Action note - Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum (Ward 8)
Agenda
Held on Thursday 24 April 2008 in Inver Hall, Inver
Present:
Cllr Alan Torrance (Chair)
Cllr Alasdair Rhind
Cllr Richard Durham
Hamish Mackenzie – Tarbat Community Council
Doug Kippen – Nigg & Shandwick Community Council
Roddy Robertson – Tain Community Council
Sarah Lumb – Inver Community Council
Liz Whiteford - Fearn Peninsula Partnership
Fiona Robertson, Tain initiative Group
Inspector Neil MacKinnon – Northern Constabulary
Station Manager William Scott – Highlands and Islands Fire & Rescue Service
Tina Luxton, Housing and Property Services Manager – Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Helen Cameron – Development Programme Coordinator, Albyn Housing Society
Natasha Shearer – Allocations Team Leader, Albyn Housing Society
Caroline MacAskill - Ward Manager Tain & Easter Ross
11 Members of the Public
Apologies
Ian Hargrave, Corporate Manager – Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
KALE Action Group
Seaboard Initiative
Balintore and Hilton Community Council
George Dobbie, Kilmuir and Logie Easter Community Council
John Scott, – Fearn Community Council
Richard Cross, – Nigg & Shandwick Community Council
1. Cllr Torrance welcomed the Forum and Members of the Public to the Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum. The Members of the Forum introduced themselves to the member of the public present.
2. Feedback on Action Points from Previous Forums and Amendment to Record of Meeting
Feedback from Council Services on Action Points raised at previous Ward Forums is contained in Appendix 1.
The information relating to the Northern Constabulary and the increase in Officers should read that “The increase should be to 750 officers in 2008 and target of 800 by 2011.”
3. Housing Development and Housing Allocations – Talk by Tina Luxton, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Housing and Property Services Manager
Tina Luxton attended the meeting and confirmed that the remit for the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Housing and Property Services Manager covers from Evanton to John O’Groats and has line management responsibility for all aspects of Housing and Property including property maintenance for all council owned properties.
During Tina’s presentation the following issues were highlighted/discussed:
- Housing Allocations are driven by the Housing (Scotland) Act and that the Service are required to implement legislation including equalities legislation.
- The Scottish Government target for 2012 is to have no-one homeless
- Working toward the governments target to eliminate homelessness, Changes introduced by the Highland Council to achieve this has meant that since April 2007 anyone aged under 21 and anyone who has ever been in care under 25 will be considered to be priority need.
Partner agencies (e.g. Albyn Housing Society) are required under legislation introduced to assist the Local Authority to meet the targets set by Government in terms of the allocation of the stock managed by them.
Tina provided statistical information in relation to allocations and homelessness:
In Tain and Easter Ross (this includes Ward 7 Cromarty Firth) in the year 2007/08 there were 219 Homeless Representations:
- 6 of these have not yet been assessed.
- of the remaining 213, 86% (184 households) were determined to be homeless in accordance with the regulations.
- and 14% were classed as not homeless
Of the 219 there were 184 households which the Local Authority has a duty to assist and provide accommodation for some on a temporary basis and for others as permanent secure outcome:
- 82% (150) were unintentionally homeless
- 4% (8) were classed as intentionally homeless
- 14% (26) were not in priority need.
However, the Council may help these households on a temporary basis but would not provide long term secure accommodation.
Tina confirmed that she was unable to breakdown Seaboard (letting area) by community and to do so may compromise the identity of applicants which would be inappropriate. However, analysis was completed of the people who selected Seaboard as an area of choice and the following information is available:
- 57% are currently registered at an address in these areas of choice
- 20% currently reside in Easter Ross (including Ward 7)
- 12% live in the Highlands
- 11% are outwith the Highland area
In relation to Void Performance – Tina identified this as an area that requires improvement and focussed resources. To provide more meaningful data the information used is based on properties that have been empty and have come back into occupation over the period between
1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. There have been 44 in total and these have been in the following areas:
18 in Balintore
4 in Fearn
0 in Inver
4 in Milton
0 in Nigg
0 in Portmahomack
18 in Tain
Since the implementation of the re-organisation the local Easter Ross team have been responsible for allocations since July 2007, Tina confirmed that since this time 93% of the allocations made in Ward 8 were to households that met the local connection criteria and re-enforced the point that homeless households are applicants who live within our communities.
Current demand statistics for these areas i.e. the number of applicants on the Waiting List and transfer list for the above areas is as follows:
48 in Balintore
34 in Milton
36 in Seaboard
114 in Tain (Jubilee Drive)
127 in Tain (Mansfield)
152 in Tain Other
Tina explained that a Common Housing Register had been developed with other Social Housing Providers in the Highlands which means that only one application needs to be completed to be considered for housing in the Highland Council area. A new database has been developed which operates on a points based system. The Highland Housing Register will provide more choice to applicants in addition to providing an accurate estimate of housing need which will inform future housing development investment priorities. This will mean that the system will be more equitable to meet the need in communities. Tina encouraged anyone with a housing need to complete an application.
Helen Cameron from Albyn Housing Society explained that Albyn work in partnership with the Highland Council and all programmes are agreed to meet the strategic need for the respective communities. In relation to Development the following have been approved:
2007/2008 46 Approved Units 35 for rent and 11 for Low Cost Home Ownership 9 of these units must be deemed suitable for older people
2008/2009 46 Units Planned – 7 Units in Fearn, 9 in Portmahomack and 30 Scotsburn Road, Tain
When building properties 25% must be designated as suitable for older people e.g single storey or ground floor flats.
There has been a cut in the funding available for housing development for the current financial year. The developments in Fearn and Portmahomack are planned to finish at the end of the year with Scotsburn Road to complete in May/June 2009. The allocation of the properties will normally take place eight weeks prior to the completion date – for Portmahomack this would be October 2008.
In relation to the allocation of the properties currently being built Tina explained that options are being considered which may see a percentage of allocations being made to people on the Waiting List being a mixture of applicants with and without homeless points plus a percentage to people on the transfer list to reflect a mixture and balance to reflect the community.
Helen talked about alternatives to renting options including; The Low Cost Home Ownership form asks for reasons for wanting to live in the properties in the area applied for. Helen explained that Homestake allows a person to buy a 60-80% share of a property with the remaining share (the Golden (Equity) Share) being held by Albyn Housing Society. The ability to secure a mortgage may affect a persons ability to buy.
There is currently a pilot scheme being operated by the Scottish Government which allows people to buy a property on the open market by maximising their mortgage. The Government would hold the equity share. The house prices that the Government will match were considered to be very low compared to the actual price of properties in the Highlands. The pilot will be monitored by the Scottish Government and the expectation is that the price thresholds will be changed if applicants are unable to buy at the current level
Helen went on to talk about the Local Lettings Initiative previously operated by Albyn Housing Society confirming that historically Albyn has an open Waiting List which did not require a local connection to the area to be considered for a vacant property. Albyn therefore developed a Local Letting Initiative (LLI). However, the LLI could be open to legal challenge. Albyn no longer operate a LLI as Local Connection is now contained within the Allocation Policy for the Highland Housing Register.
During discussion it was highlighted that a letter sent to Tain Community Council from a Scottish Minister advises that there is flexibility within the Act. It was explained that interpretation of this may suggest a greater level of flexibility that really exists when considered in the context of the competing statutory duties which allocation policies also must meet and which do not permit the exclusion of applicants under the equal opportunities legislation.
4. Community Safety
Inspector Neil MacKinnon attended the forum and advised that the transition for Tain and Seaboard Villages to transfer to the Sutherland Area Command took effect from 1 April 2008 and has gone with no real problems. Inspector MacKinnon confirmed that there will be challenges given the geographical area and that he had worked in Tain and was surprised at the land mass he had inherited. Inspector MacKinnon confirmed that the general public should not notice any difference following the change.
Inspector MacKinnon advised that there were no significant events causing problems and that he was aware of recent incidents in the area.
In his presentation Inspector MacKinnon highlighted that disorder and anti-social behaviour affects communities and that Officers will follow up any issues that are raised. The community should have confidence in the police and be able to approach the police and report anything that causes them concern.
The Officers based in Tain are to identify key events that are happening in Tain and Easter Ross so that cover for these events can be planned.
Attendance by police at Community Council meeting was raised by the Forum – Inspection MacKinnon responded that there is now a potential of in excess of 18 Ward Forums which Inspector MacKinnon will be endeavour to attend. This means that the police presence will mainly be at the Ward Forum which is attended by representatives from the Community Councils in the Ward. However, if there is an issue causing concern within a community the police will attend a Community Council meeting or respond to correspondence relating to the matter. Inspector MacKinnon confirmed that an officer would attend Tain Community Council on Monday 28 April.
A question was raised as to who Community Councils should contact – Inspector MacKinnon confirmed that nothing has changed and that the initial point of contact will be Tain Police Station who will continue to provide the service that was provided previously. Milton and Kildary is covered by the station in Alness. The Parish Boundary defines the current police Area Command Boundaries.
Inspector MacKinnon confirmed 2 new posts have been created in Sutherland – 1 in Lairg and 1 in Bettyhill.
Inspector MacKinnon confirmed that custodies can go to Thurso or Wick dependant on capacity and if there is no accommodation available closer i.e. Inverness. Concerns were expressed about that two officers time would be taken up transporting Thurso. Inspector MacKinnon explained that in general there would be a meeting at a half way point.
In relation to CCTV operation in Tain Inspector MacKinnon confirmed that Remploy Managed Services Ltd.
The Anti Social Behaviour Partnership Group (ASBPG) which meets regularly to discuss specific issues, addresses or people who may be causing concern and agree an approach for action, was mentioned. The Housing and Property Service are the lead organisation for the ASBPG which meets with partner agencies and determines a plan of action to be implemented which address areas of concern. The ASBPG covers concerns raised from all tenures i.e. social rented, private rented, owner occupied etc.
Bill Scott, Fire Manager at Dornoch advised the forum that the Fire and Rescue Service based in Dornoch covers an area from Nigg to Helmsdale.
In relation to Fire Safety Station Manager Scott confirmed that the Service employs Community Safety Advocates who currently look to target vulnerable people by completing a free Home Safety. This service is currently targeted at elderly people, or households with young children etc. Local Officers will come out and give advise. The normal practice is that two officers will attend each property.
Various leaflets are available for Fire Safety and a recent initiative for the Dornoch Station has been to carry out inspections of caravans and offer advice.
Station Manager Scott confirmed that a Fire Safety Guidance Booklet is sent to all registered premises which provide a “sleeping risk” i.e., hotels, B&B’s etc.
The Fire Services remit will also include targeting other events throughout the year e.g. fireworks.
The Dornoch Station provides operational cover as well as all other aspects relating to the Fire Service.
Cllr Durham who is the Chairperson of Highland and Islands Fireboard highlighted the commitment of the Fire Service in the Highlands and the retained fire fighters who live in and serve the community.
The target for the Fire and Rescue Service is to drive down fire deaths through increased awareness.
5. Members Feedback from HQ Committees
Appendix 2 contains details of reports, relating to the Ward, that went before the Highland Council Strategic Committees since the last Ward Forum.
6. Tain and Easter Ross Resurfacing and Surface Dressing Programme 2008/2009
TEC Services have provided details of the Resurfacing and Surface Dressing Programme for 2008/2009 – details of the programme are contained in appendix 3 (PDF 257 Kb).
7. Ward Discretionary Budget
The Ward Discretionary Budget allocation for 2008/09 is estimated to be £59,696. The current spend, including commitments, for Ward 8 is in the region of £29,696 which means there is a balance of £30,000 available. Receipts will be required for allocations of funding from last years budget and a letter will be sent shortly requesting this information.
8. Date, Location and Topic of Next Ward Forum
The next Ward Forum will be on Thursday 29 May 2008 at 7.30pm at Nigg Village Hall, Nigg. Squadron Leader John Gilbert will attend to give a presentation on the need for low flying training by the RAF.
It was agreed that a Review of the Ward Forum be completed on 10 July 2008 when the programme and dates for future meetings will be agreed.
9. AOCB
Ward Forum Evaluation – questionnaires were available for Members of Public to take away andcomplete. Ward Forum Members were reminded to complete and return the questionnaires so that their views could be considered in the Review.
Information was available to the Forum in relation to Affordable Housing Development Plan Policy Guideline Consultation Draft
Information was available to the Forum in relation to Development Plan Scheme
The Forum were provided with details of a Planned Road Closure U1428 Balmuchy – Balnagall Road (in the Tain – Hilton Area) will come into force at 0800hrs on Monday 26 May 2008 and shall remain until 1800hrs on Monday 9 June 2008
Information relating to BT Payphones Consultation was discussed which advised that BT are proposing to remove 194 payphones in Highland and must consult on the removal of these. In Ward 8 the proposal is to remove 1 box at Rockfield, Tain
Information had been received to remind Community Councils that the newly-revised Calor Village of the Year Awards are now in action again. The closing date for applications is 31 May 2008. Further information can be viewed at the Awards website – http://www.calorvillageoftheyear.org/scotland
9. Questions and Action Points
There were no questions submitted in advance of the Ward Forum Meeting.
The following action points and questions were raised by the Forum and Members of the Public
- Clarification with a map providing details of the area covered by the Sutherland Area Command of Northern Constabulary is required for the next forum
- Investigations are to be made as to whether a Local Letting Initiative can be adopted by the Highland Council
- A quicker turn around of vacant properties for rent within the council is requested with performance information being provided to future Forums
- When considering the allocation of properties in Portmahomack can quotas be agreed beforehand and can these be reported to a future Ward Forum.
- Can the Housing statistical information for Portmahomack be available for the next Forum.