Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 30 May 2018 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 T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R MacDonald (video conferencing), Mr W MacKay (video conferencing), Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Ms L Munro, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair (video conferencing), Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen (Vice Chair)
    
NHS Highland:

Ms J Macdonald    
    
Religious Representative:

Mr K Weidner    
    
Non-Members also present:

Mrs J Barclay, Mrs M Davidson, Mr K Gowans, Mr J Gray, Mr J McGillivray (video conferencing), Mrs M Paterson, Mr A Rhind
    
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 B Porter, Head of Resources, Care and Learning Service
Mr J Steven, Head of Education, Care and Learning Service
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing and Building Maintenance, Community Services
Ms S Harrington, Senior Manager Early Years, Care and Learning Service
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr G Killbourn, Residential Resources Manager, Care and Learning Service
Ms A Gillies, 16+ Opportunities for All Coordinator, Care and Learning Service
Mrs S Galloway, Rector, Plockton High School
Mr D O’Neil, Business Manager Teacher/Young Enterprise Lead, Plockton High School
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance 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
Mrs C MacIver, Committee and Elections Officer, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Senior Pupils, Plockton High School
Ms L Thomas, Area Team Chair, Young Enterprise Scotland
Mr T Boyd, Advocacy and Participation Manager – North, Who Cares? Scotland
Mr I Murray, Chief Executive, 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.

Mr A Baxter in the Chair

Business

In accordance with Standing Order 18, with the consent of the meeting, items 18,19 and 21 on the agenda would be taken at the end of the meeting.

1.    Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Ms P Munro, Ms M Newdick, Ms S Lamont and Ms M Roberts.

2.    Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 6 – Mr A Graham (financial)
Item 10 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 11 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 21 – Mr T Heggie, Mr D Macpherson, Ms L Munro (all non-financial) and Mr K Gowans (financial) 
Item 23iv – Mr A Christie (financial)

3.    Outstanding Achievements
Coileanaidhean Air Leth

There had been tabled a list of outstanding achievements by people and groups.

The Director of Care and Learning added that Grantown Grammar School had been identified as the best outdoor sports school in Britain, and the Head Teacher of Kingussie High School had been awarded Fellowship of the Scottish College of Educational Leaders.  These achievements would be formally recognised in the list presented to the August Committee.

During discussion, Members highlighted that Staffin Primary School had won Poppyscotland’s learning competition and had received £1000 to update the local area.

Having commended all those involved, and, in particular, the breadth of achievement across Highland schools, the Committee:-

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

4.    Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Non-HRA Budget: Near-final Outturn Report 2017/2018

There had been circulated Report No CLH/02/18 dated 21 May 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee:-

i.    APPROVED the near-final revenue budget position for 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018; and
ii.    AGREED that the year-end HRA surplus of £0.325m be applied as Capital from Current Revenue.

5.    Community Services Performance Report – 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018    

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

The Committee NOTED the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018.

6.    Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: Rent Pressure Zones    

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Graham declared a financial interest in this item as a registered landlord and left the Chamber for the duration of the item.

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

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• Rent Pressure Zones needed to come into effect before there was a significant problem.  However, given that applications relied on retrospective information on rent increases, it was difficult to say what the Council could do to be pre-emptive;
• anecdotal evidence was not sufficient to support an application for a Rent Pressure Zone, and Members and officers needed to work together to ensure that information on private sector rents was fed through the system.  In addition, it was suggested that consideration be given to a press call to encourage private sector tenants struggling with increasing rents to provide information;
• information was sought, and provided, on what could be done to protect tenants in the event of private landlords increasing their rent and, having been informed that they could not afford it, serving notice to quit;
• it was suggested that the possibility of UHI undertaking research on private sector rents be explored;
• there were a number of strands to draw together to get a picture of what was happening with rent levels – eg changes in taxation meant that a lot of people with buy to let properties were now selling their properties, and the increase in Airbnb had taken properties out of the rental market;
• data was necessary to monitor and evaluate rent increases and the impact on those who were struggling to afford them; and
• a timescale having been sought for a further update, it was confirmed that it was intended to provide a briefing note towards the end of the calendar year.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.    NOTED the information provided on Rent Pressure Zones;
ii.    AGREED to continue dialogue with other Councils, COSLA and Scottish Government officers in developing a common approach to research and data collection that would support successful applications for Rent Pressure Zones;
iii.    NOTED that it would take time and resources to develop the evidence base to support applications in Highland and that there was no specific budget provision for this;
iv.    AGREED that discussion take place locally with Ward Members, where requested,  regarding specific local issues of affordability in the Private Rented Sectors that might help in identifying specific locations in which to target evidence gathering in future;
v.    AGREED that further updates be provided to Members as work progressed nationally; and
vi.    AGREED to explore the possibility of UHI undertaking research on private sector rents.

7.    Children Living in Temporary Accommodation

There had been circulated joint Report No CLH/05/18 dated 16 May 2018 by the Directors of Community Services and Care and Learning.

In introducing the report, the Chair referred to a previous request that information on the number of households with children in temporary accommodation be reported on a quarterly basis.  This had been addressed in the Children’s Services Performance Report at item 10 on the agenda, which set out a number of proposed amendments to performance measures.

During discussion, information was sought, and provided, on what could be done to cease the practice of children being placed in unsuitable temporary accommodation, such as Houses in Multiple Occupation or Bed and Breakfasts that also housed large numbers of people with issues such as addictions.

The Committee otherwise NOTED the report.

8.    Care and Learning Revenue Budget – Near-final Outturn 2017/18

There had been circulated Report No CLH/06/18 dated 18 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the interim solution with regard to Aviemore pool was welcomed.  However, there appeared to be a recurring issue towards the end of the contract and it was suggested that consideration be given to an innovative long-term strategy to provide quality swimming for the community, particularly in Badenoch;
• concern was expressed that Annex 1 could be photocopied separately and mistaken for a final report and it was therefore suggested that a prominent heading be added to such reports, stating that it was a forecast at a particular date;
• pressure on the Looked After Children (LAC) budget was one of the main reasons for the overspend and it was hoped that the final outturn report would provide details of expenditure on LAC and some analysis and planning as to what was going to be done.  In response, the Chair reminded Members of previous discussions and that the Committee had approved a business case for in-house provision aimed at tackling this issue; and
• in relation to Staff Costs and Other Costs, it was hoped that the final outturn report would provide a breakdown of expenditure, particularly on Other Costs, the variance in that regard being approximately £8m.  In both cases, it was suggested that an “80/20 analysis” be undertaken to pick out the major contributions to the variance.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.    AGREED the revenue budget near final outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2018; and
ii.   NOTED the update provided regarding Aviemore pool and AGREED that consideration be given to an innovative long-term strategy.

9.    Care and Learning Capital Programme – 2018/19 Budget Allocations

There had been circulated Report No CLH/07/18 dated 23 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Chair commended the new Strontian Primary School building, which he had visited recently and which would be a great start to the new school year for local children.  He explained that he had extended an invitation to the local steering group to attend a future meeting of the Committee, both to celebrate what they had achieved and to describe some of the many challenges they had faced and how they overcame them.  This would be of interest to other communities in Highland who wished to explore whether the model was appropriate for the circumstances in their area.

In addition, he explained that the Council’s Budget Team and representatives of opposition groups had met and had detailed and frank discussions with both Scottish Futures Trust and Hub North.  In relation to Scottish Futures Trust in particular, details of the bid criteria and process were awaited so that the Council could proceed in preparing and submitting bids.  In relation to Hub North, useful discussions had taken place, and would continue over the next few weeks, regarding how to maximise the number of schools within the available capital spend.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the commitment to engage with communities regarding Scottish Futures Trust was welcomed;
• in relation to the proposed programme set out in Appendix 1, information was sought and provided regarding contingency planning in the event that other projects arose during the course of the year;
• with regard to mobile library vehicles, some Members, whilst welcoming the move to a programme of replacement, expressed concern that it would take too long and suggested that it be accelerated.  Some existing vehicles would be 15/16 years old with mileage in excess of 300,000 by the time they were replaced, and further vehicle failures were inevitable.  The issue would be easier to address if there was a multi-year budget but, given that was not the case, it was suggested that leasing three vehicles and replacing the three oldest existing vehicles immediately was the best way forward.  It was emphasised that the Council had a statutory obligation to provide an equitable and sustainable library service for all communities in Highland, and that mobile libraries did not just provide books but provided a lifeline.  In relation to the possibility of purchasing a used vehicle with the balance of £20k, it was suggested that this was ambitious.  However, other Members highlighted that some local authorities were reducing their use of mobile libraries and affordable used vehicles were becoming available.  Other Members also expressed frustration at the suggestion that spend be accelerated and emphasised the need to work within the available budget.  The Chair added that schools too were an extremely pressing statutory obligation and that all Members were wrestling with how to balance the capital programme, the available funding and delivering aspirations within communities.  He concurred that a multi-year budget settlement would be preferable and confirmed that the Council would continue to make representations in that regard; and
• Inverness schools was one of the biggest budget pressures the Council faced.  Whilst briefings had been held for Inverness Members, there were implications for the whole Council and concern was expressed that there had not been a report to Committee in 2018.  The Chair confirmed that a report would be presented to a future meeting.  With regard to the ongoing monitoring of delivery of capital projects, it was explained that, in terms of the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, this was reported to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

Following discussion, Mr A Jarvie proposed an addition to the recommendation, namely, that the Director come back with a report on the feasibility of either wholly leasing or a combination of lease and purchase in order to immediately replace the three oldest mobile library vehicles.  The Chair confirmed that he was content to accept this.

In summing up, the Chair explained that he and the Leader of the Council had had extensive discussions with Highland MSPs regarding capital funding for schools and the unique position Highland was in in terms of geography, the age of the school estate, small school rolls in rural schools and the associated challenges.  An acknowledgement had been received to the effect that the Scottish Government recognised the unique position Highland was in and the Council would continue to make the case that it should be treated differently to other areas of Scotland in terms of capital funding for schools.

Members welcomed the discussions and queried whether the ratio of pupils to teachers, particularly in larger schools where there was significant detriment in comparison to other authorities, had been raised.  The Chair explained that no specific discussions had taken place to date but the point was well made and he would ensure that the issue, which had also been mentioned to him by Head Teachers, was raised.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-

i.    the capital budget allocations for 2018/19 as set out in Appendix 1 and paragraphs 5.4 and 5.5 of the report; and
ii.    that the Director come back with a report on the feasibility of either wholly leasing or a combination of lease and purchase in order to immediately replace the three oldest mobile library vehicles.

10.    Performance Report – Children’s Services

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a 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 CLH/08/18 dated 21 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• in relation to Indicator 35 - the number of LAC who attain qualification in any subject at level 3 or above will increase - information was sought on the reason for the fluctuation since the baseline was established in 2012;
• in relation to Indicator 44 – the percentage of schools awarded an evaluation of good or better for self-evaluation in HMI inspections increases - all schools worked to the same agenda, namely, “How Good Is Our School?”, and knew what they were going to be assessed on.  It was therefore puzzling that the current position was as low as 50%.  It was considered that this could be increased quite quickly and information was sought on how it was proposed to do so.  The Chair commented that, although the indicator was below target, it was important not to lose sight of the fact that there had been a considerable improvement from a baseline of 20%;
• in relation to Indicator 45 – the percentage of schools awarded an evaluation for good or better for curriculum in HMI inspections increases – whilst the current position was 8% above target, that left almost a third of schools designated as less than good and an explanation was sought in that regard;
• in relation to Indicator 46 – the percentage of schools evaluated as good or better for meeting learners needs in HMI inspections increases – the increase to 83% was welcomed and congratulations were expressed to all those involved;
• there were several references to exclusions in the report and further information was sought in that regard including whether they had increased or decreased over the past few years and the reasons why, and whether there had been any assessment of the impact of exclusions, and non-exclusions, on schools.  It was also suggested that it might be better to record exclusions by number of pupils as the same pupil being excluded several times could distort the picture;
• self-evaluation was at the core of school inspections and it was necessary to better prepare schools for inspection and ensure those that had been inspected provided feedback to other schools;
• in England, a school would not know it was being inspected until the day of the inspection.  Schools in Scotland had the advantage of being able to be more prepared;
• it was necessary to find a better way of monitoring and reporting on LAC;
• it would be helpful to know how schools were utilising Pupil Equity Fund money, what best practice was coming forward and whether it was making a difference in terms of reducing exclusions.  In particular, information was sought on the impact of “nurture rooms”; and
• concern was expressed that some of the data in the report was 14-17 months old and it was requested that, where indicators were flagged as red, more up-to-date data be provided so progress could be tracked.  In relation to Indicator 26 in particular, early dental care intervention was an important health contributor and a request was made that officers work with colleagues in NHS Highland to provide more up-to-date data.

In responding to the points raised, the Director explained that exclusions was a complex issue and suggested that a dedicated report be presented to a future meeting.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.    scrutinised and NOTED the performance information;
ii.    NOTED the information provided on quality improvement;
iii.    AGREED the proposed amendments to Key Performance Measures, which would require to be submitted to the Joint Monitoring Committee; and
iv.    AGREED that a report on school exclusions be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

11.    NHS Highland Assurance Report

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a 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 CLH/09/18 dated 18 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee:-

i.    scrutinised and NOTED the report; and
ii.    NOTED that Members’ comments would be incorporated into a report to NHS Highland.

12.    Statutory Consultation – Tain 3-18 Campus

There had been circulated Report No CLH/10/18 dated 24 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.  The appendices had been circulated separately as Booklet A.

During discussion, Members’ comments included the following:-

• appreciation was expressed to Officers for their hard work in bringing this proposal to the Statutory Consultation stage and for the community engagement undertaken;
• the stakeholder group had been very inclusive and informative and had a wide membership base.  In addition, the nine Parent Councils had been key in the communication process and would continue to be so;
• as a result of the work undertaken with the Commission for Highland Democracy, the Council now knew how to carry out good meaningful public engagement and, as it moved forward to the Statutory Consultation stage, it was important to involve those parents who still had concerns about the proposal; and  
• given the poor condition of some of the schools it was critical to move forward with a strong collective approach.

The Committee AGREED to proceed to statutory consultation on the proposal set out in Booklet A to establish a new 3-18 campus in Tain, with a consequential merger of Craighill Primary, Knockbreck Primary and St. Duthus School, on one of two site options.

13.    Review of Statutory Consultation Exercise into the proposal to establish a new primary school to serve the Ness Castle and Ness-Side housing developments

There had been circulated Report No CLH/11/18 dated 17 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.  The appendices had been circulated separately as Booklets B and C.

Concern remained regarding the wider development taking place on the south side of Inverness and it was suggested that the pressure on schools there too needed to be taken into consideration as part of the review so a long term strategic plan was put in place.

The Committee:-

*    The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council:-

i.    the establishment of a new primary school for Inverness, to serve the Ness Castle and Ness-side housing developments; and:
ii.    the creation of a catchment area for the new school based on Option B of the catchment options outlined in the original Proposal Paper.

14.    Sustainable Education in Highland Communities

There had been circulated Report No CLH/12/18 dated 21 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

Prior to debate a draft video clip was shown highlighting and emphasising clearly the challenges faced in providing a sustainable education system in Highland for the future.

During discussion, Members’ comments included the following:-

• the participants of the Steering Group were thanked, particularly the Parent Councils who had helped shape the Programme;
• community engagement and communication with stakeholders were key and this element had been lacking in earlier phases.  It was highlighted that Parent Councils had many ways by which to communicate with parents and the Highland Parent Council Partnership had already disseminated useful information.  The role of the Community Engagement Officer would not solely be about communicating Council decisions but to encourage joint decision making and to take on board the views of those parents who might have concerns;
• to avoid frustration, it was important to explain to participants what would happen with their input;
• in this connection, a number of Highland MSPs had been briefed so that they too understood the approach being adopted by Highland Council;
• the Programme offered many opportunities and the lessons learnt during the next phase would help inform and move the Programme forward as it expanded into other Associated School Groups (ASGs);
• the engagement of Head Teachers with the Steering Groups was welcomed.   The Programme was not about closing schools but making education sustainable for the future and Head Teachers were now embracing the challenges and opportunities open to them.  It was important Head Teachers remained leaders of learning and part of the local community;
• IT had an essential part to play in integrating remote and rural communities and it was questioned, as the Programme progressed, if the Council’s current IT provision was sufficiently capable; 
• the shift towards IT would free up teachers to teach and inspire young people;
• the use of video as a means of communication was welcomed and reference was made to a video clip produced by Gairloch Primary School pupils in their search for a new Head Teacher;
• whilst acknowledging that this was a spend to save proposal, clarification was sought as to how the additional posts would be funded given the cuts that had been made elsewhere in education.  In total, the proposal was to spend £220k and it was essential, to justify this investment to communities, to measure how this would directly impact on savings.  In reply, the Chairman explained that two of the posts would be filled from redeploying existing staff and this expenditure was required if effective community engagement and communication was to be achieved; 
• although this would have a cost benefit, this was not the central aim: the Programme would generate huge educational advantages and would address equality issues enabling pupils across Highland to have equal opportunity to access subjects; and
• there was significant momentum in Caithness regarding the proposals and the first steering group meeting had been well attended.  Among the topics discussed were the role and remit of the Group, timescales and budget proposals and whether or not a Caithness ASGs was a sustainable solution.  

The Committee NOTED the progress on the proposals presented to the March 2018 Committee and AGREED:-

i.    the reframing of the programme as “Sustainable Education in Highland Communities”;
ii.    the five workstreams set out in the revised programme plan;
iii.    that engagement progress with regard to management structures and school groupings in the Gairloch, Kinlochleven, Inverness High, Thurso and Wick Associated School Groups;
iv.    that local stakeholder groups be established in other Associated School Groups, linking with Community Planning and other local partnerships;
v.    the team job descriptions set out in Appendices 2 to 5 of the report; and
vi.    in principle, the implementation of Team Leader school office posts.

15.    National Improvement Framework – Progress Update

There had been circulated Report No CLH/13/18 dated 20 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee NOTED the progress being made in the delivery of the National Improvement Framework.

16.    Regional Improvement Plan

There had been circulated Report No CLH/14/18 dated 21 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee NOTED the draft Regional Improvement Plan.

17.    Early Learning and Childcare Update

There had been circulated Report No CLH/15/18 dated 18 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Chairman highlighted the significant progress that had been made in recent months.  Following lobbying, additional allocations had been made and CoSLA had agreed to deviate from the usual funding formula meaning that Highland Council were now in a position to move forward with expansion plans.  The ethos of the initiative was to provide something that was flexible, accessible, affordable and provider neutral and it was vital to recognise the third sector’s role in this.

Appreciation having been expressed to CoSLA and Maree Todd, Minister for Early Years and Childcare, the Committee NOTED:-

i.    the multi-year funding allocation;
ii.    the position on the additional graduate and modern apprentice posts; and
iii.    the update on the trial sites.

20.     Joint Transition Service

There had been circulated Report No CLH/18/18 dated 18 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, Members’ comments included the following:-

• a concern was expressed that the joint transition team did not have enough education providers as opposed to the number of social workers;
• it was suggested that a plan needed to be put in place for dealing with housing issues and the demands of young people when approaching school leaving age; and
• to enable the Members to understand the plans and resources for the Transitions Team it was requested that all Members be invited to attend the opening day for the new office base.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the progress of the implementation of the Joint Transitions Team;
ii.    NOTED the move of Deaf Services from Kenneth Street Inverness; and
iii.    AGREED that Committee Members be invited to the opening of the Transitions Team office base.

22.     Appointment to Food and Health in Schools Group

The Food and Health in Schools Group replaced the former School Meals Stakeholder Group which had been in place between 2011 and 2015.  The Group now covered a broader remit about overall child health and healthy eating and made recommendations on food, nutrition and health policies for pupils and staff in Highland schools.

The Committee AGREED to appoint Mr D Macpherson and Ms K Currie to the Food and Health in Schools Group.

23.    Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in item 23iv 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.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership Group – 12 December 2017;
ii.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Community Justice Partnership – 20 December 2017;
iii.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 28 March 2018;
iv.    NOTED the draft Minutes of the Highland Council/NHS Highland Joint Monitoring Committee – 25 April 2018; and
v.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Poverty and Inequalities Working Group – 26 April 2018.

19.     Presentation: Corporate Parenting Strategy

There had been circulated Report No CLH/17/18 dated 21 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The report introduced a presentation on the corporate parenting responsibilities of Highland Council and current developments in services for young people.  Members were reminded that there were, at present, 510 children and young people in care in Highland with approximately another 300, under the age of 26, who had been in care.  Their circumstances all varied but key features were that their parents had been unable to cope.  Despite significant developments the outcomes for these young people remained poor in comparison to their peers.  However, there was a sense of momentum, both nationally and locally, for change and the resources and support services available were detailed.  In addition the role of Who Cares? Scotland was outlined, explaining they provided advocacy and support to care experienced young people.

Behavioural issues sometimes caused difficulties but it was important to bear in mind that challenging behaviour had a root cause.  Balancing the needs of all young people was vital and reference was made to the innovative work taking place in Dingwall Academy with care experienced pupils and which had been an enlightening and informative experience for the teaching staff involved.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the presentation; and
ii.    AGREED to the strategy outlined in Appendix 1of the report and the methods for monitoring work undertaken to progress the outcomes for care experienced young people in Highland.

18.     Presentation: Supporting Young Enterprise

There had been circulated Report No CLH/16/18 dated 18 May 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The report introduced a presentation by senior pupils from Plockton High School, who were Company of the Year in the Young Enterprise (Scotland) Highland & Moray 2017/18 Programme.  They explained that their company, Bamboozled, produced high quality, sustainably sourced bamboo baskets and chopping boards.  They outlined the process they had followed which included market research, design, production, publicity and promotion.

In commending the pupils for their success Members highlighted the good team working skills they had acquired which would undoubtedly stand them in good stead in their future careers.  

The Committee otherwise NOTED the presentation.

21.     6-Monthly High Life Highland Progress Report

Declarations of Interest:

Mr T Heggie, Mr D Macpherson and Ms L Munro 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 interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest as his wife was an employee 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 his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/19/18 dated 11 May 2018 by the Chief Executive, High Life Highland.

The Chief Executive, HLH, gave a presentation in amplification of the report, during which further information, photographs and a video clip were provided in relation to a number of HLH service deliveries for health and wellbeing; falls prevention exercises, cancer rehabilitation and the need for a new youth work strategy plan.   

It was highlighted that since HLH has been established, 32 facilities and services had been added to HLH remit. These ranged from small facilities such as the Ferrycroft Visitor Centre in Lairg to leisure centres and swimming pools.  New services transferred from the Council had included the new community facilities in Wick, the Council’s Countryside Rangers and Music Tuition services.  He also highlighted the new partnership arrangement developed with NHS for HLH to host a pharmacy collection booth in Ardnamurchan Library.  

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the provision of a pipe band drumming tutor in Skye and Lochalsh was welcomed; 
• information was sought, and provided, regarding the proposal for HLH to take on the day-to-day operation of Lochalsh swimming pool; 
• staff were congratulated on their positive engagement with the public;
• an update was requested on the impact of the new funding stream which had been provided for the development of an adults learners programme;
• appreciation was expressed at the positive changes which had taken place at Nairn Library.  Although initially these had caused concern, it was now  recognised that there had maintained services and the Librarian was keen to reassure other librarians that this worked well;  
• it was suggested that the health and wellbeing plan should incorporate lunch clubs ie Merkinch Community Centre, as, in addition to  providing exercise, this prevented falls.  In addition, it was suggested that the partnership for wellbeing could also use the Merkinch minibus to transport people to activities;
• following a request, a brief update was given on the pilots that had been carried out with the countryside rangers; 
• the dispensing of pharmacy drugs at Ardnamuchan Library was a fantastic initiative and should be developed in other areas; 
• it was suggested that HLH should explore the Scottish Government’s “Cycling Without Age” initiative which had the aim of enabling older people to stay active and socialise; 
• it was hoped that pupils in special needs schools had access to activities provided by Youth Development Officers;
• it was highlighted that both the voluntary youth sector and the new youth improvement group needed to work together in partnership;  
• a future report should outline the risks and main challenges that HLH might face in the future and what services that might need to be protected;
• HLH had changed significantly since its inception in 2011.  The value of their prevention work over this period of time was difficult to quantify but they had undoubtedly made a marked contribution.  Moving forward, it would be important to achieve a balance in provision throughout Highland and across all age groups.

The Committee:-

*    i.    AGREED that High Life Highland had met or exceeded the outcomes expected in the Service Delivery Contract with the Council for the operating period to March 2018;
ii.    NOTED the general updates since the last report in August 2017;
iii.    NOTED the contributions made by High Life Highland to health and wellbeing; and
iv.    AGREED that a new Youth Work Strategy be developed as outlined in section nine of the report and to nominate Mrs B McAllister and TO RECOMMEND to the Council the nomination of Mrs A MacLean to support the Youth Work Improvement Group and Highland Youth Parliament to develop it.

The meeting concluded at 2.50 pm