Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will take place REMOTELY on Thursday 2 December 2021 at 10.30am. 

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

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

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser
Head of Corporate Governance

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

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

3. Good News 
Naidheachdan Matha

4. Presentation - HiTrans Activity
Taisbeanadh – Gnìomhachd HiTrans

A presentation will be made by Mr Ranald Robertson HITRANS Director, providing information and an update on HITRANS activity in the Highland Council area.

5. Presentation - Corran Ferry 
Taisbeanadh – Aiseag a’ Chorrain 

A presentation will be made by Mr Murray Bain providing information on results of Corran Narrows socio-economic study.

6. Inner Moray Firth Proposed Local Development Plan 2
Plana Leasachaidh Ionadail 2 ga Mholadh airson Linne Mhoireibh A-staigh

There is circulated Report No. ECI/41/2021 dated 19 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to approve the Inner Moray Firth Proposed Local Development Plan for consultation, including:-

i.   agree the officer recommendations on strategic issues outlined in Appendix 1 of the report, noting the issues raised by respondents and Local/City Committees; 
ii.  note the place-specific changes agreed by the Local/City Committees as set out in Appendix 2 of the report as amended by paragraph 6.11 of this report;
iii. agree the approach to consultation outlined in section 7 of this report; 
iv.  note that the Proposed Plan for publication will include additional supporting documents and minor factual updates, with any material changes to be agreed with the chair of the relevant committee(s) prior to publication; and
v.   agree for the published Inner Moray Firth Proposed Local Development Plan to be treated as a material planning consideration, in line with government guidance

7. Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS)- Highland Council Membership
Urras Inntrigidh Blàr A-muigh na h-Alba- Ballrachd Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. ECI/42/2021 dated 11 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the content of the report.
ii.  agree to recommend that the Highland Council become members of OATS; and
iii. agree that this Committee identify and nominate one Member to join the Board of OATS

8. Revenue Monitoring- Quarter 2 to 30 September 2021
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach – Cairteal 2 gu 30 Sultain 2021 

There is circulated Report No. ECI/43/2021 dated 9 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.   the more detailed reporting of gross income and gross expenditure to improve scrutiny of net budgets as set out in the Appendices of the report;
ii.  the revenue monitoring position for the period to 30 September 2021;
iii. net spend at the end of Quarter 2, totalled £11.514m;
iv.  based on the best available information to date, a service budget gap of £1.618m is forecast to end of 2021/22
v.   many areas of the Service rely on income to pay for services, and this continues to be affected in 2021/22 because of Covid-19 impacts.  A loss of income and Covid-19 related costs is the key driver of the Service’s budget gap;
vi.  the budget gap may change positively or negatively depending on applying expenditure and recruitment controls, aligning services to meet budget savings agreed and income recovery in 2021/22; and
vii. further adjustments will be made in future quarterly reporting to reflect the updated apportionment of costs and savings across the new structure.

9. Capital Monitoring – Quarter 2 2021/22
Sgrùdadh Calpa – Cairteal 2 2021/22

There is circulated Report No. ECI/44/2021 dated 12 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note the financial position as at 30 September 2021 and the estimated year end forecast.

10. Highland Coastal Community Fund - Update and Next Actions
Maoin Coimhearsnachd Cladaich na Gàidhealtachd – Cunntas às Ùr agus na h-Ath Ghnìomhan

There is circulated Report No. ECI/45/2021 dated 12 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the content of the report at Appendix 1 of the report and in particular the recommendations in section 11:-

a. to consider setting of priorities within their area in order to focus and direct the funds available and to manage the expectations of applicants;
b. to explore the opportunity to develop a streamlined monitoring and evaluation framework to support the evidencing of impact through the scheme; 
c. to consider the retention of a strategic pot of funding that allows for projects that deliver benefit across multiple areas with a focus on addressing the climate and nature emergency; and
d. to consider the resourcing requirements of the scheme and the added value to applicants and Members that can be achieved with adequate investment into the administration of the fund; and to recommend to full council that up to 10% of the £3m allocation is ringfenced for this purpose to ensure appropriate and adequate resourcing of the scheme.

ii.  note the full list of projects funded to date contained within Appendix 2 of the report; and
iii. agree that the distribution of the overall allocation across Highland is taken forward on the same basis as agreed for the allocations already received (ie in line with the Scottish Government methodology around sea area).

11. Annual Report under Public Bodies Climate Change Duties 2020/21                
Aithisg Bhliadhnail fo Dhleastanasan Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde Bhuidhnean Poblach 2020/21

There is circulated Report No. ECI/46/21 dated 5 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Performance & Governance. 

The Committee is invited to homologate the return submitted for reporting year 2020/21 under the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties.

12. Consultation Response – Building Regulations: Energy standards – EV Charging Provision
Freagairt Cho-chomhairle – Riaghailtean Togail: Inbhean lùtha – Solar Teàirrdsidh Charbadan Dealain

There is circulated report No. ECI/47/21 dated 1 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Performance & Governance.

The Committee is invited to homologate the response to this consultation.

13. School Transport Transformation Project (Review of school transport)
Pròiseact Cruth-atharrachaidh Còmhdhail Sgoile

There is circulated Report No. ECI/48/2021 dated 12 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note that the summary report from The TAS Partnership (attached) will be supplemented by a detailed final report;
ii.  agree to the following recommendations from the TAS report:-

• continue to develop community transport solutions for school transport where appropriate;
• apply existing policy to further Gaelic Medium catchment areas as they are defined;
• develop parental budgets and/or shared parental arrangements where these are found to be cost-effective;
• support or develop child protection awareness training for drivers;
• support or develop wheelchair safety training for drivers and escorts;
• provide schools with transport site risk assessment tools and guidance;
• transport Unit staff to assist the Education Service in reviewing school catchment areas where there is potential to reduce transport costs; and
• procure a contract management software system.

iii. agree that the following items should be reviewed in detail, involving staff of other Services as appropriate, and a further report be brought to Committee:-

• conditions of contract, and contract monitoring capacity and processes;
• analysis of ASN transport policy, costs and processes;
• scope for expansion of in-house transport provision;
• feasibility of providing bicycles as an alternative to transport provision for some pupils;
• appeal process for road safety decisions; and
• environmental and sustainability implications of the school transport policy.

iv.  invite TAS to make a presentation on their report to the next meeting of the Committee;
v.   agree that a bid be made to the Change Fund to support the staffing resource required to implement the recommendations above; and
vi.  agree that future budget reporting should identify the element of public transport costs which are attributable to school transport.

14. Free Bus Travel for Persons Under 22.
Siubhal Bus An-asgaidh Dhaibhsan fo Aois 22

There is circulated Report No. ECI/49/2021 dated 11 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the introduction of the free travel scheme from 31 January 2022;
ii.  note that discussions between COSLA and Transport Scotland are ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been reached on the impact on the financial settlement between the Scottish Government and Councils;
iii. agree that where pupils use public bus services to travel to and from school, the entitlement card under the national free travel scheme should be encouraged for free home to school travel, with effect from the commencement of the scheme;
iv.  agree that the Council’s current policy be maintained of not incurring additional expenditure on contracts (or enhancements to contracts) specifically for transport of pupils to and from school who are not entitled under the Council’s existing school transport policy;
v.   agree that charging for privilege places on school buses be discontinued after Easter 2022, but that charges for privilege places on taxis should continue; and
vi.  agree to continue to support COSLA in reaching a satisfactory financial settlement with the Scottish Government which does not adversely affect the Council as a result of the scheme.

15. Car Parking Roll Out Project    
Pròiseact Parcadh Chàraichean ga Sgaoileadh A-mach

There will follow Report No. ECI/50/2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

16. Establishing a Short-Term Let Control Area for Ward 20: Badenoch and Strathspey    
A’ Stèidheachadh Sgìre Smachd Màil Gheàrr-Ùine airson Uàrd 20: Bàideanach agus Srath Spè

There is circulated Report No. ECI/51/2021 dated 18 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the new and emerging legislation to control and manage Short-term lets (STL);
ii.  note the potential implications STL already have on Highland communities, the Council, and its partners;
iii. note the detailed information and evidence of the number of tourist accommodation units across Ward 20 (Badenoch & Strathspey) and agree one of the specified options;
iv.  if Members are minded to proceed with the statutory process to establish a Control Area for Ward 20 (Option 3):-

a. delegate authority to Officers to undertake the STL Control Area Consultation as summarised in Appendix 2 of the report; and
b. following consultation as specified in a, bring back a further report to committee, summarising the feedback and outlining the final steps for the establishment of a Ward 20 STL Control Area for approval.

v.  delegate authority to Officers to research and consider drafting ‘non-statutory planning guidance’ covering STL within a Control Area, final approval of which would be brought back to a later Committee; and
vi. agree to ring fence a proportion of fees generated to resource the additional workload associated should option iv above be approved.

17. City Region Deal – Annual Report
Cùmhnant Baile Roinne – Aithisg Bhliadhnail

There is circulated Report No. ECI/52/2021 dated 12 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note and approve the report as record of the activity and delivery for 20/21.

18. Road Structures Annual Report
Pàipear Bliadhnail Structaran

There is circulated Report No. ECI/53/2021 dated 18 October 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the position of the Bridge Stock Condition Indicators in Highland;
ii.  note the current position in Highland in relation to the number of structures inspections undertaken; 
iii. note that the Levelling Up Fund application for road and bridge improvements in Highland has been unsuccessful;
iv.  note that the Local Bridge Maintenance Fund application has been partially successful with £5.927M awarded for 9 schemes; and 
v.   agree that structural assessments can be included in the capital programme. 

19. Scottish Roads Maintenance Condition Survey Results 2020-21
Suirbhidh Staid Cumail Suas Rathaidean na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No. ECI/54/2021 dated 25 October 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the results of the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey for 2020-21 and that our relative ranking is 26th position amongst Scottish Local Authorities with a road condition index of 39.1, representing the percentage of the road network is considered in need of maintenance treatment; and
ii. note that without further and sustained funding the condition of the road network will continue to deteriorate and as such our ranking amongst the other Scottish Local Authorities may drop further.
    
20. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The following Minutes are circulated for noting or approval as appropriate: -

i.   North Planning Applications Committee held on 10 August 2021, and 14 September 2021 for noting (pp.433-448);
ii.  South Planning Applications Committee held on 17 August 2021, and 21 September 2021 for noting (pp.449-459);
iii. Education Transport Entitlement Review Sub-Committee held on 17 September 2021 for noting (pp.460-461); 
iv.  Highland Coastal Communities Fund Sub Committee held on 27 September 2021 and 29 October 2021 for noting (pp.462-464); 
v.   City Region Deal Monitoring Group held on 1 November 2021 (to follow) for approval; and 
vi.  Harbours Management Board held on 16 November 2021 for approval (pp.465-468).

21. Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill 

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

22. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There is circulated to Members only Report No. ECI/55/2021 dated 9 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note the recommendations as detailed in the report.

23. Land and Property
Fearann agus Cuid-seilbh 
                                                             
There is circulated to Members only Report No. ECI/56/21 dated 5 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note the recommendations as detailed in the report.

24. Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

There is circulated to Members only Report No. ECI/57/21 dated 8 November 2021 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note the recommendations as detailed in the report.