Agendas, reports and minutes

 

A meeting of the Highland Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 26 June 2014 at 10.35am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

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

Yours faithfully,

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development

BUSINESS

1.  Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus 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.  Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – Gold Award Presentation
Sgeama Duais Diùc Dhùn Èideann – Toirt Seachad Duais Òir

As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, 29 young people from across the Highlands are due to receive their Gold Award this year.

Sixteen recipients have accepted an invitation to attend the meeting where the Convener will present them with their Gold Award badges.

4.  Confirmation of Minutes
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais

There are submitted for confirmation as a correct record the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 8 May 2014 as contained in the Volume which has been circulated separately.

5.  Minutes of Meetings of Committees
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan Chomataidhean

There are submitted for confirmation as correct records, for information as regards delegated business and for approval as appropriate, the Minutes of Meetings of Committees contained in Volume circulated separately as undernoted:-

Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, 14 May
Community Services Committee, 15 May
Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, 21 May
Lochaber Area Committee, 22 May
Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee, 27 May
Resources Committee, 28 May
Gaelic Implementation Group, 29 May
City of Inverness Area Committee, 3 June
Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee 11 June
Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee, 12 June
Audit and Scrutiny Committee, 19 June

6.  Customer Services Board
Bòrd Sheirbheisean Luchd-ceannaich

There are circulated for information Minutes of Meeting of the Customer Services Board held on 21 May 2014.

7.  Community Challenge Fund Applications Panel
Pannal Iarrtasan airson na Maoin Dùbhlain Coimhearsnachd

There is circulated Note of Recommendations from the Community Challenge Fund Applications Panel for approval.

8.  Membership of Committees, etc
Ballrachd air Comataidhean, msaa

Members are asked to agree the following changes to membership of Committees –

Resources Committee – Mr B Thompson to replace Mr L Fraser
Pensions Committee – Mr B Thompson to replace Mrs C Wilson
Investment Sub Committee – Mr B Thompson to replace Mrs C Wilson

9.  Question Time
Àm Ceiste

The following Questions have been received by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development in terms of Standing Order 42 –

(i) Mrs M Davidson

To the Chair of the Resources Committee

“May we have a list of the numbers of members of the public attending the recent budget consultation events?”

The response is circulated.

Mrs Davidson will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chair of the Resources Committee.

(ii) Mrs M Davidson

To the Chair of the Planning, Development & Infrastructure Committee

“There is a newly forming group that is to help the First Minister deliver 1 million acres of land in community ownership by 2020. Will Highland Council invite them to Highland for us to give evidence and ideas? In addition, the setting up of a cross party Highland Council group of Members and Officers, before meeting the Million Acre group, would be very useful so will you agree to the formation of such a group?”

The response is circulated.

Mrs Davidson will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Chair of the Planning, Development & Infrastructure Committee.

(iii) Mrs M Davidson

To the Leader of the Council

“Will Highland Council, in partnership with HIE and Community Broadband Scotland, develop a plan to deliver improved broadband to every home in Highland, in particular to those households where it has proved impossible to date?”

The response is circulated.

Mrs Davidson will be entitled to ask a supplementary question which will be answered by the Leader of the Council.

10.  Notices of Motion
Brathan Gluasaid

The following Notices of Motion have been received in accordance with Standing Order 10.1 –

“The Highland Council fully supports efforts to increase breastfeeding levels in Highland after recently released statistics show that the figure for new born babies exclusively breastfed at 6-8 weeks sits at a disappointing 28.9%. The Council aims to meet the national target of 34.8% and realises that to do this new ways of working have to be looked at, including measures to make breastfeeding more acceptable in public, to encourage business to welcome and promote the practice and to normalise it in society. The Council further acknowledges the immense health benefits to both mother and child and commits to working with all partners to identify and resolve the current issues”.

Signed: Mr D Hendry, Ms G Ross, Dr D Alston, Mrs D MacKay

“The Highlands are a safe place and we are proud of its tradition of community policing. We do not believe that the introduction of Armed Response Units, in which Officer routinely carry side arms (rather than having them stored in secure cabinets in vehicles for use when needed), is appropriate for the Highlands.

We therefore call on Police Scotland to change its policy and, if necessary, seek changes in the regulations governing a Standing Authority to carry arms in order to make this possible”.

Signed: Dr D Alston, Ms K Stephen, Mr R Laird, Mrs D MacKay, Mr M Reiss, Mr B Lobban

11.  Statement of Accounts for the Year to 31 March 2014
Aithris Chunntasan Neo-sgrùdaichte airson na Bliadhna gu 31 Màrt 2014

There is circulated Report No. HC/6/14 dated 17 June 2014 by the Director of Finance which presents the Statement of Accounts for the year to 31 March 2014 for the Highland Council, Highland Charities Trust, Highland Council Charitable Trusts and the Highland Council Pension Fund and requests consideration of the allocation of surplus balances from the General Fund.

Members are asked to:-

(i) receive the Unaudited Accounts for the Highland Council, Highland Charities Trust, Highland Council Charitable Trusts and the Highland Council Pension Fund for the year ended 31 March 2014 and note that these will be presented to the Controller of Audit by the prescribed date of 30 June 2014;
(ii) note that detailed explanations will be presented to the Strategic Committees with regard to the year-end variances from Service budgets; and
(iii) approve the allocation of surplus funds of £2.75m as follows – Roads Maintenance (£0.74m), Winter Maintenance Fund (£1m) and Strategic Change and Development Fund (£1.01m).

12.  Revenue Budget Planning: 2015/16 Budget Update and Long Term Financial Planning
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2015-16 – Fios às Ùr

There is circulated Report No. HC/7/14 dated 16 June 2014 by the Director of Finance which provides an update on progress in relation to planning the Revenue Budget for 2015/16 and the Council’s longer term financial planning for years 2016/17 to 2018/19.

Members are asked to note:-

(a) the implications of the anticipated change to the Council’s grant allocation for 2015/16; and
(b) action taken to date and further work to achieve a balanced budget for 2015/16 and close the funding gap for the subsequent three years.

13.  Annual Efficiency Statement 2013/14
Aithris Èifeachdais Bhliadhnail 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. HC/8/14 dated 10 June 2014 by the Director of Finance which sets out the Council’s Annual Efficiency Statement for 2013/14.

The Council is asked to agree the Annual Efficiency Statement as detailed.

14.  Scotland’s Schools for the Future
Sgoiltean na h-Alba airson an Ama ri Teachd

There will follow Report No. HC/9/14 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport.

15.  Highland Economic Update
Suidheachadh Eaconamach Làithreach

There is circulated Report No. HC/10/14 dated 16 June 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides an update on the Highland economy and a brief sectoral overview and concludes that there is good reason to be positive about the future prospects of the Highland economy.

The Council is asked to consider the improving economic situation facing the Highland economy and note the positive developments and opportunities available to businesses and individuals across the region.

16.  Highland Science Academy - Update
Acadamaidh Saidheans

There is circulated Report No. HC/11/14 dated 30 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides a summary of the findings of a consultant’s report into options for the establishment of a Highland Science Academy.

The report also requests approval for a contribution of £20,000 towards a funding package of £80,000 to meet the costs of employing a suitably qualified person to take forward an action plan, which has been attached as an appendix, designed to progress the further development of the project as outlined in the consultant’s report.

The Council is asked to support the commitment of £20,000 from the Development and Infrastructure budget towards the cost of employing an Officer to take forward the Highland Science Academy Action Plan.

17.  Carbon CLEVER Programme Plan and Update
Leasachadh Prògram a’ Chàrboin CHIALLAICH

There is circulated Report No. HC/12/14 dated 17 June 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which provides an update on the Carbon CLEVER Programme Plan (and in particular the chapters on Economy and Transport) and a number of new and potential projects.

The report also seeks approval for expenditure from the Carbon CLEVER capital allowance.

Members are asked to:-

(i) agree any changes to the draft Economy and Transport chapters and note that the final drafts will be subject to wider consultation with relevant groups;
(ii) note that at the next Council meeting on 4 September, draft chapters on Energy, Land Use and Resources will be presented;
(iii) agree the development of a Carbon CLEVER Community Grant Fund with an allowance of up to £200k from the £1m Carbon CLEVER capital allowance, with the scheme for the Fund to be considered at a future meeting of the Resources Committee;
(iv) agree a financial contribution of £250,000 from the Carbon CLEVER capital programme allocation towards the establishment of a Low Carbon Institute to be located at the UHI Inverness Campus Partnership Facility;
(v) agree a £25,000 contribution from the Carbon CLEVER capital programme allocation to install measures to encourage active travel as part of the Dingwall Office Rationalisation project;
(vi) agree that further work be done to develop a transformational programme of cycling infrastructure improvements across Highland towns and in Inverness to the value of £15m and to draw on a range of funding sources;
(vii) agree that Inverness becomes a companion city of the STEP-UP project and that the Council Leader accepts this opportunity; and
(viii) note that the Highland Community Planning Partnership has responded positively to the Scottish Government’s invitation to become a pilot area for the development of a proposed new Climate Change Leadership Programme.

18.  European Structural Investment Funds Regional Development and Social Fund Programmes Scotland 2014-20
Maoineachadh Eòrpach

There is circulated Report No. HC/13/14 dated 12 June 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides an update on the current state of play regarding the development of the European Regional Development and Social Funds Programmes in Scotland for the 2014-20 programming period.

The report also includes for homologation the Council’s response to the Scottish Government consultation on the two above Funds which closed on 16 June.

Members are asked to:-

(i) note the content of the report and the potential that exists for the Council to gain financially from engaging in the delivery of the Regional Development and Social Fund Programmes;
(ii) request a further update as to the implications of the Council being a lead body in the delivery of these EU Funds; and
(iii) homologate the Council’s response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on these two Funds.

19.  Legacy Plan 2014
Plana Dìleib 2014

There will follow Report No. HC/14/14 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport.

20.  Local Government Boundary Commission – Review of Councillor Numbers
Coimisean Chrìochan Riaghaltais Ionadail

There is circulated Report No. HC/15/14 dated 17 June 2014 by the Chief Executive which confirms that the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has published its initial proposals for Councillor numbers for each of Scotland’s 32 Councils. For Highland Council, the Commission has proposed that the number of Councillors reduces from 80 to 72.

The Council is asked to note:-

(i) the proposals from the Local Government Boundary Commission and the response from Highland Council; and
(ii) the public consultation process which is currently underway and the opportunity for members of the public and individual Members to make representations on the proposals.

21.  An Comunn Gàidhealach

The Council is advised that a Service Delivery Contract with An Comunn Gàidhealach provides for the Royal National Mod to be held in the Highland area in 2014, 2017 and 2020.

In this regard, the Service Delivery Contract contains the following clause in relation to representation - the Service Provider is required to permit an elected representative from the Purchaser to sit on the Board of the Service Provider’s organisation and participate fully in all discussions and decisions relating to the Royal National Mods taking place in Highland, to provide the elected representative with all relevant Board agendas, papers, reports and minutes, to invite the elected representative to attend and participate in Board-led reviews, evaluations or other appraisals and to invite the elected representative to sit on both the National and Local Organising Committees.

Members are invited to agree that Mr Hamish Fraser should be appointed as the Council representative.

22.  Church Representative – Education, Children and Adult Services Committee
Riochdaire Eaglaise – Comataidh Seirbheisean an Fhoghlaim, na Cloinne agus nan Inbheach

The Council is required, in terms of Section 31 of the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, to have a minimum of 3 Church representatives on the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, two of whom are to be appointed on direct nomination (by the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church) and the third involving discretionary procedures.

In this regard, Dr Alan Fraser has been nominated by the Free Church of Scotland as their new representative to sit on the Committee.

The Council is invited to approve the nomination of Dr Fraser as detailed.

23.  Appointment of Independent Directors to High Life Highland
Cur Stiùirichean an Dreuchd gu High Life na Gàidhealtachd

Members are advised that the High Life Highland Nominations Committee agreed to recommend that Mr Kenneth Nicol and Mr Laurence Young should be re-appointed as Independent Directors of High Life Highland with effect from the Board’s next Annual General Meeting.

The Council is asked to agree the recommendation from the High Life Highland Nominations Committee as detailed.

24.  Proposed Amendment to the Senior Management Structure
Atharrachadh a Thathar a’ Moladh do Structar an Àrd-luchd-stiùiridh

There is circulated Report No. HC/16/14 dated 11 June 2014 by the Chief Executive which proposes a change to the establishment at a senior level for the vacant post of Head of Community and Democratic Engagement.

Members are asked to agree the change to the senior management structure proposed by deleting the post of Head of Community and Democratic Engagement and replacing it with a senior manager post of Community and Democratic Engagement Manager, responsible to the Head of Policy and Reform.

Members are also asked to note that:-

(i) the views of Directors and the Ward Management Team have been taken into account in this proposal and further consultation will take place on the implications for staff whose workload may be affected; and
(ii) the post will be advertised externally with a view to recruitment over the summer.

25.  Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Council is invited to agree that, during the recess period, powers should be granted to the Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development and Directors, in consultation with the Convener, Leader of the Council, Depute Leader of the Council, relevant Chair and the Leader of the Opposition, to deal with issues arising during that time and that a report should be prepared for the first meeting of the Council or relevant Committee following the period where these powers have been exercised.

26.  Deeds Executed
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh

Members are asked to note that a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 8 May 2014 is available in the Members’ Library and on the Council’s Website.