Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Communities and Partnerships Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Thursday, 10 December 2015, at 10.30 a.m.

Present

Mr H Fraser, Miss J Campbell, Mrs D MacKay, Mrs A MacLean, Mr H Morrison, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Reiss, Mr I Renwick, Mr G Rimell, Ms G Ross, Mr G Ross, Mr R Saxon, Ms J Slater

Non-Members also present:

Mr A Baxter, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs G Coghill, Mr B Fernie, Mr L Fraser, Mr S Fuller, Mr B Gormley, Mrs L MacDonald,, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr T MacLennan, Mrs I McCallum, Ms L Munro, Mr J Rosie, Dr A Sinclair, Mr J Stone

Officials in attendance:

Ms M Morris, Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development 
Ms C McDiarmid, Head of Policy and Reform, Chief Executive’s Office 
Mrs A Clark, Principal Policy Officer, Chief Executive’s Office 
Ms R Mackinnon, Equal Opportunities Officer, Chief Executive’s Office 
Ms F Palin, Head of Adult Services, Care and Learning 
Ms L MacKellaich, Road Safety Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service 
Ms Z Skinner, Environmental Health Officer, Community Services 
Mr D Sutherland, Ward Manager (Caithness) 
Ms E Tayler, Assistant Ward Manager (Lochaber) 
Mr J Bruce, Elections Manager, Corporate Development Service 
Miss J MacLennan, Democratic Services Manager, Corporate Development Service 
Miss J Green, Administrative Assistant, Corporate Development Service 
Mr S Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Corporate Development Service

Also in attendance:

Chief Superintendent J Innes, Highland and Islands Divisional Commander, Police Scotland
Mr S Hay, Local Senior Officer for the Highland Area, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 
Mr R Finlayson, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 
T/Inspector Mr A Blakey, Police Scotland, Highland and Islands Division 
Mr G MacLeod, Head of Ambulance Services Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service 
Mr I Ross, Board Member, Scottish Police Authority 
Ms E Wilkinson, Board Member, Scottish Police Authority 
Mr J Beresford, Liaison Officer, Scottish Police Authority 
Ms G Gunn, Violence Against Women Development and Training Manger

Also in attendance as observers:

Mr N M MacLeod, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar 
Mr A Drever, Orkney Islands Council

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

Mr H Fraser in the Chair

Preliminaries

The Chair welcomed all present to the first meeting of the Communities and Partnerships Committee and explained that many items on the agenda would be achieved through joint working arrangements with the Police, Fire and Ambulance services, Third Sector groups and engaging with the community. He then took the opportunity to introduce the external representatives in attendance and reminded Members of the Community Safety briefing being held at the conclusion of the meeting.

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Liesgeulan

An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Mr A Duffy.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

• Item 11 – Miss J Campbell and Mrs A Maclean (both non-financial)
• Item 12 – Miss J Campbell and Mrs A Maclean (both non-financial)

Community Safety
Sàbhailteachd Phoblach

3. Public Performance Survey 2015: Responses to questions on Community Safety
Suirbhidh Coileanadh Poblach 2015: Freagairtean do cheistean mu Shàbhailteachd Phoblach

There had been circulated Report No CP/01/15 dated 30 November 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform providing a summary of the responses from the Citizens’ Panel on questions about attitudes to community safety in the 2015 Public Performance and Attitudes Survey.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the report highlighted that a high percentage of respondents had indicated that they felt safe in their communities but it had to be noted that vulnerable and disabled sections of the community often felt less reassured and a request was made for a further report to be prepared outlining solutions to address the concerns raised by this section of the community;
• this report was a useful resource which would help with the framing of future local Ward policing plans;
• the report findings were respondents’ perceptions and this was often not the same as reality, in particular the low statistics reported in regard to domestic abuse were queried as these were not reflective with the national abuse level for Scotland or in line with that reported by Women’s Aid Scotland; and
• there was a need for data to be collected in a meaningful way in order that it could be fully analysed to allow solutions to be identified and resources targeted to address areas of concern.

The Committee NOTED that:

i. the survey showed that 96.8% of respondents rated the area within 15 minutes’ walk of their home as either “very” or“fairly safe”; 
ii. in keeping with previous years, the top two community safety concerns were road safety and alcohol abuse
iii. the newly considered issue in the survey of drug misuse was ranked third with anti-social behaviour now being ranked fourth; 
iv. the majority of respondents (61.3%) were either not concerned about or had not considered being a victim of crime. Where crimes were a concern, those of most worry were vandalism/deliberate damage to home property or car and having their home broken into; and making sure homes and cars were adequately secured remain the top two precautions people reported taking; 
v. notable differences in responses were reported for disabled people, those unable to work, council house tenants and women. This information would be shared with partners to target appropriate responses; and 
vi. this feedback from the public was one source of evidence in agreeing and reviewing community safety priorities with partners.

It was also AGREED that a report be submitted to a future meeting outlining potential solutions to address the community safety concerns raised by vulnerable and disabled sections of the community.

4. Fire and Rescue Service Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 2 2015/16
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil airson Ràith 2 2015/16

There had been circulated Report No CP/02/15 dated 29 November 2015 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue, together with accompanying quarterly performance report (QPR) for Quarter 2, 2015/16, providing detail on Fire and Rescue Service performance across a range of Intervention, Prevention and Protection activities for Quarter 2, 2015/16.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the Fire Home Safety Visits were an invaluable service which needed to be promoted to encourage further take up and that those carrying out the visit were now also trained in falls prevention and alcohol brief intervention;
• the recommended lifespan of smoke detectors (10 years) should be highlighted;
• in view of the increase in installation of wood burning stoves, further work should be undertaken to promote and encourage installation of carbon monoxide detectors;
• there was a need for thanks to be conveyed for attendance at the public engagement event which had been held in Lochinver and which had been very successful in addressing local issues;
• it was noted that work was continuing in regard to developing bespoke crew level models to ensure that the best services were provided to suit local community needs; and
• the recent response to the flooding crisis in Aviemore had been a good example of multi-agency working from all of the partners who had been involved and from the general public.

The Committee scrutinised and NOTED the SFRS service delivery and performance contained within the Report and accompanying QPR for Quarter 2, 2015/16.

5. Performance Against the Highland Local Policing Plan 2014-2017
Coileanadh mu Choinneamh Plana Obair-phoilis Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd 2014-2017

There had been circulated Report No CP/03/15 dated 30 November 2015 by the Divisional Commander for Police providing an update on progress with reference to the objectives outlined in the Highland Local Policing Plan 2014-2017.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• there was a need for a brief outline of the Driving Ambition Campaign;
• thanks were conveyed to the Police Officers who often attended Community Council meetings in their own time;
• a joint meeting involving Members from the Islands Councils should be arranged with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice in order to discuss the current budgetary situation;
• there was concern in relation to the decrease in the detection rate for thefts by housebreaking, although assurances were noted that efforts, in terms of gathering forensic evidence, were being made to increase this detection rate;
• the rights of a suspect being interviewed, as well as the rights of the person whose home had been broken into, were important and it was suggested this should be included in the discussion with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice;
• tribute was paid to the success of the Driving Ambition Campaign during which a plea was made to protect and continue this programme through the difficult financial times;
• praise was given to the success of the Rock Challenge event which had been an example of partnership working;
• the Highland division was a good example of many good practices which had been recognised by other areas across Scotland;
• it was helpful that North, West and Central Sutherland Ward Members were meeting with two local police inspectors in January 2016 to discuss the importance of local knowledge in relation to road traffic accidents and in particular road blocks and diversions;
• appreciation was expressed for the quick response to resolve issues before the need for the issue of antisocial behaviour order in many cases;
• it was pleasing to see that the issue of antisocial behaviour in relation to vehicles, which was a particular problem in the 50 mph zone on the Kessock Bridge, was being taken seriously by increasing the use of warnings;
• the Highland Boxing Academy, supported by the Police and Ward Members, was a positive event which had greatly benefited young people;
• more information was required in relation to the process for conducting stop and searches;
• crimes of dishonesty had reduced in both urban and rural areas and this was often due to the support of local people; and
• the details of the forthcoming recruitment drive by Police Scotland were welcomed.

The Committee scrutinised and NOTED the performance report against Highland Policing Plan Objectives, April 2015 - October 2015 as presented.

6. Scottish Ambulance Service Report
Aithisg Seirbheis Charbadan-eiridinn na h-Alba

There had been circulated Performance Report by the Scottish Ambulance Service for the Highland area for the period from September to November 2015.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• there was concern that an ambulance would not be available locally when it was transporting a patient to Raigmore Hospital and would not necessarily return immediately to the locality if it received another call;
• pressure should be put on the Scottish Government to make targets more outcome based;
• due to the ongoing investigation at Caithness General Hospital, assurance was sought that there was sufficient capacity for NHS Highland vehicles to provide alternative transport for pregnant patients to Raigmore Hospital;
• clinics should be held on days when people could make return journeys on public transport to alleviate the demand on Patient Transport Vehicles;
• the visit to the Scottish Ambulance Service HQ in Inverness had been a very valuable learning experience;
• the issue of the tax free limit of 10,000 miles for volunteer ambulance drivers had put stress on the Ambulance Service in rural areas and should be raised with the Scottish Government;
• there was a need for assurance that the removal of the offer of transport from patient letters from the Royal Northern Infirmary in Inverness would not dissuade users from attending;
• in relation to the review of Out of Hours Health Services, positive comments had been received regarding the increased contribution from the Ambulance Service and it was felt that people were comfortable being seen by someone with clinical skills, not necessarily a GP, and that paramedics were best placed to provide that service, particularly in rural areas;
• all ambulances should have winter tyres to improve the safety of long journeys;
• there was a need for information on the development of a new Rural Support Team in partnership with NHS Highland;
• in relation to the introduction of new Falls pathway referrals in Invergordon, the Otago balance exercise class promoted by High Life Highland should be highlighted; and
• local champions should be introduced for the Public Access Defibrillation Schemes.

The Committee NOTED the terms of the report as circulated and AGREED that information on the development of a new Rural Support Team in partnership with NHS Highland should be included in the report to the next meeting.

7. Scottish Police Authority – Review of Police Governance
Ùghdarras Poilis na h-Alba – Ath-sgrùdadh a thaobh Riaghladh Poileis

There had been circulated Report No CP/04/15 dated 1 December 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which included proposals for feeding into the national review of governance for policing whilst acknowledging the positive working relationships with Local Officers.

In this regard, Mr Ian Ross, Scottish Police Authority, expressed his appreciation for the positive response to the invitation to feed in views to the review of governance and, in recognising the effective scrutiny role of the Committee, highlighted the value of the Council’s contribution to the review. He also drew attention to new protocols which were in place and which would allow for advance consultation before decisions were made and suggested that examples could be provided of what a local impact assessment would look like along with further information in relation to rural proofing in order to enhance the full understanding of the Council’s experience.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• scrutiny of police performance could be improved at a Community Council level by improving the quality of information provided;
• monthly police reports were provided to Ward Forums which included participation from Community Council members and this was welcomed;
• the formation of a Scrutiny Chairs Forum would be beneficial;
• the important role of traffic wardens in the past had not been limited to issuing parking tickets;
• it was very important that a local impact assessment was carried out when changes to policy were considered;
• it should be recognised that the definition of ‘local’ differed across the Highland area;
• the suggestion to share the rural proofing tool should be more strongly emphasised; and
• engagement with the public was enhanced now that the Scottish Police Authority Board meetings could be viewed online.

In welcoming the invitation to feed in views to the review of governance for policing, the Committee AGREED that the response should include:-

i. an acknowledgment of the effective arrangements in place for scrutiny of local policing and the good working relationships with local officers; 
ii. a request for local impact assessments to be carried out to identify the positive and negative impacts of any changes proposed in policy or practice nationally, with flexibility enabled for local adjustments to be made where needed and where possible in advance of any change being implemented; 
iii. the proposal that rural proofing should be adopted; and 
iv. the issues for additional engagement with the Scottish Police Authority as outlined in Paragraph 5.1 of the report.

The Committee also AGREED that further information on the work being undertaken in Inverness and Lochaber in relation to the decriminalisation of parking be provided to Mrs M Paterson.

8. Road Safety Partnership - Annual Update
Cunntas Bliadhnail na Sàbhailteachd Rathaid

There had been circulated Report No CP/05/15 dated 2 December 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on progress in achieving the road casualty reduction targets set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 entitled ‘Go Safe on Scotland’s Roads, it’s Everyone’s Responsibility’.

In this regard, the report highlighted the work of the Highland Road Safety Group (HRSG) in relation to the Scottish Government priority areas and detailed the work undertaken by the Highland Council Road Safety Unit to ensure a lasting reduction in road casualties on Highland roads, with a particular focus being placed on young drivers and motorcyclists.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the possibility of redeploying the fixed safety cameras on the A9 should be added to the agenda for the Road Safety Partnership so that the placement of cameras could be influenced if the opportunity arose in future;
• more than 24 hours advance notice and reminders should be given for Facebook evenings;
• the lack of communication with Area Officers when considering traffic calming positioning and the funding available to maintain and repair safer routes and cycle routes was a concern;
• feedback from some schools had been that Junior Road Safety Officers did not always get a favourable response from speaking to some parents despite those parents raising complaints about speeding;
• it would be useful to involve third sector organisations, including Sustrans and other organisations which could advise on the impact to people with sight issues or dementia, to the Road Safety Seminar;
• there was a need to convey thanks to the Divisional Commander for the Community Safety Speed Watch initiative undertaken in the Black Isle which it was suggested should be rolled out to other communities if possible and included as an agenda item for the Road Safety Seminar; and
• the contribution which traffic wardens had made in the past in terms of attending and monitoring road safety events should be recognised.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the Road Safety Targets as set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 and the results for the first 4 years of these targets; 
ii. NOTED the Scottish Government priority areas and the work of the Highland Road Safety Group; 
iii. NOTED the work of the Highland Council Road Safety Unit, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and North Safety Camera Unit; 
iv. NOTED the reduction in 17 – 25 year old drivers involved in injury accidents from 1998 – 2014 and the general downward trend; 
v. NOTED the downward trend in motorcyclist casualties from 2002 – 2014; and 
vi. AGREED that a Road Safety Seminar should be held in Spring 2016 for Elected Members and Community Council representatives.

9. Partnership Report on Antisocial Behaviour
Aithisg Chom-pàirteachais – Aithisg Bhliadhnail mu Dhol-a-mach Mì-shòisealta

There had been circulated Report No CP/06/15 dated 29 November 2015 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue providing an update in relation to progress in responding to and managing antisocial behaviour in Highland area.

The report also set out planned future direction for supporting a sustained reduction in reported antisocial behaviour in line with the Highland Antisocial Behaviour Strategy, Action Plan and Partnership Protocol.

In this regard, a presentation was undertaken at the meeting by T/Inspector A Blakey, Police Scotland, on the work of the Inverness Response Team which had been established in 2014 as a partnership approach to respond to and manage antisocial behaviour in Inverness, with a particular focus on prevention and intervention. The core and secondary partners involved in the initiative were highlighted, as well as case studies and performance information which demonstrated the Team’s success in dealing with and preventing antisocial behaviour in the City, and in terms of future work it was reported that there were plans in place to relocate the Team to the Town House in Inverness in order to broaden its partnership base, including involvement with the experience and skills available in the Third Sector.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the Inverness Response Team should be commended on the success and effectiveness of its work in tackling and preventing antisocial behaviour in Inverness and for the benefits which this was delivering for individuals, neighbourhoods and communities across the City;
• the reduction in the previous levels of time and resources which had been required in dealing with antisocial behaviour as a result of this work was welcomed;
• consideration should be given to the potential for rolling out the above initiative to other areas in Highland; and
• it was important to recognise the level of scrutiny provided through the Safer Highland structure as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

The Committee NOTED the update provided by partner agencies to support the multi-agency approach in responding to and managing antisocial behaviour in Highland.

10. Highland Area - Hate Incidents and Hate Crimes
Sgìre Ionadail Poilis na Gàidhealtachd –Tachartasan Gràin agus Eucoir Gràin

There had been circulated Report No CP/07/15 dated 30 November 2015 by the Divisional Commander for Police providing an update on the partnership approach to addressing hate crime and hate incidents in Highland.

During discussion, Members were encouraged to sign up to the Stonewall ‘No Bystanders’ Campaign and in this regard details of this campaign had been outlined in the report.

The Committee NOTED the progress being made by the Safer Highland Partnership to address and tackle hate incidents and hate crime in Highland.

Equalities
Co-ionannachdan

11. Violence Against Women Update
Fòirneart An Aghaidh Bhoireannach

Declarations of Interest: Mrs A MacLean and Ms J Campbell declared non-financial interests in this item as Directors of Ross-shire Women’s Aid and Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Women’s Aid respectively 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 CP/08/15 dated 1 December 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning detailing actions achieved over the last year in the Violence Against Women (VAW) work plan and outlining other areas of work being taken forward in the next year.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• reference was made to the terminology used in the report and it was suggested that consideration be given to the word ‘victim’ being replaced by ‘survivor’ where appropriate, perhaps through referral to the Violence Against Women Partnership for their consideration;
• it was disappointing the work around CEDER could not be completed at this stage and it was important this remained a priority going forward and that potential sources of funding should continue to be investigated;
• it was extremely important to continue the work being undertaken in schools through the Curriculum for Excellence and at Safe Highlander events to educate young people on issues relating to violence against women;
• the programme of work being undertaken to ensure that Highland became a “White Ribbon” area was welcomed; and
• an increasing number of women were accessing and actively receiving support through the services provided by Inverness Women’s Aid and it was concerning that this number was projected to continue to increase in future.

The Committee NOTED the actions achieved in the work plan and the areas of work for the next year.

12. Violence Against Women Strategy Group -Minutes
Buidheann Ro-innleachd Fòirneart An Aghaidh Bhoireannach– Geàrr- Chunntas

Declarations of Interest: Mrs A MacLean and Ms J Campbell declared non-financial interests in this item as Directors of Ross-shire Women’s Aid and Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Women’s Aid respectively 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.

The Committee NOTED the Minutes of Meeting of the Violence Against Women Strategy Group which had been held on 28 April 2015.

13. Annual Survey of Performance and Attitudes 2015: Equalities Analysis and Attitudes to Prejudice and Discrimination
Suirbhidh Bliadhnail de Dhèanadas agus Bheachdan 2015: Mion-sgrùdadh air Co-ionannachdan agus Beachdan a thaobh Claon-bhreith agus Lethbhreith

There had been circulated Report No CP/09/15 dated 1 December 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development providing an update on public attitudes to prejudice and discrimination in Highland.

The report also summarised notable differences in views in the Council’s Public Performance Survey by some equality groups. This information resulted from an analysis of responses to questions included in the Council’s Citizen’s Panel Survey 2015.

During discussion, it was considered that raising awareness of the issues within the report would help to encourage people to have more open dialogue, including in relation to sexual health.

Also, and in response to a query regarding the decrease in respondents who had indicated that Council Offices had good facilities for disabled people, it was noted that this would be looked at in further detail to identify any required improvements in this regard.

The Committee NOTED:-

i. that generally there had been a positive trend with regard to attitudes about prejudice and diversity in Highland; 
ii. that notable differences in responses to the Public Performance Survey were reported for some equality groups, in particular disabled people, women and some age groups. This information would be shared with services and partners to target appropriate responses; and 
iii. that this information helped improve understanding of different experiences and views of different groups within the community and identified areas for service improvement. Such evidence would support the Council’s Fairer Highland Plan and the commitment to ensure that people were treated fairly and with respect.

14. Employee Survey: Fairer Highland Elements
Suirbhidh Luchd-obrach: Clàr Gàidhealtachd nas Cothromaiche

There had been re-circulated Report No CPE/17/15 dated 22 September 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform providing a summary of the analysis of a set of questions that measured employees’ views of the Fairer Highland element of the Council’s 7th Employee Survey.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the generally positive results of the Employee Survey which gave regard to equality of opportunity; and 
ii. AGREED that there should be further analysis of the equality data by protected characteristic on the basis that this would be taken to the Equalities Working Group for consideration at Service level.

Community Empowerment and Localism
Ùghdarrachadh Coimhearsnachd agus Ionadaileachd

15. Participatory Budgeting – Experience so far in Highland
Buidseatadh Com-pàirteach – Eòlas gu ruige seo sa Ghàidhealtachd

(a) Presentation on Participatory Budgeting in Caithness
Taisbeanadh mu Bhuidseatadh Com-pàirteach ann an Gallaibh

A presentation was given by Mr David Sutherland, Ward Manager for Thurso, Wick and Landward Caithness, during which he advised that, following the introduction of the Community Empowerment Bill in June 2015, £30,000 had been allocated from the Ward Discretionary budgets for participatory budgeting and applicants had been invited to submit proposals for funding.

An event entitled “Your Cash, Your Caithness” had been held in Wick in November to provide applicants the opportunity to put forward their case to the local community and in this regard a total of 13 projects had been allocated funding. Feedback from the event had been extremely positive and the manner in which local people had been given the opportunity to determine which projects should be allocated funding was commended.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the event in Wick had been very well attended and this was welcomed;
• a number of the projects which had been voted for by the public were perhaps not what Local Members would have initially supported and this was interesting and had given the opportunity to listen to what communities wanted;
• the event had inspired discussion, new friendships and access to valuable advice across local communities in the area;
• other areas across Highland should be encouraged to take forward similar schemes through their own Ward Discretionary budgets;
• community groups were now continuing to share advice and provide assistance to each other and this was very positive for the future; and
• the Scottish Government had pledged to match-fund a future event in Caithness and this was very much appreciated.

The Committee thanked the Ward Manager and the organisers of the very successful “Your Cash, Your Caithness” event in Wick and otherwise NOTED the terms of the presentation.

(b) Lochaber Participatory Budgeting Experiment
Buidseatadh Com-pàirteach ann an Loch Abar

There had been circulated Report No CP/10/15 dated 30 November 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform providing an overview of the Lochaber Participatory Budgeting experiment which had led to over 1,200 local people voting to select projects to be funded for young people.

The outcome and key points of learning from the process were also highlighted to assist further consideration of the use of Participatory Budgeting and the various methods of delivery that could be used.

During discussion, Members highlighted the role of social media and in particular the engagement of young people during the participatory budgeting process and also emphasised that the success of this scheme should be extended into other Wards.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, conveyed his congratulations to the successful recipients of funding and thanked Local Members for their involvement with the project.

The Committee NOTED:-

i. the success of the on-line method used in the Lochaber Wards 12 and 22 participatory budgeting experiment focusing on projects for young people; and 
ii. that the learning from the Lochaber approach could be applied to any other Wards where Members wished to pursue participatory budgeting methods.

16. Amendments to the Scheme of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2015
Atharrachaidhean do Sgeama nan Sgìrean Bhòtaidh agus nan Àiteachan Bhòtaidh 2015

There had been circulated Report No CP/11/15 dated 10 November 2015 by the Chief Executive advising of a partial review of the current Scheme of Polling Districts and Polling Places in light of experiences at the UK Parliamentary Election in May 2015.

During discussion, a number of Members expressed the view that Advie Hall should be reinstated as a Polling Place and it was suggested that this should be taken forward.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the suggestions to amend Polling Districts and Polling Places as detailed in Paragraphs 2.1 to 2.6 of the report; 
ii. AGREED that authority should continue to be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Convener, Leader and Depute Leader of the Administration, Leader of the Opposition and appropriate Local Members, to make any necessary changes to the Scheme should circumstances arise prior to the next review; and 
iii. AGREED that Advie Hall should be reinstated as a Polling Station.

17. Community Challenge Fund Applications Panel- Minutes
Maoin Dùbhlain Coimhearsnachd – Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee APPROVED the Minutes of Meeting of the Community Challenge Fund Applications Panel which had been held on 30 November 2015.

18. Community Planning Board - Minutes
Bòrd Dealbhaidh Choimhearsnachd – Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee NOTED the Minutes of Meeting of the Community Planning Board held on 11 September 2015 which had been approved by the Board at its meeting on 2 December 2015.

The meeting concluded at 3.45 p.m.