Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday, 24 February 2016 at 10.30 am.

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
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development

1. Apologies for Absence
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. Good News Stories
Naidheachdan Matha

The Committee is invited to note that the Highland Council had been awarded the Earth Hour Local Authority Runner-up Award 2015.

FINANCIAL MONITORING
SGRÙDADH IONMHASAIL

4. Revenue and Savings Monitoring Report to 31 December 2015
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Teachd-a-steach agus Sàbhalaidhean gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

(a) Corporate Revenue Monitoring to 31 December 2015
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Corporra gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/01/16 dated 9 February 2016 by the Director of Finance which presents the financial position of the revenue budgets of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the period from 1 April to 31 December 2015 and the estimated position for the 2015/16 financial year.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider the financial position of the General Fund and HRA revenue budgets at 31 December 2015; 
ii. note that the combined estimated year end net services underspend of £2.016m and additional anticipated income from Council Tax of £0.932m will result in a total surplus on the General Fund of £2.948m; and 
iii. note that the HRA is estimated to be on budget by the year-end.

(b) Service Savings for 2015/16 – Quarter 3 Progress Report
Sàbhalaidhean Seirbheis airson 2015/16 – Aithisg Adhartais Ràith 3

There is circulated Report No RES/02/16 dated 2 February 2016 by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of progress made by Services on agreed savings proposals for 2015/16.

The Committee is invited to note the progress made by Services towards their savings targets at Quarter 3.

(c) Transformational Savings Programme
Prògram Shàbhalaidhean Cruth-atharrach

There is circulated Report No RES/03/16 dated 15 February 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which explains that the Transformational Savings Programme (TSP) is progressing with a target to achieve £18.5m in efficiency savings for the period 2015/16 - 2018/19, as agreed by Council in December 2014.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note progress with the delivery of the Transformational Savings Programme; 
ii. note actions being taken to ensure savings are delivered; and 
iii. approve recommended changes to savings as follows:

a) Income Generation: change saving profile to 16/17 £180k 
b) P&D Services (fee for accelerating the delivery of discharge of conditions): change saving profile to 15/16 £20k, 16/17 £20k 
c) Transport Programme: change saving profile to 15/16 £145K, 16/17 £625k, 17/18 £1476k 
d) Managing Information: change saving profile to 15/16 £nil, 16/17£232.5k, 17/18 £20k 
e) Digital First: change saving profile to increase 16/17 by £70k 
f) Reduction in Light Vehicles and Plant: change saving profile to 15/16 £25k, 16/17 £125k, 17/18 £150k

5. Corporate Capital Monitoring to 31 December 2015

Sgrùdadh a’ Chalpa Chorporra gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/04/16 dated 5 February 2016 by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of expenditure on the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programmes for the period from 1 April to 31 December 2015 and the estimated position for the 2015/16 financial year.

The Committee is invited to consider the financial position of the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes as at 31 December 2015.

6. Finance Service Revenue Monitoring to 31 December 2015
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Ionmhais gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/05/16 dated 3 February 2016 by the Director of Finance which comments on the Revenue Monitoring position for the Finance Service for the period to 31 December 2015.

The Committee is invited to agree the monitoring report to the end of December 2015.

7. Corporate Development Service Revenue Expenditure Monitoring to 31 December 2015
Sgrùdadh Caiteachas Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/06/16 dated 10 February 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which comments on the revenue monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2015.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2015.

8. Corporate Development Service Capital Budget Monitoring Report to 31 December 2015
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Calpa Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/07/16 dated 10 February 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which sets out the monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service’s 2015-16 capital budget for the period to 31 December 2015.

The Committee is invited to consider the monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service’s capital budget for the period 1 April 2014 to 31 December.

9. Chief Executive’s Office and Members Revenue Expenditure Monitoring to 31 December 2015
Sgrùdadh Caiteachas Teachd-a-steach Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir agus nam Ball gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/08/16 dated 11 February 2016 by the Chief Executive which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Office and Members’budget for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2015.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2016.

10. Chief Executive’s Office Capital Budget Monitoring to 31 December 2015
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Calpa Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir gu 31 An Dùbhlachd 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/09/16 dated 12 February 2016 by the Chief Executive which sets out the monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Office 2015-16 capital budget for the period to 31 December 2015.

The Committee is invited to consider the capital monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Office Capital Budget for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2015.

FINANCE SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN IONMHAIS

11. Treasury Management
Rianachd Ionmhais

(a) Summary of Transactions
Geàrr-chunntas Ghnothaichean

There is circulated Report No RES/10/16 dated 19 January 2016 by the Director of Finance which provides details on treasury management transactions undertaken within the period is submitted to Committee in compliance with CIPFA's Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the Council's approved Financial Regulations.

The Committee is invited to consider the Treasury Management Summary of Transactions reports.

(b) Strategy Statement and Investment Statement 2016/17
Aithris Ro-innleachd agus Aithris Tasgaidh 2016/17

There is circulated Report No RES/11/16 dated 4 February 2016 by the Director of Finance which explains that the Council has adopted the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities. A requirement of the Code is for an annual Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement to be approved by Council for the forthcoming financial year.

In compliance with the Code, the attached Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement for 2016/17 is submitted to Committee for scrutiny. This Statement will then be submitted to the Council for approval in March 2016.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. scrutinise for their interests the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement for 2016/17 and the Prudential Indicators as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report; and 
ii. note that, in compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement for 2016/17 will subsequently be submitted to the Council for approval in March 2016.

12. Welfare Reform Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Ath-leasachadh Shochairean

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/12/16 dated 11 February 2016 2016 by the Director of Finance and the Director of Community Services which provides comprehensive information on the current status of Universal Credit and other Welfare initiatives. It also makes available financial monitoring information, covering the Council’s considerable involvement in this area of work.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the potential impacts of Personal Independence Payments and other welfare reform changes in Highland, including the new state pension arrangements from April 2016; 
ii. note the ongoing concerns regarding the impact of Universal Credit on rent arrears and the reductions to work allowances from April 2016; 
iii. note the new powers for Scotland’s social security system; 
iv. agree to support and promote the potential role of local authorities as experienced financial assessment delivery partners for Scotland’s social security system and also the potential collaborative role of local authorities to support
the development of that system; and 
v. note the management information and budgetary position detailed in the Appendices to this report.

13. Citizens Advice Bureaux: Transitional Project Funding
Biùrothan Comhairleachaidh a’ Phobaill: Maoineachadh Pròiseict Eadar-amail

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/12/16 dated 11 February 2016 by the by Director of Finance which details the current funding arrangements for two projects that are being delivered by Citizens Advice Bureaux to support pregnant mums and those with mental ill health. This report sets out options for transitional project funding arrangements until such time as the European Social Fund Priority 2 projects are selected.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider the report; 
ii. in light of the options presented, consider the resource implications as outlined in paragraph 3.5; 
iii. note the officer’s recommendation as per paragraph 3.6; and 
iv. determine whether additional funding to continue these projects should be awarded, and if so agree which of Options 2,3 or 4 is to be accepted, noting the financial implications of each.

14. Finance Service – Quarterly Performance Report 2015/16
Seirbheis an Ionmhais – Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil 2015/16

There is circulated Report No RES/13/16 dated 11 February 2016 by the Director of Finance which provides a summary of key and statutory performance indicators for the Finance Service as at 31 December 2015.

The Committee is invited to note these statutory and key performance indicators.

MAIN PAPERS – PART 4
PRÌOMH PHÀIPEARAN – PÀIRT 4

15. Revision of Standing Orders Relating to Contracts
Ath-sgrùdadh air Gnàth-riaghailtean a’ Buntainn ri Cunnraidhean

There is circulated Report No RES/14/16 dated 9 February 2016 by the Director of Finance which introduces changes in legislation and statutory guidances introduced by the Scottish Government, and aligns the high level provisions of the Council’s own orders with these new requirements.

The Committee is invited to approve implementation of the Council’s Standing Orders Relating to Contracts April 2016. 

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN LEASACHAIDH CHORPORRA

16. ICT Projects Update
Pròiseactan ITC

There is circulated Report No RES/15/16 dated 9 February 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides Members with an update of the status of current ICT projects as per the Council’s Project Governance Policy.

The Committee is invited to note the report and agree the additional expenditure on the Integrated HR and Payroll and CRM Projects.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS
GEÀRR-CHUNNTAS CHOINNEAMHAN

17. Minutes of Meetings
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

There following Minutes of the Meetings are circulated for confirmation:-

i. Central Safety Committee held on 5 February 2016; 
ii. Employment Release Sub-Committee held on 16 December 2015 (pp 281-282) and 27 January 2016; 
iii. Staff Partnership Forum held on 4 December 2015 (pp 285-287) and 5 February 2016; and 
iv. Non Domestic Rates Appeals Committee held on 26 November 2015.

18. Exclusion of The Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN LEASACHAIDH CHORPORRA

19. Pathfinder North – Transition to Scottish Wide Area Network
Cunntas às Ùr mu Pathfinder North

There is circulated to Members only Report No RES/16/16 dated 15 February 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the current status of Pathfinder North (PfN) which is the five local authorities shared services partnership comprising of Argyll & Bute Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Sear, Highland Council, Moray Council and Orkney Islands Council, and its membership within the Scottish Wide Area Network Partnership (SWAN).

The Committee is invited to note the recommendations as set out in the report.

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
LEASACHADH AGUS BUN-STRUCTAIR

20. Land and Property Report
Aithisg Talmhainn agus Cuid-seilbh

There is circulated to Members only Report No RES/17/16 dated 26 January 2016 2016 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure in respect of a land and property transaction.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as set out in the report.

21. Retention of 14 Kenneth Street for Throughcare Council Housing
Gleidheadh 14 Sràid Choinnich airson Taigheadas Comhairle

There is circulated to Members only Report No RES/18/16 dated 3 February 2016 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as set out in the report.

22. Biomass Heat Contract Provision
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chunnradh

There is circulated to Members only Report No RES/19/16 dated 15 February 2016 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides an update on the biomass heat contract provision.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as set out in the report.