The Inverclyde Council

Tuesday 30 May 2006 at 4.00 pm

Present:  Provost Rebecchi, Councillors Blair, Forbes, Fyfe, Gallacher, Hill, Hunter, McCabe, McCormick (M), McCormick (P), McKenzie, Roach, Robertson, Snoddy, Stewart, Tucker and White.

Chair:  Provost Rebecchi presided. 

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of  Community Services,  Director of Education Services, Mr G Douglas (for Solicitor to the Council), Chief Financial Officer and Head of Implementation Team.

Present Also:  Ms K Neary, Chief Executive, River Clyde Homes.

Apologies:  Councillors Mitchell, Moran and Nimmo.

451

Community Ownership Programme, Outline Business Case

451

There was submitted a report dated 22 May 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the progress made in developing Community Ownership proposals for the majority of the Council’s housing stock which, if supported by tenants in a ballot, would transfer to River Clyde Homes, (2) setting out the undertakings to transfer from the Council to River Clyde Homes and those to remain with the Council, (3) advising of the impact of transfer on the Council, (4) setting out the business case for transfer and (5) providing details of indemnities and the financial implications associated with the stock transfer.

The Depute Chief Executive advised that confirmation of the price from the Scottish Ministers was still awaited and that, in the meantime, the figures detailed in the report should be regarded as indicative.

Decided:

(1)   that the significant progress made in developing the Council’s Community Ownership proposals be noted;

(2)   that, should there be a substantial variation from the estimated price following confirmation from the Scottish Ministers, it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive in consultation with the Convener and the Vice-Convener (Housing) of the Environment and Regeneration Committee and a Member of the Minority Group to determine the price and, should this not be possible, that the Depute Chief Executive submit a further report;  

(3)   that agreement be given to the housing undertaking to transfer as set out in appendix 1 to the report;

(4)   that the Council note a separate report is to be submitted in respect of developable land on the Housing Revenue Account and that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to report on the open spaces for retention by the Council on disposal to River Clyde Homes with regard to fulfilling the Council’s strategic aims on environmental or roads corridor use;

(5)   that, subject to the above exceptions, the Council approve the proposed non-housing undertakings as set out in appendix 2 to the report;

(6)   that agreement be given to the business case set out in appendix 3 to the report, including endorsement of the specialist reports on Stock Condition and Needs and Demand, the price being subject to confirmation;

(7)   that subject to negotiation with Communities Scotland on any change required as a result of new guidance or changes of fact,  it be agreed to submit the business case for stock transfer to the Scottish Executive for approval;ã

(8)   that River Clyde Homes be invited to submit a draft Business Plan and confirm the requirements of the Council as set out in paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 of the report; and

(9)   that it be agreed to carry out consultation on the draft business plan concurrently with appraisal by Communities Scotland and the Council, with a view to reporting to the Council in August.

452

Community Ownership Programme

452

Case for Transfer: Maukinhill

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out the case for the transfer of houses and related assets in Maukinhill to Cloch Housing Association, (2) providing information on Cloch Housing Association’s Business Plan and (3) advising of the implications of transfer for the Council.

Decided:

(1)   that Cloch Housing Association’s Business Plan be approved;

(2)   that the Council approve the submission for transfer to the Scottish Ministers in the form required;

(3)   that approval be given to progress stage 1 of the ballot process;

(4)   that approval be given to the indicative transfer of assets outlined in paragraph 6.1 and appendix 1 to the report; and

(5)   that the Council give its full support to the proposals for transfer.