26 August 2003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

HOUSING COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday, 26 August 2003 at 11.00am

PRESENT

Mr Norman M Macleod (Chairman)

Mr George Lonie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Alexander M Mackintosh

Mr Neil Campbell

Mr Martin C Taylor

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr Calum Mackay

APOLOGIES

Mr Iain Morrison

MINUTES

Housing Committee

1

The Minute of Meeting of 3 June 2003 was approved.

Housing Review Panel of 13 June 2003

H13.01.13

2

The Minute of Meeting of the Housing Review Panel of 13 June 2003 was noted.

FINANCE

Quarter 1 Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04

3

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members about the Comhairle's Forecast Revenue Out-turn for 2003/2004 at the end of the First Quarter.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Quarter 1 Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2003 - 30 June 2003

4

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress and seeking decisions on changes in the Capital Programme for 2003/04 as at 30 June 2003

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2003 - 30 June 2003, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

General Fund Capital Programme

2004-2008

5

The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the options available to them in setting a Capital Programme for 2004-2008 and seeking agreement on the process by which the Programme could be finalised.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the General Fund Capital Programme 2004 - 2008, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Non-Housing Capital Programme 2003/04: Additional Projects

6

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Additional Projects identified by the Finance Working Group for inclusion in the 2003/04 Capital Programme, should resources permit. It was stated that the Comhairle was in the final year of funding Capital Expenditure by Section 94 Consent as the Prudential System for Capital Accounting would come into effect on 1 April 2004. To ensure that consent was not lost and that no Grant Aided Expenditure was eroded for loan charge support, it was proposed that the Capital Programme be increased to a projected 10% overspend.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Programme 2003/04: Additional Projects, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04: Progress Report

PR110.01

7

The Director of Housing submitted a Report regarding the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04. The Report detailed the expenditure on the Programme and summarised details of variations within the Programme. The Report referred to a pilot project being undertaken which would assess the benefits of the installation of electric boilers, operating on the Scottish & Southern Energy PLC Economy 10 Tariff, as a heating option for tenants. It was intimated that the short monitoring period associated with the abovementioned pilot project would not adversely affect the Capital Programme.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Housing Capital Programme 2003/2004 be revised as detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report, to take account of project variations; and

(2) the expenditure profile shown at Appendix 2 of the Report be noted.

Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04: Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR)

PR110.01

8

The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information on individual Capital Funded from Current Revenue projects included in the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04:

It was agreed to recommend that progress with respect to the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04 Capital Funded from Current Revenue be noted.

POLICY

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 8 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle and information relating to the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

Local Housing Strategy Seminar and Appointment of Specialist Advisor

H01.01

9

The Director of Housing submitted a Report advising Members of a consultative Local Housing Strategy Seminar, which would be held on 18/19 September 2003 at Lews Castle College. The Report further referred to the proposed procurement method, in relation to the appointment of a specialist advisor, in connection with the production of a Local Housing Strategy.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to engage Glasgow University to carry out an analysis of the local housing system as required by Communities Scotland Guidance, on Local Housing Strategies on the basis detailed in the Report; and

(2) the actions taken by the Director of Housing in connection with the organisation of the Local Housing Market Strategy Seminar at the Lews Castle College on 18 and 19 September 2003 be homologated and that the Director of Housing and Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make any further arrangements associated with the seminar.

HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness Update

H05.10.21

10

The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that it was proposed to organise a training event organised by the Scottish Council for Single Homeless which would give Members an overview of the responsibilities of Local Authorities as a result of the implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1. It was further stated in the Report that the annual analysis of homelessness presentations would be submitted to the Committee at its November 2003 meeting, as this would allow a more meaningful assessment of the impact of the extended duties towards homeless persons in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1.

It was agreed:

(1) to recommend that the Report be noted; and

(2) to authorise the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, to make all arrangements determined by him, as appropriate, in connection with the organisation of the Scottish Council for Single Homeless Training Day.

Review of the Comhairle's Housing Allocation Policy: Homeless Persons

H01.01

11

The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a proposed change to the Comhairle's Housing Allocation Policy as a consequence of the implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. The Report outlined the Comhairle's existing Housing Allocation Policy, which was undertaken on the basis of a "points scheme". The Report referred to the anomalies and lack of transparency created in the existing Housing Allocation Policy, following the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, which required Local Authorities to give preference in the allocation of housing to persons determined to be potentially and unintentionally homeless and in priority need. The Report suggested that the Housing Allocation Policy be amended, on the basis that homeless applicants would now be assessed in terms of the "points scheme" and placed on the housing waiting list.

It was agreed to recommend that the change to the Comhairle's Housing Allocation Policy be approved whereby homeless applicants be included in the points system.

Arising out of consideration of the above item, it was further agreed to recommend that Members be requested to bring to the attention of the Director of Housing any cases where tenants appeared not to be complying with their tenancy agreement, in respect of the maintenance of garden areas.

MANAGEMENT

Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2003/04: Progress Report

H05.16

12

The Director of Housing submitted a Report advising of progress with regard to the Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2003/04 for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account. It was stated in the Report that progress to 8 August 2003 had been very satisfactory, but that the Programme would continue to be closely monitored.

It was agreed to recommend that progress with respect to the Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2003/04 be noted.

Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Policy Review

H05.16

13

The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning interim proposals for the enhancement of the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account prior to a full review of the Programme. The Report referred to the continuing demand from tenants to further enhance the Cyclical Painterwork Programme by increasing the number of houses coated externally with masonry paint and intimated that a number of housing developments would benefit from the enhancement of their external appearance.

The Report referred to proposals to include the external masonry painting of houses in Parkend and Tolmie Terrace, Stornoway during the 2004/05 Cyclical Painterwork Programme, together with the re-scheduling of the repainting of windows, doors and fencing of seven houses in Tolmie Terrace, Stornoway. The Report stated that the full review of the Cyclical Painterwork Programme would involve an assessment of increasing available budgetary provision, together with adjustments in the painterwork cycle period to achieve Best Value.

It was intimated that the Review would involve consultation with the Western Isles Residents' Forum, paint manufacturers and appropriate Officers of the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that :

(1) the current 5 year cyclical painterwork programme be amended to include the provision of external masonry painting to Comhairle owned houses at Parkend, Stornoway and Tolmie Terrace, Stornoway; and

(2) a full review of the cyclical painterwork programme for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account be presented to the Committee at the November 2003 series of meetings.

It was further agreed to recommend that the Director of Housing be requested to liaise with the Director of Social Work with a view to securing Best Value in relation to the painting of Council owned houses and Social Work properties and that a Report by the Director of Housing and the Director of Social Work on this matter be submitted.

Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2003/04

H05.01.01

14

The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of expenditure incurred in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2003/04. It was stated in the Report that it was expected that demands on the Repairs and Maintenance Budget would increase during the winter months and that it would be necessary to closely monitor the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2003/04.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Housing Revenue Account Grounds Maintenance

H05.01.01

15

The Director of Housing submitted a Report identifying a number of issues related to the maintenance of grounds around or in the vicinity of Comhairle owned houses. In particular, the Report referred to:

(1) public open spaces;

(2) communal areas;

(3) unmaintained garden areas; and

(4) the maintenance of shrub beds and tree planting.

The Report identified a range of measures being implemented to resolve some of the maintenance issues identified in the Report and in particular, referred to the ongoing discussion between Officers of the Comhairle, relating to the identification of funding which would allow planned maintenance to be undertaken in shrub beds and areas of tree planting.

The Report further emphasised that, if appropriate, tenants would be reminded of their obligations to maintain their gardens and that in those cases where tenants were refusing to accept their obligations, insofar as garden maintenance was concerned, garden clearances would be arranged and tenants charged for necessary work undertaken.

It was agreed to recommend that the proposals to deal with issues of grounds maintenance, as defined in the Report, be noted.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.

Minute of Waiver - Corran Ciosmul Housing Site, Castlebay, Isle of Barra

H02

16

The Director of Housing and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report seeking Members' approval for obtaining a Minute of Waiver in respect of land on which Corran Ciosmul Housing Scheme, Castlebay, Isle of Barra had been constructed. The Report gave background information.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, be authorised to obtain a Minute of Waiver from the Trustees of the King George V Playing Fields Association in respect of the area of land on which the Corran Ciosmul housing scheme had now been constructed and that such compensation as may be determined reasonable by the District Valuer be paid to the Trustees.

RELATED MATTERS

Mr Martin C Taylor declared an interest in the following Item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.

Benbecula Community Association - Request for Additional Land

H15

17

The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that the Benbecula Community Association had requested that ownership of an area of land at Tindill Close be transferred to them for the purpose of building a new Community Hall.

The Report stated that there was no identifiable housing related need for the area of land as detailed at Appendix 2 of the Report and further stated that Scottish Ministers' consent would be required to allow the Comhairle to dispose of the land at nil value.

It was agreed to recommend that the land at Tindill Close be sold to the Benbecula Community Association at nil price, subject to obtaining the Scottish Ministers' consent, and that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to arrange for the disposal of the land on the appropriate terms and conditions.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.

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

Cearns Shop Unit - Grant Assistance

H01.21

18

The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a request from the Cearns Community Association for grant assistance to assist the Association with the operation of their Community Shop. The Report gave background information concerning the request.

It was agreed to recommend that a one off grant of £3000 be paid to the Cearns Community Association specifically to assist with the operation of their community shop, on the basis detailed in the Report.

It was further agreed to recommend that the Director of Housing be requested to submit a Report on the operation of the community shop to a future meeting of the Committee.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.

Old Sail Loft, Stornoway

H01.21

19

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to a proposal from the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust to renovate the Old Sail Loft and Commercial Hotel, at North Beach Street Stornoway to create 7 new quality dwelling units in category `A' listed buildings.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle grant financial support for the Old Sail Loft, Stornoway, Project, in the sum of £50,000 from the identified unallocated capital funds, 2003/04, subject to all conditions and legal requirements of the individual grant schemes being met by the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities.

PRIVATE HOUSING

Private Sector Housing Grant Consultation

H10

20

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the response to the Consultation Paper entitled "Private Sector Housing Capital Expenditure: Private Sector Housing Grant". It was stated in the Report that it was proposed that instead of funding being included in the general Capital Consent given to the Comhairle, a Private Sector Housing Grant would be administered by Communities Scotland and the Scottish Executive. A detailed draft response to the proposals in the Consultation Paper was appended to the Report and it was emphasised that co-ordination with the Local Housing Strategy would be critical.

It was agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities to respond to the Scottish Executive on the consultation document regarding Private Sector Housing by 1 October 2003, on the basis of the comments contained at Appendix 1 of the Report.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.04

21

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Reports Outstanding: Progress Report.

PRESENT	Mr Norman M Macleod (Chairman)
	Mr George Lonie (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Angus Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Alexander M Mackintosh
	Mr Neil Campbell	Mr Martin C Taylor
	Mr Angus Nicolson	Mr Calum Mackay

APOLOGIES	Mr Iain Morrison

		MINUTES
Housing Committee	1	The Minute of Meeting of 3 June 2003 was approved.
Housing Review Panel of 13 June 2003 H13.01.13	2	The Minute of Meeting of the Housing Review Panel of 13 June 2003 was noted.
		FINANCE
Quarter 1 Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04	3	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members about the Comhairle's Forecast Revenue Out-turn for 2003/2004 at the end of the First Quarter. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Quarter 1 Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2003 - 30 June 2003	4	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress and seeking decisions on changes in the Capital Programme for 2003/04 as at 30 June 2003 It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2003 - 30 June 2003, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
General Fund Capital Programme 2004-2008	5	The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the options available to them in setting a Capital Programme for 2004-2008 and seeking agreement on the process by which the Programme could be finalised. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the General Fund Capital Programme 2004 - 2008, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Non-Housing Capital Programme 2003/04: Additional Projects	6	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Additional Projects identified by the Finance Working Group for inclusion in the 2003/04 Capital Programme, should resources permit. It was stated that the Comhairle was in the final year of funding Capital Expenditure by Section 94 Consent as the Prudential System for Capital Accounting would come into effect on 1 April 2004. To ensure that consent was not lost and that no Grant Aided Expenditure was eroded for loan charge support, it was proposed that the Capital Programme be increased to a projected 10% overspend. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Programme 2003/04: Additional Projects, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04: Progress Report PR110.01	7	The Director of Housing submitted a Report regarding the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04. The Report detailed the expenditure on the Programme and summarised details of variations within the Programme. The Report referred to a pilot project being undertaken which would assess the benefits of the installation of electric boilers, operating on the Scottish & Southern Energy PLC Economy 10 Tariff, as a heating option for tenants. It was intimated that the short monitoring period associated with the abovementioned pilot project would not adversely affect the Capital Programme.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Housing Capital Programme 2003/2004 be revised as detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report, to take account of project variations; and (2) the expenditure profile shown at Appendix 2 of the Report be noted.
Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04: Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) PR110.01	8	The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information on individual Capital Funded from Current Revenue projects included in the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04: It was agreed to recommend that progress with respect to the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04 Capital Funded from Current Revenue be noted.
		POLICY
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 8 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle and information relating to the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.
Local Housing Strategy Seminar and Appointment of Specialist Advisor H01.01	9	The Director of Housing submitted a Report advising Members of a consultative Local Housing Strategy Seminar, which would be held on 18/19 September 2003 at Lews Castle College. The Report further referred to the proposed procurement method, in relation to the appointment of a specialist advisor, in connection with the production of a Local Housing Strategy.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to engage Glasgow University to carry out an analysis of the local housing system as required by Communities Scotland Guidance, on Local Housing Strategies on the basis detailed in the Report; and
		(2) the actions taken by the Director of Housing in connection with the organisation of the Local Housing Market Strategy Seminar at the Lews Castle College on 18 and 19 September 2003 be homologated and that the Director of Housing and Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make any further arrangements associated with the seminar.
		HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness Update H05.10.21	10	The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that it was proposed to organise a training event organised by the Scottish Council for Single Homeless which would give Members an overview of the responsibilities of Local Authorities as a result of the implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1. It was further stated in the Report that the annual analysis of homelessness presentations would be submitted to the Committee at its November 2003 meeting, as this would allow a more meaningful assessment of the impact of the extended duties towards homeless persons in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1.
		It was agreed: (1) to recommend that the Report be noted; and (2) to authorise the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, to make all arrangements determined by him, as appropriate, in connection with the organisation of the Scottish Council for Single Homeless Training Day.
Review of the Comhairle's Housing Allocation Policy: Homeless Persons H01.01	11	The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a proposed change to the Comhairle's Housing Allocation Policy as a consequence of the implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. The Report outlined the Comhairle's existing Housing Allocation Policy, which was undertaken on the basis of a "points scheme". The Report referred to the anomalies and lack of transparency created in the existing Housing Allocation Policy, following the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, which required Local Authorities to give preference in the allocation of housing to persons determined to be potentially and unintentionally homeless and in priority need. The Report suggested that the Housing Allocation Policy be amended, on the basis that homeless applicants would now be assessed in terms of the "points scheme" and placed on the housing waiting list.
		It was agreed to recommend that the change to the Comhairle's Housing Allocation Policy be approved whereby homeless applicants be included in the points system. Arising out of consideration of the above item, it was further agreed to recommend that Members be requested to bring to the attention of the Director of Housing any cases where tenants appeared not to be complying with their tenancy agreement, in respect of the maintenance of garden areas.
		MANAGEMENT
Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2003/04: Progress Report H05.16	12	The Director of Housing submitted a Report advising of progress with regard to the Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2003/04 for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account. It was stated in the Report that progress to 8 August 2003 had been very satisfactory, but that the Programme would continue to be closely monitored. It was agreed to recommend that progress with respect to the Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2003/04 be noted.
Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Policy Review H05.16	13	The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning interim proposals for the enhancement of the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account prior to a full review of the Programme. The Report referred to the continuing demand from tenants to further enhance the Cyclical Painterwork Programme by increasing the number of houses coated externally with masonry paint and intimated that a number of housing developments would benefit from the enhancement of their external appearance. The Report referred to proposals to include the external masonry painting of houses in Parkend and Tolmie Terrace, Stornoway during the 2004/05 Cyclical Painterwork Programme, together with the re-scheduling of the repainting of windows, doors and fencing of seven houses in Tolmie Terrace, Stornoway. The Report stated that the full review of the Cyclical Painterwork Programme would involve an assessment of increasing available budgetary provision, together with adjustments in the painterwork cycle period to achieve Best Value.
		It was intimated that the Review would involve consultation with the Western Isles Residents' Forum, paint manufacturers and appropriate Officers of the Comhairle.
		It was agreed to recommend that : (1) the current 5 year cyclical painterwork programme be amended to include the provision of external masonry painting to Comhairle owned houses at Parkend, Stornoway and Tolmie Terrace, Stornoway; and (2) a full review of the cyclical painterwork programme for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account be presented to the Committee at the November 2003 series of meetings. It was further agreed to recommend that the Director of Housing be requested to liaise with the Director of Social Work with a view to securing Best Value in relation to the painting of Council owned houses and Social Work properties and that a Report by the Director of Housing and the Director of Social Work on this matter be submitted.
Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2003/04 H05.01.01	14	The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of expenditure incurred in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2003/04. It was stated in the Report that it was expected that demands on the Repairs and Maintenance Budget would increase during the winter months and that it would be necessary to closely monitor the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2003/04. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Housing Revenue Account Grounds Maintenance H05.01.01	15	The Director of Housing submitted a Report identifying a number of issues related to the maintenance of grounds around or in the vicinity of Comhairle owned houses. In particular, the Report referred to: (1) public open spaces; (2) communal areas; (3) unmaintained garden areas; and (4) the maintenance of shrub beds and tree planting. The Report identified a range of measures being implemented to resolve some of the maintenance issues identified in the Report and in particular, referred to the ongoing discussion between Officers of the Comhairle, relating to the identification of funding which would allow planned maintenance to be undertaken in shrub beds and areas of tree planting.
		The Report further emphasised that, if appropriate, tenants would be reminded of their obligations to maintain their gardens and that in those cases where tenants were refusing to accept their obligations, insofar as garden maintenance was concerned, garden clearances would be arranged and tenants charged for necessary work undertaken. It was agreed to recommend that the proposals to deal with issues of grounds maintenance, as defined in the Report, be noted.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
Minute of Waiver - Corran Ciosmul Housing Site, Castlebay, Isle of Barra H02	16	The Director of Housing and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report seeking Members' approval for obtaining a Minute of Waiver in respect of land on which Corran Ciosmul Housing Scheme, Castlebay, Isle of Barra had been constructed. The Report gave background information.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, be authorised to obtain a Minute of Waiver from the Trustees of the King George V Playing Fields Association in respect of the area of land on which the Corran Ciosmul housing scheme had now been constructed and that such compensation as may be determined reasonable by the District Valuer be paid to the Trustees.
		RELATED MATTERS
		Mr Martin C Taylor declared an interest in the following Item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
Benbecula Community Association - Request for Additional Land H15	17	The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that the Benbecula Community Association had requested that ownership of an area of land at Tindill Close be transferred to them for the purpose of building a new Community Hall. The Report stated that there was no identifiable housing related need for the area of land as detailed at Appendix 2 of the Report and further stated that Scottish Ministers' consent would be required to allow the Comhairle to dispose of the land at nil value.
		It was agreed to recommend that the land at Tindill Close be sold to the Benbecula Community Association at nil price, subject to obtaining the Scottish Ministers' consent, and that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to arrange for the disposal of the land on the appropriate terms and conditions.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
		Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
Cearns Shop Unit - Grant Assistance H01.21	18	The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a request from the Cearns Community Association for grant assistance to assist the Association with the operation of their Community Shop. The Report gave background information concerning the request.
		It was agreed to recommend that a one off grant of £3000 be paid to the Cearns Community Association specifically to assist with the operation of their community shop, on the basis detailed in the Report. It was further agreed to recommend that the Director of Housing be requested to submit a Report on the operation of the community shop to a future meeting of the Committee.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
Old Sail Loft, Stornoway H01.21	19	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to a proposal from the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust to renovate the Old Sail Loft and Commercial Hotel, at North Beach Street Stornoway to create 7 new quality dwelling units in category `A' listed buildings.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle grant financial support for the Old Sail Loft, Stornoway, Project, in the sum of £50,000 from the identified unallocated capital funds, 2003/04, subject to all conditions and legal requirements of the individual grant schemes being met by the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities.
		PRIVATE HOUSING
Private Sector Housing Grant Consultation H10	20	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the response to the Consultation Paper entitled "Private Sector Housing Capital Expenditure: Private Sector Housing Grant". It was stated in the Report that it was proposed that instead of funding being included in the general Capital Consent given to the Comhairle, a Private Sector Housing Grant would be administered by Communities Scotland and the Scottish Executive. A detailed draft response to the proposals in the Consultation Paper was appended to the Report and it was emphasised that co-ordination with the Local Housing Strategy would be critical. It was agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities to respond to the Scottish Executive on the consultation document regarding Private Sector Housing by 1 October 2003, on the basis of the comments contained at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.04	21	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Reports Outstanding: Progress Report.