1
SOCIAL WORK & HOUSING COMMITTEE - 16 JANUARY 2001
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Social Work & Housing Committee Tuesday 16 January 2001 at 3.00 pm |
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Present: Provost Roach, Councillors Jackson, McCabe, Mitchell, Morrison (D), Nimmo, Rebecchi and Robertson (A). |
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Chair: Councillor McCabe presided. |
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In Attendance: Chief Executive, 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). |
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Apologies: Councillor O’Rourke. |
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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. |
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21 |
2-20 Lansbury
Street, 2-4 Poplar Street and 16-50 Thomas Muir Street, Greenock |
21 |
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There was submitted a report dated 21 December 2000 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the current position with regard to options for rehousing of the tenants of the properties at 2-20 Lansbury Street, 2-4 Poplar Street and 16-50 Thomas Muir Street, Greenock and (2) advising of the outcome of interviews conducted with the remaining tenants relative to their rehousing requirements. There was also submitted supplementary report dated 11 January 2001 by the Chief Executive appending letter received from Scottish Homes in which they state their position in respect of Gibshill, as requested by the Inverclyde Council at its meeting on 21 December 2000. (Provost Roach entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business). |
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C |
Decided: (1) that the properties at 2-20 Lansbury Street, 2-4 Poplar Street and 16-50 Thomas Muir Street, Greenock, together with the shops at 14-52 Thomas Muir Street, be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements and scheduled for demolition; (2) that the project be added to the Capital Plan, including the costs of appropriate payments to tenants and the demolition works yet to be advised, and that the sum of £20,000 be allocated within the current Capital Programme in respect of the cost of payments for possible future moves; (3) that it be remitted to the appropriate Officers to commence negotiations with the shopkeeper at 20 Thomas Muir Street, with a view to introducing a temporary tenancy; and (4) that it be agreed that tenants re-housed on a temporary basis for consolidation purposes and who therefore face more than one move prior to being offered permanent re-housing, be paid a double displacement allowance totalling £392 and that those tenants retain their existing priority and eligibility for home loss payment when they are permanently re-housed. |
C |
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22 |
Housing Revenue
Account - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 8 |
22 |
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There was submitted a report dated 5 January 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 8 (15 November 2000). (Councillor Morrison (D) left the meeting during consideration of this item of business). |
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Noted |
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23 |
HRA Capital
Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress |
23 |
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There was submitted a report dated 21 December 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001. (Councillor Morrison (D) returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business). |
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Decided: (1) that the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 be noted; (2) that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant financial regulations, an expenditure decrease of £46,000 in respect of Phase 3 of the Brown Street/Baxter Street refurbishment works due to the deletion of all works at 2-4 Baxter Street; and (3) that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant financial regulations, accumulated variations in Phase 3 of the Brown Street/Baxter Street refurbishment works which are £61,875 (11.64%) less than the accepted tender amount. |
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24 |
HRA Capital
Programme 2000/2001 - Financial Position |
24 |
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There was submitted a report dated 13 December 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001. The report advised that the overall position of the HRA Capital Programme showed a projected underspend in 2000/01 of £418,000, an increase of £172,000 since the last report to the Committee, and set out a number of courses of action which could be taken to ensure that the Council’s net allocation is fully utilised. |
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Noted |
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25 |
Social Work and
Other Housing Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 8 |
25 |
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There was submitted a report dated 11 January 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Social Work and Other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at Period 8 (15 November 2000). |
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Decided: (1) that the current position of the Revenue Budget 2000/2001 be noted; and (2) that it be noted that work is continuing between Social Work and Finance Services to identify any further employee cost savings and that the Director of Social Work and Housing Services will endeavour to reduce the projected overspend to no greater than the additional employee cost inflation. |
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26 |
Social Work
Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress |
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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. |
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Noted |
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27 |
Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001 -
Financial Position |
27 |
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There was submitted a report dated 4 January 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the financial position of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001. |
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Noted |
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28 |
Housing
Allocation Policy Review |
28 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising the Committee of the progress of the Housing Allocation Policy Review and (2) highlighting a number of issues which require consideration by the Committee. |
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C |
Decided: (1) that the report be noted; (2) that it be agreed that where there is a change of tenure/circumstances as described in the matrix set out in Appendix 2 to the report, applications to the Council be cancelled and the applicant be invited to re-apply; (3) that private tenants and sub-tenants who move between similar insecure tenures be retained on the waiting list and repointed to reflect their new circumstances; (4) that the administrative arrangements set out in Section 4 of the report be approved, viz: (a) existing applicants who are affected by the new rules will, at present, continue to be dealt with under the old rules - ie, the status quo will prevail; (b) applicants who re-register as a result of the review process and new applicants who join the waiting list thereafter will be dealt with in accordance with the new rules as from the introduction of the new Housing Allocation Policy; (c) for the purposes of the new Housing Allocation Policy, current applicants who re-register and whose applications will cancel under the new rules, will be deemed to have reapplied from the date of their change of circumstances; and (5) that the matrix set out Appendix 2 to the report be incorporated into the Housing Allocation Policy. |
C |
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29 |
Capital Plan
2001/2004 |
29 |
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There was submitted a report dated 13 November 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services relative to a proposed review of the Capital Plan 2001/2004. |
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Decided: that a special meeting of the Social Work and Housing Committee be held at 3.00pm on Wednesday 31 January 2001 to consider the Capital Programme 2001/2002. |
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30 |
Closure of Houses
at Corlic Street, Greenock |
30 |
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There was submitted a report dated 14 November 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the current position with regard to the closed houses at 28-36 and 38-46 Corlic Street, Greenock. |
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Decided: (1) that the properties at 28-36 and 38-46 Corlic Street, Greenock be declared surplus to requirements; (2) that the remaining tenants be rehoused and the properties be demolished as soon as possible thereafter; and (3) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the demolition of the properties and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received. |
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31 |
Tenant
Participation: Recent Developments |
31 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the current position with regard to tenant participation within Inverclyde and (2) outlining the issues which the Council requires to consider in developing effective tenant participation. |
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Decided: (1) that the contents of the report and the progress made to date be noted; (2) that agreement be given in principle to financial support being provided to the Federation of Inverclyde Tenants, and that this matter be given further consideration following submission of a report in early 2001 on the Federation’s Action Plan for 2001/2002; and (3) that a Sub-Group comprising Councillors McCabe, Morrison (D) and either Councillor Rebecchi or Councillor Nimmo and the appropriate Officers meet with the Federation of Inverclyde Tenants to (a) clarify the constitution and representative nature of the Federation (b) discuss appropriate models to engage non-Council tenants and (c) discuss the “independence” of the Federation. |
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32 |
Tenant Aspiration
Survey |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the outcome of the tenant aspiration survey and (2) outlining its implications for housing policy and strategy within Inverclyde. The Committee also heard a presentation setting out the main findings of the survey. (Councillor Mitchell left the meeting during consideration of this item of business). |
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Decided: (1) that the findings of the first Inverclyde-wide tenant aspiration survey be noted; (2) that the implications for housing policy and strategy as detailed in the report be noted; and (3) that it be agreed that a more detailed report on the implications of the survey be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee following further analysis and discussion at the tenant participation working group. |
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33 |
“Stepping Stone”
- Temporary Accommodation for Adults with Mental Health Problems |
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There was submitted a report dated 15 December 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of the “Stepping Stone” initiative currently being developed which will provide quality furnished accommodation in Inverclyde to meet the needs of adults within the community who have mental health problems and who require temporary respite as a result of social crisis and (2) seeking the Committee’s approval to finalise the development process and implement the project. |
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Decided: (1) that the Committee give its endorsement and support to the continued development and implementation of the “Stepping Stone” project on the basis detailed in the report; and (2) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to report to the Committee in approximately six to nine months time on the progress of the project. |
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34 |
Rent Arrears |
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There was submitted a report dated 15 December 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the position with regard to current tenants’ rent arrears from March 2000. |
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Noted |
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35 |
Alcohol and Drug
Action Team Strategy |
35 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking approval of the strategy document prepared by Argyll & Clyde Alcohol & Drug Action Team, copies of which had previously been circulated to Members. |
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Decided: (1) that the strategy document prepared by Argyll & Clyde Alcohol & Drug Action Team be approved; (2) that it be noted that a further report providing detailed allocations of funding will be submitted for consideration once this information becomes available; and (3) that Councillor Nimmo be nominated to serve as the second Council representative on the Inverclyde Substance Misuse Forum. |
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36 |
Drugs Action Plan
- Expansion of Drug Rehabilitation Services |
36 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of new arrangements for the provision of Scottish Executive funding for drug rehabilitation services and (2) requesting the Committee to consider approving a continued financial commitment to Inverclyde Forum About Drugs rehabilitation programme to facilitate and develop the community’s response to the drugs problem in Inverclyde. |
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Decided: (1) that approval be given in the first instance to an allocation of £65,000 in 2001/2002 to allow Inverclyde Forum About Drugs to develop its drugs rehabilitation programme; (2) that a further report be submitted to the Committee at the end of 2001 evaluating the work undertaken and making recommendations for future service delivery; (3) that the current report and its financial implications be remitted to the Policy and Strategy Committee for consideration as part of the 2001/2002 budget process; and (4) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to report to the next meeting of the Committee on proposals for developing a co-ordinated strategy to tackle the substance misuse problem within Inverclyde. |
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Community Care: A
Joint Future |
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There was submitted a report dated 19 December 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising that a report had been produced by the Scottish Executive entitled “Community Care: A Joint Future” and (2) setting out the potential implications of the report in respect of which comments had been sought by 8 January 2001. |
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Decided: (1) that the comments set out in the report be approved; and (2) that it be noted that a response was made to the Scottish Executive by the 8 January 2001 deadline in consultation with the Convener. |
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38 |
Scottish Executive - Additional Resources for Community Care
Equipment and Adaptations |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising that the Scottish Executive had made available to Inverclyde Council £89,757 in the current financial year for equipment and adaptations to assist in reducing admissions to hospital and in facilitating early discharge from hospital, targetting frail older people living at home and (2) seeking approval for service development proposals to utilise this allocation. |
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Decided: (1) that it be remitted to the Head of Personnel Services to refer the staffing proposals set out at Paragraph 3.2 of the report to the Corporate Business Committee for approval; and (2) that the report and its financial implications be remitted to the Policy and Strategy Committee for consideration as part of the 2001/2002 budget process. |
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39 |
Barrs Cottage
Housing Office: Closure |
39 |
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There was submitted a report dated 3 January 2001 by the Director of Legal and Support Services on a request from Councillor Nimmo that the Committee discuss the manner in which the decision was taken to close the Barrs Cottage Housing Office. |
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Decided: that the Committee homologate the decision to close the Barrs Cottage Housing Office. |
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40 |
Pre-Demolition
Works - Arran and Bute Courts, Greenock |
40 |
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There was submitted a report dated 2 January 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking authority to invite tenders for selective pre-demolition works to Arran and Bute Courts, Greenock. |
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Decided: (1) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the pre-demolition works at Arran and Bute Courts, Greenock as detailed in the report; and (2) that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received. |
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Window Programme
2000/01 - Additional Costs |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of revised costs for the Ann Street window replacement programme. |
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Noted |
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42 |
Use of Emergency
Authority |
42 |
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There was submitted a report dated 22 December 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 deal with the following items included in the Agenda for the meeting of the Social Work and Housing Committee of 28 November 2000 which did not take place. |
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Item 4 - revised maintenance rates for establishments within Inverclyde Item 5 - residential accommodation - festive allowances Item 6 - Scottish Executive additional resources for Community Care Services Item 7 - Home Care Services Item 8 - Virement Item 13 - Transfers to and from Housing Repairs and Renewals Fund Item 14 - Glebe Court Sheltered Housing Complex, Kilmacolm Item 15 - Window Replacement Programme 2000/2001 Item 18 - Building Services Management and Information System Item 19 - Brown Street/Baxter Street Phase IV Item 20 (A) - Bad Debts Item 22 - Lift Programme 2000/2001 Item 23 - Belville Street Multi Storey Flats - Security Lighting Item 25 - Gas installations - ventilation improvements Item 26 - Supply and delivery of PVCu units - Report on Tenders Item 27 - Supply of blacksmith services - Report on Tenders Item 29 - Conversion of 49 Belville Street - Report on Tenders |
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Noted |
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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 at the
earliest opportunity the proposed establishment of a Working Group to review
the current residential child care provision within Inverclyde. This was unanimously agreed in terms of the
relevant Standing Order. |
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43 |
Review of
Residential Child Care Services |
43 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) identifying a requirement to review the current provision of residential child care services in Inverclyde and (2) recommending the establishment of a Working Group of Members and Officers to undertake this task. |
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Decided: that agreement be given to the establishment of a Working Group comprising Councillors McCabe (Chair), O’Rourke, Robertson (A), Nimmo and Rebecchi, with substitutes being permitted if required, to review the current residential child care resources within Inverclyde with a view to ensuring that the services are reconfigured to provide the correct level of high quality care according to the principles of best value. |
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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 be advised as soon
as possible of the effect of UNISON industrial action on the Housing Benefit
service and to approve, if in agreement, measures to recover from the
disruption. This was unanimously
agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order. |
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44 |
Industrial Action
in Housing Benefits |
44 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of the effects of the industrial action taken by members of UNISON within the Housing Benefit service and (2) seeking approval for measures which will allow the Housing Benefit service to recover from the disruption. |
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Decided: (1) that the contents of the report be noted; (2) that the measures detailed in Paragraph 4 of the report be approved and reviewed as and when progress in reducing workload backlogs has been achieved; and (3) that a further report on the outstanding workload be reported to the next meeting of the Committee. |
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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. |
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Item Paragraph(s) Use of Emergency Authority: Appendix Comprising Reports Containing Exempt Information 3, 6, 8 & 9 Care Package Costs 3
& 8 Housing Services - Information Technology Systems Proposals 6, 8 & 9 Branchton Road, 51-59 Flats and Shops - Proposed Demolition 2 & 6 Closure of Property in Port Glasgow 2
& 4 Building Services Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 8 8 Voluntary Improvement Scheme 4
& 6 |
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45 |
Use of Emergency
Authority |
45 |
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There was submitted Appendix setting out detailed information in respect of items approved under the emergency powers procedure. |
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Noted |
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46 |
Care Package
Costs - Increased Needs Within Existing Residential Package |
46 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve funding the additional care costs of an individual who requires an increased level of one to one supervision within her residential care home and during day centre attendance. |
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Decided: (1) that the additional resources required to sustain the individual’s existing placement given her particular needs be approved; (2) that it be noted that it is not possible to determine future funding requirements for 2001/2002 until a response is received from Argyll & Clyde Health Board; and (3) that a further report be submitted to the Committee in due course on the future funding requirements to meet the individual’s needs. |
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47 |
Housing Services
- Information Technology Systems Proposals |
47 |
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There was submitted a report dated 13 December 2000 by the Directors of Social Work and Housing Services and Information Services (1) on the feasibility of introducing an arrears management system into Housing Services and (2) recommending the allocation of funding in 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. The Committee agreed to enter into negotiations with a company, approve funding arrangements for the project and proposals to establish a project implementation team, all as detailed in the Appendix. |
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48 |
Branchton Road,
51-59 Flats and Shops - Proposed Demolition |
48 |
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There was submitted a report dated 19 November 2000 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the closure of the eight flats at 55 and 57 Branchton Road, Greenock and the position with regard to the remaining shop. The Committee agreed to |
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C |
add the demolition of 51-59 Branchton Road to the Capital Programme and request a further report in respect of one of the properties, all as detailed in the Appendix. |
C |
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49 |
Closure of 12 Woodhall
Terrace, Port Glasgow |
49 |
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There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the decision taken by him to close the tenement block at 12 Woodhall Terrace, Port Glasgow. |
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Decided: that the Committee note the decision of the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to close the block at 12 Woodhall Terrace, Port Glasgow and to pay home loss and disturbance allowance to the remaining tenant who is to be displaced. |
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50 |
Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 8 |
50 |
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There was submitted a report dated 14 December 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the position of the Building Services Revenue Budget as at Period 8 (15 November 2000). |
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Noted |
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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, if in agreement, to
approve payment of grant. This was
unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order. |
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51 |
Voluntary
Improvement Scheme - 19 Grey Place, Greenock
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51 |
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There was submitted a report dated 10 January 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the outcome of the tendering process in respect of the voluntary improvement scheme at 19 Grey Place, Greenock and (2) seeking the Committee’s authority to issue grant approval. |
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Decided: (1) that it be agreed to approve grant payments to the owners of the properties at 19 Grey Place, Greenock; and (2) that the additional costs detailed in the report be contained within the approved capital budget for 2001/2002. |
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SW&H-16JAN01/7