Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Caithness Committee will take place remotely on Monday 28 April 2025 at 10.00am.

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

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

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser

Chief Officer – Legal and Corporate Governance

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. Appointment of Chair of Caithness Committee

Cur Cathraiche Chomataidh Ghallaibh an Dreuchd

Following Mr Gunn’s resignation from the position, nominations are invited for the Chair of the Caithness Committee.

4. Police – Area Performance Summary

Poileas – Geàrr-chunntas air Coileanadh Sgìreil

There will follow Report No CC/12/25 by the North Area Commander.

5. Caithness Area Place Plan

 Plana Àite Sgìre Ghallaibh   

There is circulated Report No CC/13/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider and agree to adopt the Caithness Area Place Plan, using it as a tool to inform and support decision making about Caithness;

ii. agree to support and promote the plan where possible in terms of its consideration within other plans, strategies, development and funding opportunities across or impacting the Caithness area; and

iii. note the next steps for progressing the work set out in the plan.

6. Housing Management Performance Report – 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 PP.63-68

Aithisg Dèanadais Stiùireadh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean 2024 gu 31 Màrt 2025                                                                                                       

There is circulated Report No CC/14/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.

The Committee is invited to note the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

7. Caithness Void Plus PP.69-75

 Void Plus Ghallaibh

There is circulated Report No CC/15/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.

The Committee is invited to note:

i. the information provided on progress of the Void-Plus Policy in Caithness; and

ii. that a review will be taken of the Void-Plus approach following the first year of operation to determine the success of the approach.  This will assist in determining whether the Void-Plus Policy should be continued beyond the trial period.

8. Environmental Health – Annual Report and Activity 2024/25

Slàinte Àrainneachdail – Aithisg agus Gnìomhachd Bhliadhnail 2024/25

There is circulated Report No CC/16/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.

The Committee is invited to note the:-

i. range and volume of work being undertaken locally by the environmental health team; 

ii. Highland wide issues; and 

iii. report format and content.

9. Ward Discretionary Awards

Duaisean fo Ùghdarras Uàird

Thurso and Northwest Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications approved 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

The Committee is asked to note that the following Thurso and Northwest Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications have been approved for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Community Food Initiatives North East – Fareshare in Highland - £1,690.00

Caithness Chamber of Commerce – Caithness Transport Forum - £500.00

Pentland Firth Yacht Club – Replacement Windows - £1,450.00

Highlife Highland – Active School Coaching & Equipment - £1,500.00

Sidh Chailleann Art – “Industrial Caithness” Exhibition - £1,000.00

Thurso Youth Club SCIO – Holiday Activities £1,000.00

Thurso Community Council – Thurso Town Centre initiative 2024 - £400.00

Association of Caithness Community Council – Village officer Funding - £3,200.00

Connecting Carers Caithness - £1,916.00

Caithness Voluntary Group – Winter Support 24/25 - £1000.00

Wick and East Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications approved 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

The Committee is asked to note that the following Wick and East Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications have been approved since 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025:

Community Food Initiatives North East – Fareshare in Highland - £2,763.00

Caithness Chamber of Commerce – Caithness Transport Forum - £500.00

Highlife Highland – Youth Session Resources - £999.00

Argyll Square Area Association – Replacement Litter Bin - £561.60

Association of Caithness Community Council – Village officer Funding - £5,300.00

Caithness Voluntary Group – Winter Support 24/25 - £2,000

Dunbeath & District Centre – Back Office Support £2,276.40

10. Minutes

Geàrr-chunntas

There are circulated for noting Minutes of the Caithness Committee held on 20 January 2025 which were approved by the Council on 27 March 2025.