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ANGUS COUNCIL
MINUTE of MEETING of the HOUSING COMMITTEE held in the Town and County Hall, Forfar on Tuesday 24 September 1996 at 4.00 pm.
Present: Councillors FRANK ELLIS, IAN ANGUS, HELEN ANGUS, WILLIAM CROWE, WILLIAM DOIG, JOHN GIBB, Mrs RENATE LAMONT, IAN MACKINTOSH, GLENNIS MIDDLETON, STEWART MOWATT and ROBERT MURRAY.
Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors IAN HUDGHTON and SANDY WEST.
Councillor ELLIS, Convener, in the Chair.
1. MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 13 August 1996 was approved as a correct record and signed by the Convener.
2. HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1973
(a) Improvement Grants
The Committee noted the list of applications for Improvement Grants, totalling £102,185, approved under delegated authority by the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Development, as detailed in Report No 708/96.
(b) Repairs Grants
(i) 34 Pitairlie Road, Newbigging
There was submitted Report No 453/96 by the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Development regarding an application which had been received for a Repairs Grant from the owner of 34 Pitairlie Road, Newbigging to repair the roof of the property.
The Report advised that the proposals comprised more than a simple repair to the existing roof and was regarded by officials as falling outwith the scope of normal repairs grants.
The Committee agreed that the application be refused.
(ii) Applications
The Committee noted the list of applications for Repairs Grant, totalling £17,171 approved under delegated authority by the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Development as detailed in Report No 709/96.
3. INTER-DEPARTMENTAL AND INTER-AGENCY PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION OF SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES
With reference to Article 9 of the Social Work Committee of 20 August 1996 and Article 3 of the minute of the meeting of the Education Committee of 27 August 1996, there was submitted Joint Report No 659/96 by the Director of Social Work, Director of Education and Director of Housing setting out proposals for a framework for inter-departmental and inter-agency planning, review and co-ordination of services for children, young people and their families which would enable the Council to meet its statutory responsibilities under Sections 19-21 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, Section 19 of the Children Act 1989 and the relevant Scottish Office Circulars and Guidance.
The Committee agreed, for its interest:-
(i) to note the new responsibilities placed on the Council by the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 in respect of inter-agency and inter-departmental planning and co-ordination of services; and
(ii) to approve the proposed framework for inter-departmental and inter-agency arrangements as outlined in the Report.
4. CLOSING ORDERS
There was submitted Report No 765/96 by the Director of Environmental and Consumer Protection on three properties, none of which was occupied, which failed to meet the "tolerable standard" as prescribed in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987.
The Committee agreed to recommend that Closing Orders be placed on No 1 Dubton Cottages, The Latch, Brechin (semi-detached cottage), No 2 Dubton Cottages, The Latch, Brechin (semi-detached cottage), and the Gardener’s Cottage, Kinblethmont Estate, Arbroath (detached cottage).
5. REVOCATION OF CLOSING ORDER
There was submitted Report No 773/96 by the Director of Environmental and Consumer Protection on a Closing Order which required to be revoked following works which had been undertaken to bring the house up to the "tolerable standard" as prescribed in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987.
The Committee agreed to recommend that the Closing Order on the semi-detached cottage at Backmuir of Lownie by Forfar be revoked as the property had now been brought up to the tolerable standard.
6. 10 INVERARITY CRESCENT, HILLSIDE, MONTROSE - SUPERIORS’ APPROVAL - SERVITUDE RIGHT OF ACCESS
There was submitted Report No 772/96 by the Director of Housing regarding a request which had been received from Mr G Valentine, the owner/occupier of 10 Inverarity Crescent, Hillside for Superiors’ Approval and the granting of a Servitude Right of Access to enable him to erect a garage.
The Committee agreed that Superiors’ Approval be given for a garage to be sited in the rear garden of 10 Inverarity Crescent, Hillside and that a Servitude Right of Access be granted over the Council lock-up garage site, the consideration for this right of access to be fixed by the Council’s Valuers and subject to appropriate terms and conditions.
7. ANNUAL COUNCIL HOUSE GARDEN COMPETITION 1996
There was submitted Report No 774/96 by the Director of Housing on the results of the annual Council House Garden Competition.
The Committee noted the list of prize winners given in Appendix 1 to the Report and that an awards ceremony had taken place prior to this meeting.
8. GARAGE BASE AT SIDLAW AVENUE, ARBROATH
There was submitted Report No 717/96 by the Director of Law and Administration recommending that, due to planning permission not having been granted, the Council should reimburse Mr Dover the purchase price and outlays in respect of the sale by Angus District Council of a garage base at Sidlaw Avenue, Arbroath.
The Committee agreed to approve the reconveyance to the Council of the garage base at Sidlaw Avenue, Arbroath and the repayment to the purchaser of the purchase price and outlays in connection with his purchase and his expenses in connection with the reconveyance.
9. DISPOSAL OF GROUND
(a) Muir Street, Kirriemuir
There was submitted Report No 746/96 by the Director of Housing regarding a request received from Mr G Ireland, 12 Muir Street, Kirriemuir to purchase an area of ground in the vicinity of his house which he intended to use as off-street car parking for his two private vehicles.
After hearing Councillor Doig, the local member, the Committee agreed to dispose of an area of ground at Muir Street, Kirriemuir to Mr G Ireland, on appropriate terms and conditions including the reinstatement of the wall in the existing stone.
(b) 44 Kemsley Place, Forfar
There was submitted Report No 778/96 by the Director of Housing regarding a request received from Mr L Johnston and Mr T Cowe, 44 Kemsley Place, Forfar to purchase an area of ground adjacent to their property.
The Committee agreed to dispose of the area of ground adjacent to 44 Kemsley Place, Forfar, subject to:-
(i) the purchasers proceeding with the acquisition of their council house; and
(ii) appropriate terms and conditions being attached to the sale including that the area be used solely as garden ground.
(c) Mill Place, Craigo
There was submitted Report No 777/96 by the Director of Housing on the disposal of ground at Mill Place, Craigo.
The Committee agreed that the matter be deferred pending the receipt of further information.
(d) 2 Norries Road, Carnoustie
There was submitted Report No 779/96 by the Director of Housing regarding a request received from Mr H Stubbs, 2 Norries Road, Carnoustie to purchase a small area of ground adjacent to his house.
The Committee agreed to dispose of the area of ground adjacent to 2 Norries Road, Carnoustie to Mr H Stubbs, subject to appropriate terms and conditions being attached to the sale of the ground, including that the area be used solely as garden ground.
10. COUNCIL HOUSE SALES - DISCOUNT ENTITLEMENT
There was submitted Joint Report No 783/96 by the Directors of Housing and Law and Administration giving details of the discount entitlement current in Right to Buy and Rent to Mortgage Schemes.
The Committee noted the contents of the Report.
11. PROPOSED TRANSFER OF SCOTTISH HOMES STOCK
With reference to Article 7 of the minute of meeting of the Housing Committee of 13 August 1996, there was submitted Report No 782/96 by the Director of Housing setting out the present position on Scottish Homes proposals for the disposal of its stock in Angus.
The Report advised that a letter had been sent to the Chief Executive of Scottish Homes reflecting the decision taken by this Committee at its previous meeting and a copy of the reply was attached.
After discussion, the Committee noted the current position and agreed to seek a further Report on the implications for the Council once the outcome of the ballot was known.
12. EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
The Committee resolved, in terms of Standing Order 27(2) that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items to avoid disclosure of information which was exempt in terms of Paragraphs 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
13. STRATHAIRLIE REDEVELOPMENT, ARBROATH
There was submitted Report No 775/96 by the Director of Housing which outlined two options which were available for the disposal of numbers 32 to 108 and 1 to 59 Airlie Crescent, Arbroath to Hillcrest Housing Association Limited.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to dispose of the property to Hillcrest Housing Association Limited on a cleared site basis, and to instruct the Council Valuers to proceed accordingly; and
(ii) to seek tenders for the demolition of the blocks within the sector to be disposed of to Hillcrest Housing Association Limited.
14. CHANGES TO ESTABLISHMENT - FORFAR HOUSING OFFICE
There was submitted Joint Report No 743/96 by the Director of Housing and the Director of Personnel on proposed changes to the current staffing establishment within the Housing Office in Forfar following a review of staffing arrangements.
The Committee approved the recommendations as detailed in the Report for its interest and agreed that it be referred to the Personnel and Property Services Committee for approval.
15. SERIOUS ARREARS CASES - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT TENANTS
There was submitted Report No 760/96 by the Director of Housing on serious arrears of rent in respect of one Council house tenant as detailed in the Appendix to the Report.
The Director of Housing gave up-to-date information on the case and it was noted that the arrears had been reduced and regular payments to further reduce the arrears had been promised.
The Committee agreed that the case be monitored to ensure that regular payments were made, and that approval be given to evict should these payments not be received.
16. HEATING INSTALLATIONS
(a) Lyninghills, Laurelbank, Forfar
There was submitted Report No 750/96 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for heating installations at Dundee Loan, Easterbank, Calder Place, Dundee Road, East Sunnyside, Lordburn Place, Lyninghills and Laurelbank, Forfar.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to accept the lowest tender for the several works, being that received from Whitehills Electro Services, Dundee in the amount of £77,863.80;
(ii) to approve the estimated total cost of £86,192 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to note that an allowance for this expenditure had been made in the approved 1996/97 Capital Estimates per the Final Revenue and Capital Budgets Volume; and
(iv) to note the additional revenue expenditure arising from this project.
(b) Lordburn Place, Bell Place, etc Forfar
There was submitted Report No 751/96 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for heating installations at Lordburn Place, East Sunnyside, Dundee Loan, North Street, Calder Place, Muirbank, Bell Place and Easterbank, Forfar.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to accept the lowest tender for the several works, being that received from James Lammond and Son, Brechin in the amount of £94,941.54;
(ii) to approve the estimated total cost of £106,902 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to note that an allowance for this expenditure had been made in the approved 1996/97 Capital Estimates per the Final Revenue and Capital Budgets Volume; and
(iv) to note the additional revenue expenditure arising from this project.
Councillors Ian Angus and Helen Angus declared an interest in the undernoted item and took no part in its consideration.
(c) Wellbraehead, Forfar
There was submitted Report No 752/96 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for heating installations at Wellbraehead, Bell Place and Muirbank, Forfar.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to accept the lowest tender for the several works, being that received from Whitehills Electro Services, Dundee in the amount of £72,093.79;
(ii) to approve the estimated total cost of £80,529 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to note that an allowance for this expenditure had been made in the approved 1996/97 Capital Estimates per the Final Revenue and Capital Budgets Volume; and
(iv) to note the additional revenue expenditure arising from this project.
(d) Cairnie/East Kirkton, Arbroath
There was submitted Report No 753/96 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for heating installations at Millfield Road, East Kirkton Road, Cairnie Crescent and Millfield Place, Arbroath.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to accept the lowest tender for the several works, being that received from Skene Blair & Son Forfar Limited, Forfar in the amount of £148,676.61;
(ii) to approve the estimated total cost of £166,813 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to note that an allowance for this expenditure had been made in the approved 1996/97 Capital Estimates per the Final Revenue and Capital Budgets Volume; and
(iv) to note the additional revenue expenditure arising from this project.
17. FIRE ALARMS - PHASE 2
(a) Arbroath, Ferryden and Brechin
There was submitted Report No 754/96 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for the installation of new fire alarm systems to all flats and communal areas at Harry Farmer Court, Arbroath; Southesk Court, Ferryden and Airlie Gardens, Brechin.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to accept the lowest tender for the several works, being that received from J & D Ness (Brechin) Limited, Brechin in the amount of £58,906.68;
(ii) to approve the estimated total cost of £68,688 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to note that no allowance for this expenditure had been made in the approved 1996/97 Revenue or Capital Estimates per the Final Revenue and Capital Budgets Volume and that additional provision would be required, funded from slippage identified from within the Capital Programme; and
(iv) to note the additional revenue expenditure arising from this project.
(b) Edzell, Letham and Kirriemuir
There was submitted Report No 755/96 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for the installation of new fire alarm systems to all flats and communal areas at Inglis Court, Edzell; Jubilee Court, Letham and Lyell Court, Kirriemuir.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to accept the lowest tender for the several works, being that received from Whitehills Electro Services, Dundee in the amount of £54,503.40; and
(ii) to note that an allowance of £50,000 had been made in the Housing Department’s Revenue Estimates per the 1996/97 Final Revenue and Capital Budgets Volume and that additional provision would be required.
18. WINDOW REPLACEMENTS - PANMURE STREET/ASHLUDIE TERRACE, MONIFIETH
The Convener reported that the above item had been withdrawn as the tenders had been within the limit delegated to the Director to accept.
19. MODERNISATIONS OF PROPERTIES AT HILLSIDE
There was submitted Report No 757/96 by the Director of Property Services proposing that a contract be negotiated in respect of the modernisation of eight houses at 3 and 4 Inverarity Place and 3, 5, 11, 13, 14 and 16 Rosemount Place, Hillside with the main contractor undertaking the modernisation works at Mill Place, Craigo.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to approve the award of the contract to Inwood Limited, Forfar subject to their agreeing to comply with Angus Council’s terms and conditions;
(ii) to approve the estimated total cost of £173,121 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to note that an allowance for this expenditure had been made in the 1996/97 Capital Estimates per the Final Revenue and Capital Budgets Volume; and
(iv) to note the additional revenue expenditure arising from this project.
20. HECA ACTION BID
There was submitted Report No 792/96 by the Director of Housing advising members of a proposed bid for funding from the Energy Saving Trust under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA) Action Programme.
The Report advised that the closing date for the receipt of bids was 30 September 1996 and it was understood that the selection process would be undertaken during October with the successful bidders being invited to an official award ceremony on 18 November 1996 in London.
After noting that the Energy Saving Trust had indicated that all projects had to be implemented between November 1996 and 31 March 1997, which consequently meant that any grant money would require to be spent by 31 March 1997, the Committee agreed that the proposed bid for funding from the Energy Saving Trust under the HECA Action Programme be endorsed.