Agendas, reports and minutes

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

Date: Wednesday, 21 August 2019

Agenda: Read the Agenda

A meeting of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 21 August 2019 at 10.05 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

Stewart Fraser
Head of Corporate Governance

Business

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/Outstanding Achievements
Naidheachdan Matha/Coileanaidhean Air Leth

4.    Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 27 June 2019 have not been exercised in relation to the business of the Committee.

5.    Presentation: Child Protection in Highland
Taisbeanadh: Dìon Chloinne sa Ghàidhealtachd

DCI Vincent McLaughlin, Chair, and Donna Munro, Lead/Training Officer, will outline the role of the Child Protection Committee in developing and implementing child protection strategy across Highland, with a specific focus on accountability, continuous improvement and the role everyone has to protect children and young people from harm and abuse in our communities.

The Highland Child Protection Committee Improvement Plan 2019-2022 is circulated for information.

6.    Presentation: Mock Court Project
Taisbeanadh: Pròiseact Cùirte Fuadain

A short presentation will be given by representatives of Duncan Forbes Primary School who, last academic session, took part in a national Mock School Court Case Project.  This project has been running for a number of years, however, it was the first time schools in Highland had taken part.  Pupils had to prepare prosecution and defence evidence and try three cases at Inverness Sheriff Court in front of the Sheriff.  The school attended the finals in Edinburgh where they won awards for journalism and artistry.

7.    Advice and Information Services: End of Year Monitoring 2018/19
Seirbheisean Comhairle agus Fiosrachaidh: Sgrùdadh Deireadh Bliadhna 2018/19

There is circulated Report No CLH/44/19 dated 19 July 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to note that:-

i.    in excess of 22,000 customers were assisted by the Council’s Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice during 2018/19 for support with welfare, debt and housing issues;
ii.    financial gains for customers exceeded £22.5 million. This represents a £14.07 return for every £1 allocated in Advice and Information services by the Council;
iii.    a total of £11.2 million of debt (including £2.4m relating to mortgage/other secured loans) was presented to Citizens Advice which represents a 56% decrease compared to 2016/17; and
iv.    Citizens Advice supported 2,625 customers (including social rented, private rented and home owners) seeking housing advice, highlighting the demand for consistent accessible support on these issues.

8.    Local Child Poverty Action Report
Aithisg Gnìomha Bochdainn Chloinne Ionadail

There is circulated Report No CLH/45/19 dated 12 June 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy.

The Committee is invited to consider and agree the Local Child Poverty Action Report for Highland for 2018/19.

9.    Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Non-HRA Budget Monitoring Statement to 30 June 2019
Aithris Sgrùdaidh Buidseat Cunntas Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais agus Teachd-a-steach Neo-thaigheadais gu 30 Ògmhios 2019

There is circulated Report No CLH/46/19 dated 12 August 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

The Committee is invited to approve the budget position on the Housing Revenue Account and Non-Housing Revenue Account.

10.    Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 30 June 2019
Aithisg Coileanaidh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 30 Ògmhios 2019

There is circulated Report No CLH/47/19 dated 12 August 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

The Committee is invited to note the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019.

11.    Care and Learning Revenue Budget Monitoring Quarter 1 2019/20
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Cùraim agus Ionnsachaidh Cairteil 1 2019/20

There is circulated Report No CLH/48/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue budget outturn forecast for the year, and the actions being taken to address the budget position in the current year.

12.    Learning Estate Investment Priorities
Prìomhachasan Tasgaidh Oighreachd Ionnsachaidh 

There will follow Report No CLH/49/19 by the Chief Executive.

13.    Update on Review of Funding for External and Third Sector Sports, Leisure, Culture and Community Organisations
Cunntas às Ùr de Sgrùdadh mu Mhaoineachadh do Bhuidhnean Spòrs, Cur-seachad, Cultair agus Coimhearsnachd bhon Taobh a-muigh agus bhon Treas Roinn

There is circulated Report No CLH/50/19 dated 13 August 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    agree the recommendation of the Working Group to reduce village hall funding by £40k, with application criteria to be developed for the remaining contingency fund of £10k; and
ii.    note the process for review, with recommendations to come back to this Committee for decision, and notification, in October 2019.

14.    NHS Highland Assurance Report
Aithisg Barantais NHS na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No CLH/51/19 dated 5 August 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise the data and issues raised in the report.

15.    Adult Social Care Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chùram Sòisealta Inbheach

There is circulated Report No CLH/52/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to note the contents of the report and the highlighted items from the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

16.    Review of the Statutory Consultation Exercise to establish a 3-18 campus in Tain
Ath-sgrùdadh den Eacarsaich Cho-chomhairle Reachdail gus campus 3–18 a stèidheachadh ann am Baile Dhubhthaich

There is circulated Report No CLH/53/19 dated 12 August 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The appendices are circulated separately as Booklets A, B and C.

The Committee is invited to consider the proposal set out within Appendices A and B of the report (pp 1-56 of Booklet A) and, having given consideration to any further representations received:-

i.    agree to recommend to the Council that education provision be discontinued at Tain Royal Academy, Craighill Primary School, Knockbreck Primary School and St Duthus Special School and relocated to a new 3 to 18 campus to be established on the site of the existing Craighill Primary School; and
ii.    note the position relating to capital funding for implementation, and the actions being progressed to explore funding opportunities and achieve ‘bid ready’ status in relation to Scottish Government Learning Estate investment.

17.    Review of the Statutory Consultation Exercise to establish a Gaelic Medium catchment area for Mallaig Primary School
Ath-sgrùdadh den Eacarsaich Cho-chomhairle Reachdail gus sgìre sgoile Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig a stèidheachadh airson Bun-Sgoil Mhalaig

There is circulated Report No CLH/54/19 dated 25 July 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    consider the Proposal set out within the Consultation Report (Appendix A of the report) and associated appendices;
ii.    consider the representations received and the report from Education Scotland; and
iii.    agree to recommend to the Council the creation of a Gaelic Medium catchment area for Mallaig Primary School on the basis shown on the map at Appendix 3 of the report.

18.    Deferred and Early Entry to School
Inntrigeadh Sgoile Dàilichte agus Tràth

There is circulated Report No CLH/55/19 dated 13 August 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    approve the guidance (at Appendix A of the report) on being educated outwith the peer group including deferred and early entry to school; and
ii.    note the supporting information and references.

19.    Education Transformation
Cruth-atharrachadh Foghlaim

There is circulated Report No CLH/56/19 dated 3 July 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The report introduces a presentation on progress made by the Change Team.

The Committee is invited to note the progress and plans being put in place to deliver better outcomes for young people.

20.    ICT in Learning Strategy and Chromebook Rollout in Schools
Ro-innleachd ICT ann an Ionnsachadh agus Sgaoileadh Chromebook ann an Sgoiltean

There is circulated Report No CLH/57/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.    the successful deployment of approximately 22,000 Chromebooks to Highland schools by June 2019;
ii.    the initial feedback for the project to date; and
iii.    the next steps in ICT and Digital Learning in schools.

21.    Placement Services Change Programme Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Phrògram Atharrachaidh nan Seirbheisean Suidheachaidh

There is circulated Report No CLH/58/19 dated 26 July 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    note and comment on the progress to date; and
ii.    note that a report on the review of Fostering and Adoptions fees/allowances will be presented to the Council in October 2019.

22.    Early Years Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Thràth-bhliadhnaichean

There is circulated Report No CLH/59/19 dated 5 August 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Committee is invited to note and acknowledge:-

i.    the developments and progress in early years; and
ii.    the risks to the Early Learning and Childcare programme

23.    YouthWorksHighland – Highland Youth Work Strategy 2019-2024
Obair Òigridh na Gàidhealtachd – Ro-innleachd Obair Òigridh na Gàidhealtachd 2019-2024

There is circulated Report No CLH/60/19 dated 12 August 2019 by the Chief Executive, High Life Highland.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    comment on and endorse the Highland youth work strategy contained in Appendix 1;
ii.    note that the cross-sector For Highland’s Children Four - Youth Work Improvement Group (which includes young people) and the Highland Youth Parliament will develop an annual action plan to deliver the strategy;
iii.    nominate an Elected Member to attend the Youth Work Improvement Group; and
iv.    note that progress towards the delivery of the strategy will be reported in a variety of settings and that reporting to the Council will be annually through the regular High Life Highland progress reports.

24.    High Life Highland
High Life na Gàidhealtachd

At his final meeting of the Committee, the Chief Executive of High Life Highland will give a brief review of the work of High Life Highland to date, since the Council established the charity in 2011.

The Committee is invited to note the position.

25.    Membership of Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers
Ballrachd Comataidh Barganachaidh Ionadail airson Thidsearan

Changes to the membership of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers will be tabled for approval.

26.    Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The following Minutes are circulated for noting or approval as appropriate:-

i.    Highland Child Protection Committee – 26 February 2019 (for noting);
ii.    Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group – 5 March 2019 (for noting;
iii.    Highland Community Justice Partnership – 20 March 2019 (for noting);
iv.    Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 13 June 2019 (for approval);
v.    Highland Council/NHS Highland Joint Monitoring Committee – 17 June 2019 (draft for noting);
vi.    Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers – 19 June 2019 (draft for noting);
vii.    External and Third Sector Sports, Leisure, Culture and Community Funding Working Group – 5 August 2019 (for approval); and
viii.    Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 8 August 2019 (for approval).