• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Lochaber Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Lochaber House, High Street, Fort William on Monday, 26 August 2013 at 10.30 am

Present:

Mr A Baxter,Mr B Clark,Mr B Gormley,Mr A Henderson,Mr E Hunter,Mr T MacLennan,Mr B Murphy

In attendance:

Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager
Mrs D Ferguson, Senior Ward Manager (Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Mr C Kemp, Area Roads & Community Works Manager (Ross, Skye & Lochaber), Transport, Environmental and Community Services
Mrs N Young, Area Education Manager (West), Education, Culture and Sport Service
Ms T Urry, Housing and Property Manager South, Housing and Property Services
Ms M Cameron, Principal Housing Officer, Housing and Property Services
Mr B Mackinnon, Employability Team Leader, Planning and Development Service
Mr C Simpson, Tourism Co-ordinator, Planning and Development Service
Mr S Graham, Project Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr G Fyfe, Public Relations Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr A MacInnes, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

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

Business

Preliminaries

Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager, welcomed those present to the first meeting of the Lochaber Area Committee and took the Chair, pending the appointment of the Leader of the Area Committee at Item 3 below.

Miss J Maclennan, Clerk, also advised that, under Standing Order 32.5, the current method of voting for Area Committees was by a show of hands. However, the procedure at other Committees held at Headquarters was that votes were electronically recorded so that they could be listed in the Minute thereafter.  If it was the case that there was a preference for votes to be also listed in the Area Committee Minute, this would require them to be undertaken by roll call (in the absence of electronic voting equipment at Area Committee locations).

Thereafter, it was AGREED that any votes should be undertaken by roll call.

1.  Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

There were no apologies for absence.

2.  Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following Declarations of Interest:-

Item 5 – Mr B Gormley (Non-Financial)
Item 6 – Mr A Baxter and Mr A Henderson (Financial)
Item 10 – Mr B Murphy (Financial)

3.  Election of Leader of the Area
Taghadh Ceannard na Sgire

Nominations were invited for the post of Leader of the Area who would chair the Lochaber Area Committee.

Mr B Gormley, seconded by Mr A Baxter, nominated Mr T MacLennan.

Mr A Henderson, seconded by Mr E Hunter, nominated Mr B Murphy.

However, Mr Murphy declined the nomination and the Committee therefore AGREED to appoint Mr T MacLennan as Leader of the Area.

Mr MacLennan then took the Chair.

In thanking his fellow Members for the appointment, Mr MacLennan expressed his hope that the Committee would move forward in partnership, representing the views of Lochaber.  Area Committees were to be reviewed after one year and he hoped that the Lochaber Area Committee would succeed and continue into the future.

4.  Scheme of Delegation
Raòn Ùghdarrais

Members were reminded that, at its meeting on 27 June 2013, the Highland Council approved a Scheme of Delegation for Area Committees, copies of which were tabled at the meeting.

It was confirmed that there was no provision for substitutes on Area Committees and that the quorum for the Lochaber Area Committee was 3 Elected Members.

The Committee NOTED the Scheme of Delegation.

5.  Community Planning and Partnership Working in Lochaber

Declaration of Interest: Mr B Gormley declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of the Lochaber Partnership 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 his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. LA-1-13 (168kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Corporate Manager which summarised the work of the Lochaber Partnership and asked Members to consider its work in light of the current review of community planning arrangements taking place in Highland.

The Lochaber Partnership had been established for some time and worked well in linking in with local groups, helping to deliver against the Single Outcome Agreement and producing outcomes locally amongst a range of local partnerships.  It had also proved highly effective in a number of local issues, such as the “Save the Belford” campaign and the upgrading of the A82, and had coordinated a Lochaber Development Plan which was currently arranged under five themes.  It was possible for these themes to be reviewed and altered though to reflect the emerging themes being proposed by the Highland Public Services Partnership (HPSP).  Each of the Leads of the HPSP were tasked with leading and delivering on a theme i.e. – Employment; Economic Growth, Environment; Early Years; Community Safety; Older People; Community Development; Deprivation; Public Sector Property; and EU programmes.  In response to a question, it was confirmed that the HPSP comprised senior officers from a number of organisations including Highland Council, NHS Highland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Police Scotland.

It was also highlighted that the Council, in partnership with Voluntary Action Lochaber, had commissioned a suite of local development plans.  Two had been delivered to date – a development plan for the Small Isles and one for the Fort William/Inverlochy/Caol/Corpach areas – and it would be possible to roll the plans out to other areas of Lochaber.

During discussion, it was confirmed that, although the development plans had not yet been finalised, they would, in due course, be submitted to Community Councils and thereafter to Ward Business Meetings and the Lochaber Partnership for consideration. The level of partnership working in the Lochaber Partnership was not replicated elsewhere and the aim was to share good practice with other areas.  The lobbying made by individuals of the Partnership was welcomed and their contribution could not be overstated.  It was recognised that one area of frustration could be the connection between what was happening on the ground and at corporate level but the formation of the Area Committee could only strengthen this link.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the achievements of the Lochaber Partnership and the key role it
    played in community planning in Lochaber;
ii. AGREED to recommend to the Partnership that the Lochaber Community
    Development Plan was reworked to reflect the emerging themes of the
    Highland Public Services Partnership, with appropriate lead partners
    identified;
iii. AGREED to recommend the roll out of micro-development plans to further
    areas within Lochaber; and
iv. AGREED that the draft development plan for the Fort
    William/Inverlochy/Caol/Corpach areas be reported back to the local
    Community Councils.

6.  Tourism in Lochaber/Lochaber Tourism Business Improvement  District Proposal
Turasachd ann an Loch Abar/Sgìre Leasachadh Gnothachais Turasachd Loch Abar

Declarations of Interest:

Mr A Baxter declared a financial interest in this item as he ran a business liable to pay non-domestic rates but, as the item was not seeking support or refusal of the Tourism Business Improvement District Proposal, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest was remote and insignificant and did not preclude his participation in this item.

Mr A Henderson declared a financial interest in this item as, in addition to being the Highland Council nominee on the Outdoor Capital of the UK Group, his business was also a paid-up member but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest was remote and insignificant and did not preclude his participation in this item.

There had been circulated Report No. LA-2-13 (634kb pdf) dated 12 August, 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development which outlined the importance of tourism to the Lochaber area and described the roles played in developing tourism by the Highland Council, other public sector agencies and the tourism industry including describing current proposals to create a Tourism Business Improvement District (BID) to develop tourism in Lochaber. It concluded by considering how the Council’s work could support the growth of tourism in the area.

Members generally welcomed the proposal to develop a Tourism BID as the concept had worked well in other areas. It was advised that an official “No” campaign to the Tourism BID had been launched and would help widen the debate on this issue. The business plan for the BID was now available for public scrutiny and would in due course be submitted to the Planning, Environment and Development Committee and Full Council.

The size of the Tourism BID, which covered a large geographical area with dispersed communities, could be challenging to manage.  However, this was a business-led proposal and while the Council could comment on it, it was not appropriate for the Council to tell the Steering Group of Lochaber business members who were developing the proposal what they should do.  Given that there seemed to be a need for more information and clarity of detail on the proposal it was suggested that Members meet with the Steering Group at the next Ward Business meeting on 9 September 2013. Members would be sent a copy of the business plan prior to this meeting.

Members were informed that the Highland Council had made a financial contribution of £10k to the development of the BID proposal.  This was not additional money from the Council but was part of the funding that was to be given to the Outdoor Capital of the UK Group who, in turn, would put the £10k toward the development of the BID proposal.  Local Councils, along with other agencies, played a major role in working alongside BIDs and a Tourism BID would need to enter into an agreement with organisations such as the Council or VisitScotland to ensure that all services the Tourism BID provided were additional.   It was confirmed that the Council, as a property owner, would have a vote on the proposal for a  new Tourism BID but multiple property owners, such as the Council, would only have one vote.  In terms of the impact of the BID on businesses receiving rates relief, it was advised that these businesses would still be liable to pay a levy based on the rateable value of their property.

Turning to Members’ aspirations for tourism growth in Lochaber, comments made included:-

• working with the private sector on the provision of toilets by way of the Highland Comfort Scheme, instead of investing large amounts of capital funding for new public toilet facilities;
• a new long distance walking route from Fort William to Mallaig and more circular routes with improved public transport links for walkers and cyclists, including bike buses.  More low level walking routes should also be developed;
• provision of additional parking spaces; 
• Mountain Biking – opportunities for further growth in this activity should be explored in Lochaber;
• Marine Tourism – development of this could have significant financial benefits for Lochaber; 
• Glencoe/Ben Nevis – the importance of looking at ways of providing further assistance and support to tourism in these areas;   
• the need to work with Schools and Colleges to improve employability skills of young people in the Tourism industry;  
• look at ways of developing the potential that Loch Linnhe had for tourism, e.g. cruise ships, marinas; and
• improving Fort William town centre to make it more attractive for tourists to visit.

In response to Members comments it was confirmed that, in relation to the provision of public toilets, the Highland Comfort Scheme could be rolled out further.  Also, it was pointed out that there was an action included in the BID proposal to look at what could be done to increase toilet provision in Lochaber.

In terms of developing further the path network in Lochaber, the Council’s spend in this area was tied to what was already in the Core Paths Plan.  However, there might be opportunities, when reviewing the plan in future to look at different priorities for developing the path network.  In terms of long distance walking routes, there were various ways of providing these and emphasis was on community developed routes, which could also be linked to existing routes, thereby providing circular walking routes.

In terms of joint working to encourage tourism growth, the Planning and Development Service did comment on plans that other Council Services were developing, the recent introduction by Transport, Environmental and Community Services of policies concerning obstructions within the Adopted Road being cited as a particular recent example.  In relation to improving the employability of young people in tourism, the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Skills Development Scotland were working together on making tourism a more attractive career option for young people leaving school.  There was also a business-led pilot project in Wester Ross giving information and training to pupils and there was potential for rolling this out to other areas in Highland.

In relation to the provision of bike buses, Members were informed of a pilot scheme currently operating between Inverness and Cromarty.  If it could be demonstrated that there was demand for such facilities bus companies might be encouraged to provide more services for cyclists.

In terms of marine tourism, this was recognised across Scotland as one of the potential growth areas and Highlands and Islands Enterprise were involved in development work in this area.  The provision of infrastructure for harbours and marinas was key to growth in marine tourism.

The Committee NOTED:-

i. the value and importance of tourism to the Lochaber economy;
ii. public and private sector roles and the partnership working that supports
    tourism development in the area;
iii. the proposal to develop a Tourism BID for Lochaber;

AGREED:-

iv. that the Lochaber Tourism BID team be invited to a Ward Business
    Meeting to clarify specific issues and provide additional information in relation
    to the proposal; and
v. that the Lochaber Tourism BID Business Plan be circulated to Members.

7.  Employability and Deprived Area Fund
Comas Cosnaidh/Maoin Sgìre Prìomhachais

There had been circulated Report No. LA-3-13 (545kb pdf) dated 12 August, 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development which provided a summary of labour market and employment information and a description of Employability Services provision in the area. It also introduced a revised Deprived Area Fund (DAF) available in the Area for 2014-15.  Members were asked to comment on the Employability information and to determine how they wanted to deliver the Deprived Area Fund from 2014-15.  It was noted that targeting of the DAF was key in order to maximise the benefits of the fund.

Detailed information about Unemployment and Benefits Claimants for both Lochaber Wards was provided together with data about employment and economic activity.  In addition the report highlighted that one of the main concerns at present was the disproportionate effect on young people leaving education who were unable to obtain employment and provided an overview of employability service provision in the area.

Turning to the DAF, Members were reminded that the operation of this Fund had been reviewed by the Planning and Development Committee at its meeting on 14 August 2013 and a revised DAF from 2014-15 was agreed, the allocation from the new Fund for Lochaber being £30,000.  In Lochaber, the DAF had, in the past, been used to support Work Clubs as well as a series of short pre-employment courses.  In considering how to make best use of the Fund, it was suggested a further report be compiled in conjunction with Lochaber based Employability staff and the Ward Manager.

Reference was made to the issue of under employment with people having to work part time and on Zero Hours contracts as full time work was not available.  The impact of the Government’s Welfare Reforms had also meant that there would be more people coming back into the labour market who might require additional support in seeking work.

In response to questions from Members, it was advised that under employment was an issue and, particularly with the impact of Welfare Reform, there would be more people who would have to improve their employment position.  Short courses in seeking employment were being run in order to help people moving onto Job Seekers Allowance.   Zero Hours contracts was a national issue and was particularly prevalent in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

In terms of responding to local labour markets, there was not sufficient information at present in terms of feedback from the hospitality sector on labour demand and employment skills required and this would require to be addressed.  Skills Development Scotland were currently looking at sector skills plans with a view to creating pathways from schools/colleges to employment by making young people more aware of the opportunities available   e.g in renewable technologies and hospitality sector.  Rural isolation was also an issue in seeking employment but there were some transport schemes in operation to address this.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the information on employment, unemployment and service
    provision in the area;
ii. NOTED the provision of employability services in Lochaber; and
iii. AGREED that a report be presented to this Committee in November
    outlining specific proposals for the use of the Deprived Area Fund in
    Lochaber for 2014/15.

8. Investing in Lochaber – Capital Projects 
   Tasgadh ann an Loch Abar – Pròiseactan Calpa

There had been circulated Report No. LA-4-13 (245kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Director of Finance which showed the annual budget, expenditure to end of June 2013 and projected year end position for 2013/14 for Lochaber area projects included in the Council’s capital programme.

Members welcomed the significant investment in capital projects in the Lochaber area.  In relation to particular aspects of the capital programme, more information was sought in relation to the Mackintosh Centre, Mallaig in terms of ownership.  Progress in relation to the Invercoe Bridge project, which had been on the Transport, Environmental and Community (TEC) Services capital programme for some considerable time, was also sought but information regarding this would be provided by TEC Services officers later in the meeting.  Looking to the future, the development of the Caol Link Road project was welcomed and it was understood that the Chairman of the TEC Services Committee had already held discussions with Transport Scotland as to how this could be progressed.

Having scrutinised the position, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the capital programme for Lochaber; and
ii. AGREED, in relation to the Mackintosh Centre, Mallaig, that the Corporate
    Manager would inform Mr A Henderson as to the current
    responsibility/ownership of this property.

9.  Lochaber High School Associated School Group Overview
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte ri Àrd-  sgoil Loch Abar

There had been circulated Report No. LA-5-13 (611kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided an update on key information in relation to the schools within the Lochaber High School Associated School Group (ASG) and provided useful updated links to further information in relation to these schools.

In speaking to the report, the Area Education Manager highlighted pupil attainment and achievement together with appropriate improvement strategies; wider achievements and notable successes and HMIE Reports.  The HMIE Report for Upper Achintore Primary was expected to be published in the very near future and would be reported to the next meeting of the Committee.  The most important factor for Lochaber High School leavers was ensuring positive destinations.  The percentage of leavers not moving on to positive destinations from Lochaber High School was slightly higher than the Highland and national averages.

During discussion, Member welcomed the report and raised the following points:-

•  it should be clarified that, contrary to the wording of the report, the Nevis Centre was indeed owned and supported by the Council;
• clarification was sought on the number of exclusions recorded for Fort William RC Primary which seemed significantly higher than the national average – it was confirmed that further clarification on this would be sought;
• relating to positive destinations, it was recognised that young people often changed their destinations during the years after leaving school.  More detailed information over a longer period of time might provide a more accurate reflection of ultimate destinations;
• in the context of the Curriculum for Excellence, it was acknowledged that wider areas of learning could not be assessed in a formal way;
• in the context of resources being directed towards areas of greatest needs, it was questioned, now that the resources allocation formula was available, how this fitted in with resourcing Lochaber schools?
• it was unclear whether reporting the successes achieved and opportunities available to young people in Lochaber might mask any difficulties experienced by individual schools which it would be helpful to identify.  It was suggested that perhaps the style of reporting used for the Police and Fire services might help to supply contextual information;
• it would also be helpful to assess how pupils were attaining in science and modern languages and identify any opportunities for assistance in these vital areas.  This also tied in with the remote learning of languages and recruitment of language teachers; and 
• further information was sought on preventative spend through the early years programme.

Responding to these comments and questions, it was confirmed that the report sought to provide a flavour of overall achievement rather than listing specifics.  English and Gaelic Medium data and achievements had been merged so as not to identify individual children within small cohorts.  Feedback on the style of the report would be taken on board; however the style of report followed an agreed template that had been rolled out to all Area Committees so that information could be presented in a consistent way.

It was accepted that many young people did not settle on a career path until the age of 25.  However, if a positive destination was achieved within 12-18 months of leaving school a positive attitude to any future employment was usually established, irrespective of career path changes.  Analysis of wider attainment, including sciences and modern languages, was expected to take place in September and would be made available to future meetings.  The Quality Improvement Officers who visited all secondary schools were responsible for analysing data from each department and assessing trends and performance within a local and national context.

Regarding remote learning, in the Lochaber area as a whole there were currently two very innovative means of delivering languages through IT facilities - German was being delivered remotely from Mallaig High School and Gaelic from Ardnamurchan High School.  Timetabling of this required a degree of uniformity and this was an exciting way forward.

The Early Years programme was a long term focussed approach to ensure that children had a positive start and included support for families and wider communities.  Further more detailed information could be brought to a future meeting of the Committee on this.

Staffing levels were appropriate and much effort had been made to consider non-class contact time for teachers so as to minimise travel between schools.  Staff and pupil rolls would be available in the very near future.  As had been experienced nationally, there had been a need for recruitment of maths and science teachers but these resources were now in place.  There were three Depute Head Teacher vacancies in the area at present but these were currently being advertised.

Having scrutinised the position, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the content of the report;
ii. AGREED that the exclusion rate, detailed in the report, for Fort William RC
    Primary be confirmed; and
iii. AGREED information on Early Years intervention would be brought back to
    Members.

10.  Housing Performance
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais

Declaration of Interest: Mr B Murphy declared a financial interest in this item as a temporary accommodation provider but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest was remote and insignificant in this context and did not preclude his participation in this item.

There had been circulated Report No. LA-6-13 (160kb pdf) dated 14 August 2013 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which advised Members of the new Housing Performance Reporting Framework in place from 1 April 2013. 

 Members were advised that the Scottish Housing Regulator had set out the performance indicators it would use to form part of its scrutiny of landlords.  The Finance, Housing and Resources Committee had agreed a format for annual and quarterly performance reporting in line with these performance indicators.  Many of the indicators were qualitative and, as a result, it was intended that annual surveys would also be carried out.  The report set out which indicators were to be reported to City/Area Committees and the more detailed data that would be available at Ward level.  The first performance report would be made available to Members at the next Area Committee meeting.

Members expressed their congratulations to Ms T Urry on her recent appointment to the post of Interim Director of Housing and Property and commended the commitment and hard work shown by all staff in the Housing Service. 

During discussion an observation was made that some of the questions to determine performance for the annual report to City/Area Committees might not to lead to balanced responses. While it was acknowledged that the additional reporting of performance information would be managed within the current HRA budget, it was queried whether or not this might ultimately impact on rent levels. 

Homelessness percentages per area were included in a report to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee taking place later in the week.  As a result of Housing Policies, it now appeared that persons presenting themselves as homeless in a remote area would ultimately be accommodated either in Fort William or Inverness thereby creating a population shift from rural to urban areas.  As well as considering housing need in terms of numbers, perhaps there was also a need to consider location and the impact on rural areas of such policies.

Responding to these and other comments, it was confirmed that not all the Scottish Housing Regulator performance indicators would be reported to Area Committees, some would be submitted to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee.  Regarding how the impact of Welfare Reform was manifesting itself, it was reported that many referrals were now being made to the Income Maximisation Team and the Money Advice Service. The local situation would be monitored closely but there was no doubt that many people were suffering hardships as a result of the welfare changes with consequential increases in rental arrears.

New affordable social housing had been driven by land availability and infrastructure issues which might have precluded housing development in more rural communities.  It was confirmed that further information could be made available in due course on the potential for using short term loans for house building in rural areas.  There were short-term resource implications in setting up system changes to address how to collate and report on the performance information, however, it was not anticipated that this would have long-term resource implications or impact on rents.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the new reporting framework for housing performance, as set out in
    Appendix 1 of the report; and
ii. AGREED that information on performance against the new indicators would
    be presented to Committee at its next meeting.

The Committee adjourned for lunch at 1.10 p.m. and resumed at 1.40 p.m.

11.  Maintenance Programme for Roads and Bridge Works
Prògram Cumail Suas Structar Rathaidean

There had been circulated Report No. LA-7-13 (147kb pdf) dated 12 August 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community (TEC) Services which advised the Committee of the Council’s statutory obligations relating to road maintenance and invited Members to approve the Maintenance Programmes for Resurfacing and Bridge Maintenance for the Lochaber Area for 2013/14 and note the Surface Dressing Programme which was completed earlier this year.

Members were advised that surface dressing activities were complete for the year, road surfacing would commence in October and structural maintenance of bridges was on-going throughout the year.

Responding to comments and questions, it was confirmed that:-

• the surface dressing programme for 2013 which was now complete and contained the current year’s schemes, some of which might have been carried forward from last year, and had been carried out during May and June this year;
• although all local operatives were skilled to carry out road surface dressing,  there was no locally based squad to carry out road surfacing and operatives were brought over from Skye who had the necessary skills in this area.  This situation was under review and opportunities would be taken to train local operatives if possible;
• there had been no progress on work on the Invercoe Bridge which had been on the Capital Programme for some time now.  This was likely to be a result of the need to deal with more urgent repairs which changed the priority list;
• surface dressing work could only be carried out during a period of warmer weather.  Activities identified in the Capital Structural Road Maintenance Programme involved overlay surfacing which did not necessitate warmer conditions – hence the October schedule for this;
• it was unclear whether there was a Forestry Commission Scotland contribution to the works identified for Blarmafoldach Road and further information would be sought on this.  Recent work at this location had been to add surface dressing to protect a recent overlay and further work would be scheduled for future years;
• there were currently sufficient resources to complete the Capital Programme.  This included Lochaber’s share of the additional £1m made available for roads and would be kept under review; and
• priorities for rural roads improvements prior to availability of European funding would be the responsibility of the main TEC Services Committee.

Turning to work recently carried out on Mandalay Road, Invergarry, Members queried when this road might be fully resurfaced and whether regular inspections could initiate pre-emptive measures to stop complete deterioration and excessive costs.  It was expected that this road would receive annual inspection and, as a result of prioritisation of schemes, Mandalay Road was, at present, to be dealt with in future years. 

The budget and strategy agreed for the maintenance programme had already been agreed by the Council in response to priorities put forward from the Ward Business Meeting.  In future years, the priority order would be approved by the Area Committee.

The Committee:-

i. APPROVED the Maintenance Programmes for Road Structural Maintenance
    and Bridge Structural Maintenance for Lochaber Area for 2013/14;
ii. NOTED the Surface Dressing Programme which was completed earlier this
    year; and
iii. AGREED that clarification be sought as to what, if any, contribution was
    made by the Forestry Commission Scotland towards the surface dressing of
    Blarmafoldach Road.

12.  Integrated Transport Project Update
Pròiseact Pìolait Còmhdhail Amalaichte

There had been circulated Report No. LA-8-13 (183kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which updated Members on the Project, being carried out under the governance of the Council’s Corporate Improvement Programme, to examine the options for improving the integration of transport services for health and social care and social inclusion.

In a summary of the report, Members were reminded that Lochaber had been selected as a Pilot Area as the basis for developing proposals aimed at improving the integration of transport across Highland.  This involved working with key representatives in the community to make the most of available transport resources and to provide the most supportive transport service to promote health and social care and develop social inclusion.  The nature of the project was to explore what options would work and how; what benefits might emerge; and on what basis could the project continue should it prove successful.  Cost implications were outlined and it was hoped that this risk could be managed to a sensible level through a shared partnership.  Difficulty in securing funding had been the cause of delay, however, it was hoped that by the end of the month there would be final decisions from both the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Highland regarding their respective financial contributions.

During discussion Members expressed their support for the project, commending the work undertaken and recognising the huge amount of data that was to be collated.  Members recognised the difficulties encountered with securing funding contributions.  It was confirmed that, should endeavours to secure funding be successful, there would need to be a three month set-up period with a contract put in place with Voluntary Action Lochaber, the proposed delivery partner.  On this basis “go-live” could conceivably take place by the turn of the year. 

The Committee:-

i. AGREED to support the Project, being carried out under the governance of
    the Council’s Corporate Improvement Programme, to examine the options
    for improving the integration of transport services for health and social care
    and social inclusion; and
ii. NOTED that an application for the Council’s contribution would be made to
    the Council’s Strategic Change and Development Fund.

13. Street Naming - New Housing Development in Drumfada Terrace, Fort William
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Leasachadh Ùr Taigheadais ann an Rathad an Druim Fhada, An Gearasdan

There had been circulated Report No. LA-9-13 (130kb pdf) dated 14 August 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development which sought homologation for a decision by the Community Council, supported by the local Members, to name a development of one house and four flats (at the former Surgery at Drumfada Terrace), as ‘Nevis Mews’ (Marclann Nibheis).

It was explained that, as per the new Scheme of Delegation, the final decision on Street and Building Naming was delegated to Area/City Committees.  However, in this instance, the properties were being handed over to customers on 12 August and action had been taken on what had been agreed with the Community Council and local Members.

The Committee AGREED to homologate the naming of the development of the old Surgery in Drumfada Terrace as ‘Nevis Mews’ (Marclann Nibheis).