Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 24 January 2019 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Mrs J Barclay, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner (V/C), Mrs M Davidson (Substitute), Mr A Christie, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr R Gale (Substitute), Mr A Henderson (Substitute) (am only), Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox (am only), Mr D Mackay, Mr W Mackay (V/C) (am only), Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie , Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Ms L Munro (Vice Chair), Mrs M Paterson, Mrs F Robertson (am only), Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair (V/C), Mr C Smith (am only), Mr B Thompson (Substitute) (V/C) (am only)
    
Religious Representatives:

Ms S Lamont
The Very Rev S Murray (am only)
Mr W Skene    
    
Youth Convener:

Ms E Leitch    
    
Non-Members also present:

Mrs C Caddick, Mrs L MacDonald (am only), Mrs D Mackay, Mr A MacInnes (am only), Mr J McGillivray (V/C), Mrs T Robertson (am only), Mr P Saggers (am only), Mr A Sinclair

In attendance:

Ms D Manson, Chief Executive
Mr D Yule, Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Resources
Ms S Campbell, Interim Director of Care and Learning
Mrs B Cairns, Head of Additional Support Services, Care and Learning Service
Mr B Porter, Head of Resources, Care and Learning Service
Ms K Ralston, Interim Head of Children’s Services, Care and Learning Service
Dr J Vance, Interim Head of Education, Care and Learning Service
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing and Building Maintenance, Community Services
Mrs F Shearer, Interim Area Care and Learning Manager – South, Care and Learning Service
Mr B Cameron, Housing Policy and Investment Manager, Community Services
Mr J Maybee, Principal Officer (Criminal Justice), Care and Learning Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms R Connelly, Connecting Carers (Third Sector)
Ms J Douglas, Care and Learning Alliance (Third Sector)
Ms G Newman, Highland Children’s Forum (Third Sector)
Ms G Hainey, Tenant Representative
Mr A Tubb, Tenant Representative
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss M Murray, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Ms A Watmough, Parent Carer

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

Ms L Munro in the Chair

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs I Campbell, Mr J Finlayson, Mr A Graham, Mr T Heggie, Mr R MacWilliam and Prof H van Woerden.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 4 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 5 – Ms L Munro (financial)
Item 7 – Mr A Jarvie, Mr D Macpherson and Ms L Munro (all non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 11 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 13 – Mr A Christie and Ms E Knox (both non-financial)
Item 15 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 17iv – Mr A Christie (financial)

3. Good News/Outstanding Achievements
Naidheachdan Matha/Coileanaidhean Air Leth

There had been tabled a list of good news and outstanding achievements by people and groups.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the good news and outstanding achievements; and
ii.AGREED that the relevant Service Director write to all those involved in recognition of their success.

4. Housing Revenue Account and Non-HRA Budget Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Buidseit Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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 Report No CLH/01/19 dated 14 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• clarification was sought, and provided, on the use and meaning of brackets in the financial tables, in which they represented underspends on expenditure and over achievement of income on revenue;
• further information on the £218k of other costs detailed in the report was requested by Councillor G MacKenzie;
• information was sought on the current number of people on the Council Housing waiting list.  In response, Members were informed that there were approximately 9,000 on the waiting list;
• reference was made to various ‘janitor’s’ houses located at schools in Inverness which were vacant and could be generating council tax and rental income.  In response, it was explained that there were some complexities around the use of such houses but further information could be provided to Members about specific properties;
• information was sought, and provided, on plans for the coming year in relation to Housing repairs, for which a review had been undertaken, and work was underway to increase in-house expertise, which was more cost efficient than using external contractors, through improved workforce planning; and
• confirmation was sought, and provided, that the additional monies raised from the proposed 3% rent increase and which was to be added to the environment budget would be allocated to Areas according to an appropriate formula.

The Committee APPROVED the budget position on the Housing Revenue Account and non-Housing Revenue Account.

5. Housing Revenue Account Estimates 2019/20
Tuairmsean Cunntais Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais

Declaration of Interest: Ms L Munro declared a financial interest in this item as a Council house tenant but, in terms of the dispensation granted by the Standards Commission, remained to participate in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/02/19 dated 15 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• as confirmed during discussion of the previous item, the additional revenue raised from the proposed 3% rent increase would be spent on environmental improvements and allocated to Areas on a pro rata basis according to their Housing stock levels.   In this regard, further detail on expenditure and budgets available on environmental improvements was sought for Area Committees;
• this localised approach would be welcomed by tenants who had indicted a preference for direct benefits to be achieved from increased rent;
• in some Wards tenants were being actively encouraged to suggest what environmental improvements were need.  It was suggested that this approach provided an opportunity to widen the scope of participatory budgeting;
• local concerns about potential contractor capacity would be discussed at Ward level;
• again it was confirmed that, through workforce planning, the intention was to increase in-house capacity to undertake repairs and improvements.  In this regard, the redesign work to bring property maintenance closer to the Housing service was welcomed;
• support was voiced for the 3% rent increase, pointing out that recent rent increases had been significantly lower than many other Local Authorities;
• information was sought on the rationale behind the setting of rents.  For example, it was questioned if it was appropriate for rents in rural areas to be similar to those in Inverness and whether rent setting should be delegated to Area Committees. In response, it was explained that policy issues such as these were dealt with through the Policy Development Group, the meetings of which all Members were able to attend;
• it was important to continue working with the Treasury and the Scottish Government in relation to Housing loans and early settlement charges and the Leader would speak about this at a CoSLA meeting the following day;
• concern was expressed about the impact of Universal Credit on rent arrears and increased levels of debt.  It was important the Council’s approach towards tenants with debt or arrears was empowering and supportive and that people were treated with respect and dignity. Early intervention in relation to debt was helpful.  Accordingly, as suggested in the report, a future report on communication with tenants on arrears needed to be added to the recommendations;
• a request, by a local MP, had been made in Parliament for additional funds to cover rent arrears that had resulted from issues around the implementation of Universal Credit;
• alternative means, including digital online communication, of engaging with tenants should be explored, noting that traditional letters were expensive to produce and, at times, a barrier to communication. Drop-in sessions and liaison with other services such as social services and High Life Highland could be helpful to empower and encourage active vibrant tenant associations;
• consideration should be given to investing in garage voids to facilitate their rental, thus increasing income and possibly reducing on-street congestion. Community resilience and empowerment in this regard should be explored, including possible discussion with tenants’ associations;
• the response rate to the tenant survey was only around 3-4% and efforts should be made to increase engagement with a wider range of tenants, including tenant support and advocacy. It was also suggested that engagement should be undertaken with people on the Housing waiting list;
• communication with communities in relation to empty houses was useful for early alerts about properties that had been vacated;
• in relation to the Council houses that were left in a poor state of repair by tenants, attention should be drawn to the difference in rent levels between Council properties and the private sector;
• specific issues were raised regarding environmental improvements in the Bught area and a housing issue in Tomatin and officers undertook to discuss these in greater detail with the Local Members involved; 
• information having been sought on the reduction in the sheltered housing budget, it was explained that this related to reductions in the cost of warden accommodation;
• the policy in relation to housing estates that were now mixed tenure was explained, namely that where land was held on the Housing Revenue Account the cost of maintenance was met from the Housing Revenue Account.  In response, it was explained that this was consistent with most other Councils’ policies and any decision to change this would be a political one;
• the planned review of loan charges and capital planning was welcomed, and it was suggested that a unified Housing Revenue report would be beneficial and that the tenants’ finance and participation group should be involved in the review from the outset rather than at the end of the process; and
• the outcomes from a pilot in Ross and Cromarty considering inspections of vulnerable or at risk properties could be shared with the Area Committee.

* The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council:-

i.  a 3% increase for council house rents for 2019/2020;
ii. that the above percentage increase (3%) be applied to all residential HRA rents and service charges and to Gypsy/Traveller site pitches;
iii.that non-HRA rents for leased property should increase as stipulated in existing contracts;
iv. that the estimated HRA surplus of £2.5m in 2019/2020 be applied as capital from current revenue to fund HRA capital investment; and
v.  that a full review of HRA loan charges and capital planning be carried out during 2019/20 to inform future HRA rents policy and the 2021-2026 HRA Capital Plan; and

AGREED:-

vi.  that a detailed report be brought back to a future Committee on how the Service contacted and communicated with tenants on arrears; 
vii. that detail on expenditure and budgets available on environmental improvements be provided to Area Committees; and
viii.NOTED that, following consideration by Area Committees/Ward Members, rents for garages and garage sites would be increased by 3%.

6.Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: Rent Pressure Zones
Achd Taigheadais Phrìobhaideach (Teanantachdan) (Alba) 2016: Raointean Cuideam Màil

There had been circulated Report No CLH/03/19 dated 11 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• expensive rents were an issue throughout Highland and there were particular areas where it was having a negative impact on the rural economy in terms of recruiting and retaining staff. Concern was also expressed that the issue could be somewhat hidden due to people living in overcrowded properties;
• it was hoped that future reports on Rent Pressure Zones would include some tangible actions;
• some private rented properties were in poor condition and often it took a long time for repairs to be carried out.  This was unacceptable given some of the rents being charged;
• there was insufficient social housing and the Council house waiting list was increasing daily;
• it was essential to make sure that private rents were affordable for people who did not qualify for social housing;
• the issue of high rents and house prices affected a significant proportion of young adults.  However, the protection afforded by Rent Pressure Zones only applied to existing tenants and, where similar policies had been brought in elsewhere, it had led to landlords terminating tenancies after a year or two and re-letting properties in order to increase the rent.  It was therefore considered that implementing Rent Pressure Zones would not be beneficial, either in terms of bringing prices down or giving people the security of their own home;
• there was evidence that Inland Revenue changes in respect of “buy to let” mortgages had resulted in private landlords reducing their stock or turning properties into holiday homes, which were already prevalent in Highland; and
• it was necessary to find an alternative solution to the problems in Inverness and other areas where there was a shortage of private rented accommodation and to work with communities and existing private landlords in that regard.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  AGREED that the Council would continue to participate in joint discussion with COSLA and other Councils considering Rent Pressure Zone Applications;
ii. AGREED to promoting the existing right of individual private rented tenants to challenge rent increases by requesting an independent assessment by Rent Officers; and
iii.NOTED that officers would monitor the emerging Planning (Scotland) Bill 2018 in relation to potential changes to legislation for short term holiday lets, and would arrange discussion with Local Members where there were likely to be implications.

7. Care and Learning Revenue Budget Monitoring 2018/19
Sgrùdadh Buidseit Teachd-a-steach a’ Chùraim agus an Ionnsachaidh 2018/19

Declarations of Interest: Mr A Jarvie, Mr D Macpherson and Ms L Munro declared non-financial interests in this item as 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.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/04/19 dated 16 January 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• concern was expressed that if, as part of the management actions to reduce non-essential spend, schools were not permitted to spend, they might, at the end of the financial year, have a greater underspend than the 5% permitted in terms of Devolved School Management (DSM).  It was emphasised that the purpose of DSM was to allow schools to control how their budget was spent, within the constraints of a 5% overspend or underspend.  If schools wanted to maintain an underspend for planning purposes in future years they should be allowed to do so and, in the view of some Members, for the Council to take the money back would be reprehensible.  Other Members added that DSM needed to be clearly defined, understood and reported on, and there was an opportunity to put robust evaluation and monitoring in place.  There needed to be clear rules in terms of what was and was not acceptable and, where a school wanted to save money for a specific project, it should be in the School Improvement Plan or flagged at an early stage;
• information was sought, and provided, on the difference between the year to date spend and the projected outturn in respect of the Schools General and Other Leisure Services budgets.  It having been explained that the variance in respect of the Schools General budget related to grant income from the Scottish Government that would be claimed at the year end, including Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) and Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) monies, it was requested that PEF and SAC funding be reported separately in future.  Members added that they would like to see the evidence that the funding had led to improved educational outcomes and closed the attainment gap;
• clarification having been sought, and provided, regarding the corporate savings in respect of Insurance and Procurement, and the associated ragging, Members suggested that consideration be given to a better way of presenting the figures;
• out of authority placements for Looked After Children was a significant factor in the overspend for the current year.  However, recruitment controls had prevented the Council’s new unit near Strathpeffer from being staffed, which would have saved a significant amount of money.  Whilst recognising the need to manage the recruitment of staff it was suggested that, going forward, it was necessary to recruit where it would lead to savings;
• services for Looked After Children had been an area of concern for many years, and the best solutions were services provided in Highland.  The need to provide care packages that were relevant to a child’s needs and improved outcomes was emphasised, as was the need to take a more hands-on approach to corporate parenting.  Rather than placing children in the central belt, it was suggested that the provision of local secure accommodation be explored with neighbouring authorities such as the Island Councils, Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  Mainstreaming everything from day one and moving forward in a different way was key to addressing the overspend that continually arose in this area.  The interim Director clarified that secure care was commissioned centrally for Scotland and placements were not ring-fenced to the authority responsible for the secure unit;
• many meetings could be carried out effectively by email or Skype and support was expressed for the travel restrictions that had been put in place.  However, it was requested that the money saved be reinvested in exploring alternative ways of holding meetings and improving digital infrastructure;
• constituents had expressed concern that small schools were going to be closed and an assurance was sought that that was not the case;
• parents in Mallaig and Fort William were concerned regarding teacher shortages.  However, Head Teachers and Parent Council Chairs had done a good job of explaining the position the Council was in and the corrective actions that had been taken; and
• a recent Parent Council meeting in Fort William had brought to light that the heating system in Lochaber High School had broken down in November and had not yet been repaired.  The school had reverted back to the old boiler system and had reportedly used 55,000 litres of fuel at a cost of £20-£30k, which was equivalent to the cost of repairing the biomass boiler.  This was not a good use of money and impacted on the Council’s carbon footprint, and it was requested that it be looked into as a matter of urgency.  The Interim Director of Care and Learning explained that she was not aware of the issue and undertook to follow it up and report back to Councillor A Henderson, although it was highlighted that the remedy might not sit with the Care and Learning Service.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the revenue budget projected overspend position for the year to 31 December 2018 and the actions being taken with regard to the budget position;
ii. AGREED the transfer of budget, and revision to the Service Delivery Contract with High Life Highland, relating to the funding for Lochalsh Leisure Centre; and
iii.AGREED that Pupil Equity and Scottish Attainment Challenge Funding be reported separately in future.

In terms of Standing Order 9, the Committee AGREED to consider item 11 at this stage.

11. Placement Services Change Programme Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Atharrachaidhean do Sheirbheisean Socrachaidh

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS 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 Report No CLH/08/19 dated 31 December 2018 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• it was requested that, in a year’s time, an anonymised report be provided on the young people who had returned to Highland and how this had affected them;
• being brought up in a loving home could reduce the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the need for more foster carers was emphasised.  In that regard, reference was made to instances of potential foster carers choosing to enter an arrangement with private sector organisations or charities as they were able to offer greater financial incentives and it was suggested that this be looked into;
• whilst welcoming the fact that the number of children that had returned to Highland was broadly in line with the initial target, concern was expressed that a great number were still being placed out of authority and information was sought on how many of those placements were because there were not sufficiently experienced foster carers in Highland or there was not capacity;
• local authorities that paid their foster carers more tended to have more carers in reserve.  Highland was the lowest paying authority for multiple children and it was suggested that this could be simply addressed by a spend to save initiative.  Bringing a young person back to Highland led not only to significant savings but to better long-term outcomes for the young person;
• the pain and trauma young people experienced on being separated from their family and friends and taken away from where they lived was unimaginable and it was necessary to prevent it wherever possible;
• the process to become a foster carer took a long time and consideration needed to be given to whether there was any way of speeding it up;
• the Chair explained that consideration was being given to providing a suite of training for Members including corporate parenting, fostering and adoption, and ACEs;
• if appropriate solutions were not put in place, Looked After Children were more likely to have poor health outcomes, experience mental health issues, be unemployed and go to prison.  It was therefore in everyone’s interest that foster carers were appointed to look after these children and ensure that their outcomes, aspirations and opportunities were the same as other children.  A multi-agency approach was essential.  However, the Council needed to be the catalyst and start paying the appropriate rate to sustain and retain foster carers.  The need for a mechanism such as a change fund was emphasised and the Depute Leader undertook to liaise with the Leader in that regard;
• some parents had difficulty coping and needed more help and it was suggested that opportunities for respite provision be explored.  The Chair confirmed that the Change Programme would explore all possible means of keeping children appropriately in Highland;
• the Council had a duty of care for Looked After Children and it was important to ensure that those living in smaller communities were not stigmatised;
• nationally, 65% of the 1% of children who were in care ended up in prison, which was a shameful statistic;
• the need to support the officers involved in implementing the Change Programme was emphasised;
• the real success of the Change Programme would lie in communities;
• on the point being raised, the Interim Director of Care and Learning confirmed that a RAG rated Action Plan was in place;
• the need for early intervention to reduce the societal costs associated with Looked After Children was emphasised;
• Members expressed their appreciation of foster carers in Highland, as well as the communities that rallied round and welcomed the children in their care; and
• the Leader commented that children were placed outwith Highland for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes it was because specialist provision, such as secure accommodation, was required.  However, often it was for reasons that could be addressed locally, such as foster carers or an educational package not being in place.  She maintained that imaginative educational packages could be provided locally that would turn Looked After Children’s lives around, and she had discussed the matter with the Interim Head of Education.  She welcomed the Chair’s comments regarding training, and commented that staff required training too.  The most important thing the Council did was provide services for the most vulnerable in society and it had a responsibility to improve outcomes for Looked After Children.  She referred to the recent Members’ seminar and emphasised the need to develop some of the ideas discussed and come forward with a Corporate Plan where the Council’s commitment to Looked After Children was at the forefront.

Thereafter, the Chair having commended the Change Programme and the efforts of the staff involved, the Committee:-

i. scrutinised and NOTED the progress to date against the Programme Plan; and
ii.AGREED that an anonymised report be provided regarding young people who had returned to Highland and how this had affected them.

In terms of Standing Order 9, the Committee AGREED to consider item 13 at this stage.

13. Partnership with the Third Sector
Com-pàirteachas leis an Treas Roinn

Declarations of Interest: Mr A Christie and Ms E Knox declared non-financial interests as a Director of Highland Third Sector Interface and a Non-Executive Director of Children in the Highlands Information Point 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 CLH/10/19 dated 7 January 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

Ms J Douglas, Chief Executive, Care and Learning Alliance, and Ms G Newman, Policy Lead, Highland Children’s Forum, gave a presentation in amplification of the report during which they detailed the wide range of work undertaken by the Third Sector Children and Families Group and how it contributed to the health, wellbeing, education and sustainability of the Highlands. The collaborative approach was vital and contributed to the work carried out by the Council.  It was able to attract money otherwise unavailable through Highland Council and, in the past year, this had totalled £700k.  To demonstrate the value of the Third Sector, Ms Anne Watmough, a Parent Carer, explained the services which had helped her and her son and the experience of an HNC student, Hayley, of the support she had received was conveyed to Members.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• Members welcomed the value that the Third Sector added and acknowledged that they had and continued to be integral in the provision of services to users, now more than ever.  In recognising this, an undertaking had been given that Third Sector representatives would meet the Council’s Chief Executive on a regular basis:
• having carried out the Commissioned Services review, it was apparent that the benefit of Third Sector services brought to individuals and families could not solely be measured in monetary terms;
• it was important to blend services and work together towards common objectives;
• given the financial pressures on local government it was necessary to focus on delivering services in a more effective and efficient way;
• the Third Sector brought additionality insofar as, unlike the Council, they were able to access funding, fund raise and engage with volunteers;
• hearing the services users experiences had brought to life the impact of what the Third Sector did; and
• TYKES (The Young Karers East Sutherland), a well-established organisation, now supported 93 young people.  Given the small population of the area this highlighted the extent of the problem.  Many of those young people who had used their services had already gone on to Tertiary education, joined the fire service etc.  A background was provided as to what had led to TYKES having a standing item on the then District Partnership and now the local Community Partnership.  It was important to encourage Members, through local Community Partnerships, to embrace the Third Sector so that vulnerable young people were given a voice in a forum where it would make a difference.

The Committee NOTED that the report addressed the agreement of the Council to continue to have dialogue with the Highland Third Sector Interface and other stakeholders.

8. Adult Social Care Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chùram Shòisealta Inbheach

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS 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 Report No CLH/05/19 dated 21 December 2018 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee NOTED the contents of the report and the highlighted items from the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee and the Health and Social Care Working Group.

9. Update on the Northern Alliance Regional Improvement Collaborative
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chaidreachas Leasachaidh Roinneil a’ Cho-chòrdaidh a Tuath

There had been circulated Report No CLH/06/19 dated 21 December 2018 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• as it had been some time since Members had received any information, a report was requested on 1 +2 Modern Languages in Highland;
• similarly a report was requested on progress regarding IT provision in education, including eSgoil and Virtual Academy;
• further information was sought as to the equalities work stream and, given that they had asked that there was some way of identifying and supporting group practice in schools, it was hoped that young people could be involved;
• investing in Primaries 1-3 had maximum benefit and a collaborative approach by parents, teachers, carers etc would enhance the skills of young people and go towards avoiding problems later in life;
• it was important to encourage parents to teach literacy and numeracy to their children at home;
• an update in a future report on the Community Learning and Development work stream would be welcomed; and
• poverty in rural areas was often more difficult to detect than in urban areas and, in taking forward the Rural Poverty work stream, use should be made of the excellent work already undertaken by the Council’s Welfare Benefit team and that they might be best placed to lead on this area of work.

The Committee:-

NOTED:-

i.  the progress of the Northern Alliance Regional Improvement Plan (Phase 2); 
ii. that a grant of up to £1,086,067 had been allocated to the Northern Alliance to enhance the Regional Improvement Collaborative’s activities and capacity building;

and AGREED:-

iii.a report be submitted to the Committee’s next meeting on 1 +2 Modern Languages in Highland;
iv. a report be provided on IT provision in schools, including eSgoil and Virtual Academy, at the same time as the Senior Phase Strategy Work; and
v.  information on Community Learning and Development work streams be included in future reports.

10. Care & Learning and Housing & Building Maintenance Remit and Responsibilities
Raon-ùghdarrais agus Dleastanasan Cùraim & Ionnsachaidh agus Taigheadais & Cumail Suas Thogalaichean 

There had been circulated joint Report No CLH/07/19 dated 11 January 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning and the Director of Community Services.

The Committee NOTED the remit and responsibilities of the Care and Learning Directorate and the Housing and Building Maintenance element of the Community Services Directorate, and therefore the implications for agenda-setting of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee.

12. Statutory Consultation – Gaelic Medium Catchment Proposals for Mallaig Primary School
Co-chomhairle Reachdail – Molaidhean Sgìrean Sgoile Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig airson Bun-Sgoil Mhalaig

There had been circulated Report No CLH/09/19 dated 20 December 2018 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

Whilst acknowledging the practicalities involved in providing Gaelic Medium Education (GME), it was suggested that technology could be used to enable schools on the Small Isles to also have access to GME. 

The Committee AGREED:-

i. to proceed to statutory consultation on the basis of the Proposal attached to the report; and
ii.to consider how technology might enable Gaelic Medium Education to be provided to schools on the Small Isles.

14. Sustainable Education in Highland Communities: Update
Foghlam Seasmhach ann an Coimhearsnachdan na Gàidhealtachd: Cunntas às Ùr

There had been circulated Report No CLH/11/19 dated 21 December 2018 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

Confirmation was sought, and provided, that the purpose of stage 4 of the plan was to ensure those ASGs detailed were subject to the same scrutiny as the others and it was not intended as a mechanism to review major decisions. 

The Committee otherwise APPROVED:-

i.  the Three Year Plan for review of the remaining Associated School Groups;
ii. the meeting/engagement process and schedule; and
iii.the Action Plan for review of Inverness High School Associated School Group.

15. Key Developments in Criminal Justice Social Work Services
Prìomh Leasachaidhean ann an Seirbheisean Obair-shòisealta Ceartas Eucoireach

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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 Report No CLH/12/19 dated 3 January 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• an update was sought, and provided, as to current developments regarding the provision of HMP Highland.  In this regard concern was expressed that a new prison in Highland would have to compete with the provision of a new prison in Strathclyde;
• it was suggested that the Criminal Justice Board might wish to consider the Violence Reduction Unit model; and
• an explanation was sought as to why recruitment was taking place for men’s, women’s and children’s workers when there was currently a recruitment freeze.  In response it was explained that these posts were part of the Caledonian System, a programme aimed at changing the behaviour of domestic abuse perpetrators funded by the Scottish Government, and the financing of these posts were ringfenced.  It was hoped the programme would “go-live” in May/June 2019. 

The Committee NOTED the report.

16. Complaints Review Committee Outcome
Toradh Comataidh Ath-sgrùdaidh nan Gearanan

There had been circulated joint Report No CLH/13/19 dated 31 December 2018 by the Depute Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Resources, and the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee NOTED:-

i. that the Complaints Review Committee met to consider the case and the findings; and
ii.there were no recommendations made by the Complaints Review Committee. 

17. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in item 17iv as a Non-Executive Director of NHS 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.

The Committee:-

i.   NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group – 4 September 2018;
ii.  NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Community Justice Partnership – 12 September 2018;
iii. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Child Protection Committee – 4 October 2018; and
iv. APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 30 November 2018.

The meeting concluded at 2.10 pm.