10 December 2002

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

POLICY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on 10 December 2002 at 10.00 am

PRSENT

Mr Roderick J Murray (Chairman)

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr George Lonie

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mrs Mary Bremner

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 18 November 2002

1

The Minute of 18 November 2002 was approved.

Arising out of consideration of the Minute, it was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would inform Mr A Nicolson of the position relating to the provision of Squash Courts in the new Stornoway Sports Centre.

Minute of Meeting of Conditions of Service Sub Committee of 20 November 2002

2

The Minute of Meeting of the Conditions of Service Sub Committee of 20 November 2002 was noted.

Minute of Meeting of Commercial Operations Board of 18 November 2002

3

The Minute of Meeting of the Commercial Operations Board of 18 November 2002 was noted.

POLICY PLANNING

Race Equality Strategy

4

The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval for the process to be used to develop a Race Equality Scheme. A copy of the draft scheme was appended to the Report.

It was agreed:

(1) to homologate the decision of the Chief Executive to submit the Race Equality Scheme to the Council for Racial Equality; and

(2) that the Employees Joint Consultative Committee take the lead role on matters relating to employees and recruitment.

Gaelic Policy Review: Progress

5

The Chief Executive submitted a Report informing Members of progress with a review of the Comhairle's Bilingual Policy. It was stated that there was a need to consult with the parents of children who were being educated in Gaelic Medium Education, in order to address any concerns they may wish to raise.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the Report;

(2) to note that a further Report with a draft Gaelic Policy will come before the Committee in February 2003, and

(3) that the Director of Education will consult with the parents of children in Gaelic Medium Education regarding any concerns they may have.

CPMR Islands Commission Project

6

The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to the Comhairle's participation in the CPMR Islands Commission project `Management and Development of Island Areas'. It was stated that the Comhairle is currently co-ordinating an application for funding from the INTERREG IIIC initiative.

It was agreed to approve:

(1) the participation of the Comhairle in the CPMR Islands Commission project `Management and Development of Island Areas; and

(2) funding of up to €13,000 (£8,237) per annum from the European Services Budget (budget line 8520) for the four-year duration of the project as the Comhairle's contribution.

FINANCE

Final Report of the External Auditors 2001/2002.

7

Mr Peter Johnston CA CPFA, Chief Auditor, Audit Scotland addressed the Committee in regard to the Report for the Audit for the year ended 31 March 2002. It was stated that the Comhairles abstract of accounts presents fairly its financial position as at 31 March 2002. However, the Direct Labour (DLO) and Direct Service (DSO) Organisations had not achieved the prescribed financial objective for the categories of work of building maintenance and Highways under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. The prescribed financial objective has been achieved for the defined activities under the Local Government Act 1988 with the exception of vehicle and plant maintenance and school catering.

It was also stated that the original list of Best Value Reviews was now considered to have been too ambitious, and that the Chief Executive would review the timetable and ensure the outstanding reviews were completed.

The four key issues which require action were set out in a brief Action Plan appended to the Report.

The Chairman thanked Mr Johnston for his Report and paid tribute to the Commercial Operations Board and Comhairle officers who have worked so hard to improve the performance of the DSO/DLOs.

It was agreed:

(1) the Action Plan appended to the Auditor's Report be implemented; and

(2) that Reports be brought to all future meetings of the Committee before May 2003, informing Members on progress with the implementation of the Action Plan.

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, 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 Part 1 of schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).

Grounds Maintenance Contract 2003/2004

8

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval to extend the existing contract for Grounds Maintenance and summarising the outcome of negotiations with the existing contractor.

It was agreed:

(1) to extend the existing Grounds Maintenance Contract for a further period of 12 months from 1 April 2003 on the basis of the terms outlined in the Report by the Director of Technical Services, and

(2) that it be delegated to the Director of Technical Services in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services to determine any further minor adjustments to the contract terms.

Payroll Deductions

PR110.05

9

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to a proposal to levy charges on trades unions for making payroll deductions on their behalf. Comments had been sought from the unions which represent the majority of Comhairle staff, and these unions had raised no objection to the charges.

It was agreed that with effect from 1 January 2003 the Acting Director of Finance be authorised to charge trades unions for payroll deductions made on their behalf, and that this charge be set at 3% of the value of the deductions.

Financial Management System - Assignation of Contract

10

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to the assignation of the FMS contract from Cedar Enterprise Solutions Ltd to Anite Public Sector Ltd. It was stated that in October 2002 Anite Public Sector Ltd. had acquired the FMS business from Cedar, including all intellectual property rights and were now providing all aspects of the services specified in the contract.

It was agreed to assign the FMS contract to Anite Public Sector Limited.

Western Isles Ferry Infrastructure Bids

11

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report providing details of the successful Public Transport Fund (PTF) bids and seeking approval for the £25,000 required for the Lochmaddy scheme. It was stated that the Comhairle had recently been successful in being awarded PTF capital resources for ferry infrastructure schemes at Lochmaddy and Leverburgh.

It was agreed that:

(1) £25,000 from the Comhairle's Capital Programme be allocated to the Lochmaddy Pier Improvement project to complete the funding package; and

(2) the Leverburgh Pier project be submitted as a HISTP bid subject to the HIE/WIE contribution being provided.

It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, 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 Part 1 of schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).

Standing Lists of Approved Contractors

12

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report relating to further applications for inclusions in the various standing lists of approved contractors.

It was agreed that the Contractors detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Technical Services be included in the various lists as shown.

SERVICE MATTERS

PPP Outline Business Plan

PR110.00

13

The Director of Education submitted a Report relating to the proposed Schools PPP Outline Business Case for comment and amendment. It was stated that Turner and Townsend, the consultants providing building costs were currently scrutinising the data for possible reductions to help towards the affordability gap, which is currently estimated to be in the region of £550,000 per annum for a 30 year period.

It was agreed that:

(1) the revised PPP Outline Business Case be submitted to the Scottish Executive to form the basis for further negotiation and representation; and

(2) permission be sought from the Scottish Executive to apply some of the remaining £150,000 feasibility study funding to adjust the proposal in a manner that goes towards meeting the needs of the Comhairle's schools and is consistent with the level of support needed for Scottish Authorities to address their school building requirements.

Creating Communities of the Future: Progress Report

14

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to progress in taking forward the decisions taken by Committee following the discussions relating to the 2001 Census Results.

It was agreed to note the Report.

European Festival for Island Cultures

15

The Chief Executive submitted a Report updating Members on the Comhairle's involvement in the European Festival of Island Cultures project and seeking approval to participate in the application for funding from the INTERREG IIIC programme for the European Festivals project. It was stated that the European Festivals of Island Cultures are organised by the Conference of Maritime Regions Islands Commission. The INTERREG project is based on the concept that island groups within CPMR should co-operate to arrange a calendar of cultural events and exchange visits to promoted cultural tourism and thereby generate economic benefits for participating island groups.

It was agreed to:

(1) continue supporting the Comhairle's participation in the European Festivals project; and

(2) approve funding of €9,000 (£5,703) per annum for 4 years from the Gaelic Development Budget as the Comhairle's contribution to the project.

Western Isles Home Visiting Scheme 2002/03

16

The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to a proposal to provide financial assistance for the expansion of the Home Visiting Scheme. It was stated that although there has been an increase in the number of children entering Gaelic Medium Education in the Western Isles in the last three years, an ongoing increase in pupil numbers is crucial for the long term survival of Gaelic. The main aim of the Home Visiting Scheme is to provide an information and advisory service to parents, families and communities on the benefits of Gaelic Medium Education.

It was agreed that:

(1) the sum of £4,000 be provided from the Gaelic Development Budget to employ a part-time Co-ordinator to expand the Home Visiting Scheme;

(2) a Steering Group, consisting of representatives from Sgioba na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig and the Education Department be established to oversee the project;

(3) a comprehensive Report be produced at the conclusion of the scheme in March 2003; and

(4) funding for the Home Visiting Scheme would be revisited during the budget setting exercise

Literacy Courses for Fluent Gaelic Speakers

17

The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to a proposal from Lews Castle College to introduce a new course in the Further Education sector which will provide modules designed to improve Gaelic literacy skills.

It was agreed that:

(1) a grant of £2,000 be awarded to Lews Castle College towards the cost of the 12 week pilot course for Gaelic literacy; and

(2) that the College be asked to deliver an appropriate course for Comhairle Members and employees who are fluent Gaelic speakers and who wish to improve their Gaelic literacy skills and staff be given appropriate time away from their work station to attend the classes.

ISLENET

18

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to the current position regarding the management of Islenet and seeking an amended delegation.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, be authorised to conclude a satisfactory contractual relationship between the Comhairle, acting on behalf of the Islands Commission of CPMR, and Dr Panos Coroyannakis for a 3 year period from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2006; and

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, be authorised to conclude a satisfactory contractual relationship between the Comhairle acting on behalf of the Islands Commission of CPMR, and Mrs Vicky Argyraki acting on a part time basis, for a 3 year period from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2006.

Spinal Route

19

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report relating to the considered priority for undertaking the spinal route schemes and seeking authority to submit a Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme bid.

It was agreed that, if additional resources are made available from the Scottish Executive:

(1) the priority order will be;

i) Spinal Route (North)

ii) Spinal Route (South)

(2) a bid be made to Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme for the balance of funding required.

Mrs Morag Munro declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following two items.

Western Isles Citizens Advice Service - 3 year Funding

20

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to an application for an in principle, three year funding package for Western Isles Citizens Advice Service.

It was agreed that, in principle, the Comhairle agree a three year funding package as outlined in the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, subject to consideration as part of this years revenue estimates process.

Mr Angus Nicolson declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Volunteer Centre: Western Isles: Request for additional Funding

21

The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to an application for an increase in the revenue funding contribution to the Volunteer Centre, Western Isles as part of the revenue budget process.

It was agreed:

(1) to consider an increase in revenue grant of £22,500 as part of the revenue budget process;

(2) that a Service Level Agreement be put in place as detailed in paragraph 7.2 of the Report by the Chief Executive; and

(3) that a Report be prepared for the next meeting of the Committee listing the voluntary organisations that receive financial support from the Comhairle.

PERSONNEL

Application for Release of Post

22

The Chief Executive submitted a Report listing the posts that had been released over the previous twelve months.

It was agreed to note the Report.

New Community School Project: Establishment of Education Care Worker Posts

23

The Director of Education submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish 3 Full Time Equivalent posts of Education Care Worker on a fixed-term basis to 31 March 2004 for the New Community Schools project.

It was agreed to approve the establishment, on a fixed term basis to 31 March 2004, of 3 FTE posts of Education Care Worker at grade AP2.

New Community Schools Project Establishment of Full Service Co-ordinator

24

The Director of Education submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish the post of Full Service Co-ordinator on a fixed-term basis for the New Community Schools Project.

It was agreed to approve the establishment, on a fixed term basis to 31 March 2004, of the post of Full Service Co-ordinator (0.5 FTE) at grade PO 1-3.

Establishment of Recycling Operative Post - Uist

25

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish the post of Recycling Plant/Landfill Site Operative based at the Rueval Landfill Site in Uist.

It was agreed to establish the post of Recycling and Site Operative based at the Rueval Landfill Site.

Software Analyst: Temporary Contract

26

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish the post of Software Analyst within the IT Unit to support the implementation of a new computer system for the DSO.

It was agreed to approve the establishment of the Software Analyst post within the IT Unit for one year from the time of appointment.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency to alleviate staffing shortages within the Internal Audit section of the Comhairle.

Mr Angus Nicolson declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of this item.

Minute of Meeting of Audit Panel of:

(a) 10 October 2002

(b) 4 December 2002

27

The Minute of the Audit Panel of 10 October 2002 was noted.

The Minute of the Audit Panel of 4 December 2002 was noted.

With regard to Item 7 of the Minute, it is agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Part 1 of schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).

It was agreed to appoint a Consultant in Internal Audit with previous experience within the Comhairle until such time as the vacancies in the Audit Section have been filled, with the costs, of up to £15,000 expenditure, including expenses, to be met by savings from within existing Ionmhas budgets and any shortfall funded through contingency.

PRSENT	Mr Roderick J Murray (Chairman)
	Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mr Angus Campbell
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mrs Morag Munro
	Mr George Lonie	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Angus Nicolson	Mrs Mary Bremner

		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 18 November 2002	1	The Minute of 18 November 2002 was approved. Arising out of consideration of the Minute, it was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would inform Mr A Nicolson of the position relating to the provision of Squash Courts in the new Stornoway Sports Centre.
Minute of Meeting of Conditions of Service Sub Committee of 20 November 2002	2	The Minute of Meeting of the Conditions of Service Sub Committee of 20 November 2002 was noted.
Minute of Meeting of Commercial Operations Board of 18 November 2002	3	The Minute of Meeting of the Commercial Operations Board of 18 November 2002 was noted.
		POLICY PLANNING
Race Equality Strategy	4	The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval for the process to be used to develop a Race Equality Scheme. A copy of the draft scheme was appended to the Report. It was agreed: (1) to homologate the decision of the Chief Executive to submit the Race Equality Scheme to the Council for Racial Equality; and (2) that the Employees Joint Consultative Committee take the lead role on matters relating to employees and recruitment.
Gaelic Policy Review: Progress	5	The Chief Executive submitted a Report informing Members of progress with a review of the Comhairle's Bilingual Policy. It was stated that there was a need to consult with the parents of children who were being educated in Gaelic Medium Education, in order to address any concerns they may wish to raise. It was agreed: (1) to note the Report; (2) to note that a further Report with a draft Gaelic Policy will come before the Committee in February 2003, and (3) that the Director of Education will consult with the parents of children in Gaelic Medium Education regarding any concerns they may have.
CPMR Islands Commission Project	6	The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to the Comhairle's participation in the CPMR Islands Commission project `Management and Development of Island Areas'. It was stated that the Comhairle is currently co-ordinating an application for funding from the INTERREG IIIC initiative. It was agreed to approve: (1) the participation of the Comhairle in the CPMR Islands Commission project `Management and Development of Island Areas; and (2) funding of up to €13,000 (£8,237) per annum from the European Services Budget (budget line 8520) for the four-year duration of the project as the Comhairle's contribution.
		FINANCE
Final Report of the External Auditors 2001/2002.	7	Mr Peter Johnston CA CPFA, Chief Auditor, Audit Scotland addressed the Committee in regard to the Report for the Audit for the year ended 31 March 2002. It was stated that the Comhairles abstract of accounts presents fairly its financial position as at 31 March 2002. However, the Direct Labour (DLO) and Direct Service (DSO) Organisations had not achieved the prescribed financial objective for the categories of work of building maintenance and Highways under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. The prescribed financial objective has been achieved for the defined activities under the Local Government Act 1988 with the exception of vehicle and plant maintenance and school catering. It was also stated that the original list of Best Value Reviews was now considered to have been too ambitious, and that the Chief Executive would review the timetable and ensure the outstanding reviews were completed. The four key issues which require action were set out in a brief Action Plan appended to the Report. The Chairman thanked Mr Johnston for his Report and paid tribute to the Commercial Operations Board and Comhairle officers who have worked so hard to improve the performance of the DSO/DLOs. It was agreed: (1) the Action Plan appended to the Auditor's Report be implemented; and (2) that Reports be brought to all future meetings of the Committee before May 2003, informing Members on progress with the implementation of the Action Plan.
		CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
		It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, 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 Part 1 of schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).
Grounds Maintenance Contract 2003/2004	8	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval to extend the existing contract for Grounds Maintenance and summarising the outcome of negotiations with the existing contractor. It was agreed: (1) to extend the existing Grounds Maintenance Contract for a further period of 12 months from 1 April 2003 on the basis of the terms outlined in the Report by the Director of Technical Services, and (2) that it be delegated to the Director of Technical Services in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services to determine any further minor adjustments to the contract terms.
Payroll Deductions PR110.05	9	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to a proposal to levy charges on trades unions for making payroll deductions on their behalf. Comments had been sought from the unions which represent the majority of Comhairle staff, and these unions had raised no objection to the charges. It was agreed that with effect from 1 January 2003 the Acting Director of Finance be authorised to charge trades unions for payroll deductions made on their behalf, and that this charge be set at 3% of the value of the deductions.
Financial Management System - Assignation of Contract	10	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to the assignation of the FMS contract from Cedar Enterprise Solutions Ltd to Anite Public Sector Ltd. It was stated that in October 2002 Anite Public Sector Ltd. had acquired the FMS business from Cedar, including all intellectual property rights and were now providing all aspects of the services specified in the contract. It was agreed to assign the FMS contract to Anite Public Sector Limited.
Western Isles Ferry Infrastructure Bids	11	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report providing details of the successful Public Transport Fund (PTF) bids and seeking approval for the £25,000 required for the Lochmaddy scheme. It was stated that the Comhairle had recently been successful in being awarded PTF capital resources for ferry infrastructure schemes at Lochmaddy and Leverburgh. It was agreed that: (1) £25,000 from the Comhairle's Capital Programme be allocated to the Lochmaddy Pier Improvement project to complete the funding package; and (2) the Leverburgh Pier project be submitted as a HISTP bid subject to the HIE/WIE contribution being provided.
		It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, 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 Part 1 of schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).
Standing Lists of Approved Contractors	12	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report relating to further applications for inclusions in the various standing lists of approved contractors. It was agreed that the Contractors detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Technical Services be included in the various lists as shown.
		SERVICE MATTERS
PPP Outline Business Plan PR110.00	13	The Director of Education submitted a Report relating to the proposed Schools PPP Outline Business Case for comment and amendment. It was stated that Turner and Townsend, the consultants providing building costs were currently scrutinising the data for possible reductions to help towards the affordability gap, which is currently estimated to be in the region of £550,000 per annum for a 30 year period. It was agreed that: (1) the revised PPP Outline Business Case be submitted to the Scottish Executive to form the basis for further negotiation and representation; and (2) permission be sought from the Scottish Executive to apply some of the remaining £150,000 feasibility study funding to adjust the proposal in a manner that goes towards meeting the needs of the Comhairle's schools and is consistent with the level of support needed for Scottish Authorities to address their school building requirements.
Creating Communities of the Future: Progress Report	14	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to progress in taking forward the decisions taken by Committee following the discussions relating to the 2001 Census Results. It was agreed to note the Report.
European Festival for Island Cultures	15	The Chief Executive submitted a Report updating Members on the Comhairle's involvement in the European Festival of Island Cultures project and seeking approval to participate in the application for funding from the INTERREG IIIC programme for the European Festivals project. It was stated that the European Festivals of Island Cultures are organised by the Conference of Maritime Regions Islands Commission. The INTERREG project is based on the concept that island groups within CPMR should co-operate to arrange a calendar of cultural events and exchange visits to promoted cultural tourism and thereby generate economic benefits for participating island groups. It was agreed to: (1) continue supporting the Comhairle's participation in the European Festivals project; and (2) approve funding of €9,000 (£5,703) per annum for 4 years from the Gaelic Development Budget as the Comhairle's contribution to the project.
Western Isles Home Visiting Scheme 2002/03	16	The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to a proposal to provide financial assistance for the expansion of the Home Visiting Scheme. It was stated that although there has been an increase in the number of children entering Gaelic Medium Education in the Western Isles in the last three years, an ongoing increase in pupil numbers is crucial for the long term survival of Gaelic. The main aim of the Home Visiting Scheme is to provide an information and advisory service to parents, families and communities on the benefits of Gaelic Medium Education.
		It was agreed that: (1) the sum of £4,000 be provided from the Gaelic Development Budget to employ a part-time Co-ordinator to expand the Home Visiting Scheme; (2) a Steering Group, consisting of representatives from Sgioba na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig and the Education Department be established to oversee the project; (3) a comprehensive Report be produced at the conclusion of the scheme in March 2003; and (4) funding for the Home Visiting Scheme would be revisited during the budget setting exercise
Literacy Courses for Fluent Gaelic Speakers	17	The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to a proposal from Lews Castle College to introduce a new course in the Further Education sector which will provide modules designed to improve Gaelic literacy skills. It was agreed that: (1) a grant of £2,000 be awarded to Lews Castle College towards the cost of the 12 week pilot course for Gaelic literacy; and (2) that the College be asked to deliver an appropriate course for Comhairle Members and employees who are fluent Gaelic speakers and who wish to improve their Gaelic literacy skills and staff be given appropriate time away from their work station to attend the classes.
ISLENET	18	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to the current position regarding the management of Islenet and seeking an amended delegation. It was agreed that: (1) the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, be authorised to conclude a satisfactory contractual relationship between the Comhairle, acting on behalf of the Islands Commission of CPMR, and Dr Panos Coroyannakis for a 3 year period from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2006; and (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, be authorised to conclude a satisfactory contractual relationship between the Comhairle acting on behalf of the Islands Commission of CPMR, and Mrs Vicky Argyraki acting on a part time basis, for a 3 year period from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2006.
Spinal Route	19	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report relating to the considered priority for undertaking the spinal route schemes and seeking authority to submit a Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme bid. It was agreed that, if additional resources are made available from the Scottish Executive: (1) the priority order will be; i) Spinal Route (North) ii) Spinal Route (South) (2) a bid be made to Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme for the balance of funding required.
		Mrs Morag Munro declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following two items.
Western Isles Citizens Advice Service - 3 year Funding	20	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to an application for an in principle, three year funding package for Western Isles Citizens Advice Service. It was agreed that, in principle, the Comhairle agree a three year funding package as outlined in the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, subject to consideration as part of this years revenue estimates process.
		Mr Angus Nicolson declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Volunteer Centre: Western Isles: Request for additional Funding	21	The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to an application for an increase in the revenue funding contribution to the Volunteer Centre, Western Isles as part of the revenue budget process. It was agreed: (1) to consider an increase in revenue grant of £22,500 as part of the revenue budget process; (2) that a Service Level Agreement be put in place as detailed in paragraph 7.2 of the Report by the Chief Executive; and (3) that a Report be prepared for the next meeting of the Committee listing the voluntary organisations that receive financial support from the Comhairle.
		PERSONNEL
Application for Release of Post	22	The Chief Executive submitted a Report listing the posts that had been released over the previous twelve months. It was agreed to note the Report.
New Community School Project: Establishment of Education Care Worker Posts	23	The Director of Education submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish 3 Full Time Equivalent posts of Education Care Worker on a fixed-term basis to 31 March 2004 for the New Community Schools project. It was agreed to approve the establishment, on a fixed term basis to 31 March 2004, of 3 FTE posts of Education Care Worker at grade AP2.
New Community Schools Project Establishment of Full Service Co-ordinator	24	The Director of Education submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish the post of Full Service Co-ordinator on a fixed-term basis for the New Community Schools Project. It was agreed to approve the establishment, on a fixed term basis to 31 March 2004, of the post of Full Service Co-ordinator (0.5 FTE) at grade PO 1-3.
Establishment of Recycling Operative Post - Uist	25	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish the post of Recycling Plant/Landfill Site Operative based at the Rueval Landfill Site in Uist. It was agreed to establish the post of Recycling and Site Operative based at the Rueval Landfill Site.
Software Analyst: Temporary Contract	26	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report relating to a proposal to establish the post of Software Analyst within the IT Unit to support the implementation of a new computer system for the DSO. It was agreed to approve the establishment of the Software Analyst post within the IT Unit for one year from the time of appointment.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency to alleviate staffing shortages within the Internal Audit section of the Comhairle. Mr Angus Nicolson declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of this item.
Minute of Meeting of Audit Panel of: (a) 10 October 2002 (b) 4 December 2002	27	The Minute of the Audit Panel of 10 October 2002 was noted. The Minute of the Audit Panel of 4 December 2002 was noted. With regard to Item 7 of the Minute, it is agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Part 1 of schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle). It was agreed to appoint a Consultant in Internal Audit with previous experience within the Comhairle until such time as the vacancies in the Audit Section have been filled, with the costs, of up to £15,000 expenditure, including expenses, to be met by savings from within existing Ionmhas budgets and any shortfall funded through contingency.