27 August 2002

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

HOUSING COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday, 27 August 2002 at 11.00am

PRESENT

Mr George Lonie (Chairman)

Mr Norman M Macleod (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Alexander A MacDonald

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Martin C Taylor

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Calum Mackay

APOLOGIES

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Angus Nicolson

MINUTES

Housing Committee

1

The Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002 was approved.

Housing Review Panel

H13.01.03

2

The Minutes of Meetings of the Housing Review Panel of 19 June and 26 June 2002 were noted.

POLICY

Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 - Homelessness Legislation

HO5.10.21

3

The Director of Housing submitted a Report appending the Comhairle's response to the Homelessness Bill Consultation Paper: "Helping Homeless People: An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Response " together with the response to the Consultation Paper: "Proposals for Homelessness Arbitration - Guidance for Registered Social Landlords (RSL) and Councils".

The Report highlighted that there would be significant future legal and financial implications for the Comhairle relating to the provisions of the revised homelessness legislation.

It was agreed to homologate the action taken by the Director of Housing in making responses to the two documents "Helping Homeless People: An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Response" and "Proposals for Homelessness Arbitration - Guidance for RSLs and Councils".

Housing Scotland Act 2001 - Local Housing Strategies

HO1.01

4

The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that the Scottish Executive had revised the timetable on which local authorities would be required to submit Local Housing Strategies to the Scottish Ministers. The Report intimated that funding had been made available by the Scottish Executive to provide support to local authorities in the preparation of Local Housing Strategies and that in light of the present current workload within the Housing Department and the need for specialist research to be undertaken, in relation to the preparation of the Strategy, it was felt appropriate for consultants to be employed to provide support for the production of a local Housing Strategy.

It was agreed that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Service, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to appoint specialist consultants to provide support for the production of a Local Housing Strategy for the Comhairle.

MANAGEMENT

Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2002/03: Progress Report

HO5.16

5

The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning progress with regard to the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for 2002/03 for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account. It was intimated in the Report that progress to date on the Programme for 2002/03 had been very satisfactory and that the Programme would continue to be closely monitored.

It was agreed to note the progress in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2002/03.

Tenant Satisfaction Survey

HO5.01.01

6

The Director of Housing submitted a Report outlining proposals to issue Tenant Satisfaction Survey Sheets following the completion of general repair works. It was intimated in the Report that continuous monitoring and inspection of completed repairs was seen as an essential part of performance monitoring and that it was proposed to send 10% of tenants using the repair service, in any given month, a satisfaction survey for completed repairs. It was emphasised that the results and information emerging from this survey would be made available to assist in improving the repair service and would be submitted to the Committee and the Commercial Operations Board.

It was agreed to approve the proposal to issue Tenant Satisfaction Survey Sheets, on the basis detailed in the Report.

Personal Housing Planning Service on Barra

HO5.01.01

7

The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information on progress made since the introduction of Personal Housing Plans (PHP) on the Island of Barra. The Report summarised the aim of Personal Housing Plans, which was to provide information to members of the public who were in housing need and who required knowledge of the various options which might be suitable for their particular requirements and to public organisations which were responsible for the allocation of resources. It was intimated in the Report that very little interest had been shown in Personal Housing Plans on Barra. The Report further intimated that following the resignation of the Project Officer employed to introduce a Personal Housing Planning Service on the Island of Barra it was appropriate to discuss with Communities Scotland the possibility of transferring the post to Lewis, where housing demand was significantly greater.

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

(1) the Personal Housing Planning Project (PHP) be discontinued on the Island of Barra;

(2) the post of Project Officer Grade AP3/4 be dis-established, and;

(3) discussions take place with Communities Scotland to look at the possibility of the post of PHP Project Officer being relocated to the Island of Lewis.

Homelessness 2001/2002

HO5.10.21

8

With reference to item 70 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director of Housing submitted a Report appending an analysis of reported homelessness in the Western Isles for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002. A total of 103 applicants for housing with the Comhairle had their housing needs assessed in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 Part II and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1 (Homeless Persons). The Report gave information on a number of developments in relation to homelessness including;

(1) the appointment of a Homeless Persons Officer;

(2) the preparation of a Homelessness Strategy for preventing and alleviating homelessness in the Western Isles;

(3) partnerships initiatives, in which the Comhairle would continue to work closely with other agencies in order to protect vulnerable individuals from becoming homeless or threatened with homelessness, including the Independent Living Project, the Lifestyle Centre, the Western Isles Domestic Abuse Forum, Western Isles Women's Aid and the Western Isles Mental Health Partnership.

The Report highlighted that as a result of the implications of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1 and the possibility of a transfer of ownership of the Comhairle's housing stock, there could be a period of considerable change in the way in which the Homeless Service operated.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the Report, and;

(2) that further Reports regarding the development of the local Homelessness Strategy and the implications of the new Homelessness legislation would be presented to the Committee during the coming year.

Estate Handyman Service

H05.10.02

9

The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of a planned review of the Estate Handyman Service. The Report indicated that at present the Handyman Service provision consisted of:

Lewis 1 full-time Handyman directly employed, 2 tradesmen employed through the Maintenance Term Contract

Harris 1 full-time Handyman directly employed;

Uist 1 full-time Handyman directly employed;

Barra 1 Tradesman employed by the DSO, of which 50% of costs were paid from the Housing Revenue Account.

The Report outlined the scope of works at present undertaken by Handymen and intimated that the review of the service would focus on:

(1) the rationalisation of terms and conditions of directly employed Handymen;

(2) Value for Money considerations associated with the procurement of tradesmen through the Building Maintenance Contract;

(3) the scope of works, and;

(4) improvements to the service.

It was stated that as part of the review it was proposed to undertake consultation with affected staff and also with the Western Isles Residents Forum.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the Report, and;

(2) that the Director of Housing be authorised to undertake a consultation exercise with Members and other appropriate organisations in relation to the Estate Handyman service, on the basis detailed in the Report.

FINANCE

Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03: Progress Report

10

The Director of Housing submitted a Report regarding the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03. The Report detailed expenditure on the Programme and summarised details of variations within the Programme. It was intimated that it was anticipated that an overspend would occur in relation to the budget line headed "Change of Tenancy" and that in order to accommodate any projected overspends and to contain the level of expenditure within the overall Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03 it would be necessary to make a number of virements, which would be reported to the Committee at its October meeting.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Director of Housing be authorised to revise the Housing Capital Programme 2002/03 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 Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2002/03

PR110.02

11

The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of expenditure incurred and committed in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2002/03. It was stated in the Report that it was anticipated that expenditure in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget for 2002/03 could exceed the existing budgetary provision in the sum of £14,652. It was further stated that the Repairs and Maintenance Budget for 2002/03 would continue to be closely monitored and that interim steps may have to be put in place in order to minimise any potential overspend.

It was agreed to note the Report.

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

PR110.01

12

With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of progress on individual projects included in the Capital Funded from Current Revenue elements (CFCR) of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03.

It was agreed to note the progress in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03, Capital Funded from Current Revenue.

Application of Underspend from 2001/02

PR110.01

13

The Director of Housing submitted a Report outlining proposals for the utilisation of the permitted 2% carry forward from 2001/2002.

It was agreed that the permitted 2% carry forward underspend from 2001/02 to 2002/03 in General Fund Housing be utilised as proposed at Appendix 1 of the Report.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2002 - 30 June 2002

PR110.01

14

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consisted of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 for Revenue.

If all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme is over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2002- 30 June 2002, insofar as the Committee's interests was concerned.

Fourth Quarter Revenue Out-turn 2001/2002

PR110.05

15

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry forward of budgets and allocation of balances.

It was agreed to approve the recommendations as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the Fourth Quarter Revenue Out-turn 2001/2002, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

First Quarter Forecast Revenue Out-turn 2002/2003

PR110.05

16

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast out-turn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Re-allocation of Scottish Budget Resources

17

The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.

Department of Work and Pensions - Performance Standards for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

PR33.01.09

18

The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that the Department of Work and Pensions had developed a Performance Standard Package for the Administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. It was indicated in the Report that the package was designed to;

(1) give a comprehensive picture of what makes up secure and effective benefits administration divided into seven key functional areas;

(2) be a clear strategic and operational framework for assessing the performance of Councils;

(3) be an aid to identifying local priorities for action and planning for continuous improvement;

(4) improve accountability for the £14 billion of public funds paid in benefits in the United Kingdom, and;

(5) provide advice on good practices, incorporating all of the material from the current BFI Good Practice Guide.

It was agreed to note:

(1) the introduction of the Department of Work and Pension's performance standards package; and

(2) that the Director of Housing be requested to submit a further Report in twelve month's time on the application of Performance Standards in the local context.

It was agreed that, in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following two items on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

New Housing Partnership: Housing Stock Survey and Independent Valuation

HO1.17

19

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report seeking approval for the appointment of consultants to undertake a Housing Stock Condition Survey and an independent Housing Stock Valuation. The Report detailed the tasks involved in undertaking both the Stock Condition Survey and the Stock Valuation and it was intimated that the Scottish Executive would be meeting the costs of undertaking both the Survey and Valuation through the New Housing Partnerships and that the Executive had stated that they required the consultants who previously carried out a similar exercise for the Comhairle, namely DTZ Pieda, to take on the updating work now required by the Executive.

It was agreed that:

(1) it be delegated to the Assistant Director of Housing, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, to negotiate with DTZ Pieda to agree terms and conditions for carrying out a Housing Stock Condition Survey and an Independent Stock Valuation;

(2) this work be not tendered for as allowed by Clause 7(f) of the Comhairle's Contract Regulations, on the grounds of the special circumstances detailed at Paragraphs 5.1 to 5.4 of the Report and;

(3) the changes to the stock transfer timetable detailed at Paragraph 6.1 of the Report be noted.

Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray - Disposal

LB12

20

The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a request from the Berneray Development Group for the acquisition of the Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray at less than the best price. It was intimated in the Report that the Development Group wished to acquire the Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray in order to facilitate a number of local community based projects.

It was agreed that;

(1) the Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray be sold to the Berneray Development Group at nil cost; and

(2) it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to arrange for the disposal of the property on appropriate terms and conditions.

Relocation of Alcoholics Anonymous Group Premises

LB11

21

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning proposals to re-locate the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place in preparation for the development of the new Sports Centre in Stornoway. It was indicated in the Report that Alcoholics Anonymous currently leased a building from the Stornoway Trust which was on the site that was proposed for the re-development of the new Sports Centre. It was further indicated that negotiations had taken place with the Stornoway Trust, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Officers of the Comhairle. and that an agreement had been reached, which involved relocating the meeting place to a discrete site on the Haldane site, which was satisfactory to all parties.

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

(1) to approve the relocation of the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place to the Haldane site, and;

(2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to commission the development of a replacement building, prior to the building of the new Sports Centre in Stornoway, to ensure continuity of this valuable service.

Credit Union for the Western Isles

H01.01.13

22

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report advising Members of the progress made towards the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union. The Report referred to discussions, which had taken place with representatives of the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd and that it was proposed to hold a meeting with a representative of the Scottish Credit Union Partnership. It was further intimated that funding for a development worker who would assist in the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union was currently being investigated. The Report referred to a major Conference entitled "Rural Credit Unions and Financial/Social Inclusion", which was to be held at Tulloch Castle Hotel, Dingwall on Friday 8th November and Saturday 9th November 2002 and invited the Committee to nominate a Member to attend the Conference.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the progress made; and

(2) recommend that the Chairman and/or his nominee be nominated to attend the "Rural Credit Unions and Financial/Social Inclusion Conference" to be held in Dingwall on 8 and 9 November 2002.

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

23

The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding arising from the decisions of the Committee since 1 May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PRESENT	Mr George Lonie (Chairman)
	Mr Norman M Macleod (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Iain Morrison
	Mr Alexander A MacDonald	Mr Angus Campbell
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Martin C Taylor
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mr Calum Mackay

APOLOGIES	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Angus Nicolson

		MINUTES
Housing Committee	1	The Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002 was approved.
Housing Review Panel H13.01.03	2	The Minutes of Meetings of the Housing Review Panel of 19 June and 26 June 2002 were noted.
		POLICY
Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 - Homelessness Legislation HO5.10.21	3	The Director of Housing submitted a Report appending the Comhairle's response to the Homelessness Bill Consultation Paper: "Helping Homeless People: An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Response " together with the response to the Consultation Paper: "Proposals for Homelessness Arbitration - Guidance for Registered Social Landlords (RSL) and Councils". The Report highlighted that there would be significant future legal and financial implications for the Comhairle relating to the provisions of the revised homelessness legislation. It was agreed to homologate the action taken by the Director of Housing in making responses to the two documents "Helping Homeless People: An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Response" and "Proposals for Homelessness Arbitration - Guidance for RSLs and Councils".
Housing Scotland Act 2001 - Local Housing Strategies HO1.01	4	The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that the Scottish Executive had revised the timetable on which local authorities would be required to submit Local Housing Strategies to the Scottish Ministers. The Report intimated that funding had been made available by the Scottish Executive to provide support to local authorities in the preparation of Local Housing Strategies and that in light of the present current workload within the Housing Department and the need for specialist research to be undertaken, in relation to the preparation of the Strategy, it was felt appropriate for consultants to be employed to provide support for the production of a local Housing Strategy. It was agreed that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Service, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to appoint specialist consultants to provide support for the production of a Local Housing Strategy for the Comhairle.
		MANAGEMENT
Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2002/03: Progress Report HO5.16	5	The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning progress with regard to the Cyclical Painterwork Programme for 2002/03 for properties held on the Housing Revenue Account. It was intimated in the Report that progress to date on the Programme for 2002/03 had been very satisfactory and that the Programme would continue to be closely monitored. It was agreed to note the progress in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Cyclical Painterwork Programme 2002/03.
Tenant Satisfaction Survey HO5.01.01	6	The Director of Housing submitted a Report outlining proposals to issue Tenant Satisfaction Survey Sheets following the completion of general repair works. It was intimated in the Report that continuous monitoring and inspection of completed repairs was seen as an essential part of performance monitoring and that it was proposed to send 10% of tenants using the repair service, in any given month, a satisfaction survey for completed repairs. It was emphasised that the results and information emerging from this survey would be made available to assist in improving the repair service and would be submitted to the Committee and the Commercial Operations Board. It was agreed to approve the proposal to issue Tenant Satisfaction Survey Sheets, on the basis detailed in the Report.
Personal Housing Planning Service on Barra HO5.01.01	7	The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information on progress made since the introduction of Personal Housing Plans (PHP) on the Island of Barra. The Report summarised the aim of Personal Housing Plans, which was to provide information to members of the public who were in housing need and who required knowledge of the various options which might be suitable for their particular requirements and to public organisations which were responsible for the allocation of resources. It was intimated in the Report that very little interest had been shown in Personal Housing Plans on Barra. The Report further intimated that following the resignation of the Project Officer employed to introduce a Personal Housing Planning Service on the Island of Barra it was appropriate to discuss with Communities Scotland the possibility of transferring the post to Lewis, where housing demand was significantly greater. It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that; (1) the Personal Housing Planning Project (PHP) be discontinued on the Island of Barra; (2) the post of Project Officer Grade AP3/4 be dis-established, and; (3) discussions take place with Communities Scotland to look at the possibility of the post of PHP Project Officer being relocated to the Island of Lewis.
Homelessness 2001/2002 HO5.10.21	8	With reference to item 70 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director of Housing submitted a Report appending an analysis of reported homelessness in the Western Isles for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002. A total of 103 applicants for housing with the Comhairle had their housing needs assessed in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 Part II and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1 (Homeless Persons). The Report gave information on a number of developments in relation to homelessness including; (1) the appointment of a Homeless Persons Officer; (2) the preparation of a Homelessness Strategy for preventing and alleviating homelessness in the Western Isles; (3) partnerships initiatives, in which the Comhairle would continue to work closely with other agencies in order to protect vulnerable individuals from becoming homeless or threatened with homelessness, including the Independent Living Project, the Lifestyle Centre, the Western Isles Domestic Abuse Forum, Western Isles Women's Aid and the Western Isles Mental Health Partnership. The Report highlighted that as a result of the implications of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 Part 1 and the possibility of a transfer of ownership of the Comhairle's housing stock, there could be a period of considerable change in the way in which the Homeless Service operated. It was agreed: (1) to note the Report, and; (2) that further Reports regarding the development of the local Homelessness Strategy and the implications of the new Homelessness legislation would be presented to the Committee during the coming year.
Estate Handyman Service H05.10.02	9	The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of a planned review of the Estate Handyman Service. The Report indicated that at present the Handyman Service provision consisted of: Lewis 1 full-time Handyman directly employed, 2 tradesmen employed through the Maintenance Term Contract Harris 1 full-time Handyman directly employed; Uist 1 full-time Handyman directly employed; Barra 1 Tradesman employed by the DSO, of which 50% of costs were paid from the Housing Revenue Account. The Report outlined the scope of works at present undertaken by Handymen and intimated that the review of the service would focus on: (1) the rationalisation of terms and conditions of directly employed Handymen; (2) Value for Money considerations associated with the procurement of tradesmen through the Building Maintenance Contract; (3) the scope of works, and; (4) improvements to the service. It was stated that as part of the review it was proposed to undertake consultation with affected staff and also with the Western Isles Residents Forum. It was agreed: (1) to note the Report, and; (2) that the Director of Housing be authorised to undertake a consultation exercise with Members and other appropriate organisations in relation to the Estate Handyman service, on the basis detailed in the Report.
		FINANCE
Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03: Progress Report	10	The Director of Housing submitted a Report regarding the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03. The Report detailed expenditure on the Programme and summarised details of variations within the Programme. It was intimated that it was anticipated that an overspend would occur in relation to the budget line headed "Change of Tenancy" and that in order to accommodate any projected overspends and to contain the level of expenditure within the overall Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03 it would be necessary to make a number of virements, which would be reported to the Committee at its October meeting. It was agreed that: (1) the Director of Housing be authorised to revise the Housing Capital Programme 2002/03 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 Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2002/03 PR110.02	11	The Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of expenditure incurred and committed in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget 2002/03. It was stated in the Report that it was anticipated that expenditure in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Repairs and Maintenance Budget for 2002/03 could exceed the existing budgetary provision in the sum of £14,652. It was further stated that the Repairs and Maintenance Budget for 2002/03 would continue to be closely monitored and that interim steps may have to be put in place in order to minimise any potential overspend. It was agreed to note the Report.
Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03 - Capital Funded from Current Revenue (CFCR) PR110.01	12	With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Housing submitted a Report giving information of progress on individual projects included in the Capital Funded from Current Revenue elements (CFCR) of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2002/03. It was agreed to note the progress in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2002/03, Capital Funded from Current Revenue.
Application of Underspend from 2001/02 PR110.01	13	The Director of Housing submitted a Report outlining proposals for the utilisation of the permitted 2% carry forward from 2001/2002. It was agreed that the permitted 2% carry forward underspend from 2001/02 to 2002/03 in General Fund Housing be utilised as proposed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2002 - 30 June 2002 PR110.01	14	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consisted of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 for Revenue. If all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme is over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2002- 30 June 2002, insofar as the Committee's interests was concerned.
Fourth Quarter Revenue Out-turn 2001/2002 PR110.05	15	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry forward of budgets and allocation of balances. It was agreed to approve the recommendations as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the Fourth Quarter Revenue Out-turn 2001/2002, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
First Quarter Forecast Revenue Out-turn 2002/2003 PR110.05	16	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast out-turn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring. It was agreed to note the Report.
Re-allocation of Scottish Budget Resources	17	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Department of Work and Pensions - Performance Standards for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit PR33.01.09	18	The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that the Department of Work and Pensions had developed a Performance Standard Package for the Administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. It was indicated in the Report that the package was designed to; (1) give a comprehensive picture of what makes up secure and effective benefits administration divided into seven key functional areas; (2) be a clear strategic and operational framework for assessing the performance of Councils; (3) be an aid to identifying local priorities for action and planning for continuous improvement; (4) improve accountability for the £14 billion of public funds paid in benefits in the United Kingdom, and; (5) provide advice on good practices, incorporating all of the material from the current BFI Good Practice Guide. It was agreed to note: (1) the introduction of the Department of Work and Pension's performance standards package; and (2) that the Director of Housing be requested to submit a further Report in twelve month's time on the application of Performance Standards in the local context.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following two items on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
New Housing Partnership: Housing Stock Survey and Independent Valuation HO1.17	19	The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report seeking approval for the appointment of consultants to undertake a Housing Stock Condition Survey and an independent Housing Stock Valuation. The Report detailed the tasks involved in undertaking both the Stock Condition Survey and the Stock Valuation and it was intimated that the Scottish Executive would be meeting the costs of undertaking both the Survey and Valuation through the New Housing Partnerships and that the Executive had stated that they required the consultants who previously carried out a similar exercise for the Comhairle, namely DTZ Pieda, to take on the updating work now required by the Executive. It was agreed that: (1) it be delegated to the Assistant Director of Housing, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, to negotiate with DTZ Pieda to agree terms and conditions for carrying out a Housing Stock Condition Survey and an Independent Stock Valuation; (2) this work be not tendered for as allowed by Clause 7(f) of the Comhairle's Contract Regulations, on the grounds of the special circumstances detailed at Paragraphs 5.1 to 5.4 of the Report and; (3) the changes to the stock transfer timetable detailed at Paragraph 6.1 of the Report be noted.
Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray - Disposal LB12	20	The Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a request from the Berneray Development Group for the acquisition of the Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray at less than the best price. It was intimated in the Report that the Development Group wished to acquire the Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray in order to facilitate a number of local community based projects. It was agreed that; (1) the Old Nurse's Cottage, Berneray be sold to the Berneray Development Group at nil cost; and (2) it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to arrange for the disposal of the property on appropriate terms and conditions.
Relocation of Alcoholics Anonymous Group Premises LB11	21	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning proposals to re-locate the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place in preparation for the development of the new Sports Centre in Stornoway. It was indicated in the Report that Alcoholics Anonymous currently leased a building from the Stornoway Trust which was on the site that was proposed for the re-development of the new Sports Centre. It was further indicated that negotiations had taken place with the Stornoway Trust, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Officers of the Comhairle. and that an agreement had been reached, which involved relocating the meeting place to a discrete site on the Haldane site, which was satisfactory to all parties. It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned; (1) to approve the relocation of the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place to the Haldane site, and; (2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to commission the development of a replacement building, prior to the building of the new Sports Centre in Stornoway, to ensure continuity of this valuable service.
Credit Union for the Western Isles H01.01.13	22	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report advising Members of the progress made towards the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union. The Report referred to discussions, which had taken place with representatives of the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd and that it was proposed to hold a meeting with a representative of the Scottish Credit Union Partnership. It was further intimated that funding for a development worker who would assist in the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union was currently being investigated. The Report referred to a major Conference entitled "Rural Credit Unions and Financial/Social Inclusion", which was to be held at Tulloch Castle Hotel, Dingwall on Friday 8th November and Saturday 9th November 2002 and invited the Committee to nominate a Member to attend the Conference. It was agreed to: (1) note the progress made; and (2) recommend that the Chairman and/or his nominee be nominated to attend the "Rural Credit Unions and Financial/Social Inclusion Conference" to be held in Dingwall on 8 and 9 November 2002.
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	23	The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding arising from the decisions of the Committee since 1 May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.