Minutes of Meeting of the Housing and Social Work Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday, 14 January, 2009 at 10.30 a.m.
Present:
Mrs M C Davidson, Mr R Rowantree, Mr J Rosie, Lady Thurso, Mr D C M Flear, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M E Paterson, Mr H Fraser, Mr I Renwick, Mr B Clark, Miss J Campbell, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mrs E McAllister, Mr J Finnie, Mr A S Park, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G Marsden, Dr M E M Foxley, Mr D Cameron, Mr B J Murphy.
Non-Members also present:
Mr G Farlow, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I Campbell, Mr Durham, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr B Barclay, Mrs I McCallum, Mr E Hunter, Mr T Pragg.
Officials in attendance:
Mr S Barron, Director of Housing and Property, Ms H Dempster, Director of Social Work, Mr B Williams, Head of Corporate Finance, Finance Service, Mr A Maguire, Head of Housing Development & Estates, Housing & Property Service, Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing, Housing & Property Service, Mr B Alexander, Head of Children’s Services, Social Work Service, Mr G McCaig, Head of Business Support, Social Work Service, Ms F Palin, Head of Operations (CJS & Central Services), Social Work Service, Mr J King, Head of Operations (Community Care), Social Work, Mr I Belford, Maintenance Manager, Housing and Property Service, Ms C Campbell, Business Support Manager, Housing and Property Service, Mr J Anderson, Service Finance Manager, Mr J Maybee, Principal Officer, Criminal Justice, Social Work Service, Mr I Thomson, Project Manager, Social Work Service, Mr E Boyd, Principal Engineer, Housing & Property Service, Mr J Allison, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Service, Mrs L Dunn, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Service.
Mrs M C Davidson in the Chair
An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.
All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee
Preliminaries
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Committee NOTED:-
- The commendations from the Children’s Panel Members in respect of Social Work Services staff at hearings;
- That the Social Work Success Awards Event was being held later that afternoon in Inverness Town House at 3.30 pm and all Members had been invited to attend; and
- That the Housing and Property Service and Highland Housing Alliance had been shortlisted for a CoSLA Award in the Service Innovation and Improvement category in respect of the Landbanking project.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Ms L Munro, Mr J MacDonald and Mr D Fallows.
2. Capital Reports
i. Housing Revenue Account
There was circulated Report No hsw-01-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which presented the position regarding expenditure on the HRA Capital Programme to 30 November 2008. It also presented proposals for the capital programme for 2009/10 and an outline programme for future years.
The report indicated that the level of spend to 30 November 2008 was £6.948m which represented 58% of the overall programme. The expenditure at this point in the year was slightly higher compared to the same period in the previous year but it was anticipated that the overall programme would come in on budget.
In response to a question, the Head of Housing confirmed that he would check the figures that had been quoted in Appendix 3 to the report in respect of heating at Milnafua.
Responding to concerns raised, the Chairman advised the Committee that the Principal Engineer would attend Ward Business meetings as requested to provide further detailed information on the new heating system installations.
The Committee:-
a) NOTED the position regarding expenditure to 30 November 2008 on the
HRA Capital Programme for 2008/09;
b) subject to approval of the HRA Revenue Account Estimates, APPROVED
the capital programme of £13.212m for 2009/10;
c) NOTED the outline programme to 2015 and that more detailed programmes
would be submitted to the Committee with adjustments made as a result
of an ongoing stock survey programme;
d) AGREED to check the figures quoted in respect of heating at Milnafua in
Appendix 3 to the report; and
e) AGREED that, where requested, the Principal Engineer would attend Ward
Business meetings to provide further detailed information on the new
heating system installations.
ii. Non Housing Revenue Account and Private Sector Housing Grant
There was circulated Report No hsw-02-09 dated 21 December 2008 by the Director of Housing and Property which provided an update of activity within the Non HRA Capital Programme 2008/09 as at 30 November 2008 and sought approval for projects which it was proposed be funded from resources available within the current programme. The report also provided an update on the proposed expansion of Handyperson Services, progress in relation to the Scheme of Assistance and confirmed the levels of Private Sector Housing Grant which would be available in future years, as well as seeking authority to vire spend targets for the remainder of the financial year.
It was confirmed that the level of spend to 30 November 2008 was 37% of the overall programme, compared to 32% for the same period in the previous year, and it was explained that, in order to maximise use of available resources, a number of proactive measures had been implemented such as fast tracking disabled applications and a greater use of standard allowances when determining grant. In addition, it was proposed that monies previously allocated to fund loans should be reallocated to meet increased demands within Care and Repair. These measures, along with close monitoring within the current year, should ensure that the target spend for the current year was achieved.
The Committee NOTED progress within the agreed programme as detailed in the report and AGREED that:-
a) a grant of up to £0.030m be offered to Albyn Housing Society to assist in
the purchase and improvement of a house at Dochgarroch, Inverness;
b) a grant of up to £0.030m be offered to the National Trust to assist in the
improvement of three houses at The Square, Balmacara;
c) a grant of up to £0.021m be offered to Lochalsh and Skye Housing
Association to assist in the purchase and improvement of two houses at
Kyle of Lochalsh; and
d) in accordance with financial regulations, decisions on virement between
budget headings for the remainder of the financial year be taken by the
Director of Housing and Property following consultation with the Director of
Finance and in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
Housing and Social Work Committee on the basis that any decisions would
be reported to a future meeting.
The Committee also NOTED:-
e) progress in relation to development of Handyperson Services within all areas
of Highland; that a detailed briefing paper would be circulated to Members
in January 2009; and a comprehensive report would be submitted to the
Housing and Social Work Committee at the meeting to be held on 11 March
2009;
f) the timescales for implementation of the Scheme of Assistance and that
officers would continue to develop a proposed Highland Scheme of
Assistance for consideration by the Housing and Social Work Committee
prior to the implementation date of 1 April 2010; and
g) that the revised methodology for allocation of Private Sector Housing Grant
had been agreed by Scottish Ministers resulting in an allocation to the
Council of £4.253m for 2009/10.
iii. Social Work Capital Programme
There was circulated Report No hsw-03-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which updated Members on progress to date with the Social Work Capital Programme and provided:-
- a monitoring report on expenditure;
- an update on work undertaken in relation to a range of standalone projects and on the progress of Phases 2 and 3 of the refurbishment programme; and
- an update on work being undertaken in relation to a number of Fire Safety and other Health and Safety capital works.
It was indicated that the overall spend to date was £1.355m which represented 33% of the budget. It was also explained that an underspend of £20,000 was projected due to the delays in commencing the projects at Leault, New Craigs and the new care home at Tain. However, the Dornie project had been brought forward to 2009/10 which would help to reduce the underspend to be rolled forward.
The report also highlighted that a mock up of the layout of a bedroom and en-suite bathroom for the new Care Homes had been built at Harbour Road with assistance from Direct Works apprentices and Member and Stakeholder Groups would be invited to visit the mock up layout.
The Committee:-
a) NOTED the progress in the Capital Programme and the additional
expenditure of £80,000 on necessary electrical work at Lochbroom House;
and
b) AGREED that Member and Stakeholder Groups be invited to visit the mock
up of the layout of a bedroom and en-suite bathroom for the new Care
Homes as detailed in the report.
3. Revenue Reports
i. Housing Revenue Monitoring Statement
There was circulated Report No hsw-04-09 dated 5 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which commented on the Revenue Monitoring Statement for the Housing Revenue Account for the period to 30 November 2008.
The report explained that there was likely to be a revenue surplus of £1.6m at the year end on an overall budget of £42.997m. In addition, it was estimated that new borrowing of £3.570m would be required to fund the HRA Capital Programme in 2008/09 and it was therefore recommended that any HRA revenue surplus generated in 2008/09 be applied as additional capital from current revenue to fund the HRA Capital Programme and minimise new borrowing.
The Committee:-
a) NOTED the HRA Monitoring Statement to 30 November 2008; and
b) AGREED that any HRA revenue surplus generated in 2008/09 be applied as
additional capital from current revenue to fund the HRA Capital Programme
in order to minimise new borrowing.
ii. Non Housing Revenue Monitoring Statement
There was circulated Report No hsw-05-09 dated 5 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which commented on the Revenue Monitoring Statement for the Non Housing Revenue Account to 30 November 2008.
The report indicated that a favourable year end variance of £209,000 had been projected in respect of the Non HRA revenue monitoring statement for 2008/09.
The Committee NOTED the Non HRA Monitoring Statement to 30 November 2008.
iii. Building Maintenance Monitoring Statement
There was circulated Report No hsw-06-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which provided details of the financial position for the period to 30 November 2008.
The Committee NOTED the current financial position to 30 November 2008 for Building Maintenance.
iv. Social Work Revenue Monitoring Statement
There was circulated Report No hsw-07-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which gave an update on the projected outturn as at the end of the financial year, highlighted the significant variances, the reasons for them and the actions being taken to address the situation and confirmed that an outturn position of £105,000 had been projected.
The Committee:-
a) APPROVED the actions being taken to address the vacancies;
b) APPROVED the actions being taken to secure progress in the delivery of
the modernised home care service; and
c) AGREED that a report on Learning Disabilities be brought to a future
meeting of the Committee.
4. Housing Revenue Account Estimates 2009/10
Declarations of Interest
Mr D Kerr and Mr G Farlow declared financial interests in this item as Council house tenants but, in terms of the dispensation granted by the Standards Commission, remained to participate in the discussion and voting.
There was circulated Report No hsw-08-09 dated 7 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which presented the draft Housing Revenue Account estimates for 2009/10 together with recommendations on the level of rent increase to be applied to council house and other rents and service charges.
The report explained that, since April 2001, the Council had limited annual housing rent increases to the Retail Price Index (RPI) +1% using the RPI at November from the previous year. It was confirmed that the RPI as at November 2008 had been 3% and that linking house rent increases to RPI was a standard approach nationally.
Therefore, it was recommended that council house and other rents and service charges be increased by RPI +1% in 2009/10 and, with inflation taken as the RPI as at November 2008, this equated to a rent increase of 4%. Consequently, the average council house rent would increase from £61.38 per week to £63.93 per week over 48 weekly charges.
Combined with other income and expenditure assumptions this would generate an estimated HRA revenue surplus of £1.669m in 2009/10 and the Director of Housing and Property explained that the increase would enable continued investment to support the building industry and would also allow additional revenue expenditure on repairs associated with meeting the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS), such as new kitchens and bathrooms and improving energy efficiency.
Following discussion, the Chairman, seconded by the Vice Chairman, MOVED the recommendations as outlined in the report which included a proposed rent increase of 4% for 2009/10.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr J Finnie, seconded by Mr D Kerr, moved that the rent increase for 2009/10 remain at RPI (3%).
On a vote being taken the MOTION received 16 votes and the AMENDMENT received 5 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED – the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr R Rowantree Miss J Campbell
Mr J Rosie Mr P Corbett
Lady Thurso Mrs E McAllister
Mr D C M Flear Mr G Marsden
Mrs M E Paterson Mr A S Park
Mr H Fraser Mr D Cameron
Mr B Clark Dr M E M Foxley
Mrs M C Davidson Mr B J Murphy
For the Amendment:-
Mr D Chisholm Mr J Finnie
Mr I Renwick Mrs L MacDonald
Mr D Kerr
Abstentions:-
None
Thereafter, the Committee:-
i. APPROVED a rent increase of 4% for 2009/10 and AGREED that this
percentage increase be applied to house rents, service charges, garage and
garage site rentals, hostel rentals, homeless charges, rechargeable repairs
and Gypsy/Traveller pitches, except charges for energy which would follow
market rates (i.e. the rate of inflation that the Council experienced);
ii. NOTED the use of the HRA surplus currently estimated at £1.669m in
2009/10 to fund part of the HRA capital programme in 2009/10;
iii. NOTED the requirement to incur new borrowing estimated at £8m in
2009/10; and
iv.AGREED that the above recommendations be submitted to the Council
meeting on 12 February 2009 for formal approval.
5. Council House Building
There was circulated Report No hsw-09-09 dated 7 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which provided details of the arrangements for accessing a share of the £25m funding announced by the Scottish Government to encourage new Council house building nationally and invited Members to consider whether to submit an application for this funding.
It was explained that the funding criteria was linked to prudential borrowing capacity and, as the Council’s housing debt was high, it would require significant new borrowing to fund the investment required to bring housing stock up to the SHQS. Therefore, based on current HRA revenue estimates, additional loan charges associated with new borrowing to fund a new build programme of 150 houses over three years would require a rent increase of inflation +2% in 2010/11.
During discussion, the Chairman expressed disappointment that the Council could not at present support a bid for additional funding due to the level of the current housing debt. Therefore, in addition to continuing to lobby on the housing debt issue, she recommended that a Cross Party Working Group be formed in order to establish the most appropriate way forward for the Council in the provision of more housing.
Responding to a request, the Chairman also advised that an update report on pressured area status would be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.
The Committee NOTED the position against the criteria involved for assessing funding bids and AGREED:-
i. that a bid should not be submitted for funding new council house provision
under the new funding arrangements;
ii. that, when responding to the Scottish Government, the Council’s
commitment to increasing housing supply should be reiterated, including
through Council house building and exploring different funding arrangements
which could support new council housing in areas with acute housing need
and high housing debt;
iii. to continue to lobby on the issue of housing debt;
iv.that an update report on pressured area status be submitted to the
Committee; and
v.that a Cross Party Working Group be formed to establish the most
appropriate way forward to provide more council housing.
6. Progress on Modernisation of Care at Home Services
There was circulated Report No hsw-10-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which provided a further update on the Modernisation of Care at Home Services following the report to the Committee on 17 September 2008.
During discussion, the Chairman confirmed that Councillor L MacDonald would be provided with information on the current level of vacancies in Care at Home Services as requested and also that a further briefing on telecare services would be arranged.
The Committee:-
i. NOTED the progress and AGREED the next steps of Workforce
Modernisation, Business Processes, the Integration of Telecare Services and
the Tender to Block Contract a proportion of care in the four specified
areas;
ii. AGREED that a further report on progress should be submitted to the next
meeting on 11 March 2009;
iii. AGREED to provide Councillor L MacDonald with information on the current
level of vacancies in Care at Home Services; and
iv. AGREED to provide a further briefing for Members on telecare services.
7. Land and Property
There was circulated Report No hsw-11-09 dated 7 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which sought consent to forward fund housing projects which would enable starts on site to be made in early 2009 and the provision of an additional 78 affordable homes. The report also sought consent to allow loans to be offered to secure sites in Alness and Hilton of Cadboll which would be developed for affordable housing in future years and would contribute to the target in the Council’s programme “Strengthening the Highlands” of providing an additional 2,000 affordable homes.
During discussion, a number of Members expressed concern regarding the level of provision of Low Cost Initiative for First Time buyers (LIFT) housing that had been recommended within the report in respect of Ward 9 and the Chairman proposed that the Housing Development Officer should attend the next Ward 9 business meeting to discuss this level of provision.
Following a request, the Chairman also recommended that a further report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee outlining the successes and failures of the use of Council Tax revenues from second and holiday homes to provide housing in rural areas and including details of the new procedures involved.
Thereafter, the Committee AGREED that interest free loans be offered to Albyn Housing Society, utilising the Landbank Fund, which would allow developments to progress on site in advance of investment being available from the Scottish Government and on terms to be agreed by the Director of Housing and Property to assist in forward funding the following projects:-
i. Muir of Ord - up to a maximum loan of £0.920m;
ii. Fortrose - up to a maximum loan of £0.400m;
iii. Milton of Leys, Inverness - up to a maximum loan of £0.780m;
iv.Auldearn - up to a maximum loan of £0.350m;
v. Sutherland Road, Dornoch - up to a maximum loan of £0.090m;
vi.Anderson Street, Inverness - up a maximum loan of £0.090m;
vii.to secure additional houses in Bonar Bridge and Grantown on Spey - up to
a maximum loan of £0.350m;
It was also AGREED that:-
viii.interest free loans be offered to Albyn Housing Society, utilising the
Landbanking Fund, to assist in financing the settlement price and other
agreed costs in connection with the purchase of sites in Alness and Hilton
of Cadboll on terms to be agreed by the Director of Housing and Property
up to a maximum loan of £0.450m.
ix. the Housing Development Officer should attend the next Ward 9 business
meeting to discuss the level of provision of LIFT housing; and
x. a report should be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee on the
successes and failures of the use of Council Tax revenues from second and
holiday homes to provide housing in rural areas, including details of the new
procedures involved.
8. Community Service
There was circulated Report No hsw-12-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which provided an overview of the current provision of community service in Highland and gave details of national developments. The Principal Officer of Criminal Justice Services also made a presentation to the Committee which highlighted the changes in community service.
During discussion, Members indicated their support of the scheme but expressed concerns regarding the lack of sufficient funding which it was felt could restrict services from being provided. In response, the Chairman advised that she would hold further discussions with the Criminal Justice Service in order to explore additional funding opportunities to ensure full delivery of the service.
In addition, it was also felt that the scheme would benefit from improved awareness among Members of the Council and community organisations on the type of work which was undertaken.
Thereafter, the Committee:-
i. NOTED the current delivery of community service in Highland and the range
of individual placements and community service managed projects being
undertaken as reparation to and for the benefit of individuals and
communities;
ii. NOTED the implications of national developments;
iii. NOTED the presentation which outlined changes in community service;
iv. AGREED that the Chairman should hold further discussions with the Criminal
Justice Service to determine what additional funds might be available for the
scheme; and
v. AGREED that the scheme would benefit from improved awareness among
Members of the Council and community organisations on the type of work
undertaken.
9. Housing Allocations Policy Monitoring
There was circulated Report No hsw-13-09 dated 5 January 2009 by the Director of Housing and Property which provided an update and statistical information on the operation of the Highland Housing Register (HHR) which had been introduced in May 2008 and details of initial experience and the main policy issues emerging in the initial six months following implementation.
Responding to a number of concerns raised, the Chairman recommended that a Seminar be held in February 2009 to examine issues relating to the Housing Allocations Policy. In addition, she also agreed to investigate amending Table 1 in Appendix 1 in future reports indicating the number of transfer and general applicants.
The Committee:-
i. NOTED the Highland Housing Register housing allocations monitoring
information contained in Appendix 2 to the report;
ii. NOTED the emerging policy issues;
iii. NOTED that a further report would be presented in September 2009 with
annual monitoring information and recommendations on policy changes;
iv.AGREED to hold a seminar in February 2009 to examine the issues of
concern relating to the Housing Allocations Policy; and
v. AGREED to investigate amending Table 1 in Appendix 1 in future reports to
indicate the number of transfer and general applicants.
10. Annual Review of Charges for Services
There was circulated Report No hsw-14-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which sought approval of revised charges for Services to become effective from Monday 6 April 2009.
The Head of Operations (Community Care) also made a short presentation at the meeting during which he provided a number of examples which demonstrated the revised costs in charges for services.
During discussion, the Chairman proposed that recommendation (iv) of the report be deleted and suggested that a further report on the provision of day care and lunch clubs be submitted to the Committee. It was also requested that a copy of the cost examples presented at the meeting be emailed to all Members of the Committee.
The Committee AGREED:-
i. the uplift charges for Care at Home, telecare and residence in Council Care
Home to reflect actual costs as detailed in the report;
ii. the implementation of charging towards the cost of transport provided by or
on behalf of the Council as detailed in paragraph 3.5 of the report;
iii. the extension of the Supporting People charging policy to all people who
used the service;
iv.to delete recommendation iv of the report;
v.that a further report should be provided on the provision of day care and
lunch clubs; and
vi. that a copy of the cost examples presented at the meeting should be
emailed to all Members of the Committee.
11. Development of a Joint Community Care Strategy and Plan
There was circulated Report No hsw-15-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which introduced work to develop a new Joint Community Care Strategy and Plan which aimed to provide a structure to integrate the activity of Highland Council and NHS Highland staff, in partnership with users and their carers, to better support adults living in communities by promoting independence, supporting self-care and appropriately managing risk. The Plan would enable integrated working by providing a clear planning and governance framework to translate strategic aims and objectives into operational service development and commissioning at Highland-wide and local levels.
The Committee:-
i. APPROVED the proposals for the development of a new Joint Community
Care Plan as described in the report;
ii. NOTED the secondment of an officer to Highland Council from NHS Highland
to support the development;
iii. APPROVED wide-ranging and creative engagement with all key Health,
Social Work and Housing stakeholders within the ambit of community care at
both strategic and local operational levels; service users, carers and their
representative groups and the independent sector; and
iv.AGREED to support an open and transparent strategy development
process to achieve these aims, ensuring the widest possible ownership of
the Plan.
12. Inspection of the Corbett Centre
There was circulated Report No hsw-16-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which informed Members of the inspection of the Corbett Centre carried out by the Care Commission in November 2008.
The Chairman highlighted that a copy of the Action Plan had been tabled at the meeting and invited Members to submit to any feedback. It was also proposed that a letter be sent to the staff of the Corbett Centre to commend them on the outcome of the Care Commission inspection.
The Committee:-
i. NOTED the Inspection findings;
ii. APPROVED the action plan and AGREED that any feedback on the plan be
submitted to the Chairman; and
iii. AGREED that a letter be issued from the Chairman to the staff of the
Corbett Centre commending them on the outcome of the inspection.
13. Self Directed Support: An Opportunity for Development
There was circulated Report No hsw-17-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Director of Social Work which advised Members that the Scottish Government had approached Highland Council to become one of the three test sites to promote a key government policy of promoting self directed support. The report summarised what was involved in becoming a test site and the potential benefits this had for the Council and service users in Highland.
During discussion, the Director of Social Work confirmed that the Scottish Government had requested that the plan be submitted by the end of February 2009 although an extension to this timescale had been requested in order to enable full consultation with all Members of the Committee.
The Committee NOTED:-
i. the opportunity for the Council to become a test site for self directed
support; and
ii. that an extension to the timescale for submission of the plan to the Scottish
Government would be sought to allow full consultation with all Members of
the Committee.
14. Social Work Complaints Review Committee: Outcome of Complaint
There was circulated Joint Report No hsw-18-09 dated 6 January 2009 by the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Social Work which outlined the findings and recommendations following a meeting of the Complaints Review Committee which had been held on 30 October 2008 and detailed the actions being taken.
In addition to the recommendations, the Chairman also proposed that the Children’s Champions review the “It’s my Choice” Guide to ensure that the document was user friendly.
The Committee:-
i. NOTED the outcome of the Complaints Review Committee meeting held on
30 October 2008;
ii. APPROVED the findings, recommendations and subsequent action by the
Director of Social Work; and
iii. AGREED that the Children’s Champions should review the “It’s my Choice”
Guide to ensure that it was user friendly.
The meeting closed at 1.30 pm.