Agendas, reports and minutes

CAITHNESS COMMITTEE: MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2025

In relation to the agenda circulated for the above meeting of the Caithness Committee, please find attached the following reports:-

3. Scottish Fire and Rescue Local Performance Report                         
Aithisg Dèanadais Ionadail Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No CC/01/25 by the Local Senior Officer for Highland. 

The Committee is invited tocomment on, scrutinise and note the attached Area Performance Report.
    
7. Housing Revenue Account: Garage Rents 2025/26 
Cunntas Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais: Màil Gharaidsean 2025/26

There is circulated Report No CC/05/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.

The Committee is invited to agree a level of rent increase to apply to Caithness Garages and Garage Sites.    

8. Housing Repairs Performance Report
Aithisg Coileanaidh Càraidhean Taigheadais

There is circulated Report No CC/06/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.

The Committee is invited to note the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024.
    
15. Caithness Disability Access Panel
Pannal Ruigsinneachd Ciorramachd Ghallaibh

Disability Access Panels are made up of people of all ages and abilities who share a passion for the issues faced by disabled people. With the help of Disability Equality Scotland as the national umbrella body, Disability Access Panels support their communities to become as accessible as possible, particularly in relation to the built environment, healthcare, employment, education, and transport. By raising awareness they can also help to change attitudes among the general public about the need for inclusive access
The Highland Council has a protocol with Disability Access panels across Highland and consults them on proposals for public buildings e.g. schools or libraries etc. In addition to this Disability Access panels can receive and review weekly Planning lists and can request a consultation or make comment on a particular application.
The Caithness Disability Access Panel is an active group who meet approximately once a month to discuss local access issues, disability legislation and general matters relating to disabled access, both in buildings and on public transport. They also highlight examples of both good and poor practice to service providers and may comment on a variety of issues, reflecting issues relating to accessibility within Caithness, for example the standard of specific disabled toilets, or the frequency of accessible public buses. They are also compiling a Caithness Public Services Access Guide (after receiving access audit training) which aims to list the accessibility status of all local businesses. They are currently working very hard to develop a project to provide disabled access on to a local beach for wheelchair users.

The Committee is invited to acknowledge and note the work of the Caithness Disability Access Panel    

Yours faithfully
Stewart Fraser
Chief Officer, Legal and Corporate Governance