Action Notes - Ward Forum - Dingwall and Seaforth (Ward 9)

Meeting held on 8 October 2008

Present: Councillors, Margaret Paterson (Chair), Angela MacLean, Peter Cairns; Dingwall Community Council, Nigel Greenwood; Muir of Ord Community Council, Tom Davis; Conon Bridge Community Council, Alister MacKinnon; Maryburgh Community Council, Angus Christie; Ferintosh Community Council, Colin Craig; Northern Constabulary, Inspector Matthew Reiss; Highland Council, Tracey Urry, Housing & Property Manager Ross, Skye & Lochaber, Stephen Callan, Assistant Area Housing Manager, Liz Cowie, Ward Manager. There were five members of the public present.

Apologies: Councillor David Chisholm.

Cllr. Paterson began the Forum by giving an outline of how the meeting would run. Introductions were then made.

Good News Items

Another successful Blue Light Disco was held in Strathpeffer on the 26th September. There were 350 teenagers in attendance. The event went without a hitch. Next event in Strathpeffer on the 21st of November.
Conon Tae Kwondo Awards. A letter of thanks had been received from Norman Downie. Four club members had achieved their black belt grading and Norman Downie, the Instructor, had passed his 4th Dan Master Grade. Support in hosting the event was received from the Ward Discretionary Budget and from local Community Councils.
Freedom of Ross and Cromarty – Hamish Menzies. This was last given in 1996 so it had been 12 years since the last ceremony. The award is very prestigious and had been warmly welcomed by the local community.
Highland Council Quality Awards. All Community Councils should have had information direct from Highland Council. Cllr. Paterson highlighted the category for Community Council nominations.
Dingwall and District Environment Group. Good works already visible around the town including a major clean up of the canal area and the repairing of the fishing platform.

Listed below is the action required as a result of the discussion and decisions taken by the Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Forum at the meeting held on 8th October 2008.

Item 4 – Action Note from Last Meeting. The Ward Forum Action Notes were approved. LC then updated on the actions from the last meeting:

LEADER. LC gave a progress report on the development plan. Several members of the Forum raised their concerns over the questionnaire issued by the consultant. LC undertook to feedback concerns and advised that these could be discussed at the forthcoming Dingwall and Seaforth Development Partnership Meeting.
Muir of Ord Railway Bridge. LC advised that TEC Services were pushing for the draft report from Halcrow. There had been issues getting information from Network Rail (and on gas pipelines) which had caused the delay to date. Tom Davis, Chair, Muir of Ord Community Council, expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the lack of progress and stated it was unacceptable. He felt that TEC Services should be keeping the community informed particularly if there were delays. LC to feed this back to TEC Services and to seek an urgent update.
Previous Ward Forum - Education. Alister MacKinnon, Chair, Conon Bridge Community Council, stated that there was still a great deal of concern over the schools issue. After the last Ward Forum where progress seemed to have been made and people had left felling fairly upbeat, things seemed to be grinding to a halt again. In particular, communication was a key aspect that had not improved since the previous Ward Forum where many issues had been addressed and reassurances given. Both the Director and the Area Education Manager had taken the communication issues fully on board at the last meeting and had given their assurances that this would improve. Both of the Chairs were therefore extremely disappointed to report that little had improved. Cllr. Paterson stated that she was aware of both communities concerns and had spoken to the Director of ECS prior to coming to the Forum. He had advised that the Options Appraisal was moving forward and would be brought to the communities. Cllr. Paterson stated that she would make the Director aware of both communities concerns, particularly with regard to the communication issue.

Item 5 – Community Safety. Inspector Reiss gave an overview of Policing issues in the Ward.

The new Traffic Warden had started on 6th October and was working this week in Inverness receiving induction and training. He will be directed in the first instance to the High St to police the Traffic Order (TO). Two Traffic Officers had been on duty when the Order came into force and had found that within half an hour the situation was just as bad. Vans were given as an example in terms of poor driving and observance of the TO. It was clarified that after a period of grace, tickets will be getting issued. The Traffic Warden will be covering other areas of Ross but will be based in Dingwall.
Staffing levels. In response to a question, Insp. Reiss advised that percentage wise, Highland had the lowest officer rate in the country however there are new officers coming on stream. There is a high level of probationers in Inverness. Forum members raised concerns over this in terms of effective policing and felt that reassurances were needed. Insp. Reiss responded that there was no need for concern as all officers were well supported.
Thefts. There had been a left of diesel (200 litres) in Conon on Friday 3rd October. Central heating oil was also being stolen regularly. Any information on local crime could be relayed to ‘Crimestoppers’. There had also been a focus on drug drivers. There had been a few detected but not big in numbers. This would be monitored. Much more of an issue was drink driving.
Alister McKinnon, Conon Bridge Community Council, raised local concerns over Wind Farm traffic going through School Road in Conon. Insp. Reiss reported that the Police would be very involved in terms of road traffic liaison and traffic management. Concerns were also raised by Tom Davis, Muir of Ord, over the distillery bends. Statistics had been requested and TD stated that the local view was that improvements to the bends should be brought into ‘package one’. Statistics would be very important for the scheduling issue. The view is that big loads will not get through Muir of Ord so the Community Council want this addressed now. Insp. Reiss advised that statistics had been requested from Police HQ. A letter confirming this should be received by TD. Colin Craig, Ferintosh Community Council, raised the issue of travel times for loads being dictated by the Police. The answer to this was ‘yes’.
Economic downturn. Insp. Reiss advised that in times of recession crime can increase correspondingly and that this would have to be monitored. The example was given of the problem of increased numbers of older cars on the road as people cannot afford to replace vehicles. Older cars can be less well maintained (or not maintained at all) and therefore present more of a risk in driving terms.
Young People. Youth issues are perceived as a problem, particularly the aspect of large groups of young people congregating in each of the communities across the Ward. With regard to the under sixteen age group, once 8 years old they can be deemed ‘criminally responsible’ and can technically be charged with the resultant crime report going to the Children’s Panel. The Reporter to the Children’s Panel would then be involved. There are a range of measures being taken to engage young people locally from Street Work projects to the Blue Light Disco’s. However this does not detract from the fact that young people like to meet up, albeit very innocently, but this can be perceived as threatening. Insp. Reiss acknowledged that this can be one of the most difficult areas of Policing to deal with and that often alcohol was a mitigating factor.
Cllr. Paterson asked if there had been report locally of an incident involving young people at MacDonald Road in Dingwall. Action Point. Insp. Reiss to check and report back. The recent incident at Conon Bridge was also mentioned.
Tom Davis, Muir of Ord Community Council, stated that he had seen an escalation in behavioural issues with the children getting younger. Groups as large as 20-30 in size would congregate and this could be very intimidating for people. There seemed to be a lackl of parental control and accountability and that although children seemed to be very aware of their rights, they were not prepared to take responsibility for their actions. TD was really just highlighting how the issue has changed and how difficult it is now to address from the community perspective.
Question from the floor. Referring back to the TO. There is confusion over the signage – and clarification is needed on what is meant by ‘access’. The idea was put forward of a leaflet outlining the key points of the TO. Action Point. LC to speak to TEC’s re this.
Point from the floor regarding the Wind Farm development and abnormal loads. Is it possible to ensure that hauliers’ movement plans are put in place and that the risk aspect is addressed? Also, does this come under Planning stipulations? Action Point. LC to seek guidance on these issues and to report back.

Item 6 – Strategic Priorities. LC gave an update on progress with the Strategic Priorities and outlined that the folder updates would include:
- A control document advising what to be replaced and what to remove.
- Highland Council’s Capital Programme
- Documents relating to the new care home at Muir of Ord.
- The new Programme of The Highland Council 2009-2011
- The Local Transport Strategy Reports.

Item 7 – Ward Discretionary Budget. LC distributed a spreadsheet showing Discretionary Budget to date for this financial year. Position noted.

Item 8 – Consultations. No consultations to report.

Item 9 – Main Topic – Housing and Allocations. Cllr. Paterson asked Tracey Urry (TU) to address the Forum and to pick up the issues highlighted in advance. Given the time constraints, TU asked if it would be acceptable if a broad overview was given picking up the points raised - and that questions be asked throughout. This was agreed.

Allocations. An overview and outline of the allocations policy was given and statistics relating to the Ward detailed. In essence there is real pressure on all of the social housing providers and in general terms one vacancy could be let 16 times over. The Highland Housing Register was explained and the fact that Councillors are legally prevented from getting involved in housing allocations clarified. The process is very much down to officers and they have to realise the best use of stock. Question from Cllr. MacLean. How many houses are being bought and how many mutual exchanges take place? TU responded that ‘pressured area status’ has caused a drop in ‘Right to Buy’s’ so there has been a slowing down in that area. With regard to mutual exchanges, if it is a secure tenancy, tenants can apply to swap but they have to ask permission. They can be refused if the accommodation is not suitable, if they are in arrears, in breach of tenancy or if seriously under occupied or overcrowded. Question from Nigel Greenwood, Dingwall Community Council. Are the figures purely for HC or do they include the Housing Associations? TU confirmed that figures provided are for HC. TU also clarified that financial restrictions prevent council houses being built. Housing Associations can apply for government grants and for mortgages to facilitate house build that local authorities cannot access. However Housing does work with partners to agree priorities and to assess local housing need as a result of having the Highland Housing Register. Essentially, people with the greatest need are high on the priority list. Question from Nigel Greenwood, Dingwall Community Council. Can people in bigger houses that no longer need the space be encouraged to move to a smaller house to free up larger homes? TU responded that tenants have ‘secure tenancies’ that ensure that they have a ‘home for life’. TU does receive calls and complaints from elderly and single people who are being hassled to give up their homes. At the moment there are no incentives to offer to anyone to move - such as help with removal costs. Some tenants would move, but simply cannot afford to. There is a real need for a policy to be considered by HC to assist people in this position. There is also the aspect of ‘boomerang’ children who keep leaving home and then coming back. This can make it difficult for a tenant who might wish to move but cannot as they feel they have to keep accommodation available for their family.

Homelessness and Allocations. Homeless applicants will get high priority as HC has to comply with the Homelessness Law. It is not discretionary and the Local Authority has a duty to provide accommodation. The legal responsibility lies with the Council and not with the Housing Associations, however HC can ask for help and apply pressure. Private accommodation is being leased and HC are having to convert void properties to homeless accommodation to meet the demand. Question from Cllr. Cairns. Is there any sign of the credit crunch biting yet in terms of Housing? TU responded that HC are not seeing a real impact of repossessions yet. Observation from Colin Craig, Ferintosh Community Council. Sitting on the Housing Forum, a slowdown in new affordable development is now being seen and in fact in some areas this has almost stopped. The consequences of not getting affordable housing is increasing pressure on the Authority and on the Housing Associations. Alan Maguire, Head of Housing Development and Estates, is proposing to hold a ‘Housing Summit’ to look at bringing Developers, Mortgage Companies, Banks, Housing Associations and other interested parties together to look at what can be done in the current economic climate. Cllr. Paterson raised the aspect of ‘buying back’ houses to provide low cost or council housing. TU responded that HC and HA’s have been approached but that they basically cannot afford to buy at the prices being offered. The development at Sellar Place in Conon Bridge was referred to in terms of local development. This was being brought forward. Question from Angus Christie, Maryburgh Community Council. Who are the main local Housing Associations? TU advised that in Ward terms it is Albyn Housing and Cairn Housing. Questions from Tom Davis, Muir of Ord Community Council. Will ‘buy to lets’ lie empty if people can’t raise mortgages and will people who try to ‘play the system be caught’? TU responded that on ‘buy to let’ properties – essentially ‘yes’. But there would have to be lobbying to have such properties converted to lets and that would take time and further funding. On the issue of people trying to manipulate the allocations system - in the main, yes, people are usually caught out.
Handy Person Scheme. TU outlined the benefits of the scheme. Action Point. LC to get copies of the leaflets and distribute out to the Community Councils. It was clarified that this was a free service if eligible. Feedback was give by Tom Gray, member of the community from Maryburgh, who had used the service. He felt that the service was 5 star but was under pressure due to cutbacks. When calling recently to make a repair request he was advised that it could take some considerable time. TU offered to look into this and report back.

Tenant Participation Officer. TU advised that Kate MacLennan had been appointed to the post. LC advised that all the Ward Tenants Associations had been invited to the meeting. Tulloch Woods Tenants Association was the only one present.

TU then advised that by 2012 there would be an obligation to house all homeless applicants permanently. This would require a huge investment in affordable housing and at the moment this was not looking achievable in the highlands. The question was asked if there was anything to stop HC taking on houses on a lease basis. TU responded that this had been looked into and that the answer from developers had been ‘no’. There is a problem with restrictions on housing benefit as this is paid out by HC and then funded back by central government. HC budgets are used in the first instance and then monies are claimed back. There is also the aspect of the level of rent being asked for in a leasing situation. There is a difference between HC properties and private letting in terms of benefit and what could be claimed back.
The discussion was then brought to a close with Cllr. Paterson thanking Tracey Urray and Stephen Callan for attending the meeting and for their informative contribution.

Item 8 – AOB/Public Questions. It was agreed that the topic for the next Ward Forum would be Transport with consultation on the Local Transport Strategy. The next Ward Forum will be held in Dingwall in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 19th November at 7.00 pm.