Strategic Committees
General
The following powers/duties shall be exercisable by all the Headquarters Strategic Committees.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To decide grant applications, of Highland wide significance, to outside bodies/agencies.
- To consider issues relevant to the operation of the Council’s Contracts Standing Orders.
- To consider significant staffing structure issues for the Service(s) covered by the Committee’s remit for referral to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee.
- 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.
- To respond to Green Papers, Parliamentary Bills, Statutory Instruments and pre-legislative consultation by a Scottish Parliamentary Committee, as appropriate.
- 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.
- To promote sustainable development in the conduct of Council business and the provision and delivery of services.
- To promote equal opportunities in the conduct of Council business and the provision and delivery of services.
Finance, Housing and Resources Committee
1. General
1.1 All matters relating to:
- the management and arrangement of the financial affairs of the Council
- Personnel, Health and Safety, Training and Development, Legal and Democratic Services, Members' and Support Services, Registration Services, Customer Services, including Service Points and the Service Centre
- management of the Council's non-housing property portfolio
- management of the arrangements for the provision of IT services
- consideration of corporate policies not listed within the remit of the Council or other Committees
- 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
- the functions of the Council as the statutory Housing Authority and the determination of the Local Housing Strategy
2. Specific
Finance Service
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 (including the scrutiny of policy and strategy statements, outturn and performance monitoring reports and practices).
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 to approve Local Government Pension Scheme discretionary policies in respect of the Council’s role as an employer within the Pension Fund.
2.13 the administration of local taxation, including Council tax and non-domestic rates.
2.14 the administration of council tax benefit and housing benefits including benefits promotion and anti-fraud activities.
2.15 collection and recovery of debts owed to the Council.
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 application of the Council’s pay and grading scheme and conditions of service of all employees of the Council, other than Chief Officers.
3.4 To review and monitor the arrangements for customer service, including through the Service Point network, Service Centre, Website and other channels being developed to support good access to the Council.
3.5 To review and monitor the arrangements for the delivery of efficiency and service improvements through the Corporate Improvement Programme.
3.6 To approve and monitor implementation of the Council’s policies in relation to mitigating against and adapting to climate change.
3.7 To consider reports from other Committees or Service Directors proposing any increase, amendment or revision of any existing staff structures and conditions of service.
3.8 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.
3.9 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.
3.10 To introduce, review and monitor policies for the health, safety and welfare of employees of the Council in terms of statute or otherwise.
3.11 To ensure the provision of support to Lieutenancies within the area of the Council.
3.12 To oversee the effective administration of, and to ensure appropriate resources for, the Highland Licensing Committee/Board and Licensing Divisions.
3.13 To 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.
3.14 To 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.
3.15 To appoint the Committees/Sub-Committee with the remits detailed below, acting with full delegated powers, to deal with Appeals, Disputes and Early Retirement. **
4 Housing and Property
Housing
4.1 To approve the Housing Revenue Account Estimates and to recommend rent and other charges to the Council.
4.2 To have overall responsibility for the Council’s housing management and homelessness policies.
4.3 To have overall responsibility for the Council’s policies on private sector housing and to approve expenditure of Private Sector Housing Grant.
4.4 To consider all applications for housing development loans and grants and to oversee the operation of the Council’s Landbank Fund.
4.5 To oversee the work of the Building Maintenance DLO.
4.6 To have overall responsibility for the Council’s policies on unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller encampments.
4.7 To receive an Annual Report on the Highland Housing Alliance, including Financial Reports and Accounts.
Property
4.8 The management, lease and disposal of land and property of a capital value exceeding £200,000 or £25,000pa: investigating and formulating proposals for joint venture utilising Council property assets.
The acquisition and lease of land and property of a capital value exceeding £100,000 for acquisitions or £15,000pa for leases.
The disposal of land at less than the best consideration than can reasonably be obtained with a market value in excess of £10,000 or where marginal differences between proposed prices and best consideration prices is 25% or less and the marginal difference exceeds £10,000 should be taken on the basis of analysis undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the disposal of land by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010.
4.9 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.
4.10 To approve terms and conditions negotiated by the Director of Housing and Property for the acquisition, disposal or lease of land and property.
4.11 To monitor the status of building projects appearing in the capital works and maintenance programmes.
4.12 To agree and monitor the project management arrangements for Public Private Partnership schemes relating to building construction or maintenance programmes.
4.13 To agree and monitor the Service’s role as CDM Co-ordinator under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM Regulations).
4.14 To monitor the purchase of fuels and energy and agree such contracts.
4.15 To monitor the inspection, management, allocation and rationalisation of Council owned or leased office accommodation.
4.16 To approve and maintain competed framework arrangements for minor and major works contracts.
4.17 To decide on grants of national significance which relate to the Service's responsibilities.
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All of the powers and duties detailed in 1.1 to 4.17 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.
To consider exceptional circumstances applying to transfers into the Local Government Pensions Scheme from occupational pension schemes or personal pension schemes.
**(d) Non Domestic Rates Appeal Committee
To consider and determine appeals by ratepayers on non-Valuation
aspects of rates administration”.
**Full delegated powers.
Adult and Children’s Services Committee
1. General
1.1 To exercise the statutory functions of the Council with regard to Social Work and Social Care, and those delegated to Highland Council for Health Services by NHS Highland.
1.2 To safeguard the welfare of adults and children and to secure continuous improvement through the development, review and scrutiny of Service Plans and associated policies and strategies for the delivery of Social Care, Child Health and Education, Culture & Sport services.
1.3 To exercise statutory functions for Social Care, Child Health and Education, Culture & Sport services.
1.4 To ensure quality assurance monitoring and scrutiny in the delivery of Social Care, Child Health and Education, Culture & Sport services.
1.5 To ensure commitment, agreement and effective communication in terms of integrated processes and joint working arrangements in relation to all services, including health improvement and equalities and public health.
1.6 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.
1.7 To deal with representations, consultations etc. from the UK and Scottish Governments and to make representations to Ministers and those bodies regarding services included in the Committee’s remit, as appropriate.
1.8 To make recommendations to the Council on the outcomes of statutory consultation on school provision.
1.9 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.
1.10 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.
1.11 To appoint Mental Health Officers in terms of S32 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
1.12 To enable children and young people to achieve their full potential by promoting their participation in decision making, paying particular attention to children in need and looked after children, young people who are socially excluded and young carers, and to ensure collaborative and joined up working in regard to the transition from Children’s Services to Adult Social Care.
1.13 To oversee and monitor the work of the Champions’ Co-ordinator, Champion for Older People & Adults and Champion for Carers and to receive regular reports in this regard.
1.14 **To appoint the following Sub Committees – Adult Services Development & Scrutiny Sub Committee, Culture and Leisure Contracts Sub Committee, Criminal Justice Sub Committee, Appeals Committee, Appointments Committee and Education Transport Entitlement Review Committee.
** Full delegated Powers
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All the powers and duties listed in 1.1 to 1.14 above other than those specifically reserved under Part I of this Scheme, and those fully delegated referred to in 1.14 above.
Planning, Environment and Development Committee
1. General
a. To oversee the functions of the Council as the Planning Authority under the
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) and other
relevant statute.
b. To oversee the functions of the Council as the Buildings Authority under the
Building (Scotland) Act 2003 (as amended) and other relevant statute.
2. To prepare and thereafter annually update a Development Plan Scheme setting out the Council’s programme for preparing and reviewing development plans.
3. To prepare, monitor and review Local Development Plans, Supplementary Guidance and other strategic land use, transportation and environmental policies and guidance for the Council in accordance with the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) - which may include the establishment of short life Sub-Committees/Working Groups to take forward such a plan, guidance or policy for a specific geographic area - and to adopt, with the exception of Local Development Plans which are reserved to full Council, any such policy, guidance or plan where such functions and powers are not delegated to other Committees or where other Committees have declined to exercise their delegated powers.
4. To prepare and approve such Action Programmes and Annual Monitoring reports as are required to maintain effective coverage/implementation/delivery of Local Development Plans across the Council’s area in accordance with the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended).
5. To promote the Highland’s identity and image to live, work and visit with the business community, institutions, media and Government agencies.
6. To facilitate opportunities for inward investment, regeneration and economic development of the Highlands.
7. 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.
8. To promote the Highlands as a destination for tourism and as a location for film and media work.
9. To respond on behalf of the Council in relation to consultations from the Scottish Government 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.
10. To deliver the Council’s duties and responsibilities, where such duties and responsibilities are not delegated to Officers (or where Officers have declined to exercise their delegated powers) or to Planning Applications Committees, under the Countryside Act 1967, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (in terms of access) and the Nature Conservation Act 2004.
11. 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.
12. To agree arrangements for Business Improvement Districts under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended).
13. To agree arrangements for any Urban Regeneration Company.
14. To carry out environmental works in accordance with the Council's approved capital and revenue programmes.
15. To fulfil the functions of the Council under the terms of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended) and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)(Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) where such functions are not delegated to Officers (or where Officers have declined to exercise their delegated powers) or to Planning Applications Committees.
16. 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)
17. To determine all applications referred to the Committee (with the exception of applications relating to ‘major developments’ (as designated by s26A(1)(b)&2 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) which are considered to be significantly contrary to the development plan, rather than to a Planning Applications Committee where the Director, following consultation with the Planning, Environment and Development Chair and the relevant Chairs of the Planning Applications Committees, is of the opinion that an application raises strategic and/or cross boundary issues.
18. 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 Committee.
19. To serve notices and to acquire land by agreement or compulsory purchase with the consent of Scottish Ministers pursuant to the delivery of the Council’s duties and responsibilities under Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
20. To appoint persons to Local Access Fora in pursuance of its duties and responsibilities under Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
21. To exempt land from access rights in pursuance of its duties and responsibilities under Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
22. To enter into path agreements in pursuance of its duties and responsibilities under Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
23. To respond to consultations from Scottish Ministers on energy developments under the Electricity Act 1989 (including those relating to s36 and s37 applications) referred to the Committee under the Council’s Notice of Amendment (Planning) procedures in respect of applications first considered at a Planning Applications Committee.
24. To receive annual reports on the following companies, including Financial Reports and Accounts – Beinn Tharsuinn Wind Farm Comm, Caithness Horizons, Highland Birchwoods, Highland Buildings Preservation Trust, Highland Fresh Mussels Ltd, Highland Opportunity Ltd, Highland Opportunity (Communities) Ltd, Highland Opportunity (EBS) Ltd, Highland Opportunity (Investments) Ltd, Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd, Ness Horizons and Scotland’s Housing Expo (Highland Housing Fair) Ltd.
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All the powers and duties specified in 1 to 25 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
- Consumer Safety
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
- Trading Standards, Consumer Protection and Consumer 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 The deletion of roads from the list of public roads and the adoption of roads which are not constructed under the Road Construction Consent procedure onto the list of public roads.
2.1.4 To approve the level of charges for road construction consents, permissions to occupy and to work in the road.
2.1.5 To recommend Compulsory Purchase Orders to the Council.
2.2. Traffic Management / Transportation
2.2.1 To develop and approve the local transport strategy.
2.2.2 To promote Road Traffic Orders where there are statutory objections where not otherwise dealt with by City/Area Committees.
2.2.3 To approve the scale of charges for car parking.
2.2.4 To 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
2.4.1 To 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
2.9.1 To 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
- Food Safety
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
2.10.1 To promote and approve policies in relation to consumer protection, including:
- Trading Standards
- Consumer advice
- Business Advice
- Petroleum, explosives and poisons licensing and registration
- Enforcement of Civic Government Licensing
2.10.2 To approve the fees and charges for testing and stamping weights and measures equipment, miscellaneous weights and measures charges and licensing and registration under the relevant statutory provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 relating to the storage of petroleum and explosives, Poisons Act 1982 and Fireworks Regulations 2004.
2.11 Community Works
2.11.1 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 Burials
2.12.1 To approve the scale of charges for burials and cremations.
2.12.2 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.
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All the powers and duties listed in 1.1 to 2.13.2 above other than those specifically reserved under Part I of this scheme.
Pensions Committee
1. General
To exercise on behalf of the Council all the powers and duties of the Council in relation to its functions as Administering Authority of The Highland Council Pension Fund (the Fund) except where they have been specifically delegated by the Council to another Committee or to an officer(s).
2. Specific
2.1 To ensure that the Fund complies with best practice.
2.2 To ensure that the Fund complies with the relevant Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations and all other legislation governing the administration of the Fund.
2.3 To review the Annual Report and Accounts of the Fund.
2.4 To review the results of the Triennial Actuarial Valuation of the Fund.
2.5 To set the Funds’ objectives and ensure appropriate strategies, policies and procedures are put in place and kept up to date with a view to achieving these objectives including:
a) To set the Investments Strategy (including strategic asset allocation) and
associated policies for the Pension Fund and Inverness Common Good Fund,
and oversee the Investment Sub-Committee in the implementation of
Investment Strategy and policies
b) To set the Funding Strategy and associated policies, and to set the policy
on funding matters for employers joining and leaving the Fund
c) To ensure consistency between the Fund’s Investment Strategy and
Funding Strategy and the implementation of those strategies.
d) To set the Administration Strategy ensuring appropriate arrangements for
the administration of benefits are in place and demonstrate the operational
efficiency of the administration of benefits through the use of key
performance indicators
e) To set the strategy for communicating with Scheme employers and
employees in the Fund.
f) To agree the Fund’s Governance Policy.
2.6 To ensure the delivery of the Funding Strategy ensuring the ongoing monitoring and management of the liabilities as appropriate.
2.7 To review, as appropriate, the Governance Structure of the Pension Scheme to set out the responsibilities of Elected Members, officers, investment managers, advisors, custodians and the actuary to the Scheme, including delegated powers and make recommendations to the Council for changes where necessary.
2.8 To ensure appropriate Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) arrangements are in place and review investment performance on such contributions.
2.9 To set and monitor progress against annual business plans for the Fund.
2.10 To develop and maintain a trustee training policy.
2.11 To develop and maintain a risk management strategy.
2.12 To exercise Pension Fund discretions on behalf of the Administering Authority.
2.13 To appoint, dismiss and assess the performance of advisors to the Fund including investment advisers and actuaries.
2.14 To agree where appropriate the Administering Authority responses to consultations by Central Government, professional and other bodies in relation to key consultations.
2.15 The approval of Admitted Bodies.
2.16 To monitor and oversee the work of the Investment Sub-Committee and carry out any of that Sub-Committee’s responsibilities if appropriate.
Powers and duties delegated to the Committee
All of the powers and duties detailed in 1 to 2.16 above other than those specifically reserved under Part 1 of the Scheme and those fully delegated to the following -
**a) Investment Sub-Committee
1. To exercise the delegated powers and duties of the Pension Committee in relation to the management and investment of the Fund’s assets. This will include the following specific functions:
1.1 To ensure that the management and investment of assets complies with best practice;
1.2 To ensure that the Fund complies with the relevant Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations and all other legislation governing the administration of the Fund as they relate to the management and investment of the Fund’s assets;
1.3 To ensure the delivery of the Funds’ investment objectives, strategies and policies and that they are kept up to date;
1.4 To appoint, dismiss and assess the performance of investment managers, custodians and other advisers involved with the management and investment of assets and/or funding of liabilities; and
1.5 To undertake any task delegated to it by the Pensions Committee.
2. Also to exercise on behalf of the Council all the powers and duties of the Council in relation to the management and investment of the Inverness Common Good Fund, except where they have been specifically delegated by the Council to another Committee or to an officer(s). This will include the following specific functions:
2.1 To ensure that the management and investment of assets complies with best practice.
2.2 To ensure that the investment of the Fund complies with the relevant legislation.
2.3 To ensure the delivery of the Funds’ investment objectives, strategies and policies, ensuring procedures are put in place and kept up to date.
2.4 To appoint, dismiss and assess the performance of investment managers, custodians and other advisers involved with the management and investment of assets.
**Full delegated powers.
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.
1.5 To scrutinise actions agreed by Strategic Committees in response to the findings and recommendations arising from national reports by scrutiny bodies.
Specific
2.1 To consider the annual Audit Plan and programme of internal audit work, including any revisions to the Audit Plan during the year.
2.2 To consider (for the Committee’s interests) the outcomes and actions plans arising from internal audit reports together with assurance that audit recommendations are satisfactorily implemented.
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, outcomes and action plans, for the Highland Council of reports produced by Audit Scotland and other inspection and scrutiny bodies.
2.6 To consider and advise the Council on the review of Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders.
2.7 To identify any special investigations required in relation to matters of particular concern relating to internal controls and value for money.
2.8 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, including an update on Corporate and Cross Cutting Risks on a six monthly basis.
2.9 To prepare and undertake a scrutiny 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
2.10 To deal with matters referred to the Committee by the Council or Strategic Committees for scrutiny purposes in relation to internal controls or value for money.
2.11 To receive an annual update on the Council’s Code of Corporate Governance.
2.12 To advise the Council on matters arising from the annual report on Ombudsman’s complaints, from any formal investigations carried out by the Ombudsman or form any other complaints system relevant to Council Services.
2.13 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.
2.14 To review periodically the Council’s non statutory complaints systems.
2.15 To advise the Council on matters arising from the Ethical Standards in Public Life Etc (Scotland) Act 2000, including the implementation and observance of the Code of Conduct for Councillors, and other relevant legislation.
2.16 To undertake an annual self-assessment of effectiveness in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) guidance.
Powers and Duties Delegated to the Committee
All of the powers and duties detailed in 1.1 to 2.16 above other than those specifically reserved under Part 1 of the Scheme.
Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee
General
1. To provide strategic direction and scrutiny for continuously improving the Council’s approach to engaging with partners and with Highland communities to promote community safety to achieve the best possible outcomes for the region.
2. To trial arrangements for the local scrutiny by, and engagement of, members for police and fire and rescue services in advance of the new national Police and national Fire and Rescue Services expected to be in place for 1.4.13.
3. To ensure that the Council has the right methods in place for seeking and listening to views and feedback from the public.
4. To implement the Council’s Equalities duties to understand the needs of people who have characteristics protected in law to make sure Council services are more responsive to their need.
5. To work in partnership and to engage with stakeholders in the Highlands to strengthen community planning and achieve a co-ordinated approach to the provision of services and the delivery of local solutions for local problems.
6. To agree responses to Government consultations and Parliamentary Inquiries relating to community safety, public engagements and equalities.
Specific
Community safety
1. To scrutinise the evidence base for setting police, fire and rescue, public protection and community safety priorities (the Strategic Assessment) for the Highlands and to agree the priorities for the Highlands.
2. To scrutinise the development of relevant plan(s) for local policing, local fire and rescue services, public protection and community safety and ensure their fit with the Single Outcome Agreement.
3. To monitor and scrutinise the delivery of the agreed Plans and performance for the Highlands provided by the local police and the local fire and rescue service to support member engagement and scrutiny of performance. This will take into account national performance frameworks and locally agreed priorities.
4. To take part in the national pathfinder local scrutiny and engagement project. This means sharing the learning to support effective implementation of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act and reviewing the operation of the Committee for 2013 onwards. Following committee meetings in 2012-13 members will evaluate the effectiveness of the Committee in supporting their engagement and scrutiny of police and fire and rescue services and the achievement of community safety outcomes for the policy areas set out below.
5. To provide clear strategic direction in the determination and implementation of the Council’s policies in 2012-13 to achieve outcomes for: road safety; antisocial behaviour, noise nuisance and vandalism; hate crimes including gender-based violence; emergency planning; and any issues arising from doorstop crime, cold calling and scams; and regulating the supply of goods (aerosol paints, knives, fireworks & other pyrotechnics, hazardous chemicals, tobacco products, cigarette lighter refills, unsafe consumer products) and storage of petrol and explosives.
Public engagement
6. To consider the outcome of the national review of community planning and single outcome agreements and to agree the Council’s response and implementation of the findings.
7. To agree the approach to any Council wide statutory and non-statutory consultations and scrutinise the methods of engagement used in Council services. (Specific service consultations will be considered in Strategic Committees).
8. To oversee the implementation and development of the Council’s Community Benefit policy.
9. To agree any corporate response to community consultations conducted by other organisations which the Council needs to co-ordinate (excluding any consultations that can be considered in strategic committees).
10. To ensure Community Councils are supported to be effective.
11. To oversee the Council’s contribution to a partnership approach for supporting volunteering and community development in the Highlands.
12. To identify how to improve public engagement in the democratic process, and in the work of the Highland Council, including turn-out at elections.
13. Designing the process for handling petitions to be heard in Strategic Committees and monitoring their outcomes annually.
Equalities
14. To ensure the development and delivery of the Fairer Highland Plan, this sets out how the Council will meet its duties in the Equality Act (2010). Aspects relating to staffing and the Council’s equality duties as an employer will be considered by the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee.
15. To consider the further evidence from equalities groups and individuals on what it means and feels like to live in the Highlands with a protected characteristic.
16. Agree by April 2013 the equality outcomes to be published following further engagement with equality groups.