Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Thursday, 12 September 2013, at 10.00 a.m.

Present

Mr D Millar, Mr A Baxter, Ms J Campbell, Ms J Douglas, Mr A Duffy, Mr H Fraser, Mr L Fraser (Substitute), Mrs A MacLean, Ms L Munro, Mr R Renwick, Ms G Ross, Mr G Ross, Mr R Saxon, Dr A Sinclair, Ms J Slater, Dr D Alston

Non-Members also present:

Mr B Clark, Mr G Farlow, Mr K MacLeod

Officials in attendance:

Ms M Morris, Assistant Chief Executive
Mr B Alexander, Director of Health and Social Care
Mr S MacNaughton, Head of Transport and Infrastructure, TECS
Ms C McDiarmid, Head of Policy and Performance, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms R MacKinnon, Equal Opportunities Officer, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms E Johnston, Strategic Performance Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs C MacIver, Elections Officer, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms A Taylor, High Life Highland, Youth Convener
Mrs R Moir, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms L Lee, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Chief Superintendent J Innes, Police Scotland, Highland and Islands Divisional Commander
Superintendent P MacRae, Police Scotland, North Command, Contact Command and Control (C3) Manager
Mr S Hay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Local Senior Officer for the Highland Area
Mr G MacLeod, Scottish Ambulance Service
Mr I Ross, Scottish Police Board (Items 17 and 18)

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

Mr D Millar in the Chair

1. Apologies for Absence
Liesgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr M Finlayson.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:

• Item 4: Ms J Douglas (Non-Financial)
• Item 5: Mrs A MacLean (Non-Financial)

3. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee NOTED that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 27 June 2013 had not required to be exercised in relation to the business of the Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee.

Equalities
Co-ionannachdan

4. Revised Fairer Highland Plan
Plana Ath-sgrùdaichte Gàidhealtachd nas Cothromaiche

Declaration of Interest: Ms J Douglas declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Highlife Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-31-13 dated 2 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive summarising the legislative requirements which had to be met by public sector bodies in relation to equalities issues, and setting out the actions being taken by the Council in this regard. The Council’s Equalities Policy, “A Fairer Highland,” was supported by a number of Equality Outcomes. These Outcomes linked to the Council’s Programme (as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report) and to the Single Outcome Agreement. An Action Plan set out the way the Outcomes would be achieved. Following the Committee’s agreement of the Council’s first full set of Equality Outcomes in March 2013, the report presented a revised Action Plan, updated to align with and support the Council’s Equality Outcomes. The Council was required to report on its progress towards its equalities outcomes every two years, starting in April 2015, with the outcomes themselves being reviewed every four years. Progress reports would be brought to Members on an annual basis, as at present.

The report highlighted a wide range of actions contained in the Action Plan, and drew particular attention to: (i) new activities, which had resulted from the recent Citizen’s Panel survey and had been reported to and agreed by the full Council on 5 September 2013 (paragraph 2.7 of the report); (ii) a small number of new actions which fell to this Committee for consideration (paragraph 2.8 of the report); and (iii) actions relating to the Council as an employer, which fell to be considered by the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee (paragraph 2.9 of the report). Once the Action Plan had been agreed, it would be incorporated into the Fairer Highland Plan.

In response to questions raised, Members were advised that: complaints involving Protected Characteristics were dealt with in the same way as any other complaint, but in addition would be recorded for equalities monitoring purposes; Services were responsible for supporting staff who wished to job share and for ensuring that part-time working was not a barrier to higher paid jobs; and that the Third Sector Compact was working well. A check would be made that contractors who had been awarded significant Council contracts adhered to their stated plans to recruit young unemployed people in the Highlands.

The Committee AGREED the new actions in paragraph 2.8 of the report relating to equalities screenings, complaints and information on transport and NOTED that these would all be incorporated into the Fairer Highland Plan.

The Committee also NOTED:

i. the actions that had recently been presented to Council;
ii. that new employment actions would be reported to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee; and
iii. the requirements to report on progress.

5. Violence Against Women Strategy Group - Minutes
Buidheann Ro-innleachd Fòirneart An Aghaidh Bhoireannach – Geàrr-chunntas

Declaration of Interest: Mrs A MacLean declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Ross-shire Women’s Aid but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

The Minutes of the Violence Against Women Strategy Group held on 17 April 2013 had been circulated and were NOTED.

Community Safety
Com-pàirt Phoblach

6. Improvement Plan for Member Scrutiny and Engagement
Plana Leasachaidh airson Sgrùdadh agus Com-pàirteachas Bhall

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-32-13 dated 2 September 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive highlighting progress being made with the Improvement Plan for Member scrutiny and engagement, and proposing actions to prepare for the forthcoming inspection of the Committee’s local scrutiny and engagement structures by the relevant Police and Fire inspection bodies – Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) and Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI).

Details of the actions within the Improvement Plan were set out in Appendix 1 to the report. Good progress was being made. Two new actions had been introduced: namely, to share practice with Island Authorities; and to prepare for the forthcoming inspection by HMICS/HMFSI. In relation to the first of these, the Chair reported that he had recently attended a meeting of Orkney Islands Council’s Police and Fire Committee, which had been useful and informative. It was intended that the Highland and Islands Councils be represented at each other’s meetings in this way two to three times a year, to share practice and concerns.

Appendix 2 detailed the key areas to be covered in the HMIC/HMFSI inspection. There would be Member involvement in relation to scrutiny of Police and Fire performance, community leadership, and the way in which Local Plans for Police and Fire were being developed. The Council was required to carry out a self-assessment in preparation for the inspection. The Improvement Service (a partnership between the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE)) was currently exploring how this might be done and was keen to pilot a method with the Highland Council. The report proposed that the Committee agree to this, and that a self-assessment workshop be arranged in December for this purpose.

In response to questions raised, Members were advised that:

• Whilst drugs were a major issue in some parts of the Highlands, overall the
  three top community safety concerns identified from the survey were the
  same as in previous years (road safety, alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour).
• It was expected that reports on Police and Fire performance would be
  brought to the Area Committees perhaps twice a year, although the
  timescale for this had not yet been set.

Members having spoken in support of the proposed self-assessment workshop, the Committee NOTED the progress being made with the Improvement Plan for the Committee as set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and AGREED to take part in a pilot self-assessment workshop designed around the proposed inspection criteria and supported by the Improvement Service, to be arranged before the end of December 2013.

7. Single Outcome Agreement and Community Safety Partnership Priorities
Aonta Buil Singilte agus Prìomhachasan Com-pàirteachas Sàbhailteachd Coimhearsnachd

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-33-13 dated 29 August 2013 by the Head of Policy and Performance, setting out the partnership priorities for community safety as agreed through the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) and highlighting that this should influence the new local plans being developed for Police and Fire and Rescue services.

The report drew attention to the joint working undertaken by officers from the Council, the NHS, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to identify where partners could work together to improve safety, and drew attention to long-term outcomes specified in the SOA, the relevant chapter of which was appended to the report. The identified priorities were: alcohol misuse, tackling inequalities in communities, new working practices, and implementation of equalities duties. Work on the SOA delivery plan was progressing and would be completed by March 2014. The report also highlighted that joint working arrangements were being reviewed and that this would feed in to the review of Community Planning arrangements currently underway.

The Chairman reminded Members that, while operational matters were determined at the National level, there was a legal requirement for the Council to be involved in the development and monitoring of new Local Plans for Police and Fire & Rescue, and the role and remit of the Committee included scrutiny of Police and Fire & Rescue performance against delivery of their respective Local Plans. As part of this, Police and Fire & Rescue officers would consult at Ward level during the Autumn, with the findings being fed in to the Local Plans. Area Committees would also consider the Plans.

The Head of Policy and Performance summarised the main points of the report. In discussion, Members welcomed the report but expressed disquiet at the figure indicating that around 30% of adults felt that there was a sometimes a good reason to be prejudiced; prejudice was never justified. Other points raised included the need for a specific target for education on speeding; that frustration was a major cause of reckless overtaking on the A9; and that domestic violence reporting should include violence against men as well as violence against women.

In response to questions, Members were advised that:

• there was no identifiable pattern to hate crimes in the Highlands
• the annual report on this issue would be brought to the December
  Committee meeting
• comments raised relating to the need to measure discrimination based on a
  person’s home address would be considered by officers.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i. the information given;
ii. the current description of partnership priorities for community safety as set out in the SOA, and that these should influence the new Local Plans for Police and Fire & Rescue services;
iii. that further public engagement at local level through Ward Forums would help to develop the Local and Ward plans as well, with City/Area Committees having a role to monitor performance against Local Plans; and
iv. that the partnership delivery plan for community safety would be improved by the end of March 2014 and supported by new joint working arrangements currently being reviewed.

The Committee also AGREED that forthcoming Ward Forums, where Police and Fire & Rescue Local Plans were to be discussed, be advertised through the Council’s media relations office, with a view to encouraging public participation.

8. Public Performance Survey 2013: Responses to questions on community safety
Suirbhidh Dèanadais Phoblaich 2013 – Freagairtean do Cheistean mu Shàbhailteachd Choimhearsnachd

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-34-13 dated 29 August 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive providing a summary of the responses from the Citizens’ Panel on questions about attitudes to community safety in the 2013 Public Performance and Attitudes Survey.

1,151 useable returns to the survey had been received. This was a large enough sample to provide confidence that the results were representative of the Highland population as a whole. The report set out the key findings in relation to: safety in the local area; fear of crime and domestic abuse; and the precautions people took against crime. In general terms, there had been an improvement of around 2-3% across all sectors compared with 2012.

The Strategic Performance Manager drew attention to the overall positive figures and trends, and highlighted the key findings. In response to questions, she emphasised that the results were only statistically reliable at the Highland level – the sample size was too small to be able to draw conclusions for specific categories such as council house tenants or Areas of Multiple Deprivation.

The Committee NOTED that:

i. the survey showed that 97.8% of respondents rated their area within 15 minutes’ walk of their home as either “very” or “fairly safe”; the top three concerns continued to be road safety, alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour; and the majority of respondents (62.5%) were either not concerned about or had not considered being a victim of crime, with all of these scores showing improvement from previous years;
ii. the crimes of most worry were vandalism/deliberate damage to home, property or car and having their home broken into, with making sure homes and cars were adequately secured remaining the top two precautions people reported taking;
iii. notable differences in responses were reported for people with disabilities, those unable to work, council house tenants and women - this information would be shared with partners to target appropriate responses; and
iv. feedback from the public was one source of evidence in agreeing and reviewing the Council’s community safety priorities.

9. Highland Local Policing Area - Performance against the Local Policing Plan and the Development of the Next Iteration of the Highland Policing Plans
Raon Poileasachd Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd – Dèanadas mu choinneamh a’ Phlana Phoileasachd Ionadail agus Ath-leasachadh Phlanaichean Poileasachd na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-35-13 dated 26 August 2013 by the Highland and Islands Divisional Commander providing an update on progress with reference to the objectives outlined in the Highland 2013-14 Policing Plan. The report also covered the development of the next iteration of the Highland Local and Ward policing plans. Details of performance across the 5 priority areas in the current Highland Policing Plan (Increasing Public Confidence and Local Engagement; Protecting People; Road Policing; Violence, Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour; and Serious Crime) were provided in Appendix 1 to the report.

The Divisional Commander summarised the main points of the report. Public input into the next version of the Highland Policing Plan was actively being sought – it was important that the Plan reflected the needs of each Ward. Work was also ongoing to ensure that the Police and Fire & Rescue Local Plans correlated with the Safer Highland Plan. In terms of reporting to Committees, it was intended that the Highland performance figures would be brought to this Committee in the first instance; thereafter a relevant breakdown would be submitted to the Area Committees, on a bi-annual basis.

The summer had been a very busy period and there had been successful joint working with partner agencies at a number of large events. Crime continued to fall; compared with five years previously there were around 1,000 fewer victims per year. Increased Police presence at licensed premises and education of premises owners had been very effective in reducing crime, particularly violent crime. The only crime area showing an increase in reporting was sexual abuse. This was thought to be due to increased public confidence in reporting abuse that had taken place in previous years – a comparison of current offending rates showed little change on 2012/13.

The Divisional Commander informed the Committee that he had carried out an analysis of motoring offences which captured the age/gender etc. of offenders; the findings had differed from what might have been expected. A report could be provided to the next meeting. He also advised that the importance of officer attendance at Community Council meetings was recognised and a monitoring process was being introduced. Members responded that, whilst officer attendance was useful, it was recognised that this was not always possible or necessary; the key thing was for there to be a known point of contact.

In response to questions raised, the Divisional Commander gave an assurance that considerable effort continued to be put into resolving crimes such as housebreaking, theft and vandalism – detection rates for these crimes were better than the national average. The reason for the fall in drugs detection levels was not known, although the reduction in the numbers attending Rockness might have been a contributory factor.

The Committee NOTED:

i. the progress made against objectives set within the Highland Local Policing Plan 2013-2014;
ii. the programme of Police and Fire & Rescue consultations at Ward Forums during September and October 2013;
iii. that performance reports for Highland would be first brought to this Committee, with area reports being submitted to the Area Committees thereafter; reporting to Area Committees to take place bi-annually; and
iv. that future performance reports would include figures as well as percentages.

The Committee AGREED that a report be brought to the December meeting showing a breakdown of types of motoring offence by offender age/gender etc.

10. Highland Local Policing Area - Call Handling in Police Scotland
Raon Poileasachd Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd – Làimhseachadh Ghairmean le Poilis na h-Alba

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-36-13 dated 26 August 2013 by the Highland and Islands Divisional Commander providing an update on Call Handling within Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division. The centralisation of non-emergency call handling from local stations had been introduced incrementally in Highland since January 2013, with the aim of improving call-handling standards, reducing demand on front-counter staff and making more efficient use of command and control for critical incident management. The new arrangements would also align with national command and control proposals. Calls to the local Police stations were now redirected to the Inverness Area Control (IAC) room. Steady progress was being made to reach the 40 second response time for 90% of non-emergency calls, with recruitment and staff training ongoing. The targets for 999 calls were being met.

Superintendent MacRae (Contact Command and Control Manager in Highland) having drawn attention to the main points in the report, Members clarified that their concerns related to the lack of local knowledge of call handlers, rather than to response times. A number or issues were raised, including: difficulties for older people; misunderstandings arising because callers thought they were speaking to someone at their local Police Station; call handers’ scripts; handling of Highland Council out-of-hours calls; and the need to further advertise the 101 number. In response, Superintendent MacRae undertook to look outwith the meeting into specific issues raised. There had been 20 new staff since March 2013 and performance was expected to improve as local knowledge grew. If a caller was not able to give a postcode for an incident, call handlers would use other means to establish its location. Advertising of the 101 number was ongoing. The local legacy numbers still functioned; however, calls were forwarded to the IAC. No calls should be being routed to Glasgow.

The Divisional Commander also informed Members that Police Scotland were looking at the opening hours of every station in Scotland, and would be making decisions on these. The outcome was not yet known, but it was anticipated that there would be little change in the Highlands.

The Committee NOTED:

i. the report and the information given; and
ii. that the Highland and Islands Divisional Police Commander would keep the Committee informed of progress in relation to Police Scotland’s review of station opening hours.

11. Highland Local Policing Area - Capacity and Capability Update
Raon Poileasachd Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd – Fios as Ùr mu Mheud agus Comas

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-37-13 dated 26 August 2013 by the Highland and Islands Divisional Commander providing an update on the ongoing capability and capacity reviews within Police Scotland and the Division. The reviews would consider estate, officer deployment and fleet, with a view to ensuring that the Division had the necessary operational capacity to maintain local service delivery and performance within expected future budgetary constraints. Since the inception of Police Scotland, a number of national functional units had been set up. These would support the Division with additional specialist response to serious incidents and investigations. The issues of provision of Traffic Wardens and opening hours at police offices were being reviewed by Police Scotland, in consultation with local authorities and partners. The report also updated Members on the Divisional position in reference to voluntary redundancy / early retirement (VR/ER).

The Divisional Commander summarised the main points of the report and advised that no decisions had yet been reached with regard to Traffic Wardens. He also gave an assurance that, whilst the departure of every member of staff who left under VR/ER impacted on the Service, Police Officers were not covering for police staff.

In discussion, Members sought information on the proposed form of the consultation and partnership working between Police Scotland, Local Authorities and communities and how they could input to this; the current position with regard to Traffic Warden provision; and numbers of Police Officers in Highland. In response, the Divisional Commander advised that, of the 11 Traffic Wardens employed under Northern Constabulary in the Inverness area, only 4 still remained in post, and would remain until decisions were made. Dialogue with Highland Council’s Chief Executive had already commenced. The view having been expressed that the current role of Traffic Wardens in the Highlands was to manage traffic, not to function as a source of penalty income, the Chairman gave an assurance that the Chief Executive would be talking to Police Scotland and to the Chief Constable - operational decisions were not, however, the responsibility of the Committee.

The Divisional Commander clarified that the VR/ER figures related to support staff rather than Officers. Overall, there had been an increase of three Officers since March 2013, although, due to changes in command structure for some specialist sections (e.g. armed response, domestic abuse, dog handlers), not all Officers still based in Highland were under the management of the Divisional Commander. It was anticipated that Officer numbers in Highland would increase further in the coming year.

The Chairman having commented that the Scottish Police Authority would be aware of the operational reviews being carried out by Police Scotland and the particular concerns in the Highlands, the Committee NOTED:

i. the update on the ongoing reviews within Police Scotland and the Division;
ii. the current position in relation to VR/ER; and
iii. that a report would be brought to the December meeting on progress in relation to Traffic Warden provision.

12. Consultation on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Strategic Plan – Highland Council’s Draft Response
Co-chomhairle mu Phlana Ro-innleachdail Seirbheis Smàlaidh agus Teasairginn na h-Alba – Dreachd Fhreagairt Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-38-13 dated 30 August 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive which included a draft response to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s consultation on its first Strategic Plan.

The Assistant Chief Executive having briefly summarised the content of the report, the Committee AGREED the final response to the consultation on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Strategy, as set out in the report.

13. Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 1, 2013-14
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil na Seirbheis Smàlaidh agus Teasairginn

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-39-13 dated 1 September 2013 by the Fire and Rescue Local Senior Officer for the Highland Area detailing Fire and Rescue Service performance across a range of Intervention, Prevention and Protection activities, in line with set target delivery for 2013-14. The Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) had also been circulated.

The report set out the targets for legislative safety audits for high / very high risk premises in Highland, and detailed progress against the Safer Firefighter Programme. Both these activities were well embedded and were fully supported by training. The report provided a brief explanation of the six Key Performance Indicators and summarised progress against each of them, and also drew attention to activities in relation to the Driving Ambition and HI-Fires programmes, and Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV). Information on gender had been incorporated into the report, as requested by the Committee, and the report had been streamlined to reflect the Committee’s remit.

The Local Senior Officer summarised the content of the report and the Quarterly Performance Review. In particular, he drew attention to the importance of partnership working; the willingness of employers to release retained firefighters; and a number of larger incidents. He expressed his thanks to partners, particularly in relation to the recent Hostel fire in Inverness.

The Chairman thanked the Local Senior Officer for the recent Members’ visit to the Command and Control centre. He commended the HI-Fires programme and encouraged Members to consider using their discretionary Ward budget to support funding for this.

In response to questions, the Local Senior Officer explained that, whilst there was an overall establishment figure that reflected a full complement of 10-12 firefighters per station (20 for a two-pump station), the minimum number of firefighters required to respond to an incident was 4. Higher numbers of fire fighters made stations more resilient, but it was possible for a station to operae at below its full complement. Recruitment was ongoing. The fall in station availability was across Highland, although there were some pinch points. Community support of local fire stations was vital.

98% of firefighters held current Breathing Apparatus (BA) qualifications. There were sufficient courses and trainers available to meet training requirements (BA, Fire Behaviour), but retained firefighters were not always able to attend. HFSVs were advertised as widely as possible, and referrals came from Social Work and the Police. Members were advised that it was part of the Council’s policy to offer all Council tenants a HFSV and a fire alarm. Information was provided as to how properties were identified as requiring a legislative fire safety audit; the actions taken following a false alarm to try to reduce the number of such call-outs; and fleet rotation. All assets, including control rooms, were currently being assessed at a national level, with a view to determining what was needed where. There would be a consultation in this regard. Assets would be retained meantime; however, financial constraints could have an impact in the future. There was a national refurbishment programme for stations which, amongst other things, contained an allocation for Thurso Fire Station.

Members having praised the HI-Fires programme and thanked employers for their willingness to release retained firefighters from work, the Committee NOTED the contents of the Report and QPR for Quarter 1, 2013-2014, and the information given.

14. Scottish Ambulance Service Quarterly Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil Seirbheis Charbadan-eiridinn na h-Alba

There had been circulated Performance Figures for the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) for the Highlands, for April and May 2013 (as previously circulated to the 13 June Committee meeting), and July and August 2013, together with details of targets and a glossary of terms.

The Chairman, whilst recognising that the SAS attended the Committee in response to invitation, made a plea that future reports also include a short descriptive narrative to provide context for the performance figures.

Mr MacLeod explained the performance figures in detail, drawing attention in particular to improvements, performance against targets, and progress with recruitment. In response to a question, he explained the difference between a Category A (999) call and an urgent call (such as made by a GP or midwife).

In discussion, Members raised constituents’ concerns regarding the lengthy questions asked by SAS when patients booked transport. This could be distressing for those who were ill or elderly. Members inquired whether a system could be introduced which automatically flagged up patients with long term/terminal conditions. Patients missing routine appointments could end up as more serious cases. In response, Mr MacLeod explained that questions were asked each time a patient booked transport, as their condition might have improved. GPs no longer booked patient transport, and the SAS was not part of the NHS, so had no direct access to patient records. However, a triage system was being worked on for the future. Some flagging was in place, but required close monitoring due to data protection requirements. Specific concerns raised would be looked into outwith the meeting.

Members also sought information on the current level of vacancies in patient transport and were advised that, while these had been in place for some time, it was understood they would be filled; this decision lay with the National Board. Increased availability of community/other transport had reduced the demand on patient transport, allowing efficiencies to be made.

Members having sought advice from Mr MacLeod as to the most effective way the Council could support the SAS, the Committee AGREED, in light of the issues raised in relation to patient transport provision, that the Chair speak with the Chair of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee to explore actions the Council might be able to take to assist in finding solutions, including, perhaps, joint working with the SAS and the NHS with a view to improving service provision.

The Chairman having thanked Mr MacLeod for his friendly and positive participation, the Committee NOTED the information given.

15. Road Safety Annual Update
Cunntas Bliadhnail na Sàbhailteachd Rathaid

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-40-13 dated 29 August 2013 by the Director of TECS updating Members on the progress in achieving road casualty reduction targets for 2020, as set out in “Go Safe on Scotland’s Roads it’s Everyone’s Responsibility”.

The report also highlighted the work of the Highland Road Safety Group (HRSG) in relation to the Scottish Government priority areas and detailed the work undertaken by the Highland Council Road Safety Team, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the HRSG to ensure a lasting reduction in Road Casualties on Highland Roads. A particular focus was placed on young drivers and motorcyclists, in line with the Council’s priorities. The Council had a legal responsibility to promote road safety – accidents were costly in both suffering and economic terms. Figures over the previous two years showed a reduction in accidents; however, it was too soon to say whether this was a real trend. The report also provided information on the Northern Safety Camera Partnership and drew attention to a Highland Road Safety Seminar that would take place on 22 November 2013, to which Members and Community Council representatives were invited.

The Head of Transport and Infrastructure drew attention to the main points of the report. There was a positive picture overall. Integrated working and team effort had led to improved figures and the indicative trends were positive. The aim was to exceed targets. The Police Divisional Commander also spoke to the report, emphasising Police Scotland’s commitment to education, with recourse to enforcement where necessary. The Local Senior Officer (SFRS) welcomed the figures; the Driving Ambition programme would be included in the Local Plan for Highland. Mr MacLeod (SAS) gave an assurance that the SAS would assist wherever it could in reducing the number of accidents.

In discussion, Members welcomed the report and the positive trends. Integrated working was crucial to improving road safety, including in relation to design of residential areas. The Head of Transport and Infrastructure responded to a number of suggestions made by Members, as summarised at (vi) and (vii) below. The Divisional Commander would respond outwith the meeting to individual Members’ questions on specific issues.

Members commented that speed cameras should not be seen as “speed traps”; there was clear evidence that they improved road safety. Income from cameras had fallen by 21% over five years – the cameras were therefore demonstrably not a money-making exercise. In response to a question, Members were advised that the proposed average speed cameras would be on stretches of the A9, rather than the full length between Inverness and Perth.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i. the Road Safety Targets as set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 and the results for the first 2 years of these targets;
ii. the Scottish Government priority areas and the work of the Highland Road Safety Group in relation to these;
iii. the work of the Highland Council Road Safety Team, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Safety Camera Partnership;
iv. the reduction in 17-25 year old drivers involved in injury accidents from 1998 to 2012 and the general downward trend;
v. the motorcycle casualty figures and particularly the downward trend in killed and seriously injured motorcyclist casualties from 2002 to 2012;
vi. that Member suggestions relating to lowering speed limits on the inside lane of “2 and 1” over-taking lanes on the A9 would be taken to Transport Scotland; comments relating to creating safe yet vibrant streets would be relayed back to Development Control officers; comments relating to improving safety of motorcyclists through their wearing of “high-vis” apparel  would be relayed to the Council’s Road Safety Officer; and
vii. that comments from the HRSG Road Safety Seminar to be held on 22 November 2013 would be brought to the attention of officers and partners as appropriate, with a view to feeding in to the National Framework.

Public Engagement
Com-pàirt Phoblach

16. Highland Public Services Partnership Performance Board – Minutes of Meeting, 23 April 2013
Bòrd Com-pàirteachas Seirbheisean Poblach na Gàidhealtachd – Geàrr-chunntas Coinneamh 23 Giblean 2013

There had been circulated and were NOTED minutes of meeting of the Highland Public Services Partnership Performance Board held on 23 April 2013.

17. Highland Elections - Encouraging Participation / Increasing Turnout
Taghaidhean na Gàidhealtachd – A’ Brosnachadh Com-pàirteachas/Frithealadh

There had been circulated Report No. CPE-41-13 dated 3 September 2013 by the Chief Executive providing Members with an update on the actions to encourage participation in elections, particularly for young people. The report referred to: the work being carried out by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee into the 2012 election, which included looking at the reasons people did not vote; the way feedback from the Citizen’s Panel would feed into Council actions to encourage participation; actions being taken to enable those with communications needs or disabilities to vote; mock elections planned at Nairn Academy and Grantown Grammar School; activities undertaken with Highland Youth Voice; work being carried out in schools, including the preparation of an Elections Pack and a DVD explaining how to vote; plans to engage College/University students; and measures being taken by the Electoral Commission in the run-up to the referendum to encourage voting, and to support young people to vote.

The Elections Officer drew attention to the main points of the report and provided an update on guidance provided by the Electoral Commission to assist with the review of polling places, due to commence on 1 October 2013, together with details of the review process. A DVD recording of comments made by young people following the Highland Youth Voice democracy session held at Sabhal Mhor Ostaig in June was played to the Committee.

In discussion, Members commented on the correlation between low voter turnout and areas of deprivation – it would be beneficial to hold mock elections in all schools, but particularly those in deprived areas. It was also important for young people to be informed of what to do at a polling station. Other suggestions included: that maps should be provided in each school showing the streets covered by each polling station in the area, so that young people would know where to go to vote; and that Councillors should go in to schools to speak about democracy, in a non-political way, and to explain what Councillors did.

In response, the Elections Officer undertook to investigate whether elections could be held at more schools. A questionnaire had been sent to all schools to find out what elections / mock elections they already held (such as for prefects for example), and the resources they used. Whilst people were able to find out their polling station via the Council’s website, the provision of maps in schools could also be looked at.

Following questions relating to arrangements for disabled people at polling stations, the Elections Officer advised that all polling stations had disabled booths, and that most had access ramps. This information was held on a database and could be provided to Ward meetings with a view to identifying any issues. Staff would be given training on how to set up the polling station in a user-friendly way, taking account of disabilities.

The Committee NOTED:

i. the initiatives targeted at young people being carried out in partnership with Highlife Highland, Highland Youth Voice and the University of the Highlands and Islands;
ii. that Mock Elections would be carried out in Nairn Secondary School in November 2013 and in Grantown Grammar School in May 2014;
iii. the issues dealt with in the Local Government and Regeneration Committee of the Scottish Parliament and the results of the Citizens’ Panel survey in 2013 on their perception of the democratic qualities of the Council; and that the Government’s response to the work undertaken by the Local Government and Regeneration Committee would be reported to a future meeting of the Committee;
iv. that a review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations would be carried out from 1 October 2013;
v. that elections equalities screenings would be carried out to identify any further action that might need to be taken to ensure that people with protected characteristics were not disadvantaged in the electoral process; and
vi. that a report would be brought to a future meeting on the findings of the survey into what activities were carried out in schools in relation to elections, and the resources they used.

The Committee AGREED that:

i. the possibility of holding mock elections in additional schools, particularly those in areas of deprivation, be considered at the forthcoming meeting of the Democracy in Schools Working Group; and
ii. data held by the elections office on accessibility at polling stations be provided to Ward Business Meetings, to provide an opportunity for local input / identification of access issues.

18. Approach to Engagement by Services
Dòigh-obrach a thaobh Com-pàirteachas Sheirbheisean

A presentation was given by the Director of Health and Social Care Service and the Youth Convener on the approach to public engagement in relation to Children’s Services. A list of Highland Youth Voice priorities was tabled.

The Director of Health and Social Care Service drew attention to the wide range of engagement with children, young people and families carried out by the Council, including ongoing communication with groups such as the Highland Children’s Forum, Youth Voice, the Children’s Champion, the Early Years Improvement Group, young carers, the Care Inspectorate, Who Cares Scotland, the Looked After Children’s Group, and mental health and drug and alcohol groups. This provided many opportunities for the voices of children and young people to be heard. Surveys such as the Highland Lifestyle Survey provided a further opportunity for young people to say what was important to them, and arrangements were in place for young people to input to the Adult and Children’s Services Committee agenda. Consultation with Highland Youth Voice provided a very special and effective relationship, as good as, or better than, any in Scotland.

The Youth Convener spoke on the five priorities identified by Highland Youth Voice at their June conference: Democracy and Elections; Health; Education; Police and Fire; and Transport. She provided examples of actions being taken and achievements within each priority, including work to promote elections; input to an NHS Highland Consultation which had been used to inform a report by the Director of Public Health, involving key issues for young people including stigma, stress and exam pressures; road safety campaigns; informing and influencing the Policing approach to young people; transport, particularly after school in rural areas; and looking at cycling proficiency training for older children.

Members welcomed the presentation, and commented that transport was an issue affecting all sectors of society - a combined effort was required across all services. It was emphasised that Councillors were there for everyone, including young people. Feedback to the Committee following the next Highland Youth Voice Conference would be welcomed.

The Committee thanked the Director of Health and Social Care Service and the Youth Convener for their presentation and NOTED the information given.

The meeting ended at 2.20 p.m., having adjourned for lunch between 1.15 p.m. and 1.45 p.m.