Inverclyde Council and Scottish Homes; (2) that Scottish Homes and Inverclyde Council give a joint commitment to assist financially in the implementation of any housing proposals determined by the Area Renewal Study to be carried out by Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership; and (3) that each householder in the Robert Street area be sent a letter from the Council stating the Council’s position and inviting them to a public meeting hosted by the Council and Scottish Homes to discuss the future of the scheme. On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 5 for the motion which was declared carried. Those Members who had voted in favour of the amendment then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the amendment.,
	Decided:
C	(1) that the 430 properties in the Robert Street area, Port Glasgow remain in the Capital Plan pending the findings of the Area Renewal Study which will incorporate the Robert Street area and which is expected to be commissioned by Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership within the next twelve months and that a further report be submitted to the Committee on the findings of the study; and	C
	(2) that each householder in the Robert Street area be sent a letter from the Council fully explaining the Council’s position relating to the housing in the area and that in addition they be invited to attend a public meeting.
	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) Brown Street/Baxter Street Refurbishment, Phase 3 - Report on Tenders 6 & 8 Heat Leasing Project 6 & 8 Heat Leasing Project - Additional Addresses 6 & 8 Heat Leasing Project - Electric Group - Report on Tenders 6 & 8 Supply and Delivery of Plumbing Materials - Report on Tenders 6 & 8 Ground at Florence Street, Greenock 8 & 9 Charles Place, Greenock - Re-roofing - Report on Tenders 6 & 8
346	Brown Street/Baxter Street Refurbishment, Phase 3 - Report on Tenders	346
	There was submitted a report dated 30 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on six tenders received for Phase 3 of the refurbishment works at Brown Street/Baxter Street, Greenock.
	Decided: (1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by Central Building Contractors Ltd in the corrected sum of £531,830.67; and (2) that approval be given to negotiate the removal of the properties at 2 and 4 Baxter Street from Phase 2 of the works for inclusion in the Phase 3 contract.
347	Heat Leasing Project	347
	There was submitted a report dated 8 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the progress of the heat leasing project.
	Decided: (1) that the report be noted; (2) that funding of £400,000 be provided from the Housing Repairs and Renewals Fund in 2000/2001 to allow Groups 2 and 5 to proceed; and (3) that authority be granted to accept the quotations from Scottish Power for the grading of the infrastructure works required for the electric group at Port Glasgow and Gourock in the sum of £129,285 without prejudice to any action considered appropriate in the event of the late receipt of vital information from Power Systems.
348	Heat Leasing Project - Additional Addresses	348
	There was submitted a report dated 7 April 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking authority to add further addresses to Phase 1 of the Heat Leasing Project (Group 3 of the Gas Project).
	Decided: that approval be given for the inclusion of approximately 79 houses in the Holmscroft Street area, Greenock, within Phase 1 of the Heat Leasing Project (Group 3 of the Gas Project) at an additional estimated cost of £58,000.
349	Heat Leasing Project - Electric Group - Report on Tenders	349
	There was submitted a report dated 29 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on three tenders received for the Electric Group within the Heat Leasing Project.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by G D Chalmers Ltd at an appropriate time prior to 25 June 2000 to complement the necessary infrastructure works by Scottish Power.
350	Supply and Delivery of Plumbing Materials - Report on Tenders	350
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on five tenders received for the supply and delivery of plumbing materials to 28 February 2001.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that submitted by William Wilson Ltd.

351	Ground at Florence Street, Greenock	351
C	There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the outcome of further discussions with Scottish Homes relative to the proposed transfer of ground at Florence Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to note the outcome of the negotiations and delete the project from the Capital Programme, all as detailed in the Appendix.	C
	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 works, if agreed, to commence without delay. This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.
352	Charles Place, Greenock - Re-roofing - Report on Tenders	352
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on six tenders received for re-roofing works at Charles Place, Greenock.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by G T Roofing Ltd in the sum of £46,912.65.