26 March 2002

HOUSING COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 26 March 2002 at 11.00am

PRESENT

Mr George Lonie (Chairman)

Mr Norman M Macleod (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr David Blaney

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr Calum Mackay

APOLOGIES

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Roderick J Murray

Housing Committee

1

The Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 was approved.

Housing Review Panel

2

The Minutes of Meetings of the Housing Review Panel of 23 January and 20 February 2002 were noted.

POLICY

Homelessness Strategy - Progress Report

H05.10.21

3

With reference to item 99 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information in relation to the progress made in connection with the commissioning of a Consultant to assist in the development of a Homelessness Strategy for the Western Isles. The Report referred to the role played by Communities Scotland, whose remit had been broadened to include the monitoring, development and implementation of homelessness strategies, thereby ensuring that Local Authorities were fulfilling their extended statutory obligations towards homeless people. Appended to the Report was a brief for the development of a Homelessness Strategy for the Comhairle and it was stated in the Report that the brief had been issued to the undernoted Consultants:

DTZ Pieda Consulting

Scottish Churches Housing Agency

Housing Quality Network

It was agreed that:

(1) the Report concerning Homelessness Strategy: Progress be noted; and

(2) further Reports be submitted to the Committee, by the Director of Housing, as the successful consultant progressed the assessment of homelessness and strategy development.

Supporting People Initiative - Update

HO1.01

4

With reference to item 79 of the Minute of Meeting of the Policy & Finance Committee of 30 October 2001 the Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning progress with the implementation of the Supporting People Initiative. A Briefing Paper describing the principles of the Initiative was appended to the Report.

It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that:

(1) the Report concerning the Supporting People Initiative be noted; and

(2) further Reports be submitted to the Committee by the Director of Housing as the Initiative was developed.

Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed that the Director of Housing be requested to write to the Department of Work and Pensions expressing the Comhairle's concerns regarding those individuals serving prison sentences who were denied Housing Benefit, and who thereby were at risk of losing their home.

Benefit Fraud Policy

HO5.09

5

The Director of Housing submitted a Report seeking approval for the adoption of a Benefit Fraud Policy. It was stated in the Report that the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate Good Practice Guide stated that:

"a high level corporate counterfraud policy statement would provide elected members and council officers with a clear definition of their accountability and responsibilities in the fight against fraud and corruption"

and that the Comhairle's auditors had identified the need for a Benefit Fraud Policy.

It was agreed to adopt the Benefit Fraud Policy, detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Housing.

FINANCE

Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2001/2002 Progress Report

PR110.08

6

The Director of Housing submitted a Report regarding the Housing Revenue Account Capital Expenditure Programme for 2001/2002. The Report detailed expenditure on the Programme and summarised details of variations within the Programme.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Housing Capital Programme 2001/2002 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, be noted.

The Vice-Chairman and Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

Housing Revenue Account Interim Capital Programme 2002/03

PR110.08

7

The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving details of the proposed Interim Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03. It was stated in the Report that the capital consent figure for the Programme had not yet been notified to the Comhairle by the Scottish Executive and that in order to continue with capital works into 2002/03 it was necessary to establish an interim programme. The Report stated that the Housing Capital Programme for 2002/03 would be submitted to the Committee at its meeting in May 2002.

It was agreed that the Interim Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03, as set out at Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Housing, be approved, subject to the finalised programme being submitted to the Housing Committee in May 2002 for consideration.

Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed to request the Director of Housing to consider all aspects of heating programmes, including the use of different fuels.

Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03: Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR)

PR110.05.01

8

The Director of Housing submitted a Report setting out proposals for the Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) element of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03. It was intimated in the Report that expenditure on the proposed projects included in the CFCR Capital Programme for 2002/03 were estimated in the sum of £100,000 and that the Programme was particularly intended to address various "estate works", which it was not possible to accommodate within the provision available in the environmental improvements segment of the Housing Capital Programme. It was stated in the Report that a number of projects would be undertaken using a combination of the Comhairle's Building Maintenance DSO, under the terms of the competitively won Maintenance Term Contract 2002-2006, and specialist Contractors for other relevant works, as applicable, eg bitmac surfacing and by way of financial contributions to projects being carried out in partnership with other funding agencies.

It was agreed that:

(1) the proposals for the Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) element of the Interim Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03 as set out in Appendix 1 to the Report by the Director of Housing be approved; and

(2) the Director of Housing be requested to submit a further Report on the CFCR element of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/2003 to the Meeting scheduled to take place on 28 May 2002.

Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was further agreed that the Director of Housing, or an Officer nominated by him, would visit schemes in the "Point area" which could be included in the CFCR Programme and that Members of the Comhairle be invited by the Director of Housing to submit proposals in relation to the CFCR Programme.

Balivanich Community Regeneration Capital Programme 2001/02 Progress Report

HO2.31.35

9

The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information on the Balivanich Community Re-generation Project. It was indicated in the Report that following the commencement of the regeneration works there had been an increase in the demand for rented accommodation in Balivanich and that it was proposed to meet this demand by transferring 7 ex-MOD houses, currently held on the Comhairle's General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account, on the basis that six of the properties would be used for general needs rented housing with the remaining one house being used as an additional homeless unit.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Housing Revenue Account Repairs & Renewals transfer of £100,734 be postponed to 2002/03; and

(2) the transfer of 7 ex-MOD houses from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account be approved.

Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to arrange a meeting with the Western Isles Health Board to discuss their proposals for the establishment of a health care facility at the site of the former MOD houses at Balivanich, on the basis that the Comhairle would be represented at the meeting by the Chairman, Director of Housing and the Member for the Benbecula North Ward.

MANAGEMENT

Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02

PR110.08

10

With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Housing submitted a Report advising members of expenditure incurred and committed in respect of the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02. It was stated in the Report that it was anticipated that the expenditure in respect of the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget for 2001/02 could exceed the existing budgetary provision in the sum of £7,496. It was further stated that the final out-turn figure for the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget would be submitted to the Committee at its meeting in May 2002.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Report on the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02 be noted; and

(2) the proposals identified at Paragraphs 6.1 to 6.3 of the Report be implemented in order to check the potential overspend on the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02.

Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed to request the Director of Housing to review the work assigned to the "Handymen" in Lewis

It was agreed that in accordance with the terms of Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Housing Revenue Account: Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2001/02: Progress Report

H05.16

11

With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Housing submitted a Report giving details of the progress being made with regard to the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for 2001/02 for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account.

It was agreed that progress with respect to the revised Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2001/02 be noted.

It was further agreed that the Director of Housing be requested to submit a Report to the next meeting of the Committee, on progress with respect to the revised Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2001/02.

Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2002/2003

H05.16

12

This Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this Item.

It was agreed that the Director of Housing be requested to review the Comhairle's policy on Painterwork in the Report he would prepare on the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for 2002/2003.

It was agreed that in accordance with the terms of Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Balivanich Community Regeneration Project: Acquisition of Houses at 60-63 Baile na Cille

H02.31.35

13

The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning the acquisition of the houses at 60-63 Baile na Cille, Balivanich. The Report gave background information in relation to the proposed acquisition.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Director of Housing, in conjunction with the Director of Corporate Services, be authorised to acquire the 3 houses owned by the Northern Joint Police Board referred to in the Report;

(2) the Director of Housing and the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to acquire the 1 owner-occupied property in exchange for an appropriate ex-MOD property at Balivanich; and

(3) the properties at 60-63 Baile na Cille be demolished in line with the principle of reducing stock density incorporated in the Balivanich Enhancement Plan.

RELATED MATTERS

Mr Norman A Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

Action by Communities on their Environment Option/Challenge Fund Grants: Second Year Review

H01.01

14

With reference to item 31 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report reviewing the performance of the Action by Communities on the Environment (ACE) Option/Challenge Fund Grant Scheme. It was intimated in the Report that 15 applications for the ACE Challenge Fund had been received for the 2002/03 financial year and that of these 15 schemes, 13 met the requirements of the Scheme of Administration and that the 2 remaining projects were the subject of discussion between Officers of the Comhairle and the applicants, with a view to assisting the applicants to revise their projects to meet the requirements of the Scheme of Administration. The Report further stated that there was no need to prioritise applications since sufficient budgetary provision had been made to allow all 15 projects to proceed. The Report further stated that the deadline of 31 January for applications for ACE Option funding could present problems, if projects required to be amended, as there was insufficient time to allow applicants to gain the appropriate statutory consents to allow the project to be completed within a single financial year and that it would, therefore, be appropriate to introduce a deadline of 31 October for applications for ACE Option Grants.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Committee note the continued level of participation from community groups in the ACE Grants Scheme and the ability of community groups to successfully develop environmental projects;

(2) it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities to approve the ACE Challenge Grant applications as listed in Appendix 2 to the Report, subject to any necessary revisions to bring projects within the ACE Challenge Grant Scheme of Administration; and

(3) the change in deadline for ACE Option Grants from January 31 to October 31 for the financial year 2002/2003 onwards be approved.

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

Care and Repair Service - Funding Requests

H10.15

15

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the joint funding of the Care and Repair Service by the Comhairle and Communities Scotland. It was stated in the Report that a Business Plan was currently being prepared for the period 2002-2005 for the Care and Repair Service and that the Comhairle had been requested to give confirmation of its probable contribution to the Care and Repair Service during the period of the Business Plan. The Report emphasised that through its agency role, the Care and Repair Service played a significant part in assisting the elderly and disabled to improve, repair and adapt their houses, although the services grant workload had reduced during the previous year and this reduction in workload had been matched in a reduction in the Comhairle's contribution towards administrative costs. The Report referred to the Comhairle's reducing capital allocation for grant works and also intimated that all initial grant inspections were now undertaken by the Comhairle's Housing Grant Advisory Officer and that this had reduced the Care and Repair Service's workload in mainstream grant cases.

It was agreed that:

(1) £134,000 be allocated as the Comhairle's aggregate contribution to fund the Care and Repair Service's administrative costs for 2002/03 from the current year's Capital Programme;

(2) £140,000 and £145,000 be identified as the probable aggregate contributions for administrative costs for the years 2003/04 and 2004/05 respectively;

(3) the sums to be paid be subject to satisfactory performance in terms of the Service Level Agreement; and

(4) for 2002/03, the sum of £100,000 be allocated for work carried out under the Emergency Small Repairs Scheme.

It was agreed that in accordance with the terms of Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt 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 would be disclosed.

Upgrade of Council Tax and Benefit System

H05.09

16

The Directors of Finance and Housing submitted a Report seeking Members' approval to suspend Standing Orders by not going out to tender for the purchase of an upgrade to the Council Tax and Benefit System.

It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, not to seek tenders in terms of Contract Regulation 7(f) for the reasons outlined in the Report, namely that the proposed method of procurement would achieve value for money for the upgrade of the current Council Tax and Benefit system and to authorise the Directors of Finance and Housing to negotiate with Sx3 to acquire the upgrade to the current Council Tax and Benefit system.

Credit Union: Update on Progress

HO1.01.13

17

The Chief Executive submitted a Report giving information in relation to the progress made towards the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union. The Report referred to initial work undertaken to secure the agreement of Voluntary Action Lewis to host a Development Officer post until a Credit Union Company was established and that Western Isles Enterprise had agreed, in principle, to part-fund the Development Officer post. It was further stated in the Report that, as a result of the pressure of other work commitments, no further progress had been made in relation to the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union and that investigations were currently being undertaken to identify staff resources to take the establishment of the Credit Union forward.

It was agreed to note the Progress Report concerning the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union.

It was further agreed that the Chief Executive be requested to submit a Report to the next scheduled meeting of the Committee on the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

18

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

It was agreed to note the Reports Outstanding: Progress.

PRESENT	Mr George Lonie (Chairman)
	Mr Norman M Macleod (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Norman L Macdonald
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Angus Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Angus Nicolson	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Mr Calum Mackay

APOLOGIES	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Roderick J Murray

Housing Committee	1	The Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 was approved.
Housing Review Panel	2	The Minutes of Meetings of the Housing Review Panel of 23 January and 20 February 2002 were noted.
		POLICY
Homelessness Strategy - Progress Report H05.10.21	3	With reference to item 99 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information in relation to the progress made in connection with the commissioning of a Consultant to assist in the development of a Homelessness Strategy for the Western Isles. The Report referred to the role played by Communities Scotland, whose remit had been broadened to include the monitoring, development and implementation of homelessness strategies, thereby ensuring that Local Authorities were fulfilling their extended statutory obligations towards homeless people. Appended to the Report was a brief for the development of a Homelessness Strategy for the Comhairle and it was stated in the Report that the brief had been issued to the undernoted Consultants: DTZ Pieda Consulting Scottish Churches Housing Agency Housing Quality Network It was agreed that: (1) the Report concerning Homelessness Strategy: Progress be noted; and (2) further Reports be submitted to the Committee, by the Director of Housing, as the successful consultant progressed the assessment of homelessness and strategy development.
Supporting People Initiative - Update HO1.01	4	With reference to item 79 of the Minute of Meeting of the Policy & Finance Committee of 30 October 2001 the Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning progress with the implementation of the Supporting People Initiative. A Briefing Paper describing the principles of the Initiative was appended to the Report.
		It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that: (1) the Report concerning the Supporting People Initiative be noted; and (2) further Reports be submitted to the Committee by the Director of Housing as the Initiative was developed. Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed that the Director of Housing be requested to write to the Department of Work and Pensions expressing the Comhairle's concerns regarding those individuals serving prison sentences who were denied Housing Benefit, and who thereby were at risk of losing their home.
Benefit Fraud Policy HO5.09	5	The Director of Housing submitted a Report seeking approval for the adoption of a Benefit Fraud Policy. It was stated in the Report that the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate Good Practice Guide stated that: "a high level corporate counterfraud policy statement would provide elected members and council officers with a clear definition of their accountability and responsibilities in the fight against fraud and corruption" and that the Comhairle's auditors had identified the need for a Benefit Fraud Policy. It was agreed to adopt the Benefit Fraud Policy, detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Housing.
		FINANCE
Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2001/2002 Progress Report PR110.08	6	The Director of Housing submitted a Report regarding the Housing Revenue Account Capital Expenditure Programme for 2001/2002. The Report detailed expenditure on the Programme and summarised details of variations within the Programme. It was agreed that: (1) the Housing Capital Programme 2001/2002 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, be noted.
		The Vice-Chairman and Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Housing Revenue Account Interim Capital Programme 2002/03 PR110.08	7	The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving details of the proposed Interim Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03. It was stated in the Report that the capital consent figure for the Programme had not yet been notified to the Comhairle by the Scottish Executive and that in order to continue with capital works into 2002/03 it was necessary to establish an interim programme. The Report stated that the Housing Capital Programme for 2002/03 would be submitted to the Committee at its meeting in May 2002. It was agreed that the Interim Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03, as set out at Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Housing, be approved, subject to the finalised programme being submitted to the Housing Committee in May 2002 for consideration. Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed to request the Director of Housing to consider all aspects of heating programmes, including the use of different fuels.
Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03: Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) PR110.05.01	8	The Director of Housing submitted a Report setting out proposals for the Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) element of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03. It was intimated in the Report that expenditure on the proposed projects included in the CFCR Capital Programme for 2002/03 were estimated in the sum of £100,000 and that the Programme was particularly intended to address various "estate works", which it was not possible to accommodate within the provision available in the environmental improvements segment of the Housing Capital Programme. It was stated in the Report that a number of projects would be undertaken using a combination of the Comhairle's Building Maintenance DSO, under the terms of the competitively won Maintenance Term Contract 2002-2006, and specialist Contractors for other relevant works, as applicable, eg bitmac surfacing and by way of financial contributions to projects being carried out in partnership with other funding agencies. It was agreed that: (1) the proposals for the Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) element of the Interim Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03 as set out in Appendix 1 to the Report by the Director of Housing be approved; and (2) the Director of Housing be requested to submit a further Report on the CFCR element of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/2003 to the Meeting scheduled to take place on 28 May 2002. Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was further agreed that the Director of Housing, or an Officer nominated by him, would visit schemes in the "Point area" which could be included in the CFCR Programme and that Members of the Comhairle be invited by the Director of Housing to submit proposals in relation to the CFCR Programme.
Balivanich Community Regeneration Capital Programme 2001/02 Progress Report HO2.31.35	9	The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information on the Balivanich Community Re-generation Project. It was indicated in the Report that following the commencement of the regeneration works there had been an increase in the demand for rented accommodation in Balivanich and that it was proposed to meet this demand by transferring 7 ex-MOD houses, currently held on the Comhairle's General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account, on the basis that six of the properties would be used for general needs rented housing with the remaining one house being used as an additional homeless unit. It was agreed that: (1) the Housing Revenue Account Repairs & Renewals transfer of £100,734 be postponed to 2002/03; and (2) the transfer of 7 ex-MOD houses from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account be approved. Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to arrange a meeting with the Western Isles Health Board to discuss their proposals for the establishment of a health care facility at the site of the former MOD houses at Balivanich, on the basis that the Comhairle would be represented at the meeting by the Chairman, Director of Housing and the Member for the Benbecula North Ward.

		MANAGEMENT
Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02 PR110.08	10	With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Housing submitted a Report advising members of expenditure incurred and committed in respect of the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02. It was stated in the Report that it was anticipated that the expenditure in respect of the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget for 2001/02 could exceed the existing budgetary provision in the sum of £7,496. It was further stated that the final out-turn figure for the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget would be submitted to the Committee at its meeting in May 2002. It was agreed that: (1) the Report on the Housing Revenue Account: Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02 be noted; and (2) the proposals identified at Paragraphs 6.1 to 6.3 of the Report be implemented in order to check the potential overspend on the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2001/02. Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed to request the Director of Housing to review the work assigned to the "Handymen" in Lewis
		It was agreed that in accordance with the terms of Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Housing Revenue Account: Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2001/02: Progress Report H05.16	11	With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Housing submitted a Report giving details of the progress being made with regard to the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for 2001/02 for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account. It was agreed that progress with respect to the revised Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2001/02 be noted.
		It was further agreed that the Director of Housing be requested to submit a Report to the next meeting of the Committee, on progress with respect to the revised Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2001/02.
Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2002/2003 H05.16	12	This Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this Item. It was agreed that the Director of Housing be requested to review the Comhairle's policy on Painterwork in the Report he would prepare on the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for 2002/2003.
		It was agreed that in accordance with the terms of Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Balivanich Community Regeneration Project: Acquisition of Houses at 60-63 Baile na Cille H02.31.35	13	The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning the acquisition of the houses at 60-63 Baile na Cille, Balivanich. The Report gave background information in relation to the proposed acquisition. It was agreed that: (1) the Director of Housing, in conjunction with the Director of Corporate Services, be authorised to acquire the 3 houses owned by the Northern Joint Police Board referred to in the Report;
		(2) the Director of Housing and the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to acquire the 1 owner-occupied property in exchange for an appropriate ex-MOD property at Balivanich; and (3) the properties at 60-63 Baile na Cille be demolished in line with the principle of reducing stock density incorporated in the Balivanich Enhancement Plan.
		RELATED MATTERS
		Mr Norman A Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Action by Communities on their Environment Option/Challenge Fund Grants: Second Year Review H01.01	14	With reference to item 31 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report reviewing the performance of the Action by Communities on the Environment (ACE) Option/Challenge Fund Grant Scheme. It was intimated in the Report that 15 applications for the ACE Challenge Fund had been received for the 2002/03 financial year and that of these 15 schemes, 13 met the requirements of the Scheme of Administration and that the 2 remaining projects were the subject of discussion between Officers of the Comhairle and the applicants, with a view to assisting the applicants to revise their projects to meet the requirements of the Scheme of Administration. The Report further stated that there was no need to prioritise applications since sufficient budgetary provision had been made to allow all 15 projects to proceed. The Report further stated that the deadline of 31 January for applications for ACE Option funding could present problems, if projects required to be amended, as there was insufficient time to allow applicants to gain the appropriate statutory consents to allow the project to be completed within a single financial year and that it would, therefore, be appropriate to introduce a deadline of 31 October for applications for ACE Option Grants.
		It was agreed that: (1) the Committee note the continued level of participation from community groups in the ACE Grants Scheme and the ability of community groups to successfully develop environmental projects; (2) it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities to approve the ACE Challenge Grant applications as listed in Appendix 2 to the Report, subject to any necessary revisions to bring projects within the ACE Challenge Grant Scheme of Administration; and (3) the change in deadline for ACE Option Grants from January 31 to October 31 for the financial year 2002/2003 onwards be approved.
		Mr Angus Nicolson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Care and Repair Service - Funding Requests H10.15	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the joint funding of the Care and Repair Service by the Comhairle and Communities Scotland. It was stated in the Report that a Business Plan was currently being prepared for the period 2002-2005 for the Care and Repair Service and that the Comhairle had been requested to give confirmation of its probable contribution to the Care and Repair Service during the period of the Business Plan. The Report emphasised that through its agency role, the Care and Repair Service played a significant part in assisting the elderly and disabled to improve, repair and adapt their houses, although the services grant workload had reduced during the previous year and this reduction in workload had been matched in a reduction in the Comhairle's contribution towards administrative costs. The Report referred to the Comhairle's reducing capital allocation for grant works and also intimated that all initial grant inspections were now undertaken by the Comhairle's Housing Grant Advisory Officer and that this had reduced the Care and Repair Service's workload in mainstream grant cases.
		It was agreed that: (1) £134,000 be allocated as the Comhairle's aggregate contribution to fund the Care and Repair Service's administrative costs for 2002/03 from the current year's Capital Programme; (2) £140,000 and £145,000 be identified as the probable aggregate contributions for administrative costs for the years 2003/04 and 2004/05 respectively;
		(3) the sums to be paid be subject to satisfactory performance in terms of the Service Level Agreement; and (4) for 2002/03, the sum of £100,000 be allocated for work carried out under the Emergency Small Repairs Scheme.
		It was agreed that in accordance with the terms of Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt 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 would be disclosed.
Upgrade of Council Tax and Benefit System H05.09	16	The Directors of Finance and Housing submitted a Report seeking Members' approval to suspend Standing Orders by not going out to tender for the purchase of an upgrade to the Council Tax and Benefit System.
		It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, not to seek tenders in terms of Contract Regulation 7(f) for the reasons outlined in the Report, namely that the proposed method of procurement would achieve value for money for the upgrade of the current Council Tax and Benefit system and to authorise the Directors of Finance and Housing to negotiate with Sx3 to acquire the upgrade to the current Council Tax and Benefit system.
Credit Union: Update on Progress HO1.01.13	17	The Chief Executive submitted a Report giving information in relation to the progress made towards the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union. The Report referred to initial work undertaken to secure the agreement of Voluntary Action Lewis to host a Development Officer post until a Credit Union Company was established and that Western Isles Enterprise had agreed, in principle, to part-fund the Development Officer post. It was further stated in the Report that, as a result of the pressure of other work commitments, no further progress had been made in relation to the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union and that investigations were currently being undertaken to identify staff resources to take the establishment of the Credit Union forward.
		It was agreed to note the Progress Report concerning the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union. It was further agreed that the Chief Executive be requested to submit a Report to the next scheduled meeting of the Committee on the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	18	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports Outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.
		It was agreed to note the Reports Outstanding: Progress.