Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Community Services Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 6 November 2014 at 10.30 am.

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. 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
Naidheachdan Matha

• Cavell Gardens, War Memorial Award
• Safer Routes to Schools – SRTSIF Funding

4. Membership of Harbours Management Board
Ballrachd Bòrd Stiùiridh nan Calachan

The Committee is informed that there is a Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Harbours Management Board and a nomination for a replacement Member will be reported at the Committee.

5. Revenue Budget 2014/15 – Monitoring
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2014/15 – Sgrùdadh

There is circulated Report No COM/31/14 dated 27 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services inviting Members to approve the revenue budget monitoring position for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to approve the report and the monitoring statements which show the revenue position for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 September             2014 and the actions which have been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

6. Capital Expenditure 2014/15 – Monitoring       
Caiteachas Calpa 2014/15 – Sgrùdadh

There is circulated Report No COM/32/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services inviting Members to approve the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to approve the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014.

7. Community Services – Restructure of Area Services  
Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – Ath-structar a thaobh Seirbheisean Sgìreil

There is circulated Report No COM/33/14 dated 22 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services informing and updating Members on progress with the restructure of Community Services at area level and asks Members to note that a final report will be presented to Committee in February 2015 following further Workforce Planning within the Service.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. that Assistant Area Managers have now been appointed and a learning and development  programme is underway to support them in meeting the requirements of their new role; and
ii. that an up-to-date Action Plan on service restructuring will be presented to Committee in February 2015 following further Workforce Planning within the Service.

8. Roads Innovation Fund
Maoin Innleachdail Rathaidean

There is circulated Report No COM/34/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services inviting the Committee to note progress against the Action Plan and to homologate the decision to reallocate some of the funding.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note progress against the Action Plan; and
ii. homologate reallocation of the fund between actions as mentioned in paragraph 1.2 and detailed in Appendix A of the report. 

9. Corran Ferry
Aiseag a’ Chorrain

There is circulated Report No COM/35/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services updating Members on feedback received from Community Councils and Argyll & Bute Council regarding the socio-economic study undertaken for Corran Ferry. It also asks the Committee to recognise the local inflationary costs associated with Corran Ferry and the need for the service to be run in such a way that it covers its costs.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the feedback received on the socio-economic study;
ii. agree that the Corran Ferry operation works towards a break even position through a combination of increased revenue and reduced costs, with any fare alterations from April 2015 presented at next Community Services Committee for approval;
iii. note the discussions ongoing with Calmac into the possibility of sharing resources and reducing the operating costs of the Corran Ferry;
iv. note the discussions which are taking place with Transport Scotland on the long term sustainable future of the Corran Ferry; and
v. agree that an update on smart ticketing be brought to the next Community Services Committee.

10. Update on Waste Strategy 
Fios às Ùr mu Ro-innleachd Sgudail

There is circulated Report No COM/36/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services updating Members on the latest actions in respect of developing the residual waste strategy to ensure that the Council meets its statutory obligations in terms of the Waste Scotland Regulations 2012. Landfilling biodegradable municipal waste is required to cease by 1 January 2021 and consequently alternative treatment and disposal provision for the Council’s residual waste will have to be made.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the progress to date; and
ii. agree to re-endorse the approval previously given in 2009 for residual waste treatment to be based on appropriately sized and sited Energy from Waste facilities.

11. Improving Waste Controls and Diversion at Recycling Centres
A’ Leasachadh Smachdan Sgudail agus Seach-stiùireadh aig Ionadan Ath-chuairteachaidh

There is circulated Report No COM/37/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services updating Members on the project which was approved on 6 February 2014 by the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee to improve waste controls and diversion at Recycling Centres.  The objectives of this project were to improve license compliance, increase recycling and drive down residual waste.  

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note progress to date; and
ii. approve the following measures at all recycling centres all with the objective of reducing landfill and increasing recycling:

a) roll-out the programme to all recycling centres in Highland;
b) ban the deposit of household waste by commercial/profit type operators;
c) the introduction of control measures and specifically a regime of prior notification to users with vans and/or trailers; and
d) the introduction of a challenge and inspection regime to ensure that users maximise the use of the recycling facilities and minimise the use of landfill disposal (this will include on-going training for staff in this sensitive matter).

12. Update on Waste Compositional Analysis Project   
Fios às Ùr mu Phròiseact Anailis air Co-dhèanamh Sgudail

There is circulated Report No COM/38/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services providing Members with more information on the interim results of the waste compositional survey and giving an indication of the potential level of savings that an increase in recycling can generate by adding more materials to the blue bin.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note progress to date and the outcome of the interim waste compositional analysis; and
ii. approve the addition of a number of recyclable materials to the blue bin in 2015 subject to the successful conclusion of a procurement exercise through the relevant Scotland Excel framework agreement.

13. Private Water Supplies Protocol for Type B Supplies  
Protocal Solarachadh Uisge Prìobhaideach airson Solarachaidhean Seòrsa B

There is circulated Report No COM/39/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services highlighting Environmental Health’s approach on dealing with Type B private water supplies and seeking Member approval on such.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

i. Environmental Health’s approach to Type B supplies in that a regulatory sampling regime is not introduced in Highland Council and;
ii. that the Council adopts the Type B policy on Private Water Supplies outlined in Appendix 1 of the report.

14. Decriminalised Parking Enforcement    
Dì-eucoireachadh Èigneachadh Parcaidh 

There is circulated Report No COM/40/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services updating Members on the work which has been undertaken to construct a decriminalised parking enforcement model (financial) for the Highlands, describing the service delivery options which have been considered and recommending a preferred delivery option that will ensure the new service is cost neutral to The Highland Council.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the service delivery options which have been appraised; and
ii. agree the preferred service delivery option (Option 1c) to be taken forward with a view to implementation in 2016 (subject to a Decriminalised Parking Enforcement application to Transport Scotland).

15. Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 – Annual Report 2013/14  
Achd Àiteachan Parcaidh do Dhaoine air a bheil Ciorram (Alba) 2009 – Aithisg Bhliadhnail 2013/14

There is circulated Report No COM/41/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services inviting Members to note the Council’s Annual Report in accordance with the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.

The Committee is invited to note the Council’s Annual Report to the Scottish Government in relation to the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 as detailed in Appendix A of the report.

16. Strategic Timber Transport Scheme Bids
Iarrtasan airson Sgeama Ro-innleachdail Còmhdhail Fiodha

There is circulated Report No COM/42/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services inviting Members to note the submission of recent applications for funding to the Strategic Timber Transport Fund and detailing the range of projects supported through the fund.  The report also invites Members to agree that representations are made through the Forestry Commission, the Timber Transport Forum or COSLA, as appropriate, for the Scottish Government to continue the funding of the Strategic Timber Transport Fund beyond March 2016.      

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the submission of recent applications for funding to the Strategic Timber Transport Fund; and
ii. agree that representation is made through the Forestry Commission, the Timber Transport Forum or COLSA as appropriate for the Scottish Government to continue the funding of the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme Fund beyond March 2016. 

17. Consultation on Changes to Bus Registration in Scotland   
Co-chomhairle mu Atharrachaidhean do Chlàradh Sheirbheisean Bus ann an Alba

There is circulated Report No COM/43/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services outlining a consultation paper issued by Transport Scotland and the Council’s response to it.

The Committee is invited to approve the response for submission to Transport Scotland.

18. The Road Works (Inspection Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 – Consultation Response
Riaghailtean Obair Rathaid (Cìsean Sgrùdaidh) (Alba) 2015 – Freagairt Cho-chomhairle

There is circulated Report No COM/44/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services seeking homologation of the Council’s response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on The Roads Works (Inspection Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 as contained in Appendix A of the report.

The Committee is invited to homologate the Council’s response to the Scottish Governments consultation on The Roads Works (Inspection Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

19. Internal Audit - Business Continuity Planning Arrangements    
In-sgrùdadh – Ullachaidhean Dealbhaidh Leantainneachd Gnothaich

There is circulated Report No COM/45/14 dated 24 September 2014 by the Director of Community Services providing an update on the status of the Audit Report Action Plan in relation to the “Business Continuity Planning Arrangements (Follow Up)” Audit Report presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 24 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to note:-
i. that some actions have already been completed; and
ii. the remaining actions against Community Services will be complete by the end of April 2015.

20. Report on Community Services Complaints, Freedom of Information Requests and Compliments from 1 April 2014 to 31 August 2014 
Aithisg mu Ghearanan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd, Iarrtasan Saorsa Fiosrachaidh agus Molaidhean bho 1 Giblean 2014 gu 31 Lùnastal 2014                                               

There is circulated Report No COM/46/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services providing details on the number of complaints, freedom of information requests and compliments received by Community Services in the first five months of 2014/15 and outlining actions in place to improve performance. 

The Committee is invited to note the performance on complaints and Freedom of Information requests and improvement actions that are underway.

21. Annual Report on Scottish Social Housing Charter 1 April 2013 - 31 March 2014
Aithisg Bhliadhnail mu Chairt Taigheadas Sòisealta na h-Alba 1 Giblean 2013 – 31 Màrt 2014

There is circulated Report No COM/47/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services providing performance and benchmarking information against performance indicators as prescribed by the Scottish Housing Regulator, relative to the Scottish Social Housing Charter for the year 2013/14.

The Committee is invited to note the Highland Council housing service annual performance against the Housing Charter for 2013/14.

22. Policy on Individual Property Purchases      
Poileasaidh mu Cheannachd Seilbhe Fa Leth

There is circulated Report No COM/48/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services presenting a policy covering situations where the Council may wish to purchase individual properties on the open market to meet local housing needs.

The Committee is invited to approve the policy on individual property purchases as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

23. Policy on Small Land Sales
Poileasaidh air Reic Pìosan Beaga Fearainn

There is circulated Report No COM/49/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services proposing a standard policy on small land sales involving the Housing Revenue Account. It aims to clarify the criteria to be used in deciding whether to agree to requests to buy small areas of land and the process and charging structure to be applied when sales of land are taking place.

The Committee is invited to approve the policy for the sale of small areas of land held on the Housing Revenue Account as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

24. Consultation on a New Tenancy for the Private Sector
Co-chomhairle air Gabhaltas Ùr airson na Raoin Prìobhaidich

There is circulated Report No COM/50/14 dated 23 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services providing details of a Scottish Government consultation paper on changes to legislation affecting tenancies in the private rented sector. The report also summarises the proposals set out in the consultation paper and recommends a response to the Scottish Government.

The Committee is invited to approve the response to the consultation paper set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

25. Affordable Warmth   
Blàths Neo-chosgail

It will be recalled that, following the Carbon CLEVER report to the Council meeting on 4 September 2014, Members requested a more detailed report on affordable warmth.  In this connection, there is circulated Report No COM/51/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Community Services providing an update on progress with the affordable warmth elements of Highland’s Local Housing Strategy and recommending priority actions for the next year.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the progress with ‘affordable warmth’ actions being undertaken to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty; and
ii. approve the priority actions set out in section 3 of the report, namely:
• Maximising funding and uptake of energy efficiency works in private housing;
• Delivering energy efficiency improvements in Council housing by reaching the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and the new Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing;
• Proactively targeting fuel poor households to offer appropriate advice, assistance and income maximisation; and
• Lobbing UK and Scottish Governments and utility companies to assist Highland as an area of recognised fuel poverty.

26. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There is circulated, for approval, Minutes of the Harbours Management Board of 11 September 2014.

The Minutes of the Harbours Management Board of 28 October 2014 will be tabled, also for approval.