Previous PageNext Page

PRESENT

Mr George Lonie (Chairman)

 
 

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald I Nicholson

 

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr Norman M Macleod

 

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr David Blaney

 

Mr Angus Campbell

 
     

APOLOGIES

Mr Norman L Macdonald

 

Housing Sub-Committee

H13.01.02

1

MINUTES

The Minute of Meeting of 13 December 2000, was approved.

Grant Application

H10.01.03

2

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 seven 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.

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a repairs grant in respect of works at Greenacres, Knock Aird, Ness, Isle of Lewis, from Mr Angus Morrison, who was the brother-in-law of Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, Member for the Port of Ness Ward. The Report indicated that the proposed works at Greenacrres, Knock Aird, Ness, Isle of Lewis, were eligible for grant.

   

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve Mr Angus Morrison's application, for a repairs grant, in respect of the property at Greenacres, Knock Aird, Ness, Isle of Lewis.

   

Mr Andrew White left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Grant Application

H10.01.03

3

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for an improvement grant in respect of works at 7 Melbost, Borve, Isle of Lewis, from Mr Andrew White, Senior Grants Officer, in the Department of Environmental Services. The Report indicated that the proposed works at 7 Melbost, Borve, Isle of Lewis, were eligible for grant.

   

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve Mr Andrew White's application, for an improvement grant, in respect of the property at 7 Melbost, Borve, Isle of Lewis.

Grant Application

H10.01.03

4

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for an improvement grant in respect of works at 22 Melbost, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, from Mr John Macleod, who was the son of Mr Alex J Macleod, Assistant Director (Development), Department of Environmental Services. The Report indicated that the proposed works at 22 Melbost, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, were eligible for grant.

   

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve Mr John Macleod's application, for an improvement grant, in respect of the property at 22 Melbost, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

Grant Application

H10.01.03

5

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a disabled grant in respect of works at 6 Maclean Terrace, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, from Western Isles Care and Repair, on behalf of Mrs Murdina Fairclough, who was the sister-in-law of Mr Malcolm J Graham, Member for the Coll Ward. The Report indicated that the proposed works at 6 Maclean Terrace, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, were eligible for grant.

   

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve the application from Western Isles Care and Repair, on behalf of Mrs Murdina Fairclough, for a disabled grant, in respect of the property at 6 Maclean Terrace, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

   

Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

Grant Application

H10.01.03

6

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a repairs grant in respect of works at 8 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, from Mr Alexander Campbell, who was the father of Mr Angus Campbell, Member for the Newton Ward. The Report indicated that the proposed works at 8 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, were eligible for grant.

   

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve Mr Alexander Campbell's application for a repairs grant, in respect of the property at 8 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

Appeal Against Decision not to Pay Grant

7

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Miss CM, against the decision not to pay grant. The Report gave background information and detailed the reasons for the works at 2 Bulnacraig Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, not being completed.

   

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to:

(1) grant a further period of six months for the completion of the works at 2 Bulnacraig Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; and

(2) pay grant in respect of the work at 2 Bulnacraig Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, if the works were completed to his satisfaction.

Appeal Against Level of Grant Awarded

8

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Mrs RS for grant to be awarded at the extreme financial hardship level. The Report gave background information in relation to the application and detailed the discretion available to the Sub-Committee. It was recommended to authorise the Acting Director of Environmental Services to make a submission to the First Minister for the prescribed amount to be exceeded. The Report gave information on Mrs RS's property and stated that, without improvement works proceeding, the property referred to in the Report would be deemed to fall below the tolerable standard.

The representative of the Acting Director of Environmental Services and Mrs Morag Munro, Member for the Harris West Ward, representing Mrs RS, were invited into the meeting to present their cases. Both parties and Members of the Sub-Committee were given an opportunity to ask questions. Following presentation of the cases, the representative of the Acting Director of Environmental Services and Mrs Morag Munro withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the matter.

   

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve the application by Mrs RS, in respect of works at 24 Northon, Isle of Harris, on the basis of extreme financial hardship, subject to the approval of the First Minister and on the basis that Mrs RS had submitted written evidence confirming her financial position.

The representative of the Acting Director of Environmental Services and Mrs Morag Munro were invited into the meeting and informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

   

MANAGEMENT

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 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

9

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

The Assistant Director further reported on the impact on the Housing/Council Tax and Benefits computer system of industrial action taken by UNISON and stated that further Reports on the Housing/Council Tax and Benefits situation, would be submitted to the Sub-Committee.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the Report; and

(2) request the Assistant Director of Housing to submit a Report, as soon as possible after April 2001, in respect of housing tenancy reference number 0602020090, on the basis that the Report would also consider the Housing Benefit anomoly associated with this case.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.04

10

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 08009354A0. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Sub-Committee determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Sub-Committee, 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, tenancy reference number 08009354A0, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

The representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mrs AB, accompanied by her representative, Mr Norman A Macdonald, Member for the Uig Ward, were invited into the meeting to present their cases.

Both parties and Members of the Sub-Committee were given an opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of the cases, Mrs AB and her representative and the representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the matter.

   

It was agreed to accept the tenant's offer to repay £10.00 per week, in addition to the normal weekly rent, towards clearing all oustanding rent arrears and that the Assistant Director of Housing be requested to report back to the Sub-Committee, in the event that the repayment schedule was breached.

The representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing, Mrs AB and her representative, Mr Norman A Macdonald, were invited into the meeting and informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.04

11

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0186019012. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Sub-Committee determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Sub-Committee, 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, tenancy reference number 0186019012, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

The representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing presented his case.

Members of the Sub-Committee were given an opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of the case, the representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the matter.

   

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to seek, obtain and implement a decree of ejection in respect of tenancy reference number 0186019012, on the grounds that rent lawfully due had not been paid and that, if the house was repossessed, all rent arrears associated with the tenancy be written off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

The representative of the Assistant Director of Housing was invited into the meeting and informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.04

12

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0510776633. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Sub-Committee determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Sub-Committee, 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, tenancy reference number 0510776633, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

The representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mrs AB, were invited into the meeting to present their cases.

Both parties and Members of the Sub-Committee were given an opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of their cases, the representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mrs AB, withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the matter.

   

It was agreed that, in respect of the serious rent arrears associated with tenancy reference number 0510776633, that the tenant be required to pay £5.00 per week, in addition to the normal weekly rent, on the basis that the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to determine the method of payment, following discussion with the tenant.

It was further agreed that, if the repayment schedule was breached, the Assistant Director of Housing be requested to submit a further Report on the matter to the Sub-Committee.

The representative of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mrs AB were invited into the meeting and informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.04

13

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0174007914. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Sub-Committee determine the case;

(2) if a further repayment agreement was accepted by the Sub-Committee, 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, tenancy reference number 0174007914, be written-off against the bad debt provision and be not pursued.

The representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mr Angus Campbell, Member for the Newton Ward, representing Mrs AB and Ms AB, were invited into the meeting to present their cases.

Both parties and Members of the Sub-Committee were given an opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of their cases, the representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mr Angus Campbell, withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the matter.

   

It was agreed to accept the tenant's offer to repay £60.00, inclusive of the normal weekly rent, on the basis that the payment would be made by Direct Debit, towards clearing all oustanding rent arrears associated with tenancy reference number 0174007914.

It was further agreed that, if the repayment schedule was breached, the Assistant Director of Housing be requested to submit a further Report on this matter to the Sub-Committee.

The representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mr Angus Campbell, were invited into the meeting and informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

Serious Rent Arrears

H05.01.04

14

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning tenant rent arrears in respect of tenancy reference number 0173501582. The Report gave background information and detailed the tenancy history.

The Assistant Director of Housing reported that the tenant, tenancy reference number 0173501582, had set up a Direct Debit and that the arrears associated with the above-mentioned tenancy reference number would be cleared by the end of the financial year, if the Direct Debit payments were maintained.

   

It was agreed to note the repayment schedule put in place by the tenant, tenancy reference number 0173501582 and to request the Assistant Director of Housing to submit a further Report, if the repayment schedule was breached.

Request to Extend a Sub-Let of Tenancy for a Further Six Month Period

15

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a request by Miss AB to sub-let her tenancy to Miss CD for a further period of six months. The Report set out the background associated with the request.

It was agreed:

(1) to approve the request by Miss AB to extend the sub-let of the property referred to in the Report for a further period of six months, with effect from 4 December 2000;

(2) that, at the end of the extended sub-let period, 4 June 2001, the tenant be required to resume occupancy of the property referred to in the Report immediately, or relinquish the tenancy; and

(3) that, if the tenancy was terminted, the Director of Housing be authorised to offer the current sub-tenant secure tenancy of the property referred to in the Report.

Appeal Against Refusal of Acceptance onto Comhairle Housing Waiting List

16

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning an appeal by Mr AB against the decision to refuse his application for inclusion on the Comhairle's Housing Waiting List. The Report set out the background to the appeal and detailed the particular circumstances associated with Mr AB's case.

The representatives of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mr Archie Campbell, Member for the Paible Ward, on behalf of Mr AB, were invited into the meeting to present their cases.

Both parties and Members of the Sub-Committee were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Following presentation of the cases, the representative of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mr Archie Campbell withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the matter.

   

It was agreed that the appeal by Mr AB be not upheld but that the matter be reviewed in six months time, following consideration of a Report by the Assistant Director of Housing and the Director of Social Work, taking account of any payments made towards outstanding former tenant rent arrears associated with 15 Ashdaill Cottages.

The representative of the Assistant Director of Housing and Mr Archie Campbell were invited into the meeting and informed of the Sub-Committee's decision.

___

   

Previous PageTop Of PageNext Page