20 February 2002 (Review)

HOUSING REVIEW PANEL

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 20 February 2002 at 9.30am

PRESENT

Mr George Lonie (Chairman)

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

APOLOGIES

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Angus Nicolson

MINUTES

Housing Review Panel

9

The Minute of Meeting of 23 January 2002 was approved.

PRIVATE HOUSING

It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following three items on the grounds that exempt information relating to any particular applicant for, or recipient or former recipient of, any financial assistance provided by the Comhairle, would be disclosed.

Appeal against decision not to pay grant

H10.01.03

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Mrs AB against a decision not to pay grant. The Report gave background information and detailed the reasons for the works at "Overbye", 8 Geocrab, Isle of Harris, not being completed.

It was further stated in the Report that the applicant had given an assurance that the work would be completed within the next six months.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to:

(1) grant a further period of six months from the previous expiry date for the completion of the abovementioned works; and

(2) pay grant in respect of works at "Overbye", 8 Geocrab, Isle of Harris if the works were completed to his satisfaction.

Appeal against decision not to pay grant

H10.01.03

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Mr AB against a decision not to pay grant. The Report gave background information and detailed the reasons for the works at 40B Breasclete, Isle of Lewis, not being completed.

It was further stated in the Report that the applicant had given an assurance that the work would be completed within the next six months.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to:

(1) grant a further period of six months from the previous expiry date for the completion of the abovementioned works; and

(2) pay grant in respect of works at 40B Breasclete, Isle of Lewis if the works were completed to his satisfaction.

Appeal against decision not to pay grant

H10.01.03

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Mr AB against a decision not to pay grant. The Report gave background information and detailed the reasons for the works at "Ulva House", Direacleit, Isle of Harris, not being completed.

It was further stated in the Report that the applicant had given an assurance that the works would be completed within the next six months.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to:

(1) grant a further period of six months from the previous expiry date for the completion of the abovementioned works; and

(2) pay grant in respect of works at "Ulva House", Direacleit, Isle of Harris if the works were completed to his satisfaction.

MANAGEMENT

It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following eight items on the grounds that exempt information relating to any particular occupier or former occupier of, or applicant for accommodation, provided by or at the expense of the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Update of information: Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.02

13

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information in relation to the serious rent arrears cases which had been determined previously by the Housing Sub-Committee and the Housing Review Panel.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Former Tenant Rent Arrears :Write-Off

HO5.01.02

14

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report inviting the Panel to determine if a specific former tenant rent arrear, associated with the former tenancy invoice number B13558 should be written-off against the Housing Revenue Account provision for bad and doubtful debt. The Report gave background information in relation to the proposed write off.

It was agreed that £1,592.20 associated with the former tenancy invoice number B13558 be written-off against the bad debt provision for former tenant rent arrears.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.02

15

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0503950097. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing; and

(3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0503950097, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

It was agreed:

(1) to accept Miss AB and Mr AB's, tenancy reference number: 0503950097, offer to repay £100.00 per week, inclusive of the current weekly rent for the property; and

(2) that if the above repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no 0503950097.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.02

16

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0510812883. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing, and;

(3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0510812883, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

Mrs AB, tenancy reference number 0510812883, and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting.

Mrs AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited to present their cases.

Both parties and Members of the Panel were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of the case, Mrs AB and the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the Meeting during consideration of the matter.

It was agreed:

(1) that the Director of Housing would facilitate a meeting with Citizens Advice Bureau, a member of staff from the Housing Department and Mrs AB, tenancy reference number 0510812883, to discuss and complete any relevant welfare benefit application forms;

(2) that the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to negotiate a repayment agreement of Mrs AB's outstanding rent arrears; and

(3) to refer the above case of serious rent arrears to the next Housing Review Panel meeting which was to be held at the end of March 2002.

Mrs AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting and informed of the Panel's decision.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.02

17

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0154802086. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing; and

(3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0154802086, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

Mr AB, tenancy reference number 0154802086, and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting.

Mr AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited to present their case.

Both parties and Members of the Panel were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of the cases, Mr AB and the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the Meeting during consideration of the matter.

It was agreed:

(1) to accept Mr AB's, tenancy reference number 0154802086, offer to repay £25.00 per week, in addition to the current weekly rent for the property; and

(2) that if the above repayment agreement determined was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no 0154802086.

Mr AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting and informed of the Panel's decision.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.02

18

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0510802659. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing; and

(3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0510802659, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

The Assistant Director of Housing reported that Ms AB had written to the Director of Housing outlining her serious medical condition.

It was agreed:

(1) to accept Ms AB's, tenancy reference number 0510802659, offer to repay £270.00 per month, inclusive of the current monthly rent for the property, and;

(2) that if the repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference number 0510802659.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.02

19

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 05108015A3. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing, and;

(3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 05108015A3, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

It was agreed:

(1) to accept Miss AB and Mr AB's, tenancy reference number: 05108015A3 offer to repay £25.00 per week inclusive of the current weekly rent for the property; and

(2) that if the above repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no 05108015A3.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.02

20

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0153504521. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing, and;

(3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0153504521, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

Mr AB, tenancy reference number 0153504521, accompanied by a representative from the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting.

Mr AB, the representative of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited to present their cases.

Both parties and Members of the Panel were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of the cases, Mr AB, the representative of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the Meeting during consideration of the matter.

It was agreed:

(1) to accept Mr AB's, tenancy reference no: 0153504521, offer to repay £10.00 per fortnight in addition to the current fortnightly rent for the property;

(2) that if the above repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no: 0153504521.

Mr AB, the representative of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting and informed of the Panel's decision.

PRESENT	Mr George Lonie (Chairman)
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Murdo Macleod
	Mr Norman M Macleod	Mr David Blaney

APOLOGIES	Mr Norman L Macdonald
	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Angus Nicolson

		MINUTES
Housing Review Panel	9	The Minute of Meeting of 23 January 2002 was approved.
		PRIVATE HOUSING
		It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following three items on the grounds that exempt information relating to any particular applicant for, or recipient or former recipient of, any financial assistance provided by the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Appeal against decision not to pay grant H10.01.03	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Mrs AB against a decision not to pay grant. The Report gave background information and detailed the reasons for the works at "Overbye", 8 Geocrab, Isle of Harris, not being completed. It was further stated in the Report that the applicant had given an assurance that the work would be completed within the next six months. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to: (1) grant a further period of six months from the previous expiry date for the completion of the abovementioned works; and (2) pay grant in respect of works at "Overbye", 8 Geocrab, Isle of Harris if the works were completed to his satisfaction.
Appeal against decision not to pay grant H10.01.03	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Mr AB against a decision not to pay grant. The Report gave background information and detailed the reasons for the works at 40B Breasclete, Isle of Lewis, not being completed. It was further stated in the Report that the applicant had given an assurance that the work would be completed within the next six months. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to: (1) grant a further period of six months from the previous expiry date for the completion of the abovementioned works; and (2) pay grant in respect of works at 40B Breasclete, Isle of Lewis if the works were completed to his satisfaction.
Appeal against decision not to pay grant H10.01.03	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Mr AB against a decision not to pay grant. The Report gave background information and detailed the reasons for the works at "Ulva House", Direacleit, Isle of Harris, not being completed. It was further stated in the Report that the applicant had given an assurance that the works would be completed within the next six months. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to: (1) grant a further period of six months from the previous expiry date for the completion of the abovementioned works; and (2) pay grant in respect of works at "Ulva House", Direacleit, Isle of Harris if the works were completed to his satisfaction.
		MANAGEMENT
		It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following eight items on the grounds that exempt information relating to any particular occupier or former occupier of, or applicant for accommodation, provided by or at the expense of the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Update of information: Serious Rent Arrears H05.01.02	13	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information in relation to the serious rent arrears cases which had been determined previously by the Housing Sub-Committee and the Housing Review Panel. It was agreed to note the Report.
Former Tenant Rent Arrears :Write-Off HO5.01.02	14	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report inviting the Panel to determine if a specific former tenant rent arrear, associated with the former tenancy invoice number B13558 should be written-off against the Housing Revenue Account provision for bad and doubtful debt. The Report gave background information in relation to the proposed write off. It was agreed that £1,592.20 associated with the former tenancy invoice number B13558 be written-off against the bad debt provision for former tenant rent arrears.
Serious Rent Arrears H05.01.02	15	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0503950097. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;
		(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing; and (3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0503950097, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.
		It was agreed: (1) to accept Miss AB and Mr AB's, tenancy reference number: 0503950097, offer to repay £100.00 per week, inclusive of the current weekly rent for the property; and (2) that if the above repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no 0503950097.
Serious Rent Arrears H05.01.02	16	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0510812883. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;
		(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing, and; (3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0510812883, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.
		Mrs AB, tenancy reference number 0510812883, and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting. Mrs AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited to present their cases. Both parties and Members of the Panel were given the opportunity to ask questions. Following presentation of the case, Mrs AB and the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
		It was agreed: (1) that the Director of Housing would facilitate a meeting with Citizens Advice Bureau, a member of staff from the Housing Department and Mrs AB, tenancy reference number 0510812883, to discuss and complete any relevant welfare benefit application forms; (2) that the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to negotiate a repayment agreement of Mrs AB's outstanding rent arrears; and (3) to refer the above case of serious rent arrears to the next Housing Review Panel meeting which was to be held at the end of March 2002.
		Mrs AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting and informed of the Panel's decision.
Serious Rent Arrears H05.01.02	17	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0154802086. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;
		(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing; and (3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0154802086, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.
		Mr AB, tenancy reference number 0154802086, and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting. Mr AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited to present their case. Both parties and Members of the Panel were given the opportunity to ask questions. Following presentation of the cases, Mr AB and the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
		It was agreed: (1) to accept Mr AB's, tenancy reference number 0154802086, offer to repay £25.00 per week, in addition to the current weekly rent for the property; and (2) that if the above repayment agreement determined was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no 0154802086.
		Mr AB and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting and informed of the Panel's decision.
Serious Rent Arrears H05.01.02	18	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0510802659. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;
		(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing; and (3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0510802659, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.
		The Assistant Director of Housing reported that Ms AB had written to the Director of Housing outlining her serious medical condition.
		It was agreed: (1) to accept Ms AB's, tenancy reference number 0510802659, offer to repay £270.00 per month, inclusive of the current monthly rent for the property, and; (2) that if the repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference number 0510802659.
Serious Rent Arrears H05.01.02	19	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 05108015A3. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;
		(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing, and; (3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 05108015A3, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.
		It was agreed: (1) to accept Miss AB and Mr AB's, tenancy reference number: 05108015A3 offer to repay £25.00 per week inclusive of the current weekly rent for the property; and (2) that if the above repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no 05108015A3.
Serious Rent Arrears H05.01.02	20	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0153504521. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Housing Review Panel determine the case;
		(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Housing Review Panel, the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, if the arrangements relating to the repayment were not discharged to the satisfaction of the Director of Housing, and; (3) if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy reference number 0153504521, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.
		Mr AB, tenancy reference number 0153504521, accompanied by a representative from the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting. Mr AB, the representative of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited to present their cases. Both parties and Members of the Panel were given the opportunity to ask questions. Following presentation of the cases, Mr AB, the representative of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
		It was agreed: (1) to accept Mr AB's, tenancy reference no: 0153504521, offer to repay £10.00 per fortnight in addition to the current fortnightly rent for the property; (2) that if the above repayment agreement was not sustained to the Director of Housing's satisfaction, it be delegated to the Director of Housing to seek, obtain and implement a Decree of Ejection, in respect of tenancy reference no: 0153504521.
		Mr AB, the representative of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Assistant Director of Housing were invited into the Meeting and informed of the Panel's decision.