2006 Update - Renfrewshire Council

Renfrewshire’s Housing Strategy 2004 to 2009

2006 Update

June 2006

Contents

Section Page

1. Introduction 3

2. Review of Progress in 2005/06 4

3. Changes in Policy and Strategic Context 10

4. Resources 19

Appendices:

1. Action Plan: progress made 2005/06 21 2. Regeneration progress in areas with agreed ADFs 54 3. Regeneration progress in other areas 57 4. Early Warning Indicators for Regeneration Areas with

Agreed / Proposed ADFs 61

5. Early Warning Indicators for Council Estates by Ward 63 6. Early Warning Indicators for Neighbourhood Warden

Areas

67

7. Homelessness Statistics 2005/06 69

8. Communities Scotland’s Investment Plan 2006/07 to

2008/09 72

Section 1 Introduction

1.1 Renfrewshire’s Housing Strategy 2004-2009 was approved in May 2004.

This is the second annual update. Its purpose is to:

• review progress in 2005/06 in meeting the objectives set out in the action plan

• highlight achievements

• take account of policy changes which impact on the Housing Strategy

• update and amend the action plan

1.2 The Local Housing Strategy links with a number of other key plans and strategies (eg. the Local Plan, Area Development Frameworks, the Regeneration Outcome Agreement) and it continues to be the focus of joint working between departments within the Council and with external partners. Key elements of the Homelessness Strategy are integrated with the Local Housing Strategy. Progress on this was reported separately to the Council’s Housing, Environment and Community Safety Policy Board in June 2005 and again in March 2006.

1.3 The LHS is process is subject to regular monitoring, review and update.

The Housing Information Partnership (which includes representation from Council departments, local Registered Social Landlords, Communities Scotland, Health and the voluntary sector) continues to meet quarterly to monitor progress on implementation of the Local Housing Strategy.

Annual LHS updates are reported through the Community Planning structure as well as to the Council’s Housing, Environment and Community Safety Policy Board.

1.4 Section 2 of this report summarises the progress made during 2005/06

against the strategic objectives. Section 3 reports on changes in national

and local policy that have implications for delivery of the Housing Strategy

and also highlights local policy developments. Section 4 provides an

update on resource issues. Appendix 1 reports progress against the

2004-2009 action plan (as updated in 2005) and recommends some

further amendments. Appendices 2 to 7 report statistical information

which helps to measure progress and evaluate success. Appendix 8

provides details of projects in the Development Funding Programme for

2006/07 to 2008/09 (based on information currently available).

Section 2

Review of Progress in 2005/06

Aim A: Improve and Sustain Neighbourhoods

• By 2009, the Council’s current housing regeneration programme will have been completed

• By 2009, neighbourhood quality will have been improved through enhanced estate management

Key Progress Made during 2005/06

• partnership working continued, to implement the six approved Area Development Frameworks (ADFs):

over £500,000 Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) was invested in ADF areas to complement investment in housing renewal (with a further £500,000 programmed for each of the next two years)

around 220 surplus council houses were demolished in ADF areas (1,940 in total since 2000/01), leaving 330 within the ADF demolition programme

200 new homes for social rent were completed in ADF areas : 140 in Shortroods, 54 in Moorpark; 6 in Glenburn

326 new homes were completed for social rent in total over both 2004/05 and 2005/06

• around 80 surplus Council houses were demolished in other regeneration areas in 2005/06 (630 in total since 2000/01), and a further 230 were approved for demolition. This leaves 800 within the current demolition programme outwith ADF areas.

• 65 new homes for social rent are due for completion outwith the ADF areas in 2006/07 (at Rankine Street in Johnstone)

• a steering group, with multi-agency representation, was formed to develop an ADF for the Paisley West End

• a draft ADF for the Blackhall area was approved by the Council and local consultation has taken place

• a regeneration strategy was approved for the Linwood area. Based

on partnership working involving Renfrewshire Council,

Communities Scotland, Renfrewshire Housing Association (RHA),

Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association and the local community,

• 153 closes were included in the Council’s Common Maintenance

Programme by the end of March 2006, bringing the total number of

households participating in this scheme to around 900

Aim B: Improve Housing Conditions

• By 2015, all occupied social rented housing will meet or exceed the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS)

• By 2009, at least 250 Below Tolerable Standard (BTS) properties will have been improved

• By 2009, levels of fuel poverty in Renfrewshire will be less than half the 2003 figure

Key Progress Made in 2005/06

• all Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) operating in Renfrewshire submitted Standard Delivery Plans showing how they would meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS)

• Renfrewshire Housing Association (RHA) draft business plan was published for consultation

• 59 Below Tolerable Standard (BTS) properties were improved:

• Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) of almost £350,000 was secured to: survey properties (all tenures) in the 5% and 10% most deprived datazones; identify households in fuel poverty; refer households in fuel poverty to the Income Maximisation Service where appropriate; and undertake a programme of insulation works in partnership with Scottish Power. It is anticipated that surveys will commence late June / early July 2006.

• A further 94 Houses in Multiple Occupation were licensed, bringing the total to 106

Address Properties

2 Thornhill, Johnstone 6

25-29 Argyle Street, Paisley 27

22 Maxwellton Street, Paisley 9

35 Cochrane Street, Paisley 6

95 Glasgow Road, Paisley 8

7 Ross Street, Paisley 1

Laigh / High Auchensale, Kilbarchan 2

TOTAL 59

Aim C: Meet Housing Needs

• By 2009, the availability of suitable housing and support to help sustain independent living by older people will have been increased

• By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support for disabled people and those in other community care/ vulnerable groups will have been increased to ensure that their housing needs are more adequately met

• By 2009, the range of housing and/ or housing and support services for young people will have been widened to improve their capacity for independent living

• By 2009, the range of easily-accessible housing and housing support services for homeless households will have been improved

• By 2009, additional measures will have been put in place to prevent households becoming homeless

Key Progress Made in 2005/06

• a specification for specialist housing for people with dementia was incorporated into the brief for very sheltered housing at North Road which will be developed by Hanover Housing Association

• joint funding arrangements were agreed (between the Council’s Housing and Property Services and Social Work departments) for the creation of office accommodation and social space at Rowan Court, Paisley - part of a project to provide specialist housing provision for older people integrated within a mainstream housing development

• Communities Scotland approved funding for a Homestake initiative by Paisley South Housing Association to provide four homes for shared ownership for older people at South Campbell Street in Paisley

• almost £1 million was spent adapting housing to meet the needs of disabled people (Council housing - £442,000; RSL housing -

£365,000; grants to private owners - £190,000)

• Council funding was secured to support the continued operation of the Disabled Persons’ Housing Service at least until the end of March 2007

• 63 new homes were completed for people with particular needs in 2005/06 : 57 amenity houses in Foxbar, Shortroods and Moorpark, Paisley; 4 amenity units in Cyril Street, Paisley; 2 amenity flats in Argyle Street, Paisley

• 223 new homes were completed in total for people with particular needs in both 2004/05 and 2005/06, including new build in regeneration areas

• a partnership project to provide very specialist housing at Burns

• 44 landlords are now registered with the Rent Guarantee Scheme.

Some 88 applications had been received from homeless people by end of March 2006 and 28 people were housed (38 lost contact, 8 withdrew their application and 7 were unsuitable)

• as part of a range of homelessness prevention activities, the Housing Advice Development Officer provided independent information and advice to 994 clients and advocacy services to 30 individuals up to the end of March 2006

• a Homelessness Prevention Outreach Worker was appointed in June 2005. The project dealt with 64 referrals – 81% of these were due to family breakdown (31 cases were still ongoing, 9 clients returned to the family home, 8 secured accommodation, 8 were still receiving support and 10 refused support).

• 30 additional short stay Council flats were identified for use as temporary accommodation for homeless families. By the end of March 2006, 25 of these were operational.

• seven satellite Council flats were established, enabling 10 young people to access accommodation

• smaller homelessness initiatives undertaken during 2005/06 include:

starter packs for people moving on to permanent accommodation access to healthy eating and to food vouchers

housing education guides for secondary schools; homeless information guide for homeless people

new tenancy information guide for young people awareness training for Housing staff

a local conference in March 2006, bringing together local front line

staff working in youth homelessness and related fields to share

information and network

Aim D: Widen Housing Choice

• by 2009, the provision of affordable housing for sale or rent will have been increased in areas with identified shortfalls

• by 2009, increased choice and access to social rented housing will have made it a more attractive option to potential customers

• by 2008, there will be enhanced understanding of the extent and nature of unmet housing need and support requirements among community care, other vulnerable and ‘difficult to reach’ groups

• by 2006, effective arrangements will be in place to ensure other social housing providers and customers are better informed and more fully engaged in shaping local housing provision

Key Progress Made in 2005/06

• the Council’s Local Plan now includes a policy on affordable housing to ensure that there is an adequate supply of land for affordable housing in the Housing Land Supply and that, where appropriate, new residential developments provide a range of house types and sizes to satisfy identified local needs

• Communities Scotland approved funding for Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association to provide 12 general needs flats for low cost ownership in Elderslie through the Homestake shared equity scheme

• A Common Housing Register was established, with joint funding from the Council and local housing associations for a Central Processing Unit (CPU) to process housing applications. This represents a significant advance in partnership working to maximise access to social rented housing across Renfrewshire.

• Following extensive consultation with stakeholders and partners, a new draft allocation policy which meets statutory and regulatory requirements and good practice standards was jointly developed (and approved in May 2006) by the Council and RHA

• The requirement for refuge accommodation in Renfrewshire was

reviewed with Women’s Aid and funding options are being explored

Section 3

Changes in Policy and Strategic Context

There have been a number of changes to the national policy framework and local policy developments over the last year which have implications for delivery of the Housing Strategy.

3.1 Community Ownership

Renfrewshire Housing Association Limited (RHA) launched its draft Business Plan for consultation in March 2006. This includes provision for investment of £1billion over 30 years of which £346million would be spent by 2015. Under the plan, all properties will be modernised to meet the Renfrewshire Standard (which exceeds the SHQS) by 2015. Rent increases would be restricted to no more that inflation for each of the five years after transfer. RHA would also seek to limit rent increases to no more than the rate of inflation plus 1% for the rest of its 30 year plan.

During 2005/06, a number of decisions were taken by the Council and RHA about the services which will transfer to RHA and those which will stay with the Council in the event of a vote by tenants in favour of stock transfer.

There has been consultation with tenants representatives throughout the year about stock transfer and issues for tenants.

RHA opened a drop-in shop in central Paisley in early April and is has recruited staff to carry out door-to-door visits and to staff a mobile information trailer to ensure information about the proposed stock transfer is made available to all tenants in advance of the ballot in autumn 2006.

3.2 Private Housing

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 includes wide-ranging changes for the

way councils intervene to improve housing conditions and standards in the

private sector.

The key changes likely to affect our activity in this area are:

• new powers to designate Housing Renewal Areas

• powers to issue Maintenance Orders which require owners to maintain their properties to a reasonable standard

• breaking the link between enforcement action and mandatory grant provision. The Council will need to agree a scheme of assistance for owners (which may include loans and practical assistance as well as advice and information) and its criteria for awarding grants.

Officers from the Council (Housing, Planning and Envrionmental Services) have been working with colleagues from Communities Scotland and local RSLs to review and update Renfrewshire Council’s Private Sector Strategy in light of the new legislation. This has not progressed as quickly as anticipated - partly because of staff changes within the Council itself - but also because of uncertainty over the final form of the legislation (which was passed in January 2006) and uncertainty over future levels of grant funding to support the improvement and repair of private housing. Guidance is expected from the Executive on implementation of key elements of the Act and on timescales for implementation.

Concerns about the new allocation methodology for Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) - which resulted in a cut of 22% in funding available to the Council to support private owners in 2006/07 in Renfrewshire - have been highlighted to the Executive.

The Council and its partners share the Executive’s view that owners should have primary responsibility for the maintenance of their property. Also, that where owners are unable or unwilling to keep their homes in a good state of repair, a modern and flexible framework of intervention is needed.

However, our view is that grant will continue to be needed to drive forward improvements in the private sector in a number of key areas:

• tackling the continuing problem of BTS housing, mainly in

Paisley town centre. Prior to announcement that PSHG would be

cut in 2006/07, the Council, Communities Scotland and Paisley

South Housing Association were developing plans for two new

Housing Action Areas in strategically important locations within

Paisley town centre. It now appears unlikely that these projects will

go ahead within the next few years. Site start on the new Housing

Action Area at Johnston Street in Paisley during 2006/07 is also

likely to be delayed. These delays will impact on our ability to

achieve the targets set out in the LHS

• grant support to owners who need to adapt their home to make is suitable for a member of the household who has a physical disability. Budget provision doubled from 2003/04 to 2004/05, reflecting our assessment of need and the priorities highlighted in the LHS. While this remains a priority for the Council, it is difficult to maintain current levels of grant with a 22% cut in PSHG.

• funding for Care and Repair services. Again, despite the high level of need for assistance, it is difficult to maintain 2004/05 and 2005/06 levels of support given the reduction in PSHG funding

• delivering the SHQS. With a very high proportion of flatted social rented housing in Renfrewshire and Right to Buy sales pepper- potted throughout estates, the participation of owners will be crucial to the successful delivery of repair and improvement programmes to meet the SHQS. The Council welcomes the support from the Scottish Executive to assist owners who require to participate in RHA’s investment programme if stock transfer goes ahead.

3.3 Strategic Investment Priorities

The 2004-2009 LHS set out priorities for Development Funding, based on the assumption that funding remained constant, at around £11m each year.

It highlighted the need to:

• expand the supply of housing for people with particular needs

• complete local regeneration programmes

• undertake comprehensive tenement improvement

• address the shortfall of affordable housing in areas of pressure

• address the mismatch between available social rented housing and the housing people want to live in (taking account of size, type, quality, location)

• replace obsolete housing which has reached the end of its useful life (because of house type/ design/ quality issues) and where major improvements would not be cost effective and sustainable

The 2005 LHS Update highlighted the continuing problem of mismatch in

the social rented sector and the need to continue to monitor the

Scotland Housing Association. Some 230 council flats will be demolished and new housing developed on a phased basis for existing residents.

Construction is likely to start in 2007/08.

A draft ADF for Blackhall in Paisley was approved by the Council in early 2006 and has been the subject of consultation with the community and partners over the last few months. The draft ADF sets out plans for physical redevelopment in the Blackhall area. This includes the proposed release of sites of former council housing for private housing as well as the development of some new housing for social rent. It also proposes the demolition of a block of 33 one-apartment deck-access flats.

RHA’s business plan assumes that there will be a need for the demolition of some existing Council properties following stock transfer as part of the ongoing programme of regeneration and housing renewal in Renfrewshire.

Given the stock profile and recent investment history, it is anticipated that most of the need for reprovisioning of social rented housing will be concentrated in what is currently the Council sector. However, there are some smaller areas of housing association stock (primarily ex-Scottish Homes stock) where there are concerns about long term sustainability.

Discussions are taking place between the Council, RHA and RSLs to share information about need, demand and sustainability at a local area level and to build upon the success of existing regeneration activity and partnership working. This will feed into the ongoing development of regeneration and reprovisioning plans which will be reflected in future review and update of the LHS and the Development Funding Programme for Renfrewshire.

3.4 Strategic Housing Investment

Following a decision by the Minister for Communities in September 2004 to review the policy which enables the transfer of the management of development funding from Communities Scotland to local authorities, the Council has consistently argued for the strongest possible link between local housing planning and the management of housing investment.

In February 2006, the Minister announced his decision not to allow any

further transfers of management of development funding beyond those

which have already taken place in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The

consultation paper on strategic housing investment issued by Communities

Scotland in March 2006 proposes that councils should be invited to prepare

Strategic Investment Plans as part of the Local Housing Strategy. If these

planning, building upon existing partnership working with Communities Scotland and RSLs.

The Council’s response to consultation on the proposed strategic investment framework commented on proposals for a national indicator database to determine resource allocation to local authority areas. While it is recognised that a transparent methodology is required, this must take full cognaisance of the investment needs highlighted above. There is some concern that reliance on the proposed indicators will not be sensitive to the need for affordable housing in areas of pressure within Renfrewshire (as distinct from net need at a Renfrewshire-wide level) and to the need for renewal and replacement of existing social rented housing to meet current and future needs and modern standards and expectations.

3.5 Community Planning and Regeneration

During 2005/06, the Community Regeneration Fund was introduced to replace the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) and Better Neighbourhood Services (BNSF) programmes. There are three CRF-funded projects in the 3-year programme (2005/06 - 2007/08) which are closely linked to the Housing Strategy:

• Neighbourhood Warden Service

• improvements to the environment and community facilities in Area Development Framework (ADF) areas

• investment to tackle fuel poverty in the target data zones

In addition to discussion with partners at the Housing, Neighbourhoods and Community Planning Group, the localised Community Planning framework provides an opportunity to engage with partners and community representatives on strategic housing and housing-related issues. The regeneration strategy for Linwood and draft ADF for Blackhall have been discussed at recent Community Planning fora (the Linwood and Bridge of Weir Community Planning Forum and Paisley South Community Planning Forum). Progress on the LHS in 2005/06 was reported to the Community Planning Management Group in June 2006.

3.6 Affordable Housing

Further research was carried out in 2005/06 to review housing need and supply in the villages, and to review the case for possible submission of a proposal for pressured area status designation. This work is now almost complete and will be reported to the Council in the autumn. Revised guidance on pressured areas was issued in April 2006, and this is being considered by the Council and Bridgewater Housing Association alongside the available evidence.

Action to increase the supply of affordable housing in 2005/06 includes:

• a ‘Homestake’ project in Elderslie by Sanctuary Housing Association involving 12 newbuild flats. This will enable households to purchase a minimum stake of 60% in properties in an area where there is pressure on both the supply of social rented accommodation and on private house prices.

• Bridgewater Housing Association acquired 10 properties for social rent through ‘Rental Off the Shelf’ (5 general needs; 5 special needs), and are developing plans to build new general needs housing at Rashielee in Erskine

• early discussions have taken place about including affordable housing provision as part of the proposed redevelopment of the former Royal Ordnance site at Bishopton

3.7 Housing for Older People

A number of working groups met during 2005/06 to develop a Housing Strategy for Older People. These groups involved a range of Council departments and partner organisations - including other housing providers, Communities Scotland and Renfrewshire Seniors’ Forum.

A draft Strategy is currently in preparation and it is hoped to present this to the Council’s Housing Environment and Community Safety Policy Board for consideration in autumn 2006. Renfrewshire’s Housing Strategy for Older People will:

• look at how the balance of care is shifting away from institutional forms of care towards ‘care in the community’, and identify the most appropriate housing response to this

• consider existing specialist housing provision for older people, and identify (i) how the support provided should be altered to meet changing patterns of client need; (ii) where shortfalls exist, and how these should be addressed

• bring forward proposals to increase the level of specialist housing

provision within mainstream housing developments

• examine the housing problems facing older owner-occupiers, and bring forward proposals which help address these

During 2005/06, a number of actions relating to the work of these groups were taken forward which anticipate this Strategy:

• ten units of specialist housing provision for Older People with dementia were included in the design brief for the very sheltered housing project being developed at North Road, Johnstone by Hanover Housing Association. It is anticipated that this project will be completed during 2007/08. Three other very sheltered projects are being developed (two by Bridgewater Housing Association in Erskine and one by Linstone Housing Association in Linwood).

• funding was approved for the construction of a social space / staff office accommodation connected to Rowan Court, Paisley, to support the conversion of a number of properties in this high rise block to meet the needs of older people within a mainstream housing development. Detailed plans and tender documents are being prepared and it is anticipated that this project will be completed by Spring 2007.

• a Homestake scheme by Paisley South Housing Association which is specifically targeted at addressing affordability issues for older owners; and proposed Homestake development for older owners in Johnstone by Sanctuary Housing Association

3.8 Gypsy Travellers

In January 2006, Renfrewshire Council decided not to apply for Scottish

Executive funding to improve local site provision for gypsy travellers. This

decision was taken because of a lack of robust local planning information on

the needs of this client group. Good quality national or regional information

on the needs of this client group, and anticipated future demand, is required

to inform service planning at local authority level. Without this, Renfrewshire

Council would be reluctant to commit the significant resources required to

reopen the Hurlet site at Paisley or to establish a new site. Discussions with

neighbouring local authorities has confirmed Renfrewshire’s concerns that a

purely ‘local’ approach will not give an accurate assessment of need and

could lead to over- or under-provision at local authority level.

plans for appropriate service provision in Renfrewshire, or nearby as part of a consortium arrangement.

3.9 Homelessness

Recent changes to homelessness legislation, and further changes which have yet to be implemented, have created a very challenging agenda for councils and RSLs. The abolition of priority need means that all households assessed as unintentionally homeless will have a right to permanent housing by 2012. Research by Tribal consultants (completed in 2005/06) predicts a continued increase in homeless applicants in Renfrewshire and growth in the number of households in temporary accommodation and time spend in temporary accommodation unless an increased proportion of council and RSL lets are secured for homeless households.

In preparing to meet the 2012 target, the Council is working with partners to:

• increase the proportion of permanent lets from RSLS (through improved arrangements for section 5 referrals and better monitoring)

• increase the proportion of lets from the Council (a new allocation policy has been jointly developed by the Council and RHA which sets a target of 25% of all lets to homeless applicants)

• reduce the use of bed and breakfast accommodation and develop more appropriate supported housing to better meet the needs of vulnerable households. This includes additional short stay flats dispersed throughout the social rented sector as well as a number of new supported housing projects which are under development and planned. (Two new supported housing projects will be completed in 2006/07 by local housing associations – one in Paisley and one in Renfrew. A further newbuild project at Johnstone is expected to go on site in 2006/07. Plans are also being developed for the conversion of an existing property to provide supported housing as well as advice and information services for homeless people in a central location in Paisley.)

• ensure appropriate housing is available in terms of dwelling size

and location (through liaison with Communities Scotland and RSLs

to ensure that the Development Funding Programme is best

targeted to meet local needs, including the need for supported

housing, and to support local regeneration and renewal strategies)

• ensure sufficient housing support is available to help households to sustain tenancies (through support to tenants in mainstream tenancies as well as the development of additional supported housing)

• review good practice and boost preventative work (through monitoring and further development of a range of prevention activities which are supported by Homelessness Strategy funding) There remains some concern in Renfrewshire about the resource implications of the 2012 target, particularly in view of the short-term nature of funding to support delivery of the homelessness strategy and cuts in Supporting People funding. This was made clear to the Executive in response to consultation on the Minister’s Statement on Homelessness in December 2005.

The Minister’s Statement set out key actions and interim objectives designed to drive progress towards the 2012 target. This includes a requirement for councils to consider how they will reduce the proportion of non-priority assessments by 50% by 2009. Renfrewshire Council already considers all homeless applicants under 26 years old to be in priority need.

In 2004/05, 80% of applicants were assessed as priority need compared to 75% across all Scottish local authorities. The Council is currently considering options and the best way of further reducing the proportion of non-priority assessments to meet the 2009 interim target.

In the event of a vote by tenants in favour of stock transfer later this year, the Council will retain responsibility for assessing homeless applicants. In a context where the Council would no longer have any housing stock, it is crucial that robust arrangements are in place with all RSLs, including RHA, to ensure that the Council is able to secure access to temporary and permanent housing in line with its statutory duties. Work is in progress to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place.

Section 4 Resources

4.1 Capital investment in housing in Renfrewshire by Communities Scotland in 2005/06 through the Development Funding Programme was around £10.8 million. This is below the previous year’s figure of £14.8m. The budget for 2006/07 is £13.3 million. The investment plan for 2006/07 to 2008/09 has been updated by Communities Scotland to include new projects which will contribute to meeting the LHS objectives. This is attached as Appendix 8.

4.2 Reference was made in section 3 above to the proposed strategic housing investment framework which is currently the subject of consultation by Communities Scotland. The Council and its partners particularly welcome the proposed 3 year firm financial commitments (plus a further two years resource planning assumptions). This would help to improve forward planning arrangements. However, as noted in section 3, there is some concern that the proposed allocation methodology may not take full cognisance of the level of investment needed in Renfrewshire. We would refer back to the investment priorities highlighted at para 3.3 above and, in particular, the need for ongoing housing renewal, replacement and local regeneration in Renfrewshire as well as the need to increase the supply of housing for people with particular needs, tackle BTS housing and provide affordable housing in areas of pressure.

4.3 The 2004-2009 LHS stressed that uncertainty over Supporting People funding represents a potential risk to successful delivery of the some of the strategic objectives which sit under the core aim of ‘Meeting Housing Needs’. This was reiterated in the 2005 LHS Update, particularly in view of the 18% cut in Supporting People grant in the three years from 2005/06.

There is ongoing liaison within the Council (between Housing and Social

Work) to review the programme, agree joint priorities, free up resources

through efficiency savings and forward plan. There is also early

consultation with Communities Scotland and RSLs in respect of any

planned developments which have revenue implications. Neverthess, the

restricted availability of funding for revenue support services (and, in

particular, the difficulty in trying to guarantee that revenue funding will be in

place possibly 18 months or more ahead, taking account of the lead-in and

construction timescales required for housing capital projects) is now

impacting on the ability of the Council and its partners to deliver on some

commitments set out in the LHS. This is compounded by lack of clarity

4.4 The 2004-2009 LHS action plan indicates that in addition to the 6 very sheltered housing developments which are either now complete (at Maree Road in Foxbar and Ailsa Drive in Glenburn) or in the current programme (Rashilee and Blantyre Court in Erskine, North Road in Johnstone and Cairn/ Kinnaird Drive in Linwood) that a further two sites would be identified in 2006 for development by 2009. Given the position outlined above in term of revenue funding, this is now under review and alternative models of housing provision for older people are being considered.

4.5 Concerns about the lack of availability of revenue funding for housing support services are not restricted to housing provision for older people, but also apply to supported housing for people who are or have been homeless or are at risk of homelessness. Work is continuing in Renfrewshire to better assess the support needs of households who currently come through the homelessness system and anticipate the impact of 2012 and the 2009 interim target.

4.6 Concerns about the level of PSHG and the impact on a range of programmes which are of strategic importance to the partners were highlighted in section 3 above. In the context of continued growth in owner occupation, the need to make best use of finite public resources and the ability of many owners to access private resources to fund work, it is acknowledged that grant funding should not be viewed as a single sustainable solution to repair and improvement issues in the private sector.

The Council has commenced work to investigate other ways of supporting

owners and will be actively pursuing options during the next year in

consultation with partners. Nevertheless, there are certain circumstances

where grant funding will continue to be needed to drive forward repair and

improvement initiatives which require the participation of owners and we

would hope that these are better reflected in future allocations of PSHG.

Appendix 1

Progress made

2005/06

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 1

By 2009, the Council’s current housing regeneration programme will have been completed

1.1

Complete the planned physical redevelopment of the housing stock and surrounding environment, as detailed in the Area Development Framework for each of the following areas;

Ferguslie Park, Paisley Johnstone West Moorpark, Renfrew Foxbar, Paisley Shortroods, Paisley Glenburn, Paisley

Within those regeneration areas with an agreed Area Development Framework (ADF) as at April 2006:

1937 properties demolished 326 new homes built for social rent

59 properties to be provided through comprehensive tenement improvement and adjoining newbuild at Moorpark

Detailed figures showing progress in each regeneration area with an agreed ADF are given in Appendix 2 Appendix 4 shows Early Warning Indicator (EWI) profiles for all areas with an agreed / proposed ADF.

Some difficulties have been encountered in rehousing owner-occupiers in buildings scheduled for demolition.

Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made It is anticipated that unit targets will be met by 2009

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 1

By 2009, the Council’s current housing regeneration programme will have been completed

1.2

Agree and implement a land use or development strategy for each of the following areas:

Gallowhill, Paisley Paisley West End Millarston, Paisley Johnstone Castle Thrushcraigs, Paisley Blackford Road, Paisley

Study of Paisley West End completed by ODS consutlants Steering Group formed to develop an ADF for Paisley West End ADF Clearance of the high rise blocks at Millarston and Blackhall is continuing, but progress has been slower than expected due to difficulties rehousing remaining tenants. Work is continuing to rehouse people to allow demolition of the blocks as soon as possible. The cleared site at Blackhall will be released for private housing in line with the draft ADF.

Development brief drafted for Johnstone Castle

Development brief for Thrushcraigs in preparation Draft ADF for Blackhall approved in January 2006 and consultation carried out

Regeneration strategy for Linwood approved

Newbuild for social rent ongoing at Rankine Street, Johnstone

Detailed figures showing progress in each regeneration area without an agreed ADF are given in Appendix 3

There has been some slippage in agreeing

development briefs / land use strategies for these target areas. However, t is anticipated that these will be put in place during 2006/07.

Revised Target Date for establishing land use or development strategies for these areas – March 2007

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success Overall progress made in relation to this Strategic Objective:

1

By 2009, the Council’s current housing regeneration programme will have been completed

The improvements being made in agreed / proposed ADF areas have yet to be reflected in improved Early Warning Indicator (EWI) profiles. In 2006, 37% of streets within ADF areas classed as ‘grade A’, compared with 39% in 2005. A small apparent decline in

neighbourhood ‘quality’ is not unreasonable at this stage in the regeneration process, when clearance and demolition programmes are still ongoing. Also, the EWI process is still ‘bedding in’, with work recently to improve consistency in the EWI assessment approach across Renfrewshire. Further, since the EWI process currently is only being used in relation to Council properties, improvements in

neighbourhood quality generated by new build RSL developments are not reflected in improved EWI profiles. Plans are in place to includes RSLs in 2006/07.

Since the LHS was agreed in 2004, the Council has agreed a regeneration strategy for Linwood not listed within actions 1.1 and 1.2.

Progress in relation to demolition and new build at Linwood has now been added to Appendix 3.

2

By 2009, neighbourhood quality will have been improved through enhanced estate management

2.1

Improve the existing mechanisms used to monitor housing and neighbourhood

‘quality’ and desirability:

a.

In partnership with residents, use EWIs to guide any early intervention required

b.

Augment EWIs to cover all tenures in mixed- tenure estates

a.

Action Complete (2005 LHS Update)

a.

Discussions with other landlords regarding the extension of this approach to include their properties in mixed-tenure estates are still at a relatively early stage.

Detailed figures showing EWIs for each Council Ward are given in Appendix 5

a.

Action complete (2005 LHS Update)

a.

Revised Target:

March 2007

2

By 2009, neighbourhood quality will have been improved through enhanced

2.2

Increase the contribution made by estate management to making neighbourhoods better

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success

b

Continue existing Neighbourhood Warden Service in SIP areas

b

Service continued in these areas EWI profiles for areas covered by Wardens are given in Appendix 6

b.

Action complete (2005 LHS Update

c

Evaluate success of Neighbourhood Warden services, and investigate opportunities to extend that service to other areas considered ‘at risk’

c The Neighbourhood Warden service has been extended to cover a total of 15 estates / neighbourhoods across Renfrewshire.

c.

Action complete (2005 LHS Update)

d. Introduce Estate Management Agreements (EMAs) in 14 areas throughout Renfrewshire

d

An Estate Management Agreement (EMA) is in place in Ferguslie Park. An EMA Co- ordinator has now been appointed to ensure this approach is ‘rolled out’ to other areas.

Neighbourhhod quality for Ferguslie Park EMA is shown Appendix 4 (in this particular instance, EMA boundaries are co-terminus with those for the ADF)

a.

EWIs used to measure Neighbourhood quality in Ferguslie Park (currently the only EMA area) appear to show continued decline of this area.

However, new build property by Ferguslie Park Housing Association has been excluded from this assessment to date;

will be included from 2006/07

Target date for establishing EMAs in 14 areas remains March 2009

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 2.3

Renfrewshire Council to extend its Common Maintenance Programme

(i.e. stair cleaning and garden maintenance charged with rent)

Renfrewshire Council’s Common Maintenance Programme (CMP) has been extended.

This Programme now covers 855 households.

A survey of participating households in June 2004 indicated that::

•

78% felt the CMP improved their area (30%

‘greatly improved’)

•

68% felt that the CMP was ‘value for money’

A second survey is currently in preparation.

On target to encompass at least 1300 households by 2009

Overall progress made in relation to this Strategic Objective:

2

By 2009, neighbourhood quality will have been improved through enhanced estate management

•

EWI profiles for 2006 show that 42% of all streets within Council estates graded ‘A’, compared with 40% in 2005. This modest improvement appears to confirm the validity of the approach being taken.

•

Public Service Panel results for December 2004 showed improved perceptions by Council tenants of the areas in which they live: 37%

of Council tenants either ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that ‘their neighbourhood is a better place to live than it was 5 years ago’, compared to 27% December 2003. Figures for December 2005 appear to show a ‘levelling out’ in tenants’ perceptions of their area, at 36%.

3

By 2015, all occupied social rented housing will meet or exceed the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS)

3.1

All social landlords:

By April 2005, prepare robust and costed business plan to ensure all rented properties meet the SHQS, and submit it to the Scottish Executive

All existing Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) within Renfrewshire submitted business plans (Standard Delivery Plans) to the Scottish Executive by the due date.

Agreement reached on Renfrewshire Housing Association (RHA) subsidy and ‘draw-down’ arrangements in

Action complete

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 3.2

Renfrewshire Council only:

Investigate options for delivering SHQS with stock retention or through the Community Ownership Programme

Renfrewshire Council has been accepted onto the Scottish Executive’s Community Ownership Programme, and a Shadow Board has been established to progress proposals for possible stock transfer.

Action complete (LHS Update 2005)

3.3

All social landlords:

Implement agreed business plan to meet SHQS

Business Plans include implementation strategies

Action ongoing to 2015

Overall progress made in relation to this Strategic Objective:

3

By 2015, all occupied social rented housing will meet or exceed the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS)

Business plans set out how SHQS can be delivered locally to all social housing by 2015. All local RSLs (including Renfrewshire Housing Association) have confirmed that they can deliver the improvements required to ensure their housing stock will meet or exceed the SHQS by the target date.

However certain assumptions have been made in relation to property condition and renewal costs, which will have to be replaced by ‘real’

data at a later stage. Where these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, unidentified additional costs may be incurred. Other risk factors identified include: future rates of inflation; the impact on tender costs of large scale property investment by social landlords up to 2015; skill shortages.

4

By 2009, at least 250 Below Tolerable Standard (BTS) properties will have been improved

4.1

Provide grant assistance to support the improvement of pre- 1919 tenement homes in town centre areas to take them above the Tolerable Standard

Grant assistance provided 2005/06 to support the improvement of 59 tenement homes to take them above the Tolerable Standard

Site start on 3-9 Johnston Street (Housing Action Area) by Paisley South Housing Association anticipated in 2006/07

Of the 59 BTS homes improved, 57 were in pre- 1919 town centre properties

It is anticipated that at least 250 BTS homes will have been improved by March 2009.

On target for completion March 2009

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 4.2

Renfrewshire Council to develop a better understanding of the private rented housing market, and establish more effective partnership working arrangements with owner occupiers and private landlords

106 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have been licensed. 11 applications are being progressed, and a further 55 properties are being actively investigated.

A Council staff member has been appointed to target the provision of advice and assistance to private owners.

Landlord Registration Scheme postponed by Scottish Executive until March 2006

Over 800 landlords contacted by letter to gauge interest in a Landlord’s Forum.

Although the initial milestone of 115 licensed HMOs by March 2005 was not been reached, significant progress has been made.

Progress on landlords’ forum delayed due to staffing issues. First newsletter issued, October 2005.

Revise target date for establishment of Private Landlord Forum to March 2007

4

By 2009, at least 250 Below Tolerable Standard (BTS) properties will have been improved

4.3

Renfrewshire Council decide whether or not to create a Factoring Service to improve the maintenance and repair of buildings in mixed private / Council ownership

The 2005 LHS Update noted that this issue would be addressed by Renfrewshire Housing Association in terms of plans developed to make sure housing meets the SHQS by the target date.

Deleted from Action Plan (LHS Update 2005)

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success Overall progress made in relation to this Strategic Objective:

4

By 2009, at least 250 Below Tolerable Standard (BTS) properties will have been improved

Target of 50 BTS houses improved per annum (250 over 5 years) was met for 2005/2006.

5

By 2008, levels of fuel poverty in Renfrewshire will be less than half the 2003 figure

5.1

Implement Renfrewshire’s Fuel Poverty Strategy

Tenants of all sustainable Renfrewshire Council homes have had the opportunity to have double-glazing and central heating installed

Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) project commencing April 2006 to survey all properties in the 5% and 10% most deprived datazones and:

Identify households in Fuel Poverty;

Refer households in Fuel Poverty to Income

Maximisation Service, where appropriate; and

Undertake programme of insulation works with Scottish Power and other social landlords.

A review of the effectiveness of the measures undertaken to combat fuel poverty will be conducted in July 2006 (and annually thereafter), and the Fuel Poverty Strategy adjusted to reflect any changes in policy direction or in resources.

Number of households removed from Fuel Poverty through the CRF project should be available for 2007 LHS Update

However, local delays in initiating survey work, coupled with recent substantial increases in fuel prices, make it unlikely that the strategic objective of halfing the number of households in Fuel Poverty by 2008 will be met.

Renfrewshire Council has met its target in relation to installation of double-glazing / central heating

Although progress being made in tackling Fuel Poverty, this is not currently being accomplished through a formal Community Energy Partnership, as originally envisaged – Strategy to be reviewed July 2006

Recent substantial increases in fuel prices are likely to impact negatively on the Council’s ability to tackle Fuel Poverty. No information available at this time from Scottish Executive concerning any revision to their already ambitious targets for the eradication of Fuel Poverty by 2012.

Action Plan entry to be revised following revisions to Fuel Poverty Strategy in July 2006

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 6

By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support to help sustain independent living by older people will have been increased

6.1

By 2007, provide a total of 135 new units of very sheltered housing at:

Rashilee, Erskine Blantyre Court, Erskine Ailsa Drive, Glenburn Maree Rd, Foxbar North Road, Johnstone Cairn / Kinnaird Dr, Linwood Development of two further sites (to be identified 2006)

24 units completed at Ailsa Drive, Glenburn

24 units completed at Maree Road, Foxbar

four new Very Sheltered Housing complexes are planned or currently under development.

Kinnaird Drive, Linwood due for completion Winter 2006

North Road, Johnstone - start Autumn 2006 (target completion 2007/08)

Blantyre Ct, Erskine - start Summer 2006; target

completion 2007/08

Rashielee, Erskine - start Summer 2006; target completion 2007/08

48 new units provided 2004 to date.Completion of the current programme will provide a total of 141 additional units.

Because of lack of capacity in terms of future funding for revenue support services, no further plans have been developed for additional very sheltered housing complexes at this stage and

consequently, no further sites have been identified.

It is now unlikely that the target of 135 new units by March 2007 will be met.

However, a total 141 additional units (compared to 2004 figure) should be in use during 2007/08.

Revise target to 141 units by March 2008.

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 6

By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support to help sustain independent living by older people will have been increased

6.2

By 2006, develop a housing provision and support strategy for Older People that

encompasses:

a. A review of existing sheltered housing provision, looking at its quality and the needs and aspirations of applicants and existing residents b. Specialist provision for

people with dementia (see action 6.3)

c. The conversion of limited numbers of existing general needs Council flats within 2 high rise blocks to provide housing specifically tailored to the needs of older people

d. An investigation into models of private housing for older people that RC should seek to encourage

A series of multi-agency working groups have worked to develop various aspects of an Older Persons’ Housing Strategy.

Proposals were developed to alter the way in which vacant Council- owned sheltered housing places are let (to ensure allocations focus solely on applicant need); this is included in the new allocation policy jointly developed by the Council and RHA

Specialist provision for people with dementia incorporated within planned development at North Road, Johnstone (see 6.1, above) Council Board has approved probable cost for the creation of a communal social space and adjacent staff accommodation at Rowan Court, Paisley. Proposals for the conversion of a number of flats in this block to ‘sheltered’

standard will be incorporated within Strategy document 4 Homestake properties provided by Paisley South Housing Association for low cost home ownership for older people through shared equity

It is anticipated that a draft Strategy will be distributed to partners for consultation Summer / Autumn 2006.

Although Strategy was not presented for Board approval by March 2006, as originally intended, significant progress has been made and projects initiated.

Revised target for submission of Older Persons’ Housing Strategy – October 2006

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 6.3

Review models of housing / accommodation for people with dementia as part of an Older Persons’ Housing Strategy (see action 6.2), taking account of design and support issues, and make suitable provision within the Housing Development Programme

Specialist housing provision for older people with dementia was considered as part of the development of the Older Persons’ Housing Strategy. The recommendations of the working group considering this problem have been incorporated into the design of the forthcoming very sheltered housing project in North Road, Johnstone, which will contain 10 units for people with dementia.

It is anticipated that the Older Persons Housing Strategy (which will include a section on Dementia provision) will be presented to the Council’s HECS Board for consideration by October 2006.

On target for completion March 2009

6.4

Continue to support older people’s ability to ensure the homes they own remain in good repair through the Care &

Repair project

The Care and Repair small repairs service is now being funded through Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) 51 households received assistance with repair costs 2005/06.

A further 1711 households received assistance to March 2006 from the Small Repairs Service.

Results of Customer Feedback Survey 2006 still being collated. The 2005 survey showed:

•

43% would not have organized the work themselves

•

88% felt that the work carried out made a

‘substantial difference’ to their comfort

•

6% would have had to have moved home if the work had not been carried out

On target for completion March 2009

Overall progress made in relation to this Strategic Objective:

6

By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support to help sustain independent living by older people will have been increased

Substantial progress is being made in developing new independent living solutions for older people: housing with support at Rowan Court;

dementia provision at North Road; low cost home ownership – all of which should become available before 2009. Care and Repair also continue to support independent living by older people. However, while the number of very sheltered accommodation has increased

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 7.1

Expand the stock of new and existing dwellings suitable for people with mobility problems:

a.

Continuing to include properties for people with mobility problems within new general needs developments

a

In 2005/06, newbuild properties designed specifically for people with ‘particular needs’ were completed at: Foxbar 6 units in 2005/06; (41 units in total over the last 2 years – 24 very sheltered and 17 amenity), Cyril St, Paisley (4 wheelchair units) Shortroods (37 units for older people) and Moorpark (14 units for older people) and Argyle St (2 units for older people).

The 2004 LHS set a minimum level of at least 15% of properties within new build

‘general needs’ developments for social rent for clients with mobility needs. Actual outcomes for the last two years are currently being reviewed.

Outcome against target being reviewed

b

Continuing to adapt clients’

homes to better meet their housing needs

b

Levels of expenditure on adaptation works during 2004/2005 are shown on the right. Budget for adaptations to Council homes was adjusted upwards to meet demand.

Expenditure 2005/06:

•

Council £442,000 (budget originally £320,000;

increased to £500,000)

•

PSHG £190,000 (budget

£200,000)

•

RSLs £365,000 (budget

£215,000)

Target met for 2005/06 Budgets set out in LHS totalled £724,000. These were subsequently adjusted upwards to meet increased demand. Actual expenditure

£997,000

c

Continuing to build new social rented housing in accordance with the Housing for Varying Needs (HfVN) design guide

C Communities Scotland have confirmed that all new social rented housing constructed 2005/06 followed the Housing for Varying Needs design guide

Target met for 2005/06 7

By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support for people with physical disabilities and people who are vulnerable will have been increased to ensure that their housing needs are more adequately met.

d

Encourage private developers to build properties in accordance with the HfVN design guide

d Preparation of an information leaflet on HfVN (for distribution to all private developers planning new build for sale) delayed to assess any implications of changes from the New Building (Scotland) Act 2005

Approach to be taken has changed. Renfrewshire Council (Housing and Property & Planning and Transport) to meet with Communities Scotland to agree appropriate guidance for developers, and how this can be incorporated into briefs issued by the Council

Revised Action:

Incorporate appropriate guidance into Planning briefs issued by Renfrewshire Council – target March 2007

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 7.2

Review the role and remit of the Disabled Persons’ Housing Service (DPHS) to better inform requirements for future provision.

Review completed, and report submitted to HECS Policy Board January 2006. Service now funded 2/3 Renfrewshire Council (Housing and Property Services) and 1/3 Health Board until March 2007. Day- to-day support of the Service being undertaken by Housing and Property Services to enable it to be better linked to the Common Housing Register

Action complete

7.3

Develop a better mechanism to record adaptations to Council properties

Mechanism developed to identify which adaptations should lead to properties being relet to another member of the same client group.

Computer records updated accordingly.

Action complete (LHS Update 2005)

7

By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support for people with physical disabilities and people who are vulnerable will have been increased to ensure that their housing needs are more adequately met.

7.4

Establish common database (through DPHS) of all specially adapted properties for social rent within Renfrewshire

Database not required. The establishment of the Common Housing Register should make it easier to access suitably adapted housing across the social rented section.

Deleted from Action Plan (LHS Update 2005)

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 7.5

Establish formal partnership arrangements on aids and adaptations to:

a. agree eligibility criteria and prioritisation;

b. investigate opportunities for joint training and production of information; and c. investigate feasibility of

establishing common database to monitor progress

Multi-agency group formed October 2004 to look at Aids and Adaptations issues. Partners involved are:

Social Work;

Health;

Housing and Property Services;

(Renfrewshire Council); and FLAIR (local RSLs)

Implementation of agreed eligibility guidelines and joint training arrangements are in place.

Occupational Therapists have access to Housing and Property Services’

records to check progress with adaptation works.

Arrangements in place work well for principal partners – Housing and Property Services, Social Work and Health. More work required to better integrate other social landlords into this process

Action complete (LHS Update 2005) in relation to Council sector. Further work required to better integrate housing associations 7

By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support for people with physical disabilities and people who are vulnerable will have been increased to ensure that their housing needs are more adequately met

7.6

Work with ‘Joint Future’ group to develop and implement single shared assessment (SSA) to assess the housing and housing support needs of people with particular health and/or social needs

Discussions between Social Work and Housing and Property Services regarding arrangements to use SSA to inform rehousing of vulnerable people as part of Renfrewshire Council’s review of its Allocation Policy. It is anticipated that appropriate arrangements will be in place to support implementation of the new policy in October 2006.

No mechanism in place, at this time, to gauge impact of SSA by measuring decline in clients experiencing repeat requests for information.

The ‘roll out’ of SSA to all involve all social landlords in all relevant operational areas is an incremental process, and is still ongoing.

Target date for this Action revised to March 2008 (LHS Update 2005)

Strategic Objective Action Proposed 2004 Action Taken / Achievements Measuring Progress Evaluating Success 7.7

Assess the housing and housing support needs of people with learning disabilities within the hostel reprovisioning programme, and ensure appropriate provision is in place for:

Closure of Linwood hostel 2004/05

Closure of Urquhart House 2005/06

Linwood hostel is closed, and residents rehoused

Full assessments of clients in Urquhart House have been carried out to quantify specific needs.

However, the actual date of this closure will depend on funding availability

Satisfaction with housing and housing support

arrangements measured and monitored through ongoing client reviews.

Linwood hostel closed by target date.

Urquhart House to close during 2006/07

Action Plan to be amended accordingly

7.8

Work with learning disabled adults and their carers to explore options for promoting their independent living, including:

a. Identification of client need b. Consideration of suitable

models of provision c. Identification of potential

sources of funding

The issue of ageing carers has been discussed and numbers identified. A small number of units have been made available to re-house people who were already living in the community in inappropriate or unsuitable settings. However, the level of revenue funding which would be required to support a higher level of reprovisioning is not currently available.

This Action Plan entry is not due for completion until March 2007.

Action Plan target date remains March 2007 7

By 2009, the availability of suitable accommodation and support for people with physical disabilities and people who are vulnerable will have been increased to ensure that their housing needs are more adequately met

7.9

Identify most appropriate housing options, and sources of funding to deliver those options, to support reprovisioning at Dykebar Hospital, Paisley

Discussions still ongoing with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde to identify appropriate sources of funding for this project.

This Action Plan entry is not due for completion until March 2007. No significant progress at this time.

Action Plan target date remains March 2007