Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 25 November 2015 at10.30 am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting. Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest. Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Digital Inclusion in the Highlands – Presentation
In-ghabhail Didseatach sa Ghàidhealtachd – Taisbeanadh

A short presentation will be given by the Head of Digital Transformation on Digital Inclusion in the Highlands.

FINANCIAL MONITORING
SGRÙDADH IONMHASAIL

4. Revenue and Savings Monitoring Report to 30 September 2015
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Teachd-a-steach agus Sàbhalaidhean gu 30 Sultain 2015

(a) Corporate Revenue Monitoring to 30 September 2015
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Teachd-a-steach Corporra gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/89/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which presents the financial position of the revenue budgets of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the period from 1 April to 30 September 2015 and the estimated position for the 2015/16 financial year.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider the financial position of the General Fund and HRA revenue budgets as at 30 September 2015 and to note the estimated year end net underspend of £1.290m and additional anticipated income from Council Tax of £0.932m making a total surplus of £2.222m; and
ii. note that pressures in respect of the Pay Award and the Living Wage totalling£1.717m which settled after the closure of the monitoring period will be included in future monitoring reports and will impact on the underspends above. Assuming no other changes this will reduce the overall surplus to£0.505m.

(b) Service Savings for 2015/16 – Quarter 2 Progress Report
Sàbhalaidhean Seirbheis airson 2015/16– Aithisg Adhartais Ràith 2

There is circulated Report No RES/90/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of progress made by Services on the agreed savings proposals for 2015/16.

The Committee is invited to note the progress made by Services towards their savings targets for 2015/16.

(c) Transformational Savings Programme
Prògram Shàbhalaidhean Cruth-atharrach

There is circulated Report No RES/91/15 dated 16 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which explains that the Transformation Savings Programme (TSP) is progressing with a target to achieve£18m in efficiency savings for the period 2015/16 - 2018/19, as agreed by Council in December 2014.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note progress with the delivery of the Transformational Savings Programme;
ii. note actions being taken to ensure savings are delivered; and
iii. approve the recommended changes to savings as follows:

a) Transport Programme: 2015/16 savings balance of £117,000 carried forward with remaining years savings re-profiled;
b) Waste Disposal Anaerobic Digestion: saving not deliverable and alternative to be identified;
c) Supporting Community Organisations: move 2015/16 (£50,000) and 2016/17 (£200,000) savings into 2017/18 and 2018/19;
d) Mobile Service Delivery: 2015/16 savings balance of£88,000 carried forward to 2016/17; and
e) Shared Services Business Support: alternative saving to be found.

5. Corporate Capital Monitoring to 30 September 2015
Sgrùdadh a’ Chalpa Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/92/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of expenditure on the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programmes for the period from 1 April to 30 September 2015 and the estimated position for the 2015/16 financial year.

The Committee is invited to consider the financial position of the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes as at 30 September 2015.

6. Applications to Capital Discretionary Fund 2015/16
Iarrtasan dhan Bhuidseat Chalpa fo Ùghdarras 2015/16

(a) Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust – New Visitor Centre and Restaurant at the Falls of Shin
Urras Leasachaidh Caolas Chataibh–Pròiseact Coimhearsnachd Eas Sin

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/93/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance and the Head of Policy and Reform. The Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, a registered charity based in Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, is seeking capital discretionary funding of £100,000 for the development of a new Visitor Centre and Restaurant at the Falls of Shin in Sutherland. This report recommends that Members approve the application subject to the full funding package being secured.

The Committee is invited to approve a contribution of £100,000 over 2 years from the Capital Discretionary Fund 2015/16 towards the Falls of Shin Community project, subject to the full funding package being put in place.

(b) Merkinch Welfare Hall, Inverness – ‘Fit for the Future’ Project
Pròiseact ‘Fit for the Future’ aig Talla-leasa Mharc-innis

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/94/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance and Inverness City Area Manager which invites Members to consider providing funding of up to£28,763 from the Capital Discretionary Fund towards a projected deficit of£82,526, to enable the Merkinch Welfare Hall “Fit for the Future”project to proceed.

Merkinch Enterprise, who are a Company Limited by Guarantee, are to undertake a comprehensive scheme of capital works (contract value c.£810,000) to restore Merkinch Welfare Hall and convert it into a mixed use community facility, with a boxing gym and fitness room on the ground floor and office space on the first floor. The works will include the construction of a new fully accessible entrance to the building from Brown Street, and a lift to the first floor.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider awarding the project to reconstruct the Merkinch Welfare Hall, Inverness a maximum sum of £0.029m from the Capital Discretionary Fund for the year 2015/16, to be advanced only in the event that existing funders are not agreeable to increasing their respective contributions to meet the stated increase in project costs; and
ii. agree that Council funding be conditional on other funding being in place.

7. Finance Service Revenue Monitoring to 30 September 2015
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Ionmhais gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/95/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which comments on the Revenue Monitoring position for the Finance Service for the period to 30 September 2015.

The Committee is invited to agree the monitoring report to the end of September 2015

8. Corporate Development Service Revenue Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2015
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/96/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which comments on the revenue monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015.

9. Corporate Development Service Capital Budget Monitoring Report to 30 September 2015
Sgrùdadh Calpa Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/97/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which sets out the monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service’s 2015/16 capital budget for the period to 30 September 2015.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider the monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service’s capital budget for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015; and
ii. approve the re-profiling of the ICT Reprovision budget to match with the revised project timetable.

10. Chief Executive’s Office and Members Revenue Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2015
Sgrùdadh Caiteachas Teachd-a-steach Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir agus nam Ball gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/98/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Chief Executive which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Office and Members’budget for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015.

11. Chief Executive’s Office Capital Budget Monitoring to 30 September 2015
Sgrùdadh Buidseit Calpa Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/99/15 dated 15 November 2015 by the Chief Executive which sets out the monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Office 2015/16 capital budget for the period to 30 September 2015.

The Committee is invited to consider the capital monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Office Capital Budget for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015.

EMPLOYEE SURVEY
SUIRBHIDH LUCHD-OBRACH

12. Employee Survey 2015
Suirbhidh Luchd-obrach 2015

(a) Corporate Response
Freagairt Chorporra

There is circulated Report No RES/100/15 dated 26 October 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development providing the corporate commitments which address the key messages and areas for improvement from the 2015 Employee Survey. The impact of these commitments will be measured in the next Employee Survey.

The Committee is invited to agree the corporate commitments in response to the 2015 Employee Survey.

(b) Finance Service Results
Toraidhean Seirbheis an Ionmhais

There is circulated Report No RES/101/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which provides Members with the key findings for the Finance Service in response to the views expressed in the seventh Highland Council Employee Survey.

The Committee is asked to:-

i. note the results of the seventh Employee Survey for the Finance Service;
ii. note that the results will be presented to staff and that an Improvement Action Plan will be compiled; and
iii. progress against this Improvement Action plan will be monitored by the FMT, reported to the Chief Executive’s Quarterly Performance meetings, and reported to Resources Committee towards the end of 2016.

(c) Corporate Development Action Plan
Toraidhean Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra

There is circulated Report No RES/102/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides a brief summary of the responses from Corporate Development staff to the Highland Council’s 7th Employee Survey and provides the action plan agreed with staff as a result of their views.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the results of the Corporate Development staff response to the 2015 Employee Survey;
ii. the Action Plan agreed with staff to address specific areas for improvement; and
iii. that the plan will be tracked by the Service Management Team and progress will be reported to Resources Committee towards the end of 2016.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN
PLANA LEANTAINNEACHD GHNOTHACHAIS

13. General Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
Plana Leantainneachd Ghnothachais na Comhairle

There is circulated Report No RES/103/15 dated 10 November 2015 by the Director of Community Services which introduces the attached Council’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP). This plan identifies key business activities delivered by Council Services. It has been prepared according to a methodology agreed by the Executive Leadership Team which identifies key activities which must be maintained against a range of timeframes. Services’ BCPs form an integral part of the Council’s overall General BCP. These plans have been approved by Services’respective committees. Any identified training for staff in the activation of the BCP will follow, as will testing and periodic review.

The Committee is invited to approve the Council’s General Business Continuity Plan.

FINANCE SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN IONMHAIS

14. Treasury Management
Rianachd Ionmhais

(a) Summary of Transactions
Geàrr-chunntas Ghnothaichean

There is circulated Report No RES/104/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which provides details on the Treasury Management transactions undertaken within the period which is submitted to the Committee in compliance with CIPFA's Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the Council's approved Financial Regulations.

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

(b) Mid-year Review Report 2015/16
Aithisg Ath-sgrùdadh Meadhan-bliadhna 2015/16

There is circulated Report No RES/105/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which provides the Treasury Management Mid-year Review Report 2015/16 for Members’ scrutiny. In compliance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities, the report will also be submitted to the Council in December 2015 for approval.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. scrutinise this Treasury Management Mid-year Review Report 2015/16; and
ii. note that, in compliance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities, this report will also be submitted to Council for approval in December 2015.

15. Welfare Reform Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Ath-leasachadh Shochairean

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/106/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance and the Director of Community Services which provides comprehensive information on the current status of Universal Credit and other Welfare initiatives. It also makes available financial monitoring information, covering the Council’s considerable involvement in this area of work.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the proposed changes to Child and Working Tax Credits scheduled to be implemented from April 2016;
ii. continue to monitor the impact that Universal Credit is having on Council rent arrears and the mitigating actions Community Services is implementing to temporary accommodation provision;
iii. note the policy changes the UK Government are introducing to the current benefit sanction system and the impact of sanctions on JSA claimants in the Highlands during 2014/15;
iv. note the changes to debt relief and the reduced costs arising from The Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act plus the inclusion of mandatory money advice for those seeking relief;
v. support the positive outcomes arising from the Scottish Legal Aid Board funded projects and the ongoing project funded by the Big Lottery; and
vi. note the management information and budgetary position provided in the appendices to the report.

16. European Social Fund Priority 2 – Promoting Social Inclusion, Combating Poverty and any Discrimination
Maoin Sòisealta na h-Eòrpa: Eadar-theachd a thaobh Bochdainn agus In-ghabhail Sòisealta

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/107/15 dated 16 November 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform and the Head of Revenues and Business Support which asks Members to note the approval of the Strategic Intervention for Poverty and Social Inclusion. The report outlines the operations approved as part of the Intervention and the next steps required in the process including the identification of match funding.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the update on the Strategic Intervention application and the approval from the Scottish Government for the proposed approach in Highland;
ii. note the financial requirements in relation to this ESF strand and the match funding required; and
iii. agree ring-fencing the remaining Welfare Fund of £649,000 to be used in principle as match funding for the ESF Poverty and Social Inclusion Intervention.

17. Finance Service – Quarterly Performance Report 2015/16
Seirbheis an Ionmhais – Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil 2015/16

There is circulated Report No RES/108/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which provides a summary of key and statutory performance indicators for the Finance Service as at 30 September 2015.

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

18. Audit Scotland Benefits Administration – Performance Audit Annual Update 2014/15
Fios Bliadhnail Sgrùdadh Buaidh nan Sochairean 2014/15 (Sgrùdadh Alba)

There is circulated Report No RES/109/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Director of Finance in response to Audit Scotland’s Benefits Performance Audit Annual Update for 2014/15 which is based on the findings from 10 Councils across Scotland. A copy of the report can be found at Appendix 1.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. Audit Scotland’s Benefit Performance Annual Audit Update 2014/15; and
ii. the ongoing improvements and developments in the delivery of benefits administration.

19. Internal Audit Reports
Aithisgean In-sgrùdaidh

There is circulated (pp) Report No RES/110/15 dated 11 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which informs Members as to the objectives and findings of seven Audit Reports presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 30 September 2015, and updates them on progress against each of the resulting Plans. The reports are:-

1. Online Payments
2. General Ledger
3. Non Domestic Rates – Billing and Collection
4. Council Tax –Billing and Collection
5. Treasury Management
6. Housing Benefit Payments 2014/15
7. Matters Arising from the Statement on Internal Control 2014/15

The Committee is invited to consider the findings of the Audit Reports and note the actions being taken to implement the recommendations.

20. Changes to the Structure of delivering Hub Design, Build, Finance and Maintain (DBFM) Projects
Atharrachaidhean do Structar lìbhrigidh phròiseactan Dealbhaidh, Togail, Ionmhais agus Cumail Suas Co-ionaid

There is circulated Report No RES/111/15 dated 16 November 2015 by the Director of Finance which outlines changes to the hub Design, Build, Finance and Maintain (DBFM) delivery model that are required to reinforce the classification of these projects as private under ESA10 rules. The Committee is recommended to accept them and to consent to the hub Shareholders Agreement and the Territory Partnering Agreement being amended to accommodate these changes. As part of this recommendation delegated authority is requested to be given to the Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Director of Care and Learning to resolve any unforeseen detailed issues that may arise during the implementation of these changes.

The Committee is also advised that these changes to the hub DBFM delivery model will be retrospectively applied to the Council’s Wick Campus DBFM project. These structural changes do not affect the costs, funding arrangements, contract terms and timetable for the Campus project.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the changes that are being made to the hub DBFM delivery model;
ii. agree to their implementation of these changes;
iii. consent to the hub Shareholders Agreement and the territory partnering Agreement being amended to accommodate these changes;
iv. agree that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Director of Care and Learning to resolve any unforeseen detailed issues which may arise during the implementation of these changes;
v. note that these changes to the hub delivery model will be retrospectively applied to the Council’s Wick Campus project but that this does not affect the project costs, funding arrangements, contract terms or timetable for the project; and
vi. note there may be a resource implication on the Council as SFT has yet to decide on the funding arrangements to meet the cost of changing the contract documents for specific projects including the Wick Campus project.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN LEASACHAIDH CHORPORRA

21. Report on Customer Services Excellence Award
Aithisg Sàr-mhathais Sheirbheisean Luchd-ceannaich

There is circulated Report No RES/112/15 dated 4 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which details the continued achievement of the externally assessed Customer Service Excellence Award by the Council’s Customer Services team. Currently, this is the only externally evaluated standard supported and recognised by the UK Cabinet Office.

The Committee is invited to note the outcomes of the assessment and the on-going successful achievement of the Customer Service Excellence standard.

22. ICT Services Performance Report April to September 2015
Aithisg Coileanaidh Sheirbheisean TFC Giblean gu Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No RES/113/15 dated 3 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which updates Members on the key achievements of the ICT Services Team, the delivery of services by the Council’s ICT providers principally Fujitsu Services and Vodafone for the period from April 2015 to September 2015.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the content of the report and the positive outcomes being delivered from the contracts with Fujitsu and Vodafone;
ii. that robust contract management and governance arrangements continue to be applied and pursued by the Council to the Fujitsu and Vodafone contracts; and
iii. the enhanced management information provided relating to ICT projects.

23. Project Management Governance Policy
Rianachd Pròiseict Chorporra

There is circulated Report No RES/114/15 dated 6 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which presents the Council’s new Project Management Governance Policy. It describes the new proposed corporate approach to project management governance and provides assurance to Members that processes and controls are in place to ensure successful project delivery within the Council.

The Committee is invited to agree to the introduction of the Project Management Governance Policy.

24. Unified Communications Project
Conaltraidhean Aonaichte

There is circulated Report No RES/115/15 dated 27 October 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the Unified Communications Project. The project aims to deliver communication technologies to enable effective ways of collaboration without the need to travel. An external review of the Pilot recommended that the technical approach should be changed. The redesign of the project will be concluded by the end of November with an aim of finalising any procurement by summer 2016. Project completion is targeted for early 2018. Since the last report to Committee, the sponsorship of the project has changed from the Head of Digital Transformation to the Corporate Improvement Programme Manager.

The Committee is invited to note the:-

i. update on the Unified Communications Project to date;
ii. current Unified Communication Project budget; and
iii. position with regard to indicative timescales/next steps.

25. Corporate Development – Sickness Absence Statutory Performance Indicator, Quarterly Performance Report
Comharran Coileanaidh Reachdail Ràitheil an Leasachaidh Chorporra

There is circulated Report No RES/116/15 dated 14 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides quarterly details of the Sickness Absence Statutory Performance Indicators for Quarter 2 of 2015/16.

The Committee is invited to note the performance in relation to sickness absence.

26. Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Annual Report
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Slàinte agus Sàbhailteachd

There is circulated Report No RES/117/15 dated 16 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which presents the Council’s occupational health, safety and wellbeing (OHSW) performance, achievements and progress in 2014/15 and presents the plan for 2016.

The Committee is invited to note the content of the report and approve the OHSW plan for 2016.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE
OIFIS AN ÀRD-OIFIGEIR

27. Internal and External Audit Reports
Aithisgean Sgrùdaidh an Taoibh A-Staigh agus an Taoibh A-Muigh

There is circulated Report No RES/118/15 dated 9 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the outcome of the Internal Audit Reports on Corporate Control of Overtime and Verification of Performance Indicators 2013/14 and the External Audit Report on Public Performance Reporting which were reported to Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 30 September 2015.

The Committee is invited to note the findings of the Internal and External Audit reports presented to the Audit& Scrutiny Committee on 30 September 2015, and the actions being taken to implement its findings.

28. Climate Change
Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde

(a) Annual Progress Report on the Carbon Management Plan 2014/15
Aithisg Adhartais Bhliadhnail mu Phlana Rianachd Càrboin 2014/15

There is circulated Report No RES/119/15 dated 28 October 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which reviews the Council’s performance in meeting the targets outlined in the Carbon Management Plan (CMP) for 2014/15.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the Council’s carbon emissions have increased 1% in 2014/15 compared to 2013/14 but have decreased by 4% compared to 2011/12 (and against a target reduction over the period is 9%);
ii. compared to 2011/12, carbon emissions from energy use, staff travel, and fleet have decreased, whilst emissions from waste, water and street lighting have increased;
iii. total costs decreased by 6% from £20.5m (2013/14) to £19.28m (2014/15), saving£1.22m;
iv. achievements and positive changes that have occurred in 2014/15 include:

a. water usage decreased by 4% in 2014/15. Costs have also reduced 21% (£329,711) as a result of better account management processes, primarily through increasing the number of metered bills the Council receives;
b. the Council avoided an even higher CRC payment by pre-paying for the majority of its offset credits in advance;
c. the Council’s investment in biomass has helped to support the region’s emerging biomass economy and supply chain;
d. the Council generated income of £421,320 in Renewable Heat Incentive and £77,837 in Feed-in Tariff payments in 2014/15;
e. the Green ICT partnership with Fujitsu has reduced carbon emissions relating to ICT provision and use by 53% from 5,950 tCO2e in 2010 to 2,814 tCO2e in 2014/15;
f. business travel by staff has decreased 25% in 2014/15 compared to the baseline year, saving £737,048;
g. business travel by staff in their own car has decreased 25% in 2014/15 compared to the baseline year, saving £546,998;
h. business travel by staff using hire cars has decreased by 30%, saving £194,586 compared to the baseline year;
i. significant decreases in fuel consumption by the Council’s fleet, reducing carbon emissions by 27% and costs by £897,020 since 2011/12;
j. 88% of Council housing stock now meets the energy efficiency standard of the Scottish Housing Quality Standards (SHQS). Completion of the programme is expected in January 2016;
k. energy use in PPP properties has decreased by 4% in 2014/15, this is encouraging and needs on-going monitoring; and

i. the Council recently won ‘project of the year’ in the National Green Deal and ECO Awards 2015.
The Committee is also invited to agree that remedial action to improve performance is refocused on areas where emissions and costs are highest and increasing. This means:
i. that a programme of measures to reduce energy use is developed for use this year, targeting the sites which consume the most energy and have the highest increases in consumption, and incorporating a staff engagement campaign to reduce energy use;
ii. a review of the number of bins provided at Council sites to reduce costs; and
iii. maintaining progress which has been achieved to reduce staff travel and fleet carbon emissions.

(b) Carbon CLEVER Capital Allowance
Cuibhreann Calpa Càrboin CHIALLAICH

There is circulated Report No RES/120/15 dated 11 November 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which updates Members on projects funded from the Carbon CLEVER capital budget allowance to date and outlines projects for Members to consider for funding from the remaining budget for 2015/16.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider and approve the following allocations from the Carbon CLEVER capital budget allowance, 2015/16:-

a. £50,000 for lighting projects in Council owned housing blocks;
b. £24,715 to improve the energy efficiency of Council industrial units;
c. £27,775 for the Telly Talk pilot in Service Points;
d. £55,000 for the installation of real time bus stop displays;
e. £100,000 for part of the funding package for developing Inverness Airport (Dalcross) railway station;

ii. agree the funding recommendation from the Carbon CLEVER community grant fund:-

Ref No – 11576
Applicant – Lovat Lodge Hotel Ltd
Recommended Award – £6,000

iii. note, if all the recommendations are approved, £255,010 of the capital budget allowance for Carbon CLEVER for 2015/16 will remain uncommitted. If all pending applications for the Carbon CLEVER Community grant fund are approved by this Committee and by Area Committees, £62,203.62 will be uncommitted for 2015/16 at present.

(c) Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration: Year Eight Report 2014/15
Foillseachadh Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde na h-Alba: Aithisg Bliadhna Ochd 2014/15

There is circulated Report No RES/121/15 dated 28 October 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which presents the Highland Council’s Year 8 and final, annual report to Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. agree that the 2014/15 report is submitted as part of the reporting process for Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration; and
ii. note that this report will be replaced in 2015/16 with new required reporting on climate change to the Scottish Government.

(d) Citizens’Panel Survey 2015 – Climate Change
Suirbhidh Pannal Shaoranach 2015 –Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde

There is circulated Report No RES/122/15 dated 28 October 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which advises that a survey of the Citizens’ Panel on issues relating to climate change was completed in March 2015. It covered a range of topics, including attitudes towards climate change, energy, transport, land use and resources, and the economy. This report presents an overview of initial findings and puts these into context with the Highland Council’s priorities.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the initial findings of the Citizens’ Panel Survey – Climate Change, 2015;
ii. that further analysis will be conducted, with the findings and data published on the Council’s website;
iii. that the findings of the survey will help in identifying priorities with community planning partners and to support relevant Council policies relating to land use, transport, the natural environment, affordable warmth and community action; and
iv. that the results of the survey will be used in a research project being led by Glasgow Caledonian University.

29. Working More Effectively with Communities – Ward Discretionary Budgets
Ag Obair nas Èifeachdaiche le Coimhearsnachdan – Buidseat Fo Ùghdarras Uàird

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/124/15 dated 29 October 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform and the Director of Finance which highlights the changes required to the financial management of ward discretionary budgets in order that we can support community based projects more effectively. It recommends to Members that we manage the Ward Discretionary budgets so that spend against them can bridge financial years while safeguards are put in place to ensure that the budget cannot be over-committed.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. agree that flexibility is introduced for Ward Discretionary Budgets so the grant awarded is spent by the recipient in the same or following financial year; and
ii. note that Ward Discretionary Budgets will not be over-committed in any one financial year.

30. Request for Funding – Cuillin FM Transmitter Repair Project
Iarrtas airson Maoineachadh – Pròiseact Càraidh Crann-sgaoilidh Cuillin FM

There is circulated Report No RES/125/15 dated 10 November 2015 by the Chief Executive which seeks Members’approval to provide a contribution of £10,000 from the Chief Executive’s Corporate Development Budget and £5,000 each from the Ward 6& 11 Discretionary Budgets towards a £44,196 project for Cuillin FM Community Radio Ltd. The funding will be used to carry out major and essential repair works to their main transmitter mast on the Isle of Skye, following a lightning strike at the end of 2014.

The Committee is invited to approve a total contribution of £20,000 (£10,000 from the Chief Executive’s Corporate Development Budget and £5,000 each from the Ward 6 & 11 Discretionary Budgets) towards a total project cost of £44,196, to Cuillin FM Community Radio Ltd.

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
LEASACHADH AGUS BUN-STRUCTAR

31. Asset Management – Internal Audit Report
Rianachd So-mhaoin – Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh

There is circulated Report No RES/126/15 dated 3 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which asks the Committee to note the findings of the Internal Audit Report on Asset Management presented to Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 30 September 2015, to note the actions being taken to implement the findings, and to agree the recommendations in the report.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the findings of the Internal Audit Report on Asset Management presented to Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 30 September 2015 and the actions being taken to implement the report findings;
ii. note (at Appendix 2) the current position with regard to Asset Management – Target Operating Model Actions, Action Owners and Action Status;
iii. agree that the Director of Development and Infrastructure shall be the designated“Corporate Property Officer” of the Council;
iv. agree that the Corporate Property Officer is responsible for ensuring that the actions contained within the Asset Management – Target Operating Model (Appendix 2) and the Internal Audit - Asset Management report (Appendix 1) are progressed by Action Owners to a satisfactory completion; and
v. agree that the Action Owners identified in the Asset Management – Target Operating Model (Appendix 2) and the Internal Audit - Asset Management report (Appendix 1) progress and report completion of their respective actions to the Asset Management Project Board to a timescale agreed with the Corporate Property Officer.

32. National Housing Trust Model
Modail Urras Taigheadais Nàiseanta

There is circulated Report No RES/127/15 dated 5 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which updates Members on progress of The Highland Council’s participation in the Scottish Government’s National Housing Trust Model and seeks approval for the Council to use prudential borrowing of £1.15m for a further 10 units at Kiltarlity through the Highland Housing Alliance.

The Committee is invited to approve the use of prudential borrowing of£1,150,000 to part fund the delivery of 10 new NHT mid-market houses at Kiltarlity.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS
GEÀRR-CHUNNTAS CHOINNEAMHAN

33. Minutes of Meetings
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

The following Minutes of the Meetings are circulated for confirmation:-

i. Appeals Committee held on 21 August and 30 October 2015;
ii. Central Safety Committee held on 30 October 2015;
iii. Employment Release Sub-Committee held on 7 October, 10 November 2015 and 23 November 2015; and
iv. Staff Partnership Forum held on 20 November 2015.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN LEASACHAIDH CHORPORRA

34. Exclusion of The Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

35. ICT Executive Board: Minutes of Meeting
Bòrd-gnìomha TFC: Geàrr-chunntas Coinneimh

There will follow to Members onlyfor approval, Minutes of Meeting of the ICT Executive Board (Members) held on 17 November 2015.

36. ICT Reprovision Programme Progress Report
Ath-sholar TFC

There is circulated to Members onlyReport No RES/128/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides Members with a Progress Report for the ICT Reprovision Programme.

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

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
LEASACHADH AGUS BUN-STRUCTAR

37. Land and Property Report
Aithisg Talmhainn agus Cuid-seilbh

There is circulated to Members onlyReport No RES/129/15 dated 4 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure in respect of a land and property transactions.

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