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MINUTES
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Minute of
Meeting of 27 August 2003
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1
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The Minute of
Meeting of 27 August 2003 was approved.
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DS09.01
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FINANCE
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Second Quarter
Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04
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2
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The Director of Finance submitted a
Report detailing the Revenue Expenditure incurred during the period 1 April
2003 – 31 September 2003 for the Comhairle’s services and set out the
forecasts of expenditure to 31 March 2003.
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It was
agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by
the Director of Finance concerning the Second Quarter Revenue Forecast
Out-turn 2003/04, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
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General Fund Capital Monitoring: 1 April
2003-30 September 2003
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3
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The Director of Finance submitted a Report
detailing the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2003 –
31 September 2003.
It was agreed to recommend approval of
the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance
concerning the General Fund Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2003-30 September
2003, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
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Capital
Programme 2003-2004
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4
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The Director of Finance submitted a Report
in relation to expenditure on the Capital Programme 2003-04. The Report
indicated that, in order to maximise the likely level of future loan charge
support, capital consents for 2003/04 should be fully utilised.
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It was agreed to recommend approval of
the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance
concerning the Capital Programme 2003-04, insofar as the Committee’s
interests were concerned.
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General Fund
Capital Programme 2004-08: Abbreviated Project Evaluation Reports (APERs)
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5
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The Director of Finance submitted a Report
detailing the Abbreviated Project Evaluation Reports which would enter the
scoring process for inclusion in the 2004-2008 Capital Programme.
It was agreed
to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the
Director of Finance concerning General Fund Capital Programme 2004-2008
(APERs), insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
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Capital Programme 2004-08: Existing Renovation/
Composite
Programmes
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6
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The Director of Finance submitted a Report
detailing revised bids for Existing Renovation/Composite Programmes for the
General Fund Capital Programme 2004-2008.
It was
agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by
the Director of Finance concerning General Fund Capital Programme 2004-2008:
Existing Renovation/Composite Programmes, insofar as the Committee’s
interests were concerned.
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R&M (Revenue) Programme 2003/2004:
Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 October 2003
PR110.08
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The Director of Technical Services submitted
a Report detailing the expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of
properties held on the Sustainable Development account as at 31 October 2003.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
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PRESENTATION
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Fusion
DS42.01
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8
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Mr Bruce Morrison, Chief Executive, Fusion,
was invited to give a presentation on the role of Fusion. Mr Morrison
indicated that Fusion was a company limited by guarantee whose role was to
provide the Highlands and Islands with a centre of expertise and a regionally
networked support mechanism for the stimulation, innovation and
commercialisation of research. Fusion aimed to assist local development
agencies deliver innovation support services and information and knowledge
economy initiatives to the local business community.
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It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle continues to support the role of Fusion and the development of the
Fusion Western Isles Sub-group.
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POLICY
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Draft
Corporate Strategy
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9
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report
detailing the Draft Corporate Strategy 2003-07. The Strategy detailed the
strategic themes for 2003-07 and would provide a framework in which services
would be developed and provided.
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It was
agreed to recommend that a Strategic Objective on reducing transport costs to
and from the Western Isles and a Key Task relating to parking, cycling and
walking, be included in the Draft Corporate Strategy 2003-2007 together with
a further best value Strategic Objective covering all Comhairle properties.
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BIODIVERSITY
& COUNTRYSIDE
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Western Isles Woodland Strategy
DS40.05
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10
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With reference to Item 7 of the Minute of
Meeting of 1 October 2003, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted
a Report detailing the responses received in relation to the consultation on
the Draft Western Isles Woodland Strategy. The Report identified a need for
locally available advice, support, training and expertise and a project to
develop this need was being developed with other appropriate agencies.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
approves the Western Isles Woodland Strategy; and
(2)
approves expenditure of £24,000 from
within existing Sustainable Communities Departmental revenue budgets over the
next three financial years (£8,000 p.a.), as the Comhairle’s contribution
towards a capacity building project as detailed in the Report.
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Countryside
Access and Ranger Service
DS61.20
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11
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With reference to Item 10 of the Minute of
Meeting of 27 August 2003, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted
a Report in relation to the delivery of access to the countryside within the
Western Isles, together with the potential for a Ranger Service. The Report
indicated that the delivery of a multi-functional Ranger Service would fit
with the key policy themes previously agreed by the Comhairle. The Report
detailed the potential role for a Ranger Service and outlined the rationale
for integrated service provision in relation to countryside access.
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It was agreed
to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
reiterate support for a Western Isles
Ranger service if funding became available and authorises the Director for
Sustainable Communities to continue investigating avenues for Comhairle
funding;and
(2)
support the continuation of the
Countryside Access Officer post and that a funding application is made to SNH
with necessary issues reported to the Human Resources Sub-Committee.
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ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
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Apprenticeship
and Enterprise Scheme: Outline Proposal
DS40.01.18
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12
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The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report seeking approval of the proposals for an Apprenticeship
& Enterprise Scheme. The proposals for the Scheme had been successful in
receiving Quality of Life funding and the measures proposed included
continuing with Enterprise Youth, introducing start up grants for departments
wishing to employ a modern apprentice, introducing students summer placement
grants, increasing the Skillseeker allowance, sponsoring a modern apprentice
recognition scheme and providing the necessary administrative support to
enable the business community to more easily employ modern apprentices.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
approve the range of measures set out
in the Report, with the amendment of Student Summer Placement Grants to
include school pupils and students studying non-degree courses;
(2)
agree that the Business Advantage Unit
provides Enterprise Youth and administrative support to enable the business
community to more easily employ Modern Apprentices as detailed in the Report;
(3)
agree that the Employment Support and
Training Team manage the measures outlined in the Report;and
(4)
request that the Director for
Sustainable Communities submit a progress report on the Scheme at the end of
the first full financial year of the Scheme.
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Business Support Services Review Update
DS40.01.18
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13
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With reference to Item 10 of the Minute of
Meeting of 1 October 2003, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted
a Report detailing progress with the review on Business Support Services.
The review brief had been updated, taking into account a wider range of
stakeholders, client input and staff consultation.
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It was
agreed to recommend approval of the updated brief and timetable for the
Review of Business Support Services, as set out in the Appendix to the
Report.
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Consumer Direct
CHO2
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14
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With reference to Item 13 of the Minute of
Meeting of 1 October 2003, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted
a Report detailing the progress of a bid by the Western Isles Community
Planning Partnership to set up the new consumer helpline, Consumer Direct, in
the Western Isles. The Report indicated that the bid had been successfully
progressed to Stage 2 in the process. The proposal would represent an
opportunity for the creation of new jobs within the Western Isles and was
consistent with the Creating Communities of the Future Regeneration Strategy
key objective of jobs dispersal and decentralisation.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
notes the successful achievement of the
Bid Team in progressing the Western Isles bid for Consumer Direct to be
located in the Western Isles through to the current Stage 2 process;and
(2)
authorises the Director for Sustainable
Communities to acquire specialist consultancy services as necessary, to
assist with the preparation of the Stage 2 Project Plan.
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It was agreed that the public, including the
press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following
item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of
Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed,
namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any
particular person, other than the Comhairle.
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Carloway Factory – Future Arrangements
DS41
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15
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The Director of Corporate Services and the
Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a joint Report giving an
update of developments regarding the letting of the Comhairle owned factory
in Carloway, previously leased to Donald Macleod Ltd.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be
authorised to deal with the matter in consultation with the Chairman,
Vice-Chairman, Mr Roderick Morrison and the Acting Director of Corporate
Services.
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COMMUNITY
SUPPORT
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Scottish Lottery Officers Group
AL05.02.29
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16
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The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report regarding the establishment of a Scottish Lottery Officers
Group. The Report detailed the aims and objectives of the Group and
indicated that membership would be useful in terms of exchanging ideas,
experiencing and best practice with other Local Authorities and improving the
dissemination of up to date information to voluntary bodies and/or
prospective applicants for lottery funding.
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It was agreed
to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
support the aims and objectives of the
Scottish Lottery Officers Group as per its Constitution in Appendix 1;and
(2)
agrees to send a relevant member of
staff to future meetings of the Scottish Lottery Officers Group.
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BNSF Annual Report 2003
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The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report detailing progress with the Better Neighbourhood Services
Fund (BNSF) programme. The local BNSF was run through three themed
neighbourhoods in the West Side of Lewis, Broadbay and Benbecula and South
Uist. The themes within each area reflected the social justice priorities
identified by the Scottish Executive and efforts have been made to develop
local BNSF offices into a community resource where local individuals and groups
could access the internet and photocopying, etc. The Report further
indicated that a total of 61 community led initiatives had been supported.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the contents of the BNSF Annual
Report 2003.
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Community Wardens and Mediation Service
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18
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The Director for Sustainable Communities and
the Director of Housing submitted a joint Report seeking approval of the
framework of a bid to the Scottish Executive’s ‘Building Strong, Safe and
Attractive Communities’ initiative which could resource up to three Community
Wardens and an enhanced Mediation Service.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
agree the general scope of the
Committee’s bid as outlined in the Report;and
(2)
authorises the Director for Sustainable
Communities, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to submit a final
bid to the Executive’s “Building Strong, Safe and Attractive Communities”
Initiative in line with the agreed scope and taking account of any remaining
concerns expressed by the Scottish Executive.
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CROFTING
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CAP Reform: Opportunities for Scotland Consultation
DS40.02
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The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report in relation to a consultation exercise from the Scottish
Executive on the options for change in response to Common Agricultural Policy
reforms. A draft response to the consultation was detailed.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the draft response at Appendix 1 of the Report forms
the basis of the response to the Scottish Executive to the consultation on
“CAP Reform: Opportunities for Scotland”.
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Review of the Crofter Building Grant and Loan Scheme 2003
DS40.02.06
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The Director of Housing and the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a joint Report in relation to the
consultation from the Scottish Executive in relation to the Crofter Building
Grant and Loan Scheme. The Report outlined the consultation document and
detailed a proposed response from the Comhairle.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the suggested responses at Appendix 1 of the Report,
together with the comments made by the Committee, form the basis of the
response to the Scottish Executive.
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FISHING
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Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and
left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.
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Fuel at Fishery Piers – Update
DS40.04.03
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21
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The Director of Technical Services submitted
a Report updating Members on current progress regarding the sale of fuel at
Fishery Piers. Six fuel tanks were being delivered to site with a further
three tanks ready for uplift and delivery to the Uists. Payment recovery
would be achieved through direct debit but until the necessary direct debit
procedures were put in place, normal invoicing would be carried out.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
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PERFORMANCE
MONITORING
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Mr Norman A
Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of
the following item.
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Reports Outstanding
PR33.01.13
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The Acting
Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports
Outstanding arising from decisions of the Comhairle.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Arising
from consideration of this item, it was agreed that the Director for
Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to a future Meeting in relation
to halibut farming.
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ADDITIONAL
ITEMS
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BWEA Conference
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23
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The
Vice-Chairman submitted a Report in relation to the British Wind Energy
Association Conference. The Report outlined the issues covered by the
Conference.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
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Scottish Crofting Foundation
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Mr Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, SCF and
Ina MacNeil, Chairperson, SCF were invited to give a presentation on the role
of the Scottish Crofting Foundation. The Scottish Crofting Foundation aimed
to support and promote the activity of crofting and was a formal consultee of
the Scottish Executive on agricultural matters. The Foundation was the
membership organisation of crofters in the north of Scotland and was structured into 20 geographical branches in the Western Isles,
representing approximately 1100 members.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
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Mr Donald
Manford declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the
following item.
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It was agreed that the public, including the
press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following
item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of
Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed,
namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any
particular person, other than the Comhairle.
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Kick-Start Loan Application for Financial
Assistance
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25
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report inviting consideration of an
application from Atlantic Blast Cleaning Ltd, Isle of Barra. The Report
indicated that one of the company’s directors was the local Member for Barra
and Vatersay and the application could not be processed under delegated
powers.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve a £7,000 interest-free loan to
Atlantic Blast Cleaning Ltd, subject to standard scheme conditions and
confirmation that the total funding package has been approved and a
satisfactory bank reference has been received.
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