Committees

A meeting of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 22 January 2014 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
Depute 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. Hi-Scot Credit Union Presentation  

Taisbeanadh le Aonadh Creideis Hi-Scot

 

The Chair and Manager of Hi-Scot Credit Union will attend to provide an update on the work and development of Hi-Scot.

 

FINANCE SERVICE ITEMS

 

4. Finance Service Revenue Monitoring       
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Ionmhais

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-01-14 (38kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Finance Service for the period 1 April to 30 November 2013.

 

 

The Committee is asked to:-

 

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

 

ii. note the action being taken to address the current forecast overspend.

 

5. Corporate Revenue Monitoring         

Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Corporra

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-02-14 (82kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which presents the revenue budget expenditure position for the period to 30 November 2013 and the projected year end position.

 

The Committee is invited to approve the Revenue Expenditure Monitoring Statement as at 30 November 2013 which shows a predicted net underspend of £0.904m.

 

6. Corporate Capital Monitoring Report        
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh a’ Chalpa Chorporra

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-03-14 (49kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which provides an overview of expenditure on the General Fund and HRA capital programmes for the period 1 April 2013 to 30 November 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 November 2013.

 

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

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-04-14 (59kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which provides details on the Treasury Management transactions for November and December 2013.

 

The Committee is invited to consider the Treasury Management Summary of Transactions report.

 

8. Highland European Fisheries Fund Programme (EFF) – Axis 4 Programme 2007-13

Prògram Maoin Iasgaich Eòrpach na Gàidhealtachd – Prògram Aiseal 4 2007-13

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-05-14 (37kb pdf) by the Director of Planning and Development which seeks Council support for the proposed use of Council balances to overcome the issues associated with advances and retention applied to the Highland EFF Axis 4 Programme.

 

 The Committee is recommended to:-

 

i.  support the proposed request for use of Council balances to provide advance
   payment and retentions of grants for EFF Axis 4 at a maximum level of
   £300,000; and

 

ii. note that the transfer out of balances on a temporary basis will be returned at
    the winding up of the Highland EFF programme by 31 October 2015.

 

HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICE ITEMS

 

9. HRA Revenue Estimates 2014/15         
Measrachaidhean Teachd-a-steach HRA

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-06-14 (112kb pdf) by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which presents draft Housing Revenue Account estimates for 2014/15 together with recommendations on the level of increase to be applied to council house rents, other rents and service charges.

 

 It is recommended that the Committee:-

 

i.   Agree a 2% increase for council house rents for 2014/15;

 

ii.  Agree that this percentage increase (2%) is applied to; hostel rents;
    Gypsy/Traveller site pitches, garage and garage site rents;

 

iii. Agree that there should be no increase in sheltered housing warden charges in
    2014/15;

 

iv. Agree that other service charges, including those for caretaking and CCTV are
    increased by 2% in 2014/15;

 

v. Note that rents for leased property should increase as stipulated in existing
    contracts; and

 

vi. Agree that the estimated HRA surplus of £4.325m in 2014/15 be applied as
    Capital from Current Revenue to fund HRA capital investment in 2014/15.

 

10. Housing and Property Service Revenue Monitoring   
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Taigheadais is na Seilbhe

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-07-14 (141kb pdf) by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which sets out the current position to 30 November 2013 with regard to the Housing Revenue Account, Other Housing and Property Revenue Account, Property Revenue Maintenance Account and Building Maintenance Account.

 

Members are asked to approve the monitoring statements to 30 November 2013 for the Housing Revenue Account, Other Housing and Property Revenue Account and Building Maintenance account and progress with the Property Revenue Maintenance programme.

 

11. Housing and Property Service Capital Budget 2012/13   
Buidseat Calpa Seirbheis an Taigheadais is na Seilbhe 2012/13

 

There is circulated Report No FHR-08-14 (217kb pdf) by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which gives an update on the position regarding expenditure to 30 November 2013 for the HRA Capital, Non HRA Housing Capital and Property Capital Programmes. 

 

The Committee is asked to:-

 

i.  approve the current position to 30 November 2013 for the HRA Capital, Non
    HRA Housing Capital and Property Capital accounts; and

 

ii.  approve increased costs required  to develop phase 2 of  the new starter
    business units outlined in section 3.6 of the report, noting that these will be
    self-financing from the rental stream.

 

12. Homelessness Initiatives Project Update     
Pròiseact Ath-sholarachadh Àiteachan-còmhnaidh Sealach

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-09-14 (70kb pdf) by the Interim Director of Housing and Property advising that in April 2013, the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee agreed a new approach to the Council’s provision of temporary accommodation for homeless households.  This report updates Members on the progress to date with implementing this approach and the related work being undertaken to review housing management and support arrangements.

 

Members are asked to:-

 

i.  note progress to date with regard to the Temporary Accommodation Re-
    provisioning Project and that further progress reports will be provided;

 

ii.  agree that a further report be presented on housing management and housing
    support services in relation to the additional HRA property used  as temporary
    accommodation; and

 

iii. note that a separate report on the costs of temporary accommodation will be 
    presented to Committee on 26 February 2014.

13. Housing Development and Initiatives      
Leasachadh agus Iomairtean Taigheadais

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-10-14 (96kb pdf) by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which advises of an increase in funding from the Scottish Government for delivery of affordable housing and outlines proposals within the Council house build programme, seeking consent to an increased programme.  In addition the report seeks consent to sell five houses at Balloan Road, Inverness to Houses for Heroes Scotland and for the purchase of land required to undertake the additional projects identified within the increased programme.  The proposals contained within this report will in part contribute to meeting the Council’s increased commitment to deliver an additional 688 Council houses by 2017.

 

The Committee is invited to agree:-

 

i.   the increased programme as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report;

 

ii.   that, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Interim Director of Housing
     and Property, that the land and property described in section 2.2.1 of the 
     report is purchased for affordable housing; and

 

iii.  that five properties be developed at Balloan Road, Inverness be sold, subject
     to gaining the consent of Scottish Ministers, to Houses for Heroes on terms
     and conditions to be agreed by the Interim Director of Housing and Property.

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S SERVICE

 

14. Chief Executive’s Service and Members Revenue Expenditure Monitoring
Seirbheis an Àrd-oifigeir agus Buill: Sgrùdadh Caiteachas Teachd-a-steach 

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-11-14 (44kb pdf) by the Chief Executive which provides information on the revenue monitoring position for the Chief Executive’s Service for the period to 30 November 2013.

 

The Committee is invited to agree the revenue monitoring report for the period 1 April 2013 to 30 November 2013.

 

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

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-12-14 (62kb 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 November 2013.

 

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

16. Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill     
Co-chomhairle mu Bhile Ùghdarrachadh Choimhearsnachdan

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-13-14 (207kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive which summarises a Scottish Government consultation on the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill and asks Members to consider the Council’s draft response which is set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

Members are invited to consider the draft response to the consultation at Appendix 1 of the report and agree a final response for submission to the Government.

 

17. Consultation on the European Structural Investment Programmes 2014-2020          

Co-chomhairle mu Phrògraman Mhaoin Structarail agus Tasgaidh 2014-20

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-14-14 (121kb pdf) by the Depute Chief Executive which outlines the main points to emerge from the Scottish Government’s consultation on proposals for the delivery of the European Structural & Investment Funds (ESIF) in Scotland during 2014-20. The consultation closes on 24 January 2014.  A draft Council response is set out at Appendix 1 to the report for Members to consider. Officers will continue to engage with the Scottish Government to build on recent developments and ensure that the interests of the Highland and Highlands & Islands are taken into account in the development and delivery of the 2014-20 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

 

Members are asked to:-

 

i.   consider the draft consultation response appended and agree the final response
     for submission; and

 

ii.  note that officers will continue to engage with the Scottish Government on the
     development and delivery of the 2014-20 ESIF programmes in Scotland and
     that the final draft of the Integrated Territorial Investment case will be reported
     to a future Committee meeting.

 

18. Capital Discretionary Fund Applications    
Tagraidhean do Mhaoin Calpa fo Ùghdarras

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-15-14 (27kb pdf) by the Director of Finance which  advises the Committee of the financial implications arising from four applications for funding from the Capital Discretionary Fund.

 

The Committee is asked to note the financial implications for each of the four applications for funding from the Capital Discretionary Fund (item 22 of this agenda details the fourth application).

i. Improved Car Parking at Foyers
Parcadh Chàraichean nas Fheàrr aig Foithir

 

There is circulated joint Report No. FHR-16-14 (29kb pdf) by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services and Corporate Manager which invites Members to agree that £65,000 is taken from the Capital Discretionary Fund to develop improved car parking provision at Foyers.

 

Members are invited to approve that £65,000 is taken from the Capital Discretionary Fund to develop improved car parking provision at Foyers.

 

ii. Plock of Kyle Access Road Project
Buidseat Calpa fo Ùghdarras airson Ploc a’ Chaoil

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-17-14 (43kb pdf) by the Corporate Manager which asks the Committee to consider a contribution of up to £49,404 from the
Capital Discretionary Fund towards a £324,316 project of environmental
and access improvements to the Plock of Kyle.

 

Members are invited to approve a total, capped contribution of £49,404 from  the Capital Discretionary Budget, to the Hamilton Park Trustees.

 

iii. War Memorials
Carraighean-cuimhne Cogaidh

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-18-14 (34kb pdf) by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invites Members to provide  up to £50,000 per year over the four years from 2014/15 to 2017/18 from  the Capital Discretionary Fund to support the refurbishment of War  Memorials, in recognition of the centenary of the First World War. This  funding will allow the Council to make bids for additional funding from the  Scottish Government’s Centenary Memorial Restoration Fund.

 

Members are invited to provide up to £50,000 per year over the four years from 2014/15 to 2017/18 from the Capital Discretionary Fund to support the refurbishment of War Memorials, in recognition of the centenary of the First World War. This funding will allow the Council to make bids for additional funding from the Scottish Government’s Centenary Memorial Restoration Fund.

 

19. Carbon Clever Capital Project       
Pròiseact Calpa Càrbon Ciallach

 

There is circulated Report No. FHR-19-14 (33kb pdf) by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which seeks approval of £250,000 of the £1,000,000 allowance in the capital programme for carbon clever projects in order to complete a strategic east west cycle corridor which will connect from the new University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) campus to the heart of Inverness City Centre.

 

The Committee is invited to approve a contribution of £250,000 for the Millburn Road Cycle project from the Carbon Clever Fund to allow the completion of a significant east west cycle link through the heart of Inverness.

 

20. Minutes of Meetings           
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan

 

The following Minutes of Meetings are circulated for confirmation:-

 

i. Joint Consultation Group (Administrative Etc. Manual and Crafts Staffing) held on
12 December 2013 (159kb pdf);

 

ii. Central Safety Committee held on 12 December 2013 (180kb pdf); and

 

iii. Early Retirement Sub-Committee held on 18 December 2013 (83kb 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. Capital Discretionary Fund Application: Inverness Badenoch & Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau – Purchase of new Premises in Inverness         
Tagraidhean do Mhaoin Calpa fo Ùghdarra: Biùro Comhairleachaidh a’ Phobaill airson Inbhir Nis, Bàideanach & Srath Spè – Ceannach Togalach ùr ann an Inbhir Nis

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/20/13 by the Director of Finance and Corporate Manager which informs Members of proposals by Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau to purchase new premises in Inverness and seeks support from the Council’s Capital Discretionary Fund.

 

The Committee is invited to agree to support IBS CAB with a grant subject to the conditions listed at paragraph 4 of the report.

 

23. Debts Recommended to be Written-off                      
Fiachan a Thathar a’ Moladh airson an Dubhadh Às

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/21/14 by the Director of Finance which in accordance with good accounting practice, recommends the write-off of uncollectable debts. 

 

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

 

24. Purchase of Land at Torvean, Inverness   
Sgìre Thòrr Bheathain: Ceannach Fearainn

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/22/14 by the Interim  Director of Housing and Property which outlines an agreement for a proposal to  purchase land at Torvean, Inverness. 

 

Members are asked to approve the purchase of the areas of land at Torvean as set out in the report, subject to the conditions outlined in section 6 of the report.

 

25. Land and Property            
Talamh agus Taigheadas

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/23/14 dated 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which seeks approval to purchase a former hotel building in Ullapool and for approval to proceed with a further 48 homes within the National Housing Trust Initiative.  The report also seeks approval to the use of prudential borrowing and Landbank funding to part fund the projects.

 

The Committee is asked to agree the recommendations set out in the report.

 

26. Property Transactions Monitoring Report          
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. FHR/24/14 dated 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which provides Members with details of the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships and Corporate Property Asset Manager under delegated authority.  The report also advises Members on sales targeted for completion within the financial year 2013/14 and future years.

 

Members are asked to approve the monitoring statements for General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships and Corporate Property Asset Manager under delegated authority, Budgeted Sales for 2013/14 and Future Years Sales.