Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee held in Wick Town Hall, Bridge Street, Wick, on Tuesday, 9 December 2014, at 10.30am.

Present:

Mr D Bremner, Mr G Farlow, Mr B Fernie, Mrs G Coghill, Mr N Macdonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray (by tele-conference), Ms L Munro, Mr M Reiss, Mr J Rosie, Ms G Ross, Mr R Saxon

Officials in attendance:

Mr D Haas, Inverness City Manager , Chief Executive’s Office
Ms H Ross, Senior Ward Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr G Hamilton, Head of Environment and Development, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr G Duff, Countryside Ranger and Long Distance Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A Summers, Senior Countryside Ranger, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr P Castle, Countryside Ranger, Development and Infrastructure Service
Ms S Tarrant, Public Relations Officer, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr D Sutherland, Ward Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr G Nichols,  Area Education Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr C Stewart, Area Community Services Manager, Community Services
Ms A Macrae, Committee Administrator, Corporate Development Service
Mr L Gallagher, Assistant Civic Officer, Finance Service
Mr A Sutherland, Clerical Assistant, Finance Service
Ms E Macleod, Clerical Assistant, Finance Service

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

Mrs D Mackay in the Chair

The Chair advised the Committee that the meeting would be filmed and broadcast over the internet on the Highland Council website and would be archived and available for viewing for 12 months.

Preliminaries

The Chair referred to ongoing issues around the provision of sustainable 24 hour emergency surgical cover at Caithness General Hospital and the implementation of contingency measures from 15 December 2014.  She advised that a meeting was being arranged between Members and NHS Highland to discuss these issues and that Members would be advised of the date as soon as it was confirmed.

1.  Apologies for Absence
Liesgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr H Morrison and Mr G Phillips.

2.  Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 3 - Mr G Farlow (non-financial)
Item 6 - Mr G Farlow (financial)
Item 11 - Mr J McGillivray (non-financial) 

3.  North West Highlands Geopark
Geo-phàirc na Gàidhealtachd an Iar-Thuath

Declaration of Interest - Mr G Farlow declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of the North West Highlands Geopark, but having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion. 

There had been circulated Report No. CS/43/14 dated 24 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which considered recent progress made in the North West Highlands Geopark, including the award of Scottish Government funding to assist the Geopark attain financial sustainability. The report also summarised progress made since the funding was awarded.

During discussion the following points were raised:-

• that staff within the Development and Infrastructure Service be commended on the advice and support they had provided in relation to the Geopark;
• the Council’s decision to sign up to the Scottish Geodiversity Charter was   important in protecting the geological heritage of the North West Highlands now and into the future;
• it was noted that the Geopark now operated as a community company limited by guarantee (North West Highlands Geopark Ltd) and was seeking charitable status and the benefits associated with this approach were outlined;
• that next year would mark the Geopark’s tenth anniversary and it was hoped further revalidation would be gained from the European Geopark Network in 2015; a full calendar of events was also planned, details of which would be posted on the Geopark’s new website;
• expressing support for UNESCO recommendations that Global Geoparks become World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves;
• the Geopark was important in terms of its contribution to the conservation of geodiversity and the delivery of the Scottish Government’s five strategic objectives as detailed in the report;
• a point in regard to whether the Council and any other agencies associated with Geoparks were supportive of the creation of a North Highland Way; it was noted that the Council would in principle be supportive of the intention to create a North Highland Way;
• the proposal to construct a new Geocentre in Scourie to house the Orcadian Stone Collection of rocks, minerals and fossils was welcomed and reference was made to the importance of the collection remaining in the public domain in the future;
• a question in regard to how fundamental crofting and fishing were to the Geopark; in discussion the Head of Environment and Development confirmed these were factors within the Geopark and confirmed he  would provide Mr W Mackay with more detailed information on this point;
• it was suggested that the development of a Geocentre in Scourie and earth sciences centre facilities should be self-sustaining going forward given the current climate of reductions in public sector funding;  it was noted that a feasibility study carried out in 2012 had indicated the numbers of visitors per annum required to make these facilities self- financing; it was also suggested that the Geopark maximise the opportunities for European funding which may be available over the period 2014- 2020; and
• that it was important to promote both the Geopark and Flow Country, which were of international significance in terms of earth sciences, to deliver maximum economic benefits for the area through the development of employment and tourism opportunities.

The Committee AGREED continued Member support for the promotion and understanding of the North West Highlands Geopark.

4.  Countryside Ranger Role
Dreuchd agus Taisbeanadh nam Maor-dùthcha 

There had been circulated Report No. CS/44/14 dated 25 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which summarised the events programme delivered by the Council’s Countryside Rangers during 2014/15 and the resources allocated to the activities. The report also presented the activities proposed within Caithness and Sutherland for the financial year 2015/16.

It was explained that the Rangers’ role had changed substantially over the years, moving from a predominantly site based to an area based service. The Rangers delivered a wide-ranging service for local communities and visitors to the Highlands in addition to fulfilling functions across the remit of the Highland Council, assisting in the delivery of the Council’s duties relating to Access and Biodiversity and the management and maintenance of its countryside properties. In Caithness there were two full time Rangers based at Dunnet and Wick and in Sutherland four full time Rangers based in Durness, Lochinver, Bettyhill and Lairg.

In discussion Members expressed their support for the wide range of work and activities undertaken by the Countryside Rangers and the range and extent of the activities proposed within Caithness and Sutherland in the next financial year. It was noted that this would include 127 events which included a range of walks and activities aimed at different age groups and abilities which helped promote education and tourism. It was suggested that the Area benefited from outstanding scenery and wildlife and that the Countryside Rangers were commended on promoting these attractions.

During further discussion the following specific points were raised:-

• a point in regard to the range of work undertaken by the Rangers in schools over the year; it was confirmed that a significant proportion of the Rangers’ time was spent working in schools and more detailed figures could be provided to Members if they required;
• that the Countryside Rangers had a key role in working with Police Scotland in terms of dealing with potential wildlife crime;
• that in terms of climate change the Ranger Service had also helped to highlight issues of coastal erosion in the Area which otherwise may not have been identified;
• in terms of the impact of budget savings and the introduction of charges to sustain the Ranger Service it was important to consider measures to ensure an inclusive approach for children, young people and families in the Area who may be financially disadvantaged or had no access to transport; and
• that Mr J Rosie be provided with details of the overall cost of the activities programme in 2015/16 as set out in the report.

The Committee APPROVED the proposed priorities and activities programme for the 2015-16 financial year.

5.  Landfill Communities Fund 
Maoin Choimhearsnachdan Tiodhlacaidh Sgudail

There had been circulated Report No. CS/45/14 dated 21 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services on an application to the Highland Council Landfill Communities Fund by the Woodland Trust for the sum of £10,000 towards the ‘Enhancing Biodiversity at Ledmore and Migdale’ project, details of which were provided at Appendix A.

On hearing from the Chair, the Committee AGREED to defer consideration of this item to allow more detailed information to be provided in respect of the application.

6.  Housing Performance Report 
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais

Declaration of Interest: Mr G Farlow declared a financial interest in this item as a Council house tenant but, in terms of the dispensation granted by the Standards Commission for Scotland, remained to participate in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CS/46/14 dated 13 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provided information on how the Housing Section performed in relation to Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the period 1 April to 30 September 2014.  Statistics were provided on repairs, tenancy management, rent arrears and homelessness/homeless prevention

During discussion the following points were raised:-

• issues around the approach being taken by the Service to improve the figures shown for the percentage of tenancies sustained for more than a year, which had a ragging status of ‘red’;
• concern that figures for tenancy offers refused in Caithness were high in comparison to the Scottish average and that level of voids in Wick continued to be amongst the highest in Highland;
• it was important to develop proposals to ensure that vacant properties were occupied and generated income to mitigate against the financial impact on the Council associated with maintaining these properties; 
• in this regard an update was sought on the proposal that vacant Council properties in Wick be let to accommodate the incoming workforce involved in major construction projects in the town; it was reported that there would be particularly high demand for accommodation from March 2015 when work on the Wick High School campus was to commence and therefore it was important that this matter was progressed by officials as a priority;
• while the indication was that contractors may not wish to be responsible for properties it had been suggested by Members that Pentland Housing Association Ltd be contacted on the basis that they may be interested in leasing properties and re-letting them to contractors, and confirmation was sought as to whether this had been progressed; it was also suggested that the opportunities for organisations with charitable status based in Wick to let a number of properties from the Council and thereafter furnish and re-let these properties be investigated;
• in response to the concerns raised the Chair suggested that the issues, opportunities and challenges around the potential to let vacant Council properties to provide accommodation for the workforce employed in construction projects in Wick be raised with the Head of Housing; that regular update reports on the action being taken by officials in this regard be submitted to the relevant Ward Business meetings; and a report on progress presented to the Area Committee in February 2015;
• the figures shown in the report for the average time taken to complete emergency repairs should be welcomed, noting that the figures for Caithness and Sutherland were below the Highland average;
• it was suggested that to improve re-letting times in Caithness a more rigorous and regular inspection and monitoring regime be introduced to ensure properties were being maintained in an acceptable condition during a tenancy;
• that the measures which had been implemented in relation to voids at both a corporate and local level had delivered significant improvements over the previous two months and it was hoped this trend would continue going forward; detailed information on reasons for refusals was also being gathered to best inform the Council’s response;
• a point as to whether tenants who left properties in an unacceptable condition should receive another offer of let from the Council; and
• it was suggested that there was a need to consider measures to improve the garden areas of vacant properties to make them more attractive to prospective tenants.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April to 30 September 2014; and
ii. AGREED that:- (a) the issues, opportunities and challenges around the potential to let vacant Council properties in Wick to provide accommodation for the workforce involved in major construction projects in the town be raised with the Head of Housing; (b) regular update reports on the action being taken by officials in this regard be submitted to the relevant Ward Business meetings, and (c) a report on progress be presented to the Area Committee in February 2015.  

7.  Wick High School Associated School Group Overview 
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidhnean Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Inbhir Ùige

There had been circulated Report No. CS/47/14 dated 26 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Wick High School Associated School Group (ASG) and provided useful links to further information in relation to this school.

During discussion the following points were raised:-

• Members commended the staff within the Wick High School ASG on their commitment to providing the highest standard of education for all pupils; Dr Fiona Grant was also congratulated on her appointment as Head Teacher at Wick High School and Members expressed their confidence that she would have a positive impact on the School going forward;
• that the significant improvement in the percentage of positive destinations achieved at Wick High School over the period 2010/11 to 2012/13 should be welcomed and the staff and pupils commended on the improvements which had been achieved;
• concerns around the rate of temporary exclusions and numbers of pupils recorded with additional support needs at Wick High School, and the need to research in more depth the link between the figures and the fact Wick was recognised as an area of multiple deprivation; in this regard it was reported that a range of intensive locally based initiatives were being progressed at the School in conjunction with a number of organisations to address these issues and that this work would continue into the future;
• in regard to the above the Chair suggested that in conjunction with the Caithness District Partnership the performance of the range of initiatives being progressed in respect of Wick High School be reviewed with a particular focus on joined up working and outcomes;
• it was reported that High Life Highland had been commended by the Scottish Government on its approach to promote social inclusion in terms of access to its facilities and services in comparison to other local authorities; it was important therefore that High Life Highland continued to be funded to ensure access to its services by children and families who otherwise would be financially excluded and in the most deprived areas;
• that the Scottish Government’s introduction of free school meals for P1-3 pupils from January 2015 would have an impact on the figures reported for free meals eligibility in future reports; it was important to consider measures to increase the uptake of free school meals as far as possible;
• that in addition to attainment it would be helpful if future reports also reflected the achievements and successes within the ASGs and it was suggested that this could be included in alternate reports for each ASG; and
• that consideration be given to circulating the hard copies of pdf documents currently available via electronic links in the report in advance of the meeting given the connectivity issues some Members in rural areas experienced in accessing these links.

 The Committee:-

i. NOTED the content of the report;
ii. AGREED to liaise with the Caithness District Partnership with a view to the performance of the range of initiatives being progressed in respect of Wick High School being reviewed, with a particular focus on joined up working and outcomes;
iii. AGREED that the potential for periodic updates to be provided within future reports on achievements and successes within ASGs be investigated; and
iv. AGREED to investigate the viability for hard copies of documents currently available via electronic links in the report, to be circulated to Members in advance of the meeting. 

8.  Education Scotland Reports 
Aithisgean Foghlam Alba

There had been circulated Report No. CS/48/14 dated 26 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided details of Education Scotland’s inspections in the area during the period 22 August 2014 to 30 November 2014, for Members’ scrutiny and monitoring. The report specifically related to Education Scotland’s inspection of Durness Primary School on 25 November 2014.

During discussion the following points were raised:-

• that Durness Primary School be congratulated on the positive inspection report received;
• it was suggested that a more flexible approach be considered in terms of the retention of staff when a reduction in the school roll was experienced in remote and rural areas on the basis that the reduction may be temporary and given the issues and costs associated with recruiting new teaching staff; the Chair advised that she would raise this matter directly with the Director of Care and Learning; and
• issues around the ability to scrutinise and compare inspection Education Scotland reports across schools or to benchmark against previous inspection reports for the same school; it was explained that in terms of benchmarking Members should refer to the Schools Standards and Quality Report which was produced annually by each school and provided information on their individual performance.

At the conclusion of this item the Chair confirmed that Mr Graham Nichols, Area Education Manager would be retiring from his post with the Council in the near future. In this regard, Mr Nichols was commended for his commitment and significant contribution to the work of the Service and the Council over a number of years. Mr Nichols responded accordingly.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the Education Scotland reports through the report, and that the Chair would raise with the Director of Care and Learning issues around the retention of staff when there was a reduction in school rolls in remote and rural areas on the basis that any reduction may be temporary and given the issues and costs that may be associated with the recruitment of teaching staff in these areas.

9.  Naming of New Council Offices, Wick 
Ainmeachadh Oifisean Ùra Comhairle, Inbhir Ùige

There had been circulated Report No. CS/49/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which asked the Committee to homologate the naming of the new Council Offices in Market Place, Wick.

It was reported that the Caithness Members had chosen the name after considering a number of alternatives on the basis that it would adequately identify the new offices with civic pride.

The Committee HOMOLOGATED the naming of the new offices in Wick as “Caithness House”.

10.  Dornoch Common Good – Audited Accounts (2013/14) and Quarterly Monitoring Report, 30 September 2014 
Maoin Math Choitcheann Dhòrnaich – Cunntasan Sgrùdaichte (2013/14)
agus Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ràitheil, 30 Sultain 2014

There had been circulated Report No. CS/50/14 dated 24 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which requested Members to note the adjusted Audited Accounts for Dornoch Common Good for the Financial Year 2013/14 and to note the status of the Dornoch Common Good Fund at 30 September 2014.

The Committee NOTED the Audited Dornoch Common Good accounts for Financial Year 2013/14 and the position of the Dornoch Common Good Fund at 30 September 2014.

11.  Dornoch Common Good– Application for Funding – ‘Discover Dornoch’
Maoin Maith Choitchinn Dhòrnaich – Iarrtas airson Maoineachadh
– ‘Discover Dornoch’

Declaration of Interest: Mr J McGillivray declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of the Dornoch Area Community Interest Company, but having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion. 

There had been circulated Report No. CS/51/14 dated 25 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which outlined an application to Dornoch Common Good Fund by Dornoch Area Community Interest Company for £15,000 for the Discover Dornoch project.

The Committee AGREED to grant £15,000 from Dornoch Common Good Fund to Dornoch Area Community Interest Company as a contribution towards the costs of the Discover Dornoch project.

12.  Minutes  
Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated and were NOTED the Minutes of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee held on 23 September 2014, which were approved by the Council on 30 October 2014.

The meeting ended at 12.40pm.