Item 9 - Appendix 1
West Dunbartonshire Council · 7 May 2025
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 7 May 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: 23 April 2025 Report Layout: Housing Scorecard with Action and PI codes Icon Name 1 - Deliver and maintain More Homes - West Dunbartonshire approach to the delivery of affordable housing. Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 001 Continue to lobby SG for increase in AHSP funding in partnership with COSLA/SOLACE/ ALACHO 31-Mar- 2025 While we await the final outturn report West Dunbartonshire Council has been allocated around £2m additional funding through our 2024/25 RPA through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in recognition of our ability to deliver, the additional funding is from the existing funding within the wider AHSP. We anticipate the resources to support new homes in West Dunbartonshire to have been in the region of £10m negating the local impact from the national cut to the AHSP. For 2025/26 we now anticipate our RPA to be in the region of £11m. 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 John Kerr 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 Review impact of discussions with Scottish Government 31-Mar- 2025 Yes ITEM 9 - APPENDIX 1
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 002 Refresh Strategic Housing Investment Plan to ensure the delivery of new homes to meet acute housing need in West Dunbartonshire 29-Nov- 2024 Presentation to West Dunbartonshire Strategic Housing Providers Forum 30-Aug- 2024 Yes Complete and call for sites requested John Kerr Carry out prioritisation exercise 21-Oct- 2024 Yes Completed milestone and included within SHIP 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 H/HEDAP/2024/ 003 Deliver new Strategic Housing Investment Plan 31-Oct- 2024 SHIP approved at Housing and Communities Committee of 20th November Jamie Dockery H/HEDAP/2024/ 004 Deliver the Council's approved new build programme for 24/25 helping meet the identified housing need. 01-Mar- 2025 Development delivered. action will be repeated in new year, report to MHPB Dawn Conner H/HEDAP/2024/ 005 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 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 John Kerr Develop and acquire More Homes Project Board approval for proposal to ensure the acceleration and 31-Dec- 2024 Yes More Homes Project Board approved the acceleration of the Queen Mary Avenue
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To housing. prioritisation of new home delivery. development (October 2024). Assessments being made in terms of other approved and committed projects. 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 H/HEDAP/2024/ 006 Scale up and extend the Buy Back Scheme to meet the key housing demand factors including the provision of temporary accommodation 31-Mar- 2025 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. Year-end total buybacks 31-Mar- 2025 Yes 33; • 5 of these have been allocated to Homeless applicants, with 8 of the properties purchased enabling households to move from temporary accommodation. • 6 properties purchased were allocated to the transfer list • 5 properties purchased were allocated to the general list • 3 properties purchased are for the Ukrainian Long Term Resettlement Programme. • 4 properties have still to be allocated / let Laura Hanna 17 buy backs completed so far, this financial year (11 Larger properties 3 bed Yes
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To + & 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) 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 H/HEDAP/2024/ 007 Explore innovative housing investment and partnership models to maximise housing investment approaches 30-Jun- 2025 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 John Kerr Continue to develop own proposals in partnership with external agencies and potential investors 31-Mar- 2025 Yes 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. Proposal paper to More Homes Project Board to define policy 30-Jun- 2025 No This action has slipped from January, and we await announcements from the Scottish Government re budget
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To commitments and the allocation of funding . H/HEDAP/2024/ 008 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 28-Feb- 2025 Yes The Council has engaged with Scottish Government and note the actions outlined in the Planning and the housing emergency: delivery plan to support the delivery of new homes. The Planning service continues to engage with Scottish Government on this matter Peter Barry; Alan Douglas; Michael Mulgrew H/HEDAP/2024/ 009 Review HRA resource allocation across the Council to help facilitate/deliver new build programme 31-Jul- 2025 Action now delayed until March 2025 as the new service design for Housing Development was not supported by the SRRG Detail development priorities within SHIP 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Prioritisation exercise carried out as part of SHIP process John Kerr Housing Develop service design to be completed 31-Jul- 2025 No Service Redesign approved by SRRG now working to implement now started but process not due to complete until Jul 25 H/HEDAP/2024/ 010 Explore an approach to develop modular and other forms of innovative housing by working in partnership with other housing providers 31-May- 2025 For noting - Scotland's leading modular home deliverer has gone into administration Approval for Gilmour Avenue modular development 25-Sep- 2024 Yes Scottish Government approval September 2024 and homes now in development John Kerr Develop revised approach based on review and share with development partners 31-Dec- 2024 Yes Review Gilmour Avenue development 30-May- 2025 No Milestone has been delayed due to the administration of
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Connect Modular and the completion of the project. The review will focus on the opportunities around modular housing rather than the business acumen of the now ceased developer H/HEDAP/2024/ 011 Examine the capacity of the HRA to deliver agreed housing ambitions 29-Aug- 2025 A paper is to be submitted to the August Housing Committee which will outline the ability of the HRA to deliver all identified tenant priorities including the delivery of new housing within the HRA investment plan review for 2024/25 31-Mar- 2025 Yes Significant review of HRA capacity completed for 24/25 but this will continue to be kept under close review in the years ahead Peter Barry H/HEDAP/2024/ 012 Engage with public and private sector landowners to increase the HRA landbank and support development in line with the refreshed Strategic Housing Investment Plan 30-Jun- 2025 Discussions ongoing with one housing developer re potential for them to landbank housing opportunities, model to be explored further. Participation in Scottish Government trawl process 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Participation confirmed John Kerr Special More Homes Board scheduled for November to look at the opportunities with other service departments (now Housing Summitt). 28-Feb- 2025 Yes This was explored through the WD Housing Summit taking place on 10/2 Plan agreed at More Homes Board to inform delivery plans from 2025/26 30-Jun- 2025 No Paper to be presented to June More Homes Board with options following discussion at the Housing Summit in February H/HEDAP/2024/ 013 Review Affordable Housing Design Standard 31-Mar- 2026 Full review to be undertaken in early 2025, but the design standard was examined as part of the SHIP development process and it was John Kerr
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To 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. H/HEDAP/2024/ 014 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 Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 015 Continue to Improve our approach 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. 31-Dec- 2024 Although the action has been completed work 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 Martin Feeney
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To 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 been achieved. Costs may increase in quarter 4 as efforts to achieve the target of 150 by year end continue. H/HEDAP/2024/ 016 Consider a fixed term moratorium on 20-Dec- 2024 Action on track for completion by target date with 3 of the 4 sub actions 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 Martin Feeney
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To non-essential housing repairs to focus activity around bring empty homes back into use 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. 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. 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
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To and further improvement are progressing and being monitored. 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. H/HEDAP/2024/ 017 Develop a process including exploring potential partnering arrangements to address lengthy delays by energy suppliers in the reletting process. 31-Dec- 2025 Complete review of referral/communication processes between void team and Helptomove 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Review of existing referral process completed Nicola Pettigrew 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
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To 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. 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 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 H/HEDAP/2024/ 018 Accelerate the reduction of private sector 31-Mar- 2025 A significant milestone was achieved which seen the approval of the new Empty Homes 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 Karen Rae
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To empty homes by delivering a new Long Term Empty Homes Strategy Strategy by committee on the 20th of November November 2024 approval granted 20/11 Review numbers of empty homes brough back into use at end of current financial year 31-Mar- 2025 Yes total of 29 homes brought back into use - of which 5 were buy backs H/HEDAP/2024/ 019 Deliver with tenant representatives a new repairs policy 30-Nov- 2024 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. Stefan Kristmanns 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. 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. H/HEDAP/2024/ 020 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’ Martin Feeney
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To expectations. Work is progressing to get the new policy live by 1 April 2025. H/HEDAP/2024/ 021 Review and promote Allocations Policy flexibilities and enhanced Transfer Incentive Scheme linked to the review of the Housing Allocations approach 31-Mar- 2025 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 Claire McKay new media/drive for downsizing etc 16-Feb- 2025 Yes have a new report to better understand who we want to target - but need to have awareness current targets this has been put into the housing newsletter again Review current transfer incentive scheme 28-Feb- 2025 Yes linked to mutual exchange and other pieces of work follow up meeting 20/12, additional meeting 17/01 from the housing summit it was suggested to create a joint WDC transfer scheme - this will be taken forward in 2025/26 therefore a new action within the plan and will put our review of our own one on hold to stop duplication but will be linked to freeing money from house clearances.
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 022 Actively introduce a pre letting process initially linked to the transfer led allocation process for new build social housing 11-May- 2025 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 Nicola Pettigrew 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 Review house assessment form to ensure capturing relevant information via HO mobile app 11-May- 2025 No Mobile app working group established, PTV, NTV and rent insights now rolled out to HO. House assessment currently in development with
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To working group/IHMS, target timeline to be extended to reflect required ICT / testing work. Revised target date 30 June 2025 H/HEDAP/2024/ 023 Deliver the recommendation s from the Supported Housing Review 31-Mar- 2026 Action on track and deliverables programmed from November 2024 Project board to agree options for HACC following all feasibility studies and financial reviews Linked to action H/RRTP/19- 24/064 31-Mar- 2025 Yes new staff member in place now so a focus on this project going forward project board agreed further details on option - and steps to progress these options will involve consultation staged approach Claire McKay HACC approval on options 30-Nov- 2025 No Carry out procurement exercise to meet new needs and options agreed 30-Jan- 2026 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 024 Carry out a comprehensive assessment of our housing stock to ensure it can deliver the key priorities within the Local Housing Strategy 30-Sep- 2025 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. Jackie McRory Stock assessment to be undertaken against key technical and operational indicators to assess performance 30-May- 2025 No In progress, information gaps have been highlighted with relevant officer Initial Report findings to be presented and recommendations agreed at 30-Jun- 2025 No
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Better Homes Project Board Finding to inform refreshed Housing Asset Management Strategy which will be presented to August Housing and Communities Committee 30-Sep- 2025 No Implementation Plan including the focused regeneration initiatives to be led by Housing Development Co-ordinator (Better Homes) 30-Sep- 2025 No Regeneration activities and plan will be included within the refreshed asset management plan H/HEDAP/2024/ 025 Continue 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 1000 Homes 31-Oct- 2024 Yes 1000 now complete Emily Dorrian 2000 homes 31-Mar- 2025 Yes We have achieved 1720 homes in year 1. We have also recruited 4 additional BSO to review the dashboard and proactively visit homes. H/HEDAP/2024/ 026 Deliver new proactive approach to ensure our housing stock continues to meet all statutory compliance requirements 30-May- 2025 Proposal developed and shared within senior housing team/Better Homes Board Initial Proposal developed 18-Oct- 2024 Yes John Kerr 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 Yes Two statutory compliance roles are anticipated to be approved at the SRRG on 3/12 Implementation of Phase 1 30-Apr- 2025 No Discussion with tenants planned on 24th April to discuss proposals. Tenant representatives have indicated support for additional dedicated resources for tenant
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To safety including fire. The proposals include the introduction of 2 new posts within the housing service Review of planned approach with tenant representatives and paper to be submitted to Better Homes Board in April regarding a potential Phase 2 to ensure compliance requirements are met 30-May- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 027 Maximise use of Home Swapper to meet rehousing need of transfer applicants 31-Oct- 2025 Obtain baseline data to support VFM in promoting mutual exchange options with applicants 30-Sep- 2024 Yes Completed Nicola Pettigrew 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 Yes Downsizing information included in Tenants News, flagged to TP team to include in future editions. Quarterly info agreed to be released by Comms 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%. Add link to online housing application form to direct to home swapper and increase uptake 30-Apr- 2025 Yes Online application form soft launch April, link included to direct applicants to home swapper targeted campaign - news article highlighting how easy 31-May- 2025 No
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To text transfer applicants with no housing need access Facebook groups to link with home swapper Review VFM annual costing of home swapper and consider if in-house platform could be developed (similar to rent insights approach) 30-Jun- 2025 No NP has initially discussed with BF, to be discussed further at next home swapper working group to scope out feasibility Will require extension to timescale into new financial year. 30/6/25 Identify additional resource required to support home swapper back admin functions required 31-Oct- 2025 No Sub meeting held and agreed Housing Development exploring potential use of new modern apprentice to do admin support connected to home swapper H/HEDAP/2024/ 028 Review of all current lease agreements within context of housing emergency (e.g., Safe as Houses scatter flats and impact on generating homelessness) 31-May- 2025 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 John Kerr Review all leases and decide whether best use of housing stock 01-May- 2025 No to be discussed at access to housing meeting on 2nd April moved to 1st may begin consultation/actions to 31-May- No
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To end any leases we no longer think appropriate - report to HIB 2025 H/HEDAP/2024/ 029 Deliver housing Capital Investment Programme to ensure all homes meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard 31-Mar- 2025 Housing Capital Investment projects competed for 24-25 contributing to improving SHQS compliance. % compliance numbers are being collated for yearend reporting and SHR ARC Alan Young H/HEDAP/2024/ 030 Maximise the use of existing housing systems to support effective stock management 31-Mar- 2026 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 involving key managers Graham Watters Icon Name 3: Enhancing housing access & prevention of homelessness Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 031 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 Committee Approval in place and ensure ongoing tenant support 30-Aug- 2024 Yes Completed John Kerr
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To East detailing we are making allocations based on housing need and there is visibility that it is tackling homelessness. H/HEDAP/2024/ 032 Strengthen strategic leadership approach with HSCP regarding housing emergency 30-Jun- 2025 Set up meeting with all seniors’ management from both HSCP and Housing/Homeless to take forward discussions 29-Nov- 2024 Yes Senior workshop held with participants from senior management team in HSCP and Housing Peter Barry; Margaret-Jane Cardno Follow up actions from joint meeting 18-Apr- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 033 Establish a Task Force approach to engage public bodies to promote prevention measures linked to the Housing (Scotland) Bill 30-Jun- 2025 Task force established and expectation is Stage 2 of the BILL will make its way through Parliament in early 2025. set up new meeting of the housing bill group now Bill is through stage 1 30-Oct- 2024 Yes set up 13/11 John Kerr Discuss options for task force - link to timeline for the bill 29-Nov- 2024 Yes Develop West Dunbartonshire approach 01-Jun- 2025 No The approach will be inclusive of a housing emergency implementation plan stage 2 of the bill to be complete by 29th may - will have more details including timelines to inform the decisions H/HEDAP/2024/ 034 Develop a new refreshed strategic approach to the prevention of homelessness through the delivery of a Housing Solutions 01-Apr- 2025 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 Claire McKay Seek HACC approval of new strategy 28-Feb- 2025 Yes approval granted on 26/02 Embed and deliver new strategy 01-Apr- 2025 Yes new strategy went live today online and circulated to all staff - action plan will be
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Strategy created over the 3 years to achieve the 4 objectives H/HEDAP/2024/ 035 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 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 Claire McKay deliver action H/HEDAP/2024/038 31-Dec- 2024 Yes to be signed off agreed by HIB on 27/01 H/HEDAP/2024/ 035a Full implement the introduction of the Housing Solutions Service following on from the Homelessness Service redesign 30-Jun- 2025 Job evaluation 28-Apr- 2025 Yes JE outcome received for two posts. Co-Ord commented on reads for two further posts and await response from JE. Two further posts to be worked on. Joanne Sutherland Direct Matches & Matching Pools and Expressions of Interest 30-Apr- 2025 No Await outcome of JE before this can be completed Service Rebranding Action List 30-Jun- 2025 No To be completed on restructure H/HEDAP/2024/ 036 In partnership with local RSLs develop and implement a common application form for all social housing providers in 31-Jul- 2025 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 Claire McKay RSL to seek Committee approval on form before being finalised 30-Nov- 2024 Yes agreement given at meeting 05/12 but further discussions on
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To West Dunbartonshire as part of the development of a Common Housing Register legal contract and data protection Agree data sharing agreement and Information to be used on the website for all involved and link 30-Apr- 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. still ongoing and no legal agreement signed off - unlikely to be signed off until April Agree Launch online form 30-Jun- 2025 No unlikely agree a launch until June/July as still ironing out tweaks H/HEDAP/2024/ 037 Introduce a comprehensive housing options interviews at application stage to manage demand and options 30-Apr- 2025 this is linked to Action 48 being achieved first 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Joanne Sutherland Delivery of stock sheet training and Team Leader Support/shadowing in interviews. 28-Feb- 2025 Yes All staff instructed and supported. Some final shadowing taking place. Development and trial of Housing Solutions paperwork and personal housing plan. 28-Feb- 2025 Yes Completion to module 6 housing options toolkit for all casework staff 14-Apr- 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. Housing Options Survey and Yes
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To presentation to all casework staff H/HEDAP/2024/ 038 Review remit of Housing Allocations Panel to reflect a homelessness prevention perspective (domestic, at risk, others that would otherwise present) 31-Jan- 2025 Decision paper for Housing Improvement Board to agree the extent of the review 31-Aug- 2024 Yes paper presented and agreed on 26/08 Claire McKay 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 communicate and update new remit to all staff 31-Jan- 2025 Yes finalised guidance circulated to all staff for the rollout from 1st feb H/HEDAP/2024/ 039 Deliver a refreshed process which will ensure that time in minimised for children in all forms of temporary accommodation 31-Aug- 2025 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 Claire McKay Joint meeting between Homelessness and Housing operations focusing cases 20-Dec- 2024 Yes initial meeting held on 02/12 - reviewing data, agreed for a
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To who do not have an offer follow up meeting on 16/12 to agree any actions reviewed all cases and taken various actions; • extra discussions with households to try expand areas • look to match those RFL - issues is majority 3 apt and are largest blocker i s 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 Using additional Temporary accommodation funds to focus on acquisitions for those households in temp with children waiting on offers 06-Apr- 2025 Yes highlighted the numbers/areas but lack of large family homes on the market total 33 buy backs - assisted 8 families ending their stays in temporary accommodation ongoing monthly monitoring 31-Jul- No
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To of numbers to review and maximise offers 2025 H/HEDAP/2024/ 040 Design and deliver a dynamic public awareness campaign focused on the realities of homelessness and housing need 30-Apr- 2025 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 Donna Kirkwood
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To homelessness to be emphasised to allow for systematic solutions. Further actions to be created based on above research. 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. 25-Apr- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 041 Review of Pathway 1 cases (i.e., those homeless but not in temporary accommodation) over 6 months to assess if in stable 30-May- 2025 30-May- 2025 In progress: As cases are closed or pathways are escalated when temporary accommodation is required, demand for 1 bed or larger family households. Significant number are Joanne Sutherland
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To accommodation (and close if this is confirmed) DV cases which may be resolved under prevention/allocations panel going forward. H/HEDAP/2024/ 042 Introduce a consistent assessment of housing and support needs regardless of if a tenant or presenting as homeless 30-Jun- 2025 Linked to action 48 being achieved first 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Claire McKay; Joanne Sutherland review support process once new housing solutions services are rolled out 30-May- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 043 Develop and implement a new approach to resettlement and humanitarian schemes 30-Sep- 2025 Creation of new co-ordinator required to take forward 31-May- 2025 Yes Claire McKay once restructure and recruitment in place new co- ordinator to review current approach 29-Aug- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 044 Minimise and eradicate the use of unsuitable accommodation for homeless households 31-Mar- 2025 Continue with monthly analysis of placements in unsuitable accommodation and breaches of UAO. 31-Mar- 2025 Yes Homeless Service processes and practice working well to avoid placements in unsuitable accommodation and breaches. Where this is occurring its due to acute demand and actions taken to reduce the placements and move people on from B&B accommodation. Placements Apr-24 17 May-24 7 Jun-24 25 Jul-24 15 Aug-24 28 Sep-24 6 Oct-24 1 Nov-24 0 Dec-24 1 Jan-25 18 Joanne Sutherland
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Feb-25 25 Breaches Apr-24 3 May-24 0 Jun-24 3 Jul-24 2 Aug-24 9 Sep-24 0 Oct-24 0 Nov-24 0 Dec-24 0 Jan-25 1 Feb-25 6 H/HEDAP/2024/ 045 Deliver the outcomes of the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan 30-Apr- 2025 Objective 1 - whole system approach 21-Apr- 2025 Yes Claire McKay Objective 2 - rapid rehousing (16 weeks) 21-Apr- 2025 Yes Objective 3 - interim housing options 21-Apr- 2025 Yes Objective 4 - housing first 21-Apr- 2025 Yes H/HEDAP/2024/ 046 Explore expanding a homelessness prevention approach and better managed demand for temporary accommodation 30-Apr- 2025 Linked to Action 48 being achieved first 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Joanne Sutherland review in line with decrease of pathway 1 and increased need to for temp 13-Apr- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 047 Introduce a "Mediation First" approach to housing applications for 16–19-year-olds (as a homelessness prevention approach) 30-Jun- 2025 Agreed approach 31-Oct- 2024 Yes Joanne Sutherland Restructure - once in place and introduction of youth specialist team put process in place 29-May- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 048 Implement a ‘One Door’ 31-Dec- 2025 Proposal being developed and will be introduced for actions 37, 42, 46 and 47 can then follow on from this action if achieved 31-Oct- 2024 Yes John Kerr
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To preventative housing access system under one service to prepare for new prevention duties. discussion at the next Board Agree principles relating to new on door housing access system aligned to the new Housing Solutions service 30-Apr- 2025 No Develop implementation plan 30-Apr- 2025 No Paper on the possible vision to be taken to Access to Housing Group in December (Now April 2025) 30-Apr- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 049 Upscale the Housing First programme through collaborative commissioning 30-Sep- 2025 linked to wider discussions with HSCP review current provision 31-Mar- 2025 Yes review of our internal service has already begun have a waiting list for when capacity opens but linked to restructure as impacting filling vacant positions Claire McKay Take forward actions agreed following HSCP meeting 30-Apr- 2025 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 050 Deliver and implement in partnership with RSL a Common Housing Register for West Dunbartonshire 31-Mar- 2026 Good progress being made through development of common application form Claire McKay Icon Name 4: Strengthen the Financial viability and capacity of the Housing Revenue Account and associated Housing and Homelessness budgets Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 051 Complete the review of Building 31-Mar- 2025 Building Services - Service Costs Recovery and Management of the Building services action plan created 31-Oct- 2024 Yes internal pan created Martin Feeney Deliver action plan - include 31-Mar- Yes All actions in Building
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Services Repairs and Maintenance service costs to deliver immediate efficiencies to the HRA 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. service efficiencies 2025 Services 2024/2025 relating to service cost recovery and management of budgets have been successfully completed to bring budgets in on or below forecasts. Specific actions contributing HRA efficiencies include; overtime costs significantly below budget, a reduction in agency engaged operatives, less work issued and completed by sub-contractors and the reduction in size of the establishment. All these achievements have contributed to a more efficient service in 2024/2025 compared to 2023/2024 with evidence of more cost- effective work in most projects and workstream delivered. H/HEDAP/2024/ 052 Explore innovative housing investment and partnership models to maximise housing investment approaches 30-Apr- 2025 Housing Investment Taskforce still to conclude report as discussions ongoing between Scottish Government and UK Treasury looking at HRA debt write off John Kerr
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 053 Carry out review of HRA contributions to other non- housing Council service areas 31-Mar- 2026 Agreement made in 24/25 CFO agreed to full whole system review of HRA payments that will begin once Year end work completed in 2025. 31-Mar- 2025 Yes Peter Barry take forward actions following whole system review of all HRA payments by Chief Finance Officer 31-Mar- 2026 No H/HEDAP/2024/ 054 Examine the capacity of the HRA and the Council's General Fund to deliver agreed housing ambitions 30-Jun- 2025 further review this action has been closed as linked to action 53 31-Mar- 2025 Yes Peter Barry; Laurence Slavin H/HEDAP/2024/ 055 Develop a 3-year rental strategy in partnership with tenants to ensure tenant priorities and strategic housing ambitions can be delivered 30-Nov- 2026 Discussions around the viability of a 3- year rental strategy from the period 2026- 29 will be taken forward via the HRA Value for Money Group. work has begun via HRA value for money subgroup - paper will be taken to the Aug 25 HACC for agreement 30-Aug- 2025 No Stefan Kristmanns H/HEDAP/2024/ 056 Review Building Services structures and external contractors to ensure best value 31-Dec- 2025 Significant work completed to review BS structures and external contracts to reduce cost and improve efficiency several actions part of the review already taken place saving money 31-Mar- 2025 Yes several actions to be taken forward in 25/26 Peter Barry Last actions as part of the review to be taken forward 30-Nov- 2025 No
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To H/HEDAP/2024/ 057 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 Joint work with COSLA 01-Mar- 2025 Yes this was taken forward by COSLA, beginning to gain momentum, draft paper end of march now to wait on the outcome by SG whether they agree to writing off the debt or not. Claire McKay H/HEDAP/2024/ 058 Review homelessness services funding with aim of being able to reduce level of temporary accommodation and free up staff resource 31-Mar- 2026 31-Mar- 2026 Ongoing review and will inform the development of budget 2026/27 Peter Barry; H/HEDAP/2024/ 059 Develop a refreshed funding delivery model for the delivery of new housing in light of increased borrowing levels exploring increased grant benchmark levels 09-May- 2025 take paper to more homes board for approval on the viability of new agreed benchmarking (£120K) 30-Apr- 2025 No Work ongoing in terms of this action to ensure we can continue to deliver the required new housing at sustainable scale John Kerr H/HEDAP/2024/ 060 Directly lobby the 30-Apr- 2025 Link in via SIG this has fed into both COSLA and ALACHO being clear tenants 30-Apr- 2025 No Action delayed as we await the publication of the new standard Claire McKay
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Code & Title Status Progress Due Date Comment Milestone Due Date Done Comment Assigned To Scottish Government to ensure the cost of achieving net zero in social housing is met with national funding to ensure rental income can be utilised for improving current and developing new social housing. should pay, and all measures should be fully funded by Scottish government - awaiting SG publication 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
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Risk Status Alert High Risk Warning OK Unknown