Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Highland Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 27 March 2025 at 9.35am.

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 
Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance

Business

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus 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. Annual Report 2023/24 – Statutory Performance Indicators Benchmarking and Best Value    
Aithisg Bhliadhnail 2023/24 – Slatan-tomhais Taisbeanairean Coileanaidh Reachdail agus Luach as Fheàrr

There is circulated Report No. HC/02/25 by the Chief Executive.

The Council is asked to:

i.   scrutinise and note the performance of the Council’s SPIs for 2023/24 outlined in Appendices 1 and 2 and 3 of the Report;
ii.  note that the updated performance data for 2022/23 has been provided at Appendix 3 to the report;
iii. note the high level summary of the Draft Local Government Benchmarking Framework National Report set out in section 6.6 of the report; and
iv.  note the outcome of the Best Value thematic review set out at section 7.2 of the report, that a full Best Value review will be undertaken during 2024/25 and the examples of Best Value set out in Appendix 4 of the report.

4. Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement - 2025/26 
Aithris Ro-innleachd agus Aithris Tasgaidh Ro-innleachd Stiùireadh Ionmhasail - 2025/26

There is circulated Report No. HC/03/25 by the Chief Officer – Corporate Finance.

The Council is asked to approve the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement for 2025/26 and the Prudential Indicators as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

5. Highland Investment Plan – Progress Update                                      
Plana Tasgaidh na Gàidhealtachd – Cunntas Adhartais

There is circulated Report No. HC/04/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Council is asked to:

i.    agree that following the market testing exercise that has been used to identify which, out of the existing Procurement Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015 compliant strategic partnering arrangements and centralised purchasing arrangements available, Hub North Scotland Ltd be taken forward as the chosen Highland Investment Plan (HIP) delivery partner, with the next steps as outlined at paragraphs 5.13 to 5.26 of the report;
ii.   agree that a Commissioning Approval Board, chaired by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place, be introduced as soon as possible to determine capital contract awards including but not limited to HIP;
iii.  note the indicative HIP capital funding quantum as shown in section 6 of the report, which will be subject to future budget decisions to earmark revenue funding and annual review and revision to take account of factors such as capital project costs, phasing, and interest rates;
iv.   agree the allocation of capital funding to the first group of Phase 1 projects at Beauly, Charleston, Dingwall, Dunvegan, Fortrose, Inverness High and Thurso and the proposed project delivery timescales;
v.    agree the recommended option to move to a Community POD development for St Clement’s and Dingwall Primary schools, on the basis that this provides the greatest educational benefits for both schools, and the maximum economic benefit for the wider community;
vi.   note that the relocation of St Clement’s School will require a statutory consultation;
vii.  agree to immediately commence an informal consultation period of engagement with relevant stakeholders from both schools.  This will inform the proposals for the above statutory consultation, to be presented to the Education Committee on 4 June 2025;
viii. agree the approach to developing Early Smaller Scale HIP Investment Possibilities and working with potential funding partners to maximise investment opportunities; and
ix.   agree the commencement of work on the Strategic Outline Case for Lochaber Adult Care Provision.
                                      
6. Establishing a Poverty and Equalities Commission
A’ Stèidheachadh Coimisean Bochdainn is Co-ionannachd

There is circulated Report No HC/05/25 by the Chief Executive.

The Council is asked to note:

i.   the background and rationale for establishing a Poverty and Equality Commission;
ii.  the early work undertaken to establish the Commission; and
iii. that an update report on progress will be considered at the June meeting of the Council.

7. Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments: Consultation    
Co-chomhairleachadh Riaghaltas na h-Alba mu Bhuannachdan Coimhearsnachd bho Leasachaidhean Neoni Lom

There is circulated Report No. HC/06/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Council is asked to:-

i.   note that there are two sections to the consultation: Offshore and Onshore;
ii.  note that the Council's response is aligned with the principles of the Highland Social Value Charter and the Highland and Islands Regional Economic Partnership position on community benefits (offshore wind); and 
iii. agree to the submission of Highland Council's response to the Scottish Government's Consultation on Community Benefits from Net Zero Developments as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

8. Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2025
Iaghailtean Atharrachaidh 2004 Achd an Riaghaltais Ionadail 2025 (Pàigheadh)

There is circulated Report No HC/07/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Corporate.

The Council is asked to: -

i.   note the implementation of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2025;
ii.  agree to set the salary of the post of Civic Head at the maximum of 75% of the post of Leader as prescribed in the Regulations; and 
iii. agree that a percentage increase equivalent to the percentage increase in councillors’ salaries also be made to senior councillors in receipt of a Special Responsibility Allowance as follows:-

a)Leader of the Opposition;
b)Chair and Vice Chair of Corporate Resources Committee;
c)Chair of Audit Committee;
d)Chair and Vice Chair of Housing and Property Committee; 
e)Chair and Vice Chair Economy and Infrastructure Committee; 
f)Chair and Vice Chair of Communities and Place Committee; 
g)Chair and Vice Chair of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee;
h)Chair and Vice Chair of Education Committee; and
i)Leader of Inverness and Area.

9. Update to the Scheme of Delegation     
Cunntas às Ùr mun Sgeama Thiomnaidh

There is circulated Report No. HC/08/25 by the  Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance.

The Council is invited to agree the changes to the Scheme of Delegation and Administration as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

10. Contract Standing Orders
Gnàth-riaghailtean Cùmhnaint

There is circulated Report No HC/09/25 by the Chief Officer – Corporate Finance.

The Council is asked to approve the changes to the Contract Standing Orders and agree that these shall become effective from 1 April 2025.

11. Question Time
Àm Ceiste 

There is circulated Public and Members Questions received by the Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance.  

For Member Questions, one supplementary question will be allowed in each case which will be answered by the recipient of the original question.

12. Membership of the Council 
Ballrachd na Comhairle

The Council is asked to note that Mr Calum Munro has tendered his resignation as a Highland Council Member with effect from 30 April 2025 and a By-election for Ward 10 (Eilean a' Cheò) will be held on 19 June 2025.

13. Membership of Committees etc
Ballrachd Chomataidhean msaa 

The Council is invited to agree the following:-

i.   Climate Change Committee – Mr S Coghill to replace Mr R MacKintosh
ii.  Communities and Place – Mr S Coghill to replace Ms M Smith and Mr C Ballance to replace Mr A Baldrey
iii. Gaelic Committee – Mr S Coghill to replace Mr J McGillivray 
iv.  Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee – Mr S Coghill to replace Ms M Smith
v.   Pensions Committee – Mr S Coghill to replace Mrs J Hendry and Mr R MacKintosh to replace Mr C Ballance (and, for the latter, also on the Investment Sub Committee).

14. Appointment to Outside Bodies    
Cur an Dreuchd gu Buidhnean air an Taobh A-muigh

(a) Eden Court Highlands 

Following the resignation on 27 March 2025 of Ms S Atkin, the Council is asked to agree the appointment of a new Director for Eden Court Highlands.  

In this regard, there is circulated a copy of the Job Description.

(b) Highland Children’s Trust     

The Council is asked to appoint one Member to the Highland Children’s Trust.

The Highland Children’s Trust assists young people under the age of 25, resident within the Council area, with costs relating primarily to their education, care or setting up in business.  The Governors meet quarterly, normally in January, April, July and October, and meetings last no longer than about 90 minutes. The Trust Deed requires that one of the Governors should be an Elected Member of the Highland Council and has suggested that a Member with a background in Education or Social Work would be ideal. 

15. Timetable of Meetings
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan 

The Council is asked to:

i.   agree that the Highland Council on 8 May 2025 be rescheduled to 15 May 2025; 
ii.  note that two additional Highland Licensing Committee meetings will be held on 29 April 2025 and 3 June 2025; and
iii. agree the calendar of meetings from 1 January to 31 March 2026 as circulated.

16. Deeds Executed 
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh

There is circulated for noting a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 12 December 2024.

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

The Council is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for Item 18 only on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

18. Planning Inquiry Decision    
Co-dhùnadh Ceist Dealbhachaidh

There is circulated Confidential Report No. HC/10/25 by the Chief Officer – Legal and Corporate Governance.

The Council is asked to consider the recommendations in the report.

19. Notices of Motion    
Brathan Gluasaid 

There is circulated Notices of Motion received by the Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance.

20. Confirmation of Minutes     
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais
                                                               
There are submitted for confirmation as a correct record the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 12 December 2024, Special Council held on 12 December 2024 and Special Councils held 13 February 2025 and 6 March 2025 (pp.1617-1662) as contained in the Volume which has been circulated separately.

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

There are 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:-

*Caithness Committee - 20 January 2025
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh Committee - 20 January 2025
Black Isle and Easter Ross Committee - 27 January 2025
Lochaber Area Committee - 27 January 2025
Housing and Property Committee - 29 January 2025
Climate Change Committee - 29 January 2025    

Starred Item as follows:-

Item 4.i Net Zero Programme Update – AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council the approval of the project brief templates in Appendix 2 of the report for inclusion in the Council’s Net Zero Programme.

*Communities and Place Committee - 30 January 2025
City of Inverness Area Committee - 3 February 2025
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee - 5 February 2025
Audit Committee - 5 February 2025
Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee - 10 February 2025 
Dingwall, Seaforth Committee - 10 February 2025
Nairnshire Committee - 10 February 2025
Pensions Committee - 12 February 2025
Economy and Infrastructure Committee - 13 February 2025
*Sutherland County Committee    30 January 2025 - 17 February 2025

Starred Item as follows:-

Item 12 – Notices of Motion – AGREED the following Motion – “Given the impact of overnight parking of camper vans in Council carparks leading to inappropriate waste disposal and other anti-social behaviour, the Sutherland County Committee agrees to impose a ban on all overnight camper van and motorhome parking in Council car parks in the County of Sutherland with signage being put in place to direct them to alternative parking options in the local area. 

This motion to be a starred item for referral to full Council if necessary.” 
            
* Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee - 17 February 2025
Education Committee - 26 February 2025

Starred Item as follows:-

Item 6 – Statutory Consultation: Creation of new Primary School for Tornagrain – Final report – AGREED TO RECOMMEND that the Highland Council establish a new primary school to serve the Tornagrain housing development and amend the delineated area (catchment area) of the current Croy Primary School in order to create the catchment area for the new school.

Item 7 – Statutory Consultation: Closure of Duror Primary School – Final Report – AGREED TO RECOMMEND that the Highland Council does not discontinue education at Duror Primary School.
            
Gaelic Committee - 26 February 2025
Comataidh na Gaidhlig - 26 An Gearran 2025
Corporate Resources Committee - 20 March 2025    

Minutes of Meetings not included in the Volume are as follows:-    

i.   Community Planning Board – for noting – held on 4 December 2024 (approved by the Board on 21 February 2025) ;    
ii.  Recruitment Panel – for noting – held on 18 and 19 December 2024 and 16 January 2025; and
iii. Redesign Board – for approval – held on 20 March 2025.