Committees
A meeting of the Highland Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 28 June 2012 at 10.30am.
Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.
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
Time for Prayer and Reflection – Mr K MacLeod
1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
A’ Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan
2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt
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.
3. Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – Gold Award Presentation
Sgeama Duais Diùc Dhùn Èideann – Toirt Seachad na Duais Òir
As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, eighteen young people from across the Highlands are due to receive the Gold Award this year.
Ten recipients have accepted an invitation to attend the meeting where the Convener will present them with their Gold Award badges.
4. Confirmation of Minutes
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais
(i)There are circulated for confirmation the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held
on 31 May 2012.
Arising from the above, consideration requires to be given to the following:-
Item 9: Highland Licensing Committee and Highland Licensing Board
Members will be aware that Mrs Glynis Sinclair was appointed to the Licensing Committee and the Licensing Board. She was also subsequently appointed to the Board of Governors for Eden Court. However, due to licensing regulations, she is unable to take up membership of both the Licensing Board and Eden Court and, following consultation, she has elected to stay on the latter and to withdraw from both the Licensing Committee and Licensing Board.
On that basis, nominations are being sought from the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey area for the vacant place on the Licensing Committee and these nominations will be tabled.
Following the appointment of 1 Member to the Licensing Committee at the meeting, nominations will be sought (from within the membership of the Licensing Committee) for the vacant place on the Licensing Board.
(ii)There will be tabled Minutes of Meeting of the Adult and Children's Services
Committee which is to be held on 21 June 2012.
5. Membership of Strategic Committees, etc
Ballrachd air Comataidhean Ro-innleachdail, is eile
Members are advised that Mr Bill Clark has joined the SNP Group and the political make-up of the Council is now as follows:-
- Independent: 35
- SNP: 23
- Liberal Democrats:14
- Labour: 8
The formula in respect of the number of places on Strategic Committees is unaffected at 10/6/4/2.
6. Question Time
Am Ceiste
The following Questions have been received by the Assistant Chief Executive in terms of Standing Order 42 –
(i) Mr E Hunter (15kb pdf)
To the Leader of the Council
“When can we expect the details of timescales and remit for the newly proposed Area Committees?”
The response is circulated
Mr Hunter will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Leader of the Council.
(ii) Mrs I Campbell (33kb pdf)
To the Chair of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee
“I would like to know how this Administration are going to address the overspend in the Education budget?”
The response is circulated
Mrs Campbell will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chair of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee.
(iii) Mrs J Douglas (16kb pdf)
To the Chair of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee
“Can we have an update on the progress of the Family Firm approach, including how many young people are involved, and also when will further reports come back on this important project and which Committee will they go to?”
The response is circulated
Ms Douglas will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chair of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee.
7. Notices of Motion
Brathan Gluasaid
The following Notices of Motion have been received in accordance with Standing Order 10.1 –
(i) “Bower Primary School is in the Wick High School catchment area. At the moment, around 50% of pupils in the Bower area go to Thurso High School as a school placing request.
As of the new term in August, these pupils attending Thurso High School will have to pay for their own school transport.
We propose that, as Bower Primary School lies an equal distance between Wick High School and Thurso High School, Bower Primary School should have dual zoning between Wick and Thurso High Schools.
Signed:
Mr R Coghill, Mr W MacKay
(ii) “The Independent Group has deep concerns regarding the parlous state of our roads.
We propose a substantial increase in the Transport, Environmental and Community Services budget over a 10 year period”.
Signed:
Mrs I McCallum, Mr B Barclay
(iii) ”Highland Council calls on the Scottish Government to end the freeze on Council Tax to allow Elected Members the autonomy to set a local Council Tax which will help maintain and protect local services”.
Signed:
Mrs C Wilson, Mrs M Davidson
8. Programme for the Council
Prògram airson na Comhairle
There is circulated separately the Programme for the Council (88kb pdf).
Motion from the Administration – the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council will move the Programme which sets out the Administration’s priorities. These priorities will form the basis of the Council’s Corporate and Service Plans.
Members are asked to agree the Programme for the Council as circulated.
9. Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee
Comataidh Sàbhailteachd Choimhearsnachd, Com-pàirteachaidh Phoblaich agus Co-ionannachd
There is circulated Report No. HC-3-12 (56kb pdf) dated 20 June 2012 by the Assistant Chief Executive which requests agreement of the remit and scheme of delegation for the Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee which will include the pathfinder arrangements for Member scrutiny and engagement for the new single Police Service and Fire and Rescue Service when they come into effect on 1 April 2013.
Members are asked to consider the scope of the Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee and agree the draft scheme of delegation.
10. Scheme of Delegation to City/Area Committees
Comataidhean Cathair-bhaile/Sgìre – Raon-ùghdarrais air a Mholadh
There is circulated Report No. HC-4-12 (49kb pdf) dated 19 June 2012 by the Chief Executive which highlights a number of points that Members should consider within the Scheme of Delegation to City/Area Committees and seeks approval of the Scheme.
Members are invited to approve the Scheme of Delegation as circulated and agree that:-
(i) City/Area Committees be delivered on a cost neutral basis to the Council;
(ii) the first Inverness City Committee meeting should take place on 13 August;
(iii) the first Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee should take place on 20
August;
(iv) the Area Committee structure should be reviewed after the first year following
the two pilot Committees in Inverness and Caithness and Sutherland;
(v) the minutes of City Committee/Area Committees should be reported to the full
Council;
(vi) the City Committee and Area Committees should be webcast at venues
suitable for this method of communication; and
(vii) the Inverness City Committee should take place in the Council Chamber at
Headquarters.
11. Appointments to Sub-Committees
Cur an Dreuchd gu Fo-Chomataidhean
The Assistant Chief Executive has advised of the need to set up the undernoted Sub Committees and, in light of the fact that the parent Committees will not meet until after the Summer Recess, the Council is asked to deal with these appointments as follows:-
(a) Appeals Committee
It is proposed that membership of the Appeals Committee should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee, the Chair and Vice Chair of the relevant Service Committee plus 5 other Members of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee – 9 Members in total.
The Groups have been asked for their nominations which will be tabled.
The Council is asked to approve the membership of the Appeals Committee as tabled.
(b) Early Retirement Sub Committee
It is proposed that the membership of the Early Retirement Sub Committee should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee, the Chair and Vice Chair of the relevant Service Committee plus 3 other Members of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee – 7 Members in total.
The Groups have been asked for their nominations which will be tabled.
The Council is asked to approve the membership of the Early Retirement Sub Committee as detailed.
(c) Investment Sub Committee
It is proposed that the membership of the Investment Sub Committee should comprise 7 Members in total - drawn from representation on the Pensions Committee - with a representative from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and a representative for the other employers.
The Groups have been asked for their nominations which will be tabled.
The Council is asked to approve the membership of the Investment Sub Committee as tabled.
(d) Local Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (LNCT)
It is proposed that the membership of the LNCT should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee plus 3 other Members of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee – 7 Members in total.
The Groups have been asked for their nominations which will be tabled.
The Council is asked to approve the membership of the LNCT as tabled.
(e) Duncraig Trust Scheme Sub Committee
It is proposed that membership of the Duncraig Trust Scheme Sub Committee should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee and the 4 Members of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward – 8 Members in total.
Members are asked to agree the proposed membership of the Duncraig Trust Scheme Sub Committee as detailed.
(f) Head of Service Recruitment Panel
It is proposed that membership of the Head of Service Recruitment Panel should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee, the Chair and Vice Chair of the relevant Service Committee (or the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council where the Chief Executive’s Office or Finance Service is involved) plus 3 other Members of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee – 7 Members in total.
The Groups have been asked for their nominations which will be tabled.
The Council is asked to approve the membership of the Head of Service Recruitment Panel as tabled.
(g) Joint Consultation Group (Administrative etc, Manual and Crafts Staffing)
It is proposed that membership of the Joint Consultation Group should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee plus 7 other Members of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee – 9 Members in total.
The Groups have been asked for their nominations which will be tabled.
The Council is asked to approve the membership of the Joint Consultative Group as tabled.
(h) Appeals Committees
Members are advised that they are required to sit on Appeals Committees from time to time to deal with appeals against the refusal of placing requests or the exclusion of pupils from school in accordance with S28D (1) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1981. Membership is drawn from all Members of the Council, will include persons who are not Members of the Council and will vary according to the nature and location of the appeal. The Appeals Committee cannot be chaired by a Member of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee.
Members are asked to note the position as detailed.
12. Revenue Budget 2013/14 – 2014/15 and Budget Consultation
Ro-innleachd Buidseit
There is circulated Report No. HC-5-12 (147kb pdf) dated 20 June 2012 by the Director of Finance which confirms that, on 9 February 2012, the Council agreed the revenue budget for 2012/13 which was the last year of a three year budget process. The Council also noted the initial budget outlook for 2013/14 to 2013/14 and proposed arrangements to progress budget planning for those years. This report therefore sets out the proposed approach to the revenue budget for 2013/14 to 2014/15 and the budget consultation process.
Members are asked to note the updated financial outlook and forecast and agree the budget consultation process and timetable as set out within the report.
13. Annual Efficiency Statement 2011/12
Aithris Èifeachdais Bhliadhnail
There is circulated Report No. HC-6-12 (62kb pdf) dated 15 June 2012 by the Director of Finance which sets out the Council’s Annual Efficiency Statement (AES) for 2011/12.
Members are asked to agree the Annual Efficiency Statement as circulated.
14. Statement of Accounts for the Year to 31 March 2012 and Budget Monitoring for 2012/13
Aithris Chunntasan Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd – Ceann-na-bliadhna 31 Màrt 2012
There is circulated Report No. HC-7-12 (36kb pdf) dated 15 June 2012 by the Director of Finance which introduces the Statement of Accounts for the year to 31 March 2012 for the Highland Council and the Highland Council Pension Fund and provides an update on the financial monitoring position in the financial year 2012/13.
Members are invited to note the unaudited accounts for the Highland Council and the Highland Council Pension Fund for the year ended 31 March 2012 and that they will be presented to Audit Scotland by the prescribed date of 30 June 2012.
Members are also asked to note the Revenue Budget outlook position for the financial year 2012/13.
15. The Future Management of the Averon Leisure, Alness
Ionad-spòrs Abharain
There is circulated Joint Report No. HC-8-12 (28kb pdf) dated 20 June 2012 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property, Director of Finance, Director of Education, Culture and Sport and Head of Legal and Democratic Services which confirms that a request has been received from the Board of Averon Leisure Management Ltd for the management of the Averon Leisure Centre to be transferred to High Life Highland and outlines the outcome of the due diligence process.
Members are asked to agree:-
(i) the transfer of the management of the Averon Centre to High Life Highland on
the basis of this report but subject to final confirmation on the condition of the
building;
(ii) to delegate the final decision on the transfer to the Officers named as
signatories to this report once the condition survey and audited accounts for
2012 are received;
(iii)that the lease of the Averon Centre should be terminated and a new lease of
the Centre arranged with High Life Highland with the property maintained under
the Property Agreement for the prescribed period in line with other High Life
Highland facilities but subject to (ii) above being agreed;
(iv)that the financial contribution of the Highland Council is capped at a maximum
of £44,000 over an 18 month period with borrowing costs met from revenue;
(v)that any future transfers of a similar nature are to be judged on a case by case
basis with each judged on their own merits; and
(vi)to note that the actions and conditions above are subject to the agreement of
the Boards of Averon Leisure Management and High Life Highland.
16. Proposed Transition Funding for Golspie Recycling Environmental Action Network (GREAN)
Maoineachadh do GREAN
There is circulated Report No. HC-9-12 (32kb pdf) dated 15 June 2012 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which requests approval of ‘one off’ transition funding for the Golspie Recycling Environmental Action Network (GREAN) who currently carry out recycling services in East Sutherland and are moving to a new business model which includes the sourcing and growing of vegetables which will be delivered to people’s homes through a vegetable box delivery scheme.
Members are invited to agree that the balance of Council funding for the recycling services for 2012/13, currently provided by GREAN and estimated at £160k, be passed to GREAN as a ‘one off’ transition payment to support employment, training and marketing costs in their new GREANGrowers and GREANGrocers projects.
17. Proposed Funding Package for the Design of Improvements to the Berriedale Braes
Maoineachadh Dealbhachaidh Bhearghdail
There is circulated Report No. HC-10-12 (40kb pdf) dated 14 June 2012 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which requests approval of a contribution of £10,000 towards the detailed design work in relation to the realignment of the A9 trunk road at Berriedale as part of an overall funding package involving Transport Scotland, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and HITRANS.
Members are invited to agree that the Council should make a contribution of £10,000 towards the detailed design work in relation to the realignment of the A9 trunk road at Berriedale provided the match funding from the other partners is confirmed.
18. Contribution towards the Proposed Re-opening of Conon Bridge Railway Station
Tabhartas gu ruige Ath-fhosgladh Stèisean Rèile Dhrochaid Sguideil, a thathar a’ Moladh
There is circulated Report No. HC-11-12 (109kb pdf) dated 19 June 2012 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which requests approval of the request from Transport Scotland for the Council to make a fixed contribution of £100k towards the proposed re-opening of the Conon Bridge Railway Station.
Members are asked to agree the request from Transport Scotland as detailed, subject to the works going ahead, with the funding to be met from the increase in the Council’s general reserve following the underspend in 2011/12.
19. Appointments
Cur an Dreuchd
(i) HITRANS
HITRANS is the statutory Regional Transport Partnership for the Highlands and Islands and its membership includes representatives from the five Councils – Highland, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Orkney, Moray and Argyll and Bute. HITRANS works with Councils, the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, transport operators and other stakeholders to improve transport services in the Highlands and Islands. In addition to the Council appointments, there are three non-Council members who are appointed by the Scottish Government following an open advertisement and selection process.
The Council has been invited to appoint 1 Member (with substitute) to HITRANS.
In this regard, the Administration will move that the Chair of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee should be appointed – with the Vice Chair of the Committee as substitute.
(ii) Caithness and North Sutherland Fund
The Caithness and North Sutherland Fund was established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to distribute funding to community organisations for projects that will increase the attractiveness of Caithness and North Sutherland as a place to live, work and invest with particular emphasis on achieving environment, social, culture and infrastructure improvements.
The Fund requires 3 Members to be appointed by Highland Council – 2 Members from the Caithness Wards and 1 Member from the North West and Central Sutherland Ward.
The Council is therefore asked to appoint 3 Members as detailed.
(iii) Highland Housing Alliance
The Highland Housing Alliance was formed to help address the need for affordable housing in the Highlands with the objectives of operating a revolving landbanking fund to facilitate the construction of affordable housing, carrying out infrastructure works to enable sites to become available as feasible building sites, developing projects to provide housing (for sale and rent) at market or near market levels, organising, packaging and managing joint developments with housing associations and others and undertaking research, development and other work to improve the housing procurement process in the Highlands with specific reference to the sustainable use of locally sourced products.
The Council is asked to appoint 1 Member to the Highland Housing Alliance.
In this regard, the Administration will move that the Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee should be appointed.
(iv) Comunn na Gaidhlig Ltd
Comunn na Gaidhlig Ltd was established as a co-ordinating Gaelic Development Agency, operating at a local, regional and national level, and the Board of Directors includes representatives from Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, An Comunn Gaidhealach and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The Council is invited to appoint 1 Member to the Board of Directors as detailed.
(v) Veterans Champion
The purpose of the Veterans Champion is to create links to proactively make contact with veterans organisations and maintain contact with the Cross Party Group on Armed Forces Veterans within the Scottish Parliament, promote interests to advance veterans interests at a local authority level through assessing the impact that Council initiatives have on veterans and to be a public advocate for veterans in the local authority area.
The Council is invited to nominate 1 Member as Veterans Champion.
20. Timetable of Meetings for the remainder of 2012
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan airson na tha air fhàgail de 2012
There is circulated separately Timetable of Meetings (72kb pdf) for the remainder of 2012 for approval.
Members are asked to note that a proposed Timetable for Meetings in 2013 will be circulated for consideration at the next meeting.
21. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh
The Council is invited to agree that, during the recess period, powers should be granted to the Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property, Assistant Chief Executive, Directors and Corporate Manager, in consultation with the Convener, Leader of the Council, Depute Leader of the Council, relevant Chair and the Leader of the Opposition, 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.
22. Deeds Executed
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh
Members are asked to note that a list of Deeds (38kb pdf) and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 17 May 2012 is available in the Members’ Library and on the Council’s Website.