Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Wednesday, 3 December 2014, at 10.00 a.m.

Present:
Mrs A MacLean; Ms J Douglas; Mr A Duffy; Mr H Fraser; Mrs D MacKay; Mr M Reiss; Mr I Renwick; Ms G Ross; Mr G Ross; Mr R Saxon; Dr A Sinclair; Ms J Slater; Ms K Stephen (substitute); Dr D Alston

Non-Members also present:
Mr A Baxter; Mr A Graham; Mr M Green; Mr T MacLennan;Mr D Millar; Mr H Morrison; Mr M Rattray; Ms M Smith

Officials in attendance:
Mr S Barron, Chief Executive
Ms M Morris, Depute Chief Executive
Ms C McDiarmid, Head of Policy and REform, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr R Evans, Head of Roads and Transport, Community Services
Mr A Bryce, Road Safety and Safer Routes to School Officer, Community Services
Ms I Baikie, Community Safety Officer, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs C King, Health Improvement Policy Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr J McTaggart, Educational Psychologist, Care and Learning Service
Mrs F Palin, Head of Social Care, Care and Learning Service
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing, Community Services
Mr J Bruce, Elections Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs R Moir, Principal Administrator, Corporate Development Service
Ms L Lee, Committee Administrator, Corporate Development Service

Also in attendance:
Chief Superintendent J Innes, Highland and Islands Divisional Commander, Police Scotland
Mr S Hay, Local Senior Officer for the Highland Area, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Mr G MacLeod, Head of Ambulance Services, Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service
Mr R Iffla, Board Member, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board
Mr I Ross, Board Member, Scottish Police Authority
Ms E Smart, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Highland (item 12)
Ms J Groves, Public Health Network Coordinator, NHS Highland (item 12)

In attendance as Observers:
Mr R Whetton, National Adviser for Community Safety, The Scottish Government
Mr G Paterson, Deputy Head of Strategy, Police Division, The Scottish Government  

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

 

Mrs A MacLean in the Chair

1.  Apologies for Absence
Liesgeulan  

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Ms J Campbell, Mrs L Munro and Mr G Rimell.

2.  Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:

• Items 8 and 10: Mrs A MacLean (non-financial)
• Items 7, 8, 10 and 12: Ms J Douglas (non-financial)
• Item 12: Dr D Alston (non-financial)

Community Safety
Com-pàirt Phoblach

3.   Scottish Ambulance Service Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais Seirbheis Charbadan-eiridinn na h-Alba

There had been circulated performance report by the Scottish Ambulance Service for the Highland area for the period September to November 2014. 

Mr G MacLeod drew attention to the main points in the report, including that overall there had been a slight decrease in performance and a small increase in demand compared with the same period in 2013.  Recent recruitment had been successful and the service was now running at full staffing complement.  Shift patterns were being reviewed to provide greater cover at times of highest demand, and to reduce staff hours “on call”.  Punctuality for Patient Transport pick-ups was above target and actions to improve the response to stroke victims, including the increased use of helicopters, were being introduced.  He also informed Members of the recent use of a locally-sited defibrillator, which had saved a life.  Communities could apply for funding from the British Heart Foundation for local defibrillators.

In discussion, Members commented that the report was very useful and thanked Mr MacLeod for providing the information to Committee.  The work of District Partnerships was praised, and attention drawn to the benefits and ease of use of local defibrillator equipment.  Members also expressed an interest in visiting the Ambulance Control Room and requested information on the activities of First Responders across Highland.

In answer to questions raised, Members were provided with clarification of the figures relating to cardiac arrest responses, and given information on:

• mentoring requirements for newly qualified students
• delivery of CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) training to school pupils
• options being considered for letting the public know where local defibrillators were sited, such as maps and an App
• the improved outcomes arising from reduced journey times using helicopters when responding to people who had suffered a stroke
• how decisions were taken with regard to Ambulances crossing the Skye bridge in high winds.  

Assurances were given that discussions had been held between the NHSH and the Ambulance service prior, to the closure of the endoscopy clinic in Skye, and that the impact on the Patient Transport Service was expected to be minor, as most patients self-presented; and also that the new shift patterns outlined would be introduced in both rural and urban areas.

The Committee NOTED the report and the information given and that the possibility of visiting the Inverness Control Room would be explored; and AGREED that a report be brought to a future meeting on First Responders, providing information on the position Highland-wide.

4.   Police Service – Performance against the Highland Local Policing Plan 2014-17
Seirbheis Poilis – Coileanadh mu Choinneamh Plana Obair-phoilis Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd 2014-2017

There had been circulated Report No. CPE35/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Divisional Commander for Police providing an update on the progress with reference to the objectives outlined in the Highland Local Policing Plan 2014-2017.  Data sets across Scotland had been aligned and the Committee was now able to scrutinise trends over the past three and five year periods.

The Divisional Commander drew attention to the continuing general reduction in reported crimes across all categories, which translated to 788 fewer victims than the previous year, and followed on from reductions in crime in previous years.  A recent audit had found that the way crime data had been recorded was robust and the figures could therefore be relied on.  It was his view that a major factor in reducing crime was the strong Community Planning Partnership (CPP), which worked actively and in practical ways towards achieving Single Outcome Agreement goals. 

The Divisional Commander also highlighted ongoing activity with regard to road safety, including the average speed cameras now in place on the A9; the forthcoming introduction of new drink-driving laws; and drug detection/stop and search.  Reports could be brought to the next meeting on the impact of the A9 cameras and the new drink-driving legislation.  Reported numbers of sex offences had fallen, but it was not known if this was due to fewer incidents taking place or under-reporting.

Comment raised in discussion included:

• a welcoming of the average speed cameras on the A9 - speed and dangerous overtaking appeared reduced
• a welcoming of the forthcoming drink-driving legislation
• a welcoming of Police numbers now being up to complement; the role of the special units was becoming better appreciated
• that the proposed extension of the camping by-laws applying within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to cover the whole Loch area could lead to displacement of related anti-social behaviour problems to other areas, such as Highland
•  that the figures were extremely good news; there was a need to get the message out to people that the Highlands was a safe place to live.

In response to questions raised, Members were advised that:

• stop and search activity was generally intelligence-led; the way this activity was recorded had changed, with only searches of people (and not vehicles) now being included in the figures
• schemes for free soft drinks for designated drivers, as operated in other countries, could be discussed at the Community Planning Partnership – this idea would require the buy-in of licensees
• the Divisional Commander was pressing for road accident scanner equipment for Fort William; officers were being trained in the use of the equipment, in anticipation; however, provision was dependent on funding
• a choice often had to be made between keeping Police Stations open or keeping officers on the beat – the Committee must let the Divisional Commander know if they wished a change to the way this was prioritised; around 90% of public contact with the Police was by telephone
• it was the Divisional Commander’s view that hate crime was under-reported; work was ongoing to find out the reasons those who had reported hate crime had done so, with a view to this informing Police activity in encouraging others to report this type of crime; however, it was also the case that fewer crimes were being found
• while a signposting leaflet on assistance available for alcohol, drugs and violence issues was being developed, custody nurses were already providing such information to individuals going through the custody suite.

Mr I Ross, Member of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), commented that the Police were delivering well against Highland’s objectives, but that there should be no complacency.  There were good links between the Force and Highland Council - scrutiny by the Committee was a part of that.  Police Scotland also made a significant contribution within the CPP.  He also reported that the SPA’s consultations on armed policing had concluded and a report was expected at the next SPA meeting on 17 December 2014.  He also encouraged Members to look at the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park by-law extension consultation document.

The Committee NOTED the report and that:

i.    information would be included in the performance report for the next meeting on the impact of Average
     Speed Cameras on the A9 and of the lower limit drink-driving legislation coming into force on 5 December
     2014;
ii.   the Chief Superintendent would explore with the Community Planning Partnership suggestions made in
     discussion relating to encouraging licensed premises to provide free soft drinks to group “designated  
     drivers”;
iii.  the approach of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to wild camping and anti-social
     behaviour would be examined; and
iv.  the Chief Superintendent would continue to work to get the message across that the Highlands were a
     safe place to live.

5.  Fire and Rescue - Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 2, 2014-15
Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn – Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil  

There had been circulated Report No. CPE36/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue, together with, as a separate booklet, interim quarterly performance report (QPR), detailing fire and rescue service performance across a range of Intervention, Prevention and Protection activities for Quarter 2, 2014-15.

The interim QPR reflected current progress in performance reporting for scrutiny committees across Scotland, as well as aligning with the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Highland 2014-2017.  It also contained previously agreed information and performance specifically for Highland area, as requested by Committee Members. 

The Local Senior Officer drew attention to the general downward trend in accidental dwelling fires, severity of injuries and numbers of deliberate fires, and highlighted the positive impact of home fire safety visits, close partnership working and community engagement.  A national approach to responding to false alarms was now in place and outcomes would be monitored.  Detailed figures could be provided to Area Committees on the breakdown of false alarms between domestic and commercial premises, and showing which were equipment-related.  He also requested Members’ assistance in promoting recruitment.

In discussion, Members welcomed that many retained stations were now at near full staffing complement and supported the engagement with schools.  They also drew attention to the unexpected pattern of fewer fire fatalities during the winter months.  If a reason for this could be identified, it might be possible to reduce fire fatalities at other times of the year.

In response to questions raised, the Committee was advised that:

• the impact of the new AFA policy in terms of numbers of call-outs and costs would be analysed
• low establishment numbers were linked to low availability; the problem usually stemmed from the size of the community and remoteness
• efforts to increase the number of women fire fighters were ongoing
• the best advocates for recruitment, especially of women, were existing staff promoting recruitment through friends and other members of the community; the opportunity to develop skills and the high quality of training were also emphasised
• Dingwall and Invergordon availability figures appeared low because both stations had two vehicles and the percentage figures reflected availability for both; however, one vehicle was always available; a marker could be added to the report in future to indicate such stations
• where figures within tables had been left blank, this indicated that no incidents had occurred
• the opportunity was taken at domestic false alarms and chimney fires to provide a home fire safety visit and give advice.

Mr R Iffla, Board Member, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, commented positively on the relationship between the SFRS and the Committee, and the standard of reporting, and welcomed the actions being taken to try to reduce the number of false alarm calls.  He also advised that, whilst retained stations achieving >90% staffing was commendable, the retained duty system had not worked well for a long period of time and a full review was being undertaken so that the system could be made fit for purpose.  Efforts to increase recruitment of female fire fighters were ongoing.

The Committee NOTED the report and the information given, and that:

i.   a breakdown of false alarm call-outs would be brought to the next meeting; and
ii.  tables showing station statistics would in future use a marker to highlight stations with two appliances.

6.  Health Inequalities and Physical Activity in Highland
Neo-ionannachdan Slàinte agus Gnìomhachd Chorporra sa Ghàidhealtachd

In accordance with Standing Order 18, with the consent of the meeting, Item 12 on the agenda was taken at this point.

Declarations of Interest:

Ms J Douglas declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Highlife Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

Dr D Alston declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Board member of NHS Highland but, in terms of the Specific Exclusion at Section 5.18(2)(i)(b) of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, remained to participate in the discussion

There had been circulated Report No. CPE43/14 dated 24 November 2014 by the Head of Health Improvement, NHS Highland, providing an overview of the main areas of work that had been progressed across the Highland Community Planning Partnership to help reduce health inequalities and promote physical activity.  The Report had previously been considered by the Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee and its Resources Committee. 

Ms E Smart and Ms J Groves gave a presentation showing that, whilst life expectancy had improved overall in the previous 10-15 years, inequalities remained.  In areas of deprivation, a boy born in the most deprived areas could expect a life six years shorter than a boy from the best areas; for girls the difference was 4.2 years.  The life expectancy gap was widening.  A number of factors were identified as underlying health inequalities, including housing, fuel poverty, rural poverty and lack of physical activity. Members were advised of the action being taken to address each of these issues; in particular, work was in hand to improve the capacity of local communities to take action, making use of existing assets and skills already within their areas.   Target areas were Wick, Easter Ross, Merkinch and Fort William North. 

The speakers highlighted the importance of partnership working, including with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the National Health Service (NHS), and Forestry Commission Scotland to promote mental and physical wellbeing.  Mr I Ross, also being Chairman of SNH, gave an assurance that SNH was keen to promote the link between health and wellbeing.  The Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue also commented on the importance of partnership working across a wide range of bodies in tackling health inequalities.

Points raised in discussion included:

• the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report “The UK Without Poverty” showed that there was a need to re-think our approach to poverty, and to talk explicitly about poverty; everybody needed to do what they could – as well as aiming for zero carbon, we should also aim for zero poverty
• the importance of play
• developing walks at New Craigs Psychiatric Hospital provided an opportunity for recovering patients to mix with the general public; this could help them in their return to society
• walking groups provided social as well as physical benefits
• schemes encouraging health screening promoted at football stadiums were very successful
• Members often had good intentions but did not always put these into action – it was important to take more exercise.

In response to points raised, Members were advised that:

• health was about what kept people well, not just about treating illnesses
• the indicators of success were complex, but a key indicator was level of poverty
• cultural norms needed to be tackled from the ground up
• Member suggestions that High Life Highland be asked to be more proactive in providing activities for children in deprived areas would be explored
• Member comment regarding the importance of play, in particular unsupervised/risky play, would be taken on board
• it was important to break up long periods of inactivity; for example, office workers should take a walk at lunchtime.

The Committee NOTED the content of the report and the points made in discussion, and that a copy of the presentation would be emailed to Members.

7.   Road Safety Partnership - Annual Update
Com-pàirteachas Sàbhailteachd Rathaid – Cunntas Bliadhnail

There had been circulated Report No. CPE37/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services updating Members on progress in achieving the road casualty reduction targets set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 entitled “Go Safe on Scotland’s Roads it’s Everyone’s Responsibility”.

The report highlighted the work of the Highland Road Safety Group (HRSG) in relation to the Scottish Government priority areas and detailed the work undertaken by Highland Council Road Safety Unit to ensure a lasting reduction in Road Casualties on Highland’s Roads.  A particular focus was placed on young drivers and motorcyclists in line with the Highland Single Outcome Agreement.  All casualty figures had been sourced through Transport Scotland’s national statistics publication entitled ‘Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2013’.

The Head of Roads and Transport summarised the main points of the report, drawing attention to effective partnership working, the actions being taken to reduce road traffic incidents, and excellent performance against targets: the 2015 milestones had already been reached, and two categories in the 2020 milestones were at the point of being achieved.

Having been invited by the Chair to comment on the report, given their involvement in responding to road traffic incidents, the Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance officers emphasised the importance of multi-agency working in improving road safety.  The Police were maintaining a higher profile on the roads and were catching more people for speeding, mobile phone, seat belt, drink-driving etc. offences; and the Fire and Rescue Service were supporting preventative measures such as Driving Ambition.  All were keen to reduce the number of road traffic incidents.

In answer to points raised in discussion, Members were advised that:

• staff would do their best to ensure that older cameras not now used on the A9 since the introduction of average speed cameras would be redeployed
• some schools were too busy to take up all the road safety training available; a communication was being rolled out to Head Teachers to encourage participation
• the data for 2014 would be prepared once the year had ended and reported to the Committee; improvements were being made to data collection
• the Council was open to considering any avenues for funding for the Pass Plus scheme, including external sponsorship, on which suggestions would be welcomed.

The Chair having advised that Road Safety Officers would come out to any school on request, the Committee NOTED:

i.   the Road Safety Targets as set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 and the results for the
     first 3 years of these targets;
ii.  the Scottish Government priority areas and the work of the Highland Road Safety Group in relation to these; iii. the work of Highland Council Road Safety Unit, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and
     Northern Safety Camera Partnership;
iv.  the reduction in 17-25 year old drivers involved in injury accidents from 1998-2013 and the general
     downward trend - there being, however, no guarantee that this trend would continue;
v.  the motorcycle casualties and particularly the downward trend in killed and seriously injured motorcyclist
     casualties from 2002-2013; and
vi.  that the Northern Safety Camera Partnership was exploring the possibility of redeploying the speed
     cameras on the A9 that were no longer in use.

8.   2014 Inverness Safe Highlanders
Gàidheil Shàbhailte Inbhir Nis 2014  

Declaration of Interest: Ms J Douglas declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Highlife Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion

There had been circulated Report No. CPE38/14 dated 24 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform summarising the evaluation findings of the 2014 Inverness Safe Highlanders event and outlining areas for consideration when planning and delivering future events.  Whilst the report focused on the principal event in Inverness, satellite events had also been held in Wick and Portree.  The pictures included throughout the report were from young people participating in the 2014 event and illustrated what young people had learnt at 2014 Inverness Safe Highlanders.

Points raised in discussion included:

• welcome for the success of the events
• confirmation that the satellite events had largely followed the same programme as in Inverness
• the vital role of volunteers in event delivery
• support for Saltire award recognition for Safe Highlanders
• the availability of a Safe Highlanders DVD for schools unable to participate in the event.

The Committee NOTED:

i.    the evaluation findings and outcomes achieved out of the 2014 Inverness Safe Highlanders event;
ii.   that planning was underway to deliver the 2015 Inverness Safe Highlanders event; and
iii.  that information on the satellite Safe Highlander events in Wick and Portree would be brought to the
      respective Area Committees.

9.  Hate Incidents, Hate Crime and Gender-based Violence - Update
Tachartasan Gràin, Eucoir Gràin agus Fòirneart Co-cheangailte ri Gnè - Fios as Ùr  

Declarations of Interest: Mrs A MacLean and Ms J Douglas declared non-financial interests in this item as Directors of Ross-shire Women’s Aid and Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Women’s Aid respectively but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, each concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CPE39/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Divisional Commander for Police providing an update on Hate Crime and Gender-Based Violence.  A typographical error in Table 3 was acknowledged: there had been 45 more (rather than fewer) domestic crime incidents recorded than in the previous year.

In speaking to the report, the Divisional Commander stressed the importance of partnership working and stated that it was everyone’s responsibility to recognise hate crime, understand it and report it.  He welcomed the findings of the Council’s Citizens’ Panel’s attitude survey, which identified the top three areas of concern in relation to hate crime as mental health, physical disability, and learning disability.  What constituted hate incidents and hate crime was often poorly understood and, should Members wish, a future post-committee session could be provided on this subject. 

The increase in domestic abuse reporting was thought to be due to improved public confidence and a reduction in bureaucracy.  Hate crime, however, was believed to be under-reported.  Work was in hand to find out what had led to victims coming forward, in order that this information could be used to find ways to encourage others to do so.  He also referred to the new legislation on stalking and harassment; staff were more aware of how victims felt, and there had been a welcome increase in convictions.

In discussion, Members welcomed the improved recording of incidents, so that the victim did not have to repeat their story several times; and commented that, whilst domestic violence was usually perpetrated by men on women, it could be the other way round, and could also occur within same-sex relationships.

In response to questions raised, Members were advised that:

• it was not yet known whether the proposed change in corroboration requirements would help in eradicating hate crime; currently, 90% of reported hate incidents and 83-4% of gender-based violence resulted in action being taken
• where local victims were required to attend proceedings elsewhere in the UK, and the protection in place in Scotland was not provided, agencies here would work together to find a way to ensure the victim was supported.

The Committee NOTED:

i.   the progress made by the Safer Highland Partnership in relation to Hate Crime and Gender-Based Violence;
     and
ii.  that a future post-Committee briefing session on hate incidents and hate crime would be arranged.

Equalities
Co-ionannachdan

10.   Progress Report of Review Policy and Monitoring of Bullying and Prejudice-based Incidents in Schools
Aithisg Adhartais mu Phoileasaidh Ath-sgrùdaidh agus Sgrùdadh air Burraidheachd agus Tachartasan Co-cheangailte ri Claon-bhreith ann an Sgoiltean

At its meeting held on 5 December 2013, the Committee had noted progress at that time in reviewing the policy and monitoring of bullying and prejudice-based incidents in schools; that the Bullying Policy and Guidance would be further updated; and that equalities training would be delivered to all schools, commencing in February 2014.

There had been circulated Report No. CPE40/14 dated 12 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning providing information on work undertaken to revise the anti-bullying policy and guidance for Highland Schools and local research on homophobic bullying.

The report outlined the Council’s related obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the relevant equality priorities, as presented in “A Fairer Highland”, and drew attention to recent related reports to the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, in particular that Committee’s approval of the Positive Relationships and Bullying Prevention Policy, Guidance and Toolkit, on which the circulated report enlarged, and the Council’s participation in the Stonewall Education Champions Programme.  The report also referenced the commitments in the Education Improvement Plan that all Highland Schools would have an active and revised Equal Opportunities Policy in place, based on a new Promoting Equality and Diversity Policy/Toolkit, and would have delivered equality, diversity and children’s rights training by 2017.

The report also provided information on levels of bullying in Highland schools and its impact, including data drawn from reporting of incidents, responses to the 2013 Highland Lifestyle Survey and the results of a pilot tailored survey carried out in one Highland Secondary School.  It advised of the introduction within the new Policy of an optional electronic classroom survey, which could be used alongside lessons relating to bullying behaviours.  Information was also given on teacher training provision.

In discussion, the importance of bullying and its long-term negative impact was fully acknowledged and the work being carried out to address it welcomed.  Points raised included:

• the handling of bullying had improved in recent years
• while perpetrators of bullying might themselves need help to address the underlying causes of bullying behaviours, such behaviours should be recognised and recorded as bullying
• Members were encouraged to discuss the issue with their local head teachers
• the community as a whole had a responsibility to recognise and tackle bullying
• it was recognised that capturing and resolving all incidents was unlikely to be achievable
• while the target date of 2017 seemed distant, this was realistic in order to accommodate all schools; at the same time, much good work was already happening in many schools.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the introduction of the new Positive Relationships and Bullying Prevention Policy, Guidance and Toolkit and the improvement in the mechanisms for monitoring bullying and prejudice-based behaviours in Schools.

11.   Violence Against Women
Fòirneart An Aghaidh Bhoireannach

Declarations of Interest: Mrs A MacLean and Ms J Douglas declared non-financial interests in this item as Directors of Ross-shire Women’s Aid and Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Women’s Aid respectively but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, each concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

i.    Violence Against Women
Fòirneart An Aghaidh Bhoireannach

There had been circulated Report No. CPE41/14 dated 21 November 2014 by the Director of are and Learning detailing actions achieved over the previous year in the Violence Against Women work plan and outlining five areas of work being taken forward in the following year.

In discussion, the opening of new Women’s Aid premises in Portree was welcomed.

The Committee NOTED the actions achieved in the work plan and the five areas of work for the following year.

ii.   Violence Against Women Strategy Group – Minutes
Buidheann Ro-innleachd Fòirneart An Aghaidh Bhoireannach – Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated and were NOTED the Minutes of the Violence Against Women Strategy Group meeting held on 11 September 2014.

12.   Update on Gypsy/Traveller Issues – Annual Report
Fios as Ùr mu Chùisean Luchd-siubhail – Aithisg Bhliadhnail

There had been circulated Report No. CPE42/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services providing an update on service delivery for Gypsy /Travellers.  The report included statistical information on roadside encampments in Highland during 2013/2014, an update on permanent site provision, improvement priorities, and proposals for temporary stopping places.  In addition to a summary of education activities and outcomes, the report also included interim findings from the fieldwork surveys then currently in progress.

The report also reminded Members that two of its equality outcomes under the Equality Act 2010 specifically related to Gypsy/Travellers, with the Protected Characteristic in each case being Race: “Improvements to the life chances and experiences of Gypsy/Travellers living in Highland” and “Children and Families who have experienced interrupted learning, including Gypsy/Traveller Children and children from military families, are better supported”.

Points raised in discussion included:

• every effort should be made to identify funds for early upgrading of permanent sites and to recoup costs of servicing temporary sites not on Council land
• some supposedly temporary stopping places, particularly in Skye, appeared to have become effectively permanent in nature, through either continuous or consecutive occupation
• it was important to recognise the contribution of the Gypsy/Traveller community to Highland, and particularly Gaelic, culture and history
• the positive role of Housing Officers in promoting engagement with this community was recognised, as was the potential for digital connectivity to facilitate the community’s engagement with public services more widely.

The Committee NOTED the content of the report and:

i.   that Officers would seek to clarify the cost to the Council of providing and emptying rubbish bins at
    unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller sites, in particular beside trunk roads; and
ii.  Member suggestions that, given the aims of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill, efforts be made
    to gauge the level of Gypsy/Traveller interest in site development and management.

The Committee also AGREED that further work be undertaken to promote the cultural contribution of Gypsy/Travellers in Highland.