PRESENT

Mr Angus Campbell (Chairman)

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Vice Chairman)

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr Archie Campbell

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES

Mr Donald Maclean

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 9 October 2003.

1

The Minute of Meeting of 9 October 2003 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of Human Resources Sub Committee of 4 November 2003 and 27 November 2003

2

The Minute of Meeting of 4 November 2003 and 27 November 2003 were noted, and the recommendations were approved.

Decision Report of ICT Sub Committee of 2 December 2003

3

The Acting Director of Corporate Services sought, and obtained the Chairman’s permission to withdraw this item, as the meeting had not taken place.

Minute of Meeting of Stock Transfer Sub Committee of 7 November 2003.

4

The Minute of Meeting of 7 November 2003 was noted, and the recommendations were approved.

Minute of Meeting of Gaelic Language and Culture Forum of 22 August 2003.

5

The Minute of Meeting of 22 August 2003 was noted.

PRESENTATION

Disability Discrimination Act 1995

6

Mr Malcolm Crate, Senior Building Control Officer (Access/Mobility Officer), assisted by Annabel Mackenzie, Corporate Services Support Officer, gave a presentation to the Committee on the phasing in of the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  At the end of the presentation Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions.

It was agreed to note the presentation.

FINANCE

Direct Labour and Direct Service Organisations Accounts for the Year 1 April 2002 – 31 March 2003.

PR120.10

7

The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising the Committee of the final financial results for 2002/03, which had been signed off by Audit Scotland, the Comhairle’s external auditors.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Second Quarter Revenue Forecast Outturn 2003/04.

PR110.05

8

The Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to the Comhairle’s forecast revenue out-turn 2003/04 at the end of the second quarter.  It was stated that the most significant issue remained the forecast overspend in Social Work, whilst the establishment of a specialist team to deal with child protection issues would have financial implications.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)        the Report be noted; and

(2)        the additional funding required to meet the costs of the Child Protection Team  be met from the Comhairle’s Contingency Fund in the 2003/04 financial year.

Ward Priorities Fund

9

The Director of Finance submitted a Report recommending that no further resources be allocated to the Ward Priority Fund in the current financial year, but that consideration be given to continuing the Ward Priority Fund during the budget setting process for 2004/05.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)        no further resources be allocated to the Ward Priority Fund at this time; and

(2)        consideration be given to including a Ward Priority Fund for 2004/05 at the next scheduled meeting of the Committee.

General Fund Capital Monitoring 1 April 2003 – 30 September 2003.

PR110.03

10

The Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to changes in the Capital Programme as at 30 September 2003. 

It was agreed to recommend that Members approve the Forecast Out-turn as the Revised Approved Programme and specifically:

(a)                 The deletion of the £124k in the conditional programme for the Carloway Dementia Unit.  This will be replaced by an APER for consideration by Members, for possible inclusion in the 2004-2008 Capital Programme;

(b)                 The slippage of £864k in the conditional programme for the Spinal Route to 2004/05;

(c)                 The transfer of £120k from the conditional programme to the main programme for the Mossend refurbishment;

(d)                 The transfer of £320k from the conditional programme to the main programme for 2004/05 for the Broadband project;

(e)                 Slippage of £68k of expenditure on work at the Nicolson Institute;

(f)                  Slippage of £289k of expenditure on work at Sir E Scott School

(g)                 Slippage of £35k of expenditure on the replacement of school roofing;

(h)                 Slippage of £30k of expenditure on general water services works in Education;

(i)                   An overspend of £14k on expenditure on data cabling at Sgoil Lionacleit;

(j)                   An overspend of £3k on expenditure on old school properties prior to sale;

(k)                 Slippage of £1,074k of income due from Harris Sports & Leisure Committee for work at Sir E Scott School;

(l)                   An overspend of £5k on the Social Work Home Care Information System;

(m)               Further slippage of £163k of expenditure on the South Uist Care Development;

(n)                 The inclusion of the total cost of £110k for work at the OT Store at Marybank Depot in the current year’s programme, and the slippage of the £50k due from the Western Isles NHS Board for this work until 2004/05;

(o)                 Slippage of the £200k of income due from Western Isles NHS Board for the South Uist Care Development until  2004/05 and £45k due for Trianaid;

(p)                 Slippage of £10k of expenditure on cycling, walking and safer streets;

(q)                 Slippage of £100k of expenditure on the Sound of Barra Infrastructure;

(r)                  Slippage of £475k of expenditure and £340k of income on the Leverburgh Overnight Berthing facility;

(s)                 An under-spend of £81k on Bridge Strengthening to be used to offset an overspend of £100k on composite Transportation programmes;

(t)                  The funding of the four projects included under the heading MGF2 from the current year’s capital programme. The funding provided by the Scottish Executive for these projects may then be carried forward as CFCR and utilised in 2004/05;

(u)                 £10k additional expenditure for consulting and staffing costs relating to the project implementation of the new payroll/personnel system;

(v)                 An under-spend of £25k on the vehicles included in the additional projects, as part of the additional PIRs approved at the August series of meetings;

(w)          Slippage of £10k on Conservation;

(x)                  Slippage of £176k on ACE grants;

(y)                  Additional expenditure of £122k on the Balivanich Regeneration Project funded entirely by the sale of renovated houses in Balivanich;

(z)                  Acceleration of £400k of expenditure on the Stornoway Sports Centre;

(aa)              Slippage of £440k on the Ness Sports Centre;

(bb)              The funding of the library van from the current year’s capital programme so that the revenue identified for this purpose may be carried forward as CFCR and utilised in 2004/05;

(cc)              An under-spend of £118k in Voluntary Sector Matched Funding;

(dd)              The slippage of £400k of income from WIE for the Stornoway Sports Centre;

(ee)              Slippage of £28k of expenditure on the Eye Church;

(ff)                 The inclusion of the total cost of the Castlebay Development and the slippage to 2004/05 of that part of the funding due from WIE;

(gg)              Slippage of £65k of expenditure on Contaminated Land;

(hh)              Slippage of £164k of expenditure on the purchase of DSO Vehicles.

Capital Programme 2003/04

PR110.03

11

The Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to slippage in the Capital Programme 2003/04.  It was stated that in order to maximise the likely level of future loan charge support, capital consent for 2003/04 needed to be fully utilised. 

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)                  the additional projects in Appendix 1 to the Report be accepted onto the Capital Programme 2003/04; and

(2)                  officers explore other means of optimising capital spending in the current year.

General Fund Capital Programme 2004/08: Abbreviated Project Evaluation Reports (APERs)

PR110.03

12

The Director of Finance submitted a Report containing a comprehensive list of the Abbreviated Project Evaluation Reports (APERs) and seeking approval for these to enter the scoring process, prior to ranking, for inclusion in the 2004/08 Capital Programme.

It was stated that 105 APERs totalling £58,668k had been received and categorised as new projects, new renovation/composite programmes and existing renovation/composite programmes.

It was agreed to recommend that the APERs detailed in appendices A and B to the Report be approved for entering the scoring process.

General Fund Capital Programme 2004/08

Existing Renovation/

Composite Programmes

PR110.03

13

The Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to a reduction, in line with normal tolerances, in bids for Existing Renovation/Composite Programmes to £12million for the four years 2004/08.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04: Progress Report

PR110.08

14

The Director of Housing submitted a Report regarding the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2003/04.  The Report detailed the expenditure on the Programme and intimated that projected expenditure was within the 5% tolerance of the Capital Consent for the year 2003/04.  The Report also gave details of variations within the Programme.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)                 the Housing Capital Programme 2003/2004 be revised as detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report to take account of project variations; and

(2)                 the expenditure profile shown at Appendix 3 of the Report be noted.

Housing Revenue Account: Budget Strategy 2004/05

PR110.08

15

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report relating to the budget strategy for the Housing Revenue Account 2004/05.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)                  the strategy for the HRA budget for 2004/05 be based on the general principle of no growth and a standstill service; and

(2)                  the budget setting timetable at Appendix 1 be approved.

Housing Revenue Account Financial Plan 2004/05 – 2006/07

PR110.021

16

The Director of Housing submitted a Report intimating that the three year Housing Revenue Account Financial Plan 2004/2005 – 2006/2007, appended to the Report, had been prepared using similar principles utilised in the preparation of previous plans and reflected the priorities for investment as set out in the Comhairle's Housing Plan 2002-2003 namely to:

(a)                 eliminate condensation and dampness;

(b)                 replace defective windows and doors;

(c)                 improve internal services (e.g. heating, kitchens and bathrooms)

(d)                 rewire properties in line with Institute of Electrical Engineers’ Regulations;

(e)                 fit carbon monoxide detectors; and

(f)                  upgrade poor heating systems.

It was pointed out in the Report that there was a lack of kitchen, bathroom and heating projects brought forward into year 3 (2006/07) of the Plan and also that limited financial provision had been made for window and door replacement throughout the Plan.

It was recommended in the Report that the Housing Revenue Account Financial Plan 2004/2005 – 2006/2007 be approved, on the basis that the Annual Capital Programme for 2004/2005 would be reported for approval once a level of available funding had been determined.

It was agreed to recommend that consideration of the Housing Revenue Account Financial Plan 2004/2005 – 2006/2007 be deferred and considered at the next meeting of the Committee.

2003/04 Audit Report

PR130.10

17

Mr Peter Johnston, CA CPFA Chief Auditor, Audit Scotland, addressed the Committee in relation to the Report for the Audit for the year ended 31 March 2003.  It was stated that the Comhairle’s abstract of accounts presented fairly its financial position as at 31 March 2003. It was also stated that the prescribed financial objective had been achieved for the defined activities under the Local Government Act 1988 with the exception of vehicle and plant maintenance.

Two issues in respect of which action was required 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 work done by the Comhairle officers that had resulted in a positive Audit Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Action Plan appended to the Auditor’s Report be implemented.

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 Paragraphs 6 and 8 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); and the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

Harris Sports Centre – Budget Shortfall

18

The Director for Sustainable Communities and the Director of Finance submitted a joint Report relating to additional finance required to open and operate the Harris Sports and Leisure Centre which was nearing completion.  It was stated that the Harris Sports and Leisure Centre was a voluntary sector project that had accessed substantial external funding to enable the centre to be constructed but that assistance was required with operating costs.

It was agreed to recommend that £53k for the Harris Sports Centre be included as part of the revenue estimates for 2004/05.

Recommendations for Write-offs on Certain Sundry, NDR and Council Tax Debts

PR100.07.01

19

The Director of Finance submitted a Report itemising and recommending that certain debts in excess of £1,000 be written off in the current financial year.  A list of the debts was appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the debts itemised in Appendix A to the Report be written off.

Review of the Crofter Building Grant and Loan Scheme 2003.

20

The Director of Housing and the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a joint Report in relation to a consultation paper entitled ‘Review of the Crofters Etc Building Grant and Loan Scheme 2003’ for which responses were required by 31 December 2003.  A draft response was appended to the Report, and Members were referred an additional paper advising Members of the views expressed during the meetings of the Housing and Sustainable Development Committees which had be circulated to Members.

Mr Calum Ian Graham, seconded by Mr Donald Manford moved that it be recommended that the grant and the loan be increased substantially, and that a letter be sent to the Crofters’ Commission expressing the concerns raised at the meeting.

Mr Norman A Macdonald seconded by Mr Norman L Macdonald moved as an amendment to the motion that it be recommended that loans be discontinued, but that the amount of grant be increased substantially.

On the matter being put to the vote the motion secured the majority of votes cast and became the recommendation of the meeting.

Arising out of consideration of this item, it was agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Acting Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Convener, Vice Convener and Vice Chair of the Committee to submit a response to the Crofters’ Commission on the Crofting Development Plan, taking account of any comments by individual Members of the Comhairle received by the Director for Sustainable Communities by 10 December 2003.  The consultation paper and draft response had been circulated to Members.

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

WICAS – Application for Funding 2004/2005

PR90.28

21

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to an application for funding from the Western Isles Citizens Advice Service (WICAS) for 2004/05.  It was stated that WICAS was seeking £12,227 of additional funding as their reserves were depleted.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)                  the application for funding from WICAS for 2004/05 be considered as part of the revenue estimates exercise, and

(2)                  the Comhairle assist WICAS in making an application for funding to NHS Western Isles.

Arising out of consideration of this item, it was agreed to recommend that all future applications from organisations seeking funding from the Comhairle should be accompanied by the organisation’s  latest set of audited accounts.

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 Paragraphs 6 and 8 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); and the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

Acair Ltd: Current Position

PR42.01

22

The Acting Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report seeking the Comhairle’s approval to relinquish its shareholding in Acair Ltd., and consent to the transfer of the existing company’s assets, liabilities and obligations to a new company.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle relinquish its rights as shareholders in Acair Ltd and authorise the transfer of the existing company’s assets, liabilities and obligations to a new company.

POLICY

Draft Corporate Strategy 2003-2007

PR11.40

23

The Chief Executive submitted a copy of the Draft Corporate Strategy.  It was stated that the CIPFA/SOLACE Corporate Governance Framework advised that local authorities should maintain effective arrangements for explicit accountability to stakeholders for the authority’s performance and its effectiveness in the delivery of services and the sustainable use of resources.  It was stated that once the Corporate Strategy had been approved the Comhairle’s departments would use the strategic objectives to direct their business plans for 2004-07.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Update on Draft Corporate Strategy 2003-2007

PR11.40

24

The Chief Executive submitted a Report amending the Draft Corporate Strategy to reflect the views expressed by Service Committees.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)             the Corporate Strategy 2003-07 appended to the Report be approved; subject to the following amendments:

(a)        the Lead Committee responsibility for BV3, BV5 and BV6 be assigned to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee;

(b)        DE3 be amended to read ‘Maintaining our potential to attract business to the islands and improving the liaison between funding agencies, especially in Information Technology and in particular increasing access and the speed of data transmission’; and

(c)        DE4 be amended to read ‘Reducing the capital expenditure requirement for Business start-ups or expansions and ensuring land is available for incoming businesses and accelerating the planning process where appropriate’.

(2)             officers be authorised to publicise the Corporate Strategy to all staff and stakeholders.

Mr Archie Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Policy on Early Retirement

M06.10

25

The Acting Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance submitted a Report relating to a proposed draft policy on Early Retirement to form the basis of consultation with the relevant Trade Unions.  A copy of the draft policy was appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the draft Policy on Early Retirement at Appendix 1 to the Report be approved as the basis for further consultation with the relevant trade unions.

Letting Council Premises: Criminal Convictions Disclosure – Implementation Date

PR11.33

26

The Chief Executive submitted a Report relating to progress and a proposed implementation date for the Comhairle’s policy on letting Council premises approved in August 2003.  It was stated that the Criminal Conviction checks would be carried out through Youth Scotland or Voluntary Action Lewis and Harris, at no cost to voluntary sector  organisations employing volunteers.

The Chairman commended Mrs Helen Mackenzie for her work in developing the policy.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)                  the Comhairle amend the policy to cover vulnerable people, and

(2)                  the policy be implemented from 1 January 2004.

Gaelic Language Bill/Consultation Paper: Proposed Response from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

PR13.05.09

27

The Acting Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report seeking Members approval for a proposed response from the Comhairle to the consultation paper on the Gaelic Language Bill issued by the Scottish Executive.  It was stated that the draft Gaelic Language Bill had been launched by the First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP, at the Royal National Mod in Oban on 10 October 2003, and that responses to the Bill were sought by 9 January 2004. 

It was stated at the meeting that Gaelic Medium Education had a key role in securing the survival of the Gaelic Language.

It was agreed to recommend that the responses in the Appendix to the Report form the basis of the response to the Scottish Executive.

Consumer Direct

28

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking delegated authority for the Director for Sustainable Communities to approve expenditure for specialist consultancy services associated with the preparation of the Stage 2 Project Plan for the proposed bid for the Consumer Direct Contact Centre for Scotland to be located in the Western Isles.  It was stated that the Stage 2 Project Plan required to be submitted to the Department for Trade and Industry by 18 December 2003.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)                   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 be noted, and

(2)                   authority be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities to acquire specialist consultancy services as necessary to assist with the preparation of the Stage 2 Project Plan.

Schools Asset Management Strategy

29

The Director of Education submitted a Report informing Members of the requirement to submit core data on the Comhairle’s Schools Asset Management Strategy to the Scottish Executive by 31 December 2003.  It was stated that the initial costs of preparing the school data were being met by the Scottish Executive and appropriate software was being purchased to track and analyse all of the Comhairle’s assets.  A Model Asset Management Plan was appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

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 8 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

Public Private Partnership: Outline Business Case Update

30

The Director of Education submitted a Report informing Members of the current position regarding the Public Private Partnership for Schools bid for funding from the Scottish Executive.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the new build and upgrading strategy detailed in the Report and that the PPP Member/Officer Working Group authority be authorised to submit a revised Outline Business Case to the Scottish Executive on that basis.

Development of OFFTI Project

31

The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval for the Comhairle to participate in a partnership project with Lews Castle College for the provision of new learning centre facilities in Barra involving the OFFTI project.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1)             approval of a contribution of £62k towards the cost of establishing new learning centre facilities in Barra by Lews Castle College which will significantly further the aims and objectives of the OFFTI Project; and

(2)             if additional consent is not forthcoming to fund the project, underspends be identified in the Sustainable Development Capital Programme.

Alternative and Renewable Energy: Community Benefit

32

The Chief Executive submitted a Report updating Members on the work of the Alternative and Renewable Energy Developments Member Officer Working Group since 4 September 2003.  Appended to the Report was a presentation given on 5 November 2003 by IPA Energy Consulting to a meeting of the Highland Council Sustainable Development Select Committee at which members of the Alternative and Renewable Energy Developments Member Officer Working Group were present.

It was agreed to recommend that :

(1)             the Report be noted; and

(2)             the Alternative and Renewable Energy Development Member/Officer Working Group report in future to the Sustainable Development Committee of the Comhairle.

HOUSING

Mr Archie Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

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 9 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods.

Housing Stock Transfer: Stock Valuation

33

The Assistant Director of Housing submitted a Report informing Members of the main findings of the final draft valuation of the Comhairle’s housing stock.  It was stated that as part of the Comhairle’s Stock Transfer initiative an independent valuation of the housing stock had been carried out in line with Scottish Executive Guidance.  The Comhairle had commissioned DTZ Pieda Consulting to carry out the valuation, which had now been completed. 

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1)             the main findings of the final draft Valuation summary be noted;

(2)             delegated authority be given to the Housing Stock Transfer Sub Committee to deal with detailed matters arising from the Valuation and subsequent discussions with Scottish Executive officials; and

(3)             following the conclusion of discussions between the Comhairle and Scottish Executive officials, a further Report be brought to Policy and Resources Committee at the February 2004 series of meetings in order that the Comhairle can formally ‘sign off’ the valuation.

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 Paragraphs 6 and 8 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); and the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

Local Housing Strategy: Appointment of Specialist Consultants

PR31.08

34

The Director of Housing submitted a Report seeking the appointment of specialist consultants to assist the Comhairle in the preparation of a Local Housing Strategy for submission to the Scottish Executive in April 2004.  It was stated that Section 89 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires local authorities to prepare a Local Housing Strategy, and that £108.5k has been made available by the Scottish Executive to assist the Comhairle in the preparation of its Local Housing Strategy.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1)            it be delegated to the Acting Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Housing, to:-

(i)                  engage DTZ Pieda to carry out an assessment of future community care housing needs, as required by Guidance on Local Housing Strategies, on the basis detailed in the report; and

(ii)                 engage Newhaven Research to assist in the development of the main objectives of the housing strategy

(2)             this work be not tendered for in terms of the Contract Regulation 7(f), for the reasons set out in this report, including the grounds of the specialist nature of the work and the achievement of Best Value to the Comhairle.

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

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 and 8 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); and the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

New Grounds Maintenance Contract 2004 –2007

PR31.07

35

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing Members of the tender results for the Grounds Maintenance Contract 2004 – 2007.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the offer submitted by Mitchell and Struthers (Contracts) Ltd., for the delivery of the Grounds Maintenance Contract 2004/07 in the amount of £1,127,763.63 for the first year.

Programme and Progress

PR31.07

36

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report updating Members on progress with the Boiler replacement for the Council Offices, Stornoway, and the refurbishment of the reception area.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provision of Section 50b (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matter, prior to its next meeting, and to allow a response to be submitted to the Scottish Executive to comply with the deadline of 19 December 2003.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

Local Governance (Scotland) Bill

37

The Acting Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report updating Members on the progress of the Local Governance (Scotland) Bill and suggesting that the Comhairle submit written evidence to the Scottish Parliament.  The Report indicated that the Bill had been published in November and that written evidence required to be submitted by 19 December 2003.

It was agreed to recommend that authority be delegated to the Acting Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Convener and Vice Convener to finalise the terms of the Comhairle’s response to the Scottish Parliament, taking into account the arguments raised in paragraphs 4.2 and 4.7 of the Report and the comments made by the Chief Executive at the meeting.