Agenda Document Pack - Housing and Community Safety Committee - 10/09/2024
Moray Council · 10 September 2024
Back to Housing and Community Safety Committee — 10 September 2024 and its agenda
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Housing and Community Safety Committee Tuesday, 10 September 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee is to be held at Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX on Tuesday, 10 September 2024 at 09:30. BUSINESS 1 Sederunt 2 Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests * 3 Resolution Consider, and if so decide, adopt the following resolution: "That under Section 50A (4) and (5) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as amended, the public and media representatives be excluded from the meeting for Item 12 of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information of the class described in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.” 4 Minute of meeting dated 25 June 2024 7 - 12 5 Written Questions ** 6 Housing Investment Plan Update Report by Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) 13 - 30 7 Moray Affordable Housing Investment Programme Report by Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) 31 - 38 Page 1
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8 Scottish Social Housing Charter Compliance Report by Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) 39 - 46 9 Grass Cutting Scheme Review Report by Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) 47 - 70 10 Moray Home Energy Efficiency Programme Report by Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) 71 - 76 11 Housing and Property Services Budget Report - 30 June 2024 Report by Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) 77 - 84 Item(s) which the Committee may wish to consider with the Press and Public excluded 12 Building Services Trading Operation Budget 2024-25 - Budget Monitoring [Para 9] • 9. Information on terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Authority; Information Reports - Not for Discussion at this Meeting Any member wishing to call in a noting or information report from one meeting shall give notice to Committee Services at least 48 hours before the meeting for which the report is published. The Notice shall be countersigned by one other elected member and shall explain the reason for call in including any action sought. Information Report - Local Housing Strategy Update Report by Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) 85 - 94 Page 2
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Summary of the Housing and Community Safety Committee functions: To deal with matters relating to Housing/HMOs, Housing Regeneration, Homelessness, Social Inclusion, Equalities, Community Safety, Anti- Social Behaviour (including road accidents) and Community Liaison. Watching the Meeting You can watch the webcast live by going to: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_43661.html Webcasts are available to view for 1 year following the meeting. You can also attend the meeting in person, if you wish to do so, please come to the High Street entrance door and a member of staff will be let into the building. Page 3
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GUIDANCE NOTES * Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests - The Chair of the meeting shall seek declarations from any individual or political group at the beginning of a meeting whether any prior decision has been reached on how the individual or members of the group will vote on any item(s) of business on the Agenda, and if so on which item(s). A prior decision shall be one that the individual or the group deems to be mandatory on the individual or the group members such that the individual or the group members will be subject to sanctions should they not vote in accordance with the prior decision. Any such prior decisions will be recorded in the Minute of the meeting. ** Written Questions - Any Member can put one written question about any relevant and competent business within the specified remits not already on the agenda, to the Chair provided it is received by the Proper Officer or Committee Services by 12 noon two working days prior to the day of the meeting. A copy of any written answer provided by the Chair will be tabled at the start of the relevant section of the meeting. The Member who has put the question may, after the answer has been given, ask one supplementary question directly related to the subject matter, but no discussion will be allowed. No supplementary question can be put or answered more than 10 minutes after the Council has started on the relevant item of business, except with the consent of the Chair. If a Member does not have the opportunity to put a supplementary question because no time remains, then he or she can submit it in writing to the Proper Officer who will arrange for a written answer to be provided within 7 working days. Page 4
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MORAY COUNCIL Housing and Community Safety Committee SEDERUNT Councillor Amber Dunbar (Chair) Councillor Donald Gatt (Depute Chair) Councillor James Allan (Member) Councillor Neil Cameron (Member) Councillor John Divers (Member) Councillor Jérémie Fernandes (Member) Councillor David Gordon (Member) Councillor Juli Harris (Member) Councillor Sandy Keith (Member) Councillor Marc Macrae (Member) Councillor Paul McBain (Member) Councillor Shona Morrison (Member) Councillor Derek Ross (Member) Councillor John Stuart (Member) Councillor Sonya Warren (Member) Ms Alison Angus (Non-Voting Member) Ms Jane Bartecki (Non-Voting Member) Ms Elizabeth McKnockiter (Non-Voting Member) Clerk Name: Lissa Rowan Clerk Telephone: 07765 741754 Clerk Email: committee.services@moray.gov.uk Page 5
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MORAY COUNCIL Minute of Meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee Tuesday, 25 June 2024 Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX PRESENT Councillor James Allan, Ms Alison Angus, Councillor Neil Cameron, Councillor Amber Dunbar, Councillor Donald Gatt, Councillor David Gordon, Councillor Juli Harris, Councillor Sandy Keith, Councillor Marc Macrae, Councillor Paul McBain, Ms Elizabeth McKnockiter, Councillor Shona Morrison, Councillor Derek Ross, Councillor John Stuart, Councillor Sonya Warren APOLOGIES Ms Jane Bartecki, Councillor John Divers, Councillor Jérémie Fernandes IN ATTENDANCE Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance), Head of Housing and Property Services, Environmental Health and Trading Standards Manager, Building Services Manager, Ms D Murray, Senior Housing Officer, Mrs G Anderson, Senior Solicitor and Mrs L Rowan, Committee Services Officer as Clerk to the Committee. 1 Chair Councillor Dunbar, being Chair of the Housing and Community Safety Committee, chaired the meeting. 2 Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests In terms of Standing Order 21 and 23 and the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, there were no declarations from Group Leaders or Spokespersons in regard to any prior decisions taken on how Members will vote on any item on the agenda or any declarations of Member’s interests in respect of any item on the agenda. For transparency, Councillor Dunbar stated that at the last meeting of the Committee she had declared an interest in the Acquisitions Programme and noted that there was a brief mention of the programme in Item 6 "Moray Affordable Housing Programme" however having discussed this with the Legal Services Manager, stated that she would remain in the Chamber for the consideration of this item. 3 Pre-election Statement The Chair reminded the Committee of the pre-election period and subsequent restrictions on the Council publishing material showing support for a particular Item 4 Page 7
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political party and that, as the meeting was webcast, should the debate become political, she, as Chair, may need to intervene. This was noted. In relation to Item 6 "Moray Affordable Housing Investment Programme", Councillor Keith reminded the Committee that it had agreed that the Chair write to the Deputy First Minister outlining the concerns being expressed by the Housing Sector at the £200 million cuts to the affordable housing budget and the impact that will have on the Council's ability to meet housing need going forward whilst acknowledging that its capital allocation has yet to be confirmed and queried whether this report could be considered as debate may stray into further criticism of the Scottish Government which would not be appropriate during the pre-election period. The Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) advised that the impact of the reduced resource had been fully debated at previous committees and that the report on the agenda was to discuss how the current allocation could be applied and suggested that if the debate becomes political then it could be moved to the confidential section. The Chair then called for a short adjournment to discuss this matter with the Legal Services Manager. On resumption of the meeting the Chair stated that there was no grounds to warrant discussion of the report in the confidential session and, given the potential for the debate to become political, sought the agreement of the Committee to defer the report to a future meeting of the Committee. This was agreed. 4 Resolution The Committee resolved that under Section 50A (4) and (5) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as amended, the public and media representatives be excluded from the meeting for the items of business detailed below, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information of the class described in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. Paragraph Number of Minute Paragraph Number of Schedule 7a and Reason 13 9 - Information on terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Authority. 5 Minute of meeting dated 7 May 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee held on 7 May 2024 was submitted and approved. 6 Written Questions The Committee noted that no written questions had been submitted. Page 8
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7 Moray Affordable Housing Investment Programme As previously agreed, this report was deferred to a future meeting of this Committee given the potential for the debate to become political. 8 Antisocial Behaviour Policy The Committee had before it a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment, and Finance) regarding the revised Antisocial Behaviour Policy, Housing Service Neighbour Nuisance and Antisocial Behaviour Policy which included a request for approval of staffing changes within the teams. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed to: i. approve the reviewed and updated Antisocial Behaviour Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report; ii. note that two Community Wardens are being recruited in line with recent budget allocation; iii. approve the revised Housing Service Neighbour Nuisance and Antisocial Behaviour Policy for Moray Council tenants as set out in Appendix 2 of the report; and iv. approve the proposed staffing adjustments within housing detailed within paragraphs 3.6 and 3.7 of the report. 9 Allocations Policy Annual Performance Report 2023-24 Under reference to paragraph 8 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee dated 1 April 2024, a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) informed the Committee of the performance of the Council's Allocations Policy during 2023/24. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed: i. to note the performance identified within the report; and ii. the allocations quotas for 2024/25 as set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report. 10 Performance Report (Housing and Property Services) - Period to March 2024 The Committee had before it a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) regarding the performance of the service for the period to 31 March 2024. The Committee joined the Chair in commending the Service for preventing rent loss due to voids in the Council’s housing stock and thereafter unanimously agreed to note: Page 9
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i. scrutinises performance in the areas of Service Planning, Service Performance, and other related data to the end of March 2024; and ii. notes the actions being taken to improve performance where required. 11 Housing and Property and Economic Growth and Development Services - Service Plans 2024-25 Under reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of the meeting of Moray Council dated 28 February 2024, a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) invited the Committee to consider the Housing and Property and Economic Growth and Development Service Plans for 2024-25 whilst noting that these Service Plans were also considered at the Economic, Development and Infrastructure Committee on 18 June 2024 and the Economic Growth and Development plan would be considered at the upcoming meeting of the Planning and Regulatory Services Committee on 13 August 2024, with each Committee scrutinising in terms of their respective remits. Following consideration, the Committee, as per its remit, unanimously agreed to approve the Service Plans for Housing and Property Services and the priority area relating to Community Safety only included with the Economic Growth and Development Service Plan. 12 Housing and Property Services - Unaudited Outturn as at 31 March 2024 Under reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of the meeting of Moray Council dated 1 March 2023, a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) presented the Committee with the unaudited outturn position for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and General Services Other Housing Budget for the period up to 31 March 2024. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed to note the unaudited outturn for 2023/24 for the period to 31 March 2024, consisting of a surplus balance of £1,586k for the HRA and an underspend of £559k for General Services Housing & Property, reducing to £133,000 following transfer of funds for refugee resettlement to ear-marked reserves. 13 Building Services Trading Operation Budget 2023-24 - Budget Monitoring [Para 9] Under reference to paragraph 9 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee dated 9 May 2023, a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance) presented the Committee with the unaudited budget monitoring information for the period to 31 March 2024 for the Building Services Trading Operation. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed to note: i. the unaudited financial information for the period to 31 March 2024, as detailed in Section 5 and Appendix I of the report; and Page 10
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ii. Building Services operating performance for the period to 31 March 2024, as set out in Section 6 of the report. Page 11
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REPORT TO: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 SUBJECT: HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN UPDATE BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 This report informs the Committee of the actual outturn to 31 March 2024 for the Housing Investment Plan along with an update on progress of the Investment Plan for 2024/25. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III G (3) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the maintenance of the Council’s housing stock. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee consider and notes:- (i) the Housing Investment Programme outturn to 31 March 2024, as detailed in Section 3 and Appendices I to VI; and (ii) the progress that has been made on the Investment Plan in the first quarter of financial year 2024/25. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The Council meeting of 1 March 2023 approved the Housing Revenue Account Annual Budget for 2023-24 (paragraph 7 of the minute refers). This report outlines the outturn for the Investment Programme to 31 March 2024. 3.2 The Investment Plan is made of 6 main headings, Response Repairs, Void Repairs, Estate Works, Cyclical Maintenance, Planned Maintenance and Other Investment. The detailed spend in each area is included in Appendices I – VI and the below outline of performance in each area is provided. 3.3 APPENDIX I shows income and expenditure for 2023/24. The figures show that an overall year-end expenditure of £14,523k was achieved, which represents a spend of 68% against the £21,338K annual budget, and a shortfall £6,815k. The shortfall in investment is attributable to internal staff Item 6 Page 13
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resourcing delays in progressing a number of work activities along with procurement delays in a number of outsourced key investment areas such as window replacements and electrical testing. The level of expenditure within the individual budget headings that make up the programme are shown in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.12 below. The expenditure figure represents all payments which have progressed through the finance system to 31 March 2024. 3.4 APPENDIX II shows expenditure on Response and Void Repairs. Spend was £5,911k to 31 March 2024, works delivered, included 14,744 housing repairs and 406 void properties repaired. An overspend of £1,292k occurred within this heading due to increased material and labour costs. 3.5 APPENDIX III shows the expenditure on Estate Works. Spend was £918k to 31 March 2024 which equated to an overspend of £204K. Significant areas of overspend were Estate/Forum Upgrades which is partly due to the re commencement of Estate Walkabouts and various areas of backlog works which these identified. It is hoped that with these returning to an annual event that any increased demand on this budget can be budgeted for in future years. The next round of Estate Audits are due during the next few months with Walkabouts to be scheduled thereafter. As with a number of areas, we have seen an increase in costs not least in relation to landscaping. During 2023 a tender was issued for a contractor to undertake grass cutting in our new build estates, however the process was unsuccessful resulting in ad hoc agreements to maintain the open spaces. It is intended that this will be retendered later this year to allow a contract to be in place for financial year 2025/26. A heading within this appendix is Miscellaneous with a total spend of £283K with no specific budget allocated here. Within this heading large items of spend included Energy Performance Certificates and EESSH Stock analysis which was part of our programme to help identify what works are required to meet the regulatory standard, damp and mould surveys to understand what works were required to properties where issues were raised by tenants and works to bring the properties at Pinegrove, Elgin back into use. Moving forward these items will be allocated to existing budgets or as appropriate revised budget lines prepared. 3.6 APPENDIX IV shows the expenditure on Cyclical maintenance. Spend was £707K to 31 March 2024 which equated to an underspend of £628K. The majority of this underspend was on PPR & External Painter work. This was due to a contractor not being able to be secured to take this programme forward and the weather. The DLO are currently working to resolve this and a rolling programme for works across the entire Moray area is now in place. 3.7 APPENDIX V shows the planned maintenance and other investments split between revenue and capital spend. Overall, the spend was £6,987K to 31 March 2024 which is a significant underspend of £7,683K. The majority of this underspend has been on the capital upgrades with issues around internal resource, procurement and external resource all effecting the ability for delivery. An area where spend was focused was on the replacement of heating systems where an overspend of £704k was permitted to increase the delivery, however it is acknowledged that this increased delivery is in part due to the aging profile of the heating systems within the stock. Page 14
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3.8 APPENDIX VI shows the income and expenditure for Private Sector Housing position with regard to grant expenditure for Private Sector Housing Grant to 31 March 2024. The legally committed figure in Category C of 113k represents 100% of the allocated budget. Spend to 31 March 2024 was £62k which represents 54.8% of the allocated budget. HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN 2024/25 UPDATE 3.9 This Committee on 7 May 2024 approved a report titled Housing Investment 2024/25 (paragraph 9 of the Minute refers) which highlighted the level of performance in relation to Scottish Housing Quality Standards (SHQS) and Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH), as well as the intended improvement actions to speed up improvement in compliance with these standards. 3.10 The SHQS Compliance Improvement Plan outlined the actions that were to be undertaken over the coming 12 months to reach a target of 90% compliance. Since the report presented on 7 May 2024, significant work has been undertaken to progress the improvement plan. Specifically, programmes of remedial/improvement works across all housing management areas have been developed. Works have commenced in areas through various contractors including the Council’s ‘in house ‘Building Services (DLO). The works being undertaken to ensure compliance with SHQS include insulation (internal and external wall and also loft top up), heating upgrades including installation of no carbon burning heat sources with solar photovoltac panels, kitchen and bathroom upgrades and some window replacements. The focus for the programme is to ensure compliance with SHQS however information gathered during this process will also help focus programmes of works for future years. 3.11 On top of the energy efficiency measures, the other significant compliance matter is the full compliance with electrical certification (EICRs). Work is continuing to undertake the checks across the portfolio with work being undertaken by the DLO and supported by a number of external contractors. As at the end of June SHQS compliance is at 23% and increase of 8% from the year end position. With a target of 90% compliance by 31 March 2024. 4. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) The maintenance of the Council’s housing stock and dealing with homelessness are priorities identified within the Corporate Plan, the Council’s Local Housing Strategy, the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) and the Housing and Property Service Plan. (b) Policy and Legal Maintenance and improvement works are carried out in order to meet statutory legal requirements and in accordance with current relevant policies. Page 15
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(c) Financial implications The financial implications associated within this report are dealt with in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.11 above, with details of the Council house new build programme now being the subject of a separate monitoring report. (d) Risk implications Failure to expend agreed budgets may affect the Council’s ability to maintain stock at the SHQS, replace life expired elements and attain the EESSH. Budget Managers are aware of responsibilities for managing budget allocations and approval for variance will be sought from Committee in line with the Financial Regulations. (e) Staffing implications There are no staffing implications within this report. (f) Property The improvement and maintenance of the housing stock will ensure that it remains sustainable in the longer term both physically and environmentally. (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact There are no equalities issues associated with this report, as it is to inform the Committee on budget monitoring. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts The continued investment in the Council Owned Housing Stock identified in this report will assist the Council to achieve its climate change targets by utilising a range of energy saving measures that incorporate zero or low carbon into design, construction materials and systems that support the Council in achieving The Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH). It is anticipated that by 31 March 2025 over 90% of the Council’s housing stock will have an EPC rating of C or higher. (i) Consultations Consultations have taken place with the Head of Housing and Property Services, Building Services Manager, Legal Services Manager, Accountant (Alistair Milne), Committee Services Officer (Lissa Rowan), and Home Improvement Services Manager, who all agree with the sections of the report relating to their areas of responsibility. 5. CONCLUSION 5.1 The report provides details of the financial outturn for 2023/24 for the Housing Investment Plan, highlighting the Councils progress in respect of Housing investment for both the Council’s housing stock and the private sector. The report also highlights the significant challenges ahead to ensure that the Council’s housing stock meets and sustains the tolerable standards required to comply with Scottish Government and Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) requirements. Page 16
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Author of Report: Neil Strachan, Property Asset Manager Background Papers: Held on file/sharepoint Ref: SPMAN-1285234812-1632 Page 17
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(all amounts in £'000) RESPONSE AND VOIDS REPAIRS Annual Budget 2023/24 Expenditure plus commitments to date % expendituere plus committed to date Budget balance West Area 1,428 1,289 90% 139 East Area 1,114 1,171 105% -57 Central Area 0 828 0% -828 Void House Repairs 1,459 2,137 146% -678 Gas Heating Repairs 618 486 79% 132 4,619 5,911 128% -1,292 31 March 2024 INVESTMENT PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE 2023/24 Item 6 Page 21
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APPENDIX III (all amounts in £'000) ESTATE WORKS Annual Budget 2023/24 Expenditure plus commitments to date % Budget spent to date Budget balance Garage Upgrades 26 2 8% 24 Asbestos 371 146 39% 225 Landscape Maintenance 87 159 183% -72 Estates/Forum Upgrades 230 328 143% -98 Miscellaneous 0 283 0% -283 714 918 129% -204 31 March 2024 INVESTMENT PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE 2023/24 Item 6 Page 23
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REPORT TO: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE ON 10 SPETEMBER 2024 SUBJECT: MORAY AFFORDABLE HOUSING INVESTMENT PROGRAMME BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 To inform the Committee of progress on the Affordable Housing Investment Programme in Moray. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III G (10) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the preparation and implementation of strategic housing plans. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee:- i) notes the resource planning assumption received from the Scottish Government; ii) notes the outcomes from the engagement with partners and stakeholders in the Investment Programme; and iii) approves the prioritisation detailed at Appendix I. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The Council receives an annual resource planning assumption (RPA) from the Scottish Government’s More Homes Division to fund the supply of new affordable housing in Moray. The Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) determines how this funding will be used to plan and deliver the affordable housing priorities of the Local Housing Strategy. The investment and project priorities set out in the SHIP form the basis of an annual Strategic Local Programme Agreement (SLP) between the Council and the Scottish Government. The SLP details the projects that will be funded during the year, the affordable housing developers who will deliver them, the targets for grant expenditure and the milestones by which progress on delivery will Item 7 Page 31
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be measured. The Council and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) are the principal developers of affordable housing in Moray. 3.2 On 21 November 2023, this Committee approved the Council’s SHIP (para 9 of the Minute refers). 3.3 On 13 February 2024, this Committee was advised of the likelihood that the previously advised RPA would be reduced for 2024/25 (para 9 of the Minute refers) and agreed a rationale for reprioritisation and reprofiling of projects anticipated to start during 2024/25/26. The agreed priorities are: • corporate and strategically important projects, i.e. Bilbohall; Speyview, Aberlour; • supported housing for people with learning disabilities i.e. Woodview2, Lhanbryde; Western Village, Elgin South; • Growth Deal and Levelling Up Fund Housing Mix Project developments i.e. South Street/High Street, Elgin; Dallas Dhu, Forres; • NHS key worker housing, to be agreed following the publication of NHS Housing Need Assessment currently in development; and • Open market acquisition of long-term empty homes. 3.4 On 7 May 2024, this Committee was advised that, as anticipated, the RPA for 2024/25 had been substantially reduced to £6.556m (para 10 of the draft Minute refers). 4. MORAY STRATEGIC LOCAL PROGRAMME (SLP) Resource Planning Assumption 2024/25 (RPA) 4.1 On 28 March 2024, Moray Council received notification of the RPA for 2024/25, i.e. £6.556m. This RPA is reduced from that expected and detailed in Para 3.2 above but is consistent with reductions in RPA across Scotland following the Scottish Government budget announcement on 19 December 2023. 4.2 On 22 May 2024 the Scottish Government advised that the RPA had been increased slightly to £6.758m for 2024/25. There is no indication of RPA for 2025/26 or beyond. 4.3 At the time of writing, the distribution of the funds announced by the First Minister on 26 April 2024, i.e. additional £80m over two years, had not been announced. It is understood that these additional funds are to be used for open market purchases only, not new build development. 4.4 The following tables illustrate the affordable housing programme where construction has already commenced, or where the project fits with the prioritisation previously agreed, and where the 2024/25 RPA has not been exceeded: Page 32
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Currently under construction Site Town No of units Landlord Completion date (est) Banff Road Phase 2 Keith 26 Moray Council Feb 2025 Kineddar Meadows Lossiemouth 10 Osprey Housing Sep 2025 Speyview Phase 1 Aberlour 39 Moray Council Jun 2025 Findrassie Ph2b Elgin 16 Grampian HA Jan 2026 Western Village, Elgin South Elgin 44 Grampian HA Jan 2026 Total 135 Site start expected during 2024/25 Site Town No of units Landlord Site start (est) High St/ South St redevelopment Elgin 38 Places for People Nov 2024 Bilbohall Phase 1 (R2) Elgin TBC Moray Council TBC Total TBC 4.5 Officers completed programme of engagement with partners and stakeholders key to the delivery of the affordable housing programme, to discuss the implications for them of the reduced RPA and uncertainty regarding future years. 4.6 In summary, through this engagement programme, it has become clear that there are some conflicting priorities competing for a finite amount of funding, but where potential solutions could be a combination of: • determining organisations’ capacity to front fund development, i.e. consider the increased borrowing costs until Scottish Government grant can be accessed; • phasing/rephasing of development; and • considering alternative sources of funding. 4.7 The detail of how each development previously planned to start during 2024/25 and 2025/26 are potentially impacted along with the outcomes from those engagement discussions are set out in APPENDIX I. 4.8 Officers will continue to maintain a substantial shadow programme of developments. Should additional grant funding become available, officers will be able to bring a project(s) forward from the shadow programme, in accordance with the priorities agreed by this Committee in May 2024 (para 10 of the draft Minute refers) and set out in Para 3.3 above. 4.9 Progress on programme delivery will be reported to this Committee on a biannual basis. Page 33
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5. BILBOHALL 5.1 The R7 site which forms part of the Bilbohall Masterplan (formerly The Firs), is not part of the planning application currently under consideration. However, the existing buildings at The Firs continue to attract antisocial behaviour and vandalism. The site has been secured with Heras fencing, but occasional antisocial behaviour has caused nuisance to the neighbouring homeowners at Fairfield Avenue. 5.2 Officers have instructed the Bilbohall design team to develop a feasibility study providing options for development. This feasibility study has provided 5 options which include a combination of retention/demolition of some/all of the existing buildings, and retention of the existing road/development of the consented new road through the site. 5.3 In December 2023, officers included redevelopment of The Firs in options presented to NHS Grampian to meet their key worker housing need. 5.4 Officers intend to survey the existing buildings in more detail, complete a value for money assessment of these options by the end of 2024. 6. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) Addressing the shortage of affordable housing in Moray is a key priority of the Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan, the Council’s Local Housing Strategy and Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) and the Housing and Property Service Plan. The Strategic Local Programme reflects priorities for investment in the provision of new affordable housing to meet need identified in the Local Housing Strategy. The affordable housing programme supports the aims of the 10 Year Plan by providing new affordable housing for an increasing population and a growing and diversifying economy. The target of 50 Council house completions per annum will be delivered within the investment planning and funding framework provided by the programme. (b) Policy and Legal The affordable housing supply programme contributes to meeting the Council’s statutory duties to address homelessness and meet housing need in Moray. (c) Financial implications The report provides details of the resources being made available by the Scottish Government to part-fund affordable housing in Moray. The Council has agreed that 50 new council houses will be built per annum. The current HRA Business Plan has made provision for the level of borrowing required to part-fund the Council’s housebuilding programme. The Housing Service intends to complete a further review of the HRA Business Plan by Dec 2024. Page 34
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(d) Risk Implications The lack of RPA beyond 2024/25 is a significant risk to larger developments where construction costs may extend beyond one financial year. Moray Council and RSL Boards may be unable to commit to a project if the Scottish Government funding commitment is unconfirmed. There is a risk that slippage or reduction in the programme will result in loss of Scottish Government More Homes Division grant funding to Moray, with the funds diverted to other LAs. The programme may be impacted by economic and market conditions and site-specific issues as developments proceed. In particular, interest rates and potential front funding will impact on the cost of development. There are processes in place to manage these risks and mitigations considered. (e) Staffing Implications There are no staffing implications arising from this report. (f) Property The report details the ongoing programme for development of additional affordable housing in Moray in response to strategic needs and specifically the Council new build programme to increase the Council’s own supply of affordable housing. (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact The housing needs of equalities groups are identified in the Local Housing Strategy (LHS). The Moray Affordable Housing Programme seeks to deliver the housing priorities identified in the LHS. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts The aims of the affordable housing programme are closely aligned to the Council’s Climate Change Strategy, and Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES). (i) Consultations This report has been subject to consultation with the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance), the Head of Housing and Property Services, Legal Services Senior Solicitor (Georgina Anderson), the Property Asset Manager, the Head of Economic Growth and Development, the Strategic Planning and Development Manager, the Chief Financial Officer and Committee Services Officer (Lissa Rowan,). 7. CONCLUSIONS 7.1 The report provides details of an update on the current and future affordable housing investment programme, including the recently revised Resource Planning Assumption for 2024/25. The report provides a summary of a series of stakeholder engagement Page 35
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discussions with details of the implications for individual developments presented in APPENDIX I. Author of Report: Fiona Geddes, Housing Strategy and Development Manager Background Papers: with author Ref: SPMAN-1285234812-1597 Page 36
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Page 1 Moray Affordable Housing Programme APPENDIX I Revised Delivery programme 2024/25–2025/26 Development Priority category No of units Social Landlord Existing SHIP site start Revised funding availability Issues Banff Road, Keith Phase 2 On site 26 Moray Council 2023/24 On site Construction underway therefore SG funding is committed. Completion anticipated February 2025. Kinneddar Meadows, Lossiemouth On site 10 Osprey Housing 2024/25 2024/25 Construction underway therefore SG funding is committed. Speyview Phase 1 Growth Deal/ Location/ Deliverability 39/ 31 Moray Council 2024/25 2024/25 SG funding already formalised prior to amended RPA notification. SG funding commitment will extend across 2024/25 and 2025/26. SG funding has already been formalised for Phase 2 land acquisition. Economies could be achieved through construction of both phases running consecutively, but this may require HRA front funding if SG funding is not available in 2025/26. Western Village, Elgin South LD supported housing/ Deliverability 44 Grampian HA 2024/25 2024/25 SG funding commitment given via agreed Strategic Local Programme dated July 2023. Planning application determination pending. Site start anticipated in June 2024. SG funding commitment will extend across 2024/25 and 2025/26. GHA will provide some front funding during 2024/25 until 2025/26 SG grant allocation becomes available. High Street/ South Street, Elgin redevelopment Growth Deal/Levelling Up Fund/ deliverability 38 Places for People 2024/25 2026/27 The Levelling Up Fund must be spent by March 2026. Potential for site start during 2024/25 remains as GD funds can be accessed initially, with an element of RSL front funding thereafter, until SG grant becomes available in 2026/27. This development was one option presented Item 7 Page 37
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Page 2 Development Priority category No of units Social Landlord Existing SHIP site start Revised funding availability Issues to NHS Grampian in December 2023 to meet their key worker need. Bilbohall, Elgin Corporate priority 106 Moray Council 2024/25 2025/26 Planning application determination pending. Forthcoming HRA Business Plan review due by November 2024 will assess the potential for HRA to front fund construction, pending draw down of grant, possibly over 4+ years. To draw down grant over a shorter term could compromise ability to fund other projects, i.e. High Street/South Street, Elgin. Garmouth Rd, Lhanbryde (Woodview2) LD supported housing 30 Grampian HA 2024/25 2026/27 at the earliest Provision for LD Supported Housing is a key action in the LHS and SHIP. LD housing has recently been reassessed through the HNDA 2023. GHA have recently completed a tender exercise to procure a contractor. To provide grant funding sooner than 2026/27 could compromise funding available other projects i.e. High Street/South Street, Elgin and Bilbohall. Phasing delivery options and alternative means of providing subsidy to GHA could be explored to allow earlier site start. Speyview Phase 2 Growth Deal/ Location/ Deliverability 31 Moray Council 2025/26 2027/28 Economies could be achieved through construction of both phases running consecutively. Potential to bring site start forward to 2025/26, but this may require HRA front funding if SG funding is not available. Committing SG funding to this project could compromise ability to fund other projects. Page 38
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REPORT TO: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 SUBJECT: SCOTTISH SOCIAL HOUSING CHARTER COMPLIANCE BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 To inform the Committee of compliance with the Scottish Social Housing Charter and the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Regulatory Framework. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III (G) (13) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the Council’s performance management framework. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Housing and Community Safety Committee: (i) Considers and approves the draft assurance statement in APPENDIX I; and (ii) Notes that a summary of performance on the key Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) indicators against national/benchmarking results will be presented to the Committee on 19 November 2024. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The Scottish Social Housing Charter came into force on 1 April 2012. The aim of the Charter is to improve the quality and value of the services provided by social landlords. The Charter sets out the minimum standards and outcomes that tenants can expect from their landlord. 3.2 Each year, social landlords must submit an Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) to the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR). Using a range of performance indicators, the SHR monitors, and assesses landlords’ performance against the Charter. To meet regulatory requirements, social landlords must submit an assurance statement to the SHR and publish a performance report for tenants and service users by 31 October each year. Item 8 Page 39
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4. SCOTTISH SOCIAL HOUSING CHARTER COMPLIANCE Annual Return on the Charter 4.1 The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) requires landlords to monitor progress against the outcomes and standards of the Scottish Social Housing Charter. The Council’s Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) was submitted in May 2024. Assurance Statement 4.2 The SHR requires social housing landlords to submit an assurance statement between April and October each year. This assures the SHR and tenants/service users that the Housing Service complies with regulatory and statutory obligations. Landlords must notify the SHR of any material changes in their level of assurance during the year. 4.3 The statement must be made by the landlord’s governing body or relevant committee and be available to tenants and other service users. The statement forms the basis of the SHR’s risk assessment and level of engagement with the landlord. The statement must: • confirm the landlord meets all of the relevant requirements set out in its regulatory framework which can be found online at www.housingregulator.gov.scot/for-landlords/regulatory-framework; • set out any areas of material non-compliance and describe improvement actions and timeframes for these; • confirm that appropriate evidence has been considered to support the level of assurance given by the governing body or Committee; and • confirm the date of the meeting of the governing body or Committee. 4.4 In reaching a decision about non-compliance, the Committee must decide whether the issue is material. The Committee should consider whether an issue: • seriously affects the interests and safety of tenants or other service users; • threatens the stability, efficient running or viability of service delivery arrangements; or • brings the landlord into disrepute or raises public or stakeholder concern about the organisation or the social housing sector. 4.5 On 26 March 2024, the SHR wrote to landlords to provide advice on the preparation of the Assurance Statement, in 2024. The SHR have requested that landlords confirm whether they meet all duties in relation to specific areas of tenant and resident safety and that they have obtained appropriate assurance about compliance with all relevant safety requirements. A draft Assurance Statement (APPENDIX I) has been prepared for the Committee to consider and approve. 4.6 The SHR will consider both the ARC results and the assurance statement as part of their risk assessment process to decide whether they need further information or assurance. They will then publish an engagement plan for each social landlord by 31 March 2025. Page 40
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Annual Performance Report 4.7 Social landlords must also produce an annual report on their performance for tenants and other service users by 31 October each year. The report sets out how they are achieving or progressing towards the outcomes and standards of the Charter. 4.8 The SHR expects the report to be developed in partnership with tenants and service users, rather than exclusively by the Council. Information about the development of the report was included within the Summer Tenants’ Voice newsletter and was included on the agenda of the Moray Tenants’ Forum meeting on 27th August 2024. 4.9 The SHR will publish the national results for all social landlords on 31 August 2024. The availability of the national data forms an essential part of the development of the annual performance report for 2023/24. The timing of this did not fit with the deadlines for today’s meeting. However, a summary of the Council’s performance on key ARC indicators will be presented to this Committee on 19 November 2024, along with a copy of the finalised annual performance report. 5. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) The monitoring and management of performance assists the Council to continue to improve its housing services and manage assets effectively to provide the best outcomes for tenants and other service users. This contributes towards meeting the actions, outcomes and priorities within the Corporate Plan and the Housing and Property Service Plan. (b) Policy and Legal Reporting on Scottish Social Housing Charter performance indicators is a legal requirement under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010. (c) Financial implications There are no financial implications arising directly from this report. Any costs associated with implementing improvements will be met from within existing budgets. (d) Risk Implications The annual assurance statement and annual performance report are requirements under the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Regulatory Framework. In addition, tenants and service users must be provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the management of their homes and decision-making processes. Failure to meet these requirements presents a regulatory risk. (e) Staffing Implications There are no staffing implications arising directly from this report. (f) Property There are no property implications arising directly from this report. Page 41
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(g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact There are no equalities implications directly arising from this report. The Housing Service is working towards compliance on recently published guidance from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations relating to equalities. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts The service delivery aims of the Housing Service are closely aligned to the Council’s Climate Change Strategy, and Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES). (i) Consultations Consultation on this report has been carried out with the Head of Housing and Property, senior managers within the Housing and Property Service, Legal Services Senior Solicitor (Georgina Anderson) , Research and Information Officer (Christopher Dewhurst), Customer Engagement Officer and Committee Services Officer (Lissa Rowan). Their comments, where relevant to their areas of responsibility, have been incorporated in this report. 6. CONCLUSION 6.1 This report provides the Committee with an update on the Council’s compliance with the Scottish Social Housing Charter and Regulatory Framework and asks the Committee to consider and approve the draft assurance statement for submission to the Scottish Housing Regulator. Author of Report: Martin Gray, Senior Housing Officer (Information) Background Papers: With author Ref: SPMAN-1285234812-1629 Page 42
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Moray Council Housing and Property Service Assurance Statement We comply with the regulatory requirements set out in Section 3 of the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Regulatory Framework, with the exception of the areas set out below. We achieve all but the following outcomes and standards in the Scottish Social Housing Charter: QUALITY OF HOUSING Moray Council generally performs well as a landlord across the range of benchmarked performance indicators, there is an identified need for improvement in relation to Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH). At the Housing and Community Safety Committee on 7 May 2024, an ambitious improvement action plan was approved. It illustrated the route to increasing investment delivery to ensure improved compliance. The Improvement Plan includes a target of 90% SHQS compliance by the end of the reporting year. This is inclusive of an approved £19m Planned Maintenance and Investment Programs budget. SHQS Compliance Of the 6,380 Moray Council residential properties, 1,444 fully complied (22.6%) with the SHQS. The main areas of non-compliance were: • Electrical Safety • Energy Efficiency Following the 2021/22 ARC submission, the SHR invited landlords in late July 2022 to reassess their SHQS compliance regarding electrical inspections. After reviewing the Council's position, we informed the SHR that most of our properties fell below the required electrical testing standard. This significantly impacted our SHQS compliance, resulting in only 6.3% of properties meeting the SHQS as of 31 March 2022. We took immediate action to address this by allocating additional investment. As of 31 March 2024, 1,444 out of 6,380 properties (22.3%) meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS). Of the 4,936 that are non-compliant, a large proportion fail for electrical safety only (2,994 properties), with the next largest group failing for energy efficiency related issues. EESSH The second key component of SHQS which requires improvement is energy efficiency. As at 31 March 2024, 4,150 properties (65%) of our stock met EESSH. An improvement plan has been developed to accelerate delivery of energy efficiency programs, which will significantly improve this position. Damp and Mould The Moray Council Housing and Community Safety Committee addressed the rise in dampness and mould in council houses. Measures include external and internal wall insulation, ventilation systems, and monitoring devices. A 2023 working group has revised procedures to prioritise inspections and remedial actions, focusing on vulnerable tenants. Over 250 properties received remedial works in Item 8 Page 43
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2023, and future measures will target at-risk properties. Continuous improvements aim to meet the SHQS and enhance living conditions for tenants. Tenant and Resident Safety Electrical Safety By 31 March 2024, we had conducted 2,277 Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) and brought 35.7% of properties up to a satisfactory standard. Additionally, 601 properties have undergone an EICR and scheduled for remedial works. All identified C1 faults (most critical) were rectified immediately, with none remaining unresolved. As of 1 February 2024, two additional contractors were appointed to support Moray Council’s electrical safety testing program. This followed a lengthy procurement process that required retendering because the local market lacked sufficient capacity to undertake the task. A monthly update is provided to the Regulator to advise on the progress on this matter. Landlord Gas Safety Two gas service failures regrettably occurred in 2023/24 out of 5,996 annual gas safety checks carried out. Both were the result of human errors in recording, with lessons learned on both occasions and procedures/training updated. Furthermore, assessment is underway for an alternative servicing management and record keeping software solution with more rigorous control measures to further reduce the possibility of future errors. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detection At 31 March 2024, 99.4% of our properties are compliant with the updated Fire Safety Regulations. Of the 35 properties that are not compliant, 7 are long term voids. Where there are issues gaining access, we will use our legal right to force entry to the property as a last resort under our No Access Policy to carry out works associated with our statutory safety requirements. All our properties (where required) are adequately equipped with CO detection devices and comply with the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Amendment Order 2021. Lift Safety We only have one sheltered housing complex with a lift which is included on a cyclical maintenance contract to ensure that it complies with relevant legislation. Asbestos We continue to maintain an asbestos register and carry out a risk assessment before work commences in properties. Progression has been made to phase out cloned asbestos surveys so that we have full surveys available for all of our properties. We are reviewing our asbestos procedure and are implementing an Asbestos module that will provide staff with electronic access to information on Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) within properties. Page 44
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Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) After conducting a thorough desktop review and a limited physical inspection of our housing stock on those properties identified as fitting the profile, we have determined that there is no presence of RAAC within any of our residential properties. This conclusion is based on the available data and the results of the inspections carried out, ensuring that our housing stock does not include this material, which is known for its structural weaknesses. Legionella Risk Assessment We routinely conduct legionella risk assessments on our vacant properties, actively working to reduce risks by removing dead legs in the plumbing systems. The exception to this practice is with newly installed mandatory wet sprinkler systems, where the risk of legionella has been assessed as low and the benefits of these systems outweigh the potential risk. Health and Safety Executive Reportable Events Unfortunately, there were four notifiable events reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Three involved tradesperson-related injuries with no danger posed to tenants, while the fourth concerned a gas boiler installation fitted by an external contractor. The property was capped and made safe as soon as the issue was discovered, and the contractor asked to undertake the necessary remedial work. Housing and Homelessness The total number of homeless households to whom the local authority has a statutory duty to secure permanent accommodation remained at the same level as last year with 415 households. Local RSL’s remained taking a low percentage of the burden at only 15.18% (15.66% - 2022/23). New nomination agreements have almost all been agreed and local RSLs are submitting quarterly returns to Moray Council to monitor their direct homeless lets and applications. Unsuitable Accommodation Order During 2023/24 there were 25 households breaching the Unsuitable Accommodations Order. This was a direct result of a further increase in homeless presentations from 562 in 2022/23 into 584 in 2023/24. This was further exacerbated by the lack of new supply of council housing. Temporary Accommodation Standards Framework We are working towards compliance with the new guidance/framework. Most of our properties satisfy each of the criteria apart from digital inclusion. However, tenants have access to Moray Council information hubs and our main reception which all provide free internet access. Equality and Human Rights We continue to work towards compliance on the guidance on equalities published by the SFHA in 2023. We have been unable to fully implement system changes due to conflicting definitions on some of the protected characteristics which would affect the Scottish Government’s homeless data collections. The Government has indicated that they will not review this until at least 2025. Integrated Impact Assessments are conducted during the development of all new policies and strategies. By systematically analysing these impacts and monitoring these protected characteristics, we ensure that our policies and strategies promote positive outcomes, mitigate any negative Page 45
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consequences, and align with our Local Outcome Improvement Plan and Corporate Plan, and their Equality Outcomes. Gypsy/Travellers Moray Council does not currently operate any official gypsy/traveller sites. However, we have established a local protocol for managing unauthorised encampments, which ensures that the needs of both the encampment residents and the broader community are met. This protocol is supported by our dedicated unauthorised encampments officer, who oversees the process and provides necessary assistance and support. We approved our Assurance Statement on __________________ and sign this statement on behalf of the Housing and Community Safety Committee. Councillor Amber Dunbar Councillor Donald Gatt Chair of Housing and Community Safety Depute Chair of Housing and Community Safety Page 46
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REPORT TO: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 SUBJECT: GRASS CUTTING SCHEME REVIEW BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 This report advises the Housing and Community Safety Committee of the need to review and revise the Grass Cutting Scheme and seeks permission to consult with key stakeholders. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III (G) (3) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to carrying out the management and maintenance of the Council's housing stock. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Housing and Community Safety Committee:- (i) notes the requirement to review the Grass Cutting Scheme; (ii) considers and approves the revised draft Grass Cutting Scheme, as set out in APPENDIX I and Section 5, for consultation; and (iii) agrees that a consultation on the revised draft Grass Cutting Scheme is undertaken with key stakeholders, as set out in Section 6. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 Council tenants are required under the terms and conditions set out in the Scottish secure tenancy (SST) agreement to take reasonable care to keep their garden from becoming overgrown, untidy or causing a nuisance unless the Service has agreed to take care of it. The Housing Service has a responsibility for monitoring the condition of tenants’ gardens and has procedures in place with enforcement action for use where deemed necessary. This can include undertaking the work and recharging the tenant. Item 9 Page 47
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3.2 In recognition that some Council tenants are considered medically unfit to cut their grass, a Council Grass Cutting Scheme was established and agreed by the Community Services Committee on 7 April 2004 (Paragraph 9 of the Minute refers). 3.3 The eligibility criteria for the Grass Cutting Scheme was set as follows, which is broadly similar to other local authorities. Tenants must be: • aged 65 or over with no physically able adults aged 18-64 in the household; • under 65 and in receipt of any physical or mental health related benefit such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Attendance Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); • registered blind; or • any age who, due to ‘vulnerability’, would not be capable of cutting grass. 3.4 The Scheme is currently: • funded by the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and is provided free of charge to qualifying applicants who are in receipt of any amount of Housing Benefit (HB) or the housing element of Universal Credit (UC). Those not in receipt of HB / UC are liable for full payment, which is currently approximately £65 per year. • delivered by Open Spaces who provide 15 cuts per year, during April and October. It does not include grass lifting, sweeping or other gardening work which would increase the requires costs and resources significantly. 3.5 Following analysis of budgets and consultation with Open Spaces, it has been identified that the amount Open Spaces charge the Housing Service is not equivalent to the actual cost of providing the grass cutting service. Effectively, Open Spaces have been significantly subsidising the service. • 2023/24 - the cost of the service to the HRA was £88,617, which equated to £10.46 per cut. The actual cost of delivering the service is equivalent to £24.88 per cut. • 2024/25 - An interim agreement is in place where the Housing Service will charge £17.30 per cut, totalling £181,650 and Open Spaces will only charge for time attended to cut the grass. This allows time to review and streamline the Scheme and implement necessary improvements while still providing a cost-effective service to tenants which remains below the market rate and minimising the pressure on the HRA. 3.6 From 1 April 2025, Open Spaces have advised the Housing Service will be charged the full cost associated with the delivery of the grass cutting service. Based on the number of tenants currently receiving the service, the cost to the HRA is expected to be a minimum of £244,819, excluding any inflationary increase, which is currently unbudgeted projected spend. A summary is provided below for ease of reference: Page 48
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Year Cost per cut Annual cost to tenant – full cost recovery Annual cost to MC * based on no. of current tenants on list 2023/24 £10.46 £65 £109,830 2024/25 £17.30 £65 £181,650 2025/26 £24.88 + inflationary increase £373.20+ inflationary increase £244,819 + inflationary increase and on-costs 4. SUMMARY OF REVIEW 4.1 Officers have carried out a thorough review of the Grass Cutting Scheme, identifying some key issues which, once resolved provide the potential to improve the scheme and alleviate any pressure on the HRA. Data & monitoring for the current Scheme 4.2 The limited data available evidences that at the time of review there were 656 people (9% of all tenants) on the grass cutting list. Of these: • 283 (43.14%) were over 65. • 372 (56.71%) were below 65. • 68 are recorded as having a disability. • Approximately 403 tenants (61.43% of those on the Scheme) were in receipt of HB / UC benefit payments (this figure fluctuates due to the nature of benefit payments) and currently receive a free service. • Due to the current eligibility criteria at 3.3 above, only around approximately 87 tenants (14%) were eligible to be charged for the service. It should be noted there can be circumstances when a charge is not made, e.g. due to an executry. This reduced the number of tenants who actually received an invoice for re-charge to approximately 47 tenants, 8% of those on the list. • Limited data is held on the eligibility criteria due to concerns by staff regarding data protection and GDPR. • Limited or no monitoring /review of tenants on the scheme to assess if service still required or meet criteria. • Problematic cross-referencing and invoicing process between Open Spaces and Housing. Open Spaces Consultation: 4.3 The following issues were raised in consultation with the Council’s in-house contractor, Open Spaces: • Any reduction in the number of cuts per year will cause other operational issues for Open Spaces around overgrown grass, longer timings needed, higher risk to machinery when cutting, more tenant dissatisfaction issues which minimises any efficiency savings. • Changes to the Scheme and the number of households receiving the service will have cost and resourcing issues for Open Spaces. The extent of this will be dependent on the changes implemented. • There is no scope to increase numbers on list due to current Open Spaces resources. Page 49
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5. PROPOSED REVISIONS TO SCHEME 5.1 Following a detailed options appraisal, internal consultation with relevant stakeholders and in line with the associated Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) APPENDIX II, Officers propose the following revisions to the eligibility criteria: • Removing age from the eligibility criteria and focus on capability, as age does not accurately represent tenants’ physical or mental ability to carry out the task. • Apply criteria where the tenant must have a recognised long-term illness or disability in line with the legal definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 - ‘if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.’ Substantial’ is more than minor or trivial and ‘long-term’ means 12 months or more. • Remove caveat of not having any other able-bodied person in household who is able to help to not having any other tenant (who has legal responsibility for the SST where the household member does not). • Removal of free service for anyone on HB / UC as it does not necessarily evidence affordability issues. While there is no specific state benefit that can be accessed for support with garden costs, the Housing Service does offer support to tenants to maximise their benefit entitlement. • Re-charge all eligible tenants who want to receive the service in line with the revised terms and conditions for the full cost of the service with no applicable discounts. 5.2 Further revisions proposed in terms of the overall scheme are set out below: • Enhanced data and evidence collection for applicants and tenants accepted onto the scheme, in line with data protection and GDPR. This will include a review of the invoicing process and ensure more robust monitoring to assist with future modelling of the scheme. • An annual review of those on list to check they are still eligible. • Introduce a cap on the number of tenants on the list in line with resources provided by Open Spaces, which is currently a maximum of 700 gardens, along with introduction of a waiting list. • Non-payment will result in action taken to recover the amount owed and refusal of reregistration for the following season. 5.3 Officers anticipate that the revised Scheme will utilise available financial resources to their best advantage by targeting those in the greatest need. It will: • ensure value for money by minimising the administration resource required to implement the Scheme; • assist to maintain the appearance of council estates; and • enable staff to focus on core responsibilities. 5.4 It is expected that this will lead to a reduction in eligible households participating in the scheme, where the majority of the cost would be met by tenants from 1 April 2025 (with the exception of any reasonable adjustment as identified in the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA)), alleviating any pressure Page 50
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on the HRA. Any such change will be factored into revised costs of providing the Scheme. 6. TENANT CONSULTATION 6.1 The Council is legally required to consult with its customers and other key stakeholders on the revised Grass Cutting Scheme. If the Committee agrees the revised Scheme, it is proposed to have a period of consultation during September and October. The consultation will use web-based survey to seek feedback which will be available on the Council’s website and promoted via social media platforms. Feedback will be requested from: • all of tenants currently on the Grass Cutting List; • a random sample of tenants; • the Moray Tenants’ Forum; • the register of interested tenants; and • key stakeholders. 6.2 The survey will ask five key questions relating to the revised Grass Cutting Scheme. These are: i) Do you support the review of the draft Grass Cutting Scheme? ii) Did you find the draft Grass Cutting Scheme easy to read and understand? ii) Is there a section of the Grass Cutting Scheme that you would like to see reworded? iii) Is there something in the Grass Cutting Scheme that we’ve missed that you think should be included? iv) Is there anything you think should be removed? 6.3 The consultation feedback will inform the review of the scheme. Following analysis and consideration of comments received, any necessary amendments to the Grass Cutting Scheme will be made. 7. FUTURE ACTIONS 7.1 A further progress report with the outcome of the consultation process, along with a final Grass Cutting Scheme, will be presented to this Committee on 19 November 2024. 7.2 Subject to the consultation feedback and Committee’s future approval in November, an implementation plan will be developed to support a “go live” date of 1 April 2025. This will include development of procedures on the Grass Cutting Scheme, training of staff, enhanced recording and monitoring mechanisms and a review of all relevant information resources. 8. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) The Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) identify the need to address the shortage of affordable housing and tackle homelessness. The Grass Cutting Scheme assists to make the best use of the Council’s housing stock and promote healthier Page 51
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citizens and adults living healthier, sustainable independent lives safeguarded from harm. (b) Policy and Legal There are no legal implications arising from this report. (c) Financial implications The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) deals with expenditure and income for the Council’s housing stock. This includes the costs associated with the grass cutting scheme which is offered only to eligible council tenants. The revisions to the scheme, including removal of any subsidy and full cost recovery from tenants in receipt of the service, is intended to negate the identified financial pressure on the HRA for the financial year 2025/26 onwards. If it is identified that the service is required to be provided as a reasonable adjustment in terms of the Equality Act 2010, consideration would need to be given the financial implications of this and factored into revised costs of providing the Scheme. (d) Risk Implications There are no risk implications arising from this report. (e) Staffing Implications There are no staffing implications arising from this report. (f) Property There are no property implications arising from this report. (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact An Integrated Impact Assessment was completed as part of the Grass Cutting Scheme review. The IIA will be updated following the consultation process. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts There are no climate change or biodiversity arising from this report. (i) Consultations Consultation on this report has taken place with the Head of Housing and Property, Housing Services Manager, Housing Strategy and Development Manager, Officers within the Housing and Property Service, Georgina Anderson (Legal Services Senior Solicitor) and Lissa Rowan (Committee Services Officer) and any comments have been incorporated into the report. 9. CONCLUSION 9.1 This report advises Committee of the need to review the Grass Cutting Scheme. It presents a revised Grass Cutting Scheme for consideration and seeks agreement to consult with key stakeholders. Page 52
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Author of Report: Gillian Henly / Emma Armit, Senior Housing Officer (Policy) Eddie Johnston, Homeless Projects Officer (Rapid Re- housing) Background Papers: With authors Ref: SPMAN-1285234812-1627 Page 53
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APPENDIX I 1 V1 – 05/08/24 Housing & Property Service Grass Cutting Scheme 1. Scope of the Scheme 1.1 The scope of Moray Council’s Grass Cutting Scheme is to provide a clear and transparent framework and criteria for delivering a grass cutting service to tenants based on their capability to maintain their garden to a reasonable condition. It allows those who are unable to maintain their gardens to an acceptable standard due to a substantial and / or long term physical or mental health problem an option to purchase an in-house service at a pre-determined cost. 1.2 Tenants who require a service are not obliged to use Moray Council’s service and can source alternative independent private service providers if they prefer to do so. 2. Principles of the Scheme 2.1 The principles underpinning the Council’s Grass Cutting Scheme are: Legality – the Council seeks to ensure that its Grass Cutting Scheme reflects the legal provisions of the Scottish standard secure tenancy agreement and good practice. Mutuality – the scheme is in place for the mutual benefit of both tenants and Moray Council, as the social landlord. Consistency – the Council will apply the Scheme in a consistent manner to ensure that applicants with similar circumstances are assessed equally to achieve similar outcomes. Equality – the Council will make sure that it does not act in a discriminatory manner when administering the Scheme. 3. Objectives 3.1 The specific objectives of the Grass Cutting Scheme are to: • provide a grass cutting service for tenants who meet the eligibility criteria as set out at Section 7, where they are unable to do so themselves; Item 9 Page 55
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APPENDIX I 2 V1 – 05/08/24 • assess applications in an objective, consistent and fair manner in line with individual circumstances; and • promote and sustain well-kept housing estates and neighbourhoods. 4. Legal Provisions 4.1 The primary legislation governing the Scottish secure tenancy agreement (SST) is the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, as amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014. Paragraph 2.11 of the tenant’s SST sets out the requirements for looking after any garden attached to the property - ‘If you have exclusive use of a garden attached to the house, you must take reasonable care to keep it from becoming overgrown, untidy or causing a nuisance (unless we have agreed to take care of it). If you fail to do this, we are entitled to decide exactly what work requires to be done so as to comply with this duty’. 5. Equality and diversity 5.1 The Council is committed to preventing discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity for every person who seeks assistance with their tenancy. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010: • the Council seeks to ensure that the Grass Cutting Scheme does not discriminate between individuals with one or more of the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. • Staff will apply the legal definition of disability when assessing applications for the service - ‘if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.’ Substantial’ is more than minor or trivial and ‘long-term’ means 12 months or more. 5.2 In providing the grass cutting service, full consideration will be given to the Council’s Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). This requires public authorities to: eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation; advance equality of Page 56
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APPENDIX I 3 V1 – 05/08/24 opportunity; and to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not. 6. Service Provision 6.1 The grass cutting service is provided by fully trained and insured staff from Moray Council’s Open Spaces Management and Cemetries team (OSMC), who will use appropriate equipment for the task. OSMC staff will, where appropriate, also provide advice and information regarding areas of health and safety which are identified during the garden visits where they deem necessary. The service will incorporate: • Limitations – the service includes cutting grass within the boundaries of the tenant’s garden. Grass cuttings will not be lifted and no other garden work will be undertaken. If further work is identified as being required, this will be subject to available resources at the time, a separate quote from OSMC, and fully payable by the tenant. • Frequency – Grass will be cut 15 times per year between the months of April and October. This could increase or decrease slightly, depending on if the growth is greater or less than normal. • Annual Cost – A charge will be made to the tenant, which will be equal to the full cost of Moray Council providing the service. Tenants will be informed of the cost of the service, plus on costs, in advance of the grass cutting season. Costs will be published and updated on the website. 6.2 Operational procedures are available for Housing Staff to follow to ensure relevant training, consistency of assessment, application and ease of service delivery. 7. Eligibility Criteria 7.1 The grass cutting service is available to Moray Council tenants where they meet the following eligibility criteria: • Are unable to cut their grass due to a recognised substantial and long- term illness, physical or mental health disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 (Section 5.1 above) where there is no other able tenant (please Page 57
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APPENDIX I 4 V1 – 05/08/24 note this does not relate to another household member) living with them who is also responsible for meeting the terms and conditions as set out in the SST; and • Are in receipt of any physical or mental health related benefit. Evidence of entitlement must be provided. Examples include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) and Attendance Allowance. 7.2 Where no passport benefit is available, evidence from a relevant health professional confirming the medical condition will need to be provided and will be stored in accordance with Moray Council’s data protection and GDPR requirements and retention schedule. 8. Monitoring 8.1 Moray Council Housing Service will: • monitor the applications and confirm the evidence provided for the scheme annually; • maintain the list of current tenants receiving the service, with a cap of 700 gardens, as well as a waiting list where required; • carry out an annual tenant satisfaction survey and monitor any issues of concern, reporting back to OSMC for improvement actions where necessary; and • continue to monitor the cost of the service from OSMC and review as required in line with inflation and pressure on the Housing Revenue Account. 9. Complaints 9.1 Any tenant who is not satisfied with the outcome of their Grass Cutting Scheme application can request a review in writing by the Area Housing Manager in the first instance. If the tenant is not completely satisfied with the outcome of the case, it will be referred to the Housing Services Manager for their consideration. Page 58
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APPENDIX I 5 V1 – 05/08/24 9.2 If the tenant is still not satisfied with any aspect of the Grass Cutting Scheme they can escalate the case through the Moray Council Corporate Complaints Process. Page 59
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 INTEGRATED IMPACT ASSESSMENT (IIA) COVERING • EQUALITIES & SOCIO ECONOMIC DUTIES • HUMAN RIGHTS AND RIGHTS OF THE CHILD DATE UPDATES/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY VERSION DETAILS Insert Date (e.g. 03/10/2023) Add brief notes/highlight which section amended (e.g. first draft of IIA completed and submitted to SFC 25/10/2023 for consideration; noting that further work on Stage 2 will be required). Insert (ShP) Version Info (when details have been agreed) (e.g. 5.0 03/10/2023 11:21 AMcL) 05/08/24 First draft IIA submitted for H&CS Committee deadline 05/08/2024 for consideration. STAGE 1 - DO I NEED AN INTEGRATED IMPACT ASSESSMENT? Name of policy or proposal: MC Housing Tenants – Grass Cutting Scheme Is this a Mark X below New activity, programme or policy? Change to an existing activity, programme or policy? X Budget proposal? Duties: tick the boxes you think apply No Maybe Yes Equalities: Will your proposal have an impact on groups with protected characteristics? Consider the impact of your proposal on people and how they access your services and information without barriers. X Socio-economic Not every person/family has access to regular income or savings. Will your proposal have an adverse impact on them X Does your proposal impact on the human rights of people? X Does your proposal impact on the rights of children and young people X Reasoning Item 9 Page 61
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 Briefly describe your reasoning for the responses given above: The Moray Council Grass Cutting Scheme currently support tenants who are in receipt of any amount of Housing Benefit (HB) or the housing element of Universal Credit (UC) and are unable to maintain their garden. Those not in receipt of HB / UC are liable for full payment - £65 per year (for 2024/25). The current criteria for the scheme is the tenant must be: • aged 65 or over with no physically able adults aged 18-64 in the household; • under 65 and in receipt of any physical or mental health related benefit such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Attendance Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA;) • registered blind; or • any age who, due to ‘vulnerability’, would not be capable of cutting grass. The cost of the scheme to date is funded by the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and free to HB /UC recipients. Following recent analysis of budgets and consultation with Open Spaces, it has become apparent that Open Spaces have been under charging Housing and significantly subsidising the service in recent years. As a result, Officers have carried out a thorough review of the Grass Cutting Scheme which has identified some key issues which, once resolved will provide the potential to improve the scheme, review the eligibility criteria and alleviate any pressure on the HRA. It is proposed this is done by: • removing age from the eligibility criteria and focus on capability, as age does not accurately represent tenants’ physical or mental ability to carry out the task. • apply criteria where the tenant must have a recognised disability in line with the legal definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 - ‘if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.’ Substantial’ is more than minor or trivial and ‘long-term’ means 12 months or more. • remove caveat of not having any other able-bodied person in household who is able to help, to not having any other tenant (who has legal responsibility for the SST. The household member does not have this responsibility). • removal of free service for anyone on HB/UC as it does not necessarily evidence affordability issues. • re-charge all eligible tenants for full cost of receiving the service with no applicable discounts to minimise pressure on the HRA. Due to current financial pressures on Moray Council, Open Spaces and the HRA, any subsidy for the service will be fully removed, with the cost of the service passed onto the tenant. If you have answered “maybe” or “yes” to any of the Stage 1 questions above then proceed to complete the Stage 2 Integrated Impact Assessment questions below. Page 62
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 If you have answered “no” to the Stage 1 questions above then provide the details below and submit to [email] Lead Officer for developing the contract N/A Other people involved in the screening (this may be council staff, partners or others i.e. contractor or community) N/A Date N/A Page 63
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 STAGE 2: INTEGRATED IMPACT ASSESSMENT Brief description of the affected service 1. Describe what the service does: Moray Council Grass Cutting Scheme provides a grass cutting service to tenants (between April and October) where they meet specific criteria (as set out above in Stage 1). 2. Who are your main stakeholders? Open Spaces who carry out the service on Housing’s behalf and eligible Council tenants who need assistance in maintaining their gardens in accordance with their Scottish secure tenancy (SST). 3. What changes as a result of the proposals? Is the service reduced or removed? The activities of the service will remain the same, but the eligibility criteria is under review. The proposed new criteria will: • change / limit who will be eligible meaning some, who currently or previously received the service, will no longer receive the service at all under the revised criteria; • the legal definition of disability under the Equalities Act 2010 will be considered when assessing tenants eligibility to access the scheme. • tenants will no longer receive a subsidised or discounted service meaning full cost recovery for the service will be passed onto the tenants requiring the service. 4. How will this affect your customers? Tenants currently on the grass cutting list will need to re-apply and, depending on whether they meet the new proposed criteria, may be removed from the current list meaning they will no longer be eligible for the service from 1 April 2025. Tenants who have previously been or are currently receiving the service for free will need to pay an annual fee for the service from 1 April 2025 onwards. 5. Impact on staff providing the service There is the potential for more complaints to be received and addressed by Housing Staff / Managers. Removing requirement to consider HB / UC entitlement, will reduce the Housing Admin resource required to continually monitor accounts for payments and fluctuations but this resource would need to be re-diverted to confirm validation of eligibility and annual re- registration for scheme. Potential impact on Open Spaces staffing requirements to deliver the service. This will be dependent on whether the number of eligible tenants on the list increase or decrease. 6. Please indicate if these apply to any of the protected characteristics Protected groups Potential impacts and considerations Race No Disability Yes – positive impact for those with disability to receive service but potential for tenants to pay for the service. Page 64
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 Carers (for elderly, disabled or minors) No Sex No Pregnancy and maternity (including breastfeeding) No Sexual orientation No Age (include children, young people, midlife and older people) Yes – age removed from eligibility criteria and focus on capability Religion, and or belief No Gender reassignment No Inequalities arising from socio- economic differences Yes – tenants who may have previously or currently received a free service may need to pay in future if they meet the revised criteria. Human rights List of convention rights Describe, where applicable, if and how specific rights are engaged Article 5: Right to liberty and security No Article 6: Right to a fair trial No Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life, correspondence and the home No Article 10: Freedom of expression No Article 11: Freedom of assembly and association No Article 12: Right to marry No Article 14: Prohibition of discrimination (in relation to the convention rights) No Article 1 of Protocol 1: Protection of property No Article 2 of Protocol 1: Right to education No Article 3 of Protocol 1: Right to free elections by secret ballot No Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Relevant articles – UNCRC Article 2 – Non discrimination No Article 12 – Respect of the views of the child No Article 3.1 – Best interest of the child No Article 6.2 – Right to survival and development No Page 65
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 7. Evidence. What information have you used to make your assessment? Performance data Housing Service Grass Cutting List tenant data was used which was matched to tenant data-set held in NEC to identify age, disability and whether the tenant receives UC or HB. While this allowed some modelling the data was not as robust as it could have been due to some recording issues in the NEC Housing system. Internal consultation Consultation with Open Spaces, Accountancy, Equal Opportunities Officer, Legal, Housing Services Manager, Housing Strategy & Development Manager, Housing Admin, Head of Service. Consultation with affected groups Subject to Housing and Community Safety Committee approval on 10 September 2024, a tenant consultation period will run during September / October 2024 to ensure Housing meet legal duty to consult with tenants on issues affecting them “in relation to housing management, repairs or maintenance, where the proposal, if implemented, is likely significantly to affect the tenant” – S.54 Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. Local statistics Due to the data issues for current tenants, further disability data based on applications received in 2023-24 was sought to give some indicative data for going forward, taking into account the potential change in criteria in relation to disability. • Approximately 502 (29%) of all applications received (23/24) contain someone who has declared a disability. These include autoimmune, mental health, neuro-diverse and sensory conditions / impairments that are not all are physical or obvious. • Approximately 441 (26%) applications last year had a main applicant only and a further 61 (3.5%) have a main and joint applicant both with a disability of some sort. National statistics Benchmarking against other local authority schemes. Other Cost analysis has been carried for 2023/24, 2024/25 and projected spend for 2025/26 to ensure a position of full cost recovery. 8. Evidence gaps Do you need additional information in order to complete the information in the previous questions? No Page 66
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 9. Mitigating action Can the impact of the proposed policy/activity be mitigated? Please explain Restricting the eligibility criteria, will effectively mean that only those with a disability, which is evidenced via passport benefit payment, will be eligible for receipt of the service. Consideration would need to be given as to whether the service is a reasonable adjustment in terms of the Equality Act 2010, reasonable adjustments should be free of charge. Not providing them due to costs would be for managers to determine and evidence. Discounts could be offered to those who are accepted onto the list due to a disability. While projected information based on the proposed revised eligibility criteria shows higher rates of those that meet the definition of a disability as defined by the Equalities Act 2010, many may not wish to take up the service based on their own individual capability. If all those who meet the definition were accepted onto the scheme and discounts were applied, this would have a significant impact on the HRA. 10. Justification If nothing can be done to reduce the negative impact(s) but the proposed policy/activity must go ahead, what justification is there to continue with the change? Due to current budget constraints across the Council, Open Spaces are no longer in a position to subsidise the grass cutting service to Housing, while the HRA also faces significant pressures given its commitment to deliver ambitious upgrade programmes as outlined in the Business Plan to improve the standard of housing stock to meet regulatory requirements set by the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR). The Housing Service needs to move away from the previously subsidised service and towards full cost recovery from the tenants to help minimise additional pressure on the HRA. The revised criteria and annual monitoring should assist with ensuring the service is reserved for those who have a real need for the assistance. Removal of the free service and replacing it with full cost recovery service will create an increased financial charge to tenants that are eligible. While there is currently no specific state benefit that can be accessed for support with garden costs, the Housing Service does offer support to tenants to maximise their overall benefit entitlement. Page 67
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 SECTION 3 CONCLUDING THE IIA Concluding the IIA 1. No potential negative impacts on any of the protected groups were found. 2. Some potential negative impacts have been identified. The impacts relate to: √ Reducing discrimination, harassment, victimisation or other conduct prohibited under the Equality Act 2010 √ Promoting equality of opportunity Fostering good relations 3. The proposals interfere with human rights and/or the rights of the child N/A 4. Negative impacts can be mitigated the proposals as outlined in question 9. 5. The negative impacts cannot be fully mitigated but are justified as outlined in question 10. √ 6. Further consultation with affected groups is needed. √ 7. It is advised not to go ahead with the proposals. Decision Set out the rationale for deciding whether or not to proceed with the proposed actions: As per Q10 above. Date of Decision: 05/08/24 Page 68
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APPENDIX II SPFINANCE-565096732-34 03/09/2024 11:51 Sign off and authorisation: Service Housing & Property Department Housing Policy/activity subject to IIA Grass Cutting Scheme We have completed the integrated impact assessment for this policy/activity. Name: Emma Armit Position: Senior Housing Officer (Policy) Date: 05/08/24 Authorisation by head of service Name: Position: Date: Permission to publish on website - Please return this form to the Equal Opportunities Officer, Chief Executive’s Office. Page 69
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REPORT TO: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 SUBJECT: MORAY HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 This report provides the Housing and Community Safety Committee with details of progress on the Moray Home Energy Efficiency Programme. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III G (2) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the exercise of all the functions of the Council as a housing authority. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Housing and Community Safety Committee; (i) scrutinises and notes the progress made on the delivery of the Moray Home Energy Efficiency Programme; and (ii) Agrees the approaches to delivery of the 2024/25 programme detailed in Section 5. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The Energy Efficient Scotland (EES) is a Scottish Government initiative to tackle fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency of existing private sector homes. The programme offers grant funded works to private sector households who are at risk of fuel poverty. 3.2 Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding is provided by energy companies at the direction of OFGEM. 3.3 Since 2013/14, the Scottish Government has provided the Council with an annual funding allocation from the Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland: Area-Based Schemes (EES:ABS) for energy efficiency Item 10 Page 71
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improvements to homes in Moray. Details of the last 5 years allocations are provided below: 2019/20 £1.436m 2020/21 £2.128m 2021/22 £1.914m 2022/23 £1.842m 2023/24 £2.069m 3.4 This Committee is provided with an update on the EES ABS programme annually, most recently on 6 June 2023. 3.5 The primary focus of the programme is on insulation measures and “fabric first”, with a secondary focus on “zero carbon first” through heating measures and microgeneration where feasible, and where it will result in reduced fuel poverty. EES:ABS funding should secure an EPC rating of C. 3.6 During 2013/14 to 2023/24, the Moray programme has delivered measures to over 1,000 properties as shown in the table below. With the exception of 2021/22, the Moray EES ABS programme has generally spent all or almost all, of its budget allocation. Year Private sector properties in receipt of completed measures 2013/14 275 2014/15 151 2015/16 135 2016/17 128 2017/18 96 2018/19 196 2019/20 70 2020/21 100 2021/22 0 2022/23 254 2023/24 358 Total 1,763 4. MORAY EES:ABS PROGRAMME 2023/24 OUTTURN 4.1 The Scottish Government’s EES ABS guidance required councils to apply a “fabric first” approach with measures to be targeted to fuel poor households, specifically those living in Council Tax bands A-C properties. Properties may be suitable for more than one measure. 4.2 On 3 November 2021 the Council appointed Changeworks as managing agent to deliver the HEEPS ABS programme for 2 years with an option of an extension for a 3rd year. This service is funded from within the Scottish Government grant. The agent is required to provide an end-to-end service from identifying and engaging with targeted householders; procurement of contractors; to quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The agent will provide the resource and expertise required to deliver a multi- Page 72
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measure programme involving specialist contractors and provide specialist advice and support to householders. 4.3 The full 2023/24 grant allocation of £2.069m was spent by May 2024. In addition, In August 2023, the Council was awarded additional funding (£2.137m) for a “special project” to provide solar PV and battery storage to properties in specific areas (Forres and Keith), which had received external wall insulation as part of a previous scheme. The special project funding was also spent by May 2024. 4.4 The Scottish Government guidance provides facility for up to 20% of the funding allocation to be spent on “enabling”. Enabling funding can be used to cover the costs of the following: • Scheme marketing, promotion and publicity; • Scheme development costs, including planning/design and householder engagement, sample physical surveys etc.; • Transport costs (for remote and rural areas); • Scaffolding costs; • Any ground clearance work for health & safety requirements • Scheme management and staffing costs, including applications for building warrants and quality control (clerk of works etc.); • Engagement with private rented sector and registered social landlords; • Complaints procedures; and • Monitoring and evaluation. 4.5 During 2023/24, 13% of funding was spent on enabling, predominantly property surveys; Building Warrant fees; scaffolding; marketing and publicity costs; and staffing costs which includes Clerk of Works costs. 4.6 The outturn for 2023/24 is presented in the table below: Measure 2023/24 Total main programme Special Project Solar PV/battery storage 106 202 308 Loft insulation 26 26 Internal wall insulation 26 26 Cavity insulation extraction and refill 15 15 Air source heat pump 0 Room in Roof insulation 4 4 Underfloor insulation 2 2 Total 179 202 381 * Properties may receive more than one measure 5. MORAY EES:ABS PROGRAMME 2024/25 5.1 The Council’s 2024/25 EES:ABS proposals, submitted to the Government on 4 June 2024, set out details of an insulation programme to properties of solid wall construction across Moray. Page 73
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5.2 The planned outputs for the 2024/25 programme are as follows: Measure No of measures (private sector) * Internal wall insulation 71 Cavity wall insulation 27 Air Source heat pump 19 Total 117 * Properties may receive more than one measure Qualifying Criteria and Customer Contributions 5.3 The measures in the 2024/25 programme will continue to be targeted to fuel poor households living in properties within Council Tax bands A-C. The qualifying criteria are available on the Council’s website at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_41080.html. 5.4 Homeowners will be expected to accept installation of all the measures required to bring their property up to the required EPC rating of C or as close to it as technically possible. Where the value of the grant applicable does not cover the full cost, households will be required to make up the difference from their own resources. Partial measures will not qualify for the scheme. 5.5 Owners seeking to raise funding for their contribution will be directed to the Scottish Government’s EES Loan Scheme. This Scheme offers homeowners interest-free loans to help them meet the cost of measures. 6. SCARF - ECO4 FUNDED WORKS 6.1 Home Energy Scotland (HES) provide advice and support on energy supplier switching, energy saving and fuel debt advice, access to emergency/hardship grants, as well as signposting to provision of insulation measures, on a tenure-neutral basis. SCARF administer the HES function in northeast Scotland. 6.2 In early 2024, SCARF offered Moray Council the opportunity to join its recently established Energy Company Obligation (ECO) referral scheme. Existing members are Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Angus Councils. On 1 May 2024, Moray Council joined the scheme which will provide private sector owners and renters with access to ECO funded insulation and carbon reduction measures. SCARF will source an energy company willing to provide the ECO funding and will procure contractors from their established framework. This scheme is provided at no cost to Moray Council. Full details are published on the Council’s website at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_154848.html. 7. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) Page 74
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Addressing poverty and promoting healthy communities is a key priority of the Corporate Plan and the 10 Year Plan. Delivery of the EES:ABS programme will contribute to the achievement of this priority, as well as contributing towards corporate carbon reduction targets by helping reduce energy consumption from domestic buildings. (b) Policy and Legal Part 4 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 places duties on public bodies relating to climate change. Moray Council has declared a Climate Change Emergency. Delivery of the EES:ABS programme will contribute to the achievements of these aims and requirements. (c) Financial implications The report provides details of progress in delivering energy efficiency measures to housing stock in Moray, funded from external sources, mainly the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding. No Moray Council funding is required to deliver the schemes detailed within this report. (d) Risk Implications There are no risk implications arising from this report. (e) Staffing Implications There are no staffing implications arising from this report. (f) Property This report provides details of improvements carried out to Council houses to meet statutory standards of energy efficiency. (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact The energy efficiency proposals set out in this report will be targeted to the homes of fuel poor households. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts The aims of the EES:ABS programme are closely aligned to the aims of the Local Housing Strategy, the Council’s Climate Change Strategy, and Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES). (i) Consultations This report has been subject to wider consultation with the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Chief Finance Officer, the Housing Asset Manager, Georgina Anderson, (Legal Services Senior Solicitor) , the Home Improvement Services Manager, the Principal Climate Change Strategy Officer and Lissa Rowan (Committee Services Officer). 8. CONCLUSION 8.1 This report provides details of delivery of fuel poverty measures to private sector properties in Moray. Page 75
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Author of Report: Fiona Geddes, Housing Strategy and Development Manager Background Papers: Held by author Ref: SPMAN-1285234812-1619 Page 76
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REPORT TO: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE ON 12 SEPTEMBER 2024 SUBJECT: HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES BUDGET MONITORING – 30 JUNE 2024 BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 This report presents the budget position for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and General Services Other Housing Budget for the period up to 30 June 2024. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III G (1) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the management of budgets. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee scrutinises the budget monitoring report for the period to 30 June 2024, noting an underspend of £187k for the Housing Revenue Account and an overspend of £33k for General Services Housing & Property. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The Council agreed the HRA Budget for 2023/24 at a Moray Council meeting on 28 February 2024 (paragraph 7 of the Minute refers). Housing and Property budget monitoring reports are presented quarterly. 4. HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT TO 30 JUNE 2024 4.1 APPENDIX I details the HRA budget position to 30 June 2024. 4.2 The main expenditure variances relate to:– 4.2.1 Supervision and management – there are a range of variations within this budget resulting in a net underspend of £123k. This includes underspends in staffing (£143k) arising from vacancies and the budget provision for pay award, noting that the provision will be insufficient and that the HRA will not receive funding for the proposed uplift. There were also underspends of £29k for software due to invoice timing, £2k for voids and other minor cumulative Item 11 Page 77
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underspends of £5k. This was partially offset by an overspend in relation to voids (£32k) and Council Tax (£22k). 4.2.2 Sheltered Housing – there was an underspend of £8k in the sheltered housing budget, which is mostly attributable to lower than budgeted energy costs (£7k) and other minor cumulative spend of £1k. 4.2.3 Repairs and maintenance – there was an overspend of £28k in the repairs and maintenance budget, which arises from higher than budgeted expenditure on voids (£72k) and above average response repairs (£54k). These were partially offset by lower than anticipated planned/cyclical maintenance (£98k); this was comprised of underspends in electrical upgrades, arising from slippage in the programme, external decoration and fabric, asbestos works, rainwater goods and moss clearance, partially offset by roof repairs, enabling works and other miscellaneous overspends. 4.2.4 Bad and doubtful debts – there was an underspend of £19k against provision for bad and doubtful debts, noting that Q1 write-offs of £21,504.72 have still to be processed. 4.2.5 Downsizing Incentive Scheme – there was a £3k overspend in Q1 and this is expected to increase in future months due to a higher level of activity arising from the enhanced priority in the revised allocations policy. Consideration will be given to reviewing this provision in the course of the year. 4.2.6 Service Developments – there is an underspend of £49k, with provision retained for tenant and service priorities over the winter months. 4.2.7 The income at 30 June 2024 was £19k higher than expected. This arises from £27k higher than budgeted rental income and £1k additional income for non- residential properties, partially offset by £9k lower than budgeted tenant recharges in the period. 5. OTHER HOUSING & PROPERTY BUDGET 5.1 APPENDIX II provides details of the budget position to 30 June 2024. 5.2 Planning and Development - consists of Improvement Grants and Affordable Housing budgets, including disabled adaptations. The position at 30 June 2024 shows an underspend of £37k, arising from the timing of grant income. This budget is administered by Moray Integration Joint Board. 5.3 Housing Management - relates to the Gypsy/Traveller budget. There is no budget variance for the period to 30 June 2024. 5.4 Homelessness/Allocations - comprises of Homelessness and Housing Support services. There was an underspend of £29k in this budget, comprised of an underspend in Temporary Accommodation (£49k), partially offset by overspends in Housing Support (£13k) and general Homelessness (£7k). The underspend is attributable to additional rental income. Page 78
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5.5 Miscellaneous General Services Housing – there was an underspend of £7k in relation to repairs and rent for a supported accommodation project (Urquhart Place, partially offset by a £2k overspend for open space maintenance at another facility (Pinefield). 5.6 The Building Services Budget - is reported in detail separately on this Committee’s agenda and any surplus achieved or deficit will return to the HRA. 5.7 The Property Services Budget - includes the budgets for the Design Team and Property Resources. There is an overall overspend of £106k to date. Within the Design Team there was an overspend of £15k in specialist software (£8k), partially offset by an underspend in architectural consultancy (£3k). Within Property Asset Management there was an overspend of £94k. This arose from overspends in central repairs and maintenance (£119k) following a cost increase under a new heating maintenance contract, schools’ repairs and maintenance (£93k), largely attributable to the same contract and several smaller overspends totalling £13k. These were partially offset by higher income from the industrial portfolio (£120k) and £11k in other cumulative underspends. The increased cost of heating and school maintenance has been raised as a budget pressure. 5.8 As at 30 June 2024, the Other Housing budget shows a net overspend of £33k. 6. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) The provision of new affordable housing, the maintenance of the Council’s housing stock and dealing with homelessness are priorities identified within the Corporate Plan, the Council’s Local Housing Strategy, the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) and the Housing and Property Service Plan. (b) Policy and Legal There are no policy or legal implications arising from this report. (c) Financial Implications The financial implications of this report are considered in Sections 4 to 5 of this report and detailed in APPENDICES I and II. (d) Risk Implications Budget Managers are aware of their responsibilities for managing budget allocations and approval for variance will be sought from the Committee in line with Financial Regulations. (e) Staffing implications There are no staffing implications arising from this report. Page 79
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(f) Property None. (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact There are no equalities/socio economic impacts arising from this report. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts There are no climate change/biodiversity impacts arising from this report. (i) Consultations This report has been prepared in close consultation with Finance staff. Consultation on this report has been carried out with the Chief Financial Officer, Georgina Anderson (Legal Services Senior Solicitor), Senior Managers within Housing and Property Services and Lissa Rowan (Committee Services Officer) who all agree the content of the report where it relates to their area of responsibility. 7. CONCLUSION 7.1 This report sets out the budget position for the HRA and General Services Housing budgets to 30 June 2024 and also comments on the variances on these budgets. Author of Report: Edward Thomas, Head of Housing and Property Background Papers: Held by author Ref: SPMAN-1285234812-1624 Page 80
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Housing Revenue Account Appendix I Budget Monitoring to 30 June 2024 Service Description Annual Budget 2024-25 Budget to 30 June 2024 Actual to 30 June 2024 Variance to 30 June 2024 Expenditure £,000 £,000 £,000 £,000 Supervision & Management 6,081 1,308 1,185 123 Sheltered Housing 64 15 7 8 Repairs and Maintenance 9,694 1,637 1,665 (28) Financing Costs 7,188 0 0 0 Bad & Doubtful Debts 250 25 6 19 CFCR 2,641 0 0 0 Downsizing Incentive Scheme 72 18 21 (3) Service Development 200 50 1 49 Total Gross Expenditure 26,190 3,053 2,885 168 Income £,000 £,000 £,000 £,000 Non-dwelling rents 260 84 85 1 House rents 25,126 6,668 6,695 27 IORB 437 0 0 0 Other income 152 37 28 (9) Total Income 25,975 6,789 6,808 19 Surplus / (Deficit) for the year 215 (3,736) (3,923) 187 Accumulated Surplus Balance brought forward 1,587 Estimated Surplus Balance at 31st March 2,250 Item 11 Page 81
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Appendix II General Services Housing & Property Monitoring to 30th June 2024 Annual Budget Actual & committed Variance Service Description Budget to to at 2024-25 30 June 2024 30 June 2024 30 June 2024 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Planning & Development 295 43 6 37 Housing Management 14 10 10 0 Homelessness / Allocations 1814 427 398 29 Miscellaneous General Services Housing 250 68 61 7 Building Services 0 (49) (49) 0 Property Services 2202 473 579 (106) General Services Housing & Property Savings (206) 0 0 0 General Services Housing & Property Allocations (161) 0 0 0 General Services Housing & Property Total 4208 972 1005 (33) Item 11 Page 83
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REPORT TO: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 SUBJECT: INFORMATION REPORT: LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY UPDATE BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 To inform the Committee of the requirement to review the Local Housing Strategy (LHS), progress made in achieving the outcomes of the LHS 2019- 2024 and that a consultative draft of the revised LHS will be presented to Committee in Spring 2025. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III (G) (11) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the preparation and implementation of strategic housing plans. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires local authorities to produce a Local Housing Strategy (LHS) supported by an assessment of housing need and demand. 2.2 The LHS was approved by Communities Committee on 2 April 2019 (para 8 of the Minute refers) and is available on the Council’s website at www.moray.gov.uk/housingstrategy. The priorities the LHS set out to achieve are: Priority 1: To improve access to housing across all tenures and address housing need. Priority 2: To prevent and alleviate homelessness. Priority 3: To assist people requiring specialist housing. Priority 4: To improve the condition and energy efficiency of housing, and minimise fuel poverty. 2.3 Local authorities are required to keep their LHS under review. A mid-term review was presented to this Committee on 21 June 2022, which detailed progress made in achieving the outcomes of the LHS 2019-2024 (Paragraph Page 85
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7 of the Minute refers). This report provides a further update on progress over the past two years. 2.4 The Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) is a statistical reference document which provides a key evidence base for both Local Housing Strategies (LHS) and Local Development Plans (LDP). On 13 February 2024, this Committee were presented with the 2023 HNDA findings and advised of the forthcoming review of the LHS (Paragraph 6 of the Minute refers). 3. PROGRESS ON LHS ACTIONS 3.1 A progress update on the LHS Action Plan is set out below and summarised in APPENDIX I. While most actions have now been completed, any outstanding items will be incorporated into the next action plan. LHS PRIORITY 1: TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HOUSING ACROSS ALL TENURES AND ADDRESS HOUSING NEED Supply of Affordable Housing 3.2 Since April 2019, 555 new affordable homes have been completed and occupied, with a further 42 expected during 2024/25, illustrated in the table below: Compl Year Landlord Buckie HMA Elgin HMA Forres HMA Keith HMA Speyside HMA Total 2019/20 Moray Council 28 28 Hanover HA 45 45 2020/21 Moray Council 102 102 2021/22 Moray Council 46 46 Cairn HA 16 16 Hanover HA 31 44 75 Osprey Housing 10 10 2022/23 Moray Council 9 9 Cairn HA 28 28 Grampian HA 37 37 Hanover HA 25 25 Osprey Housing 24 24 2023/24 Moray Council 8 33 41 Cairn HA 28 28 Grampian HA 41 41 2024/25 Moray Council 26 26 Grampian HA 16 16 Total 59 401 78 59 0 597 9.9% 67.2% 13.1% 9.9% 0% 100% 3.3 In terms of the acquisition programme, a further 37 properties have been added to the Council’s housing stock. This includes 36 properties in Elgin acquired in 2022/23 and 1 property in Dufftown in 2023/24. 3.4 Progress on the Moray Affordable Housing Programme is reported to Committee twice a year, most recently in May 2024 (Paragraph 10 of the Minute refers). Allocation of Affordable Housing Page 86
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3.5 The operation of the Council’s Allocations Policy is reported to Committee annually, with Housing List quotas reviewed and agreed each time. The last report was considered by this Committee on 25 June 2024 (Paragraph 9 of the draft Minute refers). 3.6 In 2023/24 relets reduced by 17.5% in comparison to the previous year. This was the outcome of a slight reduction in Council tenancy terminations (6%) and reduced tenancy turnover arising from tenants moving out of the Moray area or taking up a new tenancy with a Registered Social Landlord (RSL). Despite these challenges, there has been success in increasing tenancy turnover within Moray Council’s housing stock, achieving a 16% increase in the past financial year, as intended by the Allocations Policy. The availability of permanent housing options places an important role in assisting the Council to deliver its Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) (see paragraph 4.9 below). 3.7 Following public consultation, the revised Allocations Policy, which aims to make best use of the Council’s housing stock, was approved by this Committee on 13 February 2024 for implementation on 1 April 2024 (paragraph 8 of the Minute refers). 3.8 The majority of nomination agreements with RSL partners have been reviewed and finalised. Downsizing Incentive Scheme 3.9 The scheme was disrupted during the pandemic by the cessation of house moves and the reluctance of some households to consider moving, especially those in shielding groups. The numbers of tenancies created under the Downsizing Scheme have now returned to previous levels: 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Total No. of tenancies 22 14 19 9 19 84 LHS PRIORITY 2: TO PREVENT AND ALLEVIATE HOMELESSNESS Temporary Accommodation 3.10 The Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) has been updated to better reflect current circumstances and cover the period 2022/23 to 2026/27. At 31 March 2024, 112 units of temporary accommodation were in occupation with 1 household in unsuitable accommodation (B&B). There was a reduction of 14 temporary accommodation units during 2023/24. However, pressure from increasing homelessness and reduced turnover/supply of new build housing has resulted in 25 breaches of the Unsuitable Accommodation Order in 2023/24. 3.11 Following public consultation, the revised Temporary Accommodation Charging policy was approved by this Committee on 12/09/2023 (Paragraph 8 of the Minute refers). Development of Housing First 3.12 The Housing First project commenced in June 2022 with one housing support officer and one housing support assistant. Due to the increasing workload, an Page 87
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additional housing support worker was seconded to the project in June 2023. The project has received 27 referrals to date, with 24 individuals accepting support. Of these, 19 have been offered secure tenancies, 2 had tenancies in crisis which were at risk, 2 are currently in prison and 1 is in homeless accommodation. 3.13 The project has established a strong partnership with the Scottish Prison Service and has the support from other services including housing management, social work and health services. Four clients have successfully "stepped down" from the program and two tenancies were terminated due to imprisonment and relocation. LHS PRIORITY 3: TO ASSIST PEOPLE REQUIRING SPECIALIST HOUSING 3.14 During the LHS term, the aim to provide 30-40% of new build affordable housing as specialist/amenity housing through the Strategic Housing Investment Plan has been achieved, as shown in the table below: Compl Year Landlord 1 Bed Ame -nity 1 Bed Gen Needs 2 Bed Ame -nity 2 Bed Gen Needs 2 Bed WC 3 Bed Ame -nity 3 Bed Gen Needs 4+ Bed Ame -ntity 4+ Bed Gen Needs 4 Bed WC Extra Care / LD Total 2019/ 20 Moray Council 8 2 1 6 11 28 Hanover HA 14 1 30 45 2020/ 21 Moray Council 32 32 2 2 18 15 1 102 2021/ 22 Moray Council 12 8 6 18 2 46 Cairn HA 14 2 16 Hanover HA 17 10 1 4 19 11 13 75 Osprey Housing 4 6 10 2022/ 23 Moray Council 8 1 9 Cairn HA 8 12 4 4 28 Grampian HA 16 13 2 1 2 3 37 Hanover HA 4 6 2 8 5 25 Osprey Housing 4 4 1 8 7 24 2023/ 24 Moray Council 16 16 2 4 1 2 41 Cairn HA 12 8 6 2 28 Grampian HA 16 11 6 8 41 2024/ 25 Moray Council 8 9 1 6 2 26 Grampian HA 16 16 Total No. 4 195 140 6 10 11 113 1 73 1 43 597 % 0.7 32.7 23.5 1.0 1.7 1.8 18.9 0.2 12.2 0.2 7.2 100 Housing for people with learning disabilities 3.15 Officers continue to work proactively in partnership with Health and Social Care Moray and NHS Grampian in the delivery of additional specialist housing with support for people with learning disabilities. Provision has already been made at Highland Yard, Buckie and Spynie, Elgin. Further provision is planned at Elgin South and Garmouth Road, Lhanbryde. The planning Page 88
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consent at Bilbohall, Elgin granted in March 2021 includes a “care village” which will make provision for this group in Phase 2 of development. LHS PRIORITY 4: TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF HOUSING, AND MINIMISE FUEL POVERTY Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH/EESSH2) 3.16 A key component of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) is compliance with the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH). On 7 May 2024, this Committee approved an improvement plan to accelerate the delivery of energy efficiency measures to improve compliance (Paragraph 9 of the Minute refers). 3.17 A new Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS), the proposed replacement for EESSH2, is expected to be introduced by 2025 at the earliest. Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) 3.18 The Council has been administering the Scottish Government’s EES:ABS (formerly HEEPS:ABS) funding since the fund’s inception 9 years ago. The Council receives an annual allocation of funding from the Scottish Government for provision of “grant in kind” via EES:ABS to private owners, with a focus on the alleviation of fuel poverty. 3.19 A new scheme, ECO 4 Flex, was launched in Moray on 1 May 2024. The main objective of this scheme is to reduce fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency in private housing that is occupied by low income, vulnerable and fuel poor households. 3.20 A separate report on this Committee’s agenda provides an update on both the EES:ABS programme and Eco 4 Flex schemes. 4. LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY 2025-2030 4.1 Housing consultants Arneil Johnston have been commissioned to carry out the review of the Local Housing Strategy (LHS). 4.2 Their approach will be to gather primary research from an early engagement survey. This will include an online survey with offline options available on request. The survey will be promoted widely, to gather views from the community on what housing issues need to be considered as part of the development of the next strategy. 4.3 Additionally, there will be a digital conference for key stakeholders in October 2024. This will provide an opportunity to discuss and validate the main issues, including those identified from the survey. 4.4 Subject matter expert groups will then be established to scrutinise the key issues arising from the conference. This will inform strategic priorities for the next LHS, with a consultative draft to include an action plan, expected to be presented to this Committee in Spring 2025. 5. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS Page 89
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(a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) All of the LHS outcomes are closely aligned with the objectives of the Corporate Plan and the 10 Year Plan. (b) Policy and Legal It is a legal requirement of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 that local authorities have a Local Housing Strategy. Detailed guidance has been produced by the Scottish Government. (c) Financial implications There are no financial implications arising directly from this report. (d) Risk Implications Failure to implement and review the local housing strategy may present a regulatory risk. . (e) Staffing Implications There are no staffing implications arising from this report. (f) Property There are no property implications arising from this report. (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact It is a statutory requirement that equality issues should be addressed in the LHS. Data and evidence about the particular housing and support needs of equality groups is gathered as part of the Council’s Housing Need and Demand Assessment. The LHS sets out how the Council intends to address these needs. The LHS includes an Equality Impact Assessment. Equality groups were consulted as part of the preparation of the LHS. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts The LHS Outcomes and Actions on fuel poverty and energy efficiency are closely aligned to the Council’s Climate Change Strategy, and Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES). (i) Consultations Consultation on this report has taken place with the Depute Chief Executive (Economy, Environment and Finance), Head of Housing and Property, Acting Head of Economic Growth and Development Services, Head of Environmental Services, the Strategic Planning and Development Manager, the Head of Health & Social Care Moray, the Chief Officer Health and Social Care Moray, the Chief Financial Officer, Legal Services Senior Solicitor (Georgina Anderson) , Equal Opportunities Officer, Committee Services Officer (Lissa Rowan), and senior managers within Housing and Property Services. 6. CONCLUSION Page 90
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6.1 This report provides the Committee with details of the achievements of the Local Housing Strategy 2019-2024 to date. The report provides details of the forthcoming review of the Local Housing Strategy 2025-30. Author of Report: Daska Murray, Senior Housing Officer (Strategy) Background Papers: With author Ref: SPMAN-1285234812-1630 Page 91
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Moray Local Housing Strategy 2019-2024 Action Plan 2022/23/24 Appendix 1 Responsibility Timescale Status Moray Council/ RSLs Annual SHIP published annually. Moray Council 2022-24 HNDA 2023 presented to Committee on 13/03/2023. Moray Council 2023-24 Revised policy implemented from 01/04/2024. Moray Council/ RSLs Annual Allocations quotas for 2024/25 set by Committee on 25/06/2024. Moray Council 2022/23 Moray Council/ RSLs Annual (ARC) Average time to relet reduced to 35 calendar days for 2023/24. Moray Council 2023-24 Majority of RSLs nomination agreements have been reviewed and finalised. Moray Council 2023-24 Moray Council 2019-24 Ongoing Moray Council ongoing Moray Council/ RSLs ongoing Moray Council ongoing Moray Council 2022-23 Revised policy approved by Committee on 12/09/2023. Action Priority 1: Improve access to housing in all tenures and alleviate housing need Review RSL Nominations Agreements Revise the Temporary Accommodation Charging Policy Increase the supply of affordable rented housing Regularly review allocations quotas Implement Moray Council’s Downsizing Incentive Scheme Priority 2: Prevent and alleviate homelessness Minimise the time taken to relet vacant social housing Complete Moray Council Sheltered Housing review Ensure provision of high quality Housing Support Make the best use of existing social housing Deliver updated Housing Need and Demand Assessment (2022/23 based) Complete RSL Nominations Agreement review Revise the Council's Allocations Policy Provide a high quality Housing Options Service Implement the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan incl Housing First Page 1 of 2Page 93
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Moray Local Housing Strategy 2019-2024 Action Plan 2022/23/24 Appendix 1 Responsibility Timescale StatusAction Moray Council 2019-24 See Housing Supply Target. 30-40% of funding is allocated to development of amenity housing, although this varies from site to site. SHIP 2019-24 Progress led by Health and Social Care Moray Increase tenure choice for older people Support implementation of the LDP 2020 Accessible Housing Policy (DP2 (f)) Moray Council 2019-24 People with learning disabilities Health and Social Care Moray 2019-24 Contribute to aims of the LD Accommodation Review, led by Health and Social Care Moray Gypsy/ Travellers Moray Council Ongoing Moray Council Ongoing Moray Council Ongoing Moray Council Ongoing Support available, including interest-free loans. Moray Council 2019-24 Moray Council Ongoing Increase supply of extra care housing Stock condition - Private sector Increase the supply of ambulant disabled housing for affordable rent People with physical disabilities Implement the Protocol and Guidelines for the Response to Unauthorised Camping in Moray Priority 4: Improve the condition and energy efficiency of housing, and minimise fuel poverty Develop a Corporate approach to the use of available enforcement powers, including Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), and designation of Housing Renewal Areas. Implement the Private Landlord Registration Scheme Repairing Standard Implement the Scheme of Assistance Target support under the Scheme of Assistance to owners of BTS stock or those who cannot afford the cost of essential repairs Minimise empty homes in the private sector Increase supply of appropriate housing with care for people with learning disabilities Priority 3: Assist people requiring specialist housing Page 2 of 2Page 94