Committees

A meeting of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 5 June 2013 at 10.30 am.

 

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

 

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.

Yours faithfully

 

Michelle Morris
Assistant Chief Executive

Business

 

1.Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

 

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

 

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 indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest.   Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

 

3. Central Services Revenue Budget Monitoring       
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach nan Seirbheisean Meadhain

 

a. Chief Executive’s Service and Members: Revenue Expenditure Monitoring 2013/14

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-64-13 (142kb pdf) by the Chief Executive which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Service for the period to 30 April 2013.

 

The Committee is invited to consider the revenue monitoring report for the period to 30 April 2013.

 

b. Finance Service Revenue Monitoring 2013/14

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-65-13 (136kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Service for the period 1 April to 30 April 2013.  A review of Business Support, detailing the achievements to date is also provided.

 

 The Committee is asked to:-

 

i. consider and approve the Finance Service Revenue Monitoring Report for the period to 30 April 2013; and

 

ii. note the progress on the Business Support review project.

 

c. Housing and Property Service Revenue Monitoring

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-66-13 (298kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive / Director of Housing and Property which presents the current position to 30 April 2013 with regard to the 2013/14 Revenue Monitoring Statements for the Housing Revenue Account, other Housing and Property Revenue Account, Property Revenue Maintenance and the Building Maintenance Account.

 

The Committee is asked to note the monitoring statements to 30 April 2013 for the Housing Revenue Account, Other Housing and Property Revenue Account, and Building Maintenance and progress with the 2013/14 Property Revenue Maintenance Budget.

 

4. Corporate Revenue Monitoring to 30 April 2013     

Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Corporra gu 30 Giblean 2013

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-67-13 (175kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which presents the revenue budget expenditure position for the period to 30 April 2013 and the projected year end position and the funding position for 2013/14.

 

The Committee is invited to approve the Revenue Expenditure Monitoring Statement for the financial year 2013/14 which shows a predicted net over spend of £0.628m, and note the management response to the predicted over spend.

 

5. Corporate Capital Monitoring Report to 30 April 2013        

 Aithisg Sgrùdaidh a’ Chalpa Chorporra gu 30 Giblean 2013

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-68-13 (146kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of the General Fund and HRA capital programmes for the period to 30 April 2013 and the projected year end position for 2013/14.

 

The Committee is asked to approve the financial position of the General Fund and HRA capital programmes as at 30 April 2013.

 

6. Chief Executive’s Service: Capital Budget Monitoring 2013/14   
Seirbheis an Àrd-oifigeir: Sgrùdadh Buidseat Calpa 2013/14

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-69-13 (159kb pdf) by the Chief Executive which sets out the position on the Chief Executive’s Service 2013-14 capital budget for the period to 30 April 2013.

 

The Committee is asked to note the Chief Executive’s Service Capital budget monitoring report for the period 30 April 2013.

 

7. Housing and Property Service Capital Budget 2013/14    
Buidseat Calpa Seirbheis an Taigheadais is na Seilbhe 2013/14

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-70-13 (347kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which gives an update on the position regarding expenditure to 30 April 2013 for the HRA Capital, Non HRA Housing Capital and Property Capital Programmes. 

 

The Committee is asked to note the current position to 30 April 2013 for the HRA, Non-HRA Housing and Property Capital accounts.

 

8. Treasury Management: Summary of Transactions      
Rianachd Ionmhais: Geàrr-chunntas de Ghnothaichean

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-71-13 (181kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which provides details on the Treasury Management transactions for March and April 2013.

 

The Committee is invited to consider the terms of the report.

9. Shared Apprentices Scheme         
Sgeama Phreantasan Co-roinnte

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-72-13 (242kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which presents a proposal for The Highland Council’s involvement in the Highland Shared Apprentice Scheme to create a pool of construction apprentices in the Highlands, who will work with multiple contractors over the duration of the apprenticeships. 
The report also seeks a one-off financial contribution of £30,000 to set up this scheme, which is targeted to create 20 new apprenticeships per annum.

 

Members are asked to approve:-

 

i. the Highland Council’s participation in the Highland Shared Apprentice Scheme (HSAS Ltd) including membership of the board of directors;

 

ii. a financial payment of £30,000 towards the setting up costs of the new shared apprenticeship company;

 

iii. provision of payroll and other back office support for the new company free of charge in the first year with a review after year one.

 

This agreement is subject to a further report being presented to Members once  the constitution of the proposed new company has been finalised and details of  its business plan agreed.

10. Highland Housing Alliance        
Caidreabhas Taigheadais na Gàidhealtachd

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-73-13 (694kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which provides Members with information about the current financial position of Highland Housing Alliance (HHA), gives Members an update of the proposed new governance arrangements of HHA and seeks approval of The Highland Council’s continued involvement under the new governance arrangements.

 

Members are asked to:-

 

i. note the current financial position of the HHA;

 

ii. approve the proposed new governance arrangements for the HHA; and

 

iii. agree that the Highland Council continues to be represented on the Board of the HHA by the Chair of the Council’s Finance, Housing and Resources Committee.

 

11. National Housing Trust Model        
Modail Urras Nàiseanta Taigheadais

 

There is circulated Report No.  FHR-74-13 (36kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which updates Members on progress of The Highland Council’s participation in the Scottish Government’s National Housing Trust model and seeks approval for the Council to use prudential borrowing for a RSL variant of the model at An Camas Mor, Aviemore and for the Council’s participation in the National Housing Trust 2B programme.

 

Members are asked to note the update of the current NHT programme and to approve:-

 

i. the Council’s participation in NHT2B for up to 50 new homes; and

 

ii. prudential borrowing to fund 70% of the costs of delivery of 50 new mid-market rented units at An Camas Mor, Aviemore, subject to:

 

• planning permission  being granted
• The Highland Council agreeing a build-out programme for Phase One of the development.
• A Scottish Government guarantee being in place, similar to NHT1 and NHT2.
• Borrowing consent from the Scottish Government.

 

Both these proposals will be reported back to Finance, Housing and  Resources Committee once detailed proposals are finalised.

 

12. Audit Scotland Report - Major Capital Investment in Councils    
 Aithisg Sgrùdadh Alba – Mòr-thasgadh Calpa ann an Comhairlean

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-75-13 (267kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which informs Members of the findings and key messages contained within the Accounts Commission report entitled “Major Capital Investments in Councils”, and seeks approval of the recommended actions to be implemented in response to the recommendations.

 

Members are asked to:-

i. Note the findings and recommendations of the Audit Scotland report on Major Capital Investments in councils;

 

ii. Agree that in-house training for Members relating to financial issues should be developed to increase focus on capital investment;

 

iii. Note that services will be required to report on delivery and outcomes of major capital projects to Strategic Committees, in line with the Financial Regulations;

 

iv. Agree that the findings of the report be considered as part of the Council procurement review currently underway, taking account of the outcome of the Scottish Government’s national construction procurement review; and

 

v. Approve the use of a completed check list (as presented in the Good Practice Guide accompanying the report) to aid analysis of the recommendations of the report and identify any actions which can be implemented where this would lead to improvements on current practice.

13. Quarterly Performance Reports      
Aithisgean Dèanadais Ràitheil

 

a. Chief Executive’s Service

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-76-13 (311kb pdf) by the Chief Executive which provides an update on Corporate Statutory Performance Indicators for 2012/13.

 

The Committee is asked to note the Sickness Absence and Women in Management statistics for 2012/13 and the actions being taken to sustain improvement.

 

b. Housing and Property Service

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-77-13 (307kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which provides information on how the Housing and Property Service performed in relation to Statutory Performance Indicators during the final quarter of 2012/13. It also contains recommendations in relation to future reporting of housing performance indicators to meet the requirements of the Scottish Social Housing Charter.

 

The Committee is invited to:-

 

i. note the information provided on performance in quarter 3 covering 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013; and

 

ii. approve the reporting framework for housing performance set out in Appendix 1 and agree this as the basis of future housing performance reports to strategic and area committees.

 

c. Finance Service

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-78-13 (99kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which provides Members with details of Finance Service performance for the quarter to 31 March 2013.

 

The Committee is asked to consider the contents of the report.

 

14. Consultation on the Implementation of the European Structural Fund Programmes 2014-20               

Prògraman Maoin Structarail na h-Eòrpa 2014-20  -  Co-chomhairle  Phoblach mu Mholaidhean airson Maoin Structarail na h-Eòrpa 2014-20 a  Chur an Gnìomh       

  

There is circulated Report No. FHR-79-13 (276kb pdf) by the Assistant Chief Executive which outlines the main points to emerge from the Scottish Government’s proposals for the delivery of the European Structural Funds (regional development) in Scotland post 2013 and presents the proposed Council response to a formal consultation which closes on 30 June 2013.

 

Members are asked to:-

 

i. note the contents of the report and approve the consultation response attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

 

ii. support the proposals contained with the consultation response for Council officials to seek further engagement with the Scottish Government to explore further the issues set out in the consultation response at Questions 5,7,9 and 10 namely the role that the Council can play in the future delivery of Structural Funds;  the measures that need to be in place prior to the launch of future programmes to ensure better delivery and  how future Transition funding can be delivered as separate programmes within the Highlands & Islands taking account of regional development opportunities and delivery structures).

 

15. Welfare Reform Progress Report            
 Aithisg Adhartais Ath-leasachaidh Shochairean

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-80-13 (238kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which is one of a series updating Members on features of the UK Government’s Welfare Reforms.  The Report considers the local impact of the Benefit Cap; the Social Sector Size Criteria shortfalls including short term mitigation using Discretionary Housing Payments; and continuing aspects of the Scottish Welfare Fund and Universal Credit.

 

Members are asked to consider these changes, agree that mitigation actions by the Council and its partners should continue where possible and support the reporting arrangements as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

16. Whistleblowing Policy               
Poileasaidh Brathaidh

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-81-13 (257kb pdf) by the Assistant Chief Executive which proposes minor amendments to the Whistleblowing Policy to ensure compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance and to include specific reference to the Bribery Act 2010.

 

The Committee is asked to approve the amendments to the Whistleblowing Policy.

 

17. Review of ICT Acceptable Use Policy              
Poileasaidh Cleachdadh Iomchaidh TFC

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-82-13 (238kb pdf) by the Assistant Chief Executive which informs of the changes introduced as part of the review of the Council’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy and requests the Committee to consider and approve the revised ICT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

 

Members are asked to:-

 

i. note the changes within the revised ICT Acceptable Use Policy; and

 

ii. approve the ICT Acceptable Use Policy (Annex A).

18. ICT Executive Board Membership
Ballrachd Bòrd-gnìomha TFC

 

The Committee is invited to approve membership of the ICT Executive Board which was formed at the meeting of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee held on 10 April 2013 and replaces the ICT Member Working Group. 

 

It was agreed that the Board would comprise 9 Members and the Groups have put forward the following nominations in accordance with the agreed formulae:-

 

1. David Fallows
2. Graham Phillips
3. Carolyn Wilson
4. Bill Fernie
5. Isobel McCallum
6. Margaret Davidson
7. David Alston
8. Kate Stephen
9. Jimmy Gray

 

19. Amendments to Organisational Structures/Establishments      
 Atharrachaidhean do Structaran Eagarachail/Ionadan 

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-83-13 (80kb pdf) by the Assistant Chief Executive which recommends amendments to organisational structures/establishments as a consequence of proposals from Service Directors.

 

The Committee is asked to approve the Amendments to the staffing establishment and other staffing changes as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

 

20. Minutes of Meetings                
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

 

The following Minutes of Meetings are circulated for confirmation:-

 

i. Appeals Committee held on 11 April 2013, 24 April 2013  and 13 May 2013

ii. Early Retirement Sub Committee held on  25 April (89kb pdf)

; and

 

iii. Head of Service Recruitment Panel held on 29 April 2013 (71kb pdf)

 

 

21. Exclusion of The Public
 Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

 

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 & 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

22. ICT Services Telephony                
Tele-conaltradh

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/84/13 by the Assistant Chief Executive which updates Members on the options the Council has for taking forward refresh of telephony systems where applicable and the ongoing management of all telephony within the Council’s estate.

 

The Committee is invited to approve the recommendations outlined in the report.

 

23. Property Transactions Monitoring Report          
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/85/13 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which provides details of the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships under delegated authority.  The report also advises on sales targeted for completion within the financial year 2013/14 and future years.

 

 The Committee is asked to note:-

 

i. details of the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships and Corporate Property Asset Manager under delegated authority; and

 

ii. progress on property transactions and sales with anticipated settlement within financial year 2013/14 and future years.

 

24. Debts Recommended to be Written-off             
Fiachan air am Moladh airson an Sgrìobhadh Dheth

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/86/13 by the Director of Finance which, in accordance with good accounting practice, recommends the write-off of uncollectable debts.

 

In the event that there is no additional information from Members, the Committee is asked to agree that the total value of debts as detailed in the report be written-off.