Items Of Business
Apologies
Apologies from members.
Councillors K MacLaren and M MacLaren.
Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare an interest in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest.
There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Minute of meeting of Police and Fire & Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee.
1
There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Police and Fire & Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee held on 22 May 2018, which forms the Appendix to this Minute.
DECIDED: That the Minute be approved.
Joint report by Director of Finance & Resources, Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services, Director of Environment & Infrastructure and Acting Director of Children's Services.
2
There was submitted a joint report by the Directors of Finance & Resources, Communities, Housing & Planning Services and Environment & Infrastructure Services and the Acting Director of Children’s Services in respect of Services reporting to the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board for the period 1 April to 22 June 2018.
DECIDED: That the budget position be noted.
Report by Director of Finance & Resources.
3
There was submitted a capital budget monitoring report by the Director of Finance & Resources in respect of Services reporting to the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board for the period 1 April to 22 June 2018.
DECIDED: That the report be noted.
Report by Chief Executive.
4
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Community Empowerment Fund.
The report outlined the key objectives and aims of the Community Empowerment Fund and advised that four applications for funding, detailed within an appendix to the report, had been received. The total value of grant funding recommended for approval was £40,000. It was highlighted that the deadline for the submission of applications for the next round of funding was 14 September 2018.
DECIDED:
That the recommended grant awards, detailed in the Appendix to the report, to the total value of £40,000, be approved.
SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLANS
Report by Acting Director of Children's Services.
5
There was submitted a report by the Acting Director of Children’s Services relative to an overview of progress during the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 to deliver the Children’s Services' Service Improvement Plan.
The report summarised the main achievements of the Service during 2017/18 and included a Service Improvement Action plan, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, that monitored progress to date against the agreed priorities for the Service, aligned to the Council strategic outcomes and identified areas where significant advances had been made, together with actions that had been reviewed or delayed. Appendix 2 to the report incorporated a score card of performance indicators measuring annual progress to deliver key tasks.
It was highlighted that Services covered by the Service Improvement Plan fell within the remit of both this Policy Board and the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board with each Board approving those elements of the Plan within their remit.
DECIDED:
(a) That the content of the 2017/18 Overview of Performance report be noted;
(b) That the progress that had been made on areas of service performance during 2017/18 which fell within the remit of this Policy Board be noted;
(c) That the progress made on actions and performance in the action plan be noted; and
(d) That it be noted that an outturn report would also be submitted to the meeting of the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
6
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to recent activities undertaken by the Communities and Public Protection Service. The report provided updates in terms of environmental enforcement and improvement activities, protecting vulnerable residents, building safer communities, diversionary activities and performance in terms of achievement against indicators and targets
DECIDED: That the update report be noted.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
7
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the Street Stuff Annual Report 2017/18.
The report highlighted that the Street Stuff initiative contributed to the delivery of a sustained reduction in reported youth disorder and anti-social behaviour; detailed the range of resources utilised by the Street Stuff project and outlined how the Service had modernised its service delivery model, following engagement and consultation with young people, to increase the flexibility of its deployment and widen the range of activities offered.
The report also provided information on the delivery of the core Street Stuff programme during 2017/18 and highlighted some of the additional projects linked with the core programme that had further improved its reach and effectiveness to young people across Renfrewshire.
DECIDED: That the content of the annual plan and the work undertaken by the Street Stuff programme during 2017/18 be noted.
Report by Acting Director of Children's Services.
8
There was submitted a report by the Acting Director of Children’s Services relative to the Community Justice Renfrewshire Annual Report 2017/18, which was attached as Appendix A to the report.
The report stated that the Renfrewshire Community Justice Outcomes Improvement Plan 2017/18, published on 1 April 2017, had outlined how Community Justice Renfrewshire would reduce re-offending in Renfrewshire. The document also highlighted key local priorities, which had been identified through needs assessment and interaction with stakeholders and national priorities.
The first Community Justice Renfrewshire Annual Report, covering the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018, required to published by 30 September 2018 and thereafter be submitted to Community Justice Scotland. A template for the annual report had been produced by Community Justice Scotland to assist local partnerships to capture a range of data in a way that allowed local partners to highlight key aspects of community justice activities, outcomes and improvements over the specified period. Community Justice Renfrewshire also produced a front-facing document for publication alongside the annual report, which would assist communication and engagement with the wider public and this was attached as Appendix B to the report. The Community Justice Renfrewshire Participation Statement was attached as Appendix C to the report.
DECIDED:
(a) That the Community Justice Renfrewshire Annual Report 2017/18, Appendix A to the report, be approved
(b) That the Community Justice Renfrewshire Annual report 2017/18 front-facing document, Appendix B to the report, be approved;
(c) That the Community Justice Renfrewshire Participation Statement, Appendix C to the report, be approved; and
(d) That it be noted that the Community Justice Renfrewshire Annual Report 2017/18 required to be published by 30 September 2018.
Report by Acting Director of Children's Services.
9
There was submitted a report by the Acting Director of Children’s Services relative to the Community Payback Order Annual Report 2016/17 and providing an update on Criminal Justice Social Work activity. The report stated that the Criminal (Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1995 imposed a duty on local authorities to submit annual reports on the operation of Community Payback Orders (CPOs). The Community Payback Order Annual Report 2016/17, a copy of which was appended to the report, had been submitted to Community Justice Scotland.
The report advised of the range of work undertaken by criminal justice social work, outlined changes to the service delivery model implemented during 2017/18 and advised of planned developments in future service provision. The Community Payback Order Annual Report 2016/17 provided statistics and information in relation to the operation of CPOs and advised the extent and range of work carried out by those subject to CPOs, with significant focus on the range of work carried out by those undertaking unpaid work in the local community; highlighted significant workload changes between April 2011 and March 2017 which had resulted in increases in supervision requirements and the number of unpaid work orders imposed.
The report highlighted that the Community Payback Order Annual Report 2017/18 required to be submitted to Community Justice Scotland during October 2018, and that it was anticipated that it would be available for publication around February 2019.
DECIDED:
(a) That the Community Payback Annual Report 2016/17 be noted; and
(b) That the criminal justice update be noted.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
10
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the draft Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy and providing updates in terms of the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014.
The report advised that a review of the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy had been carried out and it was proposed that the Council and the four local housing associations, Bridgewater, Linstone, Paisley and Williamsburgh, would adopt a common housing allocation policy to make it easier for applicants to access social rented housing in Renfrewshire. The draft Renfrewshire Common Allocation Policy, a copy of which was appended to the report, took account of legislative changes introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 and good practice guidance. Approval was sought to consult with tenants, housing applicants and other stakeholders on the draft common housing allocation policy. It was highlighted that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board to advise of feedback received as part of the consultation and presenting the proposed finalised allocation policy for approval.
The report indicated that some provisions contained within the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014, relating to the allocation of housing by social landlords and Scottish Secure Tenancies and Short Scottish Secure Tenancies, would come into force during 2019. The action being taken to address these provisions was outlined.
DECIDED:
(a) That the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services be authorised to carry out consultation on the draft Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy;
(b) That the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services prepare and submit a further report to a future meeting of this Policy Board in early 2019 providing feedback to the consultation and presenting the proposed finalised policy for approval; and
(c) That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services would write to all tenants with a Scottish Secure Tenancy or a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy notifying them of changes to their tenancy agreement.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
11
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the Scottish Social Housing Charter Annual Return 2017/18.
Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords were required to submit an Annual Return relating to their performance, to the Scottish Housing Regulator, by the end of May each year. A copy of the Annual Return 2017/18 made on behalf of the Council was appended to the report and detailed Renfrewshire’s performance in terms of specific indicators. In summary, 21 of the performance indicators had improved on the previous year, five had remained the same and nine had reported a slight decrease in performance. The report highlighted that the Scottish Housing Regulator published all social landlords’ performance on its website and, in common with other social landlords, the Council was required to report its performance against the Charter to all tenants. It was noted that this information would be made available on the Council’s website and in the tenants’ newsletter, the People’s News. Additional service and performance management information was provided and it was highlighted that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board which benchmarked Renfrewshire Council’s performance during 2017/18 against other social landlords.
DECIDED:
(a) That the Scottish Social Housing Charter performance information for 2017/18, contained in sections 1 and 2 of the report, be noted; and
(b) That the additional service and performance management information, contained in section 3 of the report, be noted.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
12
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the most recent Renfrewshire tenant satisfaction survey, which had been carried out by external consultants during February/March 2018. A copy of the executive summary of the survey report was provided as an appendix.
The tenant satisfaction survey, which was based on a representative sample of Council tenants, provided feedback on tenants' views on the services provided by the Council and enabled the Council to track changes, monitor progress and benchmark satisfaction in respect of key service areas with other social housing providers. The survey questionnaire had been based on questions developed by the Scottish Housing Regulator to assist evaluation of performance against core indicators and outcomes within the Social Housing Charter. A copy of the full tenant satisfaction survey report was available to view on the Council’s website.
DECIDED: That the responses to the 2018 Renfrewshire Council Tenant Satisfaction Survey be noted.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
13
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2019/24.
The report indicated that the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) was reviewed and updated annually. A draft SHIP for the five-year period 2019/24, essentially a roll-forward of the current SHIP taking account of projects which were expected to complete during 2018/19 alongside estimates of when new projects could potentially be brought forward, had been developed, for consultation, following discussion with local housing associations in Renfrewshire and a copy was appended to the report. As many of the affordable housing projects included within the draft SHIP were planned for land in the ownership of the Council the report sought authority to initiate actions required in relation to land ownership, which were detailed in a table within the report, to facilitate the delivery of these developments. Following consultation, the proposed finalised SHIP would be submitted to the next meeting of this Policy Board for approval, prior to submission to the Scottish Government.
DECIDED:
(a) That the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services be authorised to carry out consultation on the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2019/24 and submit the finalised plan to the next meeting of this Policy Board for approval; and
(b) That the action proposed in Table 1 of the report, with respect to the ten Council-owned sites listed in the table be agreed.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
14
Under reference to item 11 of the Minute of the meeting of this Policy Board held on 22 May 2018 there was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the allocation of additional funding of £97,175 for the Renfrewshire Council area in terms of the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland (HEEPS:ABS) 2018/19.
The report advised that Renfrewshire Council had previously been awarded £1,518,477 for HEEPS:ABS projects in 2018/19 for qualifying projects within the Renfrewshire area. This funding had been allocated to projects focussed on mixed tenure blocks of solid wall construction type to support social landlords in meeting the requirements of the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing. Notification had subsequently been received confirming additional grant funding of £97,175 for the Renfrewshire area for 2018/19, taking the total grant allocation to £1,615,652. The report indicated that it was proposed that the additional funding be utilised to extend the current external wall insulation programme as set out in a table within the report. As previously reported to the Board, in addition to the HEEPS:ABS grant allocated to local authorities, the Scottish Government had made funds available to assist private owners with the costs of a range of insulation and heating measures through a variety of grants, interest free loans and equity loan schemes which were administered by Home Energy Scotland (HES).
To assist owners in wholly-private blocks whose properties were not included in the Council’s mixed tenure investment programme, the Council had facilitated an Open Day information event, in partnership with Home Energy Scotland, which had been well attended and which enabled homeowners to meet with Home Energy Scotland representatives to discuss the range of financial support available to support the installation of energy efficiency measures.
DECIDED:
(a) That it be noted that additional funding of £97,175 had been awarded for qualifying projects within the Renfrewshire Council area in terms of the HEEPS:ABS 2018/19 programme; and
(b) That the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services be authorised to accept the offer of grant and oversee delivery and operational management of the programme.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
15
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the Scheme of Assistance for Private Owners and the incorporation therein of a “Missing Shares” Pilot project to support tenement homeowners who wanted to progress essential communal repairs and maintenance but who were unable to do so due to the lack of co-operation from one or more property owners in the block where the works were proposed.
Renfrewshire’s Local Housing Strategy 2016/21 had highlighted particular stock quality issues in pre-1919 tenements in town centre areas. The report advised that the Council’s current Scheme of Assistance for Private House Owners had recently been reviewed and it was proposed that a pilot project to pay “Missing Shares” be developed and incorporated, as allowed for in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, to support responsible tenement homeowners who wanted to progress essential communal repairs and maintenance but who were unable to do so due to the lack of co-operation from one or more property owners in the block where the works were proposed. A copy of the updated and revised Scheme was appended to the report.
DECIDED:
(a) That the revised Scheme of Assistance for Private House Owners, a copy of which was appended to the report, be approved;
(b) That the development of a “Missing Shares” Pilot Project, initially open to owners of older traditional tenement flats, be authorised;
(c) That the use of up to £100,000 from Private Sector Housing Grant to fund the pilot scheme be agreed;
(d) That the payment of "Missing Shares” in accordance with the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 be approved;
(e) That it be agreed that the Council would attempt to recover any payments made in respect of "Missing Shares" from the owners whose share was paid, including administrative and interest charges, through the Council’s debt recovery procedures and/or the registration of a Repayment Charge against the relevant property;
(f) That it be noted that the pilot project would be reviewed as to its efficiency and effectiveness and that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board with recommendations for its future delivery; and
(g) That it be noted that, in terms of the relevant legislation, the Housing Renewal Area Action Plan covering 33 Causeyside Street and 3,5,7 and 9 Orchard Street, Paisley would require to be varied to reflect the revised terms of the Scheme of Assistance.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
16
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to consultation by the Scottish Government in respect of the introduction of charges for the removal, storage and disposal of vehicles.
The report highlighted that the closing date for responses to the consultation had been 6 August 2018 and that it had not been possible to secure an extension of this closing date to allow the Board the opportunity to consider a draft response. Accordingly, a response had been prepared and submitted, on behalf of the Council, in accordance with the prescribed timescale and was appended to the report for homologation by the Policy Board.
The report highlighted that the legislative position in relation to dealing with vehicles that required to be removed because they caused an obstruction or appeared abandoned was complex. A summary of the proposed changes to the Removal, Storage and Disposal of Vehicles (Prescribed Sums and Charges etc.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2005 and the Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Regulations 2005, which would put in place revised charges that would apply when either Police Scotland or local authorities invoked legislative powers to remove, store or dispose of vehicles, together with the aims of the changes was provided. It was highlighted that the intention of the proposed charging matrix was not to profit from the activity, but to try and recover costs more effectively. In addition, the report detailed other legislation used by the Council to remove, depollute and dispose of vehicles and the fees charged. It was anticipated that the proposals would provide the public sector with one legislative framework and charging structure, simplifying the process and cost structure for agencies and the public. The response prepared on behalf of the Council supported the proposals.
DECIDED:
(a) That the consultation carried out by the Scottish Government on the charges for removal, storage and disposal of vehicles be noted; and
(b) That the action by the Director in preparing and submitting a response on behalf of the Council to the consultation, as appended to the report, be homologated.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
17
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the call for evidence issued to all local authorities by the Scottish Parliament Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee.
The report stated that at the meeting of the Scottish Parliament Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee held on 28 June 2018 it had been agreed that post-legislative scrutiny of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 be undertaken. The aims of the Act were outlined within the report and it was highlighted that the Act made provision for local authorities to impose measures on an owner, or the person in charge of a dog, who failed to keep their dog under control. The Committee proposed to review the effectiveness of the Act in meeting its objectives and undertake consultation to determine issues such as the effectiveness of the Act in reducing the number of out of control dogs/dog attacks in Scotland; how well local authorities were carrying out their duties under the Act; what challenges local authorities faced in carrying out these duties; weaknesses in the Act or any specific changes that should be considered; and identifying any other issues relating to the Act that should be brought to the attention of the Committee. The report highlighted that the deadline for the submission of evidence was 5 October 2018
A copy of the draft response to the Call for Evidence, prepared on behalf of the Council, was appended to the report.
DECIDED:
(a) That the call for evidence on the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 be noted; and
(b) That the Council’s proposed response to the Call for Evidence, appended to the report, be approved.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
18
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the annual Renfrewshire Development Plan Scheme 2018.
The report stated that the Development Plan Scheme detailed the programme for preparation and review of the Local Development Plan and provided a participation statement indicating when, how and with whom consultation on the Plan would take place. A copy of the Development Plan Scheme and Participation Statement 2018, which outlined the proposed timeline of the main stages in the preparation of the next Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, was appended to the report.
DECIDED: That the updated Renfrewshire Development Plan Scheme 2018 and Participation Statement be approved.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
19
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the Renfrewshire Planning Performance Framework 2017/18 which was appended to the report.
The report stated that a system of performance management for planning had been established by local authorities and the Scottish Government, where all planning authorities required to produce an annual Planning Performance Framework. The Framework had been developed by the Heads of Planning Scotland to capture and highlight a balanced measurement of planning performance, showing commitment to speed of decision making; providing certainty through timescales, process and advice; delivery of good quality development; project management; communication and engagement; and an overall ‘open for business’ attitude. It was noted that the Framework was not a policy document but provided planning authorities with an opportunity to demonstrate continuous improvement, achievements and successes. The Renfrewshire Planning Performance Framework 2017/18, which indicated that the Council continued to perform well in terms of the Scottish average,had been submitted to the Scottish Government.
DECIDED: That the Renfrewshire Planning Performance Framework 2017/2018, a copy of which was appended to the report, and which had been submitted to the Scottish Government on 27 July 2018, be noted.
Proposal of Application Notices
Proposal of Application Notices are included for members information only. Members should note that the Notices may subsequently come before them for determination as planning applications and as such should consider the guidance contained in the Scottish Government Guidance on the Role of Councillors in Pre-Application Procedures and the Councillors Code of Conduct.
Reports by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
20
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to proposal of application notices.
DECIDED: That the key issues identified to date be noted.
Planning Applications
Members must deal with planning applications in an objective manner to ensure that they cannot be challenged with accusations of bias or predetermination. Votes on planning applications must be seen to be impartial and not influenced by party political issues.
Report by Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.
21
There were submitted reports by the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to applications for planning permission that required to be determined by the Board.
(A) 17/0520/CC - WARD 9: DEMOLITION OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AT 40 CHURCH STREET LOCHWINNOCH PA12 4JA: TURNBERRY HOMES LIMITED
It was proposed that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed.
DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.
(B) 17/00519/PP - WARD 9: ERECTION OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT COMPRISING 24 DWELLINGHOUSES AND 9 FLATS WITH ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROADS, CAR PARKING AND LANDSCAPING AT 40 CHURCH STREET LOCHWINNOCH PA12 4JA: TURNBERRY HOMES LIMITED
It was proposed that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed.
DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.
(C) 18/0297/CC WARD 9: DEMOLITION OF POLICE STATION AT CALDER STREET LOCHWINNOCH PA12 4DD: MR C JAMES
It was proposed that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed.
DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.
(D) 18/0259/CC WARD 9: ERECTION OF TWO-STOREY DETACHED DWELLINGHOUSE AT CALDER STREET LOCHWINNOCH PA12 4DD: MR C JAMES
It was proposed that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed.
DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.
(E) 18/0462/PP WARD 1: ERECTION OF (NON-FOOD) RETAIL WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING SPRINKLER TANK, SUB-STATION AND PUMP ROOM AND PROVISION OF PARKING, ACCESS, LANDSCAPING AND PUBLIC REALM AT BRAEHEAD RETAIL PARK, KING’S INCH DRIVE, RENFREW: BRAEHEAD GLASGOW LIMITED
It was proposed that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed.
DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.
(F) 18/0483/PP WARDS 4 AND 12: CONSTRUCTION OF A CYCLEWAY AND BRIDGE WITH ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPING AND ANCILLARY INFRASTRUCTURE AT SITE BETWEEN WHITE CART BRIDGE AND PORTNAULD, ABBOTINCH ROAD, RENFREW: RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL
It was proposed that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed.
DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.