Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 27 August 2014 at 10.30 am.

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

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

Yours faithfully

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development Service

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.   Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest.   Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Good News Stories
Deagh Naidheachdan

The Committee is invited to note that the Highland Council has received a Silver Award for Occupational Health and Safety by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

4. Recess Powers 
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that recess powers were exercised by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Deputy Council Leader, the Convener, and the Leader of the Opposition to support the bid by the Leader of the Council to seek election as President of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR).  Nominations for the Presidency for 2014-16 were sought at the meeting of the Political Bureau held in Inverness with a closing date of 25 July 2014. 

FINANCE SERVICE

5. Welfare Reform                        
Fios às Ùr mu Ath-leasachadh

There is circulated Report No. RES/26/14 by the Director of Finance which provides information on the current status of Universal Credit and other Welfare initiatives.  It also provides financial monitoring information for 2014/15, covering the Council’s considerable involvement in this area of work.

The Committee is asked to note limited progress by the Department for Work and Pensions on several Reform fronts, and a continuation of (and related investment in) mitigation measures by the Council and partners in support of the most vulnerable in the Highland area.

6. Money Advice Annual Report        
Aithisg Bhliadhnail a’ Chomhairleachaidh Airgid

There is circulated Report No. RES/27/14 by the Head of Policy and Reform which provides Members with the end of year monitoring of advice and information services in Highland for 2013/14.  The report also provides an update on the new money allocated for 2013/14 to address the impacts of welfare reform.  

The Committee is asked to note the:-

i. level of support provided to customers across Highland in 2013/14 through the CAB network and in-house teams.  The complexity of advice sought is increasing and pressures experienced particularly in the area of welfare benefits as a result of Welfare Reform; and

ii. outcomes achieved by the allocation of £250,000 to mitigate the impacts of Welfare Reform.

7. Finance Service Revenue Monitoring Final Outturn 2013/14 and Monitoring 2014/15         
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Ionmhais: Toradh Deireannach 2013/14 agus Sgrùdadh 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. RES/28/14 by the Director of Finance which presents on the final outturn for the Revenue Budget for the year to 31 March 2014 and the Revenue Monitoring position for the period to 30 June 2014.

The Committee is asked to:-

i. note the Finance Budget outturn position for 2013/14; and

ii. agree the monitoring report to the end of June 2014.

8. Corporate Revenue Monitoring Report          
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Corporra

There is circulated Report No. RES/29/14 by the Director of Finance which presents the financial position of the revenue budgets of the General Fund and HRA as at 30 June 2014 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is asked to approve the:-

i. financial position of the General Fund and HRA revenue budgets as at 30 June 2014, to note the predicted year end net overspend of £1.322m and the management response to this; and

ii. request to transfer £0.384m Strategic Change Development Fund to the Finance budget to meet the upfront costs of implementing the replacement corporate financial system with a view to securing long term savings to the revenue budget.

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

There is circulated Report No. RES/30/14 by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of expenditure on the General Fund and HRA capital programmes for the period from 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014 and the projected year end position for the 2014/15 financial year.

The Committee is asked to:-

i. approve the financial position of the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes as at 30 June 2014; and

ii. note the forthcoming review of the 2013/14 balances carried forward.

10. Capital Discretionary Fund Applications      
Tagraidhean do Mhaoin Calpa fo Ùghdarras

i. Capital Discretionary Fund Applications

There is circulated Report No. RES/31/14 by the Director of Finance the purpose of which is to advise the Committee of the regulations governing the award of capital grants to third parties, to consider the wider cost of such grants, and to consider the financial implications arising from the applications for funding from the Capital Discretionary Fund.

The Committee is asked to:-

a. Note the Scottish Government regulations regarding capital expenditure as per Appendix 1 of the report;

b. Note the actual cost to the Council of capital grants;

c. Note existing commitments against the Capital Discretionary Fund as per Appendix 2 of the report;

d. Agree to imposing a three year time limit for the drawing down of grant funding; and

e. Note that a status report on Halkirk Sports Facility will be brought back to the next Committee.

ii. Applications

The Committee is asked to consider the following applications:-

a. Highland Hospice 

There is circulated Joint Report No. RES/32/14 by the by Director of Finance and Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which advises that Highland Hospice is undertaking a full refurbishment of Ness House and the Netley Centre along with the demolition of one of the original buildings to build a new In-Patient Unit. The Project includes an element called “The Sanctuary at Highland Hospice”.  The aim is to create a “….spiritual space for those of all faiths and of none”. The total project cost is £6.500m.  Funding from the Council has been applied for in the sum of £0.200m.

The Committee is invited to consider awarding the project to refurbish and partly reconstruct the Highland Hospice as detailed within the report the sum of £0.200m from the Capital Discretionary Fund for the year 2014/15.

b. Kinlochshiel Shinty Club Playing Field

There is circulated Report No. RES/33/14 by the Chief Executive which seeks approval to provide a contribution of up to £45,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund and £5,000 from the Ward 6 Discretionary Budget towards a £361,540 project by Kinlochshiel Shinty Club Ltd to develop a new site at Reraig, Balmacara as a sports playing field with attendant facilities.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. approve a total, capped contribution of £50,000 from the Council, to the Kinlochshiel Shinty Club Ltd, subject to a successful outcome of The Club’s funding application to sportscotland; and

2. agree that the Council’s contribution to be made up of £45,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund and £5,000 from the Ward 6 Discretionary Budget.

c. Ross and Cromarty Citizen’s Advice Bureau 

 There is circulated Report No. RES/34/14 by the Chief Executive which seeks approval to provide a contribution of up to £40,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund to re-furbish new premises for Ross and Cromarty Citizen’s Advice Bureau, based in Alness.

 The Committee is asked to approve a total, capped contribution of £40,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund, to Ross and Cromarty Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

d. Poolewe and District Swimming Pool Association

There is circulated Report RES/35/14 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which requests approval to grant up to £50,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund and £5,000 from the Ward 6 Discretionary Budget to Poolewe and District Swimming Pool Association as a contribution towards upgrading the facility.

The Committee is recommended to support the application by Poolewe and District Swimming Pool Association for a grant towards the cost of upgrading the facility; the Council’s contribution to be made up of £50,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund and £5,000 from the Ward 6 Discretionary Budget.

e. Highland Science Skills Academy

There is circulated Report No. RES/36/14 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which requests approval for a contribution of a total of £150,000 from the Capital Discretionary Fund towards a funding package that will enable the development of a hub for the Highland Science Skills Academy at UHI’s Inverness Campus Partnership Facility.  This is a new joint building with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

 The Committee is recommended to support the application by the University of the Highlands and Islands for a grant of £150,000, from the Capital Discretionary Fund towards the capital cost of building the Highland Science Skills Academy.

11. Treasury Management         
Rianachd Ionmhais

i. Summary of Transactions

There is circulated Report No. RES/37/14 by the Director of Finance which  provides details on the Treasury Management transactions for May and June 2014.

 The Committee is asked to consider the Treasury Management  Summary of Transactions report for May and June 2014.

ii. Treasury Management and the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013

There is circulated Report No. RES/38/14 by the Director of Finance which sets out background to, and implications arising from, the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013.

The Committee is invited to note the report.

iii. Annual Treasury Report 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. RES/39/14 by the Director of Finance which presents the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2013/14 and highlights the Council’s treasury management activities undertaken, provides a commentary on the year, and compares activity to the expected activities contained in the annual Treasury Strategy Statement and Investment Statement which was approved by the Council on 7 March 2013.

The Committee is asked to consider the report and agree the Annual Treasury Report 2013/14 is submitted to the Council for approval.
 
12. Finance Service: Quarterly Performance Report     
Seirbheis an Ionmhais: Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil

There is circulated Report No. RES/40/14 by the Director of Finance which provides a summary of key and statutory performance indicators for the Finance Service as at 30 June 2014.

The Committee is asked to consider the statutory and key performance indicators for the Finance Service to 30 June 2014.

13. Audit Scotland: Benefits Performance Audit Annual Update 2013/14             
Buidheann-sgrùdaidh na h-Alba: Fios Bliadhnail Sgrùdadh Buaidh nan Sochairean 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. RES/41/14 by the Director of Finance which provides details of the outcome of Audit Scotland’s benefit performance audit work across Scotland in 2013/14.

The Committee is asked to note the findings from Audit Scotland’s Benefits Performance Audits during 2013/14, which included the involvement of the Council in a Risk Assessment study, the results of which have already been reported to Committee; and to welcome the efforts of Audit Scotland in disseminating good practice in this area of work and seeking with the Council to clarify continuing uncertainties about certain aspects of Welfare Reform.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

14. Corporate Development Service Revenue Monitoring 2014/15   
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra: Toradh Deireannach 2013/14 agus Sgrùdadh 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. RES/42/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of the Corporate Development which presents the revenue monitoring position for Corporate Development for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014.

The Committee is invited to note the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014.

15. Corporate Development Service Capital Monitoring 2014/15     
Sgrùdadh Chalpa Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. RES/43/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of the Corporate Development which sets out the position for  the Corporate Development Service 2014/15 capital budget for the period to 30 June 2014.

The Committee is asked to note the capital monitoring report for the period to 30 June 2014.

16. Customer Service Excellence Award             
Sàr-mhaitheas Seirbheis Luchd-cleachdaidh

There is circulated Report No. RES/44/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which details the continued achievement of the externally assessed Customer Service Excellence Award by Highland Council’s Customer Services since 2010.  Currently, this is the only externally evaluated standard supported and recognised by the UK Cabinet Office.

The Committee is asked to note the outcomes of the assessment and the on-going successful achievement of the Customer Service Excellence standard.

17. Corporate Improvement Programme              
Prògram Leasachadh Corporra

There is circulated Report No. RES/45/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which explains that the Corporate Improvement Programme (CIP) is progressing with a target to achieve £5.98m in efficiency savings for the period 2013/14 and 2014/15. 

The Committee is asked to note the:-

i. progress with the delivery of the Corporate Improvement Programme; and

ii. development of a new Programme in line with the developing four year Budget Strategy. 
 
18. Corporate Development Statutory Performance Indicators Report for 2013/14 and 2014/15 Quarter                
Aithisg SPI an Leasachaidh Chorporra airson 2013/14 agus 2014/15 Cairteal 1          

There is circulated Report No. RES/46/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides quarterly Statutory Performance Indicators for quarter 1 of 2014/15 and annual Statutory Performance Indicators for 2013/14.

The Committee is asked to note the progress in relation to the Statutory Performance Indicators.

19. Internal Audit Report: Governance of Arm’s Length External Organisations                
Riaghladh Bhuidhnean air Astar

There is circulated Report No. RES/47/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which presents the findings of the audit review to identify the governance arrangements in place in relation to ‘Arm’s Length External Organisations’ (ALEOs) and to report on how well they comply with the Audit Scotland report, ‘Arm’s Length External Organisations’ (ALEOs): are you getting it right?’ were reported to the meeting of Finance, Housing and Resources Committee on 26 February 2014. 

The report also advises on the consultation undertaken with communities benefitting from Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited and the progress that has been made on meeting the recommendations that were made. 

The Committee is invited to:-
 
i. agree that the Board of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarn Community Limited should be asked to undertake a review of Memorandum and Articles of Association in order to address the risk identified at paragraph 2.5 of the report;

ii. agree that the Council retains the Company (Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited) in its current form and allows the communities of Creich and Ardgay to withdraw from the Company and administer their funds through the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, once agreements have been drawn up between the Developer and those two communities; and

iii. note the progress made to date in implementing the agreed Action Plan.

20. Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Annual Report    
Aithisg Bhliadhnail na Sàbhailteachd ‘s na Falainneachd, Slàinte Obrach

There is circulated Report No. RES/48/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which presents the Council’s occupational health, safety and wellbeing (OHSW) performance, achievements and progress in 2013/14 and presents the plan for 2014/15.

The Committee is asked to approve the report.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE

21. Chief Executive’s Service Revenue Monitoring: Final Outturn 2013/14  
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Àrd-Oifigich: Toradh Deireannach 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. RES/49/14 by the Chief Executive which presents the final outturn position for the Chief Executive’s Service revenue budget for 2013/14.  

The Committee is asked to note the final outturn for the Chief Executive’s Service revenue budget for 2013/14.

22. Chief Executive’s Office and Members Revenue Monitoring to June 2014/15                 
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach nam Ball agus Oifis an Àrd-Oifigich chun na h-Ògmhios 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. RES/50/14 by the Chief Executive which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Office for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014.

The Committee is asked to note revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014.

23. Chief Executive’s Service Capital Monitoring: Final Outturn 2013/14                    
Seirbheis an Àrd-Oifigich: Sgrùdadh Calpa: Toradh Deireannach 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. RES/51/14 by the Chief Executive which presents the final outturn for the Chief Executive’s Service Capital Budget for the year to 31 March 2014.

The Committee is asked to note the final outturn for the Chief Executive’s Service Capital Budget for the year to 31 March 2014.

24. Chief Executive’s Office: Capital Monitoring to June 2014/15  
Oifis an Àrd-Oifigich: Sgrùdadh Calpa: Toradh Deireannach chun na h-Ògmhios 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. RES/52/14 by the Chief Executive which  sets out the position for the Chief Executive’s Office 2014/15 capital budget for the period to 30 June 2014.

The Committee is asked to note the capital monitoring report for the period to 30 June 2014.

25. Carbon CLEVER Community Grant Fund             
Maoin Tabhartais Choimhearsnachd Carbon CLEVER

There is circulated Report No. RES/53/14 by the Head of Policy and Reform which advises that Carbon CLEVER has the aim to co-ordinate, promote, and accelerate the work that is being conducted across the Highland region to reduce carbon emissions. The Carbon CLEVER Community grant fund will assist the Council to encourage and empower communities to take local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. Agree the proposed criteria and associated process and timescales for the Carbon CLEVER Community grant fund; and

ii. Note the development of a Carbon CLEVER Ideas Bank to support and encourage communities interested in the Carbon CLEVER Community fund.

26. Minutes of Meetings                
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

The following Minutes of Meetings are circulated for confirmation:-

i. Early Retirement Sub-Committee held on 19 June 2014;

ii. Head of Service Recruitment Panel held on 2 July 2014; 

iii. Joint Consultation Group (Administration Etc, Manual and Crafts Staffing) held on 8 August 2014;

iv. Central Safety Committee held on 8 August 2014; and

v. Welfare Reform Working Group held on 15 August 2014.

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

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

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

28. ICT Executive Board: Minutes of Meeting              
Buidheann-obrach TFC Bhall: Geàrr-chunntas Coinneimh

There is circulated to Members only for approval, Minutes of Meeting of the ICT Executive Board (Members) held on 17 July 2014 and 11 August 2014.

29. ICT Reprovision Sourcing Strategy Report             
Ath-sholar TFC

There is circulated to Members only Report No. RES/54/14 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which presents the ICT Reprovision Sourcing Strategy for approval.

The Committee is asked to note the risks and the actions being taken to mitigate them and to approve the Sourcing Strategy.

FINANCE SERVICE

30. Capital Discretionary Fund Application: Inverness Badenoch & Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau: Purchase of new Premises in Inverness                 
Tagraidhean do Mhaoin Calpa fo Ùghdarra: Biùro Comhairleachaidh a’ Phobaill airson Inbhir Nis, Bàideanach & Srath Spè: Ceannach Togalach ùr ann an Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. RES/55/14 by the Director of Finance which seeks approval to transfer the agreed funding to allow the acquisition of a different building in Inverness, and to approve conditions relating to the award of grant funding.

The Committee is asked to agree the recommendations as outlined in the report.

31. Debts Recommended to be Written-off            
Fiachan a Thathar a’ Moladh airson an Dubhadh Às

There is circulated to Members only Report No. RES/56/14 by the Director of Finance which in accordance with good accounting practice, recommends the write-off of uncollectable debts. 

The Committee is asked to agree that in the event that there is no additional information from Members, the total value of debts as detailed in the report be written off.