Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee held in the Assembly Rooms, Sinclair Terrace, Wick, on Monday, 18 November 2013, at 10.30 a.m.

Present:

Mr G Farlow, Mr B Fernie, Mrs G Coghill, Mr N MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mr G Phillips, Mr J Rosie, Mrs G Ross, Mr R Saxon

Officials in attendance:

Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Ms H Ross, Senior Ward Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Ms T Luxton, Housing and Property Manager, Housing and Property Service
Mr G Nichols,  Area Education Manager, Education Culture & Sport Service
Mr B Mackinnon, Employability Team Leader, Planning and Development Service
Mr C Simpson, Tourism Co-ordinator, Planning and Development Service
Mr D Chisholm, Graduate Planner, Planning and Development Service
Mr C Stewart, Area Roads and Community Works Manager, TEC Services
Ms D Grant, Area Children’s Services Manager, Social Work Service
Ms S Tarrant, Public Relations Officer, Chief Executive’s Service
Mrs R Moir, Principal Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Service
Ms A Macrae, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr S Taylor, Civic and Facilities Team Leader, Finance Service
Mrs F Anderson, Administrative Assistant, Finance Service
Mr A Swaile, Clerical Assistant, Finance Service

Also in attendance:

Mr T Campbell, Chief Executive, North Highland Initiative (Item 3)
Ms C Farquhar, Development Co-ordinator, North Highland Initiative (Item 3)

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to Committee.

Mrs D Mackay in the Chair

The Chair advised the Committee that the meeting would be filmed and broadcast over the internet on the Highland Council website and would be archived and available for viewing for 12 months.

Preliminaries

Quality Awards 2013

The Chair congratulated the following members of staff on their recent nominations and success at the Quality Awards 2013:-

• Mr R Machin, Depute Rector, Wick High School – winner in the category ‘Working Together for our Children and Young People’ for The Inclusion Room;
• Mr S Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager – nominated in the category ‘Working Together for Strong, Safe and Empowered Communities’ for The Wick and Thurso Charettes;
• Waste Management Team, Wick – winner of a Community Council Commendation from the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council;
• Project Team led by Mr D Sutherland, Ward Manager, Caithness - winner of Team of the Year for the Wick Office move.

Following on from the above, the Chair indicated that she had written to the Director of TEC Services conveying her thanks to Mr R Gunn, Area Lighting Engineer and his staff, on their work to illuminate the Brora War Memorial.

The Committee NOTED the successful outcome of the Quality Awards 2013 for the Caithness and Sutherland area.

Rural Fuel Discount Scheme

The Chair welcomed the decision of the UK Government to allow further consideration of the proposed rural fuel discount scheme prior to an application being submitted to the European Commission. However, she referred to ongoing concerns in regard to the eligibility of areas in Caithness and Sutherland to be included in the Scheme.

In this regard she indicated that it would be helpful for Members to meet with Lord Thurso MP on this issue and also to discuss other issues of concern such as the delay in rolling out Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s Next Generation Broadband project in the area.

As a general point she suggested that there would be benefits in the Committee engaging more closely with Highland MPs, MSPs and MEPs to discuss priorities and seek benefits for communities in Caithness and Sutherland.

The Committee NOTED the update.

1. Apology for Absence
    Liesgeulan

An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Mr D Bremner.

2. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:

• Item 3: Mr G Farlow (non-financial)
• Item 4: Mrs G Ross and Mr R Saxon (both non-financial)
• Item 7: Mr B Fernie, Mrs G Ross and Mr R Saxon (all non-financial)
• Item 8: Mrs G Ross (non-financial)
• Item 10: Mr G Farlow (financial)
• Item 14: Mrs G Ross (non-financial)

3. Highland Tourism Action Plan and Presentation from North
    Highland Initiative
    Plana-gnìomh Turasachd na Gàidhealtachd agus Taisbeanadh bho
    Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd a Tuath

Mr G Farlow declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that he was a Director of North West Highland Geopark Ltd but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-35-13 (23kb pdf) dated 6 November 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development updating Members on the development of a Highland Tourism Action Plan currently being undertaken by the Highland Tourism Partnership and the Council’s work with the North Highland Initiative. 

The report provided some strategic context to accompany the presentation by Mr Tom Campbell, Chief Executive of the North Highland Initiative, on the latter’s work to develop tourism in the Caithness and Sutherland area, pointing out that the activities incorporated in the Highland Tourism Action Plan and those undertaken by the North Highland Initiative supported the Council’s commitment “Working with the Scottish Government, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and private sector partners, the Council will maximise the tourism potential of the Highland area”.

In presenting the report, the Tourism Co-ordinator referred to the following year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and confirmed that the Education, Culture and Sport Service was currently developing a legacy plan in consultation with the Scottish Government and other agencies, and that this would be subject to separate reporting.

Mr T Campbell proceeded to give a presentation on the work being done by the North Highland Initiative to develop tourism in the area, focusing on the destination development projects designed to promote the area, many of which would be undertaken in partnership. He stated that the Initiative was focused on the message that the North Highlands was an outstanding part of the UK to visit.

During his presentation Mr Campbell highlighted that, in the previous six months, over three million people had been reached by North Highland Initiative’s activities, which had included launching the Wild North campaign and website; running a series of events as part of the Wild Flower Europe campaign and also the Wild North Festival; and the publication and circulation of 15,000 copies of the North Highland Larder, which showcased local businesses and producers.  Further activities had included working with Glasgow University to research and promote tourism as a career; promoting the development of a North Highland Way; working with Historic Scotland to develop the John O’Groats Mill into a tourist attraction; and researching the potential for a ‘northern skyway’ route to be developed in the North Highlands.

Thereafter, Mr Campbell responded to a number of points raised by Members, during which he advised that:-

• The Initiative was willing to work with any community or community group to facilitate them to do more or better work.
• He had discussed with the Chairman and senior officials of VisitScotland concerns that the Tourist Information Centre in Inverness was not promoting the North Highlands as a destination.  He reported that VisitScotland was supportive of the North Highlands and therefore, if Members had specific concerns on this matter, he would raise them directly with the organisation.  He also cautioned that VisitScotland had a duty to promote the various parts of the Highlands on an equal basis.
• A debate was required in regard to the future direction of tourism information centres, given the increasing use of social media and accessibility to online information, and investment opportunities for communities in this regard.
• In regard to concerns that major construction projects in the area might result in a shortage of accommodation for tourists, he advised that the Initiative was investigating the opportunities to convert redundant farm buildings in the area to provide additional accommodation.  The initiative had also conducted a survey in Dornoch to establish an accurate number of beds and occupancy levels over the year, and he suggested that it might be appropriate to undertake a similar exercise in Caithness.  He advised that a further challenge was to encourage businesses to remain open outwith the main tourist season and also to drive up visitor numbers over these months.
• The development of the John O’Groats Mill would provide opportunities to support young people without positive destinations, through its links to North Highland College, Thurso, and the opportunities it would create in areas such as catering, retail, tourism building and maintenance.  He confirmed that he would speak directly to Mrs L Munro, the Council’s Children’s Champion, on this matter.
• It was important to focus on the message that the North Highland area was not a barren place, and also on developing and promoting destinations to attract visitors to the area. 

In conclusion of this item the Chair suggested that a further meeting between Members and Mr Campbell be arranged to discuss and develop some of the issues raised in discussion.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED that the Council had entered into a Service Delivery Agreement with the North Highland Initiative to assist their work to develop tourism in the Caithness and Sutherland area.

The Committee AGREED that a further meeting between Members and the Chief Executive of the North Highland Initiative be arranged to enable further discussion on opportunities to develop tourism in the area.

4. Winter Maintenance Plan 2013/14 
    Plana Cumail Suas a’ Gheamhraidh 2013/14

In accordance with Standing Order 18, with the consent of the meeting, Item 6 on the agenda was taken at this point.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-37-13 (102kb pdf) dated 31 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the Winter Maintenance Plan for the Caithness and Sutherland area for 2013/14.

In response to questions, the Area Roads and Community Works Manager explained that, in consultation with the Community Works Manager, local discretion was exercised in regard to the priority treatment of the B869 Lochinver to Newton road in certain conditions.  He also confirmed that there was a need to engage more with communities to promote the community self-help scheme, noting that to date three enquiries had been received.  He suggested that the commitment required to provide a daily service might be a disincentive to some communities and explained the slow take up of the scheme to date.

In regard to the community self-help scheme, the Chair reported that legal advice had confirmed that members of the public involved in snow clearance works on pathways would not be liable for any slips or falls which occurred on those pathways.

During further discussion, the Area Roads and Community Works Manager confirmed that he would arrange for local discretion to be exercised in terms of the priority treatment of the C1018 Westerdale to Halkirk route, on the basis that it was a main school route and served an increasing number of properties.

Further points discussed included the opportunities for web linked cameras to be located on some routes to assist the public with their journey planning.  The Area Roads and Community Works Manager cautioned that cameras provided a snapshot in time and that weather conditions could change significantly after the start of a journey.  He advised that the Service received accurate and immediate information from ice alerts, which informed decisions around service delivery.

In regard to future planning and the impact of any budgetary reductions, it was explained that the Director of TEC Services and Director of Finance had been asked to establish the actual cost of delivering the fundamentals of the Service, to help inform future discussions on the budget.

The Committee APPROVED the Winter Maintenance Plan for the Caithness and Sutherland area as contained in Appendix B to the report.

5. Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme 
    Rothaireachd, Coiseachd, Sràidean nas Sàbhailte

In accordance with Standing Order 18, with the consent of the meeting, Item 11 on the agenda was taken at this point.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-42-13 (29kb pdf) dated 1 November 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve a project at Brora Primary School delivered through the Scottish Government funding for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets for the Caithness and Sutherland area.

The Committee APPROVED the Safer Routes to School Project at Brora Primary School, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

6. U1306 Portnacon Pier Road – Partial Deletion 
    Rathad Cidhe Phort nan Con U1306 – Pàirt Dhubhadh Às

In accordance with Standing Order 18, with the consent of the meeting, Item 12 on the agenda was taken at this point.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-43-13 (18kb pdf) dated 31 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the deletion of the last 226m (from the seaward end) of the U1306 Portnacon Pier Road from the List of Adopted Roads.

The Committee APPROVED the deletion of the last 226m (from the seaward end) of the U1306 Portnacon Pier Road from the List of Adopted Roads.

7. North Highland Onshore Vision – Action Plan Update
    Plana-gnìomh Lèirsinn Air-cladaich na Gàidhealtachd a Tuath –
    Cunntas Bliadhnail

Mrs G Ross and Mr R Saxon, as Board members of the Advisory Board of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership, both declared non-financial interests in this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-36-13 (192kb pdf) dated 7 November 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development advising that the purpose of the North Highland Onshore Vision was to identify key land use planning actions which would help to support the growth of the marine renewables sector in North Highland.  As part of this, the Highland Council agreed a 10 point Action Plan in May 2011 which had been developed in consultation with a variety of stakeholders.  The action plan set out a framework for delivering support for the sector by providing actions, together with timescales, the lead agency and some of the other key partners involved.

An annual update, setting out revised actions, had been agreed by the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee in November 2012.  This report provided an update on the progress made during 2013 and asked Members to agree the revised version of the Action Plan for the coming year.

In presenting the report the Graduate Planner explained that the North Highland Onshore Vision was feeding in to the preparation of the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan (CaSPlan), noting that marine renewables and related opportunities would play a major role in the CaSPlan.

The Chair advised that a key issue in the delivery of marine renewables in the future was infrastructure and particularly the harbours in the area.  Therefore the Council was keen to engage with all relevant agencies to ensure that the area’s harbours were in prime position for the work required.

Thereafter, Members expressed their disappointment at the announcement by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) that its Next Generation Broadband project would not be rolled out to Caithness and North Sutherland until 2014/2015, particularly as it had been indicated that the area would be treated as a priority.  Concern was also expressed at the lack of broadband coverage and level of service available on the west coast of Sutherland.

Attention was also drawn to the potential for 4G mobile phone coverage to be provided in the area to improve services, given that this did not rely on high speed broadband, and to the scope for provision of town centre Wi-Fi.

The Chair indicated that the provision of high speed broadband was key to attracting inward investment and supporting economic growth in the area.  She reported that the Leader of the Council had met with the Chairman of BT to press the need for an urgent solution and also to discuss the opportunities to develop 4G mobile coverage and other initiatives that could be applied to improve services in the area.  The Council was also seeking an early meeting with HIE at the highest level in this regard.

A further point raised suggested that the Highland MPs should be lobbied in regard to the target of at least 84% coverage of premises by 2016 set for the HIE project, on the basis that this target had been set by the UK Government’s Department of Media, Culture and Sport.

Thereafter, the Graduate Planner responded to a number of questions on the housing needs and demand assessment to be carried out as part of the Action Plan.  He explained that, in terms of methodology, the assessment would be conducted in line with rigorous national guidelines, to ensure that it was as comprehensive as possible.  He confirmed that the CaSPlan’s Main Issues Report would recognise that many people in Sutherland commuted outwith the area to serve the employment opportunities in the Cromarty Firth.

Discussion followed on the requirement to develop temporary accommodation to meet the needs of the marine renewable industry, for example budget travel hotels which could also be used to accommodate tourists.  The Graduate Planner advised that discussions had been held with the Council’s Asset Management Team in regard to the potential use of surplus buildings in the area to match the needs of the industry.  He advised that the diversity of accommodation and housing required would be taken forward as part of the CaSPlan.

In response to a question, the Graduate Planner clarified that the CaSPlan process provided a public platform for discussion on ideas for sites.  It was open to any Member to contribute to the Call for Sites and Ideas exercise.  Such contributions would feed into the Main Issues Report and thereafter the Proposed Plan, which would set out in principle the specific allocation of sites.  Once the Council had adopted the Proposed Plan it would be open to Members to participate in the planning application process in the normal way and to consider specific planning applications on their merits, on issues such as layout, scale or design.

Following on from the above, Members referred to a recent event hosted by Wick Harbour Authority which had involved all its stakeholders and a presentation for the public.  This had focused on the future development of the harbour and the creation of jobs, noting that under the Authority’s new mission statement the aim was to create a minimum of 300 jobs by 2017.  Members requested that the findings and feedback from the event be fed into the Action Plan, and commended Wick Harbour Authority on its excellent work.

In response to further questions, the Graduate Planner explained that the Council had lobbied for Wick Harbour to be included as an Enterprise Area, but that the Scottish Government had made the final decision in this regard.  However, he confirmed that the significant potential to develop Wick Harbour and other harbours such as Gills Bay was recognised in the Action Plan.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the progress made to deliver the actions set out in the Action Plan over the past 12 months; and AGREED:-

i. the revised Action Plan, which set out updated targets and timescales for the coming year; and
ii. that a further report be presented to the Committee in February 2014 on draft contents for the Main Issues Report.

8. Golspie Recycling and Environmental Action Network (GREAN)
    Lìonra Gnìomh Ath-chuairteachaidh is Àrainneachd Ghoillspidh

Members were advised that, following the closure of GREAN on Friday, 30 August 2013, the multi-agency PACE initiative (Partnership for Continuing Employment) had been activated and a support session for the affected staff had been held in Golspie on Friday, 6 September 2013.  The Council had been represented at this session by the Employability and Money Advice teams and follow-up support was being provided by the Council and partners to the individuals affected.

As GREAN had gone into Liquidation, a liquidator had been appointed, and he had concluded that no parts of the business were a going concern and therefore he would be attempting to realise the value of the assets (mainly vehicles) of the business, to distribute amongst the creditors.  That process was ongoing.

The only Highland Council asset affected by the closure of GREAN was the Golspie Community Garden, which GREAN had leased from the Council.  The Council was in discussions with a local community group who had indicated an interest in taking over the community garden.  The Council was also meeting with Highlands and Islands Enterprise at director level to discuss enhanced support for social enterprises and community development in East and Central Sutherland, to include the work and support around Shin Falls and Kyle of Sutherland.

The Chair advised that the Economy and Regeneration Manager had prepared a briefing note which provided an update on the destinations of affected staff, and the partnership activities taking place on the ground in central and east Sutherland.  She confirmed that a copy of the briefing note would be circulated to Members for their information.  She advised that GREAN had been one of the largest employers in East Sutherland, employing 24 staff, a significant proportion of which were vulnerable people.

In response to questions, the Chair advised that there were lessons to be learned from the experience of GREAN, which had encountered difficulties at both a management and governance level as it moved through a process of change.  She observed that, under its delegated powers, the Area Committee could now request organisations in which the Council had invested funding and/or had an Elected Member on their Board to submit an update report if necessary, which would allow assistance and support to be offered at an earlier stage.

In connection with this item, it was suggested that it would be helpful if the feasibility of conducting a survey on how well other third sector organisations in Highland were coping with the changed economic/financial environment were to be investigated.

In discussion, Members commented on the need for a higher level of training for directors of social enterprises, and also for consideration to be given to mechanisms for supporting such organisations, for example by seconding people with relevant expertise on to the relevant board.

A further point was raised in regard to the importance of the social value of social enterprises being given recognition in any funding considerations, for example in providing employment opportunities and skills for vulnerable people who might otherwise be claiming Benefit at a cost to the State.  The Committee was advised that information could be provided to Members on the concept of Social Return on Investment as a recognised method for measuring environmental and social value.

The Committee NOTED the current position and that the feasibility of conducting a survey on how well other third sector organisations in Highland were coping with the changed economic/financial environment would be investigated.

9. Deprived Area Fund 2014-17
    Maoin Sgìrean Bochda 2014-17

Mr B Fernie, as Chairman of Homestart Caithness, and Mrs G Ross, as a Patron of Homestart Caithness, both declared non-financial interests in this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion.

Mr R Saxon declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that a family member was employed by the Ormlie Community Association, but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-38-13 (33kb pdf) dated 24 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development describing the revised Deprived Area Fund criteria and discussing the implications for the Area.  The report invited Members to agree the process for reviewing current activity and preparing a further report on the use of the Fund in 2014-15.

The report advised that the work of the Employability team within the Planning and Development Service directly supported the Council’s Programme of support for the Highland economy and specifically helped the creation of jobs and efforts to assist people to access training, education and work.

The Chair welcomed the fact that an additional number of areas in Caithness qualified for funding.  However, she expressed concern that communities in Sutherland continued not to be eligible for funding.  She therefore requested that arrangements be made for a Members’ briefing specifically focused on Sutherland.

In welcoming the Fund’s revised criteria, reference was made to the importance of continuing to support the role of the Pultneytown People’s Project and the services they provided and also to encourage other community organisations in the area to apply to the Fund.

In discussion, reference was made to the use of the Fund to support projects and other funding in place in the area, with specific reference being made to the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund, community benefit projects, and the Child Care and Family Resource Partnership.  In this connection, it was suggested that it would be helpful for Members to receive a briefing from the Child Care and Family Resource Partnership on their work.

The Committee NOTED:-

i.  the provision of £13,500 under delegated powers to Ormlie Community
   Association to help run a Young Mothers group in Wick; and
ii. the information on employment, unemployment and service provision in the area.

The Committee AGREED that:-

i.   applications to the Fund be invited by 6 January 2014 and that these be
    considered by Council Officers and Partners to draw up an Area based
    strategy for the use of the Funds, to be brought to the Area Committee at
    its February 2014 meeting;
ii.  in recognition that no area in Sutherland was eligible for Deprived Area
    funding, a Members’ briefing be arranged to look specifically at support by
    the employability team and provision in Sutherland; and
iii. the Child Care and Family Resource Partnership be invited to brief Members 
    on their work.

10. Wick High School Associated School Group Overview 
      Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidhnean Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Inbhir Ùige

Mrs G Ross declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that her son attended South Nursery, Wick, but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-39-13 (533kb pdf) dated 6 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Wick High School Associated School Group (ASG), and providing useful updated links to further information in relation to these schools.

The Area Education Manager apologised for the fact that some of the data referred to within the report was listed as being ‘not yet available’.  He explained that this was because the specific data referred to had been collected in September 2013 and would not be published until December 2013.  He confirmed that an update report containing these figures would be circulated to Members as soon as possible following their publication.

Members welcomed the report and the progress made at Wick High School, with specific reference to attainment, and commended the range of excellent work and activities ongoing across the ASG.

In discussion, further information was sought on the action being taken in response to the figures contained in the report, which showed that the percentage of pupils at Wick High School achieving positive destinations was below the Highland and Scotland average.  In this regard, reference was made to the Council’s Additional Support Needs Review, and the need to consider and overcome the challenges created by the difficulties some children and young people experienced in their early years.  The Chair suggested that the potential for the Caithness District Partnership to act as a forum for joint working in relation to children and young people who were not achieving positive destinations should be further investigated.

The Area Education Manager confirmed that he would investigate and respond directly to Mrs G Ross on the action being taken within the Education, Culture and Sport Service in regard to the issues highlighted by the figures shown in the report for positive destinations and under the heading ‘Unemployed Not Seeking’.

A point was also raised in regard to a discrepancy in the figures shown in the report for the total number of pupils served by Wick High School.  The Area Education Manager advised that this might have arisen due to different data collection points and provided an assurance that the numbers would tally in future reports.

The Committee NOTED the content of the report and that Members would receive an update report containing the figures listed in the report as being ‘not yet available’, once these were published.

The Committee AGREED to suggest that the Caithness District Partnership place on their agenda an item that considered actions to better support children and young people who were not achieving positive destinations.

11. Education Scotland Reports – 1 January 2013 to 1 October 2013 
      Sgrùdaidhean le Foghlam Alba

There had been circulated and was NOTED Report No. CS-40-13 (216kb pdf) dated 18 October 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing details on Education Scotland’s inspections of Rogart, Bower and Halkirk Primary Schools during the period 1 January 2013 to 1 October 2013.

12. Housing and Property Service Performance Report – 1 April 2013
      to 30 September 2013
      Aithisg Dèanadais Seirbheis an Taigheadais is na Seilbhe

Mr G Farlow declared a financial interest in this item as a Council house tenant but, in terms of the dispensation granted by the Standards Commission for Scotland, remained to participate in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-41-13 (41kb pdf) dated 7 November 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property providing information on how the Housing and Property Service performed in relation to the Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the first two quarters of 2013/2014.

In response to a question on open homelessness cases, the Housing and Performance Manager advised that these were instances where a case had not produced a final outcome and were currently being investigated.

In response to a question regarding discretionary housing payments and the increase in rent arrears in Scotland, Members were advised that all local authorities had received funding towards addressing the impact on households of recent housing benefit reforms.  Payments were being backdated as far as possible; however, it was unclear whether this practice would continue beyond the current financial year.  The Council would not be drawn into carrying out evictions in cases where it had been satisfied that the difficulty in paying arose from Welfare Reform.  The Chairman expressed her sympathy for tenants affected by the recent housing benefit changes and emphasised the work the Council was doing with various bodies at national level to prevent the situation from escalating.

Responding to concerns raised by Members, the Chairman advised that the Council had a specially trained team dedicated to dealing with anti-social behaviour which met on a regular basis.  She invited Members to discuss specific cases with her outside of the meeting.  The Housing Performance Manager advised that targets for dealing with anti-social behaviour were set by the response time allocated for specific categories of complaint and in urgent or significant cases would be dealt with immediately.  Further information could be provided to Members on the specific targets for different complaint categories.

Members were also advised that tenants unable to meet their garden maintenance obligations under the tenancy, through practical or financial difficulty, could be eligible for assistance under the Council’s garden aid scheme; or, in instances where the situation had become a point of conflict, the Council could obtain a quote for the work required and then recharge the costs to the tenant for the work undertaken.  In terms of the quality of work, any person unhappy with the quality of work undertaken would be encouraged to contact the Council.

In response to a question on rent arrears, the Housing Performance Manager advised that any person over 16 within a household was entitled to be notified if formal action was taking place against the tenancy, although not necessarily of the amount of debt involved.

The Committee NOTED:-

i.  the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April 2013
   to 30 September 2013; and
ii. that further information would be provided to Members on complaint
   categories and response targets.

13. Dornoch Common Good Fund – Quarterly Monitoring Report to 2013/14 
      Maoin Maith Choitchinn Dhòrnaich – Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ràitheil gu 2013/14

There had been circulated Report No. CS-44-13 (19kb pdf) dated 5 November 2013 by the Corporate Manager requesting Members to note the status of the Dornoch Common Good Fund as at 30 September 2013.

The Committee NOTED the position of the Dornoch Common Good Fund as at 30 September 2013.

14. Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid
      Cobhair Bhoireannach Ghallaibh is Chataibh

Mr B Fernie, as Chairman of Homestart Caithness, and Mrs G Ross, as a Patron of Homestart Caithness, both declared non-financial interests in this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CS-45-13 (60kb pdf) dated 7 November 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care providing Members with an overview of the governance framework of Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid.

The Chair introduced the item by advising that Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid had recently gone through a difficult period in terms of management and governance and a report had been requested by the Area Committee on the measures taken to resolve this.

In speaking to the report, the Area Children’s Services Manager advised that, in response to issues arising over the previous 18 months, the organisation had undertaken a restructuring of its outreach services and a new board had been installed.  She advised that the loss of refuge facilities in Wick was unfortunate; however, due to cost, retaining the building would have put the rest of the organisation’s services at risk.  She acknowledged the support provided by Scottish Women’s Aid in Edinburgh and Ross-Shire Women’s Aid and praised the work undertaken by staff during the restructure.

In response to questions regarding the former refuge facility in Wick, the Committee was advised that the building had been under-occupied, due in part to the reluctance of families from outwith Highland to move to the area, as they would potentially lose their support networks and close family.  Pentland Housing Association had been in discussion with various organisations regarding the future use of the building and alternative emergency accommodation could be provided to families in the area requiring the service through the organisation’s housing department.

During discussion, comment was made that, whilst there had been an increase in the number of people using the organisation’s services, this reflected an increase in people’s awareness of the services available.

In concluding discussion, the Chair highlighted the responsibility that organisations such as Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid and their respective boards had, and that governance of these should be robust.  The importance of maintaining skills within an organisation was stressed, as was that of providing support and training when required.  She thanked the Area Children’s Services Manager for the report and wished Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid well.

The Committee NOTED:-

i.  the report provided by Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid; and
ii. the close working undertaken to secure the long-term viability of Caithness
   and Sutherland Women’s Aid and the services it provided.

15. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated and were NOTED Minutes of Meeting of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee held on 19 August 2013, as previously approved by the Highland Council at its meeting on 5 September 2013.

The meeting ended at 2.20 p.m., having adjourned for lunch between 1.00 p.m. and 1.35 p.m.