Agendas, reports and minutes

14. Affordable Warmth Campaign for the Highlands & Islands
Iomairt Blàths Neo-chosgail airson na Gàidhealtachd & nan Eilean

Declarations of Interest – the following Members declared non-financial interests in relation to 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 A Christie - General Manager of Inverness and Badenoch and Strathspey Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Mrs A MacLean - Board Member of Ross and Cromarty Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Mrs D Mackay - Director of East Sutherland Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Mr W MacKay - Director of Caithness Citizen’s Advice Bureau

There had been circulated Report No. HC/2/15 dated 24 February 2015 by the Director of Community Services which detailed the current call for support from the Highlands & Islands Affordable Warmth Campaign and asked Members to support the campaign and the issues being highlighted.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• fuel poverty, which was caused not only by electricity prices but those of heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas too, was being addressed by a number of organisations. Prices could vary from one area to another and work was required at all points of the fuel supply chain to ensure equity, especially for remote and rural areas where mains gas was not available;
• a warm dry home was a basic human right and families were being forced to make difficult decisions with their budgets which was not acceptable. As such, there was a need to improve energy efficiency, especially in rural areas, but it was recognised that improvements to insulation and external cladding could be expensive. Scarcity of houses in rural areas also meant it could be difficult to attract community efficiency programmes and it was therefore imperative that contact was made with companies and other organisations in this regard, such as Energy Trust Scotland, Historic Scotland and Conservation Architects;
• there was a need to highlight that people in tied or rented accommodation were often wary of home improvements in case they led to rent rises;
• awareness of microgeneration schemes should be increased so that alternative supplies were more accessible;
• reference was made to the problems experienced with the Ayrshire system which had been installed in many Council properties in recent years but which had subsequently been found not to be fit for purpose and this had to be taken into consideration when choosing future heating systems;
• there was need for the Leader of the Council to discuss the subsidising of Wind Farms with the Energy Minister;
• consideration should be given to the setting up of a Hardship Fund which could be utilised in emergency situations, such as power-cuts, and to address the barriers that prevented families accessing cheaper fuel;
• statistics in regard to the number of private homes affected by fuel poverty would be useful;
• some fuel providers currently offered discounted rates for people in financial hardship and discussion should be undertaken on the possibility of extending the criteria in this regard;
• community fuel schemes should be considered for remote and rural areas where fuel could cost significantly higher than across the rest of the Highlands;
• it had to be recognised that many dwellings in Inverness and elsewhere had passed the quality standard inspection for heating renewal but nonetheless remained on the borderline; and
• a review of what had been undertaken over recent years would be helpful in order to highlight lessons learned in terms of what had been successful and what needed to be improved or amended in future.

Decision

The Council AGREED to confirm support for the Affordable Warmth Campaign and the issues detailed in Section 2 of the report.

It was also NOTED that support for this campaign did not set a precedent for future lobbying activity.

15. Major Infrastructure Investment - Inverness
Moladh Deagh-chuid Baile

There had been circulated Joint Report No. HC/3/15 dated 23 February 2015 by the Director of Development & Infrastructure which outlined information work which had been progressed with the Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Cities Alliance to investigate new methods of funding which would enable major infrastructure investment to take place in Inverness.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• this was a ‘game changing’ project which could provide opportunities for capital investment on a much wider scale than just the City boundaries;
• being part of the Scottish Cities Alliance had enabled the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister in July and November 2014 to ensure that the area was considered and, with the backing of the UK and Scottish Governments, Scottish Cities Alliance and Scottish Futures Trust, it was hoped that the necessary papers would be exchanged in the coming few weeks;
• this complex yet flexible project was an example of the benefits which could be derived from having vision and aspiration for the future and as such would provide £182m for infrastructure projects to help the economy;
• there were numerous examples from around the world of Cities driving the success of an entire region;
• it was important for all political parties to work together to ensure success; and
• it was reassuring to be able to confirm that this had the potential to free up future capital funding for other schemes in remoter parts of the Highlands.

Decision

The Council:

(i) NOTED the work underway to identify and progress new innovative funding models for major infrastructure investment in Inverness;
(ii) APPROVED a budget of up to £100k from the Strategic Change and Development Fund to progress this work; and
(iii) AGREED to grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance, in consultation with the Convener, Leader of the Council, Depute Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition to enter into any agreement to progress a City Deal, or similar infrastructure agreement, should the opportunity arise prior to the next full Council meeting.

16. Inverness West Link – Scheme Update
Ceangal an Iar Inbhir Nis – Cunntas as Ùr mun Sgeama

Declaration of Interest - Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a Director of High Life Highland and a financial interest on the grounds of a family member being an employee but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interests did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Joint Report No. HC/4/15 dated 3 March 2015 by the Directors of Finance and Development and Infrastructure which summarised the progress made on the Inverness West Link since the report to the full Council on 5 September 2013.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the presentation at the meeting, and in particular the ‘fly-through’ animation, had been very useful and informative;
• the benefits from the West Link had been discussed previously by the full Council and the City of Inverness Area Committee and it had been unanimously agreed that the Council should work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure enhancements of the recreational and sporting facilities around the Bught and Torvean areas;
• this was a remarkably important project which would benefit the whole of the Highlands;
• it should be highlighted that many people had expressed the hope that the project would commence as soon as possible;
• the sporting facilities which were to be built as part of the project offered huge potential for the area;
• the overall cost for the West Link project was £55m which included the additional enhancements;
• the costs of relocating Torvean Golf Course and Highland Rugby Club, which was necessary because they were being displaced by the West Link, were more than had originally been proposed due to the additional enhancements which had been included; and
• there was a separate process for dealing with the Great Glen Way and in this regard the Scottish Government had recently confirmed that this would not be dealt with until after completion of Compulsory Purchase Orders and Footpath Orders.

Decision

The Council:

(i) NOTED progress made on the West Link Project as detailed;
(ii) AGREED to the costs set out in the report; and
(iii) AGREED to the continued progress of the West Link Road Scheme as detailed.

17. Sports Facilities – Inverness West
Goireas Spòrs – Inbhir Nis an Iar

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 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 relation to this item on the grounds of a family member being an employee of High Life Highland 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.

There had been circulated Joint Report No. HC/5/15 dated 3 March 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which reminded Members that the decision to develop enhanced recreational and sporting facilities in the areas around the Bught and Torvean area of Inverness had been made by the full Council on 1 March 2012.

Since that time a number of projects had been deployed in tandem with the development of the West Link and the report therefore set out the context, current position and programmed delivery of enhanced facilities at Torvean Golf Course, Canal Parks and the Torvean Sports Hub/Regional Sports Facility.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the enhanced facilities would make the area a more attractive location for sporting activities, with the proposed Velodrome representing something completely different which could be used by people within and outwith the Highlands for a number of different sports;
• there were many benefits which could be derived from participation in sport across a range of age groups and these would be enhanced through the delivery of additional facilities in the area;
• whilst the funding for Torvean Golf Course might appear to be disproportionate, it was important to recognise both the economic impact for the area and also that the Council would obtain land near the Canal which could now be developed for other purposes;
• there was a need to convey thanks to the Officials who had been involved with this project and who had dealt with the issues raised and the comments received over a period of time;
• these proposals represented a major step forward in the provision of sporting facilities for the Highlands which would benefit not just current athletes and coaches from the area but also future generations;
• these proposals for the west side of the City had the potential to create a significant number of new jobs and this would complement the current developments on the east side, which included health sciences and research encompassing Raigmore Hospital, Lifescan, the UHI Campus, training facilities for Nurses and the Life Science Centre;
• the provision of enhanced sporting facilities would enable teams from other areas to train in this area and would provide more opportunities for children who wished to become involved in a wide range of different sports;
• extension of the Inverness Leisure Centre's AAA rating to the whole area would be widely welcomed;
• in addition to Highland Rugby Club, it should be noted that Craig Dunain Rugby Football Club were in discussion with Officers in regard to the new Sports Hub;
• there were concerns that having a Regional Sports Hub (instead of localised Sports Hubs) might cut back on the number of local pitches available to local teams and this should be addressed;
• consideration should also be given to other suggestions which had come forward in regard to relocation of the Cricket Club, upgrading of the Aquadome and refurbishment of Inverness Ice Rink;
• a Regional Sports Hub would attract people from a much wider area and it was vital that a traffic assessment was undertaken in this regard;
• there was a need for clarification on whether the Regional Sports Hub would have the potential to support an event such as the Commonwealth Games in future;
• in terms of the future development of sports facilities in the area, reference was made to a recent Audit Scotland report on the legacy from the Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games which had shown that, whilst there had been a subsequent 11% increase in the uptake of sport, the biggest concern was the ability for everybody to be able to access sporting facilities and especially underprivileged families and low earners;
• it would be helpful if further information in relation to the work undertaken with sportscotland could be provided; and
• this was a major project for the whole of the Highlands and as such it was suggested that a further report should come back to the full Council (as opposed to the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee as had been proposed in the report).

Decision

The Council:-

(i) NOTED progress with the development of sports facilities in the West of Inverness;
(ii) APPROVED the ongoing development of Torvean Golf Course on the basis of the layout and cost set out in Section 2 and Appendix A of the report;
(iii) APPROVED the development of the Canal Parks Enhancement Project on the basis of the layout and cost set out in Section 3 and Appendix B of the report; and
(iv) AGREED to the continued development of the Regional Sports Facility on the basis of the context and costs set out in Section 4 of the report on the basis that a further report would be submitted to the full Council in due course.

18. Capital Programme Review: 10 year Capital Plan 2014/15 to 2023/24
Ath-sgrùdadh a’ Phrògraim Chalpa: Plana Calpa 10 bliadhna 2014/15 gu 2023/24

Declarations of Interest-

Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a Director of High Life Highland and a financial interest on the grounds of a family member being an employee of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interests did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

Mrs F Robertson declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being the Vice Chair of Tain Royal Academy Parent Council but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

Mr G MacKenzie and Mrs M Paterson declarednon-financial interests in this item on the grounds of being Directors of the Highland Football Academy 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.

There had been circulated Report No. HC/6/15 dated 3 March 2015 by the Director of Finance which set out the funding proposals and an outline long term General Fund Capital Plan for 10 years from 2014/15 to 2023/24. In this regard, Annex 2 of the report, as it referred to individual Services, had been circulated separately as Booklet A.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the effect of severe weather on the condition of roads across the Highlands was a major concern and in this regard it was suggested that the Council should seek additional ring-fenced funding from the Scottish Government as a matter of urgency, not least in view of the fast approaching tourist season;
• it would be helpful if in future the Capital and Revenue reports could both be presented at the same time and in the same format for clarity;
• there was a need for clarification on whether community contributions of £304,000 could be realised for Aviemore Primary School;
• in terms of the inclusion of other projects within the Capital Plan, it was hopeful that a successful “City Deal” would make a considerable difference to the funding package available;
• there was a need to convey thanks to the Director of Finance and his team for the work undertaken in this regard, not least because the report had alleviated previous concerns expressed about reductions to budget lines and priorities for core services;
• this was a very in-depth financial document which affected the whole of the Highlands over a long period of time and as such it would be helpful if the Budget Leader could give consideration to involving the Independent Group in future discussions;
• it was noted that further detail on the future provision for flood prevention works and the allocation of funding for waste strategy would be provided by the relevant Service;
• clarification was required on the funding for the project in relation to the Kinnairdie Link Road in Dingwall; and
• the Council was committed to working with the Scottish Government wherever possible in terms of progressing the delivery of funding for specific projects, such as Stromeferry.

Thereafter, Mrs I Campbell, seconded by Mrs M Davidson, MOVED that, in addition to the recommendations outlined in the report, the Council should ask the Scottish Government for ring-fenced funding to improve the Highland road network.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr D Hendry, seconded by Dr D Alston, moved the recommendations as outlined in the report.

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 24 votes and the AMENDMENT received 36 votes, with no abstentions, and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:

Barclay, J; Baxter, A; Campbell, I; Campbell, J; Carmichael, H; Davidson, M; Fernie, B; Fraser, H; Fraser, L; Green, M; Greene, R; Kerr, D; Mackay, D (W2); MacKay, W; Mackinnon, A; MacLennan; T; McCallum, I; Millar, D; Morrison, H; Paterson, M; Rattray, M; Ross, G (W14); Sinclair, A; Thompson, B.

For the Amendment:

Alston, D; Caddick, C; Christie, A; Clark, B; Cockburn, I; Duffy, A; Fallows, D; Farlow, G; 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; McAllister, E; Munro, L; Murphy, B; Parr, F; Phillips, G; Prag, T; Renwick, I; Rimell, G; Rosie, J; Ross, G (W3); Saxon, R; Smith, M; Stephen, K; Stone, J; Wood, H.

Decision

The Council:

(i) AGREED the funding envelope outlined at Annex 3 for a 10 year Capital Plan from 2014/15 to 2022/23 and that the revenue budget would contain an annual uplift of £2.5m for the loan charge budget for the 10 year period;
(ii) AGREED to incorporate within the Capital Plan the costs agreed at Item 16 in respect of the West Link project;
(iii) AGREED to incorporate within the Capital Plan the costs agreed at Item 17 in respect of Torvean Golf Course and the Canal Parks;
(iv) AGREED to restore the reductions outlined at Annex 7 within the Capital Plan and remove the contingency amount of £40m should the Council decide to progress a Regional Sports Facility and a Cultural Hub;
(v) NOTED the discussions surrounding a potential “City Deal” and the need to re-assess planning assumptions should an award be made to Inverness;
(vi) NOTED the funding required for a Regional Sports Facility and a Cultural Hub, subject to the decision at Item 17 but DEFERRED any formal decision on the allocation of funding until the result of the “City Deal” was known;
(vii) NOTED the outline detailed Capital Plan attached at Annex 2 but subject to the changes required to reflect recommendations (iv) and (vi) above. This outline detailed plan demonstrated that the priorities of the Council could be funded. The plan would be the subject of further review by Members and would be presented for approval to a future meeting of the Council. Any additions to the outline plan would require outline business cases if not previously considered and must be affordable within the overall funding envelope; and
(viii) NOTED the list of unfunded desirable projects which had been set out at Annex 5 and which were not being progressed within the plan at this time.

19. Response to the Scottish Government Consultation on Implementing the EU Public Procurement Directive 2014 and the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014
Freagairt do Cho-chomhairleachadh Riaghaltas na h-Alba mu Chur an Gnìomh Òrdugh Solarachaidh Phoblach an Aonaidh Eòrpaich 2014 agus Achd Athleasachaidh Solarachaidh (Alba) 2014

There had been circulated Report No. HC/7/15 dated 2 March 2015 by the Director of Finance which presented a suggested response from the Council to the above consultation which was required by 31 March 2015.

During discussion, and with specific reference to the response to Question 7 (which concerned reserving contracts for mutual and other non-public sector bodies in Scotland), it was suggested that support should be given to social enterprises and on that basis the right to reserve contracts to this type of organisation might be useful as long as the contracting authority could justify it.

In relation to the response to Question 15 (which concerned public bodies being able to make direct payments to sub-contractors), it was suggested that direct payments should be made on this basis if the main contractor failed to carry out this responsibility.

Finally, in response to Question 55 (which concerned continuation of the arrangement for public bodies in Scotland to sue central purchasing bodies), it was suggested that this should be continued.

Decision

The Council APPROVED the draft response to the consultation as contained within the report – subject to the answer to Question 55 being amended to read‘Agreed’ (as opposed to ‘Yes’ as had been detailed in the report).

20. Treasury Management
Rianachd Ionmhais

a) Strategy Statement and Investment Statement 2015/16
Aithris Ro-innleachd agus Aithris Tasgaidh 2015/16

It was noted that the Council had adopted the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountability (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities and a requirement of the Code was for an annual Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement to be approved by the Council for the forthcoming financial year.

In compliance with the Code, there had therefore been circulated Report No. HC/8/15 dated 2 March 2015 by the Director of Finance which presented the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement for 2015/16, as submitted to the Resources Committee for scrutiny on 25 February 2015.

During discussion, and in respect of diligence and prudence, Members commended the terms of the report as circulated.

It was also noted that responsibility for treasury management decisions remained with the organisation at all times (with steps being taken to ensure that undue reliance was not placed upon external service providers) and that consideration would be given to more in-house training being provided wherever possible.

Decision

The Council AGREED the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement for 2015/16 as detailed.

b) Mid-year Review Report 2014/15
Aithisg Ath-sgrùdadh Meadhan-bliadhna 2014/15

There had been circulated Report No. HC/9/15 dated 2 March 2015 by the Director of Finance which contained details of the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review Report for 2014/15 in compliance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities and as submitted to the Resources Committee for scrutiny on 25 February 2015.

Decision

The Council APPROVED the Mid-Year Review Report for 2014/15 as detailed.

21. Local Statutory Performance Indicators 2013/14
Comharran Coileanaidh Reachdail 2013/14

Declaration of Interest

Mr B Murphy declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds of being the provider of homeless accommodation and left the room.

Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a Director of High Life Highland and a financial interest on the grounds of a family member being an employee of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interests did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. HC/10/15 dated 26 January 2015 by the Chief Executive which provided details of Local Statutory Performance Indicators for 2013/14 and highlighted some changes nationally to the approach to reporting and publishing locally and nationally determined Indicators in future.

During discussion, Members welcomed the level of detail within the report but stressed that there was a need for systematic and regular improvement on performance in order to provide the best possible services for the Highlands.

In this regard, it was helpful that reports would be submitted to Strategic Committees in the next cycle of meetings which allow detailed analysis of Performance Indicators and further consideration of improvement actions/possible efficiencies.

Decision

The Council NOTED the out-turn of Statutory Performance Indicators for 2013/14 and where relevant their national benchmark position and AGREED that reports should be submitted to Strategic Committees in the next cycle to provide detailed analysis of Statutory Performance Indicators and improvement actions.

The Council also NOTED that refreshed performance web pages would improve stakeholder access to performance information and strengthen public performance reporting in meeting statutory duties.

22. Local Government Pension Scheme (Governance) (Scotland) Regulations 2015
Riaghailtean Riaghlaidh Ùr Peinnsein 2015

There had been circulated Report No. HC/11/15 dated 3 March 2015 by the Director of Finance which provided detail on new legislation around the governance of the Local Government Pension Scheme which would take effect on 1 April 2015 and recommended a change in the Committee structure to meet the new obligations.

In this regard, Members were asked to note that the Local Government Pension Scheme required changes to the governance arrangements for the Highland Council Pension Fund.

Decision

The Council NOTED that the Local Government Pension Scheme (Governance) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 required changes to the governance arrangements for the Highland Council Pension Fund.

The Council AGREED to revise the Committee structure as follows:

(i) membership of the Pensions Committee – 11 Highland Council Elected Members;
(ii) membership of the Pension Board – 2 Highland Council Elected Members, 1 representative from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, 1 representative for the other Employers and 4 Trade Union representatives;
(iii) membership of the Investment Sub Committee –7 Highland Council Elected Members, 1 non-voting representative from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and 1 non-voting representative from the Trade Unions;
(iv) the remit for the Pensions Committee and Investment Sub Committee to remain as previously agreed and detailed at Appendix 1 within the report; and
(v) the remit for the Pension Board to follow the regulations as described in Section 5 of the report with a constitution for the Board being discussed at the first meeting.

The Council also APPROVED the Head of Corporate Governance as the Scheme Manager’s nominated Joint Secretary.

23. Shared Parental Leave
Fòrladh Co-roinnte Phàrant

There had been circulated Report No. HC/12/15 dated 2 March 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which outlined detail on the introduction of Shared Parental Leave and made recommendations regarding the provision of Shared Parental Leave Pay.

Decision

The Council AGREED:-

(i) the provision of Shared Parental Leave as set out in the report; and
(ii) the payment of occupational Shared Parental Pay as detailed in Section 3 of the report.

24. Review of Area Committees
Comataidhean Sgìre

There had been circulated Report No. HC/13/15 dated 2 March 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which described the drivers for change affecting a review of Area Committees and proposed that Members locally should identify options to improve local decision-making and accountability for public services that would also enable greater participation of Highland residents in decisions affecting them.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• there was a need to recognise the considerable opportunities available in terms of future consultation and discussion with Highland communities and as part of this it had to be recognised that there could be different solutions for different areas;
• the review of the Area Committee structure had to be comprehensive and as such should include issues such as the size of Committees, whether they could be maintained/improved, arrangements with Ward Forums/Ward Business Meetings, duplication of reporting arrangements, potential for delegation of local budgets, etc;
• a full Survey of all Members should be undertaken to assess views on what currently worked well or could be improved;
• an initial ‘brainstorming session’ could allow for flexibility in terms of suggestions and new ideas/ways of working although it would have to be appreciated that any new arrangements could require additional resources/finance;
• there was a need for the Council to lead by example in terms of taking proposals forward and as such it would be important to examine whether there was currently duplication in terms of services being provided across a range of organisations in the area;
• a survey of Highland people/communities to ascertain their needs and expectations would be an important first step;
• in terms of local democracy, there was a need to consider how local people could be involved in local budgeting for the services they required;
• it would be helpful if the review could be undertaken and completed in as short a time as possible in order to enable recommendations to be made to the next Council in the new term;
• consultation should be undertaken with Community Councils in order to receive their views on the current arrangements and ideas for the future;
• there was a need to also consult with the Officers within the Council who had been involved with the Area Committees;
• the specific and detailed costs associated with the introduction and running of the Area Committees had to be clarified for Members;
• consideration should be given as to whether it would be feasible to retain Area Leaders (but not Area Committees) who could work more closely in future with District Partnerships;
• it was important to consider the right geographies to be used for community planning;
• a review of the current Area Committees should be undertaken in the first instance and thereafter consideration could be given as to how any new arrangements could be used to promote and support the proposals from the Commission on Strengthening Local Democracy; and
• local solutions (which might be different in different areas) should be explored which would put decision making and budgets in local control.

Decision

The Council AGREED that a review of Area Committees be undertaken which would:

(i) be mindful of not only Ward Forums and Business Meetings but also other local Community Planning Forums and District Partnerships in terms of business covered and the resources involved;
(ii) take forward the Council’s response to the recommendations from the Strengthening Local Democracy Commission as outlined in Paragraphs 2.10 and 2.11 of the report;
(iii) support the new duties arising from the Community Empowerment legislation;
(iv) allow Members initially in their Ward Business Meetings to discuss ideas for local democratic experiments with Ward Managers. With Officer support, these could be developed into proposals for wider discussion with partners and communities with agreed approaches to be trialled. Members could agree locally the pace of change they sought, bearing in mind the long term nature of the programme and the capacity to support it; and
(v) ideally involve several local experiments between now and end March 2017.

It was also AGREED that a Survey of all Members (and also Ward Managers and relevant members of staff) should be undertaken to assess views on current local arrangements to find out what worked well and where improvement might be needed and to consult with Members locally about the type of democracy they wanted, how that could support people working together to make change happen in communities by having more power and influence over what mattered to them and how that could reduce inequalities.

The Council NOTED:-

(i) the verbal up-date of discussions with David O’Neil, Chair of the Commission on Strengthening Local Democracy, and with the Community Planning Board which was provided at the meeting;
(ii) that a desk top review of the nature of business considered at Area Committees over the last year was underway and that information would be made available to Members by the end of the month;
(iii) that to support this process initially Officers could arrange a Workshop for Area Committee Chairs and District Partnership Chairs and a Briefing on Participatory Budgeting as a new way to involve communities initially in the allocation of discretionary grants; and
(iv) that Officers would support Members to ensure the ideas to be trialled did not breach governance and accountability requirements.

It was further AGREED that local solutions (which might be different in different areas) should be explored which would put decision making and budgets in local control.

25. High Life Highland
High Life na Gàidhealtachd

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 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 relation to this item on the grounds of a family member being an employee of High Life Highland 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.

(a) Appointment of Member

Following the decision of the Council on 18 December 2014, there had been circulated Minutes of Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 6 February 2015, together with copies of the two applications which had been received.

There had also been circulated copies of the Role Profile and Skills Set for information.

At this point in the meeting, Mr A MacKinnon confirmed that for personal reasons he now wished to withdraw his application.

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr D Millar to High Life Highland as detailed.

In this regard, it was confirmed that the required Equalities & Diversity Training (as agreed earlier in the meeting) would be arranged for Mr Millar at an early date to enable him to take up this position.

(b) Appointment of Independent Directors

It was advised that the High Life Highland Nominations Committee had agreed to recommend that Mr Richard Armitage and Ms Jenny Welch should be appointed as Independent Directors of High Life Highland.

The Council AGREED the recommendation from the High Life Highland Nominations Committee as detailed.

26. Scheme of Delegation – Proposed Amendments
Sgeama Tiomnaidh – Atharrachaidhean a Thathar a’ Moladh

The Council AGREED the following changes to the Scheme of Delegation –

Part II (Terms of Reference of Headquarters Committees) – Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee – Para 2.6.5 – Amend current version (To implement Flood Alleviation Schemes) to read as follows – ‘To promote Flood Protection Schemes’.

Part IV– Powers Delegated to Officers – Community Services – include the following– ‘Miscellaneous/Non-Statutory Powers – Piers – In order to release the Council from their interests in land and property, to approve, negotiate and undertake by disposal, sale, lease surrender, assignation or excambion of General Fund property, interests up to a value not exceeding £250,000, subject to demonstrating the asset is surplus to the operational requirements of Highland Council services and further subject to the sale price not being below market value and after consultation with Local Members (for piers and associated land and infrastructure only) – Responsible Officer (Head of Roads and Transport)’.

27. Timetable of Meetings

Clàr-ama Choinneamhan

The Council AGREED changes to the dates of the following meetings –

Highland Council – from 30 April to 14 May
Planning, Development & Infrastructure Committee – from 13 May to 3 June
Community Services Committee – from 14 May to 4 June
City of Inverness Area Committee – from 4 to 2 June
Audit & Scrutiny Committee - from 24 to 30 September and from 19 to 24 November
North Planning Applications Committee – from 10 November to 27 October
South Planning Applications Committee – from 22 to 29 September, from 17 to 10 November and from 22 to 14 December

It was also AGREED that the following meetings should be cancelled -

North Planning Applications Committee – 13 October
South Planning Applications Committee – 20 October

28. Deeds Executed
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh

It was NOTED that a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 18 December 2014 was available in the Members’Library and on the Council’s Website.

The meeting ended at 6.20pm.