Terms of Reference of Headquarters Committees and Joint Committees (and Sub Committees Acting with Full Delegated Powers)
Joint Committees
Strategic Committees
Audit and Scrutiny Committee
Joint Committee for Action in Community Care
1. Introduction
To improve the services which the Highland Council and the Highland Health Board provide in relation to community care.
2. General
2.1 To consider, formulate, assess the impact of, and recommend policies on
community care to The Highland Council and the Highland Health Services,
including specific issues identified in Section 3 below consultation with
other interested parties including service users, the public and the
voluntary sector,
2.2 To scrutinise the effectiveness of policy and service delivery.
2.3 To respond to Government initiatives and consultation papers.
2.4 To develop good practice models for joint working and disseminate
information on proven good practice.
2.5 To ensure that all community care client groups within The Highland
Council and Health Services have a voice and that their views are listened
to and taken into account in the planning and delivery of services.
2.6 To agree an annual programme of work with target dates and budget
implications where appropriate.
3. Specific
3.1 Consultation and drafting of a Community Care Plan.
3.2 Modernising Community Care – taking forward a Joint Action Plan.
3.3 Joint commissioning.
3.4 Joint purchasing and contracting with independent and voluntary sectors.
3.5 Resource transfer.
3.6 Establishing a joint strategy for the care of the elderly.
3.7 Integration of occupational therapy service.
3.8 Special needs housing and supported accommodation.
3.9 Development of joint protocols and joint working arrangements where
appropriate.
4. Powers and Duties Delegated to the Joint Committee
4.1 For The Highland Council’s part, all the powers and duties of the Council
specified in 2.1 to 3.9 above subject to the overview of the Housing and
Social Work Committee.
Joint Committee on Children, Young People and Families
General
1.1 To enable children and young people to achieve their full potential, by
improving services for children, young people and families and promoting
their participation in decision making, paying particular attention to children
in need and young people who are socially excluded
1.2 To develop, implement and review the Children’s Services Plan and to
recommend the Plan and associated Local Outcome Agreement for
approval to the Council and its partners.
1.3 To develop, implement and review the Highland Wellbeing Alliance Youth
Strategy and to recommend the Strategy for approval to the Wellbeing
Alliance partners
Specific
2.1 To have responsibility for the development and review of policy and
strategy for those service areas within the Highland Council, NHS Highland
and partner agencies that involve collaborative and integrated working.
This will involve the development and co-ordination of policy and strategy,
the development of targets and outcome measures, agreement to the
devolution of responsibilities and funding to Children’s Services Forums, and
the overview of quality assurance and performance management. These
responsibilities relate to all those services detailed within the Joint
Children’s Services Plan, except child protection issues, and including -
- The New Community School Approach
- Education strategies for co-operation with training providers and business initiatives
- Youth Participation
- The Social Inclusion Partnership for Young People
- Health Promotion for children and families,
2.2 To consult with other agencies and organisations, including the voluntary
sector, as appropriate to achieve a co-ordinated approach to the provision
of services within the Committee’s remit
2.3 To deal with consultations from Government and statutory bodies and to
make representations to Ministers and those bodies regarding the services
within the Committee’s remit.
2.4 To approve the allocation of resources within specific revenue budgets as
delegated by the relevant Strategic Committees in relation to the
following:
- Changing Children’s Service Fund
- Early Years Services
- New Community School Approach
- Residential Schools
- Social Inclusion Partnership
- Voluntary Organisations’ funding
- Children’s Services Proportion of Health Improvement Fund
- Other NHS Highland budgets
- Youth Action Service
2.5 To decide grant applications to outside bodies of Highland wide significance
and within the revenue budgets detailed in 3 above.
2.6 To consider staffing structure issues for the services covered by the
Committee’s remit at item 2.4, for referral to the Resources Committee
and to NHS Highland.
2.7 To review performance against the Local Outcome Agreement for the
services within the Committee’s remit as specified in 2.1 above.
Powers and duties delegated to the Joint Committee
For the Highland Council's part, all of the powers and duties of the Council specified in 1.1 to 2.7.
General
The following powers/duties shall be exercisable by all the Headquarters Strategic Committees.
1. To develop and review a Service Plan and associated policies and strategies for the delivery and promotion of the services within the Committee’s remit, and to scrutinise performance in implementation of the Service Plan.
2. To review the effectiveness of the standard and level of services provided in accordance with the Council's commitment to Best Value and continuous improvement.
3. To enter into liaison and partnership and consult with other agencies and organisations, including the Voluntary Sector, as appropriate, to achieve a co-ordinated approach to the provision of services.
4. To approve the Capital Programme and the Revenue Budget for the services included in the Committee’s remit and to monitor and control these budgets including dealing with over-expenditure.
5. To decide grant applications, of Highland wide significance, to outside bodies/agencies.
6. To consider issues relevant to the operation of the Council’s Contracts Standing Orders.
7. To consider significant staffing structure issues for the Service(s) covered by the Committee’s remit for referral to the Resources Committee.
8. To deal with representations, consultations etc from Government and statutory bodies and to make representations to Ministers and those bodies regarding services included in the Committee’s remit.
9. To respond to Green Papers, Parliamentary Bills, Statutory Instruments and pre-legislative consultation by a Scottish Parliamentary Committee, as appropriate.
10. To act as client in relation to any activities within the Committee’s remit being submitted to competitive tendering with particular regard to the level of service to be provided.
11. To promote sustainable development in the conduct of Council business and the provision and delivery of services.
12. To promote equal opportunities in the conduct of Council business and the provision and delivery of services.
Resources Committee
1. General
1. All matters relating to
- the management and arrangement of the financial affairs of the Council.
- Personnel, Health and Safety, Training and Development, Legal Services,
Committee Services, Members' and Support Services and Registration
Services
- management of the Council's non-housing property portfolio
- management of the Information Systems contract for the provision of IS/IT
services.
- consideration of corporate policies
- consideration of projects prior to submission to bidding rounds of the
Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme
- co-ordination of the activities of other committees
- other general business relating to the effective operation of the Council and
not covered by other committees.
2. Specific
Finance Services
2.1 To monitor the Revenue and Capital Budgets of the Council
To deal with all matters relating to-
2.2 costs of capital projects submitted by Committees and included in the
capital programme approved by the Council
2.3 the manner in which capital expenditure is defrayed
2.4 approved treasury management activities
2.5 the keeping of accounts for the proper recording and auditing of all
transactions
2.6 the provision of in-house financial management and advice relative to the
Council's PPP, Joint Venture and other similar developments/activities
2.7 banking arrangements and the negotiation of banking terms
2.8 arranging for insurance cover in respect of the Council's risks and
management of the insurance fund.
2.9 fixing of charges, rebates and allowances not linked to or associated with
the functions referred to any other Committee
2.10 determining appeals against assessments and the disposal under any
enactment of all other claims or applications for relief from or repayment
of rates.
2.11 considering all applications for loans, grants, donations and subscriptions
not linked to the functions referred to any other committee and which
are included in the budget
2.12 preparation review and monitoring an investment policy and associated
administrative arrangements in respect of the Superannuation Fund,
including the monitoring of fund performance and the approval of
Admitted Bodies
2.13 the administration of local taxation, including Council tax and non-
domestic rates
2.14 collection and recovery of debts owed to the Council
2.15 the administration of council tax benefit and housing benefits including
benefits promotion and anti-fraud activities.
3 Chief Executive’s Office
3.1 To consider and recommend policies relating to the provision and effective
use of the employee resources of the Council, including equal
opportunities in employment, employee training and development,
absence management and recruitment policies.
3.2 Overall control of the establishment of Chief Officers (other than Directors)
and all employees who come within the scope of the Scottish Joint
Council for Local Government Employees and the Scottish Joint
Negotiating Committee for Craft Operatives.
3.3 To review and monitor the salaries, wages, allowances and conditions of
service of all employees of the Council.
3.4 To consider reports from other Committees proposing any increase,
amendment or revision of any existing staff structures, grades and
conditions of service.
3.5 To review and monitor the superannuation of employees under the Local
Government Superannuation (Scotland) Acts but excluding the
management and investment of the superannuation and other funds.
3.6 To introduce, review and monitor policies for improving employee
relations, to ensure the fostering of good industrial relations, including
formulating, amending and varying grievance, disciplinary and disputes
procedures and to co-ordinate consultation arrangements through the
Joint Consultation Group.
3.7 To introduce, review and monitor policies for the health, safety and
welfare of employees of the Council in terms of statute or otherwise.
3.8 To oversee the effective administration of and to ensure appropriate
resources for Justice in the District Court.
3.9 To ensure the provision of support to the Justices Committee, the Justices
of the Peace Advisory Committee and Lieutenancies within the area of the
Council.
3.10To oversee the effective administration of, and to ensure appropriate
resources for the Highland Licensing Boards, and Licensing Divisions.
3.11To oversee the management of the functions of the Council as
Registration Authority for the purposes of the Registration of Births,
Deaths and Marriages Act 1965 and for the licensing of approved places
for civil marriages under the Marriage (Approved Places) (Scotland)
Regulations 2002.
3.12To safeguard the interests of peripheral and rural regions by maximising
the benefits of European Funding, participating in the full range of
European strategies and programmes, and ensuring a high Highland
profile in relevant European organisations
3.13To appoint the Committees/Sub-Committee with the remits detailed
below, acting with full delegated powers, to deal with Appeals, Disputes
and Early Retirement.**
4 Property
4.1 The acquisition, management, lease and disposal of land and property of a
capital value exceeding £100,000 or £15,000 per annum; investigating and
formulating proposals for joint venture utilising Council property assets.
4.2 To take over at the request of any Committee the management and
maintenance of any land or property while it is not required by that
Committee
4.3 To approve terms and conditions negotiated by the Director of Housing
and Property for the acquisition, disposal or lease of land and property.
4.4 To monitor the status of building projects appearing in the capital works
and maintenance programmes.
4.5 To agree and monitor the project management arrangements for Public
Private Partnership schemes relating to building construction or
maintenance programmes.
4.6 To agree and monitor the Service’s role as CDM Co-ordinator under the
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM
Regulations).
4.7 To provide technical advice in regard to the purchase of fuels and energy.
4.8 To monitor the purchase of fuels and energy and agree such contracts.
4.9 To monitor the inspection, management, allocation and rationalisation of
Council owned or leased office accommodation.
4.10 To approve and maintain competed framework arrangements for minor
and major works contracts and competed framework arrangements for
Consultancies for property and construction projects.
4.11 To decide on grants of national significance which relate to the Service's
responsiblities
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All of the powers and duties detailed in 1.1 to 4.10 above other than those specifically reserved under Part 1 of the Scheme and those fully delegated to the following -
** a) Appeals Committee
1. To conduct formal Appeals Hearings in accordance with procedures laid down by the Scottish Joint Council for Local Government Employees or the Joint Negotiating Committees (Chief Officers and Craft Operators) on -
1.1 any question as to rights generally under the appropriate scheme;
1.2 any question relating to grading within the discretion of the Authority;
1.3 any question relating to discrimination as defined in the Scheme;
1.4 any question relating to a complaint for which there is a right to refer to
an employment tribunal, including dismissal and any question in respect of
disciplinary action of a lesser nature than dismissal where a Chief Officer or
his/her nominated representative acting in the capacity of Chief Officer has
issued the warning and cannot therefore hear an appeal.
2. To conduct hearings relating to grievances within the Authority in accordance with the relevant procedures laid down by the Scottish Joint Council for Local Government Employees, Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee for Local Authority Services (Craft Operatives) and Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee for Chief Officers.
** (b) Disputes Committee (Ad Hoc)
To conduct formal hearings in accordance with procedures laid down by the Council to enable the settlement of differences and disputes between the Council and its employees.
** (c) Early Retirement Sub-Committee
To consider and determine cases for early retirement, severance, redundancy etc for all employees of the Council in accordance with the relevant Council policies.
** Full delegated powers.
Housing and Social Work Committee
1. General
1.1 To exercise the functions of the Council as the statutory Housing
Authority, including determining the Highland Local Housing Strategy, the
statutory Social Work Authority and any other Housing and Social Work
related matters.
2. Housing
2.1 To deliver the Council's strategic and enabling functions in relation to
housing in all tenures including the identification of need, the direction of
investment and the management and disposal of HRA assets.
2.2 To have overall responsibility for the Council's policies on private sector
housing and approve expenditure of Private Sector Housing Grant.
2.3 To oversee the operation of the council’s land bank fund in agreement
with Communities Scotland.
2.4 To oversee the work of the Building Maintenance DLO.
2.5 To put in place procedures and policies to identify and declare Housing
Action Areas, Closing and Demolition Orders, and Houses in Multiple
Occupation and to monitor the implementation of any orders made.
2.6 To provide or improve housing accommodation, directly or indirectly in
association with other agencies.
2.7 To determine and review the Council’s policy for allocating and letting
houses, garage sites and garages held on the Housing Revenue Account
and to recommend rent and other charges to the Council.
2.8 To determine and review housing management policies on issues such as
allocations, rents, arrears and other tenancy matters.
2.9 To determine from time to time a figure above which Committee approval
is required to allow bad debts incurred by tenants or former tenants of
houses or lock-ups held on the Housing Revenue Account to be written
off.
2.10To determine and review the Council’s homelessness strategy.
2.11To lead for the Council on Gypsy/Traveller matters and to work with other
relevant bodies to ensure a co-ordinated approach to issues associated
with Gypsy/Travellers.
2.12To determine and review procedures to allow appropriate action to be
taken, in consultation with other Services and agencies, where
unauthorised encampments of Gypsy/Travellers are identified on Council
owned and other land.
2.13To determine and review appropriate policies associated with the sale or
lease of land to owner/occupiers arising from the sale of Council Houses.
2.14 To consider all applications for housing development loans and grants
2.15 **To appoint a Homelessness Appeals Committee to consider and
determine Appeals against the refusal of homelessness applications.
** With Full delegated Powers
3. Social Work
3.1 To exercise statutory functions for social work services and quality
assurance monitoring of all social work provision.
3.2 To prepare, within the framework of the Northern Community Justice
Authority the strategic plan relating to Highland’s provision of social work
services in the Criminal Justice System; grant application to the Scottish
Executive; monitoring of service provision; development of the voluntary
and private sector provision; budgetary setting and control.
3.3 To develop implement and review with NHS Highland the Joint
Community Care Plan.
3.4 To develop implement and review the Children’s Services Plan
3.5 Maintenance and monitoring of child protection services; maintenance and
control of residential and day care provision for children; recruitment of
and support to foster parents and community carers, adoption, and
guardianship of children; and registration and inspection of childminders.
3.6 To determine and review the Council’s Supporting People Strategy,
administer the Supporting People Grant to ensure that resources are
targeted at priorities in line with Scottish Executive Guidance, the Council’s
Strategy and delivery of best value.
3.7 To appoint Mental Health Officers in terms of S32 of the Mental Health
(Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All the powers and duties listed in 1.1 to 3.7 above other than those specifically reserved under Part I of this Scheme, and those fully delegated referred to in 2.15 above.
Education Culture and Sport Committee
1. General
1.1 All of the functions of the Council as the Statutory Education Authority.
1.2 All of the functions of the Council in delivering services relating to Arts,
Culture, Sport and Recreation.
2. Education
2.1 To develop and review policies, strategies and schemes for the delivery of -
(i) Provision of early years, primary, secondary, additional support needs and
Gaelic education.
(ii) Scheme of educational provision.
(iii) Matters relating to Parent Councils and Devolved School Management.
(iv) Management of Specialist Services, Educational Endowments, Trusts and
Grants, not delegated to Area Education Culture and Sport Managers.
(v) to prepare policies and provide support for curriculum and staff
development
(vi) to provide the range of the curricular choice to monitor the quality of
teaching and learning taking account of internal quality assurance processes
and external evaluation by HMIe and other regulatory bodies.
(vii)to secure continuous improvement in the quality of education in schools,
to publish improvement objectives and report on them annually.
2.2 To develop policies for services to children and families, including child
protection in conjunction with the Housing and Social Work Committee
and the Children’s and Young People Joint Committee.
2.3.To agree and review a strategy for liaison with teaching staff
organisations and specifically the Local Negotiating Committee for
Teachers (LNCT).
2.4 To develop and review a strategy for the provision of school transport to
reflect local needs.
2.5 To make recommendations to the Council on alterations to school
provision.
2.6 To appoint the undernoted Committees with the terms of delegation shown.
**(a) Appointments Committee
To appoint teachers to the post of Headteacher, Depute and Assistant Headteacher in both primary and secondary schools in accordance with the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 and the Council’s agreed procedures; and
**(b) Appeals Committees (Placing Request/Exclusions)
To consider and determine Appeals against the refusal of placing requests, including those in relation to children with special needs, and the exclusion of pupils from school.
**(c) Transport Appeals Committee
To consider and determine appeals in respect of the provision of school transport.
**(d) Appeals Committee (Teaching Staff)
To consider and determine grievance and disciplinary appeals from teaching staff.
3. Lifelong Learning
3.1 To develop and review policies, strategies and schemes for the delivery of
community services and lifelong learning.
3.2 To develop and review strategies for co-operation with training providers,
work experience, education courses, business partnerships and young
enterprise through local involvement of business and commerce.
4. Arts and Culture
4.1 To assess the need for and carry out all functions of the Council in
delivering services for arts, libraries, archives, museums, heritage, events
and Gaelic development.
5. Sport and Recreation
5.1 To assess the need for and carry out the functions of the Council in
delivering services for sports, leisure facilities, swimming pools, recreation,
events and playing fields.
5.2 To co-ordinate the Council’s dealings with the Lottery distribution bodies
and to maximise potential benefits.
6. Gaelic
To promote policies that support Gaelic developments in education, culture and heritage in Highland schools and communities.
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All the powers and duties set out in 1.1 to 6 above other than those specifically reserved under Part I of the scheme, and those fully delegated to the Committees referred to in 2.6 above.
Planning Environment and Development Committee
1. General
To oversee the functions of the Council as the Planning Authority.
2. To prepare and thereafter annually update a Development Plan Scheme setting out the Authority's programme for preparing and reviewing development plans
3 To carry out research and maintain information on demographic, social and economic trends affecting the spatial planning of the Highlands.
4 To prepare and maintain strategic land use, transportation and environmental policies for Highland in accordance with the terms of the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (As Amended) and which may include the establishment of short life Sub Committees/Working Groups to take forward a local development plan for a specific geographic area.
5 To prepare and approve such Action Programmes, Supplementary Planning Guidance and Annual Monitoring reports as are required to maintain effective coverage/implementation/delivery of Local Development Plans across Highland in accordance with the terms of the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (As Amended)
6 To promote the Highland’s identity and image to live, work and visit with the business community, institutions, media and Government agencies
7 To facilitate opportunities for inward investment, regeneration and economic development of the Highlands
8 To oversee the operation of Highland Opportunity Ltd including the delivery of business development initiatives across the Highlands
9 To co-ordinate the work of Council Services and work in partnership with public and private sector partners to develop the tourism industry across the Highlands
10 To promote the Highlands as a destination for tourism and as a location for film and media work
11 To respond on behalf of the Council in relation to consultations from the Scottish Executive and other organisations in relation to legislation, policies and programmes that might affect town and country planning, building standards, environmental issues, economic development and tourism across the Highlands
12 To deliver the Council's duties and responsibilities under the Countryside Act 1967, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 on access, and the Nature Conservation Act 2004.
13. To draw up, review, amend and adopt plans for a system of core paths sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area, in accordance with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
14. To agree arrangements for Business Improvement Districts.
15. To agree arrangements for any Urban Regeneration Company
16 To carry out environmental works in accordance with the Council's approved capital and revenue programmes.
17 To fulfil the functions of the Council under the terms of the Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
18 To take action as appropriate under the powers of the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 in relation to –
- Orders & Notices (Part 4)
- Purchase of Interests (Part 5)
- Roads, Footpaths & Rights of Way (Part 9)
- Validity (Part 11)
- Financial Provisions (Part 13)
- Rights of Entry (Sections 269 + 270)
19 To determine applications referred to the Committee under the Council's Notice of Amendment procedures in respect of applications first considered at a Planning Applications and Review Committee.
20 To consider, formulate and approve, in consultation with other interested parties, policies on matters relating to the ownership and management (or use) of land and coastal waters which impact on rural communities and the environment: notably, land reform, access to the countryside, agriculture, crofting, fisheries and aquaculture and all aspects of forestry, including the protection, planting, regeneration and harvesting of trees. And to produce strategies for the implementation of any policies approved by the Committee related to the foregoing.
21 To promote community leadership in advancing sustainable development throughout the Highlands, and in particular in the work of the Council..
22 To consider, formulate and approve in consultation with other interested parties, policies that will:
- Encourage the wise use of financial, human and natural resources;
- Identify important unsustainable trends and recommend how they might be reversed;
- Encourage more effective collaboration and co-ordination between and within services of the Council and between and within organisations operating within the Highlands, thereby maximising the benefits derived;
- Promote a fuller understanding of the concept of sustainable development.
23 To produce strategies for the implementation of any policies approved by the Committee related to sustainable development
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All the powers and duties specified in 1 to 23 above other than those specifically reserved under Part I of this scheme
Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee
1. General
1.1 To carry out the functions of the Council as the statutory authority in
relation to -
- Roads
- Flood Prevention
- Harbours
- Coast Protection
- Environmental Protection
- Waste Collection and Disposal
- Burials
- Food Safety
- Health and Safety Enforcement
- Weights and Measures
1.2 All of the functions of the Council in delivering services relating to:
- Traffic Management / Transportation
- Administration of the list of Reservoirs
- Ferries
- Airstrips
- Environmental Health, Animal Health and Contaminated Land
- Consumer Protection, Consumer Advice and Money Advice
- Community Works
- Emergency Planning
- Oil Pollution
2. Specifics
2.1 Roads
2.1.1 To set policy for the management and maintenance of roads and
bridges.
2.1.2 To approve the layout of road improvement schemes requiring statutory
consents.
2.1.3 To approve the adoption and deletion of roads.
2.1.4 To approve the level of charges for road construction consents,
permissions to occupy and to work in the road.
2.1.5To recommend Compulsory Purchase Orders to the Council.
2.2. Traffic Management / Transportation
2.2.1To develop and approve the local transport strategy.
2.2.2To promote Road Traffic Orders.
2.2.3To approve the scale of charges for car parking.
2.2.4To approve the scheme for concessionary fares.
2.3 Flood Alleviation
2.3.1 To set policy for the inspection and maintenance of watercourses.
2.3.2 To promote Flood Prevention Orders.
2.3.3 To approve the Council’s statutory Biennial Flood Report.
2.4 Coast Protection
2.4.1To set policy for the maintenance of existing and implementation of new
coast protection schemes.
2.5 Administration of the List of Reservoirs
2.5.1 To oversee the Council’s role as enforcement authority under the
Reservoirs Act.
2.5.2 To approve the Council’s annual report under the Reservoirs Act.
2.6 Ferries, Harbours, Piers and Slipways
2.6.1 To set policy for the management and maintenance of ferries, harbours,
piers and slipways.
2.6.2 To promote Harbour Orders
2.6.3 To approve the scale of charges for ferries, harbours, piers and slipways
in the Council’s control.
2.7 Airstrips
2.7.1 To set policy for the management and maintenance of airstrips.
2.7.2 To approve the scale of charges for airstrips.
2.8 Waste Management
2.8.1 To promote and approve strategies for waste minimisation, storage,
collection, treatment and disposal.
2.8.2 To approve the scale of charges for the collection and disposal for
certain wastes.
2.9 Environmental Health
2.9.1To promote and approve policies in relation to:
- Public Health
- Health and Safety at Work
- Pollution Control
- Private Water Supplies
- Animal Health and Welfare
- Contaminated Land
- Enforcement of Civic Government Licensing
- Miscellaneous Licensing administration and enforcement
2.9.2 To approve the Food Safety Plan.
2.9.3 To approve the fees and charges for miscellaneous licensing, food safety
and private water supplies.
2.10 Consumer Protection
2.10.1To promote and approve policies in relation to consumer protection,
including:
- Trading Standards
- Consumer advice
- Money advice
- Petroleum, explosives and poisons licensing and registration
- Enforcement of Civic Government Licensing
2.10.2To approve the fees and charges for testing and stamping weights and
measures equipment, miscellaneous weights and measures charges, and
licensing and registration under the Petroleum (Regulation) Acts 1928 -
1936, Poisons Act 1982, Fireworks Regulations 2004 and Manufacture
and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005.
2.11 Community Works
2.12 To approve the policy, and standards to be achieved, for the range of
activities delivered through Community Works, including street cleaning,
grounds maintenance and public conveniences.
2.12.1Burials
2.12.2 To approve the scale of charges for burials and cremations.To approve
extension of burial grounds/new burial grounds
2.13 Community Support
2.13.1 To scrutinise and approve the distribution of funds to external parties
to assist in community based projects.
2.13.2 To scrutinise and approve the distribution of funds in relation to
improving unadopted roads, where there is need to address social
inclusion.
2.14 Civic Government Licensing
2.14.1 To carry out consultations and make resolutions on behalf of the
Council in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
2.14.2 To formulate and approve policy and impose and amend licence
conditions
2.14.3 To set fees and charges
2.14.4 To approve or otherwise on behalf of the Council proposals in relation
to contracts for service in relation to the Council’s obligations in terms
of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All the powers and duties listed in 1.1 to 2.14.4 above other than those specifically reserved under Part I of this scheme.
Gaelic Committee
General
To recommend to the Council policies which promote and support the indigenous Gaelic heritage and culture of the Highlands
Specific
2.1 To work with Gaelic development agencies in promoting, developing and
sustaining the Gaelic language, heritage and culture in the Highlands
2.1 To prepare, promote and implement the Council's Gaelic Language Plan.
2.2 To liaise with the Gaelic Board on the strategic development of the
language.
2.3 To work with the Scottish Executive and the Parliament in relation to
legislation relating to the Gaelic language.
2.4 To monitor the implications of legislation in respect of the Gaelic language
and advise the Council of its impact across the Highland
2.5 To work with the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee and the Gaelic Media
Service in developing Gaelic Broadcasting within the provisions of the
Communications Bill.
2.6 To oversee the links between the Council and the Provincial Government
of Nova Scotia as set out in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Powers and duties delegated to the Committee
All of the powers and duties of the Council specified in 1.1 to 2.6 above, other than those specifically reserved under Part 1 of this Scheme.
Audit and Scrutiny Committee
General
1.1 To advise the Council on matters relating to the programme of internal and
external audit work and findings and recommendations arising from audit
reports.
1.2 To perform a scrutiny role through the provision of a workplan for the
Council’s approval and to deal with matters referred by the Council for
scrutiny purposes.
1.3 To advise the Council on matters arising from complaints to the
Ombudsman and other complaints systems relevant to Council services.
1.4 To advise the Council on the implementation of, and matters arising from
the Code of Conduct of Councillors and matters arising from the Ethical
Standards in Public Life Etc (Scotland) Act 2000 and other relevant
legislation.
Specific
2.1 To consider the annual Audit Plan and programme of internal audit work
2.2 To consider (for the Committee’s interests) the outcomes and actions
plans arising from internal audit reports.
2.3 To consider the annual Audit Planning Memorandum produced by the
External Auditor in respect of The Highland Council.
2.4 To consider (for its interests) the management and audit reports produced
by the External Auditor.
2.5 To consider (for its interests) the implications for The Highland Council of
reports produced by Audit Scotland.
2.6 To advise the Council on the review of financial procedures, including
Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders.
2.7 To ensure that tendering or market testing by the Council for goods,
works, services and land or property complies with Financial Regulations
and Contract Standing Orders.
2.8 To identify any special investigations required in relation to matters of
particular concern relating to internal controls and value for money.
2.9 To oversee the Council’s risk management policies and strategies and
receive reports annually from the Director of Finance on Risk Management
Plans for all Services
2.10 To prepare a workplan, for the Council’s approval, in relation to
monitoring the performance of the Council, and funded third party
organisations, against service delivery and to make recommendations to
the Council on proposed action.
2.11 To deal with matters referred to the Committee by the Council for
scrutiny purposes.
2.12 To receive an annual update on the Council’s Code of Corporate
Governance
2.13 To advise the Council on matters arising from the annual report on
Ombudsman’s complaints.
2.14 To advise the Council on matters arising from any formal investigations
carried out by the Ombudsman or from any other complaints system
relevant to Council services.
2.15 To review periodically the Council’s non statutory complaints systems
2.16 To advise the Council on the implementation and observance of the Code
of Conduct for Councillors.
2.17 To advise the Council on matters arising from the Ethical Standards in
Public Life Etc (Scotland) Act 2000 and other relevant legislation.
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee All of the powers and duties detailed in 1.1 to 2.18 above other than those specifically reserved under Part 1 of the Scheme.