• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 7 November 2013 at 10.30am.

Present:

Dr D Alston, Mr R Balfour, Mr B Clark, Dr I Cockburn, Mr N Donald, Mr A Duffy (Substitute), Mr M Finlayson, Mr A Graham, Mr R Greene, Mr A Henderson, Mr D Hendry, Mr B Lobban, Mrs B McAllister, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr K MacLeod, Mr H Morrison, Mr B Murphy, Mr G Phillips, Mr M Rattray, Mr R Saxon, Mr J Stone (Substitute)

Non-Members also present:

Mr A Baxter, Mrs I Campbell, Mr K Gowans, Mr D Mackay, Dr A Sinclair, 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 M Mitchell, Finance Manager
Mr G Robb, Trading Standards Manager
Mr A Yates, Environmental Health Manager
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

Prior to the commencement of formal business, Mr R Greene, on behalf of the Committee, paid tribute to Councillor Mr Billy Barclay, who had passed away recently and commended him for his commitment and significant contribution to the work of the Council and, in particular, the work of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee.

1. Apologies for Absence
    Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs A Maclean, Mr A Rhind, Mr J Rosie and Ms M Smith (OCB).

2. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 3 – Mr A Graham and Mr R Saxon (both non-financial)
Item 9 – Mr R Balfour and Mr G Philips (both non-financial)
Item 11 – Mr N Donald (financial)

3. Review of Recycling Point Network  
    Ath-sgrùdadh air Lìonra nan Ionadan Ath-chuairteachaidh

Declarations of Interest:

Mr A Graham declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that a close relative was a volunteer for Blysthwood but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

Mr R Saxon declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being the Chair of Homeaid Caithness and Sutherland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No TEC-75-13 (48kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which considered the Council’s Recycling Point Network and invited Members to agree that glass recycling should continue through the Council’s network of recycling points unless there was a legal imperative which required the method of collection to change, that further work be undertaken to examine the options to change the use of the paper and can banks and that a review of textiles collection be undertaken with a view to contracting out the collection service to realise an income.

The report detailed the current situation in relation to the Recycling Point network, which collected glass, can, paper and textiles.  Since the introduction of kerbside collections, the amount of can and paper collected through the recycling network had decreased, whereas the quantity of glass collected had increased and it was proposed that this method of glass collections be adopted as the formal method of complying with the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012.  The reduction in can and paper collections via the recycling network provided an opportunity to change the use of the network to increase overall recycling rates and the various options for change were outlined in the report.

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

• coloured glass was, at present, collected in separate banks i.e. brown, green and clear, but was mixed together for recycling.  It was possible that, in future, goods might be produced that would require the use of a single colour of recycled glass and therefore it was preferable to continue separating glass at the point of collection, to maximise potential opportunities for the future;
• although virtually every household in Highland now received a blue bin kerbside collection, it was not intended to remove the paper and can collection from the Recycling Point network, only to investigate the expansion of the type of material that could be collected for recycling;
• discussion would be undertaken with social enterprise partners to investigate improvements to textile recycling services;
• a report on the Recycling Centre network was planned in early 2014;
• Recycling Points were of benefit to a whole community but could create particular inconvenience for residents living in close proximity to them, especially where glass was being collected, and the views of such residents had to be taken fully into account when locating a Recycling Point;
• discussion regarding the renewal of the contracts for emptying the larger recycling banks were currently taking place as was the preparation of the necessary paperwork; and
• at present, there was a functioning market for recycled cooking oil in Highland.

The Committee APPROVED:-

i.  that glass recycling continue through the Council’s network of recycling
    points unless there was a legal imperative which required the method of
    collection to change; 
ii.  that further work be undertaken to examine the options to change the
    use of the paper and can banks, including the costs and benefits, with a
    report on the outcome taken to a future Committee;
iii.  that a review of textiles collection be undertaken, in consultation with our
    Social  Enterprise Partners, to explore the options for efficient and
    effective collection of this wastestream, with a report on the outcome
    taken to a future Committee; and
iv.  that a report be presented to the Committee in 2014 on the Recycling
    Centre network.

4. Statutory Food Waste Collections
    Togail Reachdail Sgudail Bìdh

There had been circulated Report No TEC-76-13 (29kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to note the introduction of statutory food waste collections in Inverness ahead of the date set out in the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and that the actual tonnages of food waste diverted from landfill would be monitored on a regular basis, together with the ongoing revenue costs associated with the collection service, to establish the overall financial position which would be taken account when setting future budgets. 

During a summary of the report, an update on the roll out of food waste collections in Inverness was provided, together with an outline of the second phase of the roll-out which would include flatted properties in early 2014 and schools in Inverness. It was confirmed that there had been increasing public participation in the scheme since its establishment.  It was hoped that the food waste collections would remind members of the public of the financial waste this represented for them and that this could influence portion size and food purchase habits.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and commented that, while the food waste collection was in its relative infancy, it had been well received and public engagement had been particularly encouraging.  This represented a successful change of culture for members of the public which had been realised to the credit to officers.  Turning waste into something useful and freeing up additional capacity in other waste bins had also been a strong incentive for the public.

There had been some minor issues concerning the size of the food waste bins which appeared to be easily kicked over.  It was also queried how the approach to reduce food waste could be applied to supermarkets.

In response to questions from Members, it was explained that supermarkets had seen the publicity benefits in food waste recycling and they would also be subject to the revised regulations by 2016. After January 2016 only food businesses producing less than 5kg of food waste per week would be exempt.

The Committee NOTED:-

i.  the introduction of statutory food waste collections in Inverness ahead of
    the date set out in the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012; and
ii.  that the actual tonnages of food waste diverted from landfill would be
    monitored on a regular basis, together with the ongoing revenue costs
    associated with the collection service, to establish the overall financial
    position which will be taken into account when setting future budgets.

5. Cattle and Deer Grids Policy  
    Poileasaidh Chliathan Chrodh is Fhiadh

There had been circulated Report No TEC-77-13 (44kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the updated Policy for the installation and maintenance of Cattle and Deer Grids as contained in Appendix A to the report.

As cattle and deer grids presented a significant maintenance liability, their removal was sought wherever possible, although there remained over 500 grids on the adopted road network.  Private parties seeking to install a grid on the adopted road for their own benefit required to cover the cost of installation and a one-off future maintenance charge.  Changes to this policy were proposed, namely that the replacement of gates with grids would be treated in the same way as a new grid and the maintenance charges had been updated to take account of the Retail Price Index and inflation, with these being set out in the report.

The Committee:-

i.   APPROVED the Cattle and Deer Grids Policy as contained in Appendix A of
     the report; and
ii.  NOTED that the one-off Maintenance Charge would be increased annually
    in line with inflation, as per the Council Policy.

6. Coastal Flood Warning Schemes – Firth of Lorn/Loch Linnhe and 
    Moray Firth
Sgeamaichean Rabhaidh Thuiltean Cladaich – An Linne     
    Latharnach/An Linne Dubh agus Linne Mhoireibh

There had been circulated Report No TEC-78-13 (52kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services updating Members of the partnership work undertaken by the Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to develop flood warning systems for the Firth of Lorn/Loch Linnhe  and the Moray Firth.  The report also included information on a new tidal surge model for the Firth of Lorne/Loch Linnhe which had gone live at the end of October 2013 and an update on the position in relation to the development of a tidal model for the Moray Firth area.

During a summary of the report information was provided on the initial operation of the new tidal surge model for the Firth of Lorne/Loch Linnhe.  It was also confirmed that discussions had been held with SEPA regarding tidal surges on the east coastline and work was on-going to develop a model for the Moray Firth.  The Moray Firth model would have to take into account the impact of wave height as this had been a significant feature of storm damage.  A report would be presented to Members on this in the new year. 

During discussion, Members commented that:-

• Inverness was prone to high tides and an update was requested on the works underway for flood protection works in the River Ness as it was understood that difficulties had been encountered recently that might delay progress;
• the scientific advances being employed to predict and assess the impacts of increases in sea levels and wave heights over the coming century were welcomed.  It was hoped that the measures proposed would not only address issues that had been encountered to date but would also be sufficient to address any future predictions and take into account the different geographical features between the west and northeast coastlines; and
• previous concerns had been raised for the protection of Thurso from flooding and, bearing in mind recent weather and tidal conditions which had raised particular alarm, it was queried whether Thurso should now be considered as a priority.

In response to questions, it was explained that:-

• flood mitigation works were taking place on the River Ness and the contract was currently underway.  The contractor had encountered boulders, which had not been predicted, but, with some adjustments, the contract would otherwise proceed in accordance with planned processes;
• prior to the coastal flood warning scheme being used, SEPA previously gave predictions for particular areas and, on occasion, these had differed significantly with actual events, a tidal surge in Fort William which had been 2.4m higher than predicted being cited as an example.  The flood warning scheme aimed to find a model that would ensure that predictions of tidal activity were within narrower parameters.  Currently, work was underway to address the scope of the Moray Firth Model for which SEPA would also enter into discussions with both Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils; and
• it was confirmed that the Council had been in discussion with SEPA in relation to potential flooding in Thurso and the difficulties encountered would continue to be monitored.  There was a need to focus resources at present but further reports would be produced in relation to Thurso in due course.  The Flood Risk Management Plan also took into account the situation in Thurso.

The Committee:-

i.  NOTED the details of the tidal surge model for the Firth of Lorne/Loch 
    Linnhe which had gone live at a Partner Workshop on 30 October 2013;
    and
ii.  APPROVED that the Council continued to work in partnership with SEPA
    to develop a tidal surge model for the Moray Firth area to help develop a
    coastal  flood warning scheme for the eastern coastline of the Highland
    area.  Further information on the scope of this model, including any
    resource implications for the Council, would be reported to a future
    Committee.

7. Food Standards Agency Audit of Shellfish Sampling Activities –
    July 2013  
    Sgrùdadh le Buidheann nan Inbhean-bìdh mu Ghnìomhan  
    Samplachaidh air Maorach

There had been circulated Report No TEC-79-13 (182kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services updating Members on the findings of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) audit carried out in July 2013 of Shellfish Sampling Activities provided by the Environmental Health team.

The report reminded Members that the Council’s Environmental Health service provided a contracted service to the FSA for shellfish sampling which would run for 3 years from April 2012, with the possibility of extending it for a maximum of 2 years.  This work had been audited in July 2013, the results of which showed that the FSA were generally satisfied that the Authority was completing sampling in accordance with the protocol and contract. One area of good practice had been identified and a number of minor areas highlighted requiring action to ensure compliance with the contract and the framework agreement which were explained in the report.

During discussion, Members praised the important work that was being undertaken which helped to maintain the high quality seafood that was produced in the Highlands.

The Committee NOTED the Food Standards Agency Audit report and the Action Plan.

8. Appointment of Public Analyst, Food Examiner and Agriculture   
    Analyst 
    Cur-an-dreuchd Mion-sgrùdaire Poblach, Rannsachair Bìdh agus
    Mion-sgrùdaire Àiteachais

There had been circulated Report No TEC-80-13 (23kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting the Committee to appoint and authorise Mr Robert Beattie as Public Analyst, Food Examiner and Agriculture Analyst for the Highland Council and to delegate the powers to appoint under section 27 of the Food Safety Act 1990 to the Environmental Health Manager and the powers to appoint under section 67 of the Agriculture Act 1970 to the Trading Standards Manager.

It was confirmed that Mr Beattie met the required qualifications for Public Analyst, Food Examiner and Agricultural Analyst under the Fertilisers (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations 1991 and the Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) (Scotland) Regulations 2013.  In addition, to avoid future Committee time, it was also recommended that the powers to appoint under section 27 of the Food Safety Act 1990 be delegated to the Environmental Health Manager and the powers to appoint under section 67 of the Agriculture Act 1970 be delegated to the Trading Standards Manager.

* The Committee:-

i.   AGREED to appoint and authorise Mr Robert Beattie as Public Analyst,
    Food Examiner and Agriculture Analyst for the Highland Council; and  ii.  AGREED to recommend to the Council that the Scheme of Delegation be
    amended to delegate the powers to appoint under section 27 of the Food
    Safety Act 1990 to the Environmental Health Manager and the powers to
    appoint under section 67 of the Agriculture Act 1970 to the Trading
    Standards Manager.

9. Highland Consumer Partnership 
    Com-pàirteachas Luchd-cleachdaidh na Gàidhealtachd

Declarations of Interest: Mr R Balfour and Mr G Phillips declared non-financial interests in this Item as Chairmen of the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey and the East Sutherland Citizen’s Advice Bureaux respectively but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No TEC-81-13 (85kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to support the Highland Consumer Partnership, an initiative which brought together the Council’s Trading Standards team, all eight Highland Citizens Advice Bureaux and Citizen’s Advice Scotland.  The partnership aimed to bring the knowledge, powers and experience of all the participants together to achieve a better deal for Highland consumers.

The report reminded Members that in 2012, the UK Government had embarked on a major reform of the “consumer landscape” which meant that consumer matters would be taken forward in future by Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABx), with each organisation lending a different focus.  An outline was provided of the preliminary partnership work undertaken so far to develop the Highland Consumer Partnership (HCP).  The partnership was already providing tangible outcomes, making a significant contribution to the core operational objectives of Trading Standards and attracting much interest across the country.  It was recognised that the early momentum must be maintained through continued engagement between Trading Standards and the CABx. 

During discussion, Members commended the partnership, pointing out the value of the Young Consumer of the Year competition, the importance of Member interaction with secondary school pupils and the usefulness of the proposed Oil Club, with ever increasing fuel bills affecting an increasing number of Highland residents.

The Committee AGREED to support the Highland Consumer Partnership and the continued involvement of Trading Standards in its on-going development.

10. Green Transport Strategy – Update 
      Ro-innleachd Còmhdhalach Uaine – Fios às Ùr

There had been circulated Report No TEC-82-13 (28kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services updating Members on partnership work with HITRANS and other key stakeholders to produce a Green Transport Strategy for the Highlands.

The report confirmed that the Green Transport Strategy aimed to complement the Council’s Local Transport Strategy by providing a bespoke document setting out the Council’s aims and initiatives, recognising the contrasting urban and rural nature of the region and the challenges this brought.  It would also explore the concept of smart technologies and how these could be used to improve the existing transport network and reduce the need to travel. A workshop had been held on 4 October 2013 to engage with key stakeholders and partners, whose input was presently being collated.  Early feedback had established a number of key themes which would be examined in further detail.  

During discussion, the Chairman pointed out that the Green Transport Strategy was a complex issue, with this report only providing an interim update. Members were urged to attend the Carbon Clever conference which would take place in the Council Chamber on 8 November 2013, with the Green Transport Strategy feeding directly into the Council’s plan for a Carbon Clever Highlands by 2025.

Members emphasised the importance and complexity of rural issues in relation to Green Transport, pointing out the need for a truly integrated transport system that ensured access to jobs and services for all.  Community Transport was a key component of the strategy, with a review underway and a report due to be presented to the Committee in early 2014.

In relation to the Lochaber Transport Pilot, if funding issues were not promptly resolved between the agreed partners, the Chairman confirmed that the matter would be taken to Scottish Ministers as a priority.

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. Transport in Remote Communities – Glenelg Research Project 
      Còmhdhail ann an Coimhearsnachdan Iomallach – Pròiseact  
      Rannsachaidh Ghlinn Eilg

Declaration of Interest: Mr N Donald declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a licensed taxi operator in the Highlands and left the room.

There had been circulated Report No TEC-83-13 (132kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services updating Members on the outcome of the Robert Gordon University study into rural transport options for the Glenelg area and inviting Members to approve that a pilot project be taken forward for the area based on the bottom-up option proposed by Robert Gordon University.

During a summary of the report, it was explained that the pilot scheme would involve providing a capped sum of £3,000 to the Glenelg community group to run their own scheme for 12 months.  It would also permit procurement of a local taxi service for a fixed fee and the sale of tickets to travellers for £3.00 with the balance being provided to the taxi through the community group.  The overall research project, including all reports and fees, was estimated to cost £8,000. It was confirmed that HITRANS had agreed to make a contribution towards the project, as the outcome would be transferrable to other rural areas.  It was also confirmed that the pilot would be monitored by Robert Gordon University and a report submitted back to the Committee in due course.

During discussion, Members welcomed the study that had been undertaken and that, in particular, this had engaged Members of the Glenelg community to find solutions to the loss of transport in the Glenelg and Arnisdale areas.  A range of comments and queries were made, including the following:-

• it was hoped that this pilot approach would be successful and that it could be replicated in other remote areas throughout the Highlands;
• it was queried whether there might be any scope to include the use of concessionary cards as part of the project;
• the key to success would be that the pilot project would be in the control of the local group as community involvement would be a great driver for success; and
• the flexibility built into the project was particularly welcome although it was not certain, in the instance where private cars might be used as part of the project, whether this might raise any insurance or tax implications.

In response to questions, the following comments were made:-

• the pilot did not include the use of concessionary cards as this introduced a wider range of issues and might introduce confusion and unnecessary complexity.  It was intended that the area of concessionary cards be addressed separately and that work continue with the Scottish Government on this to find a way to move forward.  In this connection, attention was drawn to the evidence submitted to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Community Transport and the report produced as a result of that Inquiry; and
• it was confirmed that there were some implications for private car owners in terms of tax and insurance but there was a mechanism that would permit private individuals to provide transport through a Community Transport arrangement without any breach of existing statutory provisions.

The Committee:-

i.   NOTED the contents of the Robert Gordon University study into rural
     transport options for the Glenelg area; and
ii.  APPROVED that a pilot project was taken forward for the area based
     on the bottom–up option proposed by Robert Gordon University.  This
     project was to run for a period of 12 months at which time it would be
     assessed and reviewed.

12. Performance Management: Statutory and Internal Performance
      Indicators
      Rianachd Coileanaidh: Comharran Coileanaidh Reachdail agus air
     an Taobh A-staigh

There had been circulated Report No TEC-84-13 (19kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services providing details of Transport, Environmental and Community Services performance, as measured by Statutory Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Internal Performance Indicators, for the first quarter of the financial year 2013/14.

During a summary of the report, specific attention was drawn to SPIs for Environmental Health.  It was confirmed that there had been an increase in time responding to domestic complaints requiring attendance on site. Officers continued to respond to complainants promptly and it was anticipated that the recent implementation of a duty officer system would assist in further improving these response times.  With reference to waste management, the percentage of household waste that was recycled and composted had reduced slightly from 47.7% to 46.9%. The introduction of statutory food waste collections would help to improve recycling levels.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and, making specific reference to addressing noise complaints, cautioned that noise complaints could become an area of increased activity on account of the move towards more liberal licensing laws.

The Committee NOTED the performance of Transport, Environmental and Community Services in relation to Service activities that were measured by Statutory Performance Indicators and Internal Performance Indicators.

13. Storm Damage 14/15 December 2012 – Final Costs 
      Milleadh Stoirm 14/15 Dùbhlachd 2012 – Cosgaisean Deireannach

There had been circulated Report No TEC-85-13 (43kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services updating Members on the final costs in relation to the repairs to the damage which occurred to harbours and coastal structures during the storm surge on 14/15 December 2012.

The report confirmed that the total cost of completing the works (excluding works for Dunbeath harbour wall) amounted to £1.533m and an allowance had been made in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 budgets accordingly.  This was less than the original estimate of £2.5m.  Consultants had provided initial recommendations for the repair of Dunbeath harbour wall, with estimated costs currently standing at £250,000, and a preferred option report would be taken to the Fishery Harbours Management Board for their consideration. The Scottish Government had provided financial support for the repair of Balintore Harbour (£100k) and Portmahomack Harbour (£50k), independent of the Belwin Scheme.

During discussion, Members welcomed the news that the total cost of repair work had been less than anticipated and commended officials for the prompt attention the essential repair work had been given.

In response to questions, it was explained that:-

• the works that had been undertaken would be monitored but only brought to the Committee’s attention if a significant issue arose, or as part of an ongoing Capital project;
• development of the pontoon network for leisure boats was being investigated by the Fishery Harbours Management Board; and
• investigation into issues at Rockfield had shown that over-topping rather than erosion was the main problem and, due to requirements for access to the shore, no action was being recommended at this time.

The Committee:-

i.   NOTED the final cost of works to repair the damage to Council harbour
     facilities and coast defence structures;
ii.  NOTED that a further report providing details of the repairs proposed for
     Dunbeath harbour wall would be submitted to the Fisheries Harbours 
     Management Board; and
iii.  APPROVED that the Council continued to provide advice and support to
     privately owned facilities which had been affected by the storm surge.

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

There had been circulated Report No TEC-86-13 (60kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services (TECS) inviting Members to approve the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 September 2013.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that expenditure was estimated currently to be £0.105m (0.5%) overspent at the end of the financial year which was an improvement on the last monitoring statement and included an additional £1m for roads maintenance that had been received from the Strategic Change and Development Fund.  The figures to date represented the transactions for the four months ended 30 September 2013 and were generally in line with management expectations. 

The report referred to energy costs for street lighting and, following pressure from COSLA, the charge levied for 2013/14 by the Electricity Distribution Network Operator had been reduced by 32% (£0.186m). As part of the budget setting process, a sum of £0.582m had been set aside for the street lighting energy increase. The resultant underspend had been utilised to cover pressures elsewhere in the TECS budget.

During discussion, Members referred to the implications of budget reductions.  It was confirmed that there had been no change to the original budget, however some planned efficiency measures had not provided the level of savings that had been anticipated and compensatory amendments had been made to other budgets.  Some Members queried the predicted overspend of £105k when £1m of additional funding had been received and suggested that TEC Services should aim towards a zero variance budget, given the difficult economic climate.  In this regard, the Chairman confirmed that an overall review of the TEC Services budget was being undertaken and a meeting was imminent between himself, the Leader of the Council, the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance to finalise the review.  Several Members pointed out the importance of the services and infrastructure provided by TECS to the general public and to other Council services, from both an economic and safety point of view, with examples given of insufficient verge cutting and lack of white line renewal.  Concern was also expressed that there was little or no slack in the budget to cope with unexpected equipment failures.  Having suggested that TECS did not receive its fair share of the overall Council budget, Members also acknowledged that for TECS to receive a greater share, another Council Services would have to sustain cuts in their budgets.

In response to further questions, it was explained that:-

• information was to be provided to Members on the lack of white lines on many rural Highland roads, which affected all road users, but especially tourists who were unfamiliar with the local road network;
• TECS currently employed 5 apprentice mechanics but could not take on more unless they were able to recruit additional qualified mechanics, which was proving problematic despite wide-ranging advertising having been undertaken.  It was pointed out that Inverness College could be instrumental in encouraging young people to consider a career in mechanics with the Council;
• the Head of Roads and Community Works would speak to Local Members about the reported erosion of a wall at Shiel Bridge which was causing masonry to fall onto the road;
• the Council had a policy of installing drop kerbs when maintenance work was being undertaken on a crossing; and
• the Revenue and Capital reports had been moved to the end of the agenda to allow them to be considered after other reports which might have financial implications, with an expectation that Members would remain in attendance for the duration of a meeting.

The Committee APPROVED the report and the monitoring statements which showed the revenue position for the period 1 April to 30 September 2013 and the actions which had been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

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

There had been circulated Report No TEC-87-13 (57kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 September 2013.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the projected outturns for expenditure and income were £27.533m and £2.805m 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 30 September 2013.

The meeting ended at 12.10pm.

Valedictory tribute to Mr Richard Guest

The Chairman paid tribute to Mr Richard Guest, Head of Roads and Community Works, who was to retire from the Council on 15 November after 22 years of service.  His wide ranging knowledge and experience would be missed and on behalf of the Committee he wished Mr Guest a long and happy retirement.