Social Work & Housing Committee

 Tuesday 10 April 2001 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor McCabe presided.

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

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

314

Social Work and Other Housing Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 12

314

There was submitted a report dated 5 April 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Social Work and Other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at Period 12 (7 March 2001).  (Councillors Rebecchi and Nimmo entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Noted

315

Social Work Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress

315

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

316

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

316

There was submitted a report dated 22 March 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the financial position of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001.  (Councillors Morrison (D) and Robertson (A) entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Noted

317

Equipment and Adaptations Policy

317

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the current policy relative to the provision of equipment and adaptations for disabled people.

Decided:

(1) that the policy adopted by the Council in respect of the provision of equipment and adaptations for disabled people as set out in the report be noted;

(2) that continued use of the existing system be endorsed;

(3) that the Director of Social Work and Housing Services report to the Committee on any amendments required to the policy and priority guidelines for assessment and provision as a result of either monitoring of the system or changing circumstances; and

(4) that it be noted that a further report will be submitted providing clarification and guidance in relation to adaptations to local authority houses.

318

Resources for Community Care Services

318

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking approval of revised proposals for the use of resources allocated by the Scottish Executive for community care services.

Decided:

(1) that the proposals, totalling £179,515, outlined in the report be approved on a recurring basis from 2001/02 onwards; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Head of Personnel Services to set the appropriate grades for the posts detailed in the report and to report thereon to the Corporate Business Committee for approval.

319

Fostering Allowances 2001/2002

319

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of an increase in the rate of fostering allowances for 2001/2002 as recommended by COSLA.

Decided: that the new rates of fostering allowances for 2001/2002 as set out in the report be approved.

320

Maintenance Rates for Establishments Within Inverclyde

320

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services, with amended Appendix, 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.

321

Drugs Services in Inverclyde - Status Report

321

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the background to the provision of services to tackle the drugs and other substance misuse problem within Inverclyde, (2) advising of the current position and (3) outlining the significant developments in the provision of services since 1999.L

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted and approved;

(2) that any further significant developments in the provision of services for drug users be reported to the Committee for its information and approval; and

(3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to report on the position with regard to the re-housing of convicted drug dealers, particularly within the context of the homeless persons legislation.

322

Inverclyde Carers Charter

322

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking approval for the adoption of a Carers Charter for Inverclyde.

Decided:

(1) that the adoption of the Inverclyde Carers Charter as set out in the Appendix to the report be approved; and

(2) that it be noted that Argyll & Clyde Health Board are currently carrying out a similar exercise and it that was hoped to launch a jointly agreed charter in due course.

323

Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000

323

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of changes to legislation in relation to adults with incapacity resulting from the introduction of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

Decided:

(1) that the implications of the Act for local authorities and in particular for Mental Health Officers and Chief Social Work Officers, as detailed in the report, be noted; and

(2) that it be noted that implementation of the Act will have resource implications for the Council particularly in the areas of management and support, staff and training.

324

Housing Revenue Account - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 12

324

There was submitted a report dated 5 April 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 12 (7 March 2001).

Noted

325

HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress

325

There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2001 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; and

(2) 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

Upper Bow Demolition, Phase 3

Anticipated final account 24.7% greater than accepted

tender amount                                                                               £21,267 increase

Gas Central Heating with Operational Leasing, Phase 2

Anticipated final account 15.5% greater than accepted

tender amount                                                                               £96,215 increase

326

HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Financial Position

326

There was submitted a report dated 21 March 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Noted

327

Gas Heat Leasing Project, Phase 2 (Groups 5 and 2) - Additional Addresses: Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

327

There was submitted a report dated 22 March 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure as set out in Standing Order 66(a) to include additional addresses within Phase 2 (Groups 5 and 2) of the gas heat leasing project at an estimated additional cost of £74,000 including fees.  The report advised that following the use of the emergency powers, a further eight properties which required new gas heating systems had been identified and it was recommended that they be added to the contract.

Decided:

(1) that the use of the emergency powers procedure be noted; and

(2) that approval be given to the inclusion within the Phase 2 (Groups 5 & 2) project of the eight houses identified resulting in a revised total additional cost of £85,600 including fees.

328

Window Replacement Programme 2001/2002

328

There was submitted a report dated 22 March 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the window replacement programme 2001/2002.

Decided:

(1) that the proposals for the window replacement programme 2001/2002 and the proposed phasing of the works detailed 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 the works;

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

(4) that approval be given to the installation of a proprietary electric window ventilator within the kitchens and bathrooms of the twenty properties at High Carnegie, Port Glasgow at an estimated additional cost of £8,800 including fees.

329

Scottish Executive Funding for Refuge Development for Women and Children Suffering from Domestic Abuse

329

There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) informing the Committee of the Scottish Executive’s initiative to increase the quantity and improve the quality of refuge provision in Scotland and (2) providing details of the funding bid by Inverclyde Council and a number of partner agencies.

Decided:

(1) that the Inverclyde bid to the Scottish Executive for capital funding via the “Funding for Refuge Development” initiative as detailed in the Appendix to the report be endorsed; and

(2) that the Committee give its commitment in principle to the transfer of a site or property to a local housing association at nil value, subject to a further report, should the project be granted Scottish Executive funding and a suitable Council owned site/property be identified.

330

Training Unit

330

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the structure of the planned Housing Services training unit.

Decided:

(1) that agreement be given to the establishment of a training unit within Housing Services; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Head of Personnel Services to determine the appropriate grades for the posts identified and to report thereon to the Corporate Business Committee for approval.

331

Housing Benefit Service

331

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the progress made in addressing the backlog of work in the Housing Benefit Service following the industrial action taken between November 2000 and January 2001.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted; and

(2) that it be noted that a further report on the outstanding work within the Housing Benefit Service, including proposals for extending the current opening hours, will be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

332

Supporting People Programme

332

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the implications for the Council of the latest guidance from the Scottish Executive on the Supporting People Programme, the aim of which is to provide high quality and effective support services to all vulnerable groups.  The report recommended the creation of a number of additional temporary posts until 2003 to ensure successful implementation of the Programme.Â

Decided:

(1) that the report be approved; and

(2) that the cost of the temporary posts, estimated at approximately £100,000 in a full year, be met in 2001/2002 from the existing Social Work and Housing Services budget and in 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 from the Scottish Executive grant for this purpose.

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 at the earliest opportunity of the use of the emergency powers procedure in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 66(a).  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

333

Demolitions - Upper Bow, Phase 3: Inclusion of Additional Properties - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

333

There was submitted a report dated 6 April 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure as set out in Standing Order 66(a) to include additional properties within Phase 3 of the demolition works at Upper Bow, Greenock, at an estimated additional cost of £33,000 including fees.

Noted

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Directors of Education Services and Social Work and Housing Services was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee, if in agreement, to approve the proposed response to the Scottish Executive consultation by 14 May 2001.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

334

Changing Children’s Services Fund

334

There was submitted a report dated 21 March 2001 by the Directors of Education Services and Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of a consultation document issued by the Scottish Executive on priority objectives and mechanisms for the allocation of funding under the Changing Children’s Services Fund and (2) seeking approval of a response to the consultation.

Decided:

(1) that the content of the Scottish Executive consultation on the Changing Children’s Services Fund be noted;

(2) that the Committee approve the endorsement of the priority objectives and mechanisms; and

(3) that support be given to the proposal that allocation of funding be directed through the local authority.

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)

Sub-Lease of Premises at 68-70 Cathcart Street, Greenock                       2, 6 & 9

Link Carers Allowance - Overpayment                                                         6

HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 - Demolition                                        6 & 9

Gas Maintenance Contract                                                                            6 & 8

1-11 Clynder Road, Greenock - Re-rendering -

Report on Tenders                                                                                          6 & 8

Ann Street, Greenock - Window Replacement - Phase 2 -

Report on Tenders                                                                                          6 & 8

Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report -

Period 12                                                                                                          8

335

Sub-Lease of Premises at 68-70 Cathcart Street, Greenock

335

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking authority to sub-lease the premises at 68-70 Cathcart Street, Greenock, currently leased by the Council to Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited, to Inverclyde Carers Council for the purpose of establishing a Carers Centre which would provide carers across Inverclyde with information, advice and support.

Decided:

(1) that the Corporate Business Committee be requested to approve the sub-lease of the premises at 68-70 Cathcart Street, Greenock by Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited to Inverclyde Carers Council for an initial period of up to three years, negotiated through the District Valuer; and

(2) that the property be made available initially for use as a Carers Centre as detailed in the service specification which is currently being negotiated on a partnership basis by Inverclyde Carers Council, the Prince’s Royal Trust and Inverclyde Council.

336

Link Carers Allowance - Overpayment

336

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting approval to write-off an overpayment of link carers allowance which occurred during financial year 1997/98.

Decided: that approval be given to write-off the overpayment without prejudice to any future recovery of the monies should that prove possible.

337

HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 - Demolition

337

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the demolition programme 2001/2002.  The Committee agreed (1) to add a number of projects to the Capital Programme 2001/2002, (2) invite tenders for demolition works at Arran and Bute Courts, Upper Bow Phase 2, and Branchton Phase 1, (3) delegate authority in the usual manner to accept the lowest tenders received and (4) instruct negotiations in respect of a particular shop, all as detailed in the Appendix.

338

Gas Maintenance Contract

338

There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to an extension of the gas maintenance contract for a further period of twelve months which was agreed, all as detailed in the Appendix.

(Councillor Nimmo left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

339

1-11 Clynder Road, Greenock - Re-rendering - Report on Tenders

339

There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on three tenders received for re-rendering works at 1-11 Clynder Road, Greenock.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by Tamburini & Shields in the corrected sum of £24,331.55.

340

Ann Street, Greenock - Window Replacement, Phase 2- Report on Tenders

340

There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on four tenders received for Phase 2 of the window replacement works in the Ann Street area, Greenock.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by Thermashield Insulation Limited, in the sum of £230,044.23.

341

Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 12

341

There was submitted a report dated 28 March 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Building Services Revenue Budget as at period 12 (7 March 2001).

Noted