Environment and Regeneration Committee

Tuesday 31 October 2006 at 3.00 pm

Present: Councillors Forbes, Fyfe, Gallacher, Hill, McCormick (P), Mitchell, Roach, Stewart and White.

Chair:  Councillor Fyfe presided. 

In attendance:  Depute Chief Executive, Mr G Douglas (for Head of Legal and Administration), Head of Finance, Head of Economic Development Service, Head of Housing Services, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Acting Head of Transportation & Roads Service.

Apologies:  Councillors Blair and McCabe.

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

  763

Revenue Budget 2006/07 – Period 5

763

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Revenue Budget 2006/07 as at Period 5 (31 August 2006) which showed a projected overspend of £87,000.

Decided:

(1) that the current projected overspend of £87,000 for 2006/07, as at 31 August 2006, be noted;

(2) that it be remitted to the Chief Executive in consultation with relevant Officers to take the required actions to bring the projections back within budget; and

(3) that approval be given to the virement set out in appendix 2 to the report.

  764

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2006/07 – Period 5

764

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 5 (31 August 2006) which showed a projected deficit of £281,000 after a contribution to the Housing Revenue Account reserve of £332,000.

Decided:

(1) that the current projected deficit of £281,000 for 2006/07, as at 31 August 2006, be noted;

(2) that approval be given to the virement as set out in appendix 4 to the report; and

(3) that it be noted that the projected balance on the Housing Revenue Account reserve as at 31 March 2007 is £439,000.

  765

Trading Account Revenue Budget 2006/07 – Period 5

765

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Roads and Building Services Trading Accounts as at Period 5 (31 August 2006) which showed a current cash surplus projection of £28,000 and £200,000 respectively.

Decided: that the current projected increase in the cash target of £14,000 for Roads and the projected shortfall in the cash target of £162,950 for Building Services be noted.

  766

Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08 – Progress

766

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the position of the Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the progress of the specific projects detailed in the appendices to the report;

(2) that approval be given to the revised scope of works to the Building Services Crescent Street Depot in respect of the electrical rewire and heating improvements as set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report;

(3) that approval be given to the invitation of tenders for the electrical rewire and heating improvements contract and that authority be delegated to the Head of Legal and Administration in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Group to accept the lowest acceptable tender;  and

(4) that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to submit reports to the next meeting of the Committee on the current position of (a) the Joint Venture Agreement with Clydeport in respect of East India and Victoria Harbours and (b) the central Gourock redevelopment scheme.

  767

HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008 – Progress

767

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008.

Decided: that the Committee note the current estimated status of the HRA Capital Programme, both in terms of the financial position and the progress being made with regard to specific projects.

  768

Rent Arrears Update – Quarter 2, 2006/07

768

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the position with regard to the management and recovery of rent arrears and associated debt during quarter 2, 2006/07.

Noted

  769

Building Services Operational Performance – Period 5

769

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the operational performance of Building Services as at period 5.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the current levels of performance of Building Services;  and

(2) that Building Services be authorised to negotiate for additional works to reduce any shortfall in income providing best value can be demonstrated.

  770

Cleaning Services Operational Performance – Period 5

770

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the operational performance of Cleaning Services as Period 5.

Noted

  771

Environment & Regeneration Services Performance Report

771

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the performance of Housing Services, Property Services, Economic Development Service, Transportation & Roads Service and Planning Services as measured against agreed performance indicators.

Decided:

(1) that the performance information provided in respect of Environment & Regeneration Services be noted;  and

(2) that it be remitted to the Head of Economic Development Service to submit a report to the Committee on supply and demand for commercial and industrial property in Inverclyde.

  772

Area Renewal Update

772

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) updating the Committee with regard to progress of the area renewal strategy, (2) requesting authority to demolish additional property and (3) seeking approval for an expenditure variation as set out in appendix 3 of the report.

Decided:

(1) that the financial and technical progress being made to date be noted;

(2) that it be noted that formal confirmation is being sought from Communities Scotland with regard to the payment of grant beyond 2006/07;

(3) that approval be given to the demolition of 18-20 Mansion Avenue, Port Glasgow;

(4) that approval be given to the expenditure increase of £3,300 for additional fencing works and associated fees in the contract for Regeneration Demolitions Phase 18;  and 

(5) that it be noted that arrangements had been made for a presentation to Elected Members on the Robert Street area by Mr John Scott of ODS on 16 November 2006.

  773

Aids and Adaptations

773

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the demand for aids adaptations and the funding available and (2) the extent of the funding required to address the needs of those who require adaptations in respect of both Council tenants and private sector owners.

Decided: that the Committee note the current position with regard to the demand and funding of the adaptations service to both Council tenants and private sector owners.

  774

Heat with Rent

774

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of a requirement to amend reported financial transactions within the Heat With Rent Control Account and (2) proposing removal of the contribution to the Heat With Rent Account from the Housing Revenue Account and meeting the non-fuel costs of the Heat  With Rent Scheme from the Housing Revenue Account.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the reason for removing the previously agreed 10% contribution from the Heat With Rent Account as detailed in the report;

(2) that agreement be given to replacing the 10% contribution from the Housing Revenue Account to the Heat With Rent Scheme by financing the non-fuel element of the scheme from the Housing Revenue Account, thereby providing a more transparent method of financial support;

(3) that the Committee note the opening balance on the Housing Revenue Account Reserve, as at 1 April 2006, a deficit of £0.04m, and that as a result of this change in practice together with a revision to the 2006/07 Housing Revenue Account Budget by way of reduction in the contribution to the Heat With Rent Scheme from £0.564m to £0.266m, there will be an annual saving of £0.298m;  and

(4) that the revised balance on the Heat With Rent Scheme at £0.471m as a result of the amended contribution from the Housing Revenue Account for the period up to 31 March 2006 be noted.

  775

Proposed Change to Rent Week

775

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on proposals to change the rent week cycle to synchronise with the new housing benefits cycle introduced by the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendments) No. 3 Regulations 2005 (1) presenting options for changing the rent week cycle and (2) advising of the consultation exercise to be undertaken in respect of the change to the rent week from the present Thursday to Wednesday cycle to a Monday to Sunday cycle.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the proposal to alter the rent week cycle to be consistent with the housing benefits payment cycles by implementing option 2, an 11-day charge for an 11-day period;

(2) that agreement be given to promotion of option 2; and

(3) that authority be delegated to the Head of Housing Services in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Group to progress option 2 subject to a positive response to the consultation exercise.

  776

Riverside Inverclyde – 2006-07 Operating Plan

776

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to make initial commitment to the list of projects identified in the Riverside Inverclyde Operating Plan 2006-07 as set out in the report.

Councillors Fyfe and Roach declared an interest in this matter as members of the board of Riverside Inverclyde.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the proposed list of projects for Riverside Inverclyde;

(2) that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Officers to invite, evaluate, accept and award contracts for approved projects for Riverside Inverclyde, on behalf of the Council, up to the value of £692,500;  and

(3) that agreement be given to the transfer of £100,000 from the ringfenced Cities Growth Fund budget to Riverside Inverclyde to allow suitable projects to be identified and progressed by the Riverside Inverclyde Board.

  777

Port Glasgow Town Hall – Improvement Works

777

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for the façade and landscaping works at Port Glasgow Town Hall to be funded by the Council, the Urban II Programme and Gallaghers, at an estimated total cost of £326,000.

Decided:

(1) that the Head of Economic Development Service and the Head of Property Services complete a tender brief for the façade and landscaping works, involving public consultation; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Head of Legal & Administration to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the work and that authority be delegated to the Head of Legal & Administration in consultation with the appropriate Officers and after consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Group to accept the most advantageous tender received.

  778

Inverclyde Council – “Deal Me In” Project

778

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on proposals for the Inverclyde “Deal Me In” project to develop training and employment opportunities within the local authority structure for local young and unemployed people and (2) seeking approval to roll out the programme across the Council as appropriate.

Decided: that the Head of Economic Development Service together with  appropriate Officers liaise with Personnel Services and other Council Services to continue to work on identifying suitable placement opportunities within the Council for “Deal Me In” participants.

  779

Inverclyde Local Plan (2005):  Proposed Alteration to Greenock West End Outstanding Conservation Area

779

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on a proposal to amend the Greenock West End Outstanding Conservation Area boundary, appending summary of the Scottish Civic Trust’s Boundary Review, (2) advising of public consultation required prior to any amendment being made and (3) seeking approval to publicise and consult on this first stage in making an Alteration to the adopted Local Plan.

Decided:

(1) that the contents of the report be noted and that the Scottish Civic Trust’s Greenock West End Outstanding Conservation Area Boundary Review and the proposed amendments to the conservation area boundary be endorsed; and

(2) that the Scottish Civic Trust study be approved as the basis for the first stage of public consultation on the proposed Alteration to the adopted Local Plan.

  780

Inverclyde Local Plan (2005):  Supplementary Planning Guidance on Urban Design Guidance for Riverside Inverclyde

780

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to carry out a public consultation exercise on the final draft of the proposed Riverside Inverclyde Urban Design Guidance, a copy of which was attached to the report, which if subsequently approved and adopted by the Council would form Supplementary Planning Guidance in support of the Local Plan.

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

Decided: that approval be given to a public consultation exercise on the draft Urban Design Guidance set out in appendix 1 to the report prior to the adoption of the document as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

  781

Scottish Planning Policy – Responses to Consultation Drafts

781

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the publication of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) documents SPP6 “Renewable Energy”, SPP10 “Planning for Waste Management”, SPP11 “Physical Activity and Open Space” and the Planning Advice Note “Community Engagement: Planning with People” and (2) seeking endorsement of the comments contained within the report as the Council’s formal response to the Scottish Executive.

Decided: that the comments contained within the report be endorsed as the Council’s formal response to the Scottish Executive and that the Committee note the issues raised and implications for Inverclyde which will be material considerations in making future planning decisions and will be taken into account in alterations or reviews of the Local Plan.

  782

Proposed Demolition of Former Kelburn Tenants Hall, Port Glasgow

782

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to (1) declare the former Kelburn Tenants Hall, Kelburn Terrace, Port Glasgow surplus to requirements and (2) demolish the property at an estimated cost of £20,000, including professional fees, funded from the Early Action Fund.

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

Decided: that approval be given to declare the former Kelburn Tenants Hall surplus to requirements, that tenders for the demolition of the building, leaving the site as community open space, be invited and that the lowest acceptable tender be accepted in accordance with the Financial Regulations.

(Councillor White left the meeting following consideration of this item of business).

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 during consideration of 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)

Measured Term Contract – Supply of Blacksmith Services 6 and 8

Working for Families – Extension of External Research  6 and 8

And Evaluation

Lease of Shop Premises:  Belville Street, Greenock       2, 6 and 9

Non-Operational Property Portfolio Information                2, 6 and 9

Scheme of Delegation Register

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive             6 and 8

  783

Measured Term Contract – Supply of Blacksmith Services

783

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for the supply of blacksmith services.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Head of Legal and Administration to accept the lowest tender submitted, that by Inverweld Welding and Fabrication Ltd as set out in the report.

  784

Working for Families – Extension of External Research and Evaluation

784

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to appoint the consultant detailed in the report to carry out stage 2 of the Working for Families external evaluation, at a cost not exceeding £20,000, funded from the Working for  Families budget.

Decided:

(1) that the Head of Economic Development Service be authorised to progress to stage 2 of the Working for Families external evaluation, commencing in November 2006;  and

(2) that, following consultation with appropriate Officers, the Head of Economic Development Service appoint the consultant detailed in the report on suitable terms and conditions to carry out stage 2 of the external evaluation, to allow the Officers involved to build upon and develop the key monitoring and evaluation methods undertaken in the initial phase.

  785

Lease of Shop Premises:  Belville Street, Greenock

785

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in Belville Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

  786

Non-Operational Property Portfolio Information

786

Scheme of Delegation Register

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive providing information relative to the Council’s non-operational property portfolio for the period March to September 2006.

Noted

  787

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

787

There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal & Administration advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive since the last ordinary meeting of the Committee to (1) approve revised conditions of sale of the former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm, (2) accept a tender for the refurbishment of the BISF Houses Phase 2, (3) accept a tender for the external refurbishment of Thistle, Rowan and Heather Courts, Port Glasgow and (4) accept a tender for the gas maintenance contract.

Noted