Social Work & Housing Committee

Tuesday 6 November 2001 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Jackson, McCabe, Mitchell, 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, Head of Accountancy Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Councillor Morrison (D).

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

950

Presentation by ECHO

950

The Committee heard a presentation by Mr Mike Etherington, chairman and founding member of ECHO, an organisation representing a number of owners of former Council houses within Inverclyde, on its concerns regarding the factoring arrangements in respect of flatted and quarter villa properties where at least one of the houses remains within Council ownership. 

The Director of Social Work & Housing Services provided clarification on a number of points made by Mr Etherington in his presentation and stated that, if agreed by the Committee, it would be his intention to report on the background to the issues raised, addressing the organisation’s concerns and setting out options for progressing matters.

Members then asked Mr Etherington a number of questions which were answered by him, following which he left the meeting.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to report to the Committee on the background to the issues raised by ECHO in its presentation, addressing the organisation’s concerns with regard to the current factoring arrangements and setting out options for  progressing matters. 

951

Social Work & Other Housing Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 6

951

There was submitted a report dated 23 October 2001 by the Director of Finance Services on the position of the Social Work and other Housing Services Revenue Budget as at Period 6 (19 September 2001).

The Director of Social Work & Housing Services advised the Committee that he would be submitting a report to a future meeting on the difficulties faced by the Council in recruiting suitably trained and qualified Social Work staff and the implications for the provision of services.

Decided:

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

(2)  that it be noted that the Director of Social Work & Housing Services would report to a future meeting on the difficulties faced by the Council in recruiting suitably trained and qualified Social Work staff and the implications for the provision of services.

952

Social Work and Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2001/02 - 2003/04

952

There was submitted a report dated 19 October 2001 by the Director of Finance Services on the financial position of the Social Work & Private Sector Housing Capital Programme 2001/02 - 2003/04.

Noted

953

Social Work Budget Situation

953

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services setting out a number of proposals in respect of the Social Work Budget for 2001/2002.  The report advised that the projected year end overspend of £86,000 together with identified cost pressures in 2001/2002 resulted in a potential overspend of £133,000 in the current financial year and that it was proposed the Director of Social Work & Housing Services contain these within the 2001/2002 budget through use of additional turnover savings which were being achieved in excess of the service target of £490,000.  It was noted that those items identified as cost pressures would be taken into account in the 2002/2003 revenue estimates exercise as service development bids.

Decided:

(1)  that the proposals by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to contain the projected year end overspend and additional known cost pressures within the 2001/2002 budget through use of additional turnover savings which were being achieved in excess of the service target of £490,000 be approved; and

(2)  that it be noted that a number of issues would be addressed as service development bids during the forthcoming revenue estimates exercise.

954

Virement

954

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting approval to vire budget allocations within the Social Work Services Revenue Budget.  The report advised that the proposals did not require any adjustment to the overall Budget for 2001/2002.

Decided:  that approval be given to the virement of budget allocations within the Social Work Services Revenue Budget 2001/2002 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

955

Quarriers : Epilepsy Units/Service

955

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the specialist epilepsy services provided by …Quarriers and (2) recommending a review of the maintenance rates currently charged for these services.

Decided:

(1)  that the report be noted;

(2)  that the maintenance rates charged by Quarriers for the provision of epilepsy services within its various units be revised on the basis set out in the report; and

(3)  that it be remitted to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services to submit further reports to the Committee on the service/financial framework as service developments are made.

956

Revised Maintenance Rates for Establishments Outwith Inverclyde

956

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services requesting the Committee to approve maintenance rates which reflect the weekly costs per person for permanent residents in registered residential establishments located 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 & Housing Services may make appropriate payments in the event of residential placements being made.

957

Residential Accommodation - Festive Allowances

957

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services setting out proposed festive allowances, calculated to reflect the increase in the cost of living, for the purchase of gifts for those living in residential establishments managed by Social Work Services.

Following discussion, Councillor McCabe moved:-

(1)  that the following festive allowances for clients living in residential accommodation be approved:-

Residential Accommodation - Elderly                                     £43.00

Residential Accommodation - Learning Disability                   £43.00

Residential Accommodation - Children -        Age 0-4           £49.00

                                                                     Age 5-11         £70.00

                                                                     Age 12-18       £82.00; and

(2)  that in future years, determination of the annual increase in festive allowances be delegated to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services.

As an amendment, Councillor Nimmo moved in respect of those children aged 12-18, that any misbehaviour whilst living in the residential establishment which caused them to come to the attention of the Police or otherwise, result in withdrawal of 50% of the £82 festive allowance and that any further transgression result in withdrawal of the whole allowance.

On a vote, 2 Members voted for the amendment and 6 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:

(1)  that the following festive allowances for clients living in residential accommodation be approved:-

Residential Accommodation - Elderly                                         £43.00

Residential Accommodation - Learning Disability                        £43.00

Residential Accommodation - Children  Age 0-4                        £49.00

                                                                Age 5-11                   £70.00

                                                                Age 12-18                 £82.00; and

(2)  that in future years, determination of the annual increase in festive allowances be delegated to the Director of Social Work & Housing Services.

958

Hospital Discharge Protocol

958

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) appending the proposed Hospital Discharge Protocol and (2) seeking approval to adopt and implement the Protocol.

Decided:

(1)  that the Hospital Discharge Protocol appended to the report be approved and adopted by the Council;

(2)  that it be noted that this approval formed the basis of a partnership agreement with the health agencies aimed at enhancing the quality of patient care whilst in hospital and following hospital discharge; and

(3)  that it be noted that the partnership agreement met the requirements set out by the Scottish Executive.

959

Delayed Discharge Action Plan

959

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the Delayed Discharge Action Plan for Inverclyde agreed by Argyll & Clyde Health Board, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care NHS Trust, Argyll & Clyde Acute Trust and Inverclyde Council Social Work & Housing Services which it was proposed would form the first step in the joint planning of services to reduce the number of delayed discharges within Inverclyde.

Decided:  that the Committee note and endorse the ongoing work by partner agencies to address the delayed discharge position within Inverclyde.

960

Care Development Group Report “Fair Care for Older People”

960

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the key recommendations and implications of a recent Scottish Executive publication “Fair Care for Older People” which outlined some of the Government’s central proposals for introducing changes in the way in which services for older people were delivered and managed.

Decided: that the Committee note the implications arising from the key recommendations of the Care Development Group report “Fair Care for Older People” as detailed in the report.

961

Transfer of Registration and Inspection Functions from Local Authorities to the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care

961

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) advising that the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001, which was concerned with the regulation of care services and the transfer of the powers of registration and inspection of care services to the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, had received the Royal Assent in July 2001 and (2) setting out the implications of the new arrangements which come into effect on 1 April 2002.

Decided:

(1)  that the financial implications and the implications for care services arising from the introduction of the Commission for the Regulation of Care as outlined in the report be noted; and

(2)  that it be noted that a further report would be submitted in due course to allow the Committee to consider the more detailed implications for service provision in the first year of the new regulatory framework.

962

Housing Revenue Account - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 6

962

There was submitted a report dated 5 October 2001 by the Director of Finance Services (1) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 6 (19 September 2001) and (2) advising that the Housing Revenue Account was currently projecting an overspend of £519,000, an increase of £64,000 since the last report.

Decided:

(1)  that the potential overspend in the Housing Revenue Account Budget be noted; and

(2)  that services be maintained by utilising part of the surplus within the Housing Repairs and Renewals Fund to finance any deficit in the Housing Revenue Account for 2001/2002.

963

HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 - Technical Progress

963

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

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 £4,180 in the demolition works at 28-46 Corlic Street, Greenock due to the requirement for additional drainage; and

(3) that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations, accumulated variations in the demolition works at 28-46 Corlic Street which were 14.7% (£3,682) greater than the accepted tender amount and remeasured quantities of £2,827 resulting from an increase in the amount of work required to renew the footpath.

964

HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 - Financial Position

964

There was submitted a report dated 25 October 2001 by the Director of Finance Services on the financial position of the HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002.  The report advised that the overall position of the Capital Programme showed a projected shortfall in allocation for 2001/2002 of £339,000 which wa/s 6% above the estimated allocation and that following a review of all projects by both Housing & Property Services, project start dates and phasings had been amended to ensure that the allocation was not exceeded.  It was noted that were additional resources to become available and slippage occur elsewhere, projects could be commenced earlier to ensure that the allocation was fully utilised.

Decided:  that the current position of the HRA Capital Programme 2001/2002 and the action taken by the Officers be noted.

965

Major Repairs 2001/2002

965

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the progress of the Major Repairs Programme 2001/2002 and (2) advising that following a review of all projects within the Programme, the likely net expenditure at the present time was estimated at £725,300 which was greater than the current budget of £650,000.  The report proposed that expenditure on the upgrading of the office at Lynedoch Street, estimated at £28,000, be met from the Tenant Participation Budget and that the remedial works to the gable at 37 Clynder Road, estimated at £17,000 including fees, be added to the Programme, with the increased overspend funded from the Housing Repairs and Renewals Fund.

Decided:

(1)  that the current position of the Major Repairs Programme 2001/2002 be noted;

(2) that approval be given to virement of the Lynedoch Street office upgrading works, estimated at £28,000, to the Tenant Participation Budget; and

(3)  that the remedial works to the gable at 37 Clynder Road estimated at £17,000 be added to the Major Repairs Programme 2001/2002 and that the increased overspend be funded from the Housing Repairs and Renewals Fund.

966

Housing Control Accounts

966

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the position in relation to the main housing control account reconciliations for the years 1998/1999, 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 and (2) seeking authority to write off unreconciled balances held in these accounts.

Decided: that approval be given to write off an unreconciled credit balance of £29,876.06 from the Housing Control Accounts to the Housing Revenue Account.

967

Closed Houses and Council Tax Liability

967

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on the position in relation to surplus housing stock and the cost in respect of Council Tax liability.

Decided:

(1)   that the report be noted; and

(2)   that the properties identified at paragraph 3.1 of the report be declared surplus to requirements and earmarked for demolition.

968

Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI) - Local Outcome Agreement

968

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval of the draft Local Outcome Agreement for the Rough Sleepers Initiative.

Decided:  that the draft Local Outcome Agreement for the Rough Sleepers Initiative set out in Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

969

Housing Services Review Group - Minute of Meeting of 25 September 2001

969

There was submitted minute of meeting of the Housing Services Review Group of 25 September 2001.

Noted

970

37 Clynder Road, Greenock - Structural Improvements to Gable

970

There was submitted a report dated 12 October 2001 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on proposals for structural improvements to the eastmost gable of the tenemental property at 37 Clynder Road, Greenock.

Decided:

(1)   that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the work; and

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

971

Older People - Local Outcome Agreement

971

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the requirement to submit to the Scottish Executive, a Local Outcome Agreement in respect of services to older people based on the report of the Joint Futures Group.

Decided: 

(1)  that the Local Outcome Agreement appended to the report be approved for submission to the Scottish Executive; and

(2)  that it be agreed that during the budget process 2002/2003, the Director of Social Work & Housing Services prepare information on the Scottish Executive’s priorities to ensure that Members have a comprehensive overview of the Social Work Budget prior to deciding spend priorities for the year 2002 onwards.

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 of business 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)

Greenock Central/Holmscroft Street Area -

Replacement Windows - Report on Tenders                    6 & 8

Social Work Information System                                       6 & 8

Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report -

Period 6                                                                               8

Lift Upgrading Project 2000/2001 - Emergency

Powers Procedure                                                               6 & 8

972

Greenock Central/Holmscroft Street Area - Replacement Windows - Report on Tenders

972

There was submitted a report dated 31 October 2001 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services on six tenders received for the replacement of the windows in the Greenock Central/Holmscroft Street area.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by PBL Construction Ltd in the corrected sum of £340,033.00.

973

Social Work Information System

973

There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services (1) on the progress made in respect of the procurement of a replacement Social Work Information System, (2) providing an evaluation of the tenders received and (3) recommending a preferred supplier.  The Committee decided to approve a preferred supplier and agree funding arrangements, all as detailed in the Appendix.

974

Building Services - Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 6

974

There was submitted a report dated 5 October 2001 by the Director of Finance Services on the position of the Building Services Revenue Budget as at Period 6 (19 September 2001).

Noted

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Social Work & 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.

975

Lift Upgrading Project 2000/2001 - Use of Emergency Powers Procedure

975

There was submitted a report dated 12 October 2001 by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to authorise the issuing of architect’s instructions for new lift shaft lighting and a fire detection system at (‚Broomhill and Prospecthill Courts, Greenock in the sums of £9,624.80 and £11,913.20 respectively.

Noted