Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams, on 4 November 2024, at 10.30 am.

Recording Notice: This meeting will be recorded and uploaded to the Council’s YouTube channel.

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

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser
Chief Officer – Legal and Corporate Governance

1.    Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2.    Declarations of Interest/Transparency Statement
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt/Aithris Fhollaiseachd

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 provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3.    Fire – Area Performance Summary Report                          
Smàladh – Geàrr Aithisg Coileanadh Sgìreil

There is circulated Report No BIER/21/24 by the Local Senior Officer for Highland.

The Committee is asked to comment on and scrutinise the Area Performance Report.

4.    Housing Performance Report – 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 
Aithisg Coileanaidh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean 2024 gu 30 Sultain 2024    

There is circulated Report No BIER/22/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to note the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024.

5.    Utilising the Great British Insulation Scheme to tackle fuel poverty in Black Isle & Easter Ross Social Housing
A’ Cleachdadh Sgeama Teas-ghleidhidh Mòr Bhreatainn gus dèiligeadh ri bochdainn connaidh ann an Taigheadas Sòisealta an Eilein Duibh agus Rois an Ear     

There is circulated Report No BIER/23/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to:

i.    note the contents of this report; and
ii.    agree to support the development of externally funded projects and the opportunity to scale up.

6.    Waste Management 
Stiùireadh Sgudail

This agenda note provides Members with updated information on the phased implementation of the Recycling Improvement Funded Waste and Recycling service change project.

Since the commencement in April 2024, over 90,000 household bins have been delivered, the new service has been successful introduced into the areas of Ross and Cromarty, Nairn, Inverness and B&S. Additionally, HC Business Waste Customers in these areas have received new recycling bins.

Black Isle and Easter Ross was the first area where service change was introduced, (April/May).  A new grey 140 litre non-recyclable waste bin and silver food waste caddies were delivered to properties in food waste areas:

Muir of Ord 1251, Strathpeffer 497, Munlochy 264, Avoch 531, Fortrose and Rosemarkie 1158, Culbokie 337, Invergordon 1767, Alness 2816, Dingwall 2396, Evanton 612, Maryburgh & Conon Bridge 1491, North Kessock 608.

In other non-food waste areas a new grey 180 litre non-recyclable waste bin was provided. In all areas, the green bin was successfully changed to a mixed plastics, metals and food and drink cartons recycling bin, and the blue bin was changed to a paper, card and cardboard recycling bin.

The overall response from householders and businesses was very positive, demonstrating the communication and engagement with the public has been well received and understood. 

Early data shows an encouraging reduction in non-recycling waste being sent for disposal. Since the service change, we have seen a reduction of around 30% on the amount of kerbside residual waste collected in Easter Ross. A high food waste participation rate of over 70% is being achieved in areas where the service is being provided.

The Committee is asked to note the completion of Recycling Improvement Funded (RIF) collection service changes in Black Isle and Easter Ross Area.

7.    Scottish Government Play Funding Allocation    
Riarachadh Maoineachadh Cluiche Riaghaltas na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No BIER/24/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place

The Committee is asked to agree to homologate £3,605.07 of funding to the project identified for Chapel Street Play Park, Portmahomack.

8.    Common Good Funds    
Maoin Maith Choitchinn

a.    Cromarty Common Good Fund                     
Maoin Math Coitcheann Chromba 

There is circulated Report No BIER/25/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to scrutinise and note the position of Cromarty Common Good Fund (CCGF) as shown in the 2023/24 Quarter Two Monitoring Statement. 

b.    Fortrose and Rosemarkie Common Good Fund             
Maoin Math Coitcheann na Cananaich agus Ros Maircnidh 

There is circulated Report No BIER/26/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to scrutinise and note the position of Fortrose & Rosemarkie Common Good Fund (FRCGF) as shown in the 2023/24 Quarter Two Monitoring Statement.

c.    Invergordon Common Good Fund                     
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Ghòrdain 

There is circulated Report No BIER/27/24 by the Chief Officer Community and Housing, and the Chief Officer Corporate Finance.

The Committee is asked to scrutinise and note the Quarter 2 monitoring statement for the Invergordon Common Good Fund.
                                                                     
d.    Tain Common Good Fund                         
Maoin Math Coitcheann Bhaile Dhubhthaich

There is circulated Report No BIER/28/24 by the Chief Officer Community and Housing, and the Chief Officer Corporate Finance.

The Committee is asked to scrutinise and note the Quarter 2 monitoring statement for the Tain Common Good Fund.

9.    Ward Discretionary Awards    
Duaisean fo Ùghdarras Uàird

There is circulated for noting details of the Discretionary Budget applications that have been approved.

10.    Minutes    
Geàrr-chunntas

There is circulated for noting Minutes of Meeting of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee held on 5 August 2024.