Minutes of Special Meeting of the Highland Council held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 14 February 2008 at 10.30 a.m
1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Present:
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr R Rowantree, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Lady M Thurso, Mr W Fernie, Mr G M Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr D C M Flear, Mr W MacKay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Mr M Rattray, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Ms A MacLean, Mrs M Paterson, Dr D Alston, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing, Mr A Millar, Mr I Renwick, Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Miss J Campbell, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mrs E McAllister, Mr N Donald, Mr J Finnie, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr, Mr I Brown, Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G Marsden, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Mr T Prag, Mr F D S Black, Ms J Douglas, Mr G Rimell, Mr D Cameron, Dr M E M Foxley, Mr B Gormley and Mr B J Murphy.
In Attendance:
Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Depute Chief Executive, Director of TEC Services, Director of Social Work, Interim Director of Housing and Property, Assistant Chief Executive, Director of Education, Culture and Sport, Acting Director of Planning and Development and Head of Committee Services.
Mr A S Park in the Chair
Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs K MacNab, Mr J Holden and Mr D Fallows.
2. Housing Revenue Account Estimates 2008/09
Declarations of Interest – Mr G Farlow and Mr D Kerr declared financial interests in this item as Council House tenants but, in terms of the dispensation granted by the Standards Commission, remained to participate in the discussion and voting.
The Council was advised that, at its meeting on 16 January 2008, the Housing and Social Work Committee had agreed to make recommendations on the Housing Revenue Estimates and on rents for houses, garages and other charges.
In this connection, there had been circulated Extract from the Minutes of Meeting of the Housing and Social Work Committee.
There had also been re-circulated Report No. HSW-08-08 dated 8 January 2008 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property.
Following discussion, Mrs M Davidson, seconded by Mrs L MacDonald, MOVED the recommendations from the Housing and Social Work Committee.
As an AMENDMENT, Mrs E McAllister, seconded by Mr B J Murphy, moved that the estimated use of balances for 2008/09 (in the sum of £321k) should be increased to £642k which would allow there to be a rent increase of only RPI for 2008/09.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 66 votes and the AMENDMENT received 7 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr R Rowantree, Mr J Rosie, Lady M Thurso, Mr W Fernie, Mr G M Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr D C M Flear, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Mr M Rattray, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing, Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Mrs P Munro, Miss J Campbell, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr N Donald, Mr J Finnie, Mr D Henderson, Mr I Brown, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R Balfour, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G Marsden, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Mr T Prag, Ms J Douglas, Mr G Rimell, Mr D Cameron, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mrs D Mackay, Mrs M Paterson, Mrs E McAllister, Mr F Parr, Mr J Gray, Mr J Ford, and Mr B J Murphy.
Decision
The Council AGREED:-
(i) a rent increase of RPI+1% for 2008/09;
(ii) that this percentage increase should be applied to house rents, service charges, garage and garage site rentals, hostel rentals, homeless charges, rechargeable repairs and Gypsy/Traveller pitches, except charges for energy which would follow market rates (i.e. the rate of inflation that the Council experienced);
(iii) to note the estimated use of balances of £321,000 and the requirement to incur new borrowing of £2.417m in 2008/09;
(iv) that an information and advice sheet be prepared in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Councillor Janet Campbell to be issued along with the rent increase notice. This would highlight the role of Service Points, provide website addresses of voluntary organisations where information could be accessed on benefits and debt management and advise tenants of the availability of free internet access; and
(v) to continue to lobby the UK Government through the Treasury to write off the Council’s outstanding housing debt.
3. Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2008/09
There had been circulated Report No. HC-47-07 dated 7 February 2008 by the Director of Finance and Depute Chief Executive which set out the relevant information to allow the Council to agree its Revenue Budget and Council Tax for the financial year 2008/09.
In this connection, the Administration’s proposals in relation to Service Growth and Pressures (Booklet A) and Efficiencies and Savings (Booklet B) had also been circulated, together with Minutes of meetings of the Budget Working Group held on 19 December 2007 and 30 January 2008 for approval.
There had also been tabled at the meeting Revised Recommendations from the Administration in relation to Booklet B – ECS 11 (Primary Devolved) and SW 6 (CC Statutory Consultation), together with List of Proposed Amendments from the Liberal Democrat Group and Proposed Amendment from the Labour Group.
Prior to the commencement of discussion, the Convener also advised that a Petition of 17 names had been received from the clients of the Highland Carers Project and this was available for inspection if required.
Introducing the budget, the Vice Convener, as Chairman of the Budget Working Group, thanked the Director of Finance and his staff for the considerable amount of work which had been undertaken on the budget over a series of weeks and confirmed that, following debate, it was her intention to move the recommendations within the report as follows:-
(i) a council tax freeze, with council tax for 2008/09 being set at the 2007/08 levels (for Band D - £1,163);
(ii) the revenue budget for 2008/09, as set out in the report and the enclosed booklets and annexes, at £568.585m – subject to the following –
Booklet B (Page 1) - ECS 11 – Primary Devolved – proposed to withdraw savings measure 11 (0.5fte in smallest primary schools) and to find compensatory savings amounting to £140,000 in the financial year 2008/09 and £210,000 in 2009/10 through a further rationalisation of teaching posts in schools which were provided over and above the devolved school management entitlement. Also, in recognising that staffing allocations in primary schools had increased significantly since the introduction of the additional 0.5fte in the smallest primary schools, a review of staffing arrangements to be carried out – the withdrawal of savings measure 11 would allow time for such a review to be carried out as part of the budget preparation exercise for the financial year 2009/10; and
Booklet B (Page 4) - SW 6 – CC Statutory Consultation – provision of 6 months notice of any changes to HCCF and NHS Highland with this period to be used to discuss and determine how services would be provided in future. Where the identified savings were not realised, they would be met from further efficiency savings identified from Social Work Services - clear priorities were promoting the work of HUG and work to support carers.
(iii) the Concordat package and the arrangements to take forward the Single Outcome Agreement; and
(iv) that work should commence during March 2008 to take forward the revenue budgets for both 2009/10 and 2010/11.
Continuing, the Vice Convener referred to recent inaccuracies in the local media in regard to the setting of the budget and confirmed that the Budget Working Group process had in fact commenced in July 2007 with regular meetings having been held thereafter to closely consider local authority spending and identify priorities. This had been a long and arduous process but had been necessary in ensuring that best value was achieved for every penny spent by the Council. It was however considered that, in future, there was a need to fundamentally change the budget process in order to identify the services to be delivered in the first instance – as opposed to the current process which had concentrated on looking for efficiencies in relation to current budget.
A stable relationship with partners, including staff, NHS Highland and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, was also a priority and work was ongoing to fulfil this commitment with a view to eradicating any duplication of effort which would enable more resources to be directed towards frontline services.
In regard to the Voluntary Sector, work would commence in March 2008 to ensure that procedures were in place to enable ‘hand in hand’ partnership working which would be of benefit for all and would ensure the continuation of the valuable services currently being provided.
Overall, the budget was considered to be a very good settlement for the Highlands which met many of the Scottish Government’s priorities as well as the objectives of the Programme for Administration.
During a summary of the report, the Director of Finance confirmed that the financial year 2008/09 was the first year of the three year period covered by the Spending Review 2007 which had introduced significant change in terms of both the UK and Scottish Government approaches to public sector settlements. There had also been significant change to the nature of the partnership between Scottish Government and Local Government which had resulted in the agreement of a Concordat at a national level, proposals to freeze council tax levels, a move towards single outcome agreements and a resulting reduction in ring fencing of grants.
Booklets A and B set out the Administration’s proposals in relation to budget growth and pressures and efficiencies and savings respectively. In total, increased provision for growth and pressures of £13.555m was proposed. When added to the roll forward budget provision, this represented a total gross budget increase of £38.332m. It was also proposed that £12.753m of efficiencies and savings should be included which gave a net budget increase for the year of £25.579m (4.7%).
In relation to balances and reserves, the importance of retaining these at a prudent level to provide for unforeseen events was highlighted. Based upon projections, the level of General Fund balances was assessed as adequate in terms of providing a prudent sum.
It was confirmed that the Council, in agreeing the Programme for Administration in June 2007, had already committed to ‘undertake a comprehensive review of spending priorities by 2009’ which would clearly necessitate a review of budgeting arrangements and processes. To take forward this commitment and allow for planning for efficiencies and service improvements in the long term, it was proposed that work should progress on development of a medium term budget for the Council following the agreement of the current budget.
At this point (11.45am), the Council AGREED a short adjournment to allow Members to read the papers which had been tabled. (The meeting resumed at 12 noon).
During discussion, Members raised a number of issues in relation to specific areas of the budget – a number of which formed the basis of the tabled amendments from the Liberal Democrat Group and the Labour Group.
In regard to the two alterations proposed by the Vice Convener, Members were content to accept the alteration to ECS 11 – Primary Devolved as put forward by the Administration.
In relation to SW 6 – CC Statutory Consultation – it was confirmed that meetings would be held at an early date to both clarify how services were currently being delivered and to work with the organisations concerned in terms of the future delivery of services which were valued by communities. The outcome of the meetings/consultation would be reported back to the full Council in due course.
(The Council adjourned for lunch at 1.05pm – and resumed at 2.00pm).
Following further general discussion, the Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendations within the report - subject to the alterations proposed in regard to Booklet B - ECS 11 (Primary Devolved) and SW 6 (CC Statutory Consultation).
As an AMENDMENT, Mr J Gray, seconded by Mr B J Murphy, moved that balances should be reduced to £12m to allow additional funds to be allocated to Education (£3.2m), Social Work (£1.2m) and TEC Services (£600k) on the basis that Directors would be required to use it to protect jobs and services and to report to the Council on how this could be best achieved.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 23 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D MacKay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell, Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr, Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
Thereafter, a number of tabled amendments from the Liberal Democrat Group – in relation to Booklet B – Efficiencies and Savings - were dealt with as follows:-
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – planned saving from review of Pre-School provision in 2008/09 - £240k.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Millar, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that the saving should be amended to £120k.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 27 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D MacKay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – adjust the teaching staffing formula downwards by 3% in 2008/09 representing a saving of £180k.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Millar, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that the saving should be amended to £100k.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 46 votes and the AMENDMENT received 27 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D MacKay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED that the Council approve the recommendation as detailed – rationalise teaching posts over and above devolved school management formula entitlement in 2008/09 representing a saving of £390k.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Millar, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 46 votes and the AMENDMENT received 27 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D MacKay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – revise contractual specification in order to achieve a 10% saving in the overall cost of the Building Cleaning Service – representing a saving of £400k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Millar, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that the saving should be amended to 5%.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 45 votes and the AMENDMENT received 27 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Torrance, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick, Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – standstill budget for SEN budgets which were devolved to special schools – representing a saving of £48k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Millar, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 28 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – review delivery of play equipment, including deletion of specialist post – representing a saving of £30k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Dr D Alston, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 44 votes and the AMENDMENT received 29 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing, Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Mr A Rhind, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mr P Corbett, Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – standstill budget for all voluntary sector grants with the exception of village halls – representing a saving of £53k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Millar, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 48 votes and the AMENDMENT received 26 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr, Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – 1% saving target for ASN funding held at Area level – representing a saving of £137k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Millar, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 28 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
Declarations of Interest
Mr H Wood declared a non-financial interest in this item in terms of a family connection to HCCF and remained to participate in the discussion and voting.
Mrs D Mackay declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of a Voluntary Group in East Sutherland and remained to participate in the discussion and voting.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as now altered – provision of 6 months notice of any changes to HCCF and NHS Highland with this period to be used to discuss and determine how services would be provided in future. Where the identified savings were not realised, they would be met from further efficiency savings identified from Social Work Services – clear priorities were promoting the work of HUG and work to support carers. The outcome of the meetings/consultation would be reported back to the Council in due course.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr D C M Flear, seconded by Mr R Rowantree, moved that any reduction in funding should be reduced to £30k (from the previous proposal of £60k) with the remaining £30k being allocated to Age Concern within an agreed Service Level Agreement.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 46 votes and the AMENDMENT received 28 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Mr D Mackay, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Mrs M Paterson, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
Declaration of Interest – Dr D Alston declared a financial interest in this item as Chairman of the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team (HDAAT) and left the room.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – reduction of support to HDAAT – representing a saving of £19k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr W J Ross, seconded by Miss J Campbell, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 25 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Ms L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mrs P Munro, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell, Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
At this point, Dr Alston returned to the meeting.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – review of young carer support – reduce funding to Princess Royal Carers by 50% and deliver support through existing youth services – representing a saving of £25k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr D C M Flear, seconded by Mr T Prag, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 43 votes and the AMENDMENT received 29 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser , Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr D C M Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Mrs M Paterson, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – improved management of planned maintenance (5%) – representing a saving of £20k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr Rowantree, seconded by Miss J Campbell, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 25 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mrs L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser , Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr D Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – improved management of cyclical maintenance (5%) – representing a saving of £30k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr Rowantree, seconded by Miss J Campbell, moved that this saving should be deleted.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 26 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mrs L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser , Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – implementation of further restructuring following on from initial management restructuring and a review of budgeted establishment (including some vacant posts not to be filled – report to PED Committee in the autumn) – representing a saving of £160k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr D Henderson, seconded by Dr D Alston, moved that this saving should be amended to £80k.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 26 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mrs L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser , Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – increase ferry charges by 20% (charges had not been increased since February 2002) – representing a saving of £200k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr W J Ross, seconded by Dr M E M Foxley, moved that the increase should be amended to 10%.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 26 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mrs L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum , Mr H Fraser , Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr D Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham , Miss J Campbell, Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Mr D Cameron, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – reduce external contractors payments by 10% - representing a saving of £338k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr W J Ross, seconded by Mr A Millar, moved that the saving should be amended to £238k.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 26 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mrs L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas , Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – reduce external contractors payments by 10% - representing a saving of £250k in 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr W J Ross, seconded by Mr G Marsden, moved that the saving should be reduced to £200k.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 47 votes and the AMENDMENT received 26 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mrs L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs M Paterson, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser, Mrs I McCallum , Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mr J Finnie, Mr I Brown, Mr R Balfour, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron and Mr B Gormley.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr G Smith, Mr D Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood , Mr A Graham, Miss J Campbell , Mrs E McAllister, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr , Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr B J Murphy.
A further tabled amendment from the Liberal Democrat Group – in relation to Booklet A – Budget Pressures and Growth - was dealt with as follows:-
The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, MOVED approval of the recommendation as detailed – additional funding for grounds maintenance, litter picking, street cleaning, etc in the sum of £1m for 2008/09.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr W J Ross, seconded by Mrs I Campbell, moved that the increase should be restricted to £800k – with a sum of £200k to be allocated to additional flood alleviation and prevention works across the Highlands.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 52 votes and the AMENDMENT received 20 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED - the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Mr G Farlow, Mrs L Munro, Mr D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Mr W Fernie, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mrs C Wilson, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mr B Barclay, Mr C Fraser , Mrs I McCallum , Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing , Mr I Renwick , Mr W Clark , Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Hendry, Mr J MacDonald, Mr D Kerr, Mrs E McAllister, Mr J Finnie, Mr F Parr, Mr I Brown, Mr J Gray, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Ford, Mr R Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr R Pedersen, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Cameron, Mr B Gormley and Mr B J Murphy.
For the Amendment:-
Mr R Rowantree, Lady M Thurso, Mr D Flear, Mr W J Ross, Mrs I Campbell, Mr M Rattray, Ms A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr A Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham , Miss J Campbell , Mr D Henderson, Mr K MacLeod, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr J Crawford, Mr T Prag, Mr G Rimell and Dr M E M Foxley.
Decision
The Council AGREED:-
(i) a Council Tax freeze with Council Tax for 2008/09 set at 2007/08 levels (for Band D - £1163);
(ii) the Revenue Budget for 2008/09, as set out in the report and Booklets A & B and annexes, at £568.585m – subject to the alterations in relation to Booklet B (ECS 11 and SW6);
(iii) the Concordat Package and arrangements in place to take forward the Single Outcome Agreement; and
(iv) that work should commence during March 2008 to take forward the Revenue Budgets for both 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The Council also AGREED the Minutes of Meetings of the Budget Working Group held on 19 December 2007 and 30 January 2008.
4. Closure of Post Offices – Draft Consultation Response to Post Office Ltd
Declarations of Interest - Mr H Fraser and Mr G Rimell declared financial interests in this item as Sub-Postmasters and left the room.
There had been circulated Report No. HC-48-07 dated 6 February 2008 by the Head of Policy and Performance which included the draft response to the consultation from Post Office Ltd on the closure of 29 Post Offices in the Highlands and provided the background to the consultation and the Council’s role during the consultation process.
There had also been circulated Minutes of Meetings of the Post Office Working Group held on 25 September 2007, 14 December 2007, 10 January 2008 and 5 February 2008.
During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that, in advance of the Area Plan being produced, information had been provided to Post Office Ltd with a view to minimising closures. Following publication of the Plan, and in order to produce the draft response, action had been taken to check in detail every branch access report for the 29 Post Offices affected to ensure that Post Office Ltd adhered to the criteria set and that the information to be used was accurate, commission independent customer profile surveys at seven locations across the area and collate comments made at public meetings. In addition, comment postcards had been provided by the Council to help members of the public to make their comments known to Post Office Ltd and a discussion forum had been set up on the Council’s website.
It was also confirmed that, whilst the draft response ran to over 80 pages, more information was to be included arising from recent community meetings and any further comments from Members. It was also proposed that the Working Group should reconvene following publication of the report from Post Office Ltd on the consultation in order to consider any implications from the outcome of the report.
Decision
The Council AGREED:-
(i) the draft response to the consultation as circulated;
(ii) that any further comments for inclusion should be submitted by Members and from community consultations by Friday, 15 February 2008 at 5.00pm;
(iii) that any further changes requested to the draft response following the Council meeting should be agreed by the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Convener, Vice Convener and Chair of the Working Group; and
(iv) that the Working Group should meet one final time on publication of the final report on closures from Post Office Ltd to consider the implications of the outcome of the consultation.
5. Membership of Committees
(a) The Council AGREED the following changes to the membership of Committees as submitted by the SNP Group:-
Audit and Scrutiny Committee
Mr P Cairns to replace Mrs P Munro
Mr A Torrance to replace Mr J Finnie
Housing and Social Work Committee
Mr I Renwick to replace Mrs P Munro
Planning, Environment and Development Committee
Mr A Torrance to replace Mr B Wynd
Resources Committee
Mrs P Munro to replace Mr I Brown
Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee
Mr D Fallows to replace Mr I Brown
(b) The Council AGREED to appoint Mrs P Munro as Vice Chairman of the Resources Committee.
The meeting ended at 4.20 p.m.