Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Highland Council held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 18 December 2014 at 10.35 am.

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
A’ Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

Present:

Dr D Alston, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr D Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr B Clark, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs G Coghill, Mr N Donald, Ms J Douglas, Mr A Duffy, Mr D Fallows, Mr G Farlow, Mr B Fernie, Mr M Finlayson, Mr J Ford, Mr C Fraser, Mr L Fraser, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr B Gormley, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr M Green, Mr R Greene, Mr A Henderson, Mr D Hendry, Mr D Kerr, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr N MacDonald, Mr J McGillivray, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr T MacLennan, Mr K MacLeod, Mrs B McAllister, Mrs I McCallum, Mr D Millar, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mr B Murphy, Mr F Parr, Mrs M Paterson, Mr G Phillips, Mr T Prag, Mr M Rattray, Mr M Reiss, Mr I Renwick, Mr G Rimell, Mr A Rhind, Mrs F Robertson, Mr J Rosie, Ms G Ross, Mr G Ross, Mr R Saxon, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs G Sinclair, Mrs J Slater, Ms M Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson, Mrs C Wilson, Mr H Wood

In Attendance:

Chief Executive
Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development
Director of Development & Infrastructure Director of Care and Learning
Director of Finance
Director of Community Services
Inverness City Manager

Mr J Gray in the Chair

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr J Crawford, Mrs M Davidson and Mr C Macaulay.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Council NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 9 – Non-Financial: Dr D Alston and Mr N Donald; Financial: Mr A Baxter
Item 10 – Non-Financial: Mr K Gowans and Mr F Parr; Financial: Mr K Gowans
Item 11 – Non-Financial: Dr D Alston, Mr A Baxter, Mr I Brown, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Dr I Cockburn, Ms J Douglas, Mr A Duffy, Mr D Fallows, Mr G Farlow, Mr B Fernie, Mr J Ford, Mr H Fraser, Mr B Gormley, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr M Green, Mr R Greene, Mr D Kerr, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mrs L MacDonald , Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr G MacKenzie, Ms A MacLean, Mr T MacLennan, Mr K MacLeod, Mrs B McAllister, Mr B Murphy, Mr F Parr, Mrs M Paterson, Mr G Phillips, Mr T Prag, Mr I Renwick, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr R Saxon, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs G Sinclair, Mrs J Slater, Ms M Smith, Mr J Stone and Mr H Wood; Financial: I Brown, Ms J Douglas, A Duffy, G Farlow, K Gowans, D Kerr, Mr W Mackay, Mr M Reiss and Ms G Ross
Item 13 –Non-Financial: Mr D Hendry, Mr K MacLeod, Mr A Rhind, Mrs F Robertson and Ms K Stephen; Financial: Dr D Alston, Mr A Henderson, Ms A MacLean and Mr M Rattray
Item 21 – Non-Financial: Mr J Ford

3. Confirmation of Minutes
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais

There had been submitted for confirmation as a correct record the Minute of Meeting of the Council held on 30 October 2014 as contained in the Volume which had been circulated separately- which was APPROVED.

4. Minutes of Meetings of Committees
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan Chomataidhean

There had been submitted for confirmation as correct records, for information as regards delegated business and for approval as appropriate, the Minutes of Meetings of Committees contained in Volume circulated separately as undernoted:-

• Planning, Development & Infrastructure Committee, 5 November
• Community Services Committee, 6 November
• Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, 12 November
• Gaelic Implementation Group, 13 November
• Pensions Committee, 14 November
• Skye, Ross & Cromarty Area Committee, 19 November
• Audit& Scrutiny Committee, 20 November
• Lochaber Area Committee, 25 November
• Resources Committee, 26 November
• City of Inverness Area Committee, 2 December
• Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee, 3 December
• Nairn& Badenoch & Strathspey Area Committee, 4 December
• Caithness& Sutherland Area Committee, 9 December

The Minutes, having been moved and seconded were, except as undernoted, APPROVED –matters arising having been dealt with as follows :–

Lochaber Area Committee, 25 November

Item 4: Page 635: Housing Performance Report: 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014

AGREED that the Minute should be amended to confirm that Mr B Murphy had left the room during discussion of this item.

City of Inverness Area Committee, 2 December

NOTED that the following *Starred Items* were to be dealt with at Item 22 later in the agenda.

Item 16b: Page 678: Inverness Town House Works Programme, High Street Inverness

AGREED TO RECOMMEND that work be done to:-

i. proceed to contract award for the repairs outlined in Phase 1 at a cost of£1,196,730.27;
ii. proceed to tender for Phases 2 & 3 in years 2015 and 2016 with a total estimated project cost of £4,200,000 for all three phases; and
iii. proceed with third party funding applications with Historic Scotland.

Item 16c: Page 679: Refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness

AGREED TO RECOMMEND that work be done to proceed to contract award for refurbishment as outlined in the report at a cost of£1,867,119.

5. Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board
Co-Bhòrd Luachaidh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean Siar

There had been circulated Minute of the Meeting of the Highlands and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board held on 11 September 2014 - which was NOTED.

6. Customer Services Board
Bòrd Sheirbheisean Luchd-ceannach

There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings of the Customer Services Board held on 11 November and 16 December 2014 - which were NOTED.

7. Community Challenge Fund Applications Panel
Maoin Dùbhlain Coimhearsnachd – Geàrr-chunntas Coinneimh

There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings of the Community Challenge Fund Applications Panel held on 22 October and 26 November 2014 -which were APPROVED.

8. Membership of Strategic Committees, etc
Ballrachd air Comataidhean Ro-innleachdail, msaa

Council Membership

It was NOTED that the following Members had confirmed that they had formed the Highland Alliance – Mr D Millar, Mr T MacLennan, Mr M Rattray, Mr A Baxter and Mr D Kerr - and that the political make-up of the Council was now as follows –

Independent–34/SNP – 21/Lib Dem–12/Labour – 8/Highland Alliance – 5

It was also NOTED that the formula in respect of the number of places on Strategic Committees was now 9/6/3/2/2.

In this regard, the Council APPROVED revised Committee membership tables which had been tabled at the meeting.

Leader of the Opposition

The Council AGREED that the role of Leader of the Opposition should be shared by Mrs C Wilson and Ms J Douglas and that appropriate arrangements should be put in place to ensure that Members, Officers and Partners understood how the responsibilities of the role were to be split and that the necessary practical arrangements should be put in place to ensure no impact on political balance and representation and the proper conduct of Council business.

In this regard, it was NOTED that there were no implications for the Council in terms of remuneration for the post.

9. Question Time
Àm Ceiste

Declarations of Interest

Mr A Baxter declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a serving Sub-postmaster and left the room during discussion.

Mr N Donald declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that a Post Office operated from his house 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 his involvement in the discussion.

Dr D Alston declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of a close family member being a senior manager of the Post Office Ltd and left the room during discussion.

The following Questions had been received by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development in terms of Standing Order 42 –

Mr D Millar

To the Leader of the Council

“Post Offices on Skye are being threatened with being downgraded by Post Office Ltd which will have serious implications to the viability of all Offices but especially small rural ones as the Postmasters are being faced with substantial reductions to their core funding and loss of services if they are forced to become for example a Post Office local instead of a Community Office.

As I am sure this is also happening in all part of Highland, will the Council Leader lead a campaign on behalf of the Council to protect Post Offices and maintain the services that they presently provide to communities and write immediately to Post Office Ltd asking for a meeting to discuss a solution?”

The response had been circulated.

In terms of a supplementary question, Mr Millar queried as to whether, given the impending catastrophic situation and the problems facing Postmasters and communities, the Leader of the Council would endeavour to arrange a meeting as early as possible in the New Year with Post Office Ltd to seek a solution to this situation.

In response, the Leader of the Council confirmed that he was happy to take forward this issue and as a matter of urgency would seek to engage with Post Office Ltd.

Ms J Douglas

To the Chair of the Resources Committee

“Can I please have a list of all the annual costs of each Area Committee, including, but not limited to, travel for both Officers and Members, advertising, venue hire, refreshments, webcasting support and the extra £8413 pay enhancement per Area Leader?”

The response had been circulated.

In terms of a supplementary question, Ms Douglas requested assurances that the review of Area Committees would analyse the costs in terms of best value and delivery of appropriate outcomes.

In response, the Chair of the Resources Committeeconfirmed that the review which was underway would encompass all of these issues and would be reported to the Council in March 2015.

Decision

The Council NOTED the position.

10. Notices of Motion
Brathan Gluasaid

The following Notices of Motion had been received in accordance with Standing Order 10.1 –

i. Notice of Motion

“The Independent Group believes it is time that Highland Council ends the unsustainable and damaging Council Tax freeze. This has resulted in 7 years of detrimental cuts to frontline services in the Highlands.

We propose that the Highland Council agree to a 5% rise in Council Tax which will mean approximately a £1 per week increase for Band C properties and this income should be used to protect frontline services”.

Signed: Mrs C Wilson, Ms J Douglas, Mr M Reiss, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr G Ross, Mrs M Paterson, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Dr A Sinclair, Mr N Donald, Mrs M Davidson and Mr B Fernie.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in light of the fact that a balanced budget had been recommended for 2015/16, the signatories to this Notice of Motion were now in agreement that it should apply from the financial year 2016/17 onwards;
• there was a need to identify a better way to secure public services without requiring to make successive budget cuts and reductions to services and in this regard a recent poll had indicated that a large percentage of people supported removing the current Council tax freeze;
• increases in the cost of school meals were proposed over each of the next four years which would disproportionately impact on certain sectors of society and it was suggested that removing the Council Tax freeze could enable funding to be made available to alleviate the potential impact of these costs;
• Community Councils had previously voiced concern at the on-going uncertainty regarding cuts to Primary and Secondary School provision and a small increase in Council Tax could help to increase public confidence in this respect and create a more attractive environment for people moving to live and work in the Highlands;
• approximately 19,000 households in Highland already received a Council Tax rebate, with 12,000 receiving a full rebate;
• the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities supported the view that the Council Tax freeze was no longer sustainable;
• it had to be recognised that the Council Tax freeze had been extremely beneficial and had been welcomed by many Highland residents, particularly those on low incomes and subject to other financial pressures;
• the Scottish Government, along with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, had now established a Commission to explore and recommend on an alternative model to the current Council Tax and it would therefore be premature for any decision to be taken by the Council at this time;
• a meeting should be sought early in the New Year with the respective Chairs of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Commission for Local Government to discuss both the Council Tax issue and other local democracy issues;
• the report on ‘Strengthening Local Democracy’ had clearly supported the reinstatement of power to raise local taxation at a local level and it was therefore hoped that by the financial year 2016/17 a fairer local taxation system would be introduced; and
• it was also possible that there might be other alternative local tax raising options which had not yet been evaluated or outlined and it was therefore important to work with the Scottish Government to achieve outcomes which would be beneficial for all concerned.

Thereafter, Ms J Douglas, seconded by Mr M Reiss, MOVEDthe Notice of Motion as detailed – on the basis that this would apply from the financial year 2016/17 onwards.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr D Hendry, seconded by Dr D Alston, moved that the Council should note the establishment of a Commission to review and recommend a new structure and means for financing Local Government and express its views to the Commission that (i) local people should decide on levels of local taxation in relation to the services they wanted (ii) the present method of financing i.e. Council Tax was in need of revision and replacement with a new method (iii) the Council should play a pro-active role in shaping this transition and (iv) any changes to the existing system should be introduced at the end of the existing Council Tax freeze.

On a vote being taken, the MOTIONreceived 31 votes and the AMENDMENTreceived 45 votes, with no abstentions, and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:

Balfour, R; Barclay, J; Bremner, D; Campbell, I; Campbell, J; Coghill, G; Donald, N; Douglas, J; Fernie, B; Finlayson, M; Fraser, H; Fraser, L; Gordon, J; Green, M; Greene, R; Henderson, A; Kerr, D; MacKay, W; Mackinnon, A; McCallum, I; McGillivray, J; Morrison, H; Paterson, M; Rattray, M; Reiss, M; Rhind, A; Robertson, F; Ross, G (W14); Sinclair, A; Thompson, B; Wilson, C.

For the Amendment:

Alston, D; Baxter, A; Brown, I; Caddick, C; Christie, A; Clark, B; Cockburn, I; Duffy, A; Fallows, D; Farlow, G; Ford, J; Fraser, C; Gormley, B; Gowans, K; Graham, A; Gray, J; Hendry, D; Laird, R; Lobban, B; MacDonald, L; MacDonald, N; Mackay, D (W2); Mackay, D (W5); MacKenzie, G; MacLean, A; MacLennan, T; MacLeod, K; McAllister, E; Millar, D; Munro, L; Murphy, B; Parr, F; Phillips, G; Prag, T; Renwick, I; Rimell, G; Rosie, J; Ross, G (W3); Saxon, R; Sinclair, G; Slater, J; Smith, M; Stephen, K; Stone, J; Wood, H.

Decision

The Council NOTED the establishment of a Commission to review and recommend a new structure and means for financing Local Government and AGREED to express its views to the Commission that (i) local people should decide on levels of local taxation in relation to the services they wanted (ii) the present method of financing i.e. Council Tax was in need of revision and replacement with a new method (iii) the Council should play a pro-active role in shaping this transition and (iv) any changes to the existing system should be introduced at the end of the existing Council Tax freeze.

ii. Notice of Motion

Declarations of Interest

Mr F Parr and Mr K Gowans declared non-financial interests in this item on the grounds of being Directors of High Life Highland Ltd but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds that his wife was employed by High Life Highland Ltd 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 his involvement in the discussion.

“That the Highland Council agrees to replace Councillor Drew Millar as a Director of High Life Highland and therefore terminates his appointment as a Director and, in accordance with the agreed procedures, will seek expressions of interest from all Councillors in filling the vacancy”.

Signed: Dr D Alston Mr A Christie

Dr D Alston, seconded by Mr A Christie,MOVEDapproval of the Notice of Motion as detailed.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr H Fraser, seconded by Mr T MacLennan, moved that Councillor Millar should remain as a Director of High Life Highland until the end of the current Council term.

On a vote being taken, the MOTIONreceived 35 votes and the AMENDMENTreceived 34 votes, with 7 abstentions, and theMOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:

Alston, D; Brown, I; Caddick, C; Christie, A; Clark, B; Cockburn, I; Duffy, A; Fallows, D; Farlow, G; Ford, J; Fraser, C; Gormley, B; Gowans, K; Graham, A; Gray, J; Hendry, D; Laird, R; Lobban B; MacDonald, L; MacDonald, N; Mackay, D (W5); MacKenzie, G; MacLean, A; MacLeod, K; Munro, L; Prag, T; Renwick, I; Rimell, G; Ross, G (W3); Saxon, R; Slater, J; Smith, M; Stephen, K; Stone, J; Wood, H.

For the Amendment:

Balfour, R; Barclay, J; Baxter, A; Bremner, D; Campbell, I; Campbell, J; Carmichael, H; Coghill, G; Donald, N; Fernie, B; Finlayson, M; Fraser, H; Fraser, L; Gordon, J; Green, M; Greene, R; Henderson, A; Kerr, D; Mackay, D (W2); MacKay, W; Mackinnon, A; MacLennan, T; McAllister, E; McGillivray, J; Millar, D; Morrison, H; Paterson, M; Rattray, M; Rhind, A; Robertson, F; Rosie, J; Ross, G (W14); Sinclair, A; Wilson, C.

Abstentions:

Douglas, J; McCallum, I; Murphy, B; Parr, F; Phillips, G; Reiss, M; Thompson, B.

Decision

The Council AGREED to replace Councillor Drew Millar as a Director of High Life Highland and therefore terminate his appointment as a Director and, in accordance with the agreed procedures, to seek expressions of interest from all Councillors in filling the vacancy.

11. Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2015/16
Buidseat Teach-a-steach agus Cis Comhairle 2015/16

Declarations of Interest – As detailed in Appendix 1 to this Minute.

There had been circulated Report No. HC/36/14 dated 9 December 2014 by the Director of Finance which set out information relating to the Revenue Budget for 2015/16 to allow the Council to formally agree the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year.

In this regard, Booklet A (Summary of Savings Proposals) and Booklet B (Detailed Templates for individual Saving Proposals) had been circulated separately.

There had also been circulated further additional report by the Director of Finance which proposed a number of revisions to the recommended Revenue Budget funding for 2015/16, growth pressures and savings. In this respect, it was confirmed that the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties) Scotland Bill, which had been passed on 31 October 2012, provided Councils with the option to levy additional Council Tax charges, subject to certain conditions, in respect of unoccupied properties and the Council was therefore asked to also agree to increase Council Tax on long term empty properties to 200% with effect from 1 April 2015.

Prior to consideration of the item, Members’ attention was drawn to the submission of a Petition from Lochalsh Leisure Centre which incorporated 1210 signatures, together with letters of support from Parent Councils, User Groups and individuals.

Following a summary of the report, the Budget Leader conveyed thanks to all Elected Members and staff who had been involved in the budget process, and also to members of the community for their feedback on the budget proposals. In this regard, it was highlighted that the majority of budget consultation responses had focused on issues in relation to the Care& Learning and Community Services. Other significant issues raised had concerned winter maintenance measures, the funding of arms-length organisations, capital spending on infrastructure, the provision of public conveniences, car parking charges, reductions to Ward Discretionary Budgets and charges for burials, lairs and cremations.

In summarising, the Budget Leader confirmed that she considered this to be a fair and deliverable budget for 2015/16 but acknowledged that there were still significant funding gaps for future years. On this basis, she stressed the importance of agreeing indicative budgets for these years now in order to provide a framework for future planning and proposed that options for other savings and income stream maximisation should also be investigated as a matter of urgency.

There had also been tabled at the meeting a Submission from the Independent Group within the Council which, whilst welcoming many of the recommendations for the 2015/16 budget which incorporated removal or delay of a range of budget savings, proposed the removal of savings amounting to a further £455m in relation to pre-treatment of roads, winter maintenance and charging for Sunday car parking, as well as offering potential compensatory funding proposals in this respect. Also, in terms of the proposed saving measures for 2016/17 and beyond, it was suggested that these should only be determined when further information on the long term implications had been fully researched and discussed and as such the Council should only determine the budget for 2015/16 at this time.

At this point, Ms M Smith, seconded by Dr D Alston, MOVED that the Council should determine the Budget for 2015/16 and also agree the indicative Budget outlook for the years 2016/7, 2017/8 and 2018/9 as recommended within the report.

As an AMENDMENT, Ms J Douglas, seconded by Mr M Reiss, moved that the Council should only determine the Budget for 2015/16 and that work on the Budget for future years should start now.

On a vote being taken, the MOTIONreceived 40 votes and the AMENDMENTreceived 35 votes, with no abstentions, and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:

Alston, D; Brown, I; Caddick, C; Christie, A; Clark, B; Cockburn, I; Duffy, A; Fallows, D; Farlow, G; Ford, J; Fraser, C; Gormley, B; Gowans, K; Graham, A; Gray, J; Hendry, D; Laird, R; Lobban 1 B; MacDonald, L; MacDonald, N; Mackay, D (W5); MacKenzie, G; MacLean, A; MacLeod, K; McAllister, E; Munro, L; Murphy, B; Parr, F; Phillips, G; Prag, T; Renwick, I; Rimell, G; Ross, G (W3); Saxon, R; Sinclair, G; Slater, J; Smith, M; Stephen, K; Stone, J; Wood, H.

For the Amendment:

Balfour, R; Barclay, J; Baxter, A; Campbell, I; Campbell, J; Carmichael, H; Coghill, G; Donald, N; Douglas, J; Fernie, B; Finlayson, M; Fraser, H; Fraser, L; Gordon, J; Green, M; Greene, R; Henderson, A; Kerr, D; Mackay, D (W2); MacKay, W; Mackinnon, A; MacLennan, T; McCallum, I; McGillivray, J; Millar, D; Morrison, H; Paterson, M; Rattray, M; Reiss, M; Rhind, A; Robertson, F; Rosie, J; Ross, G (W14); Sinclair, A; Thompson, B.

The Council adjourned for lunch at 1.05pm and resumed at 2.05pm.

Returning to the Submission from the Independent Group, further clarification was provided on the package of proposed compensatory savings for 2015/16, areas of concern from 2016/17 onwards and possible sources of income generation for future exploration. In response, the Budget Leader confirmed that she would be happy to consider the proposed options for income maximisation once the Commercial Manager was in post.

During discussion, Members considered the summary of Savings for 2015/16 – 2018/19 as outlined in Booklet A and received clarification and updates on the following:-

• Chief Executive’s Office (8) - Reduction in Members Budget – this had been increased from £0.02m to £0.035 and options for additional income would be referred to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee;
• Development and Infrastructure (11) - Access and Ranger Services - this had been reduced from £0.091 to £0.043m;
• Community Services (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) - Increase in Charges for Burials and Cremations- this modest increase was under constant review and would be discussed with the Department of Work and Pensions as part of the work of the Welfare Reform Group (which would report through the Resources Committee);
• Community Services (10) - Housing Support Service Re-Tender – it was explained that there would be scope for review of support provisions through the re-tender of Housing Support Services;
• Community Services (24a and 24b) - Winter Maintenance -in response to requests that this saving be removed, it was confirmed that the proposal was to adhere to agreed policy as the matter had been discussed by the Community Services Committee over recent months. Concerns on the issue would be referred to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee for further analysis; and
• Community Services (36a and 36e) - Introduction of Car Parking Charges on Sundays for all City Centre Car Parks, Rose Street MSCP and Fort William and Weekend Charges for the use of Council HQ car park- it was suggested that these charges should not be imposed and that compensatory savings should be sought as detailed in the tabled paper from the Independent Group. In this regard, it was clarified that including an option to cease the use of External Consultants as part of a compensatory savings package could impact adversely on the Council’s Capital Programme.

At this point, Ms M Smith, seconded by Dr D Alston, MOVED that the Council should agree the recommendations as detailed in the report in relation to Community Services Ref. 24a, 24b and 36a (Winter Maintenance and Car Parking Charges).

As an AMENDMENT, Ms J Douglas, seconded by Mr M Reiss, moved that the budget saving recommendations for Community Services Ref. 24a, 24b and 36a should not be pursued and that the Council should agree a package of compensatory savings as detailed in the tabled report from the Independent Group.

On a vote being taken, the MOTIONreceived 36 votes and the AMENDMENTreceived 27 votes, with two abstentions, and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED-the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:

Alston, D; Brown, I; Caddick, C; Christie, A; Clark, B; Duffy, A; Fallows, D; Farlow, G; Ford, J; Fraser, C; Gormley, B; Gowans, K; Graham, A; Gray, J; Hendry, D; Laird, R; Lobban, B; MacDonald, L; MacDonald, N; MacKenzie, G; MacLean, A; MacLeod, K; McAllister, E; Munro, L; Murphy, B; Parr, F; Phillips, G; Prag, T; Renwick, I; Rimell, G; Ross, G (W3); Saxon, R; Slater, J; Smith, M; Stephen, K; Stone, J.

For the Amendment:

Balfour, R; Barclay, J; Campbell, J; Carmichael, H; Douglas, J; Fernie, B; Finlayson, M; Fraser, H; Fraser, L; Gordon, J; Green, M; Greene, R; Henderson, A; Kerr, D; MacKay, W; Mackinnon, A; McCallum, I; McGillivray, J; Millar, D; Morrison, H; Paterson, M; Rattray, M; Reiss, M; Rhind, A; Ross, G (W14); Sinclair, A; Thompson, B.

Abstentions:

Baxter, A; MacLennan, T

Further discussion and clarification took place thereafter on the following issues:-

• Community Services (28) - Reduce Payments to Social Enterprises–this saving would now be spread over two financial years: £100,000 for 2015/16 and£50,000 for 2016/17;
• Community Services (33) - Horticulture – clarified that these savings had been deferred for a year to enable other options to be considered, including scope for Social Enterprise;
• Care and Learning (5) - Fostering and Adoption – saving had been reduced from £50,000 to £47,000;
• Care and Learning (12) - Maintenance Budget for Transfer of Residential Properties – further analysis still required on this which explained why the saving was planned for 2016/17;
• Care and Learning (23b and 25) - Cleaning Services –assurances given that this issue would be closely monitored by the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee throughout the year;
• Care and Learning (24) - Increase in School Meals/Catering Prices–assurances given that this would be monitored by the School Meals Stakeholder Group and reported through the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee;
• Care and Learning (27 and 28) - Increase Income fromSchool Lets –confirmed that School lets would be looked at on an individual basis and that this was a saving for 2016/17;
• Care and Learning (34) - Secondary Education - Removal of anyover-entitlement Teaching Posts – confirmed that this would be looked at carefully in liaison with relevant Head Teachers and, where appropriate, specific instances would be referred to Ward Business Meetings;
• Care and Learning (42) - Secondary Education - Reduction of Teaching Staff allocation by 1% - clarified that this saving would be rescheduled as follows: £0.4m for 2016/17 and £0.2m for 2017/18 – with a report submitted to a future meeting of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee;
• Care and Learning (43) - Secondary Education – Use of Technology to deliver the Curriculum – assurances given that reports covering all aspects would be submitted to the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee;
• Care and Learning (45b) - Inverness Leisure - 4% reduction in funding 2015/16 – requested that, prior to the financial year 2016/17, consideration should be given to other potential savings and the feasibility of amalgamating Inverness Leisure and High Life Highland;
• Care and Learning (48) – Third Party Grants and Payments – the importance to communities of a range of facilities was stressed, particularly the importance of swimming pool facilities to coastal communities, and as such it was welcomed that financial savings had been delayed until 2016/17 on the basis that further assessment of funding criteria would take place;
• Care and Learning (55) - Catering – Food Specification –confirmed that the saving of £123,000 had been removed;
• PI041– Treasury Management – explained that this saving had changed to take account of£59,000 of savings brought forward by the Independent Group; and
• WCG6– Employability – confirmed that there would now be no savings required for 2015/16 due to a contribution from the Strategic Change and Development Fund.

During further discussion, the proposal to increase Council Tax on long term empty properties to 200% with effect from 1 April 2015 was queried on the basis that this might be disadvantageous for people in rural areas. In response, it was explained that this had been built into the budget for 2015/16 and if Members wished not to pursue it, a corresponding saving would require to be found to maintain a balanced budget position for 2015/16.

Decision

The Council:

(a) AGREEDa Council Tax freeze for 2015/16 with the Council Tax at Band D for the year being £1,163;
(b) AGREEDto increase Council Tax on long term empty properties to 200% with effect from 1 April 2015 as detailed;
(c) AGREEDthe Revenue Budget for 2015/16 of£570.938m;
(d) AGREEDto accept the Scottish Government settlement package in respect of the Council Tax freeze;
(e) AGREEDthe indicative budget outlook for Years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19; and
(f) NOTEDthe reserves and balances strategy as set out in Annex 2 to the report.

12. Report to Members and the Controller of Audit on the 2013/14 Audit of Highland Council
Aithisg do Bhuill agus do Rianadair an Sgrùdaidh a thaobh Sgrùdadh 2013/14 Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated Report No. HC/37/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Finance which introduced the External Audit Report to Members in respect of the Final Accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2014.

In this regard, the External Audit Report had been circulated separately.

During discussion, Members welcomed the positive report which had been received and extended thanks to the Director of Finance and his team for the considerable work which had been undertaken in this regard.

It was also suggested that further reports should be submitted to Members at an early date on the ‘West Link Road’and ‘Charitable Trusts’ as had been highlighted within the Audit Scotland Action Plan.

Decision

The Council NOTED the External Auditors Report for the year ended 31 March 2014, the completed Action Plan incorporating the Council’s response and the Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2014.

It was also AGREED that further reports should be submitted to Members on the West Link Road and Charitable Trusts at an early date.

13. The Port of Nigg Harbour Revision Order 201[X]
Ath-sgrùdadh Caladh Neig

Declarations of Interest

The undernoted Members all declared non-financial interests in this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion –

Mr D Hendry – Nigg Skills Academy (Council appointee)
Mr K MacLeod – having drawn up the Harbour Revision Order for Mallaig Harbour Authority
Mr A Rhind – involved with a company in the cruise industry in Invergordon related to the Port Authority and also Chair of a group in Tain who had recently received financial support sponsorship from Global
Mr F Robertson – family members employed by Global
Ms K Stephen declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of having a strong family tie with Global and left the room during discussion.

The undernoted Members all declared financial interests in this item and left the room during discussion –

Dr D Alston – having carried out work for the Cromarty Firth Port Authority
Mr A Henderson – Board Member of Mallaig Harbour Authority
Ms A MacLean – close family members employed by Global
Mr M Rattray – employee of Port of Cromarty Firth Services

There had been circulated Report No. HC/38/14 dated 9 December 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which advised that Global Energy Nigg Ltd had applied to the Scottish Government for a Harbour Revision Order in respect of the Port of Nigg which would create a second statutory harbour authority within the Cromarty Firth.

As a statutory consultee, the Council had the opportunity to submit representations on the Harbour Revision Order.

In this regard, it was suggested that Members should note and accept the position as detailed in the report on the basis that further talks would be undertaken with all parties in the New Year.

Decision

The Council NOTED the terms, potential implications of and issues linked to the proposed Port of Nigg as detailed in the report.

The Council also AGREED to submit an objection to the Port of Nigg Harbour Revision Order 201[X] and to facilitate discussions with the Port of Cromarty Firth and Global Energy Nigg Ltd with a view to agreeing joint objectives for securing ongoing sustainable development and enhanced opportunities within the Cromarty Firth.

14. Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant Update
Cunnradh nan Seann Ghaisgeach

There had been circulated Report No. HC/39/14 dated 5 December 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which outlined the work carried out by the partners to the Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant in the last twelve months and set out future priorities.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• over the past twelve months, considerable activity had been undertaken on issues such as housing, welfare and education and this was warmly welcomed;
• effective cross sector co-operation and partnership working strengthened the links between the Armed Forces and the Highland community and this was beneficial for all concerned;
• the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme aimed to financially support projects at a local level and to date there had been eleven Highland applications of which eight had been successful;
• a number of new initiatives were planned for the following year, including the ongoing World War 1 commemorations, and the Partnership would continue to encourage and help communities to deliver appropriate events;
• the Highland Council area was viewed by the military in Scotland as one of the leading Local Authorities in the implementation of the Armed Forces Community Covenant and thanks were conveyed to all participating Partnership members and Council Officers in this regard;
• from December 2014, Councillor Allan Duffy would take the lead as the Highland Council Armed Forces and Veterans’ Champion and thanks were conveyed to Councillor Carolyn Caddick who had taken the lead in this role to date; and
• all Members of the Council were encouraged to become involved in the work of the Partnership wherever possible in conjunction with their respective local communities.

Decision

The Council AGREED to welcome the work of the Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership undertaken to date and endorse the future priorities outlined at Section 4 of the report.

15. UK Parliamentary General Election –Thursday 7 May 2015
Taghadh Coitcheann Pàrlamaid na RA –Diardaoin 7 Màrt 2015

There had been circulated Report No. HC/40/14 dated 5 December 2014 by the Returning Officer which advised of the impact that Election Administration for the forthcoming UK Parliamentary General Election, scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 May 2015, would have on the work of the Council and explained the statutory framework which governed the conduct at this Election.

Decision

The Council AGREED the terms of the report as circulated.