Service Update Report CaH 20 08 24
Renfrewshire Council · 20 August 2024
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 20 August 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
_________________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 20 August 2024 _________________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure _________________________________________________________________________ Heading: Service Update Report _________________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an overview of key service activities, an operational performance update since the last Policy Board meeting on the services and key projects and updates on any other relevant changes to service areas covered within the remit of this Board. _________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board 2.1 Note the contents of this report. 2.2 Note that further Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan funding has been received from the Scottish Government for 2024/25, in line with previous years, as detailed at paragraph 3.3.3 of this report. __________________________________________________________________ Updates for Communities and Housing Policy Board 3. Housing Management 3.1 Income Advice 3.1.1 Information from income advice interviews at the end of June confirms that over 1,878 advice cases involved households from Council Tenancies. 3.1.2 22 tenants qualified for the Tenant’s Support Fund during the first quarter of this financial year (1 April – 30 June 2024), with a total of £1,390.17 awarded. The scheme commenced in October 2023; therefore, there is no comparable period for last year. Officers continue to engage with tenants to maximise access to any underlying entitlement to benefits and funds available. 3.1.3 As the Department for Work and Pensions implements Universal Credit Migration Plans, which includes the transition of legacy benefits such as
Page 2
Income Support and Employment Support Allowance, officers are proactively offering support and assistance to tenants impacted, signposting to money advice colleagues as appropriate, to maximise the number of tenants that are supported through this change and assisted to receive all forms of financial support available. 3.1.4 Approximately 90 staff, including housing officers and housing assistants attended training to assist in understanding the reasons for debt and tenant engagement / non engagement. The aim of the training was to assist staff to maximise meaningful engagement with tenants who are genuinely trying to meet their rental commitments, but experience challenges with insufficient income relative to outgoings or other events in their life that impact on their financial and personal capability; impacting their ability to manage their tenancy. 3.2 Housing Advice 3.2.1 There has been continued take-up of the option to apply to join the Council’s housing waiting list using the online application form. The online system was introduced in November 2023, and, on 30 June 2024, 1,412 applicants had completed the online form. Staff are still available to assist in completing online forms and all applicants still have the opportunity for housing options advice; to assist those making a housing enquiry to gain a realistic understanding of the choices available to suit their circumstances. The online housing application is available alongside existing ways to apply, such as telephone, video conferencing (Near Me), email and in person as requested. 3.2.2 Working in partnership with Invest in Renfrewshire colleagues, Housing Services are now seeking to recruit two Housing Modern Apprentices. The successful candidates will commence their apprenticeships within our housing management team and will work in a range of teams within Housing Services over the course of their two-year apprenticeships. Modern Apprenticeships support workforce planning and are a great opportunity to welcome new colleagues and add value to our team, whilst supporting young people to develop their skills, experience, and gain housing qualifications which will hopefully assist them to progress into a career in housing on completion of their apprenticeship. 3.3 Homelessness and Housing Support Update 3.3.1 There continues to be high demand for assistance from our Homeless Services and Housing Support teams, as reported to recent Policy Board meetings. 3.3.2 The Scottish Government have announced that the implementation of Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans will be extended for a further year. Progress with the implementation of Renfrewshire’s initial 5-year Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) 2019 – 2024 has been regularly reported to the Policy Board, and our RRTP has supported the upscaling of a Housing First approach to support those who are homeless as well as minimising the time those who are homeless have to spend in temporary accommodation. 3.3.3 An announcement of further funding from the Scottish Government to support the delivery of RRTP’s for 2024/25 has also now been made, with £190k allocated to Renfrewshire. This is the same level of funding as awarded in the previous five years, and will largely allow the continuation of
Page 3
established initiatives which have been detailed in previous Policy Board reports and are in line with the RRTP guidance: • 3 temporary posts which focus on resettling homeless applicants transitioning from temporary accommodation to new tenancies • Say Women project which provides support for young women (16-25 years old) who have been subjected to sexual violence and are at risk of homelessness • Upscaling the Housing First approach both in-house with our Housing Support team and with support providers such as Turning Point Scotland and Blue Triangle Housing Association from 13 service users being support at any one time via the wraparound support approach in 2019 to 75 in July 2024. 3.3.4 Early Release of Prisoners – a well-publicised Emergency Early Release programme has been put in place by the Scottish Government due to the level of overcrowding in Scottish prisons, and our teams have been receiving weekly updates on prisoners from Renfrewshire who are part of this scheme. There have been an initial 4 tranches on a weekly basis, with the first tranche being 26 and 27 June and ending on 17/18 July. Homeless Services are provided with the details of the prisoners concerned on the Friday prior to their release, and arrangements are then made to ensure there is the offer of support and / or accommodation if required on their release. To date, only 2 out of 20 prisoners included in this programme have required temporary accommodation on liberation, with a further 2 being assisted to return to their tenancies. Sheltered housing 3.3.5 We have now established “Ask the Manager” sessions on a bi-monthly basis across our 10 sheltered housing complexes. These sessions allow tenants to ask the Sheltered and Amenity Housing Manager questions, provide direct feedback on their experience, as well as holding positive discussions on how we can develop the service being provided. This initiative is proving very popular and an effective method in encouraging tenant engagement and participation in the various initiatives and wellbeing activities. Separate tenants’ meetings are now taking place quarterly with support and input from staff within the Housing Repairs and Investment team attending to answer tenants’ queries. 3.3.6 Fire safety talks in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have been held at all complexes during June and July.
Page 4
3.3.7 The strong focus on tackling the threat of loneliness continues and a range of activities, parties and trips were organised throughout the spring / summer months. Our in-house ‘Befriending Service’ continues to support 9 tenants who do not have family or friends and benefit from 1-2-1 visits and support in their own home, as well as accompanied trips into the community. Our Health and Wellbeing Team in partnership with Renfrewshire Seniors Forum, the Health & Social Care Partnership and ROAR arranged another successful SOOPIR Day (Strengthening Opportunities for Older People in Renfrewshire) on 31 May at the Lagoon Leisure Centre, to celebrate its 10th anniversary with 310 older people attending Refugee Resettlement 3.3.8 The number of Ukrainian Displaced Persons being supported at our Welcome Hub near Glasgow Airport continued to reduce and the Hub was eventually decommissioned by the end of July 2024. Over 500 Ukrainians have now arrived to live in Renfrewshire since March 2022. 3.3.9 Since the beginning of this year there has been an increase in arrivals via Afghan resettlement programme, and those Afghan families who have already settled in Renfrewshire have helped us to welcome new arrivals. The Afghan Women’s Group has been re-established and proven to be a popular event and a helpful support for the families arriving more recently. 3.3.10 The Resettlement Team’s focus is becoming more about supporting positive community integration now that the demands at the Welcome Hub have reduced, and there is a broad range of local events now regularly taking place. A dedicated integration support officer post has been established to help develop a range of activities and calendar of events. 3.3.11 International Refugee Week was recently celebrated with an ‘open mic’ night at the Bungalow Bar in Paisley, where a Ukrainian singer performed, and a number of Syrians were supported to attend an ‘International Brunch’ at St Mirren Cathedral. 3.3.12 Walking groups have been organised to have tours of Paisley, families and children can now attend art classes at Create Paisley and Made In Paisley, OneRen now supply swimming passes, deliver football training, and dance classes, there is a ‘conversation café’ for older people to learn English and Youth Services are working with the resettlement team to deliver a broader programme of events for younger people. 3.4 Housing Asset and Investment 3.4.1. Council House Adaptations The Housing Repair and Maintenance Team have made progress in improving the turnaround time for council house adaptations and reducing the backlog that accumulated during the Covid pandemic. The average timescale for completion has reduced from 119 to 50 days. We have completed 386 adaptations compared to 191 in the previous year which has resulted in a reduction in the number awaiting adaptations. With continued co-operation from all stakeholders involved, it is hoped that further improvements in timescales can be achieved over the coming year. 2022/23 2023/24
Page 5
No. of medical adaptations completed 191 386 Average timescale for completion (days) 119 50 No. of households awaiting adaptation at year end 177 58 3.4.2 Internal Refurbishment Programme – Kitchen, Bathroom, Rewire Following an unsuccessful earlier tender in May to appoint a contractor to complete 250 kitchen, bathroom and rewire installations, the tender has been reissued, allowing more time for framework contractors to return their bids. Subject to receiving compliant bids, it is anticipated approval will be sought from the Finance and Resources Policy Board in September to appoint a contractor. Tenants whose homes are included within this programme will be kept informed. 3.4.3 Externals Improvement Works contract The contract with our “externals” contractor, MP Render has been extended for a further year from July 2024, in line with the terms of the contract award. MP render have completed 288 major housing refurbishments in the last two years improving energy efficiency and helping to lower energy costs for tenants through the installation of external wall insulation, solar panels coupled with replacement roofs and window replacement in Council housing. Over the coming year the Contractor will focus on commencing works in the Auchentorlie and Howard Street areas which are the first of the regeneration areas planned. The Housing Investment and Housing Regeneration teams expect to commence engagement with private homeowners in these areas over the coming months to encourage them to participate in these projects. 3.5 Review of Void Property Management 3.5.1 The Single Voids Manager continues to develop and implement the action plan for improvement in conjunction with colleagues from all teams involved in the void process, including specifically: • Tender documentation has been completed for the appointment of a preferred utilities provider and a report on bids received will be presented for approval to the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board of 21 November 2024. It is anticipated that a provider will be in place no later than Monday 6 January 2025 – the contract will be for four years with the Council having the option to extend for a further year on no more than three occasions. • City Gate Construction (Scotland) Ltd.’s contract to carry out works to bring houses to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard has been extended for a year from 18 July 2024 in respect of voids only – they have increased their capacity to accommodate our requirements, which is generally five properties per week; and
Page 6
• The pilot project to provide potential tenants with links via social media to 360o virtual tours of void properties was carried out in May, June, and July and during that period 39 tours were completed. An example can be viewed here. As part of the service the supplier also provides a floor plan and an example for the same address is reproduced below. It has been decided to continue to use this service after completion of the initial trial. 3.5.2 A separate report will be presented to this Policy Board’s meeting of 29 October 2024 giving a detailed update on progress to improve our void property management processes. In the meantime, we can advise that: • A significant reduction has been made in the number of voids. Excluding “Initiative” voids, i.e., those identified for demolition or disposal, there were 518 voids on 26 March 2024 – by 9 July 2024 that figure was 418, a reduction of 100 in fifteen weeks; and • The average re-let time as reported to the Scottish Housing Regulator has continued to reduce as shown in the table below. Year Average re-let time (days) 2020–2021 85.7 2021–2022 66.0 2022–2023 60.6 2023–2024 50.4 2024–2025 to end of April 2024 41.3 2024–2025 to end of May 2024 38.2 2024–2025 to end of June 2024 37.6 3.6 Housing (Scotland) Bill
Page 7
3.6.1 A Housing (Scotland) Bill was introduced in parliament on 26 March 2024. The Bill is currently at Stage 1 of the parliamentary process and is expected to be passed early next year. The Scottish Government introduced the Bill to deliver its rented sector strategy, “A New Deal for Tenants” and some policy ideas for housing as set out in Housing to 2040, while also seeking to deliver on an ambition to end homelessness. The policy objective of the bill is, “to improve the housing outcomes in Scotland for people who live mainly in rented accommodation or face homelessness. At the same time, it continues to safeguard the proportionate use of a landlord’s property for rental purposes, seeking to deliver a fair balance between protection for tenants and the rights of landlords.” The Bill has six main Parts. In summary: • Part 1 concerns rent for private rented tenancies. It imposes a duty on each local authority to carry out an assessment of rent conditions in its area relating to the level of rent and the rate of rent increases and to submit a report on this to the Scottish Government along with a recommendation about whether a rent control area should be designated. The Scottish Government can designate a rent control area. If designated, there would be restrictions on private sector rent increases in that area. • Part 2 of the Bill deals with evictions. It places duties on the First-tier Tribunal and the courts to consider delays to carrying out an eviction for tenants living in private rented and social housing. It also changes how damages for unlawful eviction are calculated. • Part 3 introduce new rights: - For private and social housing tenants to request to keep a pet - For private housing tenants to make changes to the property they are renting • Part 4 makes provision about other matters relating to tenants including unclaimed tenancy deposits, registration of letting agents, ending joint tenancies in the private rented sector, delivery of notices and converting assured tenancies into private residential tenancies. • Part 5 makes provision about homelessness prevention including duties of relevant bodies, assessment of housing support services and tenants affected by domestic abuse. This includes: - Introducing an “Ask and Act” duty on relevant bodies including councils, health bodies and the police, where those bodies are required to ask if an individual is homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to help that individual if they are.
Page 8
- Making local authorities act sooner to prevent homeless by taking reasonable steps. An assessment can be made of whether a household is threatened with homelessness up to six months before homelessness is imminent – this is an increase from the two months required by current legislation. - Making social landlords have a policy which sets out how they will support tenants who are at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse. • Part 6 deals with other minor, more administrative housing matters including such as changing the way mobile home pitch fees are calculated. 3.6.2 In April 2024 the Scottish Government sent out a call for views on the Bill, with a short timescale of response, by 17 May 2024. The Council’s response is available to view at: Response 805706770 to Housing (Scotland) Bill Call for Views - Scottish Parliament - Citizen Space At this stage some of the key concerns noted by the Council, and many others local authorities, include the significant resource implications of the proposed homelessness prevention duties, resources required to establish whether there is evidence of the need to establish any rent control area within a local authority area, as well as the potential of proposed rent controls deterring future investment in the private rented sector. The Scottish Government have recently indicated that they are listening to concerns from local authorities about the impact of introducing homelessness prevention duties at a time when councils are experiencing other pressures and will consider taking a phased approach to their introduction. 3.7 Housing Regeneration and Development Orchard Street 3.7.1 As previously reported, the Council is supporting Paisley Housing Association Ltd to carry out a comprehensive tenement rehabilitation project at 33 Causeyside Street and 3–9 Orchard Street, Paisley. The Association has now let a contract for the works to Procast Group Ltd in the amount of £6,437,891 including VAT. It is anticipated that the contractor will start on site during week commencing 29 July 2024 and that the works will take a total of two years to complete. Tannahill 3.7.2 Residents at the 101-home housing development in Ferguslie Park marked the completion of its construction by welcoming the Scottish Housing Minister to their new homes. Paul McLennan MSP visited on 24 April 2024 to meet residents and have a tour of the site.
Page 9
3.7.3 Throughout the seven-year regeneration project, council officers carried out extensive consultation with tenants, owners and local groups which included public engagement events, local drop-in surgeries, newsletters and frequent text and calls, giving them opportunities to comment and feedback on the regeneration of their area and address any concerns they had. This pro-active approach was recognised at the Scottish Homes Awards on 13 June 2024, at which – unusually – the project won first place in two separate categories: Housing Regeneration Project of the Year; and Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year. These awards celebrate the best in Scotland's new residential projects in the private, voluntary, and public sectors. 4. Public Protection Environmental Health 4.1 Local Protocol for Dealing with XL Bully Complaints 4.1.1 The designation of XL Bully type dogs as a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 came into full effect on 31 July 2024 whereby owners wishing to keep their dogs must have applied for a Certificate of Exemption. In addition to this, it is now an offence for anyone who owns an XL Bully to have the dog in public without a lead and muzzle; breed from an XL Bully; sell, give away or rehome one to abandon or let one stray. 4.1.2 There is fee for any application for a certificate of exemption, as well as ongoing costs to maintain third party liability insurance throughout the dog’s life. Given these costs, there is a realistic possibility that owners may decide to abandon their dogs, giving cause for concern and endangering public safety should anyone decide to do so. 4.1.3 Work is ongoing with Police Scotland to establish a local Renfrewshire protocol to address any issues which may arise as a result of the exemption certificate requirement. 4.1.4 It is expected that the protocol will clearly detail responsibilities for both Police Scotland and the Council as well as providing for mutual aid to manage incidents in a safe and proportionate manner. 4.2 Trading Standards Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Products 4.2.1 Work around Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Products (NVPs or Vapes) continues to place a high demand on the Trading Standards & Licensing Team. 4.2.2 Officers from the Team, assisted by Police Scotland and a tobacco detection dog, recently conducted 3 intelligence-led enforcement visits as part of Operation CECE, a national project targeting the sale and supply of both illicit and counterfeit tobacco products. The businesses concerned had previously been subject of enforcement activity, and the purpose of the visit was to ensure compliance with current legislation. These businesses cannot be identified due to legal restrictions imposed upon us by the Enterprise Act 2002. 4.2.3 Upon inspection, illicit tobacco was visible behind the counter areas in the 3 premises, with tobacco concealments identified within 2 of the premises by the tobacco detection dog. In total 4,596 packets of cigarettes (9,1920
Page 10
individual sticks) and 19.45kg of Hand Rolling Tobacco were seized, examined, and assessed to be in breach of the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Product Regulations 2016 and/or the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2015 and The Tobacco Products (Traceability and Security Features) Regulations 2019, as amended. In addition, 1,925 Nicotine Vapour Products were recovered within the premises which were identified as being non-compliant with the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2016. Enforcement actions are under consideration. 5. Community Development Team Up to Clean Up 5.1.1 Team Up to Clean Up has grown to over 5,800 members with a 473.33% increase in engagement in the past 3 months. 5.1.2 The “Bin to Win” school campaign was introduced to schools in June. The campaign was launched during the pre-election period, as such promotion was low key. £750 worth of Scotland Loves Local or One4all gift cards gift cards were issued to our young winners who submitted photographs of themselves binning their litter. Greater promotion and awareness raising is planned for pupil’s return to school in August, at this point pupils will also learn of their peer’s winnings. This approach is designed as a nudge technique to develop behavior change amongst our young people. 5.2 Environmental Taskforce 5.2.1 The Environmental Taskforce continues to deliver intervention to reduce instances of flytipping. Key statistics for the most recent period are: Action May - July 2024 Proactive visits to identified hotspot areas 520 Number of reports investigated 378 Tonnes of flytipping removed 49 Number of sites secured to prevent further flytipping 3 Letters to private landowners re flytipping 12 Visits to businesses to ensure Waste Disposal Arrangements in place 20 Fixed Penalty Notices Issued 22 5.2.2 Relocated cameras have been successful in securing evidence in 3 flying tipping cases since May 2024. 5.2.3 An additional 3 flytipping hotspots have been secured with preventative measures blocking access through support from the Environmental Taskforce. One site, operated by a private organisation, has erected fencing, the remaining 2, one of which is Tannahill Road in Ferguslie, have blocked access as such reducing instances in these areas.
Page 11
5.2.4 The list of identified hotspots patrolled by the Taskforce is updated and amended according to reported incidents, patterns, and trends. Hotspot areas receive additional attention from the Taskforce through patrols, the installation of cameras where appropriate, and awareness raised with local people who visit, work or live in the area. Hotspot locations include areas surrounding Gleniffer Braes which are currently receiving additional attention. 6. Justice Social Work Early Release 6.1.1 In response to a rapid rise in the prison population in recent months the Scottish Parliament approved a programme of emergency early release of prisoners, starting in June. Only short-term prisoners with 180 days or less left to serve on their sentence or long-term prisoners who have been recommended for release by the Parole Board were eligible. A number of automatic exclusions also applied. These included prisoners who are on remand, subject to sex offender notification requirements and serving sentences for convictions involving domestic abuse. Additionally, where it was identified that an individual would pose an immediate risk of harm to an identified person or group, the governor veto must be applied. 577 prisoners were initially identified for early release across Scotland’s prison estate. Within this, 26 prisoners from Renfrewshire were identified. 6.1.2 In delivering this, Justice social work has worked collaboratively with the Scottish Prison Service, Housing Services, and other key partners in terms of supporting information sharing and informing risk assessments. Offers of voluntary assistance have also been made to those approved for release. The weekly release programme started on 26/27 June for a 4- week period ending on 17/18 July. Community Justice 6.1.3 Community Justice Renfrewshire’s Strategic Group met in June and agreed the activity areas that partners will focus resources on in the short term. This includes engagement and communications, supporting the transition of people from custody back into our communities, and supporting the delivery of quality diversionary activity for people who can benefit from early intervention. This improvement activity aligns to national community justice outcomes. 6.1.4 Work has been initiated with partners in NHS GCC Health Improvement to provide good practice training opportunities for staff who work with people on community-based supervision orders, including unpaid work. The training will cover important health and wellbeing areas relevant to many people involved in the justice system. This includes further developing trauma-responsive approaches and creating safe environments that help clients on their journey to rehabilitation and reintegration.
Page 12
Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Any financial elements referenced in this report will be progressed through the Council’s financial & budget planning process. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – The report details a range of activities which reflect local community and council planning themes. 4. Legal – None 5. Property/Assets – None 6. Information Technology –None 7. Equality & Human Rights - The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – None 11. Privacy Impact – No ne 12. COSLA Policy Position – None 13. Children’s Rights – None 14. Climate Change – there are a range of actions and activities throughout the Service Update Report which support the Council’s Plan for Net Zero __________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: None Author: Gordon McNeil, Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Email: gordon.mcneil@renfrewshire.gov.uk