Agendas, reports and minutes

 

A meeting of the Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 26 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

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 Ms Linda Johnstone, ICT Delivery Manager has received certification from CIPFA.

FINANCE SERVICE

4.  Finance Service Revenue Monitoring to 30 September 2014
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Ionmhais gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/57/14 dated 5 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which provides Members with information on the Finance Service Revenue Monitoring position for the period to 30 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to consider and approve the Finance Service Revenue Monitoring Report for the period to 30 September 2014.

5.  Corporate Capital Monitoring Report to 30 September 2014
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh a’ Chalpa Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/58/14 dated 14 November 2014 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 September 2014 and the projected year end position for the 2014/15 financial year.

The Committee is invited to approve the financial position of the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes as at 30 September 2014.

6.  Corporate Revenue Monitoring Report to 30 September 2014
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Teachd-a-steach Corporra gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/59/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which presents the financial position of the revenue budgets of the General Fund and HRA as at 30 September 2014 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to approve the financial position of the General Fund and HRA revenue budgets as at 30 September 2014 and to note the predicted year end net underspend of £0.467m

7.  Treasury Management - Summary of Transactions
Geàrr-chunntas de Ghnothaichean Rianachd Ionmhais

There is circulated Report No. RES/60/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which provides details on the treasury management transactions undertaken within the period is submitted to Committee in compliance with CIPFA's Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the Council's approved Financial Regulations.

The Committee is invited to consider the Treasury Management Summary of Transactions reports.

8.  Welfare Reform Report
Fios às Ùr mu Ath-leasachadh Shochairean

(i) Update
Fios às Ùr

There is circulated Joint Report No. RES/61/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Director of Community Services 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 invited to note:-

i. the impact that Universal Credit is having on Council tenants and the planned activities to support these tenants;
ii. the progress being made to make next generation broadband available to more businesses and residents in the Highlands;
iii. a Private Member’s Bill being taken forward to exempt certain groups from the Under Occupancy rules;
iv. mitigation action being taken to support the most vulnerable individuals and families across the Highlands; and
v. the significant expenditure on welfare and the budget available to enable further mitigating actions to be implemented.

(ii) Welfare Fund Proposals
Molaidhean

There is circulated Joint Report No. RES/62/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Head of Policy and Reform which recommends an allocation of £163,920 from the Council’s Welfare Fund of £1.167m to support enhanced services for vulnerable people. Further proposals are under development for the remainder of the Fund, guided by the Council’s Welfare Reform Working Group.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve funding for two proposals from the Council’s Welfare Fund, namely: to provide tailored welfare advice clinics through the CAB network from January 2015 to end March 2016 to be run in GP surgeries, mental health drop in centres, other local facilities and New Craigs hospital, covering all Council wards, with total funding of £160,920; and £3,000 to provide up to 10 training events for front-line workers in responding to people presenting with mental ill-health;
ii. note that further proposals will be developed and brought back to Committee for consideration as outlined in paragraph 3.1, and with the scope for EU programme funding explored; and
iii. agree that the Council seeks access to the DWP’s local support services framework to enable a smoother transition for welfare reform changes.

9.  Finance Service Quarterly Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil Seirbheis an Ionmhais

There is circulated Report No. RES/63/14 dated 5 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which provides a summary of key and statutory performance indicators for the Finance Service as at 30 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to note these statutory and key performance indicators.

10.  Capital Discretionary Fund – Halkirk Sports Facility
Maoin Calpa fo Ùghdarras – Goireas-Spòrs Hàcraig

There is circulated Report No. RES/64/14 dated 5 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which seeks the Committee’s agreement to set aside the current allocated sum of £200,000 held for Halkirk Sports Facility.

The Committee is invited to withdraw the offer of £200,000 funding towards the Halkirk Sports facility.

11.  Strategic Change and Development Fund: Application for Funding – Care and Learning Service
Maoin Atharrachaidh is Leasachaidh Ro-innleachdail: Iarrtas airson Maoineachadh – Seirbheis a’ Chùraim is an Ionnsachaidh

There is circulated Report No. RES/65/14 dated 5 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which seeks a funding contribution of £180,000 from the Fund to deliver transformational change across the Care & Learning Service.

The Committee is asked to agree the allocation of £180,000 from the Strategic Change and Development Fund to support the delivery of financial savings for the Care and Learning Service.

12.  Internal Audit Report – Finance Service: Housing Benefits Payments 2013/14
Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh – Seirbheis an Ionmhais: Pàighidhean Shochairean Taigheadais 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. RES/66/14 dated 5 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which provides the outcomes of Internal Audit’s work on Housing Benefit Payments in 2013/14.

The Committee is invited to note the findings of the Internal Audit Report on Housing Benefit Payments 2013/14 presented to Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 24 September 2014, and the actions being taken to implement its findings.

13. Mileage Claims by Members and Employees
Tagraidhean Siubhail bho Bhuill agus Luchd-obrach

There is circulated Report No. RES/67/14 dated 5 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which provides details on mileage claims submitted by Members and employees and provides an opportunity to reduce the cost of Members’ mileage allowances without financial impact on individual Members.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the reduction in mileage claims for both Members and employees over the past five years and four years respectively; and
ii. agree that Members attach VAT receipts to all mileage claims.

14. Banking and Related Financial Transactions – Authorised Signatories
Gnothachasan Ionmhasail Bancaireachd is a’ Buntainn ri Bancaireachd – Luchd-soidhnigidh Ùghdarraichte

There is circulated Report No. RES/68/14 dated 10 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which addresses the matter of Officers appointed to authorise banking and related financial transactions on behalf of the Council.

The Committee is invited to approve the following Officers as authorised signatories for banking and related financial transactions:-

• Derek Yule – Director of Finance
• David Robertson – Head of Corporate Finance
• Nigel Rose – Head of Internal Audit and Risk Management
• Allan Gunn – Head of Revenues and Business Support

15. Consideration of Debts to be Written-Off
Beachdachadh air Fiachan airson an Dubhadh Às

At the Resources Committee on 27 August 2014, Members asked that a report be brought to the next meeting upon consideration of debts presented to be written off and, in particular, if such consideration should be undertaken in public.

In this regard, there is circulated Joint Report No. RES/69/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Head of Corporate Governance which advises Members of the Council’s current practice and invites Members to continue to determine such matters in private.

The Committee is invited to agree to consider reports containing information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person in private.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

16. Corporate Development Service Capital Budget Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2014
Sgrùdadh Calpa Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/70/14 dated 13 November 2014 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which sets out the position for the Corporate Development Service 2014/15 capital budget for the period to 30 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to consider the capital monitoring report for the period to 30 September 2014.

17. Corporate Development Service Revenue Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2014
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/71/14 dated 12 November 2014 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014.

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

18. Corporate Development - Statutory Performance Indicators, Quarterly Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil an Leasachaidh Chorporra

There is circulated Report No. RES/72/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides quarterly Statutory Performance Indicators for Quarter 2 of 2014/15.

The Committee is invited to note the continued improvement in performance in relation to sickness absence and payment of invoices.

19. Corporate Improvement Programme
Prògram Leasachaidh Chorporra

(a) Corporate Improvement Programme - Progress Report
Aithisg Ràitheil Prògram an Leasachaidh Chorporra

There is circulated (pp.84-93) Report No. RES/73/14 dated 17 November 2014 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 & 2014/15. In addition, the process for aligning the next programme of work with the corporate budget setting process is underway.

The Committee is invited to note the:-

i. progress with the delivery of the Corporate Improvement Programme;
ii. action being taken to ensure savings are delivered on target; and
iii. development of a new Transformation Programme as part of the 2015-19 Budget Strategy.

(b) Income Generation Project Update
Pròiseact Togail Teachd-a-steach

There is circulated (pp.94-99) Report No. RES/74/14 dated 12 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides an update on the Income Generation Project and the proposal to appoint a Commercial Manager to drive forward the initiative to increase the Highland Council’s ability to generate income.

The Committee is invited to note the:-

i. income generated to date by the Income Generation Project; and
ii. progress made with regards to the appointment of a Commercial Manager.

20. Highland Council Engagement and Partnership Framework
Frèam Ceangal is Obair Chom-pàirteach nan Aonaidhean Ciùird

There is circulated Report No. RES/75/14 dated 12 November 2014 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which recommends the adoption and implementation of a Highland Council Engagement and Partnership Framework.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

i. to the adoption of the Highland Council Engagement & Partnership Framework as set out in Appendix 1 to the report;
ii. to the constitution of the Highland Council Staff Partnership Forum as set out in Appendix 2 to the report;
iii. the composition of the Highland Council Partnership Forum as set out in section 3.2, the method of operation set out in section 3.3 and the dates for meetings in 2015 as set out in section 3.3; and
iv. the approach to implementation set out in section 3.4 of the report.

MAIN PAPERS – PART 3

21. ICT Services Performance Report - March to September 2014
Aithisg Leth-bhliadhnail TFC Màrt gu Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/76/14 dated 6 November 2014 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the key achievements of the ICT Services Team, the delivery of services by the Council’s ICT providers principally Fujitsu Services and Vodafone for the period from March to September 2014.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the content of the report and the positive outcomes being delivered from the Contracts with Fujitsu and Vodafone;
ii. the work being undertaken in relation to the re-provisioning of ICT Services from 2016 onwards;
iii. the progress for the transitioning of the Pathfinder WAN to the SWAN;
iv. that work towards the PSN re-accreditation is underway under the governance of the PSN Project; and
v. that robust contract management and governance arrangements continue to be applied and pursued by the Council to the Fujitsu and Vodafone contracts.

22. Smart City Initiative
Cathair-Bhailtean Glice

There is circulated Joint Report No. RES/77/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Head of Digital Transformation and the Performance and Building Maintenance Manager which outlines the definition of Smart City and proposes the initial steps Highland Council can take to move towards achieving the benefits of a Smart City approach.

The Committee is invited to note the current position and timescales.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE

23. Chief Executive’s Office and Members Revenue Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2014
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach nam Ball agus Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/78/14 dated 14 November 2014 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 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2014 to September 2014.

24. Chief Executive’s Office Capital Budget Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2014
Sgrùdadh Calpa Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. RES/79/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Chief Executive which sets out the position for the Chief Executive’s Office 2014/15 capital budget for the period to 30 September 2014.

The Committee is invited to consider the capital monitoring report for the period to 30 September 2014.

25. Annual Progress Report on the Carbon Management Plan 2013/14
Aithisg Adhartais Bhliadhnail mu Phlana Rianachd Càrboin 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. RES/80/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which reviews the Council’s performance in meeting the targets outlined in the Carbon Management Plan (CMP) for 2013/14.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. that significant progress is being made to reduce the Council’s carbon emissions, with a 5% reduction over the first two years of the CMP 2013-2020 against a 3% p.a. target;
ii. that since the baseline year, carbon emissions from energy use, staff travel, and fleet have decreased, whilst, waste, water and street lighting carbon emissions have increased; and
iii. the Year 7 (2013/14) report to the Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration.

26. Carbon CLEVER Transport Projects
Pròiseactan Còmhdhalach Càrboin Chiallaich

There is circulated Report No. RES/81/14 dated 11 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which explains that making public transport more convenient and low carbon are important aspects of achieving a Carbon CLEVER Highlands. The report sets out recommendations for a £10,000 contribution towards solar powered real time displays for bus stops in Badenoch and Strathspey and a proposed £15,000 contribution to the successful Green Bus Fund application by Stagecoach to match fund an electric bus charging point at Inverness bus station.

The Committee is invited to approve the following allocations from the Carbon CLEVER capital budget allowance:-

i. £15,000 to match fund an electric bus charging point at Inverness bus station; and
ii. £10,000 contribution towards solar powered real time displays for bus stops in Badenoch and Strathspey.

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE

27. Highland Council Biomass Installation Performance Report
Dèanadas Ionad Bith-thomaid Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. RES/82/14 dated 10 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which briefs Members on the annual performance of the Council biomass heating systems and describes the monitoring and management of the boilers.

The Committee is invited to note the contents of the report and the improvements in performance of the biomass plants and the monitoring of the provision.

28. North Highland Archives: Land at Wick Airport Industrial Estate
Tasglann Niùclasach Ceann a Tuath na Gàidhealtachd agus Nàiseanta: Fearann aig Raon Gnìomhachais Port-Adhair Inbhir Ùige

There is circulated Joint Report No. RES/83/14 dated 6 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress to relocate the North Highland Archive to a new National Nuclear Archive Facility in Wick and to demonstrate best value has been obtained.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the National Nuclear Archive provides the Best Value option for the North Highland Archive; and
ii. agree that the negotiations of lease for land and contract for archive services are delegated to the Director of Development and Infrastructure and Director of Care and Learning.

MAIN PAPERS – PART 4

29. Inverness Area Asset Management Plan
Plana Rianachd So-mhaoin Sgìre Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. RES/84/14 dated 7 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which presents an overview of Corporate Property Asset Management and the development of Area Asset Management Plans. It highlights the findings and actions in the draft Inverness Area Asset Management Plan which covers the City of Inverness Area.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the approach to the development of Area Asset Management Plans; and
ii. agree the Inverness Area Asset Management Plan as a Council plan.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS

30. Minutes of Meetings
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the Minutes of the Appeals Committee held on 11 August, and 6 October 2014;
ii. approve the Minutes of the Joint Consultation Group (Administration Etc, Manual and Crafts Staffing) held on 24 October 2014;
iii. approve the Minutes of the Central Safety Committee held on 24 October 2014; and
iv. note the Minutes of the Early Retirement Sub-Committee held on 29 October 2014.

31. 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 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

32. 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 10 November 2014.

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE

33. Land and Property
Talamh agus Taigheadas

There is circulated to Members only Report No. RES/85/14 dated 10 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which seeks approval for a number of land and property transactions as outlined in the report.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as set out in the report.