Agendas, reports and minutes

The first meeting of the Highland Council after the election of Councillors will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 26 May 2022 at 10.30am.

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.    Interim Chair
Cathraiche Eadar-amail

In terms of Section 4 (4) of the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, the Returning Officer (in this case the Chief Executive) shall preside at the first meeting of the Council held after an ordinary election of Councillors until the Council elects its Convener which is the first substantive business to be transacted.

2.    Membership of the Council                        
Ballrachd na Comhairle

There is circulated Report No. HC/6/22 by the Returning Officer which provides the names of the candidates returned to membership of the Highland Council at the election held on 5 May 2022.

3.    Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

4.    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 provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.                                                                   

5.    Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Foillseachadh Gabhail ri Oifis

The Chair will establish that all Members present have signed the Declaration of    Acceptance of Office.

6.    Convener of the Council – Appointment 
Neach-gairm na Comhairle – Cur an Dreuchd 

In terms of Section 4(1) of the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, the Council is required to appoint a Convener.

Nominations will be sought at the meeting for this position and once appointed the Convener will take the chair. 
 
7.    Leader of the Council – Appointment 
Ceannard na Comhairle – Cur an Dreuchd 

The Administration will move the establishment of the post of Leader of the Council.

Nominations will be sought at the meeting for this position. 

8.    Leader of the Opposition – Appointment  
Ceannard nan Dùbhlanach – Cur an Dreuchd 

The Administration will move the establishment of the post of Leader of the Opposition.

Nominations will be sought at the meeting from the largest political group in opposition to the Administration.

9.    Confirmation of Minutes – Highland Council    
Dearbhadh Geàrr-chunntais – Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There are circulated for confirmation the Minutes of Meeting of the Highland Council held on Thursday 10 March 2022.

10.    Establishment of the Licensing Committee and Board
Stèidheachadh Comataidh Ceadachaidh agus Bòrd

The Council is invited to establish the following:-

Highland Licensing Committee (12 Members – 8 meetings per year) 
Highland Licensing Board (10 Members - 8 meetings per year) 

11.    Appointment of Members to the Highland Licensing Committee and
Highland Licensing Board
Cur Bhall an Dreuchd gu Comataidh Ceadachd na Gàidhealtachd agus Bòrd Ceadachd na Gàidhealtachd

It is recommended that membership of the Highland Licensing Committee should comprise 12 Members as follows – 

6 Members from Wards 1-10 
6 Members from Wards 11-21

(In accordance with the above, nominations will be tabled for approval).

It is recommended that membership of the Highland Licensing Board should comprise 10 Members - drawn from the membership of the Highland Licensing Committee – and nominations in this regard will be sought at the meeting.

It should also be noted that mandatory training for Licensing Board Members will be undertaken on Tuesday, 7 June 2022 at Headquarters. 

12.    Deeds Executed                                                  
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh

Members are advised that a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 10 March 2022 is available on the Council’s Website.

13.    Timetable of Meetings up to the Summer Recess                                   
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan gu Fosadh an t-Samhraidh

There is circulated an amended Timetable of Meetings up to the recess period for approval.  

The Council is asked to note that a Timetable for the remainder of 2022 will be submitted to the meeting on 30 June 2022 for approval.