Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Highland Council held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 7 March 2019 at 10.35am.

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
A’ Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

Present:    
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner (v/c), Mr I Brown, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Dr I Cockburn, Mr G Cruickshank, Ms K Currie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald    Mr R MacDonald, Mr A MacInnes , Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay (v/c), Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr S Mackie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr C MacLeod, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray (v/c am only), Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss (v/c), Mr A Rhind, Mr D Rixson, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair , Mr C Smith, Ms M Smith, Mr B Thompson, and Mrs C Wilson.

In Attendance:
Chief Executive
Director of Development & Infrastructure
Interim Director of Care & Learning    
Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Resources 
Director of Community Services

Mr B Lobban in the Chair

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr B Allan, Mrs M Cockburn, Mr C Fraser, Mr L Fraser, Mrs A MacLean, Mr N McLean and Mrs P Munro.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Council NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 8 (iii) – Mr A Sinclair, Mr D MacKay, Mr S Mackie, Mr H Morrison and Mr M Reiss (all non- financial)
Item 8 (iv) – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 10 – Mr P Saggers, Mr A Jarvie, Mr R Gale, Mrs D MacKay, Mr D Louden (all non-financial) and Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 11 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 12 – Mr A Christie (financial) and Mr K Gowans (non-financial)
Item 17 – Mr W MacKay and Mr K Rosie (both non-financial) 
Item 20 – Mr A Jarvie, Ms L Munro, Mr T Heggie, Mr D Macpherson and Mr K Gowans (all non-financial)

3. Presentation – Drug & Alcohol Issues
Taisbeanadh – Cùisean Dhrugaichean & Deoch-làidir

A Presentation was undertaken at the meeting by Ms D Stewart and Mr R MacAuslen on drug and alcohol issues which included reference to the Alcohol Framework for 2018 and the World Health Organisation Safer Initiative in this regard. 

In relation to the themes of Affordability, Availability and Attractiveness, it was highlighted that key actions included reducing consumption, positive attitudes and choices and supporting families and communities. Also, in relation to the Scottish Government document entitled ‘Rights, Respect and Recovery 2018’, the four themes were emphasised from within that document, namely Public Health, Human Rights, Integrated Services and E    quality and discussed alongside national and local priorities, future service developments, challenges and reviews of recovery (which included the emphasising of positive outcomes associated with mutual aid and peer support).

During discussion, and in conveying the thanks of the Council for the extremely effective presentations which had been made by both speakers, Members raised the following issues:- 

• this was an extremely important and as such considerable work had been undertaken in the Caithness area with very positive results which it was hoped could be shared with Community Partnerships in other areas;
• there was a need to identify different and braver approaches to addressing this problem with a particular focus on harm reduction and eliminating stigmatisation;
• it would be beneficial to compare how such issues were being addressed in other parts of the country and more widely;
• it would be helpful if a further Seminar could be arranged for Members in order to discuss this issue more fully;
• it was hoped that more local treatment facilities could be provided in order to break the cycle of drug abuse across the Highlands;
• it was clear that there was a need for ‘joined up’ services to deal with this issue and to enable early interventions where needed;
• issues related to drug and alcohol abuse should be treated in the same way as other illnesses;
• it was regrettable that there was often much secrecy around substance mis-use and also the subsequent effect on children;
• it had to be highlighted that there was often a ‘class issue’ related to this problem and this was supported by statistics which showed that people with these addictions could be treated very differently;
• there was also a need to understand the underlying issues associated with drug and alcohol mis-use and the effect on families as it had been highlighted that often this was a direct result of everyday living conditions which could have a severe effect on mental health;
• it was imperative that the help of local communities was sought in finding local solutions wherever possible; and
• there had been encouraging results from work being undertaken in the Caithness area, particularly in terms of the perception of this issue, and it was hoped that this could be replicated elsewhere.             

Decision

The Council NOTED the terms of the presentations and that a Seminar would be arranged for Members in due course as detailed.  

4. Confirmation of Minutes     
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais

There had been submitted for confirmation as a correct record the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 13 December 2018 and the Special Meetings held on 16 January and 14 February 2019 as contained in the Volume which had been circulated separately which were APPROVED.

5. Minutes of Meetings of Committees
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan Chomataidhean

There had been submitted for confirmation as correct records, for information as regards delegated business and for approval as appropriate, the Minutes of Meetings of Committees contained in Volume circulated separately as undernoted:-

Lochaber Area Committee, 23 January 
Care, Learning and Housing Committee, 24 January 
Ross and Cromarty Committee, 30 January 
Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, 31 January 
Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, 11 February
Caithness Committee, 20 February 
City of Inverness Area Committee, 21 February 
Sutherland County Committee, 26 February
Corporate Resources Committee, 27 February
Pensions Committee, 28 February
Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee, 4 March

The Minutes, having been moved and seconded were, except as undernoted,  APPROVED – matters arising having been dealt with as follows:-

Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee

It was AGREED that a correction should be made to the Minutes of this Meeting as follows:- Item 15 – Community Services Performance Report – reference had been made to the ‘A82 road’ and this should have been the ‘B862 road’.    

*Starred Item: Item 6: PP. 484: Capital Expenditure Monitoring to 31 December 2018

The Council AGREED the membership of a cross-party Options Selection Group to consider the recommendation of the preferred long term solution for a bypass at Stromeferry.

Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee

*Starred Item: Item 5: PP. 497-498: Cairngorm National Park Authority Proposed Local Development Plan 

The Council AGREED that arrangements be made for Local Members and Mrs C Caddick to meet with appropriate Officers to consider and respond to the consultation in tandem with the Highland Council’s response as the Local Authority.

Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee 

*Starred Item: Item 7: PP. 5-6: Skye Aerodrome Update

The Council AGREED that the recommendation from the Local Committee should go forward to the Environment, Development & Infrastructure Committee in respect of approval of the Rules for Users and the Fees and also (a) approval of £170k of additional funds to undertake further engagement with statutory bodies and preparation work and (b) to request that the Chair of the Environment, Development & Infrastructure Committee write to the Transport Secretary on behalf of the Council, HiTRANS and HIE to seek financial and technical support to progress the potential of trial air services between Skye and Glasgow.

6. Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board
Co-Bhòrd Luachaidh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean Siar

There had been circulated for information Minutes of Meeting of the Valuation Joint Board held on 20 November 2018 (approved by the Board on 25 January 2018) which were NOTED.

7. Question Time    
Am Ceiste

The following Questions had been received in accordance with Standing Order 11 -  

(i)    Mr A Baxter

To the Leader of the Council 

Will you publish the intended timetable of area consultations for the roll out of car parking charges across the Highland Council area, as stated in your press statement issued on 22nd November 2018, and what is the intended date for full implementation?

The response had been circulated.

In terms of a supplementary question, and with reference to the previous year’s budget decision, it was queried as to why a definitive end date for implementation had still not been provided and what would happen if the planned consultation led to significant local opposition – would there be further delay?  

In response, it was confirmed that the Council was bringing someone in to oversee this programme and it was anticipated that they would set a timetable and they might also set an end date although it was envisaged that the latter would be more difficult.  

(ii)   Mr A Baxter

To the Leader of the Council

Will you confirm how the £1.407m income target agreed in the 2018/19 Council budget (Item 4, Booklet B, Budget Template CS/5) is to be allocated to individual areas in future financial years?

The response had been circulated.

In terms of a supplementary question, it was queried as to what reassurance could be given to communities already affected by car parking charges that there would be no further attempt to increase income or vary charges until the full policy was implemented.  

In response, it was confirmed that assurances in this regard could not be given. The Council was looking at restarting under redesign with a new Officer in place who would oversee this and at that stage Members would be able to put forward any further views on issues in relation to car parking charges if they so wished. 

(iii)  Mr A Jarvie

To the Chair of the Care, Learning & Housing Committee

What is your timetable for assessing what staff training is required to support pupils with Additional Support Needs in schools and when would you anticipate for this to be in place?

The response had been circulated.

In terms of a supplementary question, it was queried as to whether confirmation could be given that this training would be in place before children returned at the start of the Summer term.

In response, it was confirmed that in schools there was ongoing evaluation from staff about what CPD was needed to support all young people but particularly young people with additional support needs. As such, there was confidence that work was already happening at school level. In terms of the wider training agenda that the Council was looking to implement in terms of the transformation of education, it was not possible at this time to state start and end dates but assurance could be given that between March and the start of the new session in August there would be substantial training and CPD available. It had to be highlighted that what was important was that ongoing CPD, training and support for all levels of staff needed to continue at all times.

8. Notices of Motion
Brathan Gluasaid

Declarations of Interest – Mr A Sinclair, Mr D MacKay, Mr S Mackie, Mr A Christie, Mr H Morrison and Mr M Reiss declared non-financial interests in this item as detailed below 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 them from taking part in the discussion. 

(iii)Mr A Sinclair - Board Member of Caithness & North Sutherland Regional Partnership Advisory Board and Committee Member of Caithness International Science Festival
(iii)Mr A Sinclair and Mr H Morrison – Directors of Caithness & North Sutherland Fund
(iii)Mr D MacKay – Director of Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Board
(iii)Mr S Mackie and Mr M Reiss – Members of Dounreay Stakeholders Group
(iv)Mr A Christie – General Manager of Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureaux

The following Notices of Motion had been received in accordance with Standing Order 12 –

(i) “We, the undersigned Members for Ward 5 (Wester Ross, Lochalsh & Strathpeffer), no longer wish to remain part of the Ross & Cromarty Area Committee.

As the largest Council Ward by area, which is also larger than 92% of Parliamentary constituencies in the UK and in Europe, Ward 5 has many diverse needs which largely differ from the other Wards which make up the Ross & Cromarty Area Committee. 

We, as elected Members, wish to establish a separate Area Committee serving Ward 5 which will be able, in line with the Scheme of Delegation, to determine the budget and service priorities for the unique area which we have been elected to serve.

Several examples of precedents exist for a similar arrangement elsewhere in the Council and we therefore seek Council’s support and request that Officers investigate the steps necessary to facilitate this change and bring a full report back to the June meeting of the full Council with details of any resource, staffing and other implications for deliberation and approval.”       

Signed: Mr D MacLeod    Mrs I Campbell    Dr I Cockburn    Mr A MacInnes

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the signatories to the Notice had agreed to accept the following additional wording to the final paragraph – ‘Several examples of precedents exist for a similar arrangement elsewhere in the Council and we therefore seek Council’s support and request that Officers investigate the steps necessary to facilitate and evaluate this change, together with exploring other options as part of the ongoing governance review, and bring a full report back to the June meeting of the full Council with details of any resource, staffing and other implications for deliberation and approval’; and 
• it had to be highlighted that this Ward covered the largest geographical area in Europe with widely dispersed communities and differing issues which represented a huge workload for the Local Members. 

Decision

Members AGREED the terms of the Notice of Motion as detailed – together with the amendment in respect of the final paragraph as follows – ‘Several examples of  precedents exist for a similar arrangement elsewhere in the Council and we therefore seek Council’s support and request that Officers investigate the steps necessary to facilitate and evaluate this change, together with exploring other options as part of the ongoing governance review, and bring a full report back to the June meeting of the full Council with details of any resource, staffing and other implications for deliberation and approval’.   

(ii) “The Council expresses concern over the proposals set out in the UK Government’s White Paper on immigration, particularly that there will be no regional variation and that the salary threshold for skilled workers will remain at £30,000. This will have a significant detrimental impact on the Highlands.

To address the demographic challenges facing the area and to meet the employment and skills needs of businesses, we need to be able to attract people to live and work in the Highlands.

We therefore call on the UK Government to develop an effective and responsive migration policy that recognises and responds to regional disparity which would enable the region to achieve its potential and make a full contribution towards Scottish and UK economic growth.

In particular, such a migration policy needs to recognise that migration can benefit communities, particularly those in remote areas, by retaining community capacity and resilience as well as ensuring continued provision of vital local services, such as health and education”.

Signed:   Mrs M Davidson    Mr D Macpherson 

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• it was imperative that attention was drawn to this White Paper and the potential effect on the Highlands in future;
• the Highland economy had been well served by immigration for many years and if this was to be reduced in any way there could be crippling consequences for many industries, including fisheries, construction and public services;
• the commitments which had been given by the Deputy First Minister of Scotland at a recent meeting of the Convention of the Highlands & Islands were welcomed, particularly in relation to representations to be made in response to the White Paper from across the area;
• it had to be highlighted that there would be serious implications for other parts of the United Kingdom and as such it was essential that a ‘common voice’ was used in the weeks and months ahead;
• along with discussion on the key issues for the area post-Brexit, there had to be a strong emphasis on the allocation of the Shared Prosperity Fund and again thanks were conveyed to the Deputy First Minister for his assurance that representations would be included within a wider Scottish response;
• there was particular concern in relation to the proposals that there would be no regional variation and that the salary threshold for skilled workers would be set at £30,000 which would have a significant detrimental impact on the Highlands;
• overall, the White Paper, in its composition, was unwelcoming and this was in direct contradiction to the current situation within the Highlands where people had always been and would always be warmly welcomed in terms of living and working in the area;
• it was clear that a response from the Council was now needed, not least in terms of shaping the Final Bill before its submission to Parliament;
• there had however been positive recommendations within the White Paper which included the cap on the number of skilled workers being reduced from 20,000 to no cap at all, the reduction in the skill threshold needed to apply for a visa and the potential removal of the stipulation that some jobs had to be advertised for local workers in advance of migrant workers;
• it was acknowledged that the £30,000 salary threshold for skilled workers might be acceptable in some parts of the country but this was most definitely not the case in the Highlands;
• it was agreed that the following additional wording should be added to the third paragraph of the Notice of Motion – ‘Furthermore, the Council will lobby the UK Government to achieve this’;
• the recommendations within the White Paper conveyed a very poor message to people considering relocating to the Highlands and this was regrettable;
• there was already a shortage of care workers in particular in the Highlands and this would not help that situation; and
• it was essential that people who had already relocated to the Highlands were reminded at every opportunity that they were welcomed and appreciated.                      

Decision

Members AGREED the terms of the Notice of Motion as detailed – together with the amendment in respect of the third paragraph as follows – ‘We therefore call on the UK Government to develop an effective and responsive migration policy that recognises and responds to regional disparity which would enable the region to achieve its potential and make a full contribution towards Scottish and UK economic growth. Furthermore, the Council will lobby the UK Government to achieve this’. 
 
(iii) “Nuclear-free Highlands - Highland Council notes that both civil and military nuclear programmes have burdened future generations with a legacy of toxic nuclear waste; opposes the development of new nuclear programmes for civil electric power, military submarine propulsion and submarine-launched ballistic missiles; recognises the ongoing threat to our environment and human health by the existence of nuclear waste; notes that current decommissioning work at Dounreay will continue until 2036 and necessitates the transportation of nuclear waste on Highland roads, sea and airspace followed by ongoing low-level waste management on site; believes that with investment and support the Highland Council area has the potential to generate significant renewable energy for both industry and export, and could lead the world in developing technologies for carbon-free energy solutions; considers that there will never be a business case that is either financially or environmentally competent for new nuclear energy plants in the Highlands and proposes that Highland Council joins the 40 other local authorities across the UK and Republic of Ireland as a member of the group Nuclear-free Local Authorities (NFLA)”.  

Signed: Mr R MacWilliam    Mrs L MacDonald

In this regard, and prior to discussion, there had been tabled the following amendment from Mr S Mackie, seconded by Mr M Reiss – 

‘The Highland Council notes the significant economic and social legacy of civil and naval nuclear to Caithness and North Sutherland. As the single largest catalyst to the repopulation of Highland region, the nuclear industry has provided six decades of highly paid and highly skilled work across the Far North and commercial opportunitiesforlocalbusinesses. 

This Council rejects membership of the Nuclear-free Local Authorities Group (NFLA) which would be contrary to this council’s long standing commitments to support the nuclear industry, such as membership of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP) and the Dounreay Stakeholders Group (DSG).

Population decline in Caithness is projected to exceed 20% between 2019 and 2041. These de-population estimates fall in-line with the Dounreay interim end state in 2032 and the Royal Navy Vulcan contract in 2022. Currently employing 2500 locals, retaining and attracting this talent in the County is a priority for this Council. 

As industry experts look to replace energy capacity from coal, gas and legacy nuclear stations coming off-line, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) provide an alternative low-carbon solution to the energy deficit predicted in the 2030’s. 

With the SMR industry still in its infancy, the Expert Finance Working Group findings are clear that Government must support projects whilst global supply chains are yet to be established. There are significant economic and employment opportunities in both running SMRs on existing licensed sites, as well as the fabrication, maintenance and export opportunities which are worth in excess of £250bn.

The Council calls on Scottish Government to withdraw the outright rejection of new nuclear plants in Scotland and send a message to the nuclear industry that Highland has the skill, public support and pro-active partnership working to embrace the next generation of energy production such as SMRs and that this Local Authority will continue to support that aim’.

During discussion, and in support of the Notice of Motion, Members raised the following issues:-

• whilst recognising and acknowledging the significance of the skilled workforce and the positive impact which the Dounreay facility had made to the area in previous years, it was felt that there was still benefit in joining the Nuclear-free Local Authorities (NFLA) group, not least in terms of the continuing news in regard to climate change which was becoming more alarming with every month;   
• joining the NFLA would also enable specialist advice to be obtained across a range of issues in future;
• it was important to recognise the uniqueness of the Highlands and the real possibilities which existed for future research and development in the renewable energy sector/tidal technology;
• supporting this Notice of Motion would help to build upon the Council’s green credentials by joining with the other Local Authorities to work towards a nuclear safe and responsible future; 
• it had to be acknowledged that the Highlands had been used to massive and single sources of employment in previous years which had been economically highly beneficial but this was now no longer the case; and
• there were many local people in the area who wished to see diversification in future and it could not be assumed that they would not support the terms of the Notice of Motion.     

In contrast, the following issues were also raised during discussion:-

• there was very strong feeling amongst the nuclear community and beyond that the terms of this Notice of Motion detracted from the extremely positive benefits which the Dounreay facility, which had been the lifeblood of the area for over six decades, had brought to the Highlands;
• it had to be highlighted that the facility had been the single biggest catalyst for the repopulation of the area and had delivered both prosperity and opportunity on a very large scale;
• there was a need to emphasise the well paid and highly skilled workforce, the companies in Caithness which were exporting globally, the unprecedented house building programmes and the millions of pounds of rates which had been generated;
• the opportunities for young people, not least through apprenticeships, were also highlighted in regard to persuading them to stay and work in the Highlands;
• support for this Notice of Motion would take away any opportunity to remain part of the nuclear community in future;
• it was felt that there should have been consultation with Local Members prior to submission of this Notice;
• Caithness already generated more renewable energy than anywhere else in Scotland;
• there was a need to consult with and listen to the people living and working in the area on this issue;
• it was imperative that the issue of radioactive isotopes was included in any further discussion of this issue;
• decommissioning skills could be used all over the world and it was highly important that this was recognised;
• European funding had been significant in the past and as such it was crucial that this was raised in any future discussion around the Shared Prosperity Fund;
• along with the other opportunities and developments which had been highlighted, there was a need to recognise the road improvements which had been enabled as a result of the Dounreay facility;
• it was stressed that future investment should be encouraged and not discouraged for the area;
• this Notice conveyed an unfortunate message to the local population who had witnessed the positive aspects of the Dounreay facility in a number of aspects; and
• based on research from NASA, it had been confirmed that nuclear power had verifiably saved countless lives over the years.                 

Thereafter, Mr R MacWilliam, seconded by Mrs L MacDonald, MOVED the terms of the Notice of Motion as detailed.
Mr S Mackie, seconded by Mr M Reiss, moved the terms of the tabled AMENDMENT as detailed.
On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 15 votes and the AMENDMENT received 46 votes, with 4 abstentions, and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:
B Boyd, R Laird, K Gowans, C MacLeod, P Hadley, I Brown, G Campbell-Sinclair, E Knox, A MacInnes, L MacDonald, R MacWilliam, K Currie, G MacKenzie, M Smith and I Cockburn.

For the Amendment:
A Baxter, B Thompson, J Gordon, C Wilson, R Balfour, J Campbell, G Ross, T Heggie, B McAllister, D MacKay (Mrs), I MacKenzie, G Cruickshank, C Smith, D Macpherson, R MacDonald, J Finlayson, M Finlayson, T Robertson, R Gale, D Rixson, A Graham, J Bruce, S Mackie, D MacKay (Mr), A Sinclair, N Sinclair, H Morrison, A Rhind, F Robertson, I Campbell, J Barclay, C Caddick, G Adam, L Munro, A Jarvie, D MacLeod, I Ramon, P Saggers, B Lobban, H Carmichael, M Davidson, A MacKinnon, A Henderson, J Gray, W MacKay and M Reiss. 

Abstentions:
D Louden, K Rosie, A Christie and R Bremner. 
Decision

Members AGREED the following:
“The Highland Council notes the significant economic and social legacy of civil and naval nuclear to Caithness and North Sutherland. As the single largest catalyst to the repopulation of Highland region, the nuclear industry has provided six decades of highly paid and highly skilled work across the Far North and commercial opportunities for local businesses.
This Council rejects membership of the Nuclear-free Local Authorities Group (NFLA) which would be contrary to this council’s long standing commitments to support the nuclear industry, such as membership of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP) and the Dounreay Stakeholders Group (DSG).

Population decline in Caithness is projected to exceed 20% between 2019 and 2041. These de-population estimates fall in-line with the Dounreay interim end state in 2032 and the Royal Navy Vulcan contract in 2022. Currently employing 2500 locals, retaining and attracting this talent in the County is a priority for this Council. 

As industry experts look to replace energy capacity from coal, gas and legacy nuclear stations coming off-line, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) provide an alternative low-carbon solution to the energy deficit predicted in the 2030’s.
With the SMR industry still in its infancy, the Expert Finance Working Group findings are clear that Government must support projects whilst global supply chains are yet to be established. There are significant economic and employment opportunities in both running SMRs on existing licensed sites, as well as the fabrication, maintenance and export opportunities which are worth in excess of £250bn.

The Council calls on Scottish Government to withdraw the outright rejection of new nuclear plants in Scotland and send a message to the nuclear industry that Highland has the skill, public support and pro-active partnership working to embrace the next generation of energy production such as SMRs and that this Local Authority will continue to support that aim”. 

(iv) “Council recognises the struggles that Council tenants were having with the new form of benefit, the Universal Credit, which is always paid in arrears and often the lead in time is significant, plunging tenants immediately into arrears.  Currently, tenants can seek advice from a team of two in the Highland Council or go to other advisory organisations, such as the CAB. The Council gives significant amounts of money annually to the CAB to help advise its tenants.  However, we do not feel this is sufficient to tackle the increasing housing debt within Highland Council.  It needs a different approach.

As Councillors, we were often approached by Council house tenants who would rather deal with someone in-house as opposed to going to sit at an outside organisation where some have said they feel stigmatised and embarrassed.  Several years ago the Council had a much larger in-house team that dealt with monetary advice and the staff were discreet and quick to attend to these matters. Often a satisfactory way forward was found for our tenants and the Council, allowing our constituents to reduce their debt.  With an in house-team, as councillors we can contact them instantly and have an inside track to getting them help when they need it quickly and discreetly.  

At the moment the housing management can also offer monetary advice but officers on that level have many other calls upon their time.  We feel that there should be a specialised administration assistant team set up to assist our tenants in dire need, a team of 4 would cost around £100,000 with on costs.  Given the increasing debt in the Housing Revenue Account, we contend that this would be a ‘spend to save’ model and that the Council and tenants would be greatly assisted with a bigger welfare team in-house within Highland Council.

We therefore ask the Council to agree to bring a report to the Corporate Resources Committee as soon as possible with recommendations on this matter”.

Signed:   Ms M Smith    Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair    Mrs P Munro 

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• it had to be recognised that Council tenants were struggling with the new Universal Credit system and that the Money Advice team had reduced over the years. For those reasons, it was imperative that this situation was now addressed in order to deal with the increasing housing debt within the Council;  
• specifically, there was a need to examine the current arrangements with the Citizens Advice Bureaux and whether this could be helped by a new in-house team being set up;
• this situation was having a detrimental effect not just on other Council house tenants but also on the Housing Revenue Account;
• there had been lobbying activity with the UK Government in terms of requesting a reimbursement of the costs to the Council of piloting the Universal Credit scheme and it was hoped that this could be followed up as a matter of urgency;
• it was suggested that the following amendment should be made to the wording within the final paragraph of the Notice of Motion – ‘We therefore ask the Council to agree to bring a report, including the potential involvement of third sector bodies such as Citizens Advice Bureaux, to the Corporate Resources Committee as soon as possible with recommendations on this matter’;    
• any future report to the Corporate Resources Committee had to be wide ranging with a clear list of the expected outcomes from any actions to be taken in this regard; and
• it was noted that a commitment had been given by the Leader of the Council that a report would be submitted to the Poverty and Inequalities Working Group in the first instance on this issue which would help to inform a subsequent report to the Corporate Resources Committee.        

Decision

Members AGREED the terms of the Notice of Motion as detailed – together with the amendment to the final paragraph as follows – ‘We therefore ask the Council to agree to bring a report, including the potential involvement of third sector bodies such as Citizens Advice Bureaux, to the Corporate Resources Committee as soon as possible with recommendations on this matter’.

9. Redesign of Highland Council: Update from the Board and Outcomes from the Service Income Peer Review 
Ath-dhealbhadh Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd: Cunntas às Ùr bhon Bhòrdagus toraidhean bho Cho-Mheasadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis         
  
There had been circulated Report No. HC/3/19 dated 25 February 2019 by the Chief Executive.

In this regard, there were also circulated Minutes of Meeting of the Redesign Board held on 12 February 2019 for approval. 

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in respect of budget monitoring (income) and specifically pricing, it was suggested that hall hires should be treated in the same way as music tuition and school meals as part of the work currently underway on fees and income which was being led by the Commercial Efficiency Team;   
• in relation to the Action Plan and recommendations for improvement, it would be helpful if future quarterly budget reporting to Service Committees and the Council could identify variances on individual subjective codes;
• consideration should be given to benchmarking and the identification of best practice in regard to capital project costs;
• in terms of work being undertaken in relation to credit facilities, it was important to recognise that the Harbours Board generated income in excess of £2m each year and as such different measures should be considered in this case;
• there was concern about the recommendation that statutory interest and late penalties should be applied to overdue commercial accounts and it was suggested that other alternatives, such as freezing accounts, should also be considered; and
• it was imperative that IT was working effectively across the Council network in order to be able to deliver the proposed savings measures within the report.      

Decision

Members APPROVED the Minutes of the Redesign Board meeting and NOTED progress on Council redesign work.

Members also APPROVED the recommendations of the Service Income Review, notably (i) that the de minimis for issuing an invoice be increased from £10 to £12.50, (ii) where alternative payment methods exist, an invoicing surcharge of £15 (including VAT) be implemented and (iii) statutory interest and late penalties be applied to overdue commercial accounts. 

10. Local and National Statutory Performance Indicators 2017-18     
Comharran Coileanaidh agus Comharra-mheasadh Reachdail Ionadail agus Nàiseanta 2017/18

Declarations of Interest – Mr P Saggers, Mr A Jarvie, Mr R Gale, Mrs D MacKay and Mr D Louden declared non-financial interests in this item as detailed below 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 them from taking part in the discussion.

Mr P Saggers – Director of Nairn Citizens Advice Bureau
Mr A Jarvie – Director of Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch & Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureaux
Mr R Gale and Mrs D MacKay – Board Members of East and Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau
Mr D Louden – Trustee of Tain & District Museum (part funded by High Life Highland)  

Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.     

There had been circulated Report No. HC/4/19 dated 27 February 2019 by the Chief Executive.

In terms of an introduction to Items 10, 11 and 12 on the agenda, the Chief Executive reinforced the themes of ‘ambitious’, ‘high performing’, ‘sustainable’ and ‘connected’ which had been incorporated within this and the following two reports on the agenda. As such, it was felt that this could be illustrated by the recent budget process which had resulted in a sustainable budget for the future year and it was hoped that this collaborative approach could be continued with communities and staff going forward.

In this regard, the latest research in terms of public sector reform had identified why public services needed radical change and had offered suggestions as to how this could be achieved. As such, there were five interlinked reports on the current agenda which proved that Highland Council was very much at the forefront of this approach. Specifically, in relation to the Change Programme, progress was being made across communities throughout the Highlands in terms of joint working and collaboration and Members and Officers across the Council were also engaged in finding solutions to complex situations.

In welcoming challenge from Members in relation to the proposals and targets set within the reports, it was confirmed that feedback on cultural change would be provided within future monthly briefings and through Strategic Committee and the full Council.         

Thereafter, and during discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• there was a need to thank the Chief Executive for this report (and the following two reports) and also the staff who continued to perform extraordinarily well across all Council services;   
• it was a concern that some services had been classed in the lower quartiles of the report and it was imperative that measures were taken to improve performance as and where required;
• the detail of the benchmarking information which had been provided was welcomed;
• there was a need to focus on outcomes in future reports as opposed to just costs;
• it should be highlighted that one of the best artefact restoration services was located in the Highlands and in future there should be more content in reports in relation to what costs actually meant in regard to Museum visits; 
• in terms of the education of young children, the statistics highlighted that more affluent communities in the Highlands performed significantly better than others and this was not acceptable;
• it was not good enough to just improve on the previous year’s figures and this had to be addressed;
• in terms of the reduced funding to Citizens Advice Bureaux, it was clear that they were achieving ‘more with less’ but it was felt that much more could have been delivered had funding not been reduced;
• there was a need for much more detailed information on outcomes following reductions in expenditure on specific services;
• future reports should clearly set out the aims of policies and who was expected to benefit in each case;
• there was a need for more focus on specific educational outcomes and the linking of reports e.g. benchmarking, improvement planning framework;
• High Life Highland services continued to perform well and this was welcomed;
• there should be continued monitoring of whether additional staff were required to deal with issues such as planning applications as it was a concern that this was now included within the bottom quartile;
• there were issues which needed to be addressed concerning children excluded from schools and they required to be considered alongside additional training for Pupil Support Assistants if necessary; and
• it had to be recognised that this report was just a ‘starting point’ and that issues would be addressed and improved over time through further reports to the full Council and to Strategic Committees where increased input from Members would be required and welcomed.              

Decision

The Council NOTED the performance of Statutory Performance Indicators for 2017/18 and where relevant their national benchmark position.

It was also NOTED that Service Plans would be presented to Strategic Committee meetings early in the new financial year and that Members should expect the opportunity to scrutinise plans in response to the information contained in this report at that time

11. Corporate Plan 2019-22 
Plana Corporra na Comhairle 2019-22

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 him from taking part in the discussion.   

There had been circulated Report No. HC/5/19 dated 18 February 2019 by the Chief Executive.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in terms of the aspirations for the Council, the Corporate Plan was both strategic and operational and, as part of the improvement agenda, it would take forward localism and engagement and ensure the attainment of the Council’s goals which were often interlinked; 
• there was a need for Member input across the Council, not least in terms of managing expectations and delivering where possible in respect of aspiration levels;
• there were a number of detailed timescales within the Plan and these might need to be refined as necessary to ensure that they were fit for purpose;
• a number of meetings were being proposed and it was essential that as many Members as possible from across the Council were in attendance;
• it had been stated within the report that ‘the draft Council Programme had been considered in December 2018 and it had been agreed that further proposals for inclusion would be welcomed. As there had been no further feedback, it was now proposed that the Plan be agreed’. However, this was not correct in that it had been agreed that the Plan would be submitted to the Members’ Seminar in January 2019 to allow Members to comment further at that time and this had not happened;
• there was a feeling amongst some Members that this Plan was very similar to what had been produced previously and that what was now required was a list of outcomes and not a list of actions;
• a list of clear and more precise outcomes was needed and if possible a reduction in the number of documents produced in this regard;
• it would be important to review the content of the Plan if and when necessary;
• it was imperative that relationships were built with industry in the future with a view to taking projects forward differently than had been the case in the past and that this should also include a focus on addressing areas of systemic decline;
• there was a need for continuity in relation to the issues which had been included in the report, particularly in instances where the Scottish Government had already provided additional funding, such as for improved broadband connectivity;
• there was a need to recognise the current regeneration work being undertaken across the Highlands by a number of agencies which was greatly welcomed and provided huge benefit for local areas;
• collaborative working with partners across the area was imperative, particularly in terms of deriving benefit from the distribution of joint funding;
• whilst supporting the references to the Gaelic language and culture within the Plan, there was a need to also recognise other languages and cultures in the future;
• it was essential that young people were encouraged to stay in the Highlands to live and work and in this respect the significant contribution made by the Dounreay facility in previous years was highlighted;
• a stronger focus on improved public transport and broadband connectivity was imperative to any future success;
• there should also be a focus on not just those who were leaving the Highlands but also those who remained and the services which were required for them in the future months and years;
• continuing interaction with the Scottish Government was essential in terms of formulating future proposals;
• there had to be a clear focus on measuring outcomes from any future projects;
• a ‘fit for purpose’ service had to be provided in future which took account of the anticipated decrease in population in the area and this was especially relevant in relation to NHS services; and
• there was an important role for the Council in terms of economic restructuring and this had to be addressed as a matter of priority.                                  

Decision

The Council:-

i.    APPROVED the Council Programme, Local Choices: Highland Voices;
ii.   APPROVED the Corporate Plan for 2019-22;
iii.  NOTED that the Corporate Plan would be updated to take account of the Council’s Governance Review along with finalising the Change Programme and the Council’s approach to performance management and any organisational restructure. Revisions would be submitted to the Council in May 2019 and any subsequent meetings as required;
iv.   NOTED that the Plan would support the delivery of the Highland Outcome Improvement Plan;
v.    NOTED  that the Corporate Plan would be the subject of an Annual Performance Report in September each year and the first report for this plan was due in September 2020; and
vi.   NOTED that the Plan was normally reviewed following the Annual Performance Report to Council and any changes would be submitted to the Council for approval.      

12. A Connected Highland: Striving to be an ambitious, high performing and sustainable Council 
Gàidhealtachd Cheangailte: A’ strì airson Comhairle adhartach, àrd-dèanadach agus seasmhach

Declarations 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 him from taking part in the discussion.

Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item on the basis that a family member was employed by High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.        

There had been circulated Report No. HC/6/19 dated 25 February 2019 by the Chief Executive.
Decision

Members AGREED:-

i.    the strategic improvement priorities for the Council that required particular corporate attention and support, drawing on the 22 priorities proposed in Appendix 1;
ii.   that targets for the agreed strategic improvement priorities would be developed in consultation with Members and finalised for the May meeting of the Council;
iii.  that a focus on improving performance consistently across the Council would be developed. This could be described as a Highland Improving Performance Programme (HIPP) for the Council and would reflect the key aspects of performance improvement listed in Paragraph 5.1, draw on the range of methods and tools as listed in Paragraph 5.2 and organise support as described in Paragraphs 5.4 to 5.6;
iv.   that the Chief Executive should initiate consultation to review senior management organisational structures to support and deliver the ambition to be a high performing Council, with formal proposals to be brought back to the Council in May 2019; and
v.    that a survey of Members’ views would be carried out into their perspective on performance management in the Council at this time using the Audit Scotland checklist in Appendix 2. The outcomes from the feedback would be included in the report to Council in May which would detail the targets being set for ongoing review.

The Council NOTED:-

i.    additional Member scrutiny of progress with the improvement priorities would be introduced through an all Member monthly briefing;
ii.   a Resources and Improvement Implementation Board, led by the Chief Executive, would meet weekly and report to the all Member monthly briefing. It would have managerial oversight and would escalate matters and provide assurance to Members on delivery;
iii.  work was planned with the senior leadership team of staff to assess progress with performance management based on an Audit Scotland checklist. This, along with the Member feedback, would drive a new corporate approach to performance improvement with the ambition of becoming a whole system learning and improving organisation;
iv.   all staff had a role to play in performance improvement. Evidence from staff engagement sessions, feedback from high performing teams and staff participating in redesign and lean reviews had shown willingness across all staff groups and locations. A range of supports including a targeted training programme would build capability and capacity and accelerate progress; and
v.    Member involvement in the approach to driving improvement would be reflected in the Corporate Plan.               

13. Governance Review – Feedback from Members’ Seminar and Next Steps 
Ath-sgrùdadh Riaghlaidh – Fios Air Ais bho Sheiminear Bhall agus na h-Ath Cheumannan    

There had been circulated Report No. HC/7/19 dated 22 February 2019 by the Chief Executive.

In this regard, a correction to the report was highlighted in respect of Mrs M Davidson being added to the membership.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• single named substitutes should be allowed from each Group as required;
• in view of the proposed membership of the Group, the Opposition Spokespersons for the Strategic Committees from the SNP Group should also be included; and
• consideration should be given to the circulation of Committee reports at least two weeks before meetings (as opposed to the current arrangement for circulation one week before meetings).    

Thereafter, Mr R MacWilliam, seconded by Ms K Currie, MOVED that the Opposition Spokespersons from the SNP Group should be added to the membership of the Group.

As an AMENDMENT, the Convener, seconded by Mrs M Davidson, moved the membership as proposed within the report (and with the correction previously highlighted).

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 10 votes and the AMENDMENT received 44 votes, with 7 abstentions, and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:
B Boyd, R Laird, K Gowans, C MacLeod, P Hadley, I Brown, E Knox, R MacWilliam, K Currie and R Bremner.  

For the Amendment:
A Baxter, B Thompson, J Gordon, R Balfour, J Campbell, G Ross, T Heggie, B McAllister, D MacKay (Mrs), I MacKenzie, G Cruickshank, C Smith, D Macpherson, R MacDonald, J Finlayson, M Finlayson, T Robertson, R Gale, D Rixson, A Graham, J Bruce, S Mackie, D MacKay (Mr), A Sinclair, N Sinclair, H Morrison, F Robertson, I Campbell, J Barclay, C Caddick, G Adam, L Munro, A Jarvie, D MacLeod, I Ramon, P Saggers, B Lobban, H Carmichael, M Davidson, A MacKinnon, A Henderson, A Christie, J Gray and R Bremner.  

Abstentions:
D Louden, A MacInnes, L MacDonald, K Rosie, G MacKenzie, M Smith and I Cockburn.  

Decision

Members AGREED:-

(i)    the draft Terms of Reference for the Members’ Governance Review Steering Group – subject to the following:- Mrs M Davidson to be added to the membership and single named substitutes to be allowed from each Group as required;
(ii)   the Draft Work Plan;
(iii)  that a Members’ Seminar should take place in May 2019 to consider emerging findings from the Steering Group; and
(iv)   that draft proposals should be submitted to the Council in June 2019 for approval.

14. Change Fund Approach and Priorities 
Dòigh-obrach agus Prìomhachasan Maoin Atharrachaidh

There had been circulated Report No. HC/8/19 dated 22 February by the Chief Executive.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• thanks should be conveyed to the Officers concerned for the detailed report which had been produced and which had highlighted the six projects which were being recommended to come forward for Phase 1 funding through the Change Fund – Education Transformation, Care Placement Services Programme, Trades Review, Transport and Grey Fleet, Waste Strategy and Income Generation; 
• in respect of the Trades Review, it was noted that the indicative saving for this project was £1.5m over three years, with £500k to be delivered in Year 1. Also, and whilst the resources required would primarily be provided from within existing staffing, it was proposed that a dedicated Project Manager was required to bring together the range of measures across Community Services and the Development & Infrastructure Service to ensure that maximum benefit was obtained from the project;
• in regard to changes to governance and organisational structures, the approach taken would include two stages, namely a review of governance arrangements through the Governance Review Steering Group and a review of Service and management structures;
• in relation to the Care Placement Services Programme, it was essential that any additional training required was arranged and put in place as soon as possible;
• in terms of Income Generation, it was extremely important to provide a focus on both this but also cost reduction in future;
• in respect of the Trades Review, it was suggested that consideration should be given to exploring issues around the award of contracts below £50k and specifically whether there needed to be additional quotes received than at present in such instances;
• in regard to income generation, including the visitor levy, further clarification was needed in respect of exploring options for introducing car parking charges and agreeing an approach for the investment of the resultant income as it was noted that the indicative income to be derived was currently unquantified;
• in terms of the risks associated with the new proposals, including delivery of the priorities, it was noted that these would be addressed by the new managerial and Member governance arrangements which had been outlined in the report and through a review of the organisational structure of the Council.           

Decision 

The Council AGREED the following revised recommendations as tabled at the meeting -

• £0.750m should be provided to support 6 priority projects for the 1st Phase of the Change Fund: Education Transformation; Care Placement Services Programme; Trades Review; Transport and Grey Fleet; Waste Strategy; and Income Generation;
• the funding would also ensure that all phases of the Change Programme would be underpinned by enhanced resources for HR; performance management; financial governance; and communications;
• additional facilities time would be provided to support engagement with Trade Unions;
• support for these projects would be provided through a combination of Change Fund and the re-prioritisation of existing in-house resources; and
• a monthly cross-Member Resources and Improvement Briefing would be established to provide Members with information on the use and effectiveness of the Change Fund and to provide Member oversight of the delivery of the Council’s budget strategy “A Sustainable Highland” and the Capital Programme.

It was also NOTED that a Resources and Improvement Implementation Group led by the Budget Leader was already in place and the Change Strategy Programme Board had also been established to provide robust governance around the delivery of the Council’s budget strategy. These would also provide information to the monthly Member briefing.