1. Apologies for Absence: Julie Witherall, Rosa Halls, Mr and Mrs Lineham.

2. Those Present: Pat Martin (Chair), Sylvia Savill (Town Council), Audrey Norman (Swanscombe Methodist Church), Jean Armour (St Peter and Paul's Church), Cllr Graham Steele, Mike Pratt, Alan Cremer and Denise Read (Dartford Borough Council).

3. Presentation by Denise Read - Home Energy/Insulation: Denise brought to the attention of the meeting a number of opportunities for help with the cost of insulating, adapting, repairing and improving properties for homeowners and private tenants, which are largely under-subscribed. It was agreed that the group would help as much as it can with publicising these schemes to those eligible to benefit from them.

a) Disabled Facility Grants: There is a scheme for helping disadvantaged people with the installation of lifts, ramping, improved access, bathroom adaptations etc. When the need is confirmed by an Occupational Therapist the grants are mandatory. For those on income support there is no means test. For others there is a means test, but the parameters are generous.

b) Renovations Grants: These may be given when houses are in a bad states of disrepair, especially when the condition may be life threatening or the property deemed uninhabitable. There are discretionary grants targeted at those on low incomes. They are normally granted only for property over 10 years old in which the occupiers have been in residence for 3 years or more.

c) Home Repairs Assistance: These grants are for minor repairs to a property. They are not means tested, but targeted at people over 60 receiving means tested benefit. They are used increasingly to provide heating in bedrooms and bathrooms and for some insulation measures.

d) The Care and Repair Agency: This Agency is jointly funded by Dartford Borough Council, Gravesham Borough Council and KCC. It is used by DBC to provide a service to disabled persons over 60 years of age to enable them to apply for and access the grant system. It also runs a number of other schemes for this client group, one of which is the Handyperson Scheme. This provides the services of a Handyman for small jobs around the home. The client pays for materials only, the labour is provided free. Another scheme provided by the Agency is the Security Service. This again is for people over 60 receiving means tested benefit. it provides security measures such as locks on windows and doors, door chains and viewing holes.

It was stated that census information is adequate at Ward level. It is felt that there are many people who will be eligible for assistance who are unaware of availability or do not know how to apply. It was agreed that the group will assist in every possible way with identifying local need. Information will be included in the next Newsletter. A flyer and a poster, in plain language, will be constructed and distributed to appropriate organisations and venues. Denise Read will be happy to talk to any specific organisations at a convenient time. Early approved applications could be fulfilled this year as funding is available. Action: Mike Pratt will liaise with Denise and the Swanscombe librarian.

4. Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting: Mike Pratt has written to Highways regarding the inappropriate siting of the speed limit sign outside the School. KCC has been informed but so far no action has been taken.

5. Tree-Planting Scheme: Mike Pratt reported that he and Alan Cremer had met the School Architect and Mr Ogg to discuss the scheme. The Architect has been given the list of trees available from NWK Countryside Project. Other trees required may be provided by KCC. It was agreed that Mr Ogg be asked if a formal visit by the Swanscombe and Greenhithe QED Community Group can be arranged. Action: Alan Cremer.

6. Newsletter: The delivery of the Newsletter has been postponed until nearer Christmas. Those offering copy were asked to produce it as soon as possible. Alan Cremer will remind those who promised articles at the last meeting.

7. Dates of Meetings: It was agreed that the next meeting will take place on January 11, 1999. Subsequent meetings will be on March 15, may 10, July 12, September 20 and November 22.

8. Other Business: The problems created by car-parking in the area were reiterated. Mike Pratt said that he would raise this with the appropriate officers again.

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