Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday, 23 November 2016 at 10.30 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. Good News Stories
Deagh Naidheachdan

The Committee is invited to note that the Highland Council website www.highland.gov.uk has been awarded a gold standard Certificate of Accreditation from the Digital Accessibility Centre (DAC). This is the highest level of accreditation possible and The Highland Council is the only council in the UK that currently holds this. This means the website is tested to work with assistive technologies such as screen readers for partially sighted and blind users, and can be navigated using only a keyboard, helping those who cannot operate a mouse. It also means the text is easily visible by users with a range of sight problems and that the wording on the site is simple and easy to understand.

To achieve this accreditation, the website has undergone comprehensive user testing by the DAC team. The team includes individuals who are blind, have low vision, are dyslexic, colour blind, mobility impaired, have a learning difficulty and also deaf. This award confirms and supports the Council’s approach to ensuring that its services are digitally inclusive and accessible to all.

FINANCIAL MONITORING
SGRÙDADH IONMHASAIL

4. Corporate Revenue Monitoring to 30 September 2016
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Corporra gu 30 Sultain 2016

There is circulated Report No RES/70/16 dated 14 November 2016 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 2016 and the estimated position for the 2016/17 financial year. It also presents an update on the status of savings removed from the budget in the year.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider the financial position of the General Fund and HRA revenue budgets as at 30 September 2016 and to note the estimated year end position; and
ii. note the status of budgeted savings in the year.

5. Corporate Capital Monitoring to 30 September 2016
Sgrùdadh Calpa Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2016

There is circulated Report No RES/71/16 dated 14 November 2016 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 2016 and the estimated position for the 2016/17 financial year. The report also provides an overview of the status of all major capital projects with a value over £4m.

The Committee is invited to consider the financial position of the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes as at 30 September 2016.

6. Finance Service Revenue Monitoring to 30 September 2016
Sgrùdaidh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Ionmhais gu 30 Sultain 2016

There is circulated Report No RES/72/16 dated 8 November 2016 by the Director of Finance which comments on the Revenue Monitoring position for the period to 30 September 2016.

The Committee is invited to agree the monitoring report to the end of September 2016.

7. Corporate Development Service Revenue Monitoring to 30 September 2016
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2016

There is circulated Report No RES/73/16 dated 8 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service revenue budget for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016 and approve a budget feed of £0.019m to cover the cost of the Ward 18 by-election if the Service is unable to offset this pressure by the end of the financial year 2016/17.

8. Corporate Development Service Capital Budget Monitoring to 30 September 2016
Sgrùdadh Buidseit Calpa Seirbheis an Leasachaidh Chorporra gu 30 Sultain 2016

There is circulated Report No RES/74/16 dated 14 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which sets out the monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service’s 2016/17 capital budget for the period to 30 September 2016.

The Committee is invited to consider the monitoring position for the Corporate Development Service’s capital budget for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016.

9. Chief Executive’s Service and Members Revenue Expenditure Monitoring 2016/17
Sgrùdadh Caiteachas Teachd-a-steach Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir agus nam Ball 2016/17

There is circulated Report No RES/75/16 dated 11 November 2016 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 2016 to 30 September 2016.

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016.

10. Chief Executive’s Office Capital Budget Monitoring to 30 September 2016
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Calpa Oifis an Àrd-Oifigeir agus nam Ball gu 30 Sultain 2016

There is circulated Report No RES/76/16 dated 11 November 2016 by the Chief Executive which sets out the monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s 2016/17 capital budget for the period from April 2016 to the end of September 2016.

The Committee is invited to consider the capital monitoring position for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016.

11. Capital Programme Management Arrangements
Ullachaidhean Rianachd a’ Phrògraim Chalpa

There is circulated Report No RES/77/16 dated 14 November 2016 by the Chief Executive which provides initial findings of a review into the current arrangements for planning and management of Care and Learning capital projects.

The Committee is invited to note the progress of the review.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN LEASACHAIDH CHORPORRA

12. Transformational Savings Programme
Prògram Shàbhalaidhean Cruth-atharrach

(a) Transformational Savings Programme (TSP) Status Report
Aithisg Inbhe a’ Phrògraim Shàbhalaidhean Cruth-atharrach

There is circulated Report No RES/78/16 dated 8 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the current status of the TSP with an overview of business improvement work which is changing how the Council operates, along with a summary of the TSP financial position.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. progress with the delivery of the TSP;
ii. actions being taken to ensure savings are delivered; and
iii. that the £50,000 2018/19 Community Development/Health Improvement saving is not deliverable by end 2018/19 and agree to remove it from the TSP.

(b) Mobile Service Delivery Project
Pròiseact Lìbhrigeadh Seirbheis Gluasadach

There is circulated Report No RES/79/16 dated 2 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the progress of the Mobile Service Delivery project and benefits realised to date, and includes a case study to provide the Committee with an insight into how this work benefits the Council and its customers.

Members and staff will have the opportunity to see what is being delivered in the Chamber Foyer throughout the day of the meeting.

The Committee is invited to note progress made and benefits delivered to date by the Mobile Service Delivery project.

(c) Commercial and Income Generation
Prògram Malairteach

There is circulated Report No RES/80/16 dated 2 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the Commercial & Income Generation activity, including success to date, the broader work supporting the commercialisation of the Highland Council, and work in progress on future plans and how this relates to the Council’s budget strategy and service redesign.

The Committee is invited to note progress to date, and the work on developing future plans for Commercial and Income Generation initiatives.

13. ICT Transition / SWAN / Network Programme
Eadar-ghluasad ICT / SWAN / Prògraim Lìonraidh

There is circulated Report No RES/81/16 dated 10 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the status and governance arrangements of the major ICT modernisation programmes now underway. These programmes cover the transition from the Fujitsu contract to the Wipro contract, subsequent transformation activities to be carried out by Wipro, transition to the SWAN network and an overall ICT network refresh.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the report;
ii. the requirement for exit and transition costs to be funded from the Council’s non-earmarked general fund balance and that a report will be brought to the February 2017 Resources Committee;
iii. the pressure created by the delay of the SWAN migration of £645,000 and that action is being taken to recover costs from Capita; and
iv. the risks presented regarding the Exit, Transition and Network Programmes.

14. ICT Projects Update and Performance Report
Cunntas às Ùr agus Aithisg Choileanaidh mu Phròiseactan ICT

(a) ICT Projects Update
Cunntas as Ùr mu Phròiseactan ICT

There is circulated Report No RES/82/16 dated 4 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides Members with an update of the status of current ICT projects as required by the Council’s Project Management Governance Policy.

The Committee is invited to note the report.

(b) ICT Services Performance Report April 2016 to September 2016
Aithisg Coileanaidh Sheirbheisean ICT Màrt 2016 gu Dàmhair 2016

There is circulated Report No RES/83/16 dated 31 October 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides an update on the key achievements of the ICT Services Team and the delivery of services by the Council’s ICT providers, principally Fujitsu Services, Vodafone and Capita, for the period from April to September 2016.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the content of the report and the positive outcomes being delivered from the contracts with Fujitsu, Vodafone and Capita; and
ii. that robust contract management and governance arrangements continue to be applied and pursued by the Council to the Fujitsu, Vodafone and Capita contracts.

15. Customer Service Excellence Award
Sàr-mhathas Sheirbheisean Luchd-ceannaich

There is circulated Report No RES/84/16 dated 3 November 2016 by the Head of Digital Transformation which details the recent audit and resulting achievement of the externally assessed Customer Service Excellence Award by Highland Council’s Customer Services. The achievement of this award is recognised as best practice within Customer Services nationally and 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.

16. Corporate Development – Sickness Absence Statutory Performance Indicator, Quarterly Performance Report
Aithisg Coileanaidh Ràitheil agus Bhliadhnail Comharra Coileanaidh Reachdail Ràitheil an Leasachaidh Chorporra

There is circulated Report No RES/85/16 dated 8 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides quarterly details of the Sickness Absence Statutory Performance Indicator for Quarter 2 of 2016/17.

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

17. Information Management Strategy and Policy Framework Annual Review
Ro-innleachd Rianachd Fiosrachaidh agus Ath-sgrùdadh air Frèam Poileasaidh Rianachd Fiosrachaidh

There is circulated Report No RES/86/16 dated 1 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides Members with information on the annual review of the Information Management Strategy and the policies that make up the Information Management Policy Framework.

The Committee is invited to approve the:-

i. updated Information Management Strategy;
ii. deletion of the ICT Security Policy for Mobile & Flexible Working; and
iii. updated Information Management Policy Framework policies.

FINANCE SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN IONMHAIS

18. Treasury Management
Rianachd Ionmhais

(a) Summary of Transactions
Geàrr-chunntas Ghnothaichean

There is circulated Report No RES/87/16 dated 9 November 2016 by the Director of Finance providing details on the treasury management transactions undertaken within the period which is submitted to Committee for Members’ scrutiny and in compliance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

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

(b) Mid-Year Treasury Management Report 2015/16
Aithisg Stiùiridh Meadhan-Bliadhna an Ionmhais 2015/16

There is circulated Report No RES/88/16 dated 8 November 2016 by the Director of Finance presenting the Treasury Management Mid-year Review Report 2016/17 which is submitted to the Committee for Members’ scrutiny and in compliance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities. It also recommends an increase in individual counterparty limits from £15m to £20m with the exception of the Royal Bank and Clydesdale which will remain at £25m and £10m respectively.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. scrutinise the Treasury Management Mid-year Review Report 2016/17; and
ii. approve that the individual counterparty limit is increased from £15m to £20m with the exception of the Royal Bank and Clydesdale which will remain at £25m and £10m respectively.

19. Welfare Reform Update
Fios às Ùr mu Ath-leasachadh Shochairean

There is circulated Joint Report No RES/89/16 dated 9 November 2016 by the Director of Finance and the Director of Community Services 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 consider:-

i. the reduced benefit cap levels to be implemented in the Highlands from 7 November 2016 and the potentially significant increase in the number of households impacted;
ii. the different qualifying criteria between Live and Full Universal Credit Services and be aware that while some households will be better off under Universal Credit, others will be worse off;
iii. the 44% increase in the number of known Universal Credit cases in council housing and temporary accommodation and the continued concerns regarding rent arrears for these households;
iv. the welcome announcement by the UK Government to abolish reassessments for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for those with lifelong, severe health conditions, with no prospect of improvement.
v. the review being undertaken into retirement beyond 2028; and
vi. that the Welfare Budget is anticipated to come in on budget.

The Committee is invited to support:-

i. the work being led by the Welfare Support Team to support those potentially impacted by the reduced benefit cap levels;
ii. the action being taken by the Welfare Policy and Assurance Team to obtain data from DWP regarding the number of Universal Credit households who will be potentially impacted by the reduced benefit cap levels; and
iii. the short-term arrangements that are being put in place by the Finance Service to fully mitigate the impact of the reduced benefit cap levels for 2016/17 by making most effective use of the discretionary housing payment scheme.

20. Finance Service Quarterly Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil Seirbheis an Ionmhais

There is circulated Report No RES/90/16 dated 8 November 2016 by the Director of Finance which provides a summary of key and statutory performance indicators for the Finance Service as at 30 September 2016.

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

21. Changes to the Structure of Delivering Hub Design, Build, Finance and Maintain (DBFM) Projects
Atharrachaidhean Structair a thaobh Lìbhrigeadh Phròiseactan Dealbhaidh, Togail, Ionmhais agus Cumail Suas Choimpiutair

There is circulated Report No RES/91/16 dated 11 November 2016 by the Director of Finance which outlines changes to the structure of the Wick Community Campus hub delivery structure and to the Wick DBFM Project Agreement that are required to reinforce the classification of the project as private under ESA10 rules. The Committee is recommended to consent to the re-structuring and to the entering into of the Amendment Agreement to the Wick DBFM Project Agreement and other documents to allow the Wick Community Campus project to comply with ESA10 requirements.

The Committee is invited to note the changes that have been made to the Wick Community Campus DBFM structure and project documentation.

The Committee is also invited to retrospectively:-

i. approve the entering into and delivery of the Amendment Agreement and other documentation required in connection with the restructuring of the project to ensure compliance with ESA10;
ii. consent to the transfer by Hub North Scotland Limited of its entire shareholding in Hub North Scotland (Wick) Limited to Hub North Scotland (Wick) Holdings Limited;
iii. approve the application made by the Council for allocation of 10% of the shareholding in Hub North Scotland (Wick) Holdings Limited;
iv. approve the entering into of the Shareholders Agreement for Hub North Scotland (Wick) Holdings Limited; and
v. agree that the DBFM Amendment Agreement is a certified contract within the meaning of Section 2 of the Local Government (Contracts) Act 1997 (the “1997 Act”) and meets the certification requirements within Section 3 of the 1997 Act and that the proper Officer is duly authorised to sign and issue the certificates in terms of the 1997 Act.

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
LEASACHADH AGUS BUN-STRUCTAIR

22. National Housing Trust Model
Modail Urras Taigheadais Nàiseanta

There is circulated Report No RES/92/16 dated 24 October 2016 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides an update 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 for a further 16 units at Munlochy and Raining’s Stairs Inverness through the Highland Housing Alliance.

The Committee is invited to approve the use of prudential borrowing of £1,700,000 to part fund the delivery of 16 new NHT mid-market houses at Munlochy and Raining’s Stairs Inverness.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS
GEÀRR-CHUNNTAS CHOINNEAMHAN

23. Minutes of Meetings
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

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

i. Appeals Committee held on 3 October 2016;
ii. Central Safety Committee held on 4 November 2016;
iii. Employment Release Sub-Committee held on 7 September and 18 October 2016;
iv. Staff Partnership Forum – Elected Members/Staff Side Group held on 4 November 2016;
v. Welfare Reform Working Group held on 21 September 2016.

24. 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.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
SEIRBHEIS AN LEASACHAIDH CHORPORRA

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

There is circulated to Members only for approval, Minutes of Meeting of the ICT Executive Board (Members) held on 7 November 2016.

26. Equal Pay
Cunntas às Ùr mu Phàigheadh Co-ionann

There is circulated to Members only Report No RES/93/16 dated 3 November 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which updates Members on progress with the settlement of outstanding equal pay claims.

The Committee is invited to note the report.

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
LEASACHADH AGUS BUN-STRUCTAR

27. Land and Property Report
Aithisg Fearainn agus Cuid-seilbh

There is circulated to Members only Report No RES/94/16 dated 7 November 2016 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.