• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 19 September 2013 at 10.30am.

Present:

Mr R Balfour, Mr B Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Clark, Dr I Cockburn, Mr N Donald, Mr A Duffy (Substitute), Mr M Finlayson, Mr A Henderson, Mr D Hendry, Mrs L MacDonald, Ms A MacLean, Mr K MacLeod, Mr H Morrison, Mr B Murphy, Mr G Phillips, Mrs F Robertson (Substitute), Ms M Smith, Mr J Stone (Substitute)

Non-Members also present:

Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mr B Fernie, Mr K Gowans, Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr H Wood

In attendance:

Mr N Gillies, Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services
Dr C Clark, Head of Waste Management
Mr R Guest, Head of Roads and Community Works
Mr S MacNaughton, Head of Transport and Infrastructure
Mr D McKechnie, Integrated Transport Manager
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager
Mr A Yates, Environmental Health Manager
Mr G Robb, Trading Standards Manager
Mr D Summers, Transport Development Officer
Miss M MacDonald Fraser, Secretary
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs F MacBain, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs R Daly, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to Committee.

Mr G Phillips in the Chair

Business

Preliminaries

1. Apologies for Absence
    Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Dr D Alston, Mr A Graham, Mr R Greene, Mr B Lobban, Mrs B McAllister, Mr M Rattray, Mr A Rhind and Mr J Rosie.

2. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 9 – Mr B Murphy and Mrs L MacDonald (non-financial)
Item 4 – Mr A Baxter (financial)

3. Service Plan 2012-2017
    Plana Seirbheis 2012-2017

There had been circulated Report No TEC-63-13 (39kb pdf) dated 9 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the updated Service Plan for Transport, Environmental and Community (TEC) Services for the period 2012-2017. A copy of the Service Plan had been circulated separately as Booklet A (380kb pdf) .

During a summary, it was confirmed that the Service Plan had been reviewed and updated to take account of changes to the Corporate Plan and the Single Outcome Agreement.  It would also be subject to change whenever the Council amended its Programme, Working together for the Highlands.  21 of the Council’s commitments were directly attributable to the TEC Service.  18 of these targets were currently progressing well with some slippage with the remaining 3.

It was acknowledged that the Service Plan represented a comprehensive and ambitious document and that the Council had huge responsibilities in relation to the breadth of demands on the Service and the limitations of the available budget.

During discussion, while generally welcoming the Service Plan, Members raised a number of issues, in particular:-

• the increases in satisfaction levels between 2012 and 2013 were welcomed although it was recognised that there was still much work to be undertaken. In particular work was still on-going to maintain Inverness to Gatwick flight links.  The Leader of the Council confirmed that he would be outlining the threats and opportunities relating to increasing connectivity levels in the Highlands and Islands to the General Assembly of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR);
• the areas where decreases in satisfaction levels had been recorded had been recognised in the Council’s budget.  Specific reference was made to (a) the increased capital programme provisions for upkeep of burials grounds and cremations; (b) cycle paths had been impacted by the recent closure of the Kessock Bridge but it was hoped that the reopening of the cycle path side of the bridge would reduce some of the complaints that had been received and would open up opportunities to look at other cycle routes in Inverness; and (c) additional funding had been directed to addressing road repairs and potholes and the asset management approach that the Council had adopted to address this was identified as the best way forward;
• joint and partnership working arrangements were welcomed, particularly for such facilities as play areas and allotments.  Additional funding might also be available through the Community Challenge Fund, wherever funding criteria could be met, for communities who were willing to take more responsibility for their areas.  Staff should be commended for the work carried out and communities should be encouraged for having taken this responsibility;
• the condition of roads had deteriorated rapidly over recent years as a result of harsher winters and this had accelerated the decay that had occurred over many years previous to this;
• the 28% satisfaction level for public conveniences was not particularly high and it was surprising that this represented a 9% increase over the year.  This should be the focus of greater attention as in Inverness some public conveniences had been closed;
• the proportion of the Council’s revenue spend on roads had decreased progressively over the recent years and it was suggested that the additional £2m allocated within the current financial year for this should be built into the TEC budget on a renewing basis;
• in relation to cemeteries upkeep, satisfaction could be increased if grass cuttings could be lifted and cleared and it was felt that this would not be too onerous to achieve;
• in terms of scrutinising the Service Plan, it was queried whether there was any slippage anticipated in the review dates most of which fell in 2014 and, if so, what processes might be in place to address this and what processes were available to scrutinise the Service Plan as a whole; and
• an explanation was requested in relation to the revenue budget outturns for 2013/14 for Community Works and Waste Management.

In response to questions, it was explained that there was currently no slippage anticipated in the review dates.  Members were reminded that, as the Service Plan was based on the Council Programme, it would be subject to change and scrutiny in the event of any changes that might be made to the Programme.

The Committee:-

i. APPROVED the Service Plan for Transport, Environmental and Community
   Services for the period 2012-2017; and
ii. AGREED that further details be given to Miss J Campbell in relation to
   budget information relating to Community Works and Waste Management.

4. Trading Standards Performance Review 2012/13
    Lèirmheas Dèanadais Inbhean Malairt 2012/13

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Baxter declared a financial interest in this item due to his employment as a Sub Postmaster and, although he remained in the Chamber, he took no part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No TEC-64-13 (37kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to review the work of Trading Standards during 2012/13.

The report explained that there were no meaningful national performance indicators for Trading Standards and that this had been acknowledged by Audit Scotland in their report published in January 2013 entitled “Protecting Consumers”.  Since this time, the recently formed Trading Standards Scotland team within COSLA had worked with Councils and was participating in a benchmarking pilot being taken forward by the Association for Public Service Excellence.

Specific reference was made in the report to the enforcement of the tobacco marketing controls introduced in the Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 and information was provided to Members to ensure the Council’s obligation under the Act to carry out a relevant programme of enforcement had been undertaken in accordance the Operational Plan for 2012/13.

The Trading Standards Manager gave a presentation which summarised some of the indicators that might be used to measure performance while explaining how difficult it was to quantify the activities of a regulatory agency, given the large number of external variables.  Complaint response and consumer detriment were two basic indicators which could be used but, again, were unreliable as the provision of advice to consumers was often the outcome, with no way of measuring the results.  Other Trading Standard activities were also outlined during the presentation including community engagement, monitoring and enforcement of the sale of age restricted products, motor trade education, intellectual property crime, e- and m-commerce and licensing.

In response to questions from Members, it was explained that:-

• the majority of Trading Standards activities were the result of intelligence gathering, rather than a regular inspection regime and the system for this was summarised; and
• the initiative against doorstep cold calling that had taken place in Wimberly Way, Inverness was not currently due to be rolled out elsewhere as it was not a core function of Trading Standards, which focussed on dealing with criminal elements of rogue traders.  An outline bid to the Strategic Change and Development Fund was being drafted and further work would be dependent on the outcome of that bid for communities wishing to pursue this further.

Members further commented as follows:-

• praise was given to the Trading Standards team, whose work had received national recognition;
• consideration should be given to providing feedback to the UK Government on their proposal to privatise the Royal Mail, particularly in relation to potential impact the privatisation might have on Internet Delivery Charges in the Highlands;
• it was important that the Council’s Carbon Clever Policy was incorporated into all Trading Standards activities; and
• the roll-out of super-fast broadband would further increase the growth in e- and m-commerce and the work being done by Trading Standards in this areas was welcomed, especially in relation to fraud prevention.

The Committee:-

i. APPROVED the Trading Standards Operational Review for 2012/13; and
ii. AGREED that the Council’s Carbon Clever Policy be incorporated into all
   Trading Standard activities.

5. Review of Food Safety Service Plan for 2012/13
    Ath-sgrùdadh air Plana Seirbheis Sàbhailteachd Bìdh airson
    2012/13

There had been circulated Report No TEC-65-13 (96kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the review of the Food Safety Service Plan for 2012/13.

During a summary of the report, it was explained that the Council, in its capacity as Food Authority, was required to have regard to the ‘Framework Agreement on Local Authority Food Law Enforcement’ which set out the standards agreed with the Food Standards Agency.  The Framework Agreement required each food safety service to document and implement a Food Service Plan and to document a performance review of the Plan at least once a year. Both the Plan and the review had been submitted for approval so as to maintain local transparency and accountability.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and congratulated staff for their work over the last year, particularly in response to the horse meat contamination scandal, and made a range of comments, in particular:-

• the work of the Team had been particularly helpful and effective at the Black Isle Show in providing information on the awareness of ticks;
• it was acknowledged that work to address the horse meat contamination crisis had created additional pressure on staff with an additional 80 food samples having been taken and it was queried whether this had been the reason for only 21% of lower risk food hygiene inspections having been undertaken during the year; and
• clarification was sought in relation to recording of shellfish sampling figures for 2012/13 and the significant drop in figures recorded generically as sampling visits/sampling surveys since 2010/11 and 2011/12.   

Responding to these comments it was confirmed that every effort, within the available staffing resources, was made to address all food hygiene inspections including lower risk premises but this had been a particular challenge over the last year.  The unexpected workload increase associated with the horse meat contamination scandal and a staffing vacancy had impacted on this.  It was also clarified that over 2010/11 and 2011/12 shellfish sampling visits had been recorded under general “sampling visits/sampling surveys”.  The new contract with the Food Standards Agency charged per visit which permitted more accurate recording of the numbers of shellfish sampling visits.

The Committee APPROVED the review of the Food Safety Service Plan for 2012/13, as detailed in the Appendix of the report.

6. Programme for Implementing the Flood Risk Management Act
    Prògram airson a Bhith a’ Buileachadh Achd Rianachd Cunnart nan
    Tuiltean

There had been circulated Report No TEC-66-13 (311kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the Project Plan for the development of the Flood Risk Management Strategies and Plans including the Surface Water Management Plans for the Highland and Argyll Local Plan District (LPD) for which the Highland Council was Lead Local Authority.  Members were also invited to give their approval for the Project Plan model and processes to apply equally to the Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside Local Plan District for which Moray Council was the Lead Local Authority.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the Project Plan set out how the Local Flood Risk Management Plan and Surface Water Management Plans for the LPD would be developed, the key to which was joint decision-making in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water and neighbouring Councils.

The five key stages in developing the Flood Risk Management Strategies and Plans were detailed: catchment characterisation, objective setting, long and short lists of measures, appraisal and prioritisation of measures.  As Lead Local Authority the Council had to prepare and consult on the implementation element of the Local Plan which needed to be finalised by June 2016.  It was anticipated that agreement on this element would require to be made by the Council on the grounds that it would involve funding measures over the following 6 year period.  The LPD strategies would require to be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval by 22 December 2015.

During discussion, Members raised a range of issues, including the following:-

• since Moray Council was the lead authority for the Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside LPD, assurances were sought that the same mapping exercises carried out through the Highland Council Wards would also be done by Moray Council and that the Committee would be kept informed of the findings from Moray Council in relation to the river Nairn area.  Further, it was queried how the mapping could be taken forward effectively and whether this would be done through Ward business meetings;
• some very useful joint Ward Forum meetings had been held to consider the mapping exercises and it would be important to maintain this contact;
• further clarification was requested on the geographical remit between Moray and Highland; and
• there were still issues around the 1:200 year SEPA flood risk criteria as this meant that some things could not be taken forward in the Moray Firth Local Plan.

Responding to these comments, it was confirmed that both Project Plans would run in parallel, that the model and processes would apply equally to whichever Local Authority was responsible to ensure delivery and the Committee would be kept informed of both Plans.  It was also explained that, as the Plan involved the catchment areas of the rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Spey and the watershed of these rivers would therefore define the boundary.   Plans therefore were not based along Local Authority boundary lines.  Liaison between Authorities was on-going and Members would continue to be updated on this.

It was clear that the Council’s work was dependent on the delivery of work packages from consultants and SEPA.  This risk would be monitored and Members would be kept informed.

The Committee:-

i.  APPROVED the recommended Project Plan for developing the Local Flood
    Risk Management Strategy and Plan for the Highland & Argyll Local Plan
    District;
ii.  NOTED that the same model (as adopted and approved by Moray Council)
    be used for the Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside Local Plan District Project
    Plan;
iii.  APPROVED that agreement of Key Stage 1 (Catchment Characteristics)
    be delegated to the Local Plan Steering Group, with a subsequent report
    on Characterisation taken to the Transport, Environmental and Community
    Services Committee;
iv. APPROVED that the recommendations of Key Stage 2 (Objective Setting)
    be approved by the Transport, Environmental and Community Services
    Committee;
v.  APPROVED that agreement of Key Stage 3 (Long List of Measures) be
    delegated to the Local Plan District Steering Group;
vi. APPROVED that the recommendation of Key Stage 4 (Short List of
    Measures) be approved by the Transport, Environmental and Community
    Services Committee; and
vii. APPROVED that the recommendations of Key Stage 5 (Appraisal and
    Prioritisation of Measures) be approved by the Transport, Environmental and
    Community Services Committee.

7. Updated Winter Maintenance Policy
    Fios as Ùr mu Poileasaidh Gleidhidh a’ Gheamhraidh

There had been circulated Report No TEC-67-13 (713kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the Winter Maintenance Policy which had been updated following the review of the winter maintenance service as agreed by Members on 16 May 2013.

The report summarised the improvements to the Winter Maintenance Service agreed by the Council in May 2013, together with implementation actions.  Reference was made to the provision of snow gates with an explanation of why and when they were deployed and, in particular, it was recommended that an additional set of snow gates be provided either side of the Bealach na Ba high route to Applecross.   Boxing Day and 2 January were Public Holidays and treated as such in the existing Policy but the new winter maintenance Policy proposed extending winter maintenance services on both these days for both primary and secondary routes to accommodate increased road traffic.

In advance of the winter period, plans had been put in place to ensure the Council was well placed to meet the challenges of the coming winter and these arrangements were detailed in the report in respect of labour, plant and salt resources. It was pointed out that 76 miles of road had been reclassified as Priority One, which included pre-treatment in the evening prior to forecasted severe weather and Sunday treatment.

In response to questions from Members, it was explained that:-

• details of the newly classified Priority One routes would be provided to Area Committees for discussion, except in the case of Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey where the routes would be provided to Ward Business meetings as the next Area Committee meeting, on 10 December 2013, was considered to be too far into the winter period;
• 18 applications had been received from Community Councils to participate in the community self- help scheme and these would be detailed in an email to Members;
• it was intended that, within constraints, there would be local flexibility in relation to route planning for winter maintenance;
• it was intended that there would be one spare winter maintenance vehicle per area, with the decision on where this vehicle was to be based being delegated to the relevant Area Committee; and
• the final decision to close snow gates would remain with the Police.  In relation to roads prone to heavy snow, it was preferable to use resources to keep alternative routes clear, rather than clearing roads that would be immediately recovered in snow.  Staff who undertook winter maintenance in hazardous conditions were praised.

Members further commented that additional publicity should be undertaken to promote the community self-help scheme and to emphasise that the scheme was intended to enhance rather than to replace Council services.  Good practices should be shared and permission sought from participating Community Councils for this.  In addition, in regard to the use of snow gates, it was important that good use was made of local radio to keep motorists informed.

The Committee:-

i.  APPROVED the updated Winter Maintenance Policy, as contained in
    Appendix B of the report, including the installation of Snow Gates at the
    Bealach na Ba and the improved service on Boxing Day and 2 January;
ii.  NOTED the measures which had been put in place to prepare for the
    coming winter;
iii.  AGREED that new Priority One routes for Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
    be taken to the relevant Ward Business Meetings; and
iv. AGREED that the Head of Roads and Community Works inform Committee
    Members which Community Councils had applied to participate in the
    community self-help scheme and that further efforts be made to publicise
    the scheme, emphasising that it was intended to enhance and not replace
    Council services.

The meeting adjourned from 12.05 pm to 12.10 pm for a comfort break.

8. War Memorial Refurbishment – Preparations for the 100th
    Anniversary of World War One
    Obair-càraidh air Carraighean-cogaidh - Deisealachadh airson
    100mh  Ceann-bliadhna a’ Chogaidh Mhòir

There had been circulated Report No TEC-68-13 (49kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve that the works to refurbish War Memorials would take place over the period 2014 to 2018, with all planned works completed before November 2018, and that the Council work with local groups to agree the level of refurbishment required and support applications for funding.  Members were also invited to approve that the applications for grant aid were made to the War Memorials Trust and/or the Armed Forces Community Covenant, with works of similar type batched together and starting with the higher priority works which were more likely to be considered for grant support in the early rounds of grant applications.

During a summary of the report, it was explained that Officials had already met with a number of local community groups. Surveys to identify the scope of recommended refurbishment were almost complete and the consultation process would be expanded to include national and local interest groups.  It would be necessary to establish whether any community groups wished to make applications in their own right before grant applications would be made.

A progress update was given of meetings with the War Memorials Trust who would administer the distribution of £1m grant aid for memorial refurbishment provided by the Scottish Government.  In addition to this, sources of other external funding were detailed, some of which might only be available to community groups.  It was confirmed that two community groups had already made grant applications to the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

During discussion, disappointment was expressed that the programme of repairs which had been agreed by the Committee on 7 September 2012 was not due to be completed by 20 November 2014, the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One.  It was suggested that the necessary funding should be taken from other Council budgets and repaid as and when funding became available from other sources.  Other Members spoke against taking funding from other budgets, all of which were under pressure, and the Chairman pointed out that the extension of the deadline for the repair work was due to unavoidable complications with funding arrangements, as detailed in the report, and that the work would be completed by November 2018, the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.  It was also confirmed that it was competent under Standing Order No. 20 for the Committee to revisit a decision if at least six months had passed since the date of the original decision.

Other points raised by Members included the following:-

• War Memorials were in remembrance of those killed during any war, not only World War One, with some memorials commemorating wars as far back as the 1700s;
• school groups should be encouraged to visit War Memorials throughout the year, not only on Armistice Day; and
• any requests for anomalies on War Memorials to be rectified should be dealt with at a local level.

Following discussion, Mr A Henderson, seconded by Mr B Barclay, MOVED that a programme of repair work for the memorials be implemented ahead of the 100th anniversary of World War One as previously agreed.  As an AMENDMENT, the Chairman, seconded by Mr D Hendry, moved acceptance of the recommendation in the report.

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 4 votes and the AMENDMENT received 13 votes and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:

Barclay, B; Henderson, A; Morrison, H; Robertson, F.

For the Amendment:

Balfour, R; Baxter, A; Clark, B; Cockburn, I; Duffy, A; Hendry, D; MacDonald, L; MacLean, A; MacLeod, K; Murphy, B; Philips, G; Smith, M; Stone, J.

There were no abstentions.

The Committee:-

i.  AGREED that the works to refurbish our War Memorials, as outlined in the
    report, take place over the period 2014 to 2018, with all planned works
    completed before November 2018;
ii.  APPROVED that consultation take place with local groups to agree the
    level of works required and support their applications for funding;
iii. APPROVED that applications for grant aid were made to the War Memorials
   Trust and/or the Armed Forces Community Covenant, with works of similar
    type batched together and starting with the higher priority works which
    were more likely to be considered for grant support in the early rounds of
    grant applications; and
iv. NOTED that further work was required to identify both internal and
    external sources of funding and that this would be considered as part of
    the budget setting process for the period 2014/15 to 2018/19.

9. Review of Community Transport
    Ath-sgrùdadh air Còmhdhail Coimhearsnachd

Declarations of Interest:

Ms L MacDonald and Mr B Murphy declared non-financial interests in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Director of Nairn Community Transport and Chairman of Lochaber Transport Forum respectively 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.

There had been circulated Report No TEC-69-13 (58kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which updated Members on the work carried out to date on the review of Community Transport.  It also recommended continuation of the existing level of funding for Community Transport into 2014/15.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee was undertaking a review of Community Transport and that the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee Chair had given evidence to the Inquiry.

Provision of community transport was being mapped as part of the review so as to indicate where flexible services existed and where resources were available to provide community transport.  Four of the community transport groups which the Council funded had been selected for detailed study.

During discussion, Members raised a range of issues, including the following:-

• Members were assured that Community Transport was a key theme in the Community Planning Partnership and the Leader of the Council hoped to be able to update Members on the Partnership’s progress in the coming months and advised that it was aiming to achieve a co-ordinated programme.  Discussions were on-going with NHS Highland and a range of other bodies to hopefully forge closer working relations with them on the matter of Community Transport;
• it was acknowledged that many Community Transport facilities were currently organised by voluntary groups and it was hoped that the forthcoming workshop could involve more members of the community so as to address the full spectrum of issues in relation to Community Transport and take them on board e.g. patient transport provision; and
• the report did not make reference to the study currently being undertaken by Robert Gordon University in relation to the Glenelg Bus Users Group and it was queried when this might be reported back to Members.

In response, it was confirmed that the forthcoming workshop on Community Transport would involve wide community representation.  The results of the Robert Gordon University study were expected to be available during October and would be reported back to the Ward Forum.  Clarification was offered that progress made by the Strategic Community Planning Partnership would be reported and that this would be made available to District Partnerships once there were specific points on which to take action.  Community Transport tended to progress from small informal arrangements which encompassed a variety of models and it was important to find a way of building and funding this crucial strategic service for the Highlands.

The Committee:-

i.  NOTED the progress on the review of Community Transport;
ii.  APPROVED that the current level of funding for Community Transport
    Groups, as detailed in Appendix A of the report, be carried forward to
    2014/15; and
iii. AGREED to delegate powers to the Director of Transport, Environmental
    and Community Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Transport,
    Environmental and Community Services Committee, to make minor
    adjustments to funding for individual Groups for 2014/15 but with any
    major changes being reported back to Committee.

10. Green Transport Strategy
      Ro-innleachd Còmhdhail Uaine

There had been circulated Report No TEC-70-13 (35kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which updated Members on the work being undertaken in partnership with HITRANS and other key stakeholders to produce a Green Transport Strategy for the Highlands.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that there were emerging and improving technologies which could be explored to improve existing transport networks and lessen the requirement for travel.  HITRANS had agreed to work with the Council to produce a Green Transport Strategy and it was proposed that this be shared with neighbouring Councils on the grounds that there would be common themes.

A first step would be to engage with key stakeholders through a workshop planned for the beginning of October. The workshop would identify the specific needs and issues for the various modes of travel as well the “vision for the future” in terms of sustainable travel and transport technology.  It was intended that the Green Transport Strategy be produced by the end of March 2014 and for a consultative draft to be prepared by the end of December 2013.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and made a range of comments:-

• it was encouraging to see that there had been a wide range of work on-going for some time now and, together with the Council’s Carbon Clever initiative, it was hoped that this would give the Council the impetus to pursue this project and legitimately to transfer this activity to other areas;
• with the roll-out of high speed broadband there might be opportunity for more virtual connectivity which would eliminate the need for transport in certain circumstances and in general terms it would be necessary to keep options open and embrace the wider connectivity that this project could create; and
• there was a need to appreciate that this would have far reaching impacts beyond matters relating to transport.  The Council would have to balance reduction of energy usage for transport with such issues as the drivers for economic growth.  There would be a need to assess the differing requirements of different demographic groups and displacing the need to travel in the first place would lead to consideration of issues such as health services and economic planning.

The Committee NOTED progress on the work which was being undertaken in partnership with HITRANS and other key stakeholders to produce a Green Transport Strategy for the Highlands.

11. Scottish Government Consultations:
      Co-chomhairleachaidhean Riaghaltas na h-Alba:

a. Towards a Litter Free Scotland: Consultation on a Strategy to
    Tackle and Prevent Litter and Flytipping
    Gu Ruige Alba gun Sgudal: Co-chomhairle air Ro-innleachd gus
    Aghaidh a Chur ri Fàgail Sgudal agus Sitigeadh Mì-laghail

b. Draft Scottish Marine Litter Strategy Consultation
    Dreachd Cho-chomhairle air Ro-innleachd Sgudal Mara

There had been circulated Report No TEC-71-13 (125kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the Council’s response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on “Towards a Litter Free Scotland” and the “Draft Scottish Marine Litter Strategy”, as contained in the Appendices to the report.

During discussion, an amendment was suggested to the proposed response to the “Towards a Litter Free Scotland” consultation at question 15.  It was proposed that the last sentence of the recommended response be deleted and that the second paragraph should read:-

“Enforcement is one strand of the overall package of measures which have to be brought together over the long term to effect real and lasting change to deter littering and fly tipping.”

It was further suggested that the response to the Draft Scottish Marine Litter Strategy be amended to take into consideration that the Council was already a member of KIMO.

The Committee APPROVED the Council’s response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on “Towards a Litter Free Scotland” and the “Draft Scottish Marine Litter Strategy”, as contained in the Appendices to the report subject to comments made during debate.

In terms of Standing Order 18, the Committee AGREED that Items 13, 14 and 15 be taken at this point in the proceedings.

13. Revenue Budget 2013/14 – Monitoring
      Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2013/14 –Sgrùdadh

There had been circulated Report No TEC-73-13 (522kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 31 July 2013.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that expenditure was estimated currently to be £0.288m (0.5%) overspent at the end of the financial year.  The figures to date represented the transactions for the four months ended 31 July 2013 and were generally in line with management expectations.

The Committee APPROVED the report and the monitoring statements which showed the revenue position for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 July 2013 and the actions which had been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

14. Capital Expenditure 2013/14 – Monitoring
      Caiteachas Calpa 2013/14 – Sgrùdadh

There had been circulated Report No TEC-74-13 (565kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April to 31 July 2013.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the projected outturns for expenditure and income were £27.387m and £2.659m respectively, leading to a balanced programme. There were currently no major issues of variances.

The Committee APPROVED the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April to 31 July 2013.

15. Minutes 
      Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee APPROVED the minutes of the Fishery Harbours Management Board of 12 September 2013 (30kb pdf).

The Committee adjourned for lunch at 12.55 pm and resumed at 1.35 pm.

12. Corran Ferry – Review of Ferry Fares
      Aiseag a’ Chorrain - Ath-sgrùdadh air Faraidhean Aiseig

Following consultation with the local community, there had been circulated Report No TEC-72-13 (106kb pdf) dated 6 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the revised fare structure for the Corran Ferry with an implementation date of 1 November 2013.  Members were also invited to agree to the principle of full cost recovery for the Corran Ferry and that a review of all operational costs and income be undertaken.  The Lochaber Area Committee would also be consulted on the outcome of the review with a further report being taken to the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee.

During a summary of the report, the current fare structure and proportion of users were detailed, together with feedback from the consultation that had taken place on the revised fares structure.  The feedback from the consultation exercise had confirmed that the current concessionary book of 30 tickets suited the vast majority of users and it was proposed that this option be retained in the current proposals.  It was also made clear that increases to fares should be shared more evenly, rather than burdening a specific sector of users.  The revised fare structure, based on the existing schedule of charges, aimed to address the concerns raised during the consultation and was detailed in Appendix A to the report.

The revised proposal was estimated to provide an additional £100k in fares income.  However, this would not be sufficient to close the £170,000 financial gap between income and expenditure and it was therefore proposed that a review of all operational costs and income be undertaken. The Lochaber Area Committee would be consulted on the outcome of the review, with a further report being taken to the Committee in due course.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• a considerable number of objections to the proposed fare structure centred around the increase of £9 for a book of 30 tickets and a book with fewer tickets should be available for sale to pensioners;
• mention having been made of Road Equivalent Tariff, the Chairman pointed out that the suggested flat rate for the Corran Ferry would be £5 per trip with no discounts;
• a socio-economic impact study was vital before a full review of operational costs and income could be undertaken, although this should have ideally been done prior to the new proposals for the fare structure given the importance of the ferry service to the local people and to the economy of the Ardnamurchan peninsula;
• consideration should be given to consulting with Argyll & Bute Council as part of the socio-economic impact study, given the Corran Ferry’s importance as a link to the Isle of Mull;
• the current model of operation was expensive and the arrangements for having reserve vessels needed to be reconsidered;
• an early approach should be made to the Scottish Government to consider the long-term option of a bridge over the Corran Narrows;
• any increase in fares would have an impact but there was a feeling among local people that the original proposals had been inequitable, with some users facing between 15% and 25% fare increases;
• the ferry should be more widely marketed to increase usage and income;
• the ferry service should be subsidised by the Scottish Government;
• consideration should be given to a smart card for frequent users which could be paid for by monthly direct debit to help people with household budgeting;
• it was felt that there was a vagueness in the statistics used in the reports, with no definition given of what constituted a frequent user and exactly how many of them there were; and
• officers should discuss possible actions that could be taken to mitigate increases in fares, including approaching other groups which might be able to offer support.

The Chairman stated that he had received a considerable number of representations by email in the previous 48 hours and that all would be replied to within a week.  He reminded Members of the commitment given at the Council meeting in February 2013 to raise £100k of additional revenue to help close budget gaps and advised the Committee of his intention to move the recommendations listed in the report.

As an AMENDMENT Mr A Baxter, seconded by Mr A Henderson, moved that the Committee:-

i. defer an further fare increases in this financial year, until after the Council
   undertook a full social and economic impact study as well as a
   comprehensive review of all operational costs and income.  Both the
   Lochaber Area Committee and local communities would be consulted on the
   outcome of the review and before any changes to the fare structure was
   recommended to the Transport, Environmental and Community Services
   Committee; and
ii. approach the Scottish Government to begin an appraisal of all options for
   the long-term future crossing at the Corran Narrows.

Having taken advice from the Clerk, the Chairman advised the meeting that proposed amendment was not competent because it would impact on the agreed budget of the Council and the meeting was adjourned from 2.15pm until 2.25pm for Mr Baxter to reconsider his amendment.

The Committee having reconvened, the Leader of the Council spoke of the complexity of the finances relating to the fare structure of the Corran Ferry and the importance of finding the best solution for the long term benefit of the local residents.  He suggested that a commitment could be made to undertake a socio-economic impact study by the end of financial year 2013/14, as part of the review of operational costs and income, to be reported in the first instance to the Lochaber Area Committee and shared with relevant community groups.  Other mitigating efforts raised would be further discussed with Local Members and undertaken where possible, these to include the provision of a book of tickets with fewer than 30 tickets for pensioners and to consider marketing initiatives for the ferry.  Support would also be sought from other bodies and the Chairman confirmed that the matter had already been brought to the attention of COSLA.

Mr Baxter having formally withdrawn his amendment, the Committee:-

i.  APPROVED the revised fare structure for the Corran Ferry, as detailed in
    Appendix A of the report, with an implementation date of 1 November
    2013;
ii.  AGREED the principle of full cost recovery and to undertake a review of all
    operational costs and income;
iii. NOTED that the Lochaber Area Committee would be consulted on the
    outcome of the review with a further report being taken to the Transport,
    Environmental and Community Services Committee;
iv. AGREED to provide a book of tickets with fewer than 30 tickets to assist
    pensioners;
v. AGREED to undertake a socio-economic impact study as part of the review
    of operational costs and income with every effort being made to complete
    the study by March 2014, the results of the study being reported in the
    first instance to the Lochaber Area Committee and shared with relevant
    community groups; and
vi. AGREED that marketing initiatives be considered to increase usage and
    income for the ferry.

The meeting concluded at 3.30 pm.