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ANGUS COUNCIL
MINUTE of MEETING of the HOUSING COMMITTEE held in the Town and County Hall, Forfar on Tuesday 12 January 1999 at 4.00 pm.
Present: Councillors FRANK ELLIS, IAN ANGUS, HELEN ANGUS, WILLIAM CROWE, WILLIAM DOIG, JACK GIBB, Mrs RENATE LAMONT, STEWART McGLYNN, IAN MACKINTOSH, GLENNIS MIDDLETON and STEWART MOWATT.
Apology: An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Councillor IAN HUDGHTON.
Councillor ELLIS, Convener, in the Chair.
1. MINUTES
(a) Previous Meeting
The minute of meeting of this Committee of 10 November 1998 was approved as a correct record and signed by the Convener.
(b) Executive Sub-Committees
There were submitted and noted the minutes of meetings of the Executive Sub-Committee held on 23 November and 17 December 1998, copies of which are appended to this minute. (Appendix I and II).
2. IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Committee noted a list of applications for Improvement Grants totalling £63,637, approved under delegated authority by the Director of Planning and Transport, as detailed in Report No 1/99.
3. REPAIR GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Committee noted a list of applications for Repair Grants totalling £20,230, approved under delegated authority by the Director of Planning and Transport, as detailed in Report No 2/99.
4. 9 WESTFIELD STREET, CARNOUSTIE - DISPOSAL OF GROUND
There was submitted Report No 6/99 by the Director of Housing regarding the disposal of an area of ground at Westfield Street, Carnoustie.
The Committee agreed to dispose of the ground to Mr Corlass, 9 Westfield Street, Carnoustie on appropriate terms and conditions, including that the ground be used as garden ground only and that Mr Corlass meet the Council’s reasonable legal and valuation costs.
5. 2 - 22 PROVOST JOHNSTON ROAD, MONTROSE - REDEVELOPMENT
There was submitted Report No 7/99 by the Director of Housing which detailed various options for the maisonettes at 2 - 22 Provost Johnston Road, Montrose.
The Report advised that the appearance and accommodation provided by this block of maisonettes was not of the quality or size currently required in Montrose, and that modernisation was not considered to be worthwhile given the likely demand in the future.
The Committee agreed that the four storey block at 2 - 22 Provost Johnston Road, Montrose, be emptied and demolished to provide a re-development site for a future sheltered housing project by the Council.
6. 55 EAST HIGH STREET, FORFAR - CLOSING ORDER
With reference to Article 4(a) of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 29 September 1998, when it had been agreed to recommend that Council revoke a Closing Order on property at 55 East High Street, Forfar, it was reported that the owners of the property, Mr and Mrs Milne, had not formally requested that the property be inspected and therefore the Revocation Order had not been validly made.
The Committee noted that, under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, the 1995 Closing Order was still in effect and that the Revocation Order was invalid.
7. PARTNERS IN PARTICIPATION - DRAFT CONSULTATION
There was submitted Report No 8/99 by the Director of Housing regarding the Council’s proposed response to the recent Scottish Office Development Department’s Consultation Paper on a National Strategy for Tenant Participation.
The Committee noted the comments, which had been collated following consultation with the relevant Departments, and agreed that they be forwarded to the Scottish Office as the Council’s response to the recent Consultation Paper on a National Strategy for Tenant Participation.
8. ANDY STEWART COURT SHELTERED HOUSING COMPLEX, CLIFFBURN, ARBROATH - OFFICIAL OPENING
There was submitted Report No 9/99 by the Director of Housing advising members of the details regarding the official opening of the sheltered housing complex at Cliffburn, Arbroath. The complex had been named "Andy Stewart Court", in honour of the late entertainer, and his widow, Mrs Sheila Stewart, would perform the opening ceremony.
The Committee noted the contents of Report and agreed to approve expenditure of £550 on hospitality for 100 residents and guests.
9. BUDGET VIREMENT
There was submitted Joint Report No 10/99 by the Director of Finance and Director of Housing which updated members on the virement required to fund expenditure on additional staff costs and computer development.
The Committee noted and homologated the virement of funds to accommodate increased expenditure on staff costs and computer development.
10. FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO TENANT GROUPS OR ASSOCIATIONS
With reference to Article 12 of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 14 April 1998, there was submitted Report No 11/99 by the Director of Housing which related to the financial support given to Tenant Groups or Associations.
The Report advised that members of Groups or Associations, in the better performance of their duties, might be required to attend training courses and conferences. Accordingly, from time to time, the Groups would incur additional expenses. Until there was an agreed protocol with Groups, on how training/conferences expenses could be best funded, it was suggested that ad-hoc payments be made to reimburse tenant delegates for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note the contents of Report No 11/99;
(ii) to approve one member per Tenant Group attending at appropriate future conferences and seminars; and
(iii) to make payment of associated subsistence allowances and out of pocket expenses, at current NJC rates and mileage claims at the lowest rate, based on the qualifying criteria for Council employees.
11. USE OF STATIC CARAVANS FOR DECANT OF TENANTS AT MONIFIETH DURING MODERNISATION WORKS
It was reported that the flats at 2 - 13 Ashludie Terrace and 50 - 78B Panmure Street, Monifieth were in the programme for modernisation in 1999/2000 and tenants would need to be decanted during these works.
It was also noted that the tenants had expressed a desire to stay within Monifieth and to minimise the disruption to them, the Manager of the Riverview Caravan Park in Monifieth had been approached regarding the renting of three or four large static caravans on the site. This option would be considerably cheaper than using the Park Homes from Carnoustie
The Committee agreed that the officials pursue this line of enquiry, and that, if successful, carbon monoxide detectors be installed in all the caravans rented from the Riverview Caravan Park in Monifieth for use by tenants.
12. HOUSING AND SOCIAL WORK - PRACTICE PROCEDURES FOR LIAISON IN RELATION TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEED
There was submitted Report No 12/99 by the Director of Housing and Director of Social Work which informed the Committee of the development and pilot implementation of joint Social Work and Housing practice procedures for liaison in relation to children and young people in need.
The Committee agreed:
(i) to note the contents of the Report and that it would also be discussed by the Social Work Committee on 19 January 1999; and
(ii) to instruct the Directors of Housing and Social Work to implement, on a permanent basis, the joint practice procedures.
13. HOUSING CAPITAL PROGRAMME - HRA BLOCK 1998/99
There was submitted Report No 13/99 by the Director of Finance on the Housing Capital Programme - HRA Block - 1998/99 detailing the latest estimate for the year and the spend figures to the end of November 1998. Expenditure was generally on track to achieve the programme, but performance would continue to be carefully monitored.
The Committee noted the figures presented and that the programme had been adjusted from £6.470m to a new total of £6.678m.
14. 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 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
15. SHELTERED HOUSING - WARDENS/AUXILIARIES - SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT
With reference to Article 5 of the minute of meeting of the Personnel and Property Services Committee of 1 December 1998, there was submitted Joint Report No 972/98 by the Director of Housing, Director of Social Work and Director of Personnel which updated members on the transfer of warden and associated services from the Social Work Department to the Housing Department from 1 October 1998 and detailed the proposed action on various anticipated and emerging issues.
The Committee, for its interest, agreed to approve the recommendations in the Report.
16. HOUSING DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE
With reference to Article 6 of the minute of meeting of the Personnel and Property Services Committee of 1 December 1998, there was submitted Joint Report No 973/98 by the Director of Housing, the Director of Finance and the Director of Personnel proposing changes to the Housing Department’s Structure. The Report indicated that the proposals were being made as a consequence of the Council’s decision to transfer management responsibility and funding of the sheltered housing scheme wardens and associated serves and also in light of the substantially increasing caseload complexity of homelessness cases, legislation and guidance in recent years.
The Committee, for its interest, agreed to approve the revised Housing Department staff structure, as detailed in the Report, to reflect the transferred responsibilities and increased workload.
17. ADDITIONAL FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE
With reference to Article 15 of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 29 September 1998, there was submitted Report No 14/99 by the Director of Housing regarding the provision of additional furnished accommodation for homeless people.
The Report concluded that there was a pressing need to provide additional furnished accommodation for homeless people in the Forfar area and the utilisation of low demand properties at Glenclova Terrace, Forfar would help to meet the Council’s statutory obligation in this regard. However, consultation would require to be undertaken with the Gallowshade Action Group regarding these proposals.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) that approval, in principle, be given for the flats at 111 to 121 Glenclova Terrace, Forfar to be redecorated and furnished for use by homeless people;
(ii) that a further Report be presented to an appropriate meeting of the Housing Committee in regard to the costs of converting one of the two ground floor flats within this block of properties into a wardens office and other communal facilities;
(iii) that the cottage type property at 123 Glenclova Terrace, Forfar be designated as accommodation for the Resident Accommodation Officer; and
(iv) that future vacancies within the group of cottage-type properties at 91, 93, 107, 109, 125 Glenclova Terrace and 74 and 76 Glenmoy Terrace be considered for meeting the housing needs of homeless people, depending on resource requirements.
18. 61 - 73 GRANT ROAD, ARBROATH - DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES TO ANGUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
With reference to Article 23 of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 29 September 1998, there was submitted Report No 15/99 by the Director of Housing which informed members of the progress of negotiations regarding the disposal of properties at 61 - 73 Grant Road, Arbroath to Angus Housing Association Limited.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to proceed to conclude with Angus Housing Association Limited regarding the formal disposal of the six flats at Grant Road, Arbroath in Angus Council’s ownership at a consideration of £35,000; and
(ii) to note the progress of negotiations regarding the flat in private ownership.
19. REVENUES DIVISION - COUNCIL TAX AND HOUSING BENEFIT STRUCTURE AND ESTABLISHMENT REVIEW
With reference to Article 18 of the minute of meeting of the Finance and Information Technology Committee of 1 December 1998, there was submitted Joint Report No 1258/98 by the Director of Finance, the Director of Housing and the Director of Personnel proposing the deletion of the current Council Tax and Housing Benefit structures. The Report proposed the establishment of a new structure designed to deliver the merged Council Tax, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit Service at Invertay House and area offices.
The Committee, for its interest, agreed to note and approve the terms of the Report.
20. SERIOUS ARREARS CASES - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT TENANTS
There was submitted Report No 3/99 by the Director of Housing regarding serious arrears of rent in respect of two Council House tenants as detailed in the Appendix to the Report.
The Director of Housing further reported at the meeting that, with their agreement, both tenants had been evicted on 19 November 1998 and the Committee homologated the action taken.
21. TENDERS
(a) Kitchen Replacements in Flats at Little Nursery, Montrose
There was submitted Report No 20/99 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for the replacement of kitchens in 29 flats at Little Nursery, Montrose.
The Committee approved the terms of the Report and agreed:-
(i) to authorise acceptance of the lowest tender for the several works, being that of R S Hill, Douglastown, by Forfar, in the amount of £69,212.46; and
(ii) to note that an allowance for this project had been made in the 1998/99 HRA Housing Repairs and Maintenance Programme.
(b) Kitchen Replacements and Heating Installations at Little Nursery and Nursery Lane, Montrose and Eskview Terrace, Ferryden
There was submitted Report No 21/99 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for the replacement of kitchens and heating installations at Little Nursery, and Nursery Lane, Montrose, and Eskview Terrace, Ferryden. (26 houses)
The Committee approved the terms of the Report and agreed:-
(i) to authorise acceptance of the lowest tender for the several works, being that of R S Hill, Douglastown, by Forfar, in the amount of £74,811.23; and
(ii) to note that an allowance for this project had been made in the 1998/99 HRA Housing Repairs and Maintenance Programme.
22. EXTENSION TO CONTRACTS
(a) Heating Installations at Tyndall Crescent, Tyndall Place and South Balmossie Street, Monifieth - Additional properties in Monifieth
There was submitted Report No 22/99 by the Director of Property Services regarding the addition of 19 houses in Monifieth to the Heating Installation Contract currently being executed by Cramond Plumbing & Heating Ltd., Arbroath.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to approve the addition of 19 houses to the contract currently being executed by Cramond Plumbing and Heating Limited, Arbroath;
(ii) to approve the estimated revised total cost of £240,513 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to approve the estimated revised contract sum of £217,245 which represented an overspend in excess of 5% of the original contract sum, and had been reported to the Director of Finance in accordance with Clause 6.5 of Financial Regulations;
(iv) to note that the expenditure arising from this additional work would be accommodated within the 1998/99 HRA Housing Capital Programme; and
(v) to note the revenue expenditure arising from this project.
(b) Heating Installations at Montrose and Edzell - Additional properties in Montrose
There was submitted Report No 23/99 by the Director of Property Services regarding the addition of 17 houses in Montrose to the Heating Installation Contract currently being executed by James Lammond & Son, Brechin.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to approve the addition of 17 houses to the contract currently being executed by James Lammond & Son, Brechin;
(ii) to approve the estimated revised total cost of £120,300 (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to approve the estimated revised contract sum of £103,980 which represented an overspend in excess of 5% of the original contract sum, and had been reported to the Director of Finance in accordance with Clause 6.5 of Financial Regulations;
(iv) to note the expenditure arising from this additional work would be accommodated within the 1998/99 HRA Housing Capital Programme; and
(v) to note the revenue expenditure arising from this project.
The following matter was, on the determination of the Convener, dealt with as a matter of urgency, to allow the contract to proceed.
Councillor Frank Ellis declared an interest in the undernoted item and took no part in its consideration. Councillor Ian Angus, Vice-Convener, took the chair.
23. CCTV SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS, HOMELESS PERSONS UNITS, VARIOUS SITES, ANGUS
There was submitted Report No 41/99 by the Director of Property Services on tenders received for the supply and installation of a closed circuit television surveillance system to Homeless Person Units at Arbroath and Montrose.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to authorise acceptance of the lowest tender for the several works, being that of McGill Electrical Ltd., Dundee in the amount of £74,723.93;
(ii) to approve the estimated total cost of £59,503 after implementation of savings (at out-turn prices);
(iii) to note that an allowance of £54,000 for this project had been made in the approved 1998/99 HRA Housing Repairs and Maintenance Programme and that additional provision would be met from the Department’s existing budget for homeless persons units; and
(iv) to note the additional revenue expenditure arising from this project.