Item 9 Appendix 1 - Housing Emergency Declarationaction plan 03.02.25
West Dunbartonshire Council · 26 February 2025
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 26 February 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Housing Emergency Declaration action plan Generated on: 03 February 2025 Icon Name 1 - Deliver and maintain More Homes - West Dunbartonshire approach to the delivery of affordable housing. Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Issue letter to the Housing Minister highlight the Housing Emergency declaration and requesting that the full AHSP is restored. 30-Aug- 2024 Yes letter issued to minister - covering Acquisition funding and the new temp accommodation funding and concerns over the formula used to distribute Highlight within SHIP and Programming Process the impacts of cuts to the AHSP 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Draft SHIP submitted to Scottish Government Participate in a number of Member and Officer groups and influence agenda to maximise AHSP budget settlement 31-Mar- 2025 Yes Continue to lobby SG for increase in AHSP funding in partnership with COSLA/SOLACE/ALA CHO 31-Mar- 2025 West Dunbartonshire Council was allocated an additional £800k to spend in 2024/25 through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in recognition of our ability to deliver, the additional funding is from the existing funding within the AHSP. Discussions took place on 29/1 with a view to diverting more money into West Dunbartonshire before the end of the year. In terms of 2025/26 we await the budget announcements, but we expect an increase in our RPA for 25/26 Review impact of discussions with Scottish Government 31-Mar- 2025 No John Kerr Presentation to West Dunbartonshire Strategic Housing Providers Forum 30-Aug- 2024 Yes Complete and call for sites requested Carry out prioritisation exercise 21-Oct- 2024 Yes Completed milestone and included within SHIP Item 9 - Appendix 1
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Refresh Strategic Housing Investment Plan to ensure the delivery of new homes to meet acute housing need in West Dunbartonshire 29-Nov- 2024 Draft SHIP approved by More Homes Project Board 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Draft SHIP approved by More Homes Board (October), submitted to Scottish Government pending formal Housing and Communities Committee Approval John Kerr Deliver new Strategic Housing Investment Plan 31-Oct- 2024 SHIP approved at Housing and Communities Committee of 20th November Jamie Dockery Deliver the Council's approved new build programme for 24/25 helping meet the identified housing need. 01-Mar- 2025 Willox Park now on site as of 25th November Dawn Conner SHIP to be prepared and draft submitted to the Scottish Government by October 31 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Milestone achieved, SHIP expected to receive formal approval from Housing and Communities Committee in November Develop and acquire More Homes Project Board approval for proposal to ensure the acceleration and prioritisation of new home delivery. 31-Dec- 2024 Yes More Homes Project Board approved the acceleration of the Queen Mary Avenue development (October 2024). Assessments being made in terms of other approved and committed projects. Examine ways to accelerate new build delivery considering housing emergency declaration 31-Dec- 2024 While the initial action is complete, ongoing progress in this will be reported and monitored within the governance of the More Homes Board. There does continue to be internal challenges in the delivery of new housing. Develop revised Strategic Local Programme in partnership with Scottish Government Yes Programme in place and shadow programme identified and will be confirmed within forthcoming SHIP John Kerr
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To 17 buy backs completed so far, this financial year (11 Larger properties 3 bed + & 6 non-larger 1 & 2 beds) We have a further 8 under offer awaiting completion (2 Larger properties 3 bed + & 6 non-larger 1 & 2 beds) Yes Scale up and extend the Buy Back Scheme to meet the key housing demand factors including the provision of temporary accommodation 31-Oct- 2024 The buyback scheme has been scaled up through £10m of additional funding over the next 5 years in addition for 2024/25 we have been awarded an additional £309k to secure buyback acquisitions that directly take households out of temporary accommodation, our stated priority is families with children. We have completed 13 buy backs so far in this financial year, with another 9 properties under offer, awaiting completion. 7 of these properties have been let so far, with 4 of the lets going to homeless applicants. Yes Laura Hanna Participate in Housing Investment task force discussions 25-Sep- 2024 Yes Announcement of £100m funding to support delivery of MMR which will allow £500m investment across Scotland. Proposals being developed in West Dunbartonshire which will allow any opportunities to be realised Continue to develop own proposals in partnership with external agencies and potential investors 16-Feb- 2025 No Discussions ongoing in partnership with Scottish Futures Trust, we await further clarification from the Scottish Government in terms of the announced MMR fund within the Programme for Government.
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Explore innovative housing investment and partnership models to maximise housing investment approaches 31-Mar- 2025 Proposal paper to More Homes Project Board in December to define policy 28-Feb- 2025 No This action has slipped from January, and we await announcements from the Scottish Government re budget commitments and the allocation of funding . John Kerr In partnership with the Scottish Government review the planning and consenting system considering the national housing emergency to increase the scale and pace of development across all tenures 28-Feb- 2025 Action being progressed through national dialogue Peter Barry; Alan Douglas; Michael Mulgrew Detail development priorities within SHIP 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Prioritisation exercise carried out as part of SHIP process Review HRA resource allocation across the Council to help facilitate/deliver new build programme 28-Mar- 2025 Action now delayed until March 2025 as the new service design for Housing Development was not supported by the SRRG Housing Develop service design to be completed 28-Mar- 2025 No Service Redesign approved by SRRG now working to implement John Kerr Approval for Gilmour Avenue modular development 25-Sep- 2024 Yes Scottish Government approval September 2024 and homes now in development Develop revised approach based on review and share with development partners 31-Dec- 2024 Yes Explore an approach to develop modular and other forms of innovative housing by working in partnership with other housing providers 28-Feb- 2025 For noting - Scotland's leading modular home deliverer has gone into administration Review Gilmour development 28-Feb- 2025 No John Kerr Examine the capacity of the HRA to deliver agreed housing ambitions 31-Mar- 2025 Action being progressed and will meet target Peter Barry
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Participation in Scottish Government trawl process 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Participation confirmed Special More Homes Board scheduled for November to look at the opportunities with other service departments (now Housing Summitt). 28-Feb- 2025 No This will be explored through the WD Housing Summit taking place on 10/2 Engage with public and private sector landowners to increase the HRA landbank and support development in line with the refreshed Strategic Housing Investment Plan 31-Mar- 2025 Discussions ongoing with one housing developer re potential for them to landbank housing opportunities, model to be explored further. Plan agreed at More Homes Board to inform delivery plans from 2025/26 31-Mar- 2025 No John Kerr Review Affordable Housing Design Standard 31-Mar- 2025 Full review to be undertaken in early 2025, but the design standard was examined as part of the SHIP development process and it was found not to be limiting in terms of new build ambitions, many developing associations citing it as a benefit in the design process and providing clear guidance. John Kerr Increase provision of Mid-Market Rent properties as a viable housing option for homeless and housing applicants 30-Apr- 2026 Proposal is being taken forward following May committee approval; however, we now await clarity following the Programme for Government announcements John Kerr Icon Name 2 - Make Best Use of Existing Stock Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Continue to Improve our approach to 31-Dec- 2024 Although the action has been completed work Martin Feeney
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To empty council homes with a strengthened focus on reducing void time and letting longer term empty homes and negating any use of unsuitable accommodation. continues on the Void Improvement Action Plan working alongside Housing Operations to improve performance across the Council. Building Services continue to set targets to improve productivity and reduce the average cost to bring a property back to the Councils' relet standard. At end of quarter 3 to end of December Building Services had received 665 and returned 706 ready for let properties. The average time to bring back to relet standard in quarter 3 was 13 days (target 12 days) compared with 27 days in 2023/2024 (discounted days). Actual days in quarter 3 was 55 days compared to 79 days in quarter 2. Up to the 27/01/2025 major and extensive voids have been reduced by 15. The average cost to bring a property back to the Councils' relet standard has reduced in 2024/2025 compared to 2023/2024. Less void properties have been subcontracted and a significant reduction in void overtime costs has
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To been achieved. Costs may increase in quarter 4 as efforts to achieve the target of 150 by year end continue. Implement and monitor measures to improve the control and generation of non- essential repairs. 30-Aug- 2024 Yes Milestone complete with on-going monitoring in place. Whilst training and briefings have reduced the throughput of unjustified repairs; monitoring is carried out and reviewed at weekly team meetings. Based on performance and progress made on reducing the number of empty homes agree to continue to monitor and postpone any decision on a fixed term moratorium. 27-Sep- 2024 Yes Milestone complete. Progress made on reducing the number of empty homes to end of September without over reliance on the use of sub-contractors and overtime informed the decision to postpone any decision on a fixed term moratorium to not carryout non-essential repairs. A further review will be completed before the end of quarter 3 to consider if this action should be implemented.
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Continue to implement improvement actions in the void management improvement plan including increasing productivity and reducing the average cost to bring an empty home back to the Councils' relet standard. 29-Nov- 2024 Yes Sub action complete. Actions in the void management improvement plan and building services action plan 2024/2025 action are progressing well. Increased productivity in void operations and reduction in the average cost to bring a void back to the Councils' relet standard are evident and further improvement are progressing and being monitored. Consider a fixed term moratorium on non-essential housing repairs to focus activity around bring empty homes back into use 20-Dec- 2024 Action on track for completion by target date with 3 of the 4 sub actions completed. Actions in the void management improvement plan and building services action plan 2024/2025 are progressing well. Increased productivity in void operations and reduction in the average cost to bring a void back to the Councils' relet standard are evident and further improvement are progressing and being monitored. The reduction in costs is in addition to reduced costs for decorations which is no longer routinely completed. Due to increased void properties year to date compared to 2023/2024 the use of sub- contractors will increase December - March. Review evidence to make final decision on a 3-month (last quarter of 2024/2025) moratorium on non-essential housing repairs to focus resources on the repair of the Councils' housing properties. 13-Dec- 2024 Yes Decision taken to not introduce a moratorium at this time. Martin Feeney Complete review of referral/communication processes between void team and Helptomove 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Review of existing referral process completed
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Engage with Consumer Scotland to discuss problems encountered and provide case studies to support national focus on holding energy companies accountable to resolve meter issues more efficiently 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed, session held with Consumer Scotland with Housing Operations and Building Services Reps. Case studies of longer-term meter void problems shared to support national discussions on the matter to find resolve Introduce new report from help the move to identify move ins with no end date meter readings to enable more accurate billing information 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed - helpthemove now send weekly reports for ‘move ins’ with no end meter reads. Introduce weekly monitoring report for support worker to track progress of complex meter issues and update to teams 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed and in place. Weekly spreadsheet introduced which tracks/updates on progress. Shared as part of weekly liaison void meetings Review liaison arrangements with Helpthemove ensuring appropriate representation to input to operational challenges 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Action complete - representation reviewed and new void reps added to liaison meetings, this now includes HB, WDC Support Worker and void maintenance officers Meetings focus on operational challenges and complex meter problems to ensure what help the move are advising/assisting us with the support worker & HTM are doing as quickly as possible.
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Develop escalation process with helpthemove on more problematic meter problems 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Helpthemove have identified senior officer in Scottish Power to assist, OVO/SSE covered under Helpthemove contract. Key contacts in Help the Move identified to support escalation of complex meter related problems established Develop a process including exploring potential partnering arrangements to address lengthy delays by energy suppliers in the reletting process. 31-Dec- 2025 Explore other providers to establish if can provide additional support to helpthemove arrangements Yes Enquiries completed with GEC, who confirmed would arrange for meter installs on projects subject to cost. No additional service to helpthemove provided Nicola Pettigrew Seek HACC approval of new strategy - aim to bring 25 properties per year back into use 30-Nov- 2024 Yes Consultation ended 30/9/24 Draft strategy being updated for HACC in November 2024 approval granted 20/11 Accelerate the reduction of private sector empty homes by delivering a new Long Term Empty Homes Strategy 31-Mar- 2025 A significant milestone was achieved which seen the approval of the new Empty Homes Strategy by committee on the 20th November Review numbers of empty homes brough back into use at end of current financial year 31-Mar- 2025 No Karen Rae Carry put early consultation with tenants to inform revised Repairs Policy and ensure tenant priorities are delivered. 30-Jun- 2024 Yes Complete - early consultation complete, over 1000 responses received and tenant feedback will help inform development of revised policy.
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To HRA Value for Money Group to develop revised Repairs Policy which will meets tenant priorities and reflects input from key stakeholders. 31-Aug- 2024 Yes Complete - draft Repairs Policy agreed and following further period of consultation approval for policy to be sought from Housing and Communities Committee in November 2024. Deliver with tenant representatives a new repairs policy 30-Nov- 2024 Seek approval for revised Repairs Policy from Housing and Communities Committee November 2024. 20-Nov- 2024 Yes On track - report prepared and will be considered by Committee 20 Nov 2024. approval given. Stefan Kristmanns Ensure new repairs policy achieves key objectives 30-Nov- 2024 New repairs policy was approved by the HACC Committee in November 2024. The policy will achieve objectives to improve the reactive repair service, making this more efficient whilst meeting tenants’ expectations. Work is progressing to get the new policy live by 1 April 2025. Martin Feeney Review and agree the new 70% allocation to transfer applicants for all new builds 30-Aug- 2024 Yes new protocol written and agreed between Housing operations and Homeless services. ongoing allocations discussion to complete new media/drive for downsizing etc 16-Feb- 2025 No have a new report to better understand who we want to target - but need to have awareness current targets
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Review and promote Allocations Policy flexibilities and enhanced Transfer Incentive Scheme linked to the review of the Housing Allocations approach 31-Mar- 2025 Review current transfer incentive scheme 28-Feb- 2025 No linked to mutual exchange and other pieces of work follow up meeting 20/12, additional meeting 17/01 Claire McKay Introduce notification to Repair and Maintenance Manager on voids properties due for return on back of transfer move in advance of sign-up 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed - introduced as part of Clydebank East new build development. This model will be used for all future new build sites Introduce robust pre-allocation house assessments process which embeds ongoing discussions with Building Services to highlight condition of voids and recharges as required 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Complete - Process revised as part of Clydebank East development, this model/approach will be used for all future new build sites Introduced homeless liaison meetings in advance handover dates to identify existing WDC tenants with open homeless case 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed and in place - implemented for Clydebank East development, phase 1 underway with other phases to follow. This model/approach will be used for all future sites. Prepare lettings initiative action plan 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Complete - action plan shared and consulted internally for Clydebank East. Same model will be used for future sites Identify properties for each quota and engage with relevant teams to finalise 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Completed - Clydebank East new build, model/approach will be same for future sites
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Actively introduce a pre letting process initially linked to the transfer led allocation process for new build social housing 11-May- 2025 Review house assessment form to ensure capturing relevant information via HO mobile app 30-Apr- 2025 No Mobile app working group established, initial area of NTV in place with other service areas to follow. PTV developed and being tested before further rollout, house assessment will be next function to be reviewed/developed. Target timeline requires to be extended to reflect status of development stage to 30/4/25 Nicola Pettigrew Project board to agree options for HACC following all feasibility studies and financial reviews Linked to action H/RRTP/19- 24/064 16-Feb- 2025 No new staff member in place now so a focus on this project going forward HACC approval on options 30-Nov- 2025 No Deliver the recommendations from the Supported Housing Review 31-Mar- 2026 Action on track and deliverables programmed from November 2024 Carry out procurement exercise to meet new needs and options agreed 30-Jan- 2026 No Claire McKay Establish project plan and resource requirement 30-Nov- 2024 Yes Resource allocation agreed in November Better Homes Board, Senior Housing Development Officer will project manage assessment, but it requires full buy in from all service areas. Initial Report findings to be presented and recommendations agreed at Better Homes Project Board 17-Feb- 2025 No
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Stock assessment to be undertaken against key technical and operational indicators to assess performance 23-Feb- 2025 No Finding to inform refreshed Housing Asset Management Strategy which will be presented to February committee 28-Feb- 2025 No Carry out a comprehensive assessment of our housing stock to ensure it can deliver the key priorities within the Local Housing Strategy 28-Feb- 2025 Implementation Plan including the focused regeneration initiatives to be led by Housing Development Co-ordinator (Better Homes) 28-Feb- 2025 No Jackie McRory 1000 Homes 31-Oct- 2024 Yes 1000 now completeContinue to roll out our approach to address condensation, dampness and mould within our homes through the use of smart technology that strengthens housing management 31-Mar- 2025 Environmental sensors now installed at over 1100 homes 2000 homes 31-Mar- 2025 No Emily Dorrian Initial Proposal developed 18-Oct- 2024 Yes The initial introduction of 2 new compliance roles to be managed within the housing service and dedicated to HRA properties (phase 1) 28-Feb- 2025 No Two statutory compliance roles are anticipated to be approved at the SRRG on 3/12 Implementation of Phase 1 31-Mar- 2025 No
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Deliver new proactive approach to ensure our housing stock continues to meet all statutory compliance requirements 31-Mar- 2025 Proposal developed and shared within senior housing team/Better Homes Board Review of planned approach with tenant representatives and paper to be submitted to More Homes Board in Mach regarding a potential Phase 2 to ensure compliance requirements are met 31-Mar- 2025 No John Kerr Obtain baseline data to support VFM in promoting mutual exchange options with applicants 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed Review functionality and best practice with Home Swapper 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed Introduce quarterly marketing information via social media, tenants’ news to maximise awareness 28-Feb- 2025 No Downsizing information included in Tenants News, flagged to TP team to include in future editions. Similar info being finalised for social media release to raise awareness Add opt our option to housing application form 31-Mar- 2025 No Online application form in progress to be implemented, include option as part of revised form development work in progress and testing underway, will require soft launch once testing complete Complete marketing awareness campaign to increase use of home swapper 31-Mar- 2025 Yes Completed - text/social media information, increase in sign up by 39%.
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Prepare paper to outline required additional resource needing to support increased capacity of home swapper 31-Mar- 2025 No To be progressed via home swapper working group Maximise use of Home Swapper to meet rehousing need of transfer applicants 31-Mar- 2025 Review VFM annual costing of home swapper and consider if in-house platform could be developed (similar to rent insights approach) 31-Mar- 2025 No NP has initially discussed with BF, to be discussed further at next Home swapper working group to scope out feasibility Nicola Pettigrew Gather all information on all leases for an overview 30-Nov- 2024 Yes Action on track, some information outstanding but plan to convene a meeting in early December to satisfy all information is in place before undertaking a sprint review to allow a discussion at the January Housing Improvement Board Review of all current lease agreements within context of housing emergency (e.g., Safe as Houses scatter flats and impact on generating homelessness) 31-Mar- 2025 Review all leases and decide whether best use of housing stock 31-Mar- 2025 No John Kerr Deliver housing Capital Investment Programme to ensure all homes meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard 31-Mar- 2025 Work is progressing well with 24-25 Capital investment Programme work streams that contribute to SHQS. Mid -year SHQS position is meeting target. Alan Young Maximise the use of existing housing systems to support effective stock management 31-Mar- 2025 action being taken forward as part of IHMS Improvement Plan, IHMS team working with a nominated Senior Housing Development Officer to ensure the system meets wider housing service needs before Graham Watters
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To involving key managers Icon Name 3: Enhancing housing access & prevention of homelessness Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Develop and implement transfer led approach to new build housing allocations 31-Aug- 2024 Action has been achieved but will be monitored and a report will follow initially to the More Homes Project Board recommending any refinements following a review of Clydebank East detailing we are making allocations based on housing need and there is visibility that it is tackling homelessness. Committee Approval in place and ensure ongoing tenant support 30-Aug- 2024 Yes Completed John Kerr Set up meeting with all seniors management from both HSCP and Housing/Homeless to take forward discussions 29-Nov- 2024 Yes meeting confirmed for 7th Feb Strengthen strategic leadership approach with HSCP regarding housing emergency 14-Feb- 2025 Follow up actions from joint meeting 14-Feb- 2025 No Peter Barry; Margaret-Jane Cardno set up new meeting of the housing bill group now Bill is through stage 1 30-Oct- 2024 Yes set up 13/11 Discuss options for task force - link to timeline for the bill 29-Nov- 2024 Yes Establish a Task Force approach to engage public bodies to promote prevention measures linked to the Housing (Scotland) Bill 31-Mar- 2025 Task force established and expectation is Stage 2 of the BILL will make its way through Parliament in early 2025. Develop West Dunbartonshire approach 31-Mar- 2025 No The approach will be inclusive of a housing emergency implementation plan John Kerr
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Finalise draft of strategy following consultation (Aug until Dec) 31-Dec- 2024 Yes draft to be published on the website by 16/12 - consultation open until 20/12 Seek HACC approval of new strategy 28-Feb- 2025 No Develop a new refreshed strategic approach to the prevention of homelessness through the delivery of a Housing Solutions Strategy 01-Apr- 2025 Embed and deliver new strategy 01-Apr- 2025 No Claire McKay VAWG partnership supportive of action H/HEDAP/2024/038 but will be carrying out a self- assessment of the group where Prevention will be a key element 30-Nov- 2024 Yes In partnership with Violence Against Women Partnership deliver a refreshed focus on preventing negative housing situations as a result of domestic abuse. 31-Dec- 2024 deliver action H/HEDAP/2024/038 31-Dec- 2024 Yes to be signed off agreed by HIB on 27/01 Claire McKay Job evaluation 21-Feb- 2025 No Still awaiting outcome of JE: Job reads received for 4 posts, grading for these posts still outstanding. still awaiting job reads and grading for 3 additional posts. Direct Matches & Matching Pools and Expressions of Interest 31-Mar- 2025 No Await outcome of JE before this can be completed Full implement the introduction of the Housing Solutions Service following on from the Homelessness Service redesign 30-Apr- 2025 Service Rebranding Action List No To be completed on restructure Joanne Sutherland Agree in principle online form and tweak to ensure all aspects covered 30-Sep- 2024 Yes meeting 26/09 - all partners agreed to form following last amendments and will look for formal agreement from management committees
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To RSL to seek Committee approval on form before being finalised 30-Nov- 2024 Yes agreement given at meeting 05/12 but further discussions on legal contract and data protection Agree data sharing agreement and Information to be used on the website for all involved and link 28-Feb- 2025 No at the meeting on 5/12 a legal agreement along with a data sharing - unable to meet WDC legal until the new year - until this is agreed no launch date can be agreed. In partnership with local RSLs develop and implement a common application form for all social housing providers in West Dunbartonshire as part of the development of a Common Housing Register 30-Apr- 2025 Agree Launch online form 31-Mar- 2025 No Claire McKay this is linked to Action 48 being achieved first 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Delivery of stock sheet training and Team Leader Support/shadowing in interviews. 28-Feb- 2025 No Delayed due to staff absences but planned in early February. Development and trial of Housing Solutions paperwork and personal housing plan. 28-Feb- 2025 No Paperwork finalised and partially rolled out for use across all staff. Slight problem with the recording on AVD still to be resolved. Completion to module 6 housing options toolkit for all casework staff 31-Mar- 2025 No Review process once new structure in place 30-Apr- 2025 No This includes task groups to identify training gaps/ workshops on DV, young people etc. Introduce a comprehensive housing options interviews at application stage to manage demand and options 30-Apr- 2025 Housing Options Survey and presentation to all casework staff Yes Joanne Sutherland
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Decision paper for Housing Improvement Board to agree the extent of the review 31-Aug- 2024 Yes paper presented and agreed on 26/08 meeting of Co-ordinators to agree the remit 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Co-ordinators meet on 02/09 - agreed remit draft updated remit and process to be agreed on 24/09 new paper to HIB agreeing new proposals of the remit 31-Dec- 2024 Yes agreed to rollout from 1st feb paper going to HIB to 27/01 HIB to update, quarterly monitoring update guidance and relevant policies on agreed remit 31-Dec- 2024 Yes Allocation panel remit updated and agreed by co-ordinators, to be circulated along with updated guidance to all staff before the rollout on 1st feb Review remit of Housing Allocations Panel to reflect a homelessness prevention perspective (domestic, at risk, others that would otherwise present) 31-Jan- 2025 communicate and update new remit to all staff 31-Jan- 2025 Yes finalised guidance circulated to all staff for the rollout from 1st feb Claire McKay Review current open Homeless cases with children 06-Dec- 2024 Yes to identify those in temporary accommodation, those on offer and still waiting. identify actions for those who are no on offer 92 on the list - reviewing list and will finish on 16/12
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Joint meeting between Homelessness and Housing operations focusing cases who do not have an offer 20-Dec- 2024 Yes initial meeting held on 02/12 - reviewing data, agreed for a follow up meeting on 16/12 to agree any actions reviewed all cases and taken various actions; • extra discussions with households to try expanding areas • look to match those RFL - issues is majority 3 apt and are largest blocker is 5apt plus • prioritise households who have children in temp with them and not access • add access, bed sizes to the allocations policy review • flag sizes/areas to the buyback officer following on identify any new processes to be implemented and rolled out to help continually reduce times children spend in temporary accommodation 31-Jan- 2025 Yes flag sizes and areas in most demand to RSL added access and bedroom sizes to the policy review agree priority to non- access households Deliver a refreshed process which will ensure that time in minimised for children in all forms of temporary accommodation 31-Mar- 2025 Using additional Temporary accommodation funds to focus on acquisitions for those households in temp with children waiting on offers 28-Feb- 2025 No Claire McKay
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Carry out recent research around stigma and homeless with view to creating further actions to take forward 20-Dec- 2024 Yes Consulted wider work around the stigma of homelessness and how to reduce. Including 'Responsibly Communicating Homelessness' - published as a result of the HARSAG recommendation around reducing the stigma of households experiencing homelessness, which is designed to ensure that appropriate language is used by professionals when supporting such groups, the use of images within publications don’t reflect typical stereotypes and overall shifting the view of homelessness to a modern and evidence- based direction. As well as Crisis research around public attitudes to homelessness and the importance of sharing examples of lived experience to give a wider understanding of the issue, allowing for the systematic causes and consequences of homelessness to be emphasised to allow for systematic solutions. Further actions to be created based on above research. Design and deliver a dynamic public awareness campaign focused on the realities of homelessness and housing need 31-Mar- 2025 Donna Kirkwood
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Liaise with WDC comms team on appropriate campaign actions 31-Jan- 2025 Yes Meeting took place end of January to discuss best way to progress in terms of additional milestones and timeline to be complete. Review WDC homeless webpage content to ensure appropriate language/images used around homelessness. 03-Feb- 2025 Yes Webpages are updated regularly, ensuring homelessness advice is up to date and communicated effectively and appropriately. Identify positive case studies detailing household circumstances and support provided by WDC to resolve homelessness to highlight help available and realities of homelessness. 12-Feb- 2025 No Review of Pathway 1 cases (i.e., those homeless but not in temporary accommodation) over 6 months to assess if in stable accommodation (and close if this is confirmed) 31-Mar- 2025 Ongoing review. No A moving feast; as cases are closed or pathways are escalated when temporary accommodation is required, demand for 1 bed or larger family households. Significant number are DV cases which may be resolved under prevention/allocations panel going forward. Joanne Sutherland Linked to action 48 being achieved first 31-Oct- 2024 Yes
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Introduce a consistent assessment of housing and support needs regardless of if a tenant or presenting as homeless 31-Mar- 2025 review support process once new housing solutions services are rolled out 31-Mar- 2025 No Claire McKay; Joanne Sutherland Develop and implement a new approach to resettlement and humanitarian schemes 31-Mar- 2025 Claire McKay Minimise and eradicate the use of unsuitable accommodation for homeless households 31-Mar- 2025 Joanne Sutherland Objective 1 - whole system approach 01-Apr- 2025 No Objective 2 - rapid rehousing (16 weeks) 01-Apr- 2025 No Objective 3 - interim housing options 01-Apr- 2025 No Deliver the outcomes of the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan 30-Apr- 2025 Objective 4 - housing first 01-Apr- 2025 No Claire McKay Linked to Action 48 being achieved first 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Explore expanding a homelessness prevention approach and better managed demand for temporary accommodation 30-Apr- 2025 review in line with decrease of pathway 1 and increased need to for temp 07-Feb- 2025 No Joanne Sutherland Action 48 needs achieved first 31-Oct- 2024 Yes
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Introduce a "Mediation First" approach to housing applications for 16–19-year-olds (as a homelessness prevention approach) 30-Apr- 2025 Restructure - once in place and introduction of youth specialist team put process in place 31-Mar- 2025 No Joanne Sutherland actions 37, 42, 46 and 47 can then follow on from this action if achieved 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Paper on the possible vision to be taken to Access to Housing Group in December (Now Feb 2025) 17-Feb- 2025 No Agree principles relating to new on door housing access system aligned to the new Housing Solutions service 28-Feb- 2025 No Implement a ‘One Door’ preventative housing access system under one service to prepare for new prevention duties. 31-Mar- 2025 Proposal being developed and will be introduced for discussion at the next Board Develop implementation plan 28-Mar- 2025 No John Kerr Upscale the Housing First programme through collaborative commissioning 31-Mar- 2025 review current provision 28-Feb- 2025 No Claire McKay Deliver and implement in partnership with RSL a Common Housing Register for West Dunbartonshire 31-Mar- 2025 Claire McKay Icon Name 4: Strengthen the Financial viability and capacity of the Housing Revenue Account and associated Housing and Homelessness budgets Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Building services action plan created 31-Oct- 2024 Yes internal pan created
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Complete the review of Building Services Repairs and Maintenance service costs to deliver immediate efficiencies to the HRA 31-Mar- 2025 Building Services - Service Costs Recovery and Management of the HRA Maintenance and Repairs Budgets 2024/2025 is progressing well with all high priority actions 90% or more complete at 23/01/2025. These action include improving service efficiency, effective financial management and improve people management practice within the service. Deliver action plan - include service efficiencies 31-Mar- 2025 No Martin Feeney Explore innovative housing investment and partnership models to maximise housing investment approaches 28-Feb- 2025 Working Group established, revised housing investment approaches are also included in the work of the Housing Investment Task Force led by the Scottish Government John Kerr Carry out review of HRA contributions to other non-housing Council service areas 30-Jun- 2025 Peter Barry Examine the capacity of the HRA and the Council's General Fund to deliver agreed housing ambitions 14-Mar- 2025 Peter Barry; Laurence Slavin Develop a 3-year rental strategy in partnership with tenants to ensure tenant priorities and 28-Feb- 2025 Stefan Kristmanns
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To strategic housing ambitions can be delivered Review Building Services structures and external contractors to ensure best value 31-Mar- 2025 Peter Barry Working with other local authority partner re-examine housing finance position in Scotland to promote the delivery of new social housing including the treatment of historic HRA Capital Debt 31-Mar- 2025 Claire McKay Review homelessness services funding with aim of being able to reduce level of temporary accommodation and free up staff resource 31-Mar- 2025 Peter Barry; Laurence Slavin Develop a refreshed funding delivery model for the delivery of new housing in light of increased borrowing levels exploring increased grant benchmark levels 31-Mar- 2025 Work ongoing in terms of this action to ensure we can continue to deliver the required new housing at sustainable scale John Kerr Directly lobby the Scottish Government to ensure the cost of achieving net zero in 31-Mar- 2025 Claire McKay
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Action Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To social housing is met with national funding to ensure rental income can be utilised for improving current and developing new social housing. Action Status Cancelled Overdue; Neglected Unassigned; Check Progress Not Started; In Progress; Assigned Completed PI Status Alert Warning OK Unknown Data Only Long Term Trends Improving No Change Getting Worse Short Term Trends Improving No Change Getting Worse Risk Status Alert High Risk
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Warning OK Unknown