Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams, on 29 January 2024, at 10.30 am.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser
Head of Legal and Governance

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest/Transparency Statement
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt/Aithris Fhollaiseachd

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.

3. Police – Area Performance Report
Poilis – Geàrr-chunntas Coileanaidh Sgìreil

There is circulated Report No WRSL/01/24 by the Chief Inspector - Area Commander.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.  the progress made against the objectives set within the Highland Local Policing Plan 2023 – 2024 Year 1 attached as Annex A to this report, for the period covering 01 April 2023 – 30 November 2023; and 
ii. the change in format necessitate by a reduction in back office capacity to prepare additional Area Committee reports. 

4. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No WRSL/02/24 by the Local Senior Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.  
The Committee is invited to comment and scrutinise the attached Area Performance Report.

5. Avoiding Financial Harm At Home
A’ Seachnadh Cron Ionmhasail san Dachaigh

A presentation will be given by the Trading Standards Team providing information on Avoiding Financial Harm at Home.

The Committee is invited to note the presentation.

6. Area Roads Capital Programme 2024/25
Prògram Calpa Rathaidean Sgìreil 2024/25

There is circulated Report No WRSL/03/24 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment & Economy.

The Committee is invited to approve the proposed 2024/25 Area Roads Capital Programme for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area.

7. Duncraig Trust Scheme 1999 Review
Ath-sgrùdadh 1999 Sgeama Urras Dhùn na Creige

There is circulated Report No WRSL/04/24 by the Area Education & Learning Manager.

The Committee is invited to consider and approve:- 

i.   the introduction of a new third category of awards to local training clubs and organisations;
ii.  the criteria for individual applications for sports; further and higher education; and local training clubs/organisations;
iii. the scope of award levels; and
iv.  either maintaining the current, officer led, decision making with reports to the committees or committee decision making of grant allocations following review of applications.

8. Housing Revenue Account: Garage Rents 2024/25
Cunntas Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais: Màil Gharaidsean 2024/25

There is circulated Report No WRSL/05/24 by the Executive Chief Officer Housing and Property.

The Committee is invited to agree a level of rent increase to apply to Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Garages and Garage Sites.

9. Community Regeneration Fund Applications
Iarrtasan Maoin Ath-bheòthachadh Coimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No WRSL/06/24 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment & Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   consider the applications presented and agree whether to approve, defer or reject the application.  An approval of funding should detail the amount approved and outline any conditions of funding that Members wish to attach to the approval over and above the required technical conditions.  A deferral would allow an applicant to resubmit the current application at a future date with updated information or for the project to be approved subject to further funding becoming available.  A rejection would mean that the application will not proceed and any future application to the fund should be brought forward initially as a new expression of interest;
ii.  agree the approved CRF grant award for each application up to the value of the available area allocation; and
iii. if there is a balance of funding remaining, agree to ringfence remaining grant within the 2023/24 allocation to deliver area priorities identified through work to develop an area-based plan, subject to full applications being brought to a future committee meeting for consideration.  

10.  Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward Discretionary Budget
Buidseat fo Ùghdarras Uàird Rois an Iar, Shrath Pheofhair agus Loch Aillse

The Committee is invited to note that the following Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward Discretionary Fund applications have been approved since 4 September 2023:-

- Lochbroom Community Council - Beach Cleaning & Litter Picking - £800
- Strathpeffer Primary School Parent Council - Creation of a multi-sensory learning zone – The Den - £1808
- Loch Duich Community Council – King’s Coronation Community Celebration - £500
- Wester Ross Fisheries Trust - River Catchment Management Workshop - £800
- High Life Highland Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre – Angus Og Exhibition - £500
- Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust – Floating Classroom - £1000
- Wester Loch Ewe Community Council, Dog Fouling Initiative - £500
- Gairloch Community Council & Gairloch Area Development, Local Place Plan - £310
- Contin Football & Sports Club, Football Pitch Maintenance - £1000
- Gairloch & Area Development – Gairloch Beach Toilet & Camper Van Facilities - £2770
- Peffery Way Association, all abilities path project - £2550
- Scottish Poppy Appeal – Lighting Request - £250

11. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There is circulated for noting Minutes of Meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee held on 4 September 2023 which were approved by the Council on 26 October 2023.