Social Work & Housing Committee

 Tuesday 14 August 2001 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Jackson, McCabe, Mitchell, Morrison (D), McGraw, 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, Miss E Di Murro (for Head of Accountancy Services) and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

With the exception of the decision marked “C” which is open for confirmation or otherwise, the following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

636

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

636

There was submitted a report dated 3 August 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Social Work and Other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at Period 3 (27 June 2001).

Decided:

(1) that the current position of the Revenue Budget be noted; and

(2) that approval be given to virement of £10,000 from the allocation for grants within the Day Centres for the Elderly budget to the allocation for grants within the Miscellaneous budget in respect of the  cost of the Impact Project.

637

Social Work Capital Programme 2001/2002 - Technical Progress

637

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the technical progress of the Social Work Capital Programme 2001/2002.

Noted.

638

Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2001/2002 - 2003/2004 - Financial Position

638

There was submitted a report dated 26 July 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the financial position of the Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2001/2002 - 2003/2004.

Noted.

Provost Roach entered the meeting at this juncture.

639

Authorised Providers List for Social Care Services

639

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 amendments to the Authorised Providers List be approved.

640

Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Within and Outwith Inverclyde

640

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve maintenance rates which reflect the weekly costs per person for permanent residents in registered residential establishments located both within and outwith Inverclyde.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted; and

(2) that approval be given to the recommended rates detailed in the Appendix to the report in order that the Director of Social Work and Housing Services may make appropriate payments in the event of residential placements being made.

641

Setting of Unit Rate for Countryview Respite Care Unit for Children with Disability: Quarriers

641

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting the Committee to agree to the setting of the weekly unit rate for the provision of respite care services for children with a disability provided by Quarriers within their Countryview unit.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the new unit rate of £1,134 per week for the provision of respite care services for children with a disability by Quarriers within their Countryview unit; and

(2) that it be noted that although the rate is a realistic cost for the service provided, there will be an impact on the Council’s ability to provide the service within the existing budget allocation resulting in a possible reduction in service provision to families.

642

Free Home Care for Older People Leaving Hospital

642

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of the requirement placed on Councils by the Scottish Executive to introduce free support services for older people leaving NHS care and (2) outlining the financial implications for the Council.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to put in place administrative arrangements to enable older people to receive a free four week period of home care and/or equipment and minor adaptations as appropriate; and

(2) that the additional cost for 2001/2002 be met from the existing Social Work budget and that cognisance of this be taken in 2002/2003.

643

Abbeyfield Society - Closure of Unit

643

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the closure of the Abbeyfield unit at 87 Newton Street, Greenock.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted;

(2) that the interest of Social Work and Housing Services in the development of appropriate services within the property at 87 Newton Street be noted; and

(3) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to submit a report to a future meeting of the Committee outlining options for the development of services within the property.

644

Inverclyde Joint Community Care Plan 2001-2004

644

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking approval of the draft Inverclyde Joint Community Care Plan 2001-2004 which had been issued separately to Members.

Decided:

(1) that the draft Inverclyde Joint Community Care Plan 2001-2004 be approved and submitted to the Scottish Executive;

(2) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to make a presentation to the Committee at the appropriate time on the content of the final document; and

(3) that the Committee convey its appreciation to the appropriate staff for the work undertaken in the preparation of the Plan.

645

Single Care Home for the Elderly

645

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) providing updated information on the discussions which had taken place at the Working Group on Services for Older People relative to the provision of a single care home for the elderly and (2) recommending that the site of the former Hector McNeil baths be confirmed as a suitable site for the construction of the new care home.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee confirm the site of the former Hector McNeil baths as a suitable site for the construction of a single care home for the elderly;

(2) that the Corporate Business Committee be recommended to designate the former Hector McNeil swimming pool site for the building of the home;

(3) that the Policy & Strategy Committee be requested to approve utilisation in 2001/02 of £300,000 of the allocation for the building of the home for the elderly;

(4) that the Policy & Strategy Committee be requested to approve utilisation in 2001/02 of £150,000 of the allocation for pre-contract fees and work;

(5) that subject to the approvals detailed above, (a) authority be given to undertake the demolition of the Hector McNeil swimming pool and for the invitation of tenders for the demolition works and (b) delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received in accordance with the Financial Regulations and the Standing Orders relating to Contracts;

(6) that it be remitted to the appropriate Officers within Social Work and Housing and Property Services to undertake the detailed design of the home and preparation of the tender documents for the construction works; and

(7) that sketch plans showing the proposed building design be submitted to the Committee as soon as these are available.

646

Future Organisational Structure of Criminal Justice Social Work Services

646

There was submitted an amended report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the current position in relation to the development of the partnership grouping of Criminal Justice Social Work Services in conjunction with Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Councils.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the draft proposal for the grouping of Criminal Justice Social Work Services as detailed in the report and for its submission to the Scottish Executive; and

(2) that approval be given to the appointment of Renfrewshire Council as the host authority for receipt of the single grant allocation.

647

Housing Revenue Account - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 3

647

There was submitted a report dated 7 August 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 3 (27 June 2001).

Noted.

648

Housing Revenue Account 2000/2001 Out-turn

648

There was submitted a report dated 7 August 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the out-turn position of the Housing Revenue Account 2000/01 and the position of the Housing Repairs and Renewals Fund.

Noted.

649

HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 - Technical Progress

649

There was submitted a report dated 26 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002.

The Head of Housing and Building Services advised the Committee that in respect of the gas heat leasing project it had been discovered that the duct panelling at Davidson Drive was not of an asbestos based material and that the additional works detailed in Appendix 3 would not be as extensive as originally anticipated.ª

Decided:

(1) that the technical progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 be noted;

(2) that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant financial regulations, an expenditure increase of £15,000 in the Gas Heat Leasing (Revenue Funded) Project in respect of the removal of duct panelling at Davidson Drive, it being noted that the actual cost will be less than originally anticipated; and

(3) that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant financial regulations, accumulated variations in the Finneston area replacement window project which are 12.3% (£6,000) less than the accepted tender amount.

650

HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 - Financial Position

650

There was submitted a report dated 25 July 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002.

Noted.

651

Housing Allocation Policy Review

651

There was submitted a report dated 29 June 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising the Committee of the progress made in the review of the Housing Allocation Policy and (2) seeking approval to introduce the revised Policy with effect from 1 October 2001.

C

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the changes to the Housing Allocation Policy which have already been introduced, together with those proposed and detailed in the report;

(2) that the Housing Allocation Policy document appended to the report which incorporates the changes proposed be approved;

(3) that approval be given to the additional flat rate point value to those affected by redevelopment works as set out in the report;

(4) that the revised allocation proposals detailed in Sections 6 and 7 of the report be approved; and

(5) that it be noted that a further report will be submitted to the Committee on “choice based” allocation systems.

C

652

Proposals for the Single Regulatory Framework

652

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on proposals for the Single Regulatory Framework, in respect of which comments were sought by 17 August 2001, and (2) highlighting the implications of a number of these proposals.

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

Decided:

(1) that it be agreed that the response to the consultation document be broadly supportive of the proposals and that it expand on the specific issues of operational procedure, as highlighted within the report, and the potential costs involved; and

(2) that agreement be given for the continuation of internal service reviews to ensure that the Council achieves the performance standards proposed in the consultation document.

653

Rough Sleepers Initiative

653

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) on the current position with regard to the Inverclyde Rough Sleepers Initiative project and (2) outlining the options for the future development of the project.

(Councillor Jackson returned to the meeting and Provost Roach and Councillor Morrison (D) left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided: that a draft local outcome agreement be produced by the appropriate Officers and submitted to the next meeting of the Committee and that this include proposals for linking the Rough Sleepers Initiative project to the Homelessness Service.

654

Review of Empty Homes Initiative: Provision of Supported Accommodation and Associated Services for Vulnerable Young People in Housing Need

654

There was submitted a report dated 24 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising the Committee of the proposals for utilising the Empty Homes Initiative funding from the Scottish Executive, (2) seeking approval to progress these proposals and (3) explaining the strategic context of the proposed changes and the relationship between these developments and those proposed through both the restructuring of Homeless Persons Services and the Inverclyde Youth Strategy.

(Provost Roach and Councillor Morrison (D) returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1) that agreement be given to the proposals for the development of a range of housing and support services for vulnerable young people in Inverclyde as detailed in the report, these being:-

       (a) proposed changes to the use of the Empty Homes Initiative award of £323,833 through the development of six furnished and equipped houses throughout the community and the return of the balance of funding to the Scottish Executive;

       (b) the proposed development of a new-build six place “core unit” with 24 hour support for very vulnerable young people in partnership with Scottish Homes and Cloch Housing Association;

       (c) the proposed staffing structure for the core unit and the six furnished and equipped flats as set out in the report, together with the associated use of existing homeless persons resources to meet part of the costs involved;

       (d) the proposed partnership arrangements to provide a range of support services to vulnerable young people through the Inverclyde Youth Strategy/Inverclyde Young People and Housing Task Group and the voluntary sector;

       (e) the proposed use of £12,000 of existing homeless persons funding to establish the pilot “fab pad” project as detailed in the report;

(2) that should a suitable site within Council ownership be identified for the “core unit” project, agreement be given to the transfer of the site to Cloch Housing Association at nil value subject to the approval of the Corporate Business Committee if appropriate;  and

(3) that it be remitted to the Head of Personnel Services to report on the staffing implications of the proposals to the Corporate Business Committee.

655

Inverclyde Care and Repair Project

655

There was submitted a report dated 30 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising (1) of the progress and achievements of the Inverclyde Care and Repair Project established in the summer of 2000 to provide independent advice and assistance to elderly home owners and families with a physically disabled member and (2)  the results of a postal satisfaction survey of 31 cases completed at 31 March 2001.

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

Decided:

(1) that the promising start made by the Inverclyde Care and Repair Project and its positive impact on its target group of elderly home owners and families with a disabled member be noted;

(2) that the favourable response from users as indicated by the satisfaction survey be noted; and

(3) that the proposals for development of the service as set out in Section 8 of the report be noted, in particular the implications for the project of continued grant funding.

656

Home Safety Equipment

656

There was submitted a report dated 16 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the position with regard to the installation of safety devices in Council houses.

(Councillor Mitchell returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1) that the Council continue to provide battery operated smoke detectors within its housing and that these be replaced by hard wired smoke detectors during re-wiring programmes;

(2) that battery operated carbon monoxide detectors be fitted to all Council houses with non room sealed heating systems and that these be replaced with hard wired detectors during re-wiring programmes, the battery detectors to be installed by the gas maintenance contractor during the annual service visit;

(3) that it be agreed to carry out a small pilot project involving the installation of gas cut-off switches in ten houses in Inverclyde and that a report on the results of the pilot exercise be submitted to the Committee in approximately 12 months time;

(4) that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to report to the Committee on the statistics available in respect of accidents within the home as a result of fires; and

(5) that it be agreed that future editions of the Tenants Newsletter include articles on home safety issues and that the next edition focus on the importance of ensuring that smoke detectors are regularly checked.

Councillor Robertson (A) left the meeting at this juncture.

657

Roof Renewal Programme 2001/2002

657

There was submitted a report dated 11 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the roof renewal programme 2001/2002.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders on a phased basis for the roof renewal programme 2001/2002 as detailed in the report; and

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

658

Door Entry System Programme 2001/2002

658

There was submitted a report dated 26 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on proposals for the door entry system programme 2001/2002.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the door entry system programme 2001/2002 as detailed in Appendix A to the report; and

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

659

Replacement Kitchens and Bathrooms

659

There was submitted a report dated 11 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking authority to invite tenders for the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms, together with any consequent rewiring, at a number of properties which are designated elderly persons accommodation.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders, in two phases, for the kitchen and bathroom replacement programme as set out in the report;

(2) that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received for each phase; and

(3) that the Director of Social Work and Housing Services be authorised to make alterations to the addresses included in the programme in order to ensure that expenditure matches the budget allocation.

660

30 Nicolson Street, Greenock

660

There was submitted a report dated 26 June 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking authority to invite tenders for the fitting out works required to the property at 30 Nicolson Street, Greenock to create a new public office in the Greenock East/Central team area.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the fitting out works to the property at 30 Nicolson Street, Greenock at an estimated cost of £80,000 including fees; 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.

661

Upgrading of Carriageway on Montrose Avenue, Port Glasgow

661

There was submitted a report dated 9 June 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking approval to upgrade a section of the carriageway on Montrose Avenue, Port Glasgow to a standard suitable for adoption by the Transportation and Roads Service.

Decided:

(1) that agreement be given to the upgrading of the carriageway at Montrose Avenue, Port Glasgow at an estimated cost of £30,000 including fees; and

(2) that the work be awarded to the Transportation and Roads Service and charged in the first instance to the Major Repairs Budget.

662

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Claimants - Request from Councillor Rebecchi

662

There was submitted a report dated 1 August 2001 by the Director of Legal and Support Services on a request from Councillor Rebecchi that the Committee consider the procedures used when dealing with claimants for Housing Benefit and Council Tax and the collection of these.

During the course of the discussion, Members were advised that any consideration of the procedures in place in respect of the collection of Council Tax was not within the remit of the Social Work and Housing Committee.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work and Housing Services to report to the next meeting of the Committee on the various rules and guidelines governing the procedures for processing claims for Housing Benefit and any proposals for simplifying the current arrangements.

Councillor Mitchell left the meeting at this juncture.

663

Removal of Internal Fittings, Fixtures, Etc at 3-59 Tay Street, Greenock: Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

663

There was submitted a report dated 24 July 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to authorise the stripping out of the internal fittings, fixtures and other non-inert materials within the properties at 3-59 Tay Street, Greenock in advance of the complete demolition of the property.

Noted.

664

Lynedoch Court Overcladding

664

There was submitted a report dated 6 August 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services requesting authority to invite tenders for the overcladding of the property at Lynedoch Court, Greenock.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the cladding and window renewal work at Lynedoch Court, Greenock at an estimated cost of £1,302,000 including fees; 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.

Councillor Mitchell returned to the meeting at this juncture.

665

Housing Services Review Group

665

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the work carried out to date by the Housing Services Review Group established by the Committee in June 2000 (para 581) to examine in detail the findings of the report by Chapman Hendy, Consultants, in particular the options for the future of the Council’s housing stock.

Decided:

(1) that the current position with regard to the work carried out by the Housing Services Review Group be noted;

(2) that the Committee confirm that a consultative ballot of tenants take place to ensure that all tenants of Inverclyde Council are aware of the general principles involved and are able to make an informed decision; and

(3) that all necessary work be undertaken by the Housing Services Review Group to meet the above objective.

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 Non-HRA (Private Sector Housing) Capital Programme 2001/2002 at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

666

Non-HRA (Private Sector Housing) Capital Programme - Proposed Spending Plan 2001/02

666

There was submitted amended report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) seeking approval of the proposed Non-HRA (Private Sector Housing) Capital Programme 2001/02, (2) highlighting a number of areas where significant pressures exist, in particular the aids and adaptations and care and repair projects, and (3) seeking approval of proposals which would enable the Council to prioritise its investment in private sector housing improvement.

The Head of Housing and Building Services advised the Committee that the amended report should be considered with the appendix attached to the original report of 27 July 2001.

Decided:

(1) that the proposed Non-HRA (Private Sector Housing) Capital Programme 2001/02 as detailed in the report and set out in Appendix 1 to the original report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services dated 27 July 2001 be agreed; and

(2) that a report be submitted to the Committee on the proposed programme for 2002 onwards, including proposals for the property at 64/66 Dempster Street, Greenock, following consideration by the Corporate Management Team.

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 without delay of the ongoing discussions between Scottish Care and CoSLA in respect of residential and nursing home fees.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

667

Residential and Nursing Homes Owners

667

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of ongoing discussions between Scottish Care and CoSLA in respect of fees for residential and nursing home care and (2) outlining the likely financial implications.

Decided:

(1) that providers of residential and nursing home care in Inverclyde be advised that if they continue to accept public sector admissions, the Council will increase their rate by £10 per week from 1 July 2001; and

(2) that in the case of any providers who decline to accept this offer, it be agreed that the Council should not pay any sum greater than the £10 per week increase or any additional funding in the current year.

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)

Broadfield Insulation Render, Phase 5 - Report on Tenders              6 & 8

Units 19 and 21 Lynedoch Street, Greenock                                        2, 6 & 9

Glebe Court, Kilmacolm - Renewal of Heating and

Hot Water Services: Use of Emergency Powers Procedure                6 & 8

Gas Maintenance Contract - Claim for Loss and Expense                 6, 8 & 9

Electric Heat with Rent Scheme                                                           6

Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 3                8

668

Broadfield Insulation Render, Phase 5 - Report on Tenders

668

There was submitted a report dated 6 August 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on six tenders received for Phase 5 of the Broadfield external insulation rendering works.

Decided:

(1) that the decision to invite competitive tenders for Phase 5 of the Broadfield external insulation render works be homologated; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender received, that by PBL Construction Ltd in the corrected sum of £448,042.10.

669

Units 19 and 21 Lynedoch Street, Greenock

669

There was submitted amended report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services seeking permission to invite tenders for fitting out works required to the properties at 19 and 21 Lynedoch Street, Greenock for the purposes of providing an office and training facilities for the Federation of Inverclyde Tenants and Residents Associations.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for refurbishment works to the properties at Units 19 and 21 Lynedoch Street, Greenock;

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

(3) that the Corporate Business Committee be requested to provide a 100% rent abatement in respect of the premises.

670

Glebe Court, Kilmacolm - Renewal of Heating and Hot Water Services: Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

670

There was submitted a report dated 22 June 2001 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 renewal of the heating and hot and cold water installations serving Glebe Court Sheltered Housing Complex, Kilmacolm, that by G D Chalmers Ltd in the revised sum of £252,372.00 inclusive of fees.§

Noted.

671

Gas Maintenance Contract - Claim for Loss and Expense

671

There was submitted a report dated 2 August 2001 by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services (1) advising of a claim for loss and expense submitted by the contractor appointed to carry out the servicing and repair of gas appliances and (2) making recommendations in respect of settlement and further action, which were agreed, all as detailed in the Appendix.

672

Electric Heat with Rent Scheme

672

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work and Housing Services on the final account figures for the electric heat with rent scheme as at 31 March 2001.

Decided:

(1) that the report be noted;

(2) that a lump sum refund of £200 be paid to all those existing members of the electric heat with rent scheme who have twelve months continuous membership of the scheme as at 31 March 2001 following deduction of any sums due to the Council in respect of rent arrears, Council Tax arrears, etc; and

(3) that the charges for the heat with rent scheme be reviewed during the budget process for 2002/2003, this review to include consideration of the contribution from the Housing Revenue Account.

673

Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 3

673

There was submitted a report dated 2 August 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the position of the Building Services Revenue Budget as at period 3 (27 June 2001).

Noted.