Minutes of Meeting of the Highland Council held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 29 October 2009 at 10.30 a.m.
Mr R Balfour opened the meeting with prayer.
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 B Fernie, Mrs K MacNab, Mr G Smith, Mr D Bremner, Mr R Coghill, Mr D Flear, Mrs D Mackay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr I 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 A Rhind, Mr A Torrance, Mr P Cairns, Mr D Chisholm, Mrs A MacLean, Mrs M Paterson, Dr D Alston, Mr B Barclay, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing, Mr D Millar, Mr I Renwick, Mr B Clark, Mrs M Davidson, Mr D Hendry, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Mr A Christie, Mrs P Munro, Miss J Campbell, Mr P Corbett, Mr D Kerr, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J Finnie, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr, Mr I Brown, Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Ford, Mr B Wynd, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Crawford, Mr J Holden, Mr R Pedersen, Mr T Prag, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Fallows, Mr G Rimell, Mr D Cameron, Dr M Foxley, Mr B Gormley
In Attendance:
Chief Executive
Depute Chief Executive
Director of Education, Culture and Sport
Director of Housing and Property
Assistant Chief Executive
Director of Planning and Development
Director of TEC Services
Director of Social Work
Mr A S Park in the Chair
Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr W MacKay, Mr R Durham, Mr C Fraser, Mr A Henderson, Mr E Hunter, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr N Donald, Mrs G Sinclair, Mr G Marsden, Mr S Black and Mr B Murphy.
Preliminaries
Prior to the formal commencement of the meeting, the Convener welcomed Mr Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, who was observing the meeting as part of the Peer Review.
The Council also NOTED the success of the recent Royal National MOD which had been held in Oban and organised by Argyll and Bute Council and extended their congratulations to the competitors, in particular the Nairn and Dingwall Gaelic Choirs who had been very successful.
2. Confirmation of Minutes
There had been submitted for confirmation as a correct record the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 3 September 2009 as contained in the Volume which had been circulated separately – which were APPROVED.
3. Minutes of Meetings of Committees
There had been 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:-
- Housing and Social Work Committee, 16 September
- Education, Culture and Sport Committee, 17 September
- Inverness City Committee, 21 September
- Planning, Environment and Development Committee, 23 September
- Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee, 24 September
- Gaelic Committee, 25 September
- Resources Committee, 30 September
- Audit and Scrutiny Committee, 1 October
- Joint Committee for Children and Young People, 2 October
The Minutes, having been moved and seconded, were, except as undernoted, APPROVED - matters arising having been dealt with as follows:-
Housing and Social Work Committee, 16 September
Page 390-391: Item 3 iv: Social Work Revenue Account: Revenue Monitoring Statement to 31 July and Recovery Plan
It was AGREED that the Minutes should include reference to a proposal made during debate that the shortfall in the unfunded element of Job Evaluation should be met from reserves.
Planning, Environment and Development Committee, 23 September
Page 422: Item 3: Notice of Amendment Planning
It was AGREED that the words “if required” should be deleted and that the Minutes should now read:-
“Members were, however, given an assurance that the issues raised would be investigated further and, on that basis, consideration of the application went ahead as planned”.
Page 427: Item 8: Nigg Masterplan and Accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessment
It was AGREED that the Minutes should be amended to reflect that the Council had emphasised the need to retain the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) as an option and would proceed with it, as required.
Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee, 24 September
Page 436: Item 7: Review of Ferry Services in Scotland
It was AGREED that the Minutes should be amended as follows:-
- relocating Skye port from Lochmaddy to Glendale or Dunvegan, whilst requiring road improvements, would lead to compensatory savings in operating costs and increased traffic;
- lessons could be learned from countries such as Norway who had efficient vessels and a greater number of vessels per route
It was also NOTED that the Chairman would confirm whether the issues raised at the meeting had been reported to the Scottish Government as part of the consultation process.
4. Climate Change Working Group
There had been circulated Minutes of Meeting of the Climate Change Working Group held on Thursday, 10 September – which were APPROVED.
5. Land, Environment and Sustainability Strategy Group
There had been circulated Minutes of meeting of the Land, Environment and Sustainability Strategy Group held on Thursday, 8 October 2009 – which were APPROVED.
6. Budget Information Group
There had been circulated Minutes of Meeting of the Budget Information Group held on Thursday, 24 September 2009 – which were APPROVED.
It was also NOTED that the details of grant settlements for individual Councils were now expected to be made available in November.
It was also AGREED that the Minutes should reflect that, in addition to the Justice Portfolio not seeing a reduction compared to the previous 2010/11 figures, NHS Scotland were also to be protected from a share of the UK NHS capital budget reductions and would receive an increase of 2.7%.
7. Question Time
The following Questions had been received by the Assistant Chief Executive in terms of Standing Order 42:-
(i) Mr David Bremner
To the Convener
“Does the Convener agree that particularly where Ward Business Meetings are held on a joint basis (such as in Caithness) there is no benefit in holding them completely in private and that items which are discussed at these meetings affect and are of interest to the public and therefore should be held openly?”
The response had been circulated.
In terms of a supplementary question, Mr Bremner asked if the Convener would instruct the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to provide a legal justification of the Council’s current practice, including how the Council would view a Freedom of Information request for Minutes of the Ward Business meetings?
In response, the Convener confirmed that he would do so.
Decision
The Council NOTED the position.
(ii) Mr Martin Rattray
To the Budget Leader
“What impact has the freeze on Council Tax had on Highland Council’s budget and what impact will a continued freeze have in future years?”
The response had been circulated.
In terms of a supplementary question, Mr Rattray asked if it would be appropriate to raise the Council Tax.
In response, the Budget Leader confirmed that if the Council raised the Council Tax, it would lose the cumulative amount received in support for the Council Tax freeze from 2008/09 to 2010/11 amounting to £19.4m – this would mean putting Council Tax up in excess of 20% and doubling the savings that would need to be found next year.
Decision
The Council NOTED the position.
(iii) Mr Drew Hendry
To the Leader of the Administration
“How will the Administration engage with the outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009?”
The response had been circulated.
In terms of a supplementary question, Mr Hendry asked if the Leader of the Administration would agree that it would help if a Scottish Minister could attend the UN Climate Change Conference and would he lend his support in arranging for this to happen?
In response, the Leader of the Administration confirmed that he would like to see both a Scottish Minister and a Local Authority representative attend the Conference.
Decision
The Council NOTED the position.
(iv) Mr George Farlow
To the Convener
“What steps are the Council taking to enforce the European Regulations on Genetically Modified Crops in the Highland area?”
The response had been circulated.
In terms of a supplementary question, Mr Farlow asked, in relation to GM imports rather than GM crops grown in the region, if the Convener was saying that the inspection role that lay solely with the Highland Council would not be diminished in the forthcoming year and indeed would the Officers’ inspection role be increased if circumstances and dangers were made known?
In response, the Convener confirmed that he would provide a full response to Mr Farlow’s supplementary question in due course.
Decision
The Council NOTED the position.
(v) Mrs Jean Urquhart
To the Convener
“When the Highland Council is invited to respond to public consultations, how does it do this and are Members’ views sought?”
The response had been circulated.
In terms of a supplementary question, Mrs Urquhart asked if the Convener would agree that responses to consultation documents should not be agreed at Director level but that each Member should be alerted to the consultation document and be invited to have input in the response?
In response, the Convener confirmed that there was a need for the Council to be transparent and that he would ask the Chief Executive to consider this and submit a report on the issue to the Resources Committee. It was further confirmed that consultations would also be put on the Council’s website.
Decision
The Council NOTED the position.
8. Notice of Motion
Declarations of Interest:-
Ms A MacLean declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a Director of Ross-shire Women’s Aid and a Board member of the Citizens Advice Bureau but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion (and voting).
Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being employed by the Citizens Advice Bureau but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion (and voting).
The following Notice of Motion had been received in accordance with Standing Order 10.1 –
“Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has recently written to all Scottish Councils informing them of the suspension of all its grant-making activities for the foreseeable future, with a resulting loss to Scottish charities of at least £6m each year.
The Foundation, together with similar autonomous foundations in the rest of the UK, receives a 1% share of the Lloyds Banking Group’s pre-tax profits and, since the Lloyds Banking Group has stated that no profit is predicted for the current year, the Foundation has no source of income.
The Foundation has entered into negotiations with Lloyds Banking Group in order to find an interim solution but these negotiations have to date failed because of Lloyds Banking Group’s insistence on a new agreement which would:
- Reduce the contribution of Lloyds Banking Group from 1% of pre-tax profits to 0.5%;
- Allow Lloyds Banking Group to determine where grant support is targeted; and
- Place employees of the Lloyds Banking Group on the Board of the Foundation.
The Highland Council, while recognising the constraints of the present economic situation, urge Lloyds Banking Group to seek a solution which supports the Foundation in continuing its grant-making activities, maintains the long-term contribution of 1% of pre-tax profits and maintains the independence and autonomy of the Foundation.”
Signed:
Dr D Alston, Ms A MacLean, Mr J Finnie, Mr A S Park, Mr J Laing, Dr M E M Foxley, Mr J Gray
Decision
The Council AGREED, whilst recognising the constraints of the present economic situation, to urge Lloyds Banking Group to seek a solution which supported the Foundation in continuing its grant-making activities, to maintain the long-term contribution of 1% of pre-tax profits and to maintain the independence and autonomy of the Foundation.
9. Corporate Performance Report
Declarations of Interest:-
Dr D Alston declared a financial interest in part of this item (in relation to free personal and nursing care) and left the room.
Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being employed by the Citizens Advice Bureau but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion (and voting).
There had been circulated Report No. HC-30-09 dated 5 October 2009 by the Chief Executive which provided an assessment of Council performance against the Corporate Plan and the ‘Strengthening the Highlands’ Programme and covered the period from April 2008 to the end of March 2009. In this regard, 83% of the commitments were progressing well or were on target with only one commitment where it was too early to assess performance – best practice and sustainable design for Council buildings, although it was hoped that by the following year there would be a positive report in this respect. Mixed performance had been recorded for 16% of the commitments and it was concluded, therefore, that all commitments were being delivered and were progressing well. A copy of the Annual Performance Report 2008/9 had also been circulated separately.
During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that there was a legal duty to report publicly on the Council’s performance and a newspaper supplement would therefore be produced containing a range of performance information drawn from the report, the results of the Public Performance Survey and the Statutory Performance Indicator results which had been considered in September 2009. The Council would also be moving towards an electronic performance and risk management system and reporting to Elected Members and the public would therefore be improved in future years.
During discussion, Members welcomed the Annual Performance report and made reference to areas of particular improvement, including:- gaining eco-school status; the opening of the new Archive Service; streetscape improvements and traffic management measures within Inverness; recycling; progress in promotion of Gaelic; road safety measures around schools and improvements in sickness and absence statistics. Some specific issues were raised, including:-
- The increase in indicators for Looked After Children were very welcome – as Corporate Parents it was essential for the Council to insist on the very best for Looked After Children, to focus on improvement for their whole wellbeing and to ensure that their aspirations could be realised and it was suggested that the improvements in educational achievements for Looked After Children should also be incorporated into the report;
- A precautionary qualification should be considered in relation to kinship care for Looked After Children stating that this should only be an option where it was clear that it would produce the best outcome for the child – it was confirmed that further consideration on this should take place and a report should be submitted to the Joint Committee on Children and Young People; and
- Whilst the Council’s commitment to the Scottish Government eligibility criteria for free personal and nursing care and the associated timescales for delivery was welcomed, it appeared that some applicants might not receive funding from the Council until March 2010.
In response, it was confirmed that the Council had good educational attainment records for Looked After Children. However, it was always important to strive to do more and further information would therefore be made available to all Members in this regard.
In addition, the Council had always had an honourable record in delivering free personal and nursing care and an update report on this would be submitted to the Housing and Social Work Committee in due course.
Decision
The Council:-
(i) NOTED that a newspaper supplement would be produced to report
performance to the public;
(ii) APPROVED the inclusion of new indicators for Looked After Children as
detailed in Paragraph 3.3; and
(iii) APPROVED the refreshed commitment on homelessness in the
‘Strengthening of the Highlands’ Programme as detailed in Paragraph 3.4
of the report.
10. Performance Survey Results 2009
There had been circulated Report No. HC-31-09 dated 2 October 2009 by the Chief Executive which confirmed that the Annual Performance Survey, carried out in June/July 2009, had been sent to a random sample of 11,000 households. With 1,807 responses (17% response rate), the results were seen as representative of the views of Highland households. The Performance Survey 2009 - Final Report had been circulated separately.
During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that high levels of satisfaction continued to be found in contact with the Council and with the services provided. Whilst satisfaction levels remained high for nearly all types of contact, there remained room for improvement in the privacy for personal visits and in waiting times for written responses. 83% of respondents were satisfied with Council services, the highest score recorded since the survey had started in 2003. Improved or sustained performance was found in 22 service areas compared to the previous year with notable improvements in a range of environmental and community works services. Overall, Highland communities were still regarded as safe and good places to live with high levels of community engagement and volunteering.
The survey responses would be considered with other performance information to identify areas for improvement and would be considered by Strategic Committees in quarterly performance reviews and set out in Service Plans.
During discussion, Members welcomed the Performance Survey results and raised a number of issues, including:-
- engaging with communities would play an increasingly important role in the coming months, particularly when the Council was setting its budget and reassessing resources for the coming financial years;
- it was hoped that the performance information could be reported back to communities and stakeholders in a meaningful way so that a direct correlation could be established between community wishes and the Council’s activities;
- whilst it was recognised that individual Ward results were not fully representative, it was hoped that information could be provided at this level so as to clarify views locally, provide focus for Ward Business Meetings and provide valuable information for Wards containing both urban and rural areas;
- the high numbers of community volunteers in the Highlands should not be underestimated and the range of questions should be reviewed for 2010 to encourage responses from individuals involved in social enterprises, community companies and trusts etc;
- the performance survey should include reference to alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour; and
- the prospect of considering other ways of gauging the views of the public – e.g. through Citizens Panels, was welcomed
In response, it was confirmed that survey results would be publicised through newspaper supplements. There was an increasing public appetite for more information and involvement in how the Council spent its money and how it sought to achieve value for money. Given the forthcoming challenging budget situation, it was proposed to look at new ways of gauging representative views of the population and consideration of this would be reported to the Resources Committee in December.
It was also confirmed that reference to alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour could be included for the following year and questions on volunteering would be reviewed to address interests in community enterprises.
Further, a breakdown of Ward information for key questions could be made available to Corporate Managers for discussion at Ward Business Meetings as it was important to consider how well Ward Forums were working and this would provide a mechanism for Ward and Corporate Managers to ensure focus on local issues.
Decision
The Council NOTED:-
(i) that improvement actions would be taken forward by Strategic
Committees, identified in Service Quarterly Performance Reviews and
included in Service Plans; and
(ii) that survey results would be used to inform work currently in progress on
the Customer Services Strategy, the IT Strategy, the Corporate
Improvement Programme, the Compact with the Third Sector, the new
Model Scheme for Community Councils, the Gaelic Language Plan and in
understanding the needs of people with disabilities better, including
volunteering opportunities.
It was also NOTED that, to meet public expectations, ways of engaging with the public on how the Council spent its money would be explored, including the creation of Citizens Panels to gauge representative views, and reported to the Resources Committee in December 2009.
11. Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Annual Performance Report
2008/9
Declaration of Interest:-
Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being employed by the Citizens Advice Bureau but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion (and voting).
There had been circulated Report No. HC-32-09 dated 8 October 2009 by the Chief Executive which confirmed that the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA1) Annual Performance Report had been submitted to the Scottish Government on 30 September 2009 following consideration by the Highland Community Planning Partnership Performance Board. A copy of the Single Outcome Agreement Performance Report had been circulated separately.
During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the submission set out progress and achievements towards the National Outcomes and would also form an integral part of the reports which the Council already prepared under the statutory duty of Public Performance Reporting. As an overview, 80% of indicators showed improvement or sustained performance across the partnership, (79% in relation to Council performance). Notable areas of achievement and decline were highlighted and improvements in the process of measuring SOA performance were also included.
In order to support performance reporting for the Single Outcome Agreement, new partnership arrangements were in place to gather and analyse performance data. In addition, a new electronic performance and risk system was expected to be in place in 2010 which would include web pages indicating public sector performance against the SOA commitments. The focus would now shift to performance management and reporting for SOA2. The next report due to the Scottish Government would be 30 Sept 2010 and would reflect progress in the delivery of the first year of SOA2 (2009/10).
During discussion, Members expressed their support for the Community Planning Partnership joint working arrangements and welcomed the Annual Performance Report 2008/09. In particular, Members highlighted a range of areas of improvement, including:-
- the increase in capacity of renewable energy schemes;
- supporting new learners of the English language;
- the increase in children and young people taking part in leadership and achievement awards;
- good progress in reducing crime and the fear of crime;
- reduction in CO2 emissions;
- steady progress made on community care; and
- the outstanding success of GIRFEC.
It was recognised that the economic recession had raised new challenges and the reduction in the number of local outcomes from 53 to 15 would enable the Council and its partners to concentrate on areas of real importance. On this basis it was now critical that the Council should continue to work together with its partners and explore ideas such as co-locating services, aligning capital spends and staffing posts.
In response to comments made, it was confirmed that, whilst there were national outcomes negotiated with the Scottish Government, the Council and its community planning partners were responsible for agreeing local outcomes with a significant amount of local input. Further, the Administration’s intentions for day care for older people, as contained in the Integrated Community Care Plan, were presently in draft form would be included in SOA2.
It was also confirmed that a suggestion to amend presentational symbols indicating sustained performance would be taken on board.
Decision
The Council NOTED the Single Outcome Agreement Annual Report 2008/09 as circulated.
12. Council Response to the Economic Downturn
Declarations of Interest:-
Ms A MacLean declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a Director of Ross-shire Women’s Aid and a Board member of the Citizens Advice Bureau but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion (and voting).
Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being employed by the Citizens Advice Bureau but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion (and voting).
There had been circulated Report No. HC-33-09 dated 20 October 2009 by the Director of Planning and Development which provided information on the current economic situation together with progress on the implementation of the Council’s Economic Downturn Action Plan.
During discussion, Members welcomed the report and drew particular attention to a range of issues, including: the need to work closely with partners; the effective use of the Capital Programme; innovative support for affordable housing, including mortgage support; continued effective implementation of the Business Gateway; an agreed action plan for the Highland economic forum and money advice support. Specifically, it was felt that it was important to push forward the Nigg Masterplan as quickly as possible, retain the option of the CPO and realise the significant job creation potential that existed in this regard.
Members expressed disappointment that the Crown Estate had delayed allocating seabed leases in relation to the Pentland Firth energy project as this could delay investment in the area and jeopardise opportunities in energy generation. In response, it was confirmed that the delay was only expected to be until January 2010 and it had been made clear to the Crown Estate that multinational companies operating in the Firth should offer as much as possible in terms of community benefit – particularly construction, training and servicing opportunities, and financial opportunities.
Reference was also made to the significant efforts of the Income Maximisation Team and it was suggested that these should be included in future updates of the Economic Downturn Action Plan as over the first six months of the financial year the team had realised annual benefits to claimants of £785,000.
Decision
The Council NOTED progress with the implementation of the Economic Downturn Action Plan and in particular:-
(i) progress on a number of housing initiatives, including acceleration of the
affordable housing programme which would bring forward 132 new units,
and the Council’s application to the Scottish Government to build 51
new Council houses;
(ii) delivery of the Council’s Capital Programme, including £6m of accelerated
spend;
(iii) an application for Future Jobs Funding to secure 60 posts, with the first
30 to commence in February 2010;
(iv) the successful first 6 months of Business Gateway, including 82 new
business starts, and delivery through Highland Opportunity Limited of
£370k of the Business Growth Fund, securing 66 new jobs;
(v) the submission of the Nigg Masterplan and ongoing work with the Crown
Estate to maximise the benefits from new off-shore renewable energy
projects for the area; and
(vi) that the Action Plan would be continually reviewed in light of the likely
impact of reductions in public sector budgets across the area and the
consequent impacts on economic recovery.
The Council also AGREED that the significant contribution made by the Customer Income Maximisation Team should be included in future updates of the Economic Downturn Action Plan.
13. Additional Management in the Social Work Service
There had been circulated Report No. HC-34-09 dated 21 October 2009 by the Chief Executive which recommended that temporary additional management support be provided to the Social Work Service to assist in taking forward the recovery plan for the Social Work budget, to lead on a transformational change programme in Community Care with the NHS and to support the Director of Social Work when undertaking the role of Chair of the Association of Directors of Social Work (ADSW).
During a summary of the report, it was suggested that a post of Chief Operating Officer should be established for a period of up to 6 months to address the following:-
- ensure robust implementation of the budget recovery plan for the Social Work Service and to adapt it as necessary;
- progress the joint working with NHS Highland in relation to the transformational change required in Community Care (Getting It Right For Older People) which again had long term benefits for improved service delivery and budget efficiency;
- ensure that the Care at Home Service was run effectively and efficiently, given the significant additional funding being invested; and
- provide support to the Director of Social Work during the 12 month period when she undertook the national role of Chair of the Association of Directors of Social Work.
It was confirmed that chairing the Association of Directors of Social Work was a recognition of the input from the Director which would bring direct benefits to the Highlands and would permit direct access to Ministers and policy-makers.
The cost of the arrangement would be £25k per annum although there could be additional acting up arrangements to be put into place.
During discussion, Members reiterated their support for the role of staff associations and for the Director’s involvement in the Association of Directors of Social Work. The prospect of spending £25k to overturn a £3.4m overspend would be a worthwhile outcome and it was recognised that chairing the Association would bring direct benefits to the Highlands. Given the pressures that the Social Work service was experiencing, additional senior management team support might have been needed, irrespective of whether the Director took up the Chairmanship of the Association.
In contrast, some Members were of the opinion that the Social Work budget was already under considerable pressure and further expenditure had not been suggested when it had been agreed that the Director should accept the chairmanship of the Association. It had been hoped that existing senior staff could take on additional responsibilities on a temporary basis thereby preventing the need for a new post. In addition, the advantages of the Director’s involvement in the staff Association could not yet be fully quantified.
Following further discussion, Dr M E M Foxley, seconded by Mrs M Davidson, MOVED approval of the recommendations as detailed in the report.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr B Clark, seconded by Mr D Kerr, MOVED that, due to forthcoming budget restraints across all Services which would have a negative effect on taxpayers and staff, the recommendation should be refused and that the Director should remain in post to implement the two factors as detailed in Sections 1.1, 1.2 and the four bullet points in 1.4 of the Chief Executive’s report and that the Director should continue as a member of the Association of the Directors of Social Work.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 58 votes and the AMENDMENT received 5 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 D Mackay, Mr J Rosie, Lady M Thurso, Mr B Fernie, Mrs K MacNab, Mr G Smith, Mr R Coghill, Mr J McGillivray, Mr I 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 A Rhind, Mr P Cairns, Mrs A MacLean, Mrs M Paterson, Dr D Alston, Mr B Barclay, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing, Mr D Millar, Mr I Renwick, Mrs M Davidson, Mr D Hendry, Mr H Wood, Mr A Graham, Mr A Christie, Mrs P Munro, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J Finnie, Mr D Henderson, Mr F Parr, Mr I Brown, Mr J Gray, Mr K MacLeod, Mr J Ford, Mr L Fraser, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr J Holden, Mr R Pedersen, Mr T Prag, Ms J Douglas, Mr D Fallows, Mr G Rimell, Mr D Cameron, Dr M Foxley, Mr B Gormley
For the Amendment:
Mr D Bremner, Mr B Clark, Mr D Kerr, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Crawford
Abstensions:
Mr A Torrance, Mr P Corbett, Mr B Wynd
Decision
The Council AGREED:-
(i) that a temporary post of Chief Operating Officer be established for a
period of up to 6 months at a salary of 85% of the grade for the post of
Director of Social Work;
(ii) that the role and organisational structure be as detailed in Appendix 1 to
the report; and
(iii) that the post be advertised internally, restricted to current Heads of
Service within the Social Work Service, and that recruitment be
undertaken by the Director of Social Work, Chief Executive, Assistant
Chief Executive and Director of Finance/Depute Chief Executive.
14. Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings
As agreed at the last meeting on 3 September 2009, there had been circulated Report No. HC-34a-09 dated 16 October 2009 by the Assistant Chief Executive which outlined proposals for amendment to the Council’s Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings in relation to the current Notice of Amendment (Planning) procedure.
Decision
The Council APPROVED the proposed amendments to the Council’s Standing Orders as detailed in the report on the basis that an amended copy would be circulated following the meeting for inclusion in the Council Handbook.
15. Timetable of Meetings for 2010
The Council AGREED to suspend Standing Order 20 in order to consider this item.
It was confirmed that, following consultation with the Chairman, it was proposed that the meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee scheduled for 7 October 2010 be changed to 2 December 2010.
The Council APPROVED the change in date for the Audit and Scrutiny Committee in 2010 as detailed.
16. Member Attendance at Meetings
It was confirmed that the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973 required that if a Member of a Local Authority failed, throughout a period of 6 consecutive months, to attend any meeting of the Authority, he should, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the Authority, cease to be a Member of that Authority.
Mr Craig Fraser had, because of illness, been unable to attend meetings of the Council since 7 May 2009. As Mr Fraser’s illness might continue beyond the 6 months stipulated in the Act, the Council was required to approve his absence because of illness to enable him to continue as a Member of the Authority.
Agreement had been reached with other Members of the Council to carry out Mr Fraser’s role in Ward Business during the period of his absence.
General support would also be provided in relation to any relevant issues arising at meetings of the Education, Culture & Sport and Gaelic Committees and the Ross, Skye & Lochaber Licensing Committee and Licensing Board during Mr Fraser’s absence.
Decision
The Council APPROVED Mr Fraser’s absence as a result of illness on the basis that the position would be reviewed following a further 3 month period.
17. Deeds Executed
The Council NOTED that a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 3 September 2009 was available in the Members’ Library and on the Council’s Website.
The meeting ended at 1.40 pm.