Agendas, reports and minutes

Care, Learning and Housing Committee (formerly the People Committee)

Date: Thursday, 25 January 2018

Minutes: Read the Minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the People Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 25 January 2017 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Mr A Baxter (Chair), Mr B Boyd, Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr J Finlayson (Vice Chair), Mr A Graham, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr B Lobban (Substitute), Mr D Mackay (Substitute), Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mrs P Munro, Mrs M Paterson (Substitute), Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair (videoconferencing), Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen (Vice Chair)

Religious Representatives:

Ms S Lamont, Mr A MacLean, Mr K Weidner

Youth Convener:

Ms M Roberts

Non-Members also present:

Mr G Adam, Mrs J Barclay, Mr R Bremner (videoconferencing), Mrs M C Davidson, Mr J Gray, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr J McGillivray (videoconferencing), Ms M Smith

In attendance:

Mr B Alexander, Director of Care and Learning
Mr W Gilfillan, Director of Community Services
Mrs B Cairns, Head of Additional Support Services, Care and Learning Service
Ms S Campbell, Head of Children’s Services, Care and Learning Service
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing and Building Maintenance, Community Services
Mr A Gunn, Head of Revenues and Customer Services, Corporate Resources Service
Mr B Cameron, Housing Policy and Investment Manager, Community Services
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Corporate Resources Service
Mr B Northedge, Management of Schools Programme Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr J Maybee, Principal Officer (Criminal Justice), Care and Learning Service
Ms L Lallah, Technical Business Analyst, Corporate Resources Service
Ms J Douglas, Care and Learning Alliance (Third Sector)
Ms G Newman, Highland Children’s Forum (Third Sector)
Ms S Blyth, Highland Parent Council Partnership
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss M Murray, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Mr Ian Murray, Chief Executive, High Life Highland 
Mr Douglas Wilby, Head of Performance,  High Life Highland

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

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr T Heggie, Mr R MacDonald, Mr W Mackay, Mr R MacWilliam, Ms J Macdonald, Ms M Newdick and Prof H van Woerden.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 7 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 10 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 11 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 15 – Mr A Jarvie, Mr D Macpherson and Mr G Ross (all non-financial)
Item 16 – Mr A Graham (financial)

3. Outstanding Achievements
Coileanaidhean Air Leth

At this juncture, the Chairman paid tribute to Mr Christie for his chairmanship of both the People Committee and, prior to the Council elections in May 2017, the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee.  Congratulations too were expressed to Mr G Mackenzie who had recently become a grandfather.

Returning to Service Achievements, there had been tabled a list of outstanding achievements by people and groups.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the outstanding achievements; and
ii. AGREED that the relevant Service Director write to all those involved in recognition of their success.

4. Housing Revenue Budget Monitoring Report – 1 October to 31 December 2017
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais – 1 Dàmhair gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2017

There had been circulated Report No PEO/01/18 dated 15 January 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee:-

i. APPROVED the revenue budget position for 1 April 2017 to 31 December 2017; and
ii. AGREED that the projected revenue surplus associated with savings on loan charges be applied as additional Capital From Current Revenue.

5. Housing Revenue Account – Revenue Estimates 2018/19
Cunntas Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais – Tuairmsean Teachd-a-steach 2018/19

There had been circulated Report No PEO/02/18 dated 15 January 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • it was reassuring that tenant concerns had been taken into account during the consultation process;
  • delegating the setting of garage rents to Local Committees was welcomed. In relation to increases in garage rents being used to repair some of the garages and their approach roads it was clarified that this decision too would be delegated to the Local Committees;
  • staff were congratulated for the work processes that had helped to facilitate a modest increase in rent of 0.5%;
  • ongoing supported communication between the Council repair and maintenance teams and tenants was urged;
  • although loan charges were still considered to be high, their reduction was welcomed;
  • assurance was sought, and provided, that a substantial programme of repair and maintenance would be implemented for the housing stock; and
  • Highland remained one of the best Local Authorities in Scotland as regards keeping rent increases to a minimum.

* The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND:-

i. a 0.5% increase for council house rents for 2018/2019;
ii. that the above percentage increase (0.5%) be applied to all residential HRA rents and service charges and to Gypsy/Traveller site pitches;
iii. that rents for garages and garage sites be increased by 3%;
iv. that non-HRA rents for leased property should increase as stipulated in existing contracts; 
v. that the estimated HRA surplus of £4.722m in 2018/2019 be applied as Capital from Current Revenue to fund HRA capital investment; and
vi. that proposals on delegation of functions on setting garage rents to Local Committees be included as part of the next planned review of the Scheme of Delegation to Committees for approval by the Council.

6. Housing Revenue Account Capital Plan 2018/19
Plana Calpa HRA 2018/19

There had been circulated Report No PEO/03/18 dated 15 January 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • Housing staff were thanked for their work, with particular reference to the improvements undertaken in the Bught area of Inverness;
  • details of the HRA Capital Programme budget 2018/19 for the Inverness area were sought;
  • the £23m budget for Council house building was welcomed; and
  • the use of local contractors for local work was urged where Procurement rules permitted.

The Committee:-

i. AGREED the allocation of resources to local area levels as set out in Appendix 1 of the report; 
ii. NOTED the investment priorities as set out in section 4.2 of the report;
iii. AGREED the proposed HRA Capital Programme 2018-19 as set out in Appendix 2 of the report;
iv. NOTED that updates on the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme would continue to be provided through ward briefings and at Local Committees as requested by local Members, in addition to reporting to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee; and
v. AGREED that a detailed breakdown of Council house building and mainstream investment in the Inverness West Ward be provided to local Members.

7. Housing Performance Report – 1 October to 31 December 2017
Aithisg Coileanaidh Taigheadais – 1 Dàmhair gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2017

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as General Manager of Inverness and Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/04/18 dated 15 January 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • with around 81% of Council tenants in receipt of Universal Credit (UC) being in arrears with their rent, it would be helpful if rent arrears as a result of UC could be reported separately; and
  • as there appeared to be a regular spike in homeless presentations in Quarter 4 of each year, it would be prudent to anticipate higher demand for homelessness services for the last quarter of 2017-18.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April to 31 December 2017;
ii. AGREED that the possibility of breaking down rent arrears figures to show the arrears associated with Universal Credit separately be explored; and
iii. AGREED that homelessness trends and issues be reported to the Committee on a regular basis.

8. Response to Scottish Government Consultation on Fuel Poverty
Freagairt do Cho-chomhairle Riaghaltas na h-Alba mu Bhochdainn Connaidh 

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as General Manager of Inverness and Badenoch and Strathspey CAB but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/05/18 dated 16 January 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • many people were not aware they were in fuel poverty and it was essential that frontline staff understood what this was so they could provide appropriate advice and support.  It was suggested that awareness-raising be implemented and that it would be helpful to include home carers and officers who carried out home fire safety checks;
  • concern was expressed that the proposed new model showed such a drastic reduction in fuel poverty, particularly in rural areas where heating was predominantly by oil or LPG, which were considerably more expensive than mains gas.  The model was not a true reflection of the position in Highland or any other rural area.  In response, the Chair confirmed that several Members of the Poverty and Inequalities Working Group had made that point during a video-conference with Scottish Government officials;
  • whilst it was acknowledged “island-proofing” legislation would serve island communities well, it was necessary to keep reinforcing that remote and rural communities were just as disadvantaged;
  • concern was expressed that people were having to choose between heating their home or having a meal, and the importance of identifying households in fuel poverty and doing as much as possible to help was emphasised; and
  • it was essential that the Council made the best decisions for its tenants and was not contributing to fuel poverty by installing heating systems that were expensive to run.  In that regard, Members questioned whether, rather than carrying out blanket new for old heating replacements, where it was known that tenants could not afford the heating system in their home, the HRA maintenance budget could be utilised to replace it with a less expensive system.  It was confirmed that this could be possible and the Chair urged Members to contact the Housing team when they were approached in that regard by residents.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-

i. the Council’s response as detailed in Appendix 1;
ii. that updates on the Fuel Poverty Strategy and forthcoming legislation by the Scottish Government be reported to the Poverty and Inequalities Working Group, whose minutes were submitted to this Committee; and
iii. that awareness-raising in relation to fuel poverty be implemented for frontline staff.

9. Care and Learning Revenue Budget
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Cùraim agus Ionnsachaidh

There had been circulated Report No PEO/06/18 dated 15 January 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, attention was drawn to the 2017/18 savings proposal to reduce the teaching staff allocation in secondary schools by 1%.  Reference was also made to recent comments in the press that education staffing had been protected and an assurance was sought that this would be borne in mind when considering staffing proposals for secondary schools in the coming budget.  The Chair confirmed that was the case.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the forecast budget outturn for 2017/18; and
ii. AGREED the RAG (Red-Amber-Green) status of the 2017/18 budget savings.

10. Children’s Services – Performance Report
Seirbheisean Chloinne – Aithisg Coileanaidh

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/07/18 dated 12 January 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • concern was expressed regarding the reduction in the percentage of Looked After Children attaining qualifications in any subject at level 3 or above, particularly English and Maths.  In response, the Chair reminded Members that an Improvement Plan in relation to the education of Looked After Children had been agreed at the previous meeting of the Committee; and
  • concern was also expressed regarding the increase in the time taken between a child being accommodated and a permanency decision, and the significant impact this had on the child in terms of stress.  It having been suggested that more foster carers were needed to address the issue, it was explained that the indicator in question related to permanent placements with, for example, adoptive parents.  In addition, it was important to know the context - if a placement had taken some time it was often a child or siblings in a challenging situation and was, in fact, a success story.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-

i. both the performance information and the new reporting template at Appendix 1 of the report; and
ii. the information provided on quality improvement.

11. Children’s Services – Assurance Report
Seirbheisean Chloinne – Aithisg Barantais 

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/08/18 dated 12 January 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee:-

i. scrutinised and NOTED the data and issues raised in the report; and
ii. NOTED that comments would be incorporated into a report to NHS Highland as part of the agreed governance arrangements.

12. Criminal Justice Social Work
Obair Shòisealta Ceartas Eucoireach

James Maybee, Principal Officer, gave a presentation on the establishment of the Highland Community Justice Partnership, the plan for community justice in the authority, and current issues in relation to criminal justice social work.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • the Chair urged Members to attend the public protection event on 26 January, if possible, and suggested that information be circulated to all Members for the benefit of those who were unable to attend;
  • there were many examples of community payback projects that benefited a lot of people in the community and Members commended the contribution of Community Payback Officers, who had a challenging role;
  • many low level offenders suffered from mental health problems and it was necessary to take a multi-agency approach and address the root cause or the cycle of offending, prison and release would continue.  In addition, concern was expressed that, upon release from prison, offenders with drug or alcohol misuse issues were housed in the city centre amongst their peers, thereby increasing the likelihood of relapsing and reoffending.  It was confirmed that the issues raised were being considered and that Members’ comments would be fed back to the Community Justice Partnership;
  • information was sought on whether there was an opportunity to repeat the “Small Change for Justice” event, which had showcased the inspirational Third Sector projects taking place in Highland and provided an opportunity to think about expanding and developing that work; and
  • Members had previously sat on the Inverness Prison Visiting Committee, which had been a useful way to keep up-to-date with any issues and find out what could be done to help.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the presentation; and
ii. AGREED that information from the public protection event on 26 January 2018 be circulated to all Members for the benefit of those who were unable to attend.

13. Management of Schools Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Rianachd Sgoiltean

There had been circulated Report No PEO/09/18 dated 16 January 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

In relation to the expansion of early learning and childcare to 1140 hours, the Director explained that funding levels had not yet been announced for 2019/20 and 2020/21, and constructive discussions were ongoing with the Scottish Government, CoSLA and all local authorities in that regard.  However, a national figure of £52m had been announced for 2018/19 and, although discussions were ongoing about how it would be allocated, it was clear that the objectives set out in the Highland Delivery Plan would not be achievable.  A revised plan was therefore required and it was proposed that this should involve moving to 1140 hours in one step in a very small number of centres from August 2018.  A mapping exercise was underway and approval was sought for the following set of principles:-

  • 1140 hours should be available first to those children who would benefit most – ie those living in areas of disadvantage, including rural disadvantage.
  • There needed to be space and capacity.
  • Centres should not be in locations where parents already paying for wraparound care were likely to transfer from other centres, thus making those less viable.
  • There should be representation from across the authority, including childminder, local authority and third sector providers.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • the pragmatic approach to the expansion of early learning and childcare was welcomed.  However, the additional provision set out in the original delivery plan had been eagerly anticipated by local communities and disappointment was expressed that it would not be implemented;
  • if the Scottish Government had been open and transparent about the amount of capital and revenue funding available from the beginning, local authorities would be in a far better position;
  • in relation to the proposed principle that centres should not be in locations where parents already paying for wraparound care were likely to transfer from other centres, there could be families whose financial circumstances had changed and it was necessary to take that into account;
  • the prioritisation of children in deprived areas was welcomed and information was sought as to how such areas were identified;
  • the move to 1140 hours of early learning and childcare was one of the biggest challenges the Council faced, not only in terms of staffing but in terms of accommodation.  In that regard, the requirement for a planning application for change of use should not be a barrier to utilising empty school buildings such as former janitors’ houses.  In addition, the need for creative solutions, particularly in rural areas, was emphasised and it was necessary to minimise the associated bureaucracy;
  • with regard to the roll-out of Chromebooks, an assurance was sought that the necessary infrastructure was in place in terms of network capacity and bandwidth.  In relation to secondary schools in particular, it was understood that there were issues in terms of capacity being taken up by pupils’ personal devices and it was queried whether discussions had taken place with Wipro regarding reserving capacity solely for Chromebooks so they could be fully implemented;
  • in relation to Facilities Management (FM), which it was recognised had transferred to the Development and Infrastructure Service, it was important to ensure that there was engagement with Head Teachers and a common approach across an Associated School Group with a flexible timetable that Head Teachers could feed into.  The Chair referred to the positive engagement that had taken place in Lochaber and urged Members to invite FM Managers to Ward Business Meetings or Area Committees; and
  • with regard to management structures and school groupings, information was sought on whether the engagement template was working well and had made a difference.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the progress being made in the delivery of the management of schools programme; and
ii. AGREED the principles of a revised plan for the roll-out of 1140 hours early learning and childcare, as detailed in paragraph 4.4.2 of the report and expanded upon by the Director.

14. Response to the Consultation on the Provisions of the Education (Scotland) Bill
Freagairt dhan Cho-chomhairle mu Sholar Bile an Fhoghlaim (Alba)

There had been circulated Report No PEO/10/18 dated 12 January 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Chairman reminded Members of previous detailed discussions at both full Council and People Committee meetings of this issue and that this was the last opportunity for comments to be raised prior to the submission of the response to the Scottish Government by the deadline of 31 January 2018.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • in terms of local and democratic accountability, the length of time taken for the Education (Scotland) Bill to be discussed as an item on a People Committee agenda was disappointing;
  • at present, concerns raised by Education Scotland were not highlighted directly to Elected Members but to the individual establishment and the school itself.  Consequently, there was merit in the proposals for powers to engage more fully with learning, teaching and finances resting with individual Head Teachers and Senior Management Teams;
  • the Council’s negative view of the proposals had been questioned and, while there was an acceptance that the proposals were ambitious, there was little evidence of engagement with the Scottish Government as to how issues might be addressed;
  • the letter to staff and parents encouraging participation in the consultation should have been sent much earlier;
  • the one size fits all approach to address perceived shortcomings in some local authorities was an attempt by Scottish Government to ensure equity and fairness of provision;
  • the flexibility to have different arrangements for various elements would resonate with many;
  • in converse to the comments raised, reference was made to a statement made by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills where he had stated that, while he could not tolerate weak or poorly performing education authorities, Highland was not one of these.  As a result, it appeared that Highland was being punished for the failings of other authorities;
  • the educational outcomes for pupils was paramount in this debate and there was no evidence to suggest that changing the governance structure would improve education;
  • improvements in educational attainment and outcomes would be achieved if additional resources were provided by Scottish Government to target the interventions needed to ensure pupils received the best learning and teaching support and so local authorities would not have to consider these areas for cuts when setting budgets;
  • during the first round of consultations, the proposals had been overwhelmingly rejected by Parent Councils, Head Teachers and Teaching Unions and they had been disappointed at the lack of cognisance taken of their views.  The Scottish Government should be encouraged, in this round of consultation, at the level of participation and to take on board comments expressed;
  • the consultation document still lacked detail and until such time as this was provided only limited engagement could take place;
  • CoSLA’s response had supported much of what Highland’s response contained;
  • it was important to generate debate of this issue in communities and with Parent Councils;
  • Head Teachers in Highland already led learning and teaching experiences and had control over devolved budgets.  Head Teachers would not want the additional responsibility for areas such as cleaning, janitorial services, school meals, school transport etc; and
  • the aim was to give young people in the Highland the best start in life and the debate was in no way meant to be Political in nature.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED the Council’s response to A Consultation on the Provisions of the Education (Scotland) Bill as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

15. Council Redesign: Review of Music Tuition Services
Ath-dhealbhadh Comhairle: Ath-sgrùdadh air Seirbheisean Oideachadh Ciùil

Declarations of Interest: 

Mr A Jarvie and Mr D Macpherson declared non-financial interests in this item as Directors of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

Mr G Ross also declared a non-financial interest in this item as a former employee of the Service now known as High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/11/18 dated 15 January 2018 by the Head of Revenues and Customer Services (Review Team Leader).  The Music Tuition services redesign report had been circulated separately as Booklet A.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • thanks were expressed to the Head of Revenues and Customer Services and his team for the work that had gone into the review;
  • the review had been the subject of considerable discussion at the Redesign Board and there had been substantial cross-party support for the recommendation which would not only deliver savings but would potentially improve the service and lead to more music tuition being delivered throughout Highland;
  • music tuition had a significant impact on young people’s lives and it was suggested that, should it be transferred to High Life Highland (HLH), the term “commercial” should not be used in reference to pricing structures for children learning instruments;
  • HLH had been delivering traditional music classes at Charleston Community Complex for a number of years and the benefits were remarkable;
  • HLH was a unique organisation and was well-placed to deliver music tuition throughout Highland.  It had successfully delivered everything the Council had previously asked it to and the position could be reviewed periodically;
  • with the existing service, it appeared that there could be occasions where there was somewhat of a lottery as to what instruments were available in a particular school and it was hoped that the transfer would lead to greater choice for pupils.  In addition, it was hoped that, in the future, there would be opportunities for intergenerational work and that paying adults might subsidise the service to allow for greater expansion;
  • the assurance that existing music tuition staff would transfer to HLH was welcomed;
  • there was a possible risk of a disconnect between those studying music academically and those studying practical music through HLH and an assurance was sought that the links with academic teachers that had been developed over the years, as well as those with the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra and the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton, would be maintained and developed; and
  • some Members expressed concerns regarding commercialisation, uncertainty about funding and what SQA music students would be asked to pay for fees that they were currently exempt from.  It was suggested that it was the wrong time to be making such a decision and that it be deferred until budgetary decisions had been made.  In addition, the report outlined perceived failings in the running of the in-house service and it was suggested that the first step should have been to seek to improve it.

The Chair commented that many other Councils were looking to make savings in their music tuition service and, whilst noting the comments regarding uncertainty, not proceeding with the transfer to HLH could lead to greater uncertainty.  It was clear from the discussion that Members cherished the musical opportunities that existed in Highland and by proceeding with the transfer the Council was safeguarding the service for young people and creating opportunities for expansion.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the findings set out in the Music Tuition services redesign report; and
ii. AGREED the recommendation of the Redesign Board that Music Tuition services should transfer from The Highland Council to High Life Highland with effect from 1 April 2018.

16. Statutory Consultation – Gaelic Medium Catchment Proposals for Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch AbarCo-chomhairle Reachdail – Molaidhean Sgìrean Sgoile Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig airson Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Graham declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds of being an employee of Bord Na Gaidhlig and left the Chamber during discussion of the item.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/12/18 dated 4 January 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee AGREED to proceed to statutory consultation on the basis of the Proposal appended to the report.

17. Year of Young People 2018
Bliadhna Dhaoine Òga 2018

There had been circulated Report No PEO/13/18 dated 11 January 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

  • Members were encouraged to participate in events taking place during 2018.  The Year of Young People (YoYP) provided an opportunity to demonstrate the great work of young people in Highland within schools, communities and clubs and to celebrate the difference they could make;
  • the level of preparation and identification of goals by the Interim Planning Group was welcomed;
  • the Chairman linking with Youth Ambassadors would provide an opportunity to see how work was progressing.  In addition, it was suggested that Youth Ambassadors should be involved with Community Partnerships as it would provide an opportunity for them to promote activities;
  • it was hoped that funding to organisations supporting these young people could be maintained;
  • the YoYP  provided an opportunity to build intergenerational links; and
  • wherever participation took place, it must be inclusive of children and young people with Additional Support Needs.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the information provided on the Year of Young People 2018; and
ii. AGREED to give full support to the stated aim, “to inspire Scotland through its young people, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contribution to communities and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally”.

18. Complaints Review Committee Outcome
Toradh Comataidh Ath-sgrùdaidh nan Gearanan

There had been circulated Report No PEO/14/18 dated 10 January 2018 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Resources and the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee NOTED:-

i. that the Complaints Review Committee met to consider the case, and the findings; and
ii. that there were no recommendations made by the Complaints Review Committee.

19. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group – 13 June 2017;
ii. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership Group – 5 September 2017;
iii. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Child Protection Committee – 26 September 2017;
iv. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Community Justice Partnership – 27 September 2017;
v. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group – 28 September 2017;
vi. APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 1 December 2017; and
vii. APPROVED the Minutes of the Poverty and Inequalities Working Group – 11 January 2018.

The meeting concluded at 12.30 pm.