Craigheads Regeneration Meeting
Steering Group – No. 2
Housing Stock Management, Repair, and Maintenance
10 September 2008

1. Welcome and Introductions by Daniel McKendry, who read out the notes of the previous meeting and reminded the group of the scope of the meeting.  Daniel then handed the meeting over to Cllr Danny Devlin, who noted his encouragement at the attendance at tonight’s meeting.
2. Current & Projected Capital and Revenue Spend
   Andrew Tweedie confirmed the ongoing re-rendering and re-roofing programmes in Craigheads for FY 2008-2009.  The work is currently out to tender.  The success of these programmes is also dependent on the cooperaiton of owners in Craigheads.  There was discussion on the enforcement options available to the Council.  Andrew confirmed that the door and door entry renewal programme is also underway.
   Cllr Devlin confirmed that further re-render and re-roofing programmes have been brought forward to 2009/2010.  He also stated that he is looking for additional finances to be spent in Craigheads.  Andrew Tweedie, though unable to guarantee this, was aware that Cllr Devlin was working closely with the Head of Housing to obtain additional funding.
   Cllr Devlin requested that all residents of Craigheads be written to, requesting their agreement in principal for proposed works in the area.  Andrew Tweedie confirmed that all blocks without doors/door entry systems would be written to for participation in the door entry programme for 2009/2010, however, he could not guarantee (as per title conditions) that these blocks would benefit from new door entry systems as the title confirms that these are “improvements”, and as such all owners in the block need to agree to the upgrade.
   There was further discussion on door entry systems.
   Andrew also confirmed that a programme of gutter cleaning in Craigheads is progressing.
3. Housing Improvement Grants
   Liz Currie explained that the Scottish Government makes a very modest allocation of funding (known as Private Sector Housing Grant) to East Renfrewshire to help with providing grants to help owners with the cost of certain works to their homes, to fund adaptations to houses for disabled people, fund Care and Repair services and so on.  Under the terms of new housing legislation it is likely that financial assistance through grants for repairs may be largely phased out.  The Council must soon produce a “Scheme of Assistance” setting out how it plans to target its assistance to owners in the future.  There is however scope in the legislation, subject to funding being available and meeting criteria in the legislation, to support renewal work in certain areas of the authority.  Liz indicated that through the work of this group it should be possible to examine whether or not Craigheads might be just such an area for priority treatment.
4. Stock Condition Survey & Household Opinion Survey
   Liz Currie sought the views of the group on whether it would be worthwhile to carry out a full 100% survey of all of the houses, both Council and private, in Craigheads.  This would enable the steering group to consider future priorities for investment by both the Council and owners in the area.  This survey could be tied to a social survey, which could be used to inform discussions in relation to the suitability of the area for the priority area renewal treatment previously discussed.  The success of a joint survey in Craigheads would be dependent on the support of the local community.  There being general support for this proposal, Liz invited any interested individuals to work with ERC to participate in a small working group to take this forward.  Sandra will seek volunteers for this group when issuing the minutes.
5. Estate Management Plan
   Daniel McKendry provided copies (as examples) of the Estate Management Agreement (EMA) for Dunterlie.  The EMA provides statements of council departments’ commitments ot the area.  It also provides general information and contacts.  Daniel suggested that this could be used as a template for the development of an EMA for Craigheads.  Volunteers for the community were invited to “work-up” an EMA for Craigheads.
   Whilst Councillor Devlin welcomed an EMA for Craigheads, he requested that an action plan for Craigheads be drawn up.
6. Mixed Tenure Community – Factoring
   There was a general discussion on factoring for owners and private landlords.  There was a general misconception that the Council already acted as Factor for the Estate, as well as an expression of concern regarding the reputation of private factors.  It was agreed after discussion that this subject required further investigation.  Liz Currie suggested that views of factoring could be gathered if the proposed survey goes ahead.  A short paper will be submitted to the next meeting of the group summarising the issues and options for taking this forward.
7. Next Steps
   Cllr Devlin wishes to push forward on regeneration work for Craigheads.
   Cllr Devlin requested information on other current projects in the area.  Sandra Scott confirmed that David James is meeting with Housing Maintenance to agree work on railings and stonework in teh area.  Housing Maintenance staff are currently being trained for “multi-skills” and David is investigating the possibility of Craigheads being used as an on-site training pilot.  Daniel McKendry also confirmed that he would again contact Cleansing Services to establish service levels for the estate.
8. AOCB
   Cllr Devlin confirmed the imminent appointment of two Tenancy Appointment Officers and gave a brief outline of their duties.
   (Attendance list from this meeting available on request.)

Date of next meeting: 22 October 2008 at 7:00 PM in Arthurlie Church Halls