A meeting of The Highland Council will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 10.30am.
You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.
Yours faithfully,
Michelle Morris
Assistant Chief Executive
Declarations of Interest – Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting. Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest. Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.
1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
2. Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – Gold Award Presentation
(Programme for the Administration: Children and Young People: “Young people are our future. This Administration will do all we can to foster their talents and work with them.”)
The Council is advised that this is a record year for the Duke of Edinburgh awards with 18 young people from across the Highlands due to receive the Gold Award.
Fourteen recipients have accepted an invitation to attend the meeting where the Convener will present them with their Gold Award badges.
3. Presentation - Highlands and Islands Enterprise - 'A New Beginning'
(Programme for the Administration: A Planned Culture of Enterprise and Growth “We will work with the Scottish Government, the business community, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other statutory development bodies to develop services and infrastructure that reflect the needs of Highland businesses and create employment opportunities”)
The Chair, Mr W Roe, and Chief Executive, Mr S Cumming, of Highlands & Islands Enterprise will undertake a presentation at the meeting which will explain the impact of the Scottish Government Economic Strategy and Enterprise Networks Review on refocusing Highlands & Islands Enterprise and slimming down the organisation to deliver increased sustainable growth across the Highlands & Islands.
4. Confirmation of Minutes
There are submitted for confirmation as correct records the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 8 May 2008 as contained in the Volume circulated separately.
5. Minutes of Meetings of Committees
There are submitted for confirmation as correct records, for information as regards delegated business, and for approval as appropriate, the Minutes of Meetings of Committees contained in the volume circulated separately as undernoted:-
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5.1: Inverness City Committee - 28 April 2008
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5.2: Housing and Social Work Committee - 21 May 2008
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5.3: Education, Culture and Sport Committee - 22 May 2008
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5.4: Planning, Environment and Development Committee - 28 May 2008
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5.5: Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee - 29 May 2008
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5.6: Gaelic Committee - 5 June 2008
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5.7: Joint Committee for Children and Young People - 6 June 2008
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5.8: Inverness City Committee - 9 June 2008
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5.9: Resources Committee - 11 June 2008
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5.10: Audit and Scrutiny Committee - 12 June 2008
6. Political Arrangements Working Group
(Programme for the Administration: Corporate Objectives: “We aim to deliver a more responsive and better value Council over the coming four years”)
There is circulated Report No. hc-14-08 dated 13 June 2008 by the Chief Executive which provides an update on the progress being made by the Working Group reviewing the political arrangements of the Council. It also outlines the future work to be completed and recommends that the Group reports back to the meeting of the Council on 4 September 2008.
There are also circulated for approval Minutes of Meetings held on 9 May and 12 June 2008 .
Minutes of the Meeting to be held on 20 June 2008 will be tabled.
Members are asked to note the progress made by the Working Group and that a report will be presented to the Council on 4 September 2008 covering the remit of the Group.
7. Appointment of Office Bearer – Vice-Chairman - Planning, Environment and Development Committee
The Council is advised that Mrs I McCallum has intimated her resignation as Vice-Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee with effect from 18 June 2008.
The Council is therefore invited to appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee.
8. Amendments to Committee, Working Group and Fire Board membership
The Council is advised that Mr Jim Crawford is no longer a member of the Independent Group. Therefore, the political make up of the Council is now as follows –
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Independent - 33
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Liberal Democrat - 21
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SNP - 17
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Labour - 7
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Non-Aligned - 2
The formula in respect of the number of places on the Strategic Committees is unaffected (9,6,5,2).
The Council has previously allocated places on Strategic Committees in accordance with advice from CoSLA on political balance.
Changes to the Planning, Environment and Development Committee, Natural Resources Working Group and Highland & Islands Fire Board membership in order to maintain the political balance will therefore be tabled at the meeting.
9. Questions to the Convener
The following Questions have been received by the Assistant Chief Executive in terms of Standing Order 42:-
(i) David Bremner
“In relation to my question to the Convener at the last meeting regarding a breakdown of the £98,000 (2008/09) and £155,000 (Full Year Saving) from the Library Service, could the Convener explain why, if these savings are relating to backroom operations, the posts of Resources Assistant (who provides a frontline service to teachers through the Resource Centre in Dingwall) and the Principal Schools Librarian (who provides a direct service to Primary and Secondary School Libraries) are included?”
The response is circulated
Mr Bremner will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Convener.
(ii) Mr Donald Cameron
“At the ‘Highland Council Beyond 2007’ meeting on 29 June 2006, it was minuted “Maintaining service local delivery at Ward level would be essential and sustaining the rural economy by dispersal of management and other jobs remains a priority”.
Could the Convener outline the Council’s plans to implement this priority and whether or not a timescale is in place?”
The response is circulated
Mr Cameron will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Convener.
(iii) Mr Bill Clark
“At a meeting of the Education, Culture & Sport Committee, it was agreed to set up a Sub-Committee under the chairmanship of Councillor Bren Gormley with the remit of investigating ways of providing new or refurbishing existing facilities to provide specialised sporting facilities to enable sportsmen and women in the Highlands the opportunity to participate in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Would the Convener advise on the number of meetings convened and the number of sports persons/clubs who participated in those meetings. Also, the number of existing facilities earmarked at least in part for use as specialised facilities and the type of sports or individuals who will benefit?”
The response is circulated
Mr Clark will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Convener.
(iv) Dr David Alston
“Given the recent increases in the cost of fuel, does the Convener believe that the Council’s current target on reducing fuel poverty in the Single Outcome Agreement is adequate?”
The response is circulated
Dr Alston will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Convener.
(v) Dr David Alston
“The Administration has committed the Council (through the Single Outcome Agreement) to a 5% increase by 2010/11 in the financial benefit obtained by those seeking money advice from the Council and from its partners advice agencies in the voluntary sector. Can the Convener confirm that this will be 5% over and above the rate of inflation and that this will therefore be a real increase in benefit uptake?”
The response is circulated
Dr Alston will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Convener.
(vi) Mr Thomas Prag
(To the Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee)
“What progress has been made by the Administration towards establishing Business Gateway and taking over responsibility for support of this business development function from Highlands & Islands Enterprise?”
The response is circulated
Mr Prag will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee.
(vii) Mr Ian Ross
(To the Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee)
“The thresholds for Highlands & Islands Enterprise grant aid for business have been increased to a £5k grant in ‘fragile areas’ and £20k in the rest of Highland. Is the Administration concerned about the effects of this on small businesses?”
The response is circulated
Mr Ross will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee.
(viii) Mrs Isabelle Campbell
(To the Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee)
“Does the Administration have concerns about the possible lack of match funding from Highlands & Islands Enterprise for EU funded programmes such as LEADER?”
The response is circulated
Mrs Campbell will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee.
(ix) Dr Michael Foxley
“What actions are the Administration taking to work with NHS Highland to consolidate and support the role of Rural General Hospitals in the Highlands?”
The response is circulated
Dr Foxley will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Convener.
(x) Dr Michael Foxley
(To the Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee)
“With the decision of the Council to run the proposed new residential homes as dual residential and nursing homes, will the Administration ensure that the Council’s existing residential homes gain dual registration as soon as possible?”
The response is circulated
Dr Foxley will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee.
(xi) Mr David Flear
“What provision is the Administration making for Day Care of older people outwith the 5 new residential homes?”
The response is circulated
Mr Flear will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Convener.
10. Notice of Motion
The following Notice of Motion has been received in accordance with Standing Order 10.1 –
“That the Highland Council recognises that, given the new economic activity in Brora and the completion of new housing, there is a strong case for the retention of the 5th teacher at Brora Primary School. The predicted school roll for next year will see the school fall to one pupil below the required roll for five teachers. Both Brora and Helmsdale Primaries have functioned without a Head Teacher for a lengthy period of time and require stability. Ask that the Highland Council allow common sense to prevail and exercise discretion as it has done in the past and agree to the retention of a 5th teacher at Brora Primary School for the coming school year”.
Signed
Mrs D Mackay, Mr W J Ross
11. Highland Council Statement of Accounts – Year Ended 31 March 2008
Members are advised that the Statement of Accounts (unaudited) for 2007/08, which will be presented to Audit Scotland by the prescribed date of 30 June 2008, is available in the Members’ Library and on the Council website for information.
The audited accounts and the External Auditor’s Report will be considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee later in the year.
12. Annual Efficiency Statement 2007/08
(Programme for the Administration: Corporate Objectives: “We aim to deliver a more responsive and better value Council over the coming four years”)
There is circulated the Council’s Annual Efficiency Statement for 2007/08 which has been prepared in accordance with the CoSLA “Efficient Government Reporting – Framework for Local Authorities in Scotland” Guidance Notes and reports on the progress made in the Council’s Efficiency Programme during 2007/08 and quantifies the efficiency gains which have been delivered, as well as outlining future developments.
The Council is invited to agree the Annual Efficiency Statement for 2007/08 as circulated.
13. General Fund Capital Programme Review: 2008/09 to 2011/12
(Programme for the Administration: Corporate Objectives: “We aim to deliver a more responsive and better value Council over the coming four years”)
There is circulated Report No. hc-15-08 dated 17 June 2008 by the Depute Chief Executive and Director of Finance which sets out indicative capital budgets and allocations to Services for the years 2008/09 to 2011/12. Indicative figures have been based upon the Programme review which has updated the current Capital Programme agreed by the Council in February 2007. Following consideration of this report, Strategic Committees will consider and prioritise updated Capital Programmes before the Council approves the final Capital Programme for the period.
Members are invited to agree:-
(a) the indicative capital allocations as set out at Paragraph 6.1;
(b) that Strategic Committees should consider and prioritise Programmes
within these indicative allocations during August 2008; and
(c) that the Council should consider final Capital Programme proposals and
prudential indicators in September 2008 following the Strategic Committee
review.
14. Single Outcome Agreement
(Programme for the Administration: The Single Outcome Agreement outlines how the Council will deliver on all of its priorities within the Programme in partnership with the Scottish Government and other public bodies within Highland)
There is circulated Report No. hc-16-08 dated 17 June 2008 by the Chief Executive which accompanies the final draft of the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) which is to be submitted to the Scottish Government by the end of June 2008. Ministerial sign off is being arranged, potentially for the end of August in Skye.
The Council is invited to consider the final draft of the Single Outcome Agreement for submission to the Scottish Government by the end of June 2008.
15. Local Code of Corporate Governance
(Programme for the Administration: Corporate Objectives: “We aim to deliver a more responsive and better value Council over the coming four years”)
There is circulated Report No. hc-17-08 dated 28 May 2008 by the Assistant Chief Executive which provides information on progress with the actions agreed in the Local Code of Corporate Governance for 2007/08 and details the actions which could appear in the Code for 2008/09.
This report was previously considered by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee at the meeting on 12 June 2008.
The Council is invited to:-
(i) note progress on actions for 2007/08 as detailed; and
(ii) approve the actions proposed for the 2008/09 Local Code of
Corporate Governance.
16. HM Inspectorate of Education - Follow-Through Inspection Report
(Programme for the Administration: Children and Young People: “We will give a high priority to our corporate parenting responsibilities for Highland’s looked after children, including educational attainment, transition to work, further and higher education and training, support at home, more family placements and fewer children living outwith the Highlands”)
There is circulated Report No. hc-18-08 dated 17 June 2008 by the Chief Executive which introduces the report of a follow-through inspection of Child Protection services in the Highland Council area. The inspection found that agencies in Highland continue to work well together to protect children.
This report was previously considered by the Joint Committee on Children and Young People at the meeting on Friday, 6 June 2008.
The Council is invited to note that, as a result of the effective performance shown by Services in taking forward improvements, HM Inspectorate of Education will not make further visits in relation to the Inspection Reports published in July 2005 and January 2007.
17. Play Development
(Programme for the Administration: Children and Young People: “Young People are our future. This Administration will do all we can to foster their talents and work with them”).
There is circulated Report No. hc-19-08 dated 5 June 2008 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which recommends action to ensure the delivery and further development of the Play function within the Council.
The Council is invited to agree that:-
(a) the Education, Culture and Sport Service act as lead Service on Play
Development for the Council;
(b) a simple guide for communities and others to developing play
opportunities and play areas is developed and published;
(c) an annual practical support and information meeting for communities,
partners, Elected Members and Officers is held to ensure that there
continues to be awareness of developments and best practice in Highland,
to provide specific training workshops and direct access for communities
and others to grant funding organisations;
(d) an Officer Group from the Education, Culture and Sport, Transport,
Environmental and Community Services and Planning and Development
Services ensure effective cross Service working in the delivery of the Play
Strategy;
(e) three Active School Co-ordinators, one in each Council area, take on a
lead role of awareness and dissemination of play developments and
information as part of their current contracts; and
(f) Education, Culture and Sport staff attend the Early Years Working Groups
in each of the Council’s areas to assist in the development of both play
and active lifestyles for the very young and their families.
18. Scottish Government Consultation – Model Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils and Code of Conduct for Community Councillors
(Programme for the Administration: Corporate Objectives: “We will provide financial and practical support and guidance to community councils in the Highlands to fulfil their roles.”)
There is circulated Report No. hc-20-08 dated 4 June 2008 by the Assistant Chief Executive which outlines the Council’s draft response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on a Model Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils and Code of Conduct for Community Councillors. The full draft response is appended to the report.
The Council is invited to:-
(i) consider the draft response and any amendments required; and
(ii) agree the draft response to the Scottish Government’s consultation,
appended to the report.
19. Draft Consultation Response to BT’s Payphone Removal Consultation
(Programme for the Administration: “This Administration wishes to support the greater involvement of Highland residents in shaping the future of their communities and will support the efforts of voluntary and community organisations which enable people to contribute to strong and vibrant communities.”)
There is circulated Report No hc-21-08 dated 19 June 2008 by the Assistant Chief Executive which summarises the Council’s draft response to BT’s proposals to remove 192 payphones from across the Highland area.
The Council is invited to:-
(i) consider the draft response to date to BT’s consultation on payphone
removals, noting that the grounds for objection relate to the need for
rural service provision, the extent of mobile phone coverage in the
Highlands, road safety concerns and mountain and marine safety issues;
(ii) provide further comments on the submission on both sections 1 and 2 by
1st August 2008;
(iii) agree the extent of the objections to removal of payphones based on
the consultation process with the final submission to BT to be agreed by
the Chief Executive; and
(iv) note that the outcome of the consultation should be made known by
15th September 2008. Should the original list of objections have to be
reviewed, depending on the scale of change required, it is proposed that
the matter would be brought back to a Council meeting or agreed by
the Chief Executive in consultation with the Convener, Vice Convener
and any local Members affected.
20. Member Attendance at Meetings of Outside Bodies
(Programme for the Administration: “We aim to deliver a more responsive and better value Council over the coming four years”)
In line with the recommendation from the last meeting on 8 May 2008, there is circulated Report No. hc-22-08 dated 13 June 2008 by the Assistant Chief Executive which sets out proposals for improved monitoring of Member attendance at meetings of outside bodies.
The Council is invited to agree that:-
(i) the Convener should write to all outside bodies as detailed in
Paragraph 2.2 of the report; and
(ii) the Member Training Programme for 2008/09 should include training on
the role of Members on these outside bodies.
21. Request to set up a Polish Consulate in Inverness
(Programme for the Administration: A Skilled and Confident Highlands: “We welcome migrants and their families settling in our communities”)
There is circulated Report No. HC/23/08 dated 10 June 2008 by the Inverness City Manager which confirms that a request has been made to the Provost, as Chairman of the City Committee, for formal support for the setting up of a Polish Consulate in Inverness.
The Council is invited to agree the recommendation from the Inverness City Committee to support the request for the setting up of a Polish Consulate as detailed in the report.
22. Dornoch Common Good Fund – Grant to University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
(Programme for the Administration: A Skilled and Confident Highlands: “This Administration believes that the key to our future is a competitive University of the Highlands and Islands”)
There is circulated Report No. hc-24-08 dated 28 May 2008 by the Corporate Manager which outlines an application to the Dornoch Common Good Fund from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) for the development of a new campus in Dornoch.
The Council is invited to approve a grant of £20,000 from the Dornoch Common Good Fund to UHI as detailed in the report.
23. Appointment of Chairman – Adult Protection Committee
The Council is advised that Part 1 of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, which is scheduled to commence in Autumn 2008, introduces new measures for the protection of adults at risk of harm. These include rights of entry to settings where adults are thought to be at risk of harm, the introduction of a range of protection orders (including assessment, removal and banning orders) and the creation of local multi-agency Adult Protection Committees (APCs) across Scotland. These Committees will monitor practice and quality relating to the safeguarding of adults at risk and also audit performance of agencies working in adult protection.
A Chairman (independent of the Council) is required for the Adult Protection Committee and it is recommended that Mr Ian Gibson, Vice Chairman of NHS Highland, be appointed.
The Council is invited to agree the appointment of Mr Ian Gibson as detailed.
24. Deeds Executed
Members are invited to note that a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 8 May 2008 is available in the Members’ Library and on the Council’s Website.
25. Recess Powers
The Council is invited to agree that, during the recess period, powers should be granted to the Chief Executive, Directors and Corporate Managers, in consultation with the Convener, Vice Convener or relevant Chairmen, to deal with issues arising during that time and that a report should be prepared for the first meeting of the Council or relevant Committee following the period where these powers have been exercised.
26. Exclusion of the Public
The Council is invited to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 & 11 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.
27. Job Evaluation Funding Package
There is circulated to Members only Report No. HC/25/08 dated 18 June 2008 by the Depute Chief Executive and Director of Finance which provides an update on the Job Evaluation Scheme.
The Council is invited to agree the recommendations as detailed in the report.
28. Caithness Heat & Power
There will follow to Members only Report No. HC/26/08 by the Chief Executive.