Communities Committee met on 7th September for the first meeting since Summer Recess.

We acknowledged and discussed the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Aberdeenshire Performance Report 1st April – 30th June 2017.
In Mid Formartine:

• there was only one accidental dwelling fire this term, down three on the same period last year
• There were no accidental fire casualties – for the fifth consecutive year
• There were four deliberate fires – a three year high
• There were five non-domestic and secondary fires – the same number as  year ago
• There was only one Special Service Casualties (from road traffic collisions etc) – down ten on last year, and the joint lowest number across all Aberdeenshire areas
• Finally, there were six false alarms, the highest number in five years

We also acknowledged the Scottish Fire and Rescue Draft Aberdeenshire Local FIre and Rescue Plan 2017-20.
The online engagement questionnaire is online until 12th September here:
http://firescotland.citizenspace.com/planning-and-performance/aberdeenshire-draft-local-plan

We approved the Consultation response on Aberdeenshire Draft Local Fire & Rescue Plans 2017-20.

We acknowledged the Police Scotland – performance monitoring and operational update presented by the Chief Superintendent, however in a change to the scrutiny by Communities Committee the Police will now report twice a year, with Theumatic reports in the periods in between.

We acknowledged the revenue and capitl budget monitoring at 30th June 2017 & approved virements.

We acknowledged the Housing Service Quarterly Performance Exception Reporting April-June 2017.

We moved on to discussing the Local Housing Stretegy 2016/17 Annual Report then the Aberdeenshire Counco; Care and Repair Update 2016/17.
39 Major apatations have taken place in Mid Formartine in this period with particular emphasis on bathroom works and access.
Satisfaction is high.

We received an update on the Housing First Pilot Scheme.

We discussed Houisng Void Properties.
There are a number of Sheltered Housing vacancies in the “north” – including two in Pitmedden.
The target for average days to relet is currently 39/7 days.

We acknowledged the revised Housing Revenue Account capital programme for 2017/18 and budget monitoring at 30th June 2017.