Committees

A meeting of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 9 October 2013 at 10.30 am.

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

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.

Yours faithfully

Michelle Morris
Assistant Chief Executive

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 Stories
Deagh Naidheachdan

Finance Service Items

4.  Welfare Reform Update
Aithisg Adhartais Ath-leasachaidh Shochairean

There is circulated Report No. FHR-117-13 (78kb pdf) dated 1 October 2013 by the Director of Finance which provides an update on the fast moving situation that is Welfare Reform.

The Committee is asked to consider the updated information contained in the report and to:-

i.   note the relevant statistics shown in the attached Appendix; and 
ii.   agree that the Council is represented as appropriate on the local partnership 
     forum of officers dealing with Universal Credit issues.

5.  Finance Service Plan
Plana Seirbheis an Ionmhais

There is circulated Report No. FHR-118-13 (1521kb pdf) dated 27 September 2013 by the Director of Finance introducing the draft Finance Service Plan, updated for 2013/14 which outlines the enabling actions and key performance results which will deliver ‘Working together for the Highlands’, the Programme of the Highland Council and the statutory and core functions of the Service including the Single Outcome Agreement. The report and draft Service Plan are circulated separately in Booklet A.

The Committee is asked to comment on the updated Finance service plan for 2013-14, agree any amendments required, and approve the plan.

6.  Finance Service Revenue Monitoring to 31 August 2013
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Ionmhais

There is circulated Report No. FHR-119-13 (37kb pdf) dated 18 September 2013 by the Director of Finance which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Finance Service for the period 1 April to 31 August 2013.  

The Committee is asked to consider and approve the Finance Service Revenue Monitoring Report for the period to 31 August 2013.

7.  Corporate Revenue Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Corporra

There is circulated Report No. FHR-120-13 (84kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which presents the revenue budget expenditure position for the period to 31 August 2013 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   approve the Revenue Expenditure Monitoring Statement for the financial year 
     2013/14 which shows a predicted net overspend of £0.324m and note the 
     management response to the predicted overspend; and
ii.   agree to earmark £0.400m in respect of the employability underspend from 
     the 2013/14 Planning, Environment and Development budget for use in 
     2014/15.

8.  Corporate Capital Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh a’ Chalpa Chorporra

There is circulated Report No. FHR-121-13 (46kb pdf) dated 30 September 2013 by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of expenditure on the General Fund and HRA capital programmes for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 August 2013 and the projected year end position for 2013/14.

The Committee is asked to approve the financial position of the General Fund and HRA capital programmes as at 31 August 2013.

9.  Treasury Management: Summary of Transactions August 2013  
Rianachd Ionmhais: Geàrr-chunntas de Ghnothaichean

There is circulated Report No. FHR-122-13 (49kb pdf) dated 18 September 2013 by the Director of Finance which provides details on the Treasury Management transactions for August 2013.

The Committee is invited to consider the Treasury Management Summary of Transactions reports.

10.  Annual Treasury Management Report 2012/13
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Rianachd Roinn an Ionmhais 2012/13

There is circulated Report No. FHR-123-13 (110kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which introduces the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2012/13 prepared in compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) revised Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities. The revised Code was adopted by the Council on 3 March 2010.

The report highlights the Council’s treasury management activities undertaken in the year and compares them to the expected activities contained in the annual Treasury Strategy Statement which was approved by the Council on 1 March 2012.

In compliance with the Code, and following consideration by the Committee, the attached Annual Treasury Management Report for 2012/13 will be submitted to the Council for approval.  In addition, the Prudential Code requires the Council to report the actual prudential indicators after the financial year end and they are contained in this report.

The Committee is asked to consider the report and agree that the Annual Treasury Report 2012/13 is submitted to the Council for approval.

11.  North Coast Leisure Centre
Ionad Cur-seachad a’ Chladaich a Tuath

There is circulated Report No. FHR-124-13 (50kb pdf) dated 4 September 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport Service which requests approval for a contribution of £15,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund to complete the funding package that would enable the replacement and up-grading of essential plant, equipment and facilities at the North Coast Leisure Centre in Bettyhill.

The Committee is asked to approve a contribution of £15,000 for the project from the Capital Discretionary Fund.

Housing and Property Service Items

12.  Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean gus Taigheadas a Leasachadh

There is circulated Report No. FHR-125-13 (34kb pdf) dated 27 September 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which seeks approval for a loan to be offered to the Highland Housing Alliance and for purchase of four housing properties in Alness. 

The Committee is asked to agree that:-

i.    four properties at Invercarron, Alness be purchased as part of the Alternative
     Temporary Accommodation programme on terms and conditions to be agreed
     by the Interim Director of Housing and Property; and
ii.   a loan of up to £60,000 be offered to the Highland Housing Alliance to carry
     out works to land at Glendoe Terrace, Inverness on terms and conditions to
     be agreed by the Interim Director of Housing and Property.

13.  Scottish Housing Quality Standard Delivery Plan
Plana Lìbhrigidh Inbhe Càileachd Taigheadas na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No. FHR-126-13 (200kb pdf) dated 24 September 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which provides an update on the Council’s Standard Delivery Plan, setting out progress to 31 March 2013 and the projected investment required to achieve compliance with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

The Committee is asked to approve the annual update of the Standard Delivery Plan attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

14.  Housing and Property Service Plan
Plana Seirbheis an Taigheadais is na Seilbhe

There is circulated Report No. FHR-127-13 (825kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which introduces the 2013/14 update to the Service Plan for the Housing and Property Service.  It details how the Service will contribute to the delivery of the Council’s Programme, Working Together for the Highlands.  The report and draft Service Plan are circulated separately in Booklet B.

The Committee is asked to comment on the draft Service Plan for 2013/14, agree any amendments required and approve the plan.

15.  Housing and Property Service Revenue Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Taigheadais is na Seilbhe

There is circulated Report No. FHR-128-13 (142kb pdf) by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which presents the current position to 31 August 2013 with regard to the 2012/13 Revenue Monitoring Statements for the Housing Revenue Account, other Housing and Property Revenue Account, Property Revenue Maintenance and the Building Maintenance Account.

The Committee is asked to note the monitoring statements to 31 August 2013 for the Housing Revenue Account, Other Housing and Property Revenue Account and Building Maintenance account and progress with the Property Revenue Maintenance programme.

16.  Housing and Property Service Capital Budget 2012/13
Buidseat Calpa Seirbheis an Taigheadais is na Seilbhe 2012/13

There is circulated Report No FHR-129-13 (134kb pdf) by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which gives an update on the position regarding expenditure to 31 August 2013 for the HRA Capital, Non HRA Housing Capital and Property Capital Programmes. 

The Committee is asked to note the current position to 31 August 2013 for the HRA Capital, Non HRA Housing Capital and Property Capital accounts.

17.  Internal Audit Review Report Housing Rents and Housing Stores/Repairs and Maintenance
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh In-sgrùdaidh Màil Thaighean agus Stòras Thaighean/Càraidhean augs Gleidheadh

There is circulated Report No. FHR-130-13 (97kb pdf) dated 26 September 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which informs Members on the objectives and findings of Audit Reports presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 26 September 2013, and updates them on progress against the Action Plans.

The Committee is invited to note the findings of the Audit Reports presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 26 September 2013 and the action being taken to implement the recommendations.

Chief Executive's Service

18.  Annual Progress Report on the Carbon Management Plan 2012/13  
Plana Rianachd Carboin: Aithisg Bhliadhnail

There is circulated Report No. FHR-131-13 (158kb pdf) dated 30 August 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which reviews the performance of the Carbon Management Plan to the end of March 2013.

The Committee is asked to note:-

i.     the progress in reducing carbon emissions by 10% from 2007/08 – 2012/13;
ii.    that in 2012/13 emissions reduced from the year before from our business
      travel, internal waste, and top water consuming properties, but that there
      was little change in emissions from fleet and increases in emissions from
      street lighting and from energy use in our buildings.  Overall emissions
      increased by 3% in 2012/13. This is largely attributed to a long and cold
      winter which resulted in an increased heating demand and period of winter
      maintenance;
iii.    all future reporting will be done against the scope of the revised Carbon
      Management Plan 2013-20 which was agreed at a meeting of this Committee
      on 10 April 2013;
iv.   progress for 2012/13 will also be reported back to the Scottish Government
       in spring 2014 as part of our commitment towards Scotland’s Climate
       Change Declaration; and
v.    in June 2013, the Council committed to achieving a carbon neutral Inverness 
       in a low carbon Highlands by 2025; Carbon Clever Highlands. The Carbon
       Management Plan will contribute to this vision by continuing to identify, 
       measure, monitor, and reduce carbon emissions across a wide range of
       Council activities.

19.  Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme: Draft Consultation Response
Co-chomhairle Riaghaltas na h-Alba air Prògram Freagarrachaidh Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde

There is circulated Report No. FHR-132-13 (129kb pdf) dated September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which sets out a draft response to the Scottish Government consultation on “The Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme”. The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on the overall framework and direction of the programme. The consultation questions and recommended response is presented at Appendix 1.

The Committee is asked to:-

i.     comment on and agree any changes to the draft consultation response
      attached at Appendix 1 to the report; and
ii.    note that the Council’s Adaptation Strategy is currently being reviewed and 
      this will be brought back to a future meeting of the Finance, Housing and
      Resources Committee.

20.  Policy Review
Ath-sgrùdadh Poileasaidh

a. Records Management Policy
Ath-sgrùdadh Poileasaidh Rianachd Chlàran

There is circulated Report No. FHR-133-13 (37kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which advises of the annual review of the Records Management Policy and seeks approval of this updated Policy.

The Committee is invited to note the changes and approve the revised Records Management Policy.

b. Data Protection Policy
Poileasaidh Dìon Dàta

There is circulated Report No. FHR-134-13 (160kb pdf) dated 25 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which informs Members on the new Data Protection Policy and seeks approval of this Policy.

The Committee is asked to approve the Data Protection Policy as set out in Annex A to the report.

c. Information Management Policy
Ath-sgrùdadh Poileasaidh Rianachd Fiosrachaidh

There is circulated Report No. FHR-135-13 (33kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which informs Members on the annual review of the Information Management Policy and seeks approval of this updated Policy.

The Committee is invited to note the changes and approve the revised Information Management Policy.

21.  Annual ICT Strategy Review 
Ath-sgrùdadh Ro-innleachd TFC

There is circulated Report No. FHR-136-13 (43kb pdf) dated 18 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which provides information on the work that has been undertaken to review and revise the ICT Strategy for the Council.

The Committee is asked to approve the revised ICT Strategy.

22.  ICT Services Performance Report: March to August 2013
Aithisg Dèanadais Sheirbheisean TFC

There is circulated Report No. FHR-137-13 (189kb pdf) dated 17 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which gives an update about the key achievements of the ICT Services Team, the delivery of services by the Council’s ICT providers principally Fujitsu Services and Vodafone for the period from March to August 2013.

The Committee is asked to note:-

i.    the content of the report; and
ii.   that robust contract management and governance arrangements continue
     to be applied and pursued by the Council to the Fujitsu and Vodafone 
     contracts.

23. Annual Health and Safety Report 2012-2013
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Slàinte agus Sàbhailteachd

There is circulated Report No. FHR-138-13 (177kb pdf) dated 26 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which outlines the Council’s health and safety performance and achievements for the period 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 and sets out the programme for the next 12 months.

The Committee is asked to:-

i.    note the achievements for 2012/13; and
ii.   approve the health and safety plan for 2013/14.

24.  Chief Executive’s Service Plan
Plana Seirbheis an Àrd-oifigeir

There is circulated Report No. FHR-139-13 (1294kb pdf) dated 20 September 2013 by the Chief Executive/Assistant Chief Executive introducing the draft Service Plan for the Chief Executive’s Service which outlines the enabling actions and key performance results which will deliver ‘Working together for the Highlands’, the Programme of the Highland Council and the statutory and core functions of the Service including the Single Outcome Agreement.  The report and draft Service Plan are circulated separately in Booklet C.

The Committee is asked to comment on the draft Service Plan for 2013-14, agree any amendments required and approve the Plan.

25.  Chief Executive’s Service and Members Revenue Expenditure Monitoring to 31 August 2013
Seirbheis an Àrd-oifigeir agus Buill: Sgrùdadh Caiteachas Teachd-a-steach

There is circulated Report No. FHR-140-13 (39kb pdf) dated 29 September 2013 by the Chief Executive which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Service for the period to 31 August 2013.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 August 2013.

26.  Chief Executive’s Service: Capital Budget Monitoring 2013/14
Seirbheis an Àrd-oifigeir: Sgrùdadh Buidseat Calpa 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. FHR-141-13 (52kb pdf) by the Chief Executive which sets out the position on the Chief Executive’s Service 2013/14 capital budget for the period to 31 August 2013.

The Committee is asked to agree the Chief Executive’s Service Capital budget monitoring report for the period to 31 August 2013.

27.  Internal Audit Review: Statutory Performance Indicators          
Aithisgean Sgrùdaidh In-sgrùdaidh: Comharran Dèanadais Reachdail 2011-12

There is circulated Report No. FHR-142-13 (40kb pdf) dated 12 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive advising that an Internal Audit Review of Statutory Performance Indicators was considered by the Council’s Audit and Scrutiny Committee earlier this year. This is now presented to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee for their consideration as part of the corporate governance process.

The Committee is invited to note the outcome of Internal Audit Review, and that appropriate action has been taken to address all of the recommendations made. The resulting improvement plan has been completed.

28.  Amendments to Organisational Structures/Establishments 
Atharrachaidhean do Structaran Eagarachail/Ionadan 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-143-13 (118kb pdf) dated 30 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which recommends amendments to organisational structures/establishments as a consequence of proposals from Service Directors.

The Committee is asked to approve the amendments to the staffing establishment and other staffing changes as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

29.  Minutes of Meetings
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

The following Minutes of Meetings are circulated for confirmation:-

i.    Joint Consultation Group (Administrative, etc, Manual and Crafts Staffing) held
      on 6 September 2013 (58kb pdf);
ii.    Central Safety Committee held on 6 September 2013 (71kb pdf); and
iii.   Fairtrade Steering Group held on 24 September 2013 (48kb pdf).

30.  Exclusion of The Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

31. ICT Members Working Group: Minutes of Meeting
Buidheann-obrach TFC Bhall: Geàrr-chunntas Coinneimh

There is circulated to Members only for approval, Minutes of Meeting of the ICT Executive Board (Members) held on 10 September and 26 September 2013.

32. ICT Re-provision
Ath-sholar TFC

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/144/13 dated 30 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive on the work undertaken to develop the Sourcing Strategy for the ICT Reprovision Programme and presents it for Members approval along with an overall Programme Plan.

The Committee is asked to approve the recommendations outlined in the report.

33. Internal Audit: ICT Contract Payments
Aithisgean Sgrùdaidh In-sgrùdaidh: Pàighidhean Cunnraidh TFC

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/145/13 dated 13 September 2013 by the Head of E-Government which informs the Committee that an internal Audit Review of the payment mechanisms within the ICT Contract with Fujitsu Services Ltd was recently considered by the Council’s Audit and Scrutiny Committee. This report is now presented to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee for their consideration as part of the corporate governance process.

The Committee is invited to note the Internal Audit Review and action plan, and that appropriate actions are being taken to address all the recommendations contained therein.

34.  Land and Property
Talamh agus Taigheadas

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/146/13 dated 26 September 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which seeks approval to an additional loan from the Landbank Fund to Highland Housing Alliance to enable to the development of 94 new houses at Westercraigs, Inverness and also seeks approval to let a property at below market rent to a local community group in Dingwall.

The Committee is asked to agree the recommendations set out in the report.

35.  Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/147/13 dated 26 September 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which provides Members with details of the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships and Corporate Property Asset Manager under delegated authority.  The report also advises Members on sales targeted for completion within the financial year 2013/14 and future years.

The Committee is asked to note:-

i.    details of the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by
      the Head of Property Partnerships and Corporate Property Asset Manager 
      under delegated authority; and
ii.    progress on property transactions and sales with anticipated settlement 
      within financial years 2013/14 and future years.