19 June 2001

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 19 June 2001 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Roderick J Murray (Chairman)

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Archie K Campbell

Mr George Lonie

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Donald Manford

Mr Donald I Nicholson

CONSTITUTION

Election of Chairman

50

It was agreed in terms of Standing Order 69 to suspend the Scheme of Administration, paragraph 10(f), to allow the appointment of a Vice-Chairman of the committee for a period of less than twelve months.

The Chairman called for nominations for the office of Vice-Chairman for the period to 27 August 2001.

Mr Donald Maclean, seconded by Mr Archie K Campbell, moved the election of Mr Norman L Macdonald.

There being no further nominations, the Chariman declared Mr Norman L Macdonald duly elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the period ending 27 August 2001.

MINUTES

Policy and Resources Committee

51

The Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001 was approved.

Finance Sub-Committee

52*

The Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 28 May 2001 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 of the Minute.

Personnel Sub-Committee

53*

The Minute of Meeting of the Personnel Sub-Committee of 31 May 2001 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Item 22 of the Minute.

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

54*

The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 31 May 2001 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Minute.

Contract and Tendering Sub-Committee

55*

The Minute of Meeting of the Contract and Tendering Sub-Committee of 19 June 2001 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the Minute.

Performance Review Sub-Committee

56*

The Minute of Meeting of the Performance Review Sub-Committee of 19 June 2001 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 of the Minute.

Western Isles Community Planning Forum

57*

The Note of Meeting of the Western Isles Community Forum of 21 May 2001 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the note.

CONSTITUTION

New Committee Structures

58*

With reference to Item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the revised Constitutional Documents. The principal changes proposed to the Standing Orders, Scheme of Administration, Financial Regulations and Contract Regulations were outlined in the report. It was indicated that the revisions were intended to incorporate current good practice and that the Scheme of Administration reflected the committee structure approved by the Comhairle on 28 March 2001. It was recommended that the revised Standing Orders, Scheme of Administration, Financial Regulations and Contract Regulations, which had been circulated to members, be approved. It was suggested that it be delegated to the Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Services to make such technical and textual amendments as might be necessary to ensure internal consistency within the constitutional documents and that they were consistent with the Comhairle's decisions.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Scheme of Administration set out as background paper A be approved, subject to the following amendments -

(a) the Policy and Resources Committee be designated the Policy and Finance Committee comprising of twelve Members and should encompass the following:

Finance and Resources

Land, Property and Technology

Personnel

Gaelic Development

Contract and Tendering

(b) a Standards and Scrutiny Committee be formed comprising of eight Members who are not Members of Policy and Finance. Included in their remit would be the consideration and determination of all Appeals and the remits of all current Service Sub-Committees with the exception of Housing Sub-Committee, and the role of the Performance Review Sub-Committee.

It would fall to this Committee to ensure that the recommendations of the external and internal auditors were implemented.

(c) the retention of the existing Service Committees with remits as currently drawn.

(d) the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make the appropriate amendments to the Scheme of Administration;

(2) the current role of each Service Committee including Contract Services would be subject to a review which will commence in the coming months and should be ongoing. Should the Members wish, a Working Party will be formed comprising six Members and four Officers;

(3) increase delegation to Officers in consultation with Committee Chairmen thereby reducing workload of Committees and also increase the ability of Committees to take powers. This should reduce the amount of paperwork generated in the system;

(4) the role of the Housing Sub-Committee in its current form will be abolished. Additional delegated powers will be afforded to senior Housing officers in consultation with the Chairman. A review panel of six Members will be formed from the Housing Committee and will deal with the more difficult sensitive cases where delegation to officers is not considered appropriate;

(5) the revised Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Contract Regulations set out in background papers B, C and D respectively be approved; and

(6) it be delegated to the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services to make such textual and technical amendments as are necessary to ensure consistency with the Comhairle's decisions.

New Structures: Ex-Officio Position

59*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the ex-officio position of the role of Vice-Convener. It was indicated that the Comhairle had agreed on 28 March 2001 that Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen be appointed by the Committees. In a concurrent Report it was recommended that the Policy and Finance Committee should include all Service Committee Chairmen which meant that the full make-up of the Policy and Finance Committee would not be known until all Committee Chairmen were determined, thus making it impossible to elect its Chairman until virtually the end of the process. It was further indicated that the matter was discussed at a Seminar for all Members on new structures on 8 May 2001 and that the unanimous view of the Seminar was that the Vice-Convener of the Comhairle should be ex-officio Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Standing Order 67 be suspended; and

(2) the Vice-Convener of the Comhairle serves as ex-officio Chairman of the new Policy and Finance Committee.

FINANCE

Capital Expenditure 2001-2004

60*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's Capital Expenditure Programme for 2001-2004. It was indicated that the Comhairle would have £41.7 million of capital resources in the next three years of which £25 million was committed within the programme. Proposals were set out to extend the composite renovation programme and the block for environmental and housing grants into a third year. These would cost £2.7 million and £3 million respectively. It was proposed that a sustainable communities development fund of £465,000 in each of 2002/03 and 2003/04 be established.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Schemes already committed with the main programme be retained;

(2) projects still on the conditional programme or reserve list are re-evaluated alongside new projects with the exception of those projects to which funding had been committed;

(3) £200k of CFCR planned for 2001/02 be returned to replenish Comhairle balances;

(4) the existing composite renovation work programme and scheme of environmental housing improvement grants be extended into 2003/04 at a cost of £2.7 million and £3.0 million respectively;

(5) a sustainable communities fund to allow communities to focus on statutory duties in their area at a cost of £465k per year in 2003/03 and 2003/04 be established (and in 2001/02 scope be created for £0.5 million to start the fund by managing slippage);

(6) an officer team be asked to review whether there is potential to increase the capital spend by use of Public Private Partnerships;

(7) the PIR approach be continued to decide between different new capital projects;

(8) the Director of Finance be asked to prepare a submission to the Scottish Executive highlighting our capital spending needs across all services and that a Member/Officer Working Group be formed comprising the Convener, Vice-Convener, Mr Norman L Macdonald, Mr Donald Maclean and Mr Donald M Mackay to prepare and present a case to the Scottish Executive for additional capital funding; and

(9) the HISTP Contingency Fund use be widened to support schemes attracting other forms of external finance.

Year End Balances and Proposed Carry Forward

61*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from 2000/01 into 2001/02 and the Comhairle's balances as at 31 March 2001. The projected level of balances as at 31 March 2002 was outlined. It was noted that it was anticipated that the Comhairle's revenue balances could be exhausted by the end of the financial year. Options for replenishing the level of balances were set out in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) all Committees be asked to find savings of up to 1% within controllable budgets to be potentially returned to balances, the final decisions to be taken at the August/September series of meetings; and

(2) a Highways Winter Maintenance reserve be set up from any future underspends in this area.

Unaudited Statement of Accounts 2000/2001

62

The Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the draft Abstract of Accounts for the Comhairle for the year ended 31 March 2001.

It was agreed to note the Report.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Establishment of a Workspace for the Executive Office Team (Sgioba na Gaidhlig)

63*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning office alterations and purchase of furniture and ICT equipment for the Executive Office team. The proposals were outlined in the report, together with a summary of the cost of the work.

It was agreed to recommend that the alterations to Committee Room 2 and the Executive Office and the purchase of office and ICT equipment as detailed in the Appendices to the Report be approved.

POLICY PLANNING

Corporate Strategy

64*

With reference to Item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Corporate Strategy 2001-2003. It was indicated that a Key Aim had been included relating to the Lews Castle following feedback from the Arts and Leisure Committee, together with comments from Comhairle staff. It was stated that the committee's key aims had been incorporated into departments' business plans. It was indicated that the approved Corporate Strategy would be reconfigured to reflect any changes in the Comhairle's decision making process.

It was agreed to recommend that the Corporate Strategy 2001-2003 be approved.

Better Neighbourhood Fund

65*

With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning feedback from the Scottish Executive and the Western Isles Community Planning Forum on the proposals for the Better Neighbourhood Fund. It was indicated that:

(1) feedback from the Scottish Executive had required additional work to ensure that the proposals met the criteria of the Better Neighbourhood Fund;

(2) the Community Planning Partners had suggested an alteration to the funding rates for Community Development Officers; and

(3) feedback from community groups had been very positive.

It was agreed to recommend that the funding rates for Community Development Officers for the three years 2001/02 to 2003/04 be as follows:

Programme component

2001/2002

£

2002/2003

£

2003/2004

£

Total

£

Community development officers

150,000

150,000

150,000

450,000

Sustainable communities fund

150,000

300,000

450,000

900,000

Highland Buildings Preservation Trust

66*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report regarding a request from the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust that the Convener be the "Project Mentor" for the Western Isles and that the Comhairle guarantees a loan from the Architectural Heritage fund to the Highland Building Preservation Trust to restore the ail Loft and Commercial Hotel at Quay Street, Stornoway.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Convener be nominated as the Western Isles "Project Mentor" to the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust; and

(2) the Comhairle agrees in principle to support the project and that a final agreement on the guarantee be decided upon after further consultation with the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust.

Iomairt Aig an Oir: Interim Evaluation Report

67

The Democratic Services Manager sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this Item.

Western Isles Slaughter-houses

68

The Democratic Services Manager sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this Item.

OUTSIDE BODIES

Appointment of Officers and Members to Outside Bodies

69*

With reference to Item 159 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 December 2000, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report indicating that a Guidance Note had been prepared on the responsibilities and potential liabilities of Members and Officers when sitting on external bodies and seeking appointment of:

(1) a representative of the Comhairle to the Board of Directors of Harris Development Ltd, and

(2) four representatives of the Comhairle to the Board of Directors of Urras na Hearadh.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Code of Guidance appended to the Report be distributed to all Members and Heads of Services;

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities, or his nominee, be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of Harris Development Ltd; and

(3) Mrs Morag Munro and Mr Donald Macdonald be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of Urras na Hearadh.

SPECIFIC ISSUES

Support for the Territorial Army and Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

70*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding a request from Perth and Kinross that all Scottish Local Authorities support opposition to any proposals to relocate the last Senior Headquarters of the Territorial Army. It was indicated that the Comhairle had a tradition of supporting the Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserves Association within the Highlands and that lending support to the proposal by Perth and Kinross would be consistent with the position previously taken by the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle wholeheartedly support a campaign for the retention of the Territorial Army and Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in the Highlands and that urgent representations be made to retain Senior Headquarters of the Territorial Army at its present base in Perth.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that exempt information in terms of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26 (a) would be disclosed.

Closure of Lionacleit Hostel

71*

The Director of Education submitted a Report seeking approval to declare the employees at Lionacleit Hostel redundant, unless redeployed by 31 July 2001, and to grant Voluntary Early Retirement with maximum enhancement to the member of staff who had requested it. The background to the matter was set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that Lionacleit Hostel employees not redeployed by 31 July 2001 have their contracts terminated by reason of redundancy and paid the appropriate entitlements and the member of staff who has requested Voluntary Early Retirement be granted early retirement with maximum enhancement.

Request for Voluntary Early Retirement: Employee KMM

72*

The Director of Education submitted a Report seeking approval for the Voluntary Early Retirement of Employee KMM. The background to the matter was set out in the report. An appendix outlining the terms and benefits of voluntary early retiral was circulated to the committee.

It was agreed to recommend that Employee KMM, Cleaner and Dining Attendant at Knockiandue School, be granted early retirement with enhancement with effect from 29 June 2001 on the terms and benefits set out in the report by the Director of Education.

COMMITTEES

Committee Decision Reports

73*

The Decision Reports Service Committees were submitted as summarised below. Unless otherwise indicated, the Committee noted the Committee Decision Reports.

(a) Arts and Leisure Committee - 29 May 2001

(b) Education Committee - 29 May 2001

(c) Housing Committee - 29 May 2001

(d) Environmental Services Committee - 30 May 2001

(e) Transportation Committee - 30 May 2001

(e) Development Services Committee - 30 May 2001

In respect of Item 27 of the Decision Report, it was agreed to recommend that the following be incorporated into the recommendation:

"that the Comhairle be represented at the Appeal against the non-inclusion of the 1965 permission in their list of extant permission by a Planning Lawyer and that the sum required be identified from Contingency as recommended in the Report to Development Services Committee of 1 June 2001."

(f) Social Work Committee - 31 May 2001.

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PRESENT	Mr Roderick J Murray (Chairman)
	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mrs Morag Munro
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Archie K Campbell
	Mr George Lonie	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Angus Nicolson	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Philip R McLean	Mr Donald Manford
	Mr Donald I Nicholson

		CONSTITUTION
Election of Chairman	50	It was agreed in terms of Standing Order 69 to suspend the Scheme of Administration, paragraph 10(f), to allow the appointment of a Vice-Chairman of the committee for a period of less than twelve months.
		The Chairman called for nominations for the office of Vice-Chairman for the period to 27 August 2001. Mr Donald Maclean, seconded by Mr Archie K Campbell, moved the election of Mr Norman L Macdonald.
		There being no further nominations, the Chariman declared Mr Norman L Macdonald duly elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the period ending 27 August 2001.
		MINUTES
Policy and Resources Committee	51	The Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001 was approved.
Finance Sub-Committee	52*	The Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 28 May 2001 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 of the Minute.
Personnel Sub-Committee	53*	The Minute of Meeting of the Personnel Sub-Committee of 31 May 2001 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Item 22 of the Minute.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee	54*	The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 31 May 2001 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Minute.
Contract and Tendering Sub-Committee	55*	The Minute of Meeting of the Contract and Tendering Sub-Committee of 19 June 2001 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the Minute.
Performance Review Sub-Committee	56*	The Minute of Meeting of the Performance Review Sub-Committee of 19 June 2001 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in Items 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 of the Minute.
Western Isles Community Planning Forum	57*	The Note of Meeting of the Western Isles Community Forum of 21 May 2001 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the note.
		CONSTITUTION
New Committee Structures	58*	With reference to Item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the revised Constitutional Documents. The principal changes proposed to the Standing Orders, Scheme of Administration, Financial Regulations and Contract Regulations were outlined in the report. It was indicated that the revisions were intended to incorporate current good practice and that the Scheme of Administration reflected the committee structure approved by the Comhairle on 28 March 2001. It was recommended that the revised Standing Orders, Scheme of Administration, Financial Regulations and Contract Regulations, which had been circulated to members, be approved. It was suggested that it be delegated to the Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Services to make such technical and textual amendments as might be necessary to ensure internal consistency within the constitutional documents and that they were consistent with the Comhairle's decisions.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Scheme of Administration set out as background paper A be approved, subject to the following amendments - (a) the Policy and Resources Committee be designated the Policy and Finance Committee comprising of twelve Members and should encompass the following: Finance and Resources Land, Property and Technology Personnel Gaelic Development Contract and Tendering (b) a Standards and Scrutiny Committee be formed comprising of eight Members who are not Members of Policy and Finance. Included in their remit would be the consideration and determination of all Appeals and the remits of all current Service Sub-Committees with the exception of Housing Sub-Committee, and the role of the Performance Review Sub-Committee. It would fall to this Committee to ensure that the recommendations of the external and internal auditors were implemented. (c) the retention of the existing Service Committees with remits as currently drawn. (d) the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make the appropriate amendments to the Scheme of Administration; (2) the current role of each Service Committee including Contract Services would be subject to a review which will commence in the coming months and should be ongoing. Should the Members wish, a Working Party will be formed comprising six Members and four Officers; (3) increase delegation to Officers in consultation with Committee Chairmen thereby reducing workload of Committees and also increase the ability of Committees to take powers. This should reduce the amount of paperwork generated in the system; (4) the role of the Housing Sub-Committee in its current form will be abolished. Additional delegated powers will be afforded to senior Housing officers in consultation with the Chairman. A review panel of six Members will be formed from the Housing Committee and will deal with the more difficult sensitive cases where delegation to officers is not considered appropriate; (5) the revised Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Contract Regulations set out in background papers B, C and D respectively be approved; and (6) it be delegated to the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services to make such textual and technical amendments as are necessary to ensure consistency with the Comhairle's decisions.
New Structures: Ex-Officio Position	59*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the ex-officio position of the role of Vice-Convener. It was indicated that the Comhairle had agreed on 28 March 2001 that Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen be appointed by the Committees. In a concurrent Report it was recommended that the Policy and Finance Committee should include all Service Committee Chairmen which meant that the full make-up of the Policy and Finance Committee would not be known until all Committee Chairmen were determined, thus making it impossible to elect its Chairman until virtually the end of the process. It was further indicated that the matter was discussed at a Seminar for all Members on new structures on 8 May 2001 and that the unanimous view of the Seminar was that the Vice-Convener of the Comhairle should be ex-officio Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Standing Order 67 be suspended; and (2) the Vice-Convener of the Comhairle serves as ex-officio Chairman of the new Policy and Finance Committee.
		FINANCE
Capital Expenditure 2001-2004	60*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's Capital Expenditure Programme for 2001-2004. It was indicated that the Comhairle would have £41.7 million of capital resources in the next three years of which £25 million was committed within the programme. Proposals were set out to extend the composite renovation programme and the block for environmental and housing grants into a third year. These would cost £2.7 million and £3 million respectively. It was proposed that a sustainable communities development fund of £465,000 in each of 2002/03 and 2003/04 be established.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Schemes already committed with the main programme be retained; (2) projects still on the conditional programme or reserve list are re-evaluated alongside new projects with the exception of those projects to which funding had been committed; (3) £200k of CFCR planned for 2001/02 be returned to replenish Comhairle balances; (4) the existing composite renovation work programme and scheme of environmental housing improvement grants be extended into 2003/04 at a cost of £2.7 million and £3.0 million respectively; (5) a sustainable communities fund to allow communities to focus on statutory duties in their area at a cost of £465k per year in 2003/03 and 2003/04 be established (and in 2001/02 scope be created for £0.5 million to start the fund by managing slippage); (6) an officer team be asked to review whether there is potential to increase the capital spend by use of Public Private Partnerships; (7) the PIR approach be continued to decide between different new capital projects; (8) the Director of Finance be asked to prepare a submission to the Scottish Executive highlighting our capital spending needs across all services and that a Member/Officer Working Group be formed comprising the Convener, Vice-Convener, Mr Norman L Macdonald, Mr Donald Maclean and Mr Donald M Mackay to prepare and present a case to the Scottish Executive for additional capital funding; and (9) the HISTP Contingency Fund use be widened to support schemes attracting other forms of external finance.
Year End Balances and Proposed Carry Forward	61*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from 2000/01 into 2001/02 and the Comhairle's balances as at 31 March 2001. The projected level of balances as at 31 March 2002 was outlined. It was noted that it was anticipated that the Comhairle's revenue balances could be exhausted by the end of the financial year. Options for replenishing the level of balances were set out in the report. It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) all Committees be asked to find savings of up to 1% within controllable budgets to be potentially returned to balances, the final decisions to be taken at the August/September series of meetings; and (2) a Highways Winter Maintenance reserve be set up from any future underspends in this area.
Unaudited Statement of Accounts 2000/2001	62	The Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the draft Abstract of Accounts for the Comhairle for the year ended 31 March 2001. It was agreed to note the Report.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Establishment of a Workspace for the Executive Office Team (Sgioba na Gaidhlig)	63*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning office alterations and purchase of furniture and ICT equipment for the Executive Office team. The proposals were outlined in the report, together with a summary of the cost of the work. It was agreed to recommend that the alterations to Committee Room 2 and the Executive Office and the purchase of office and ICT equipment as detailed in the Appendices to the Report be approved.


		POLICY PLANNING
Corporate Strategy	64*	With reference to Item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Corporate Strategy 2001-2003. It was indicated that a Key Aim had been included relating to the Lews Castle following feedback from the Arts and Leisure Committee, together with comments from Comhairle staff. It was stated that the committee's key aims had been incorporated into departments' business plans. It was indicated that the approved Corporate Strategy would be reconfigured to reflect any changes in the Comhairle's decision making process.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Corporate Strategy 2001-2003 be approved.
Better Neighbourhood Fund	65*	With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 24 April 2001, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning feedback from the Scottish Executive and the Western Isles Community Planning Forum on the proposals for the Better Neighbourhood Fund. It was indicated that: (1) feedback from the Scottish Executive had required additional work to ensure that the proposals met the criteria of the Better Neighbourhood Fund; (2) the Community Planning Partners had suggested an alteration to the funding rates for Community Development Officers; and (3) feedback from community groups had been very positive.
		It was agreed to recommend that the funding rates for Community Development Officers for the three years 2001/02 to 2003/04 be as follows:
		*Programme component*	*2001/2002* £	*2002/2003* £	*2003/2004* £	*Total* £
		Community development officers	150,000	150,000	150,000	450,000
		Sustainable communities fund	150,000	300,000	450,000	900,000

Highland Buildings Preservation Trust	66*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report regarding a request from the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust that the Convener be the "Project Mentor" for the Western Isles and that the Comhairle guarantees a loan from the Architectural Heritage fund to the Highland Building Preservation Trust to restore the ail Loft and Commercial Hotel at Quay Street, Stornoway.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Convener be nominated as the Western Isles "Project Mentor" to the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust; and (2) the Comhairle agrees in principle to support the project and that a final agreement on the guarantee be decided upon after further consultation with the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust.
Iomairt Aig an Oir: Interim Evaluation Report	67	The Democratic Services Manager sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this Item.
Western Isles Slaughter-houses	68	The Democratic Services Manager sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this Item.
		OUTSIDE BODIES
Appointment of Officers and Members to Outside Bodies	69*	With reference to Item 159 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 December 2000, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report indicating that a Guidance Note had been prepared on the responsibilities and potential liabilities of Members and Officers when sitting on external bodies and seeking appointment of: (1) a representative of the Comhairle to the Board of Directors of Harris Development Ltd, and (2) four representatives of the Comhairle to the Board of Directors of Urras na Hearadh.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Code of Guidance appended to the Report be distributed to all Members and Heads of Services; (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities, or his nominee, be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of Harris Development Ltd; and (3) Mrs Morag Munro and Mr Donald Macdonald be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of Urras na Hearadh.
		SPECIFIC ISSUES
Support for the Territorial Army and Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association	70*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding a request from Perth and Kinross that all Scottish Local Authorities support opposition to any proposals to relocate the last Senior Headquarters of the Territorial Army. It was indicated that the Comhairle had a tradition of supporting the Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserves Association within the Highlands and that lending support to the proposal by Perth and Kinross would be consistent with the position previously taken by the Comhairle.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle wholeheartedly support a campaign for the retention of the Territorial Army and Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in the Highlands and that urgent representations be made to retain Senior Headquarters of the Territorial Army at its present base in Perth.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that exempt information in terms of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26 (a) would be disclosed.
Closure of Lionacleit Hostel	71*	The Director of Education submitted a Report seeking approval to declare the employees at Lionacleit Hostel redundant, unless redeployed by 31 July 2001, and to grant Voluntary Early Retirement with maximum enhancement to the member of staff who had requested it. The background to the matter was set out in the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that Lionacleit Hostel employees not redeployed by 31 July 2001 have their contracts terminated by reason of redundancy and paid the appropriate entitlements and the member of staff who has requested Voluntary Early Retirement be granted early retirement with maximum enhancement.
Request for Voluntary Early Retirement: Employee KMM	72*	The Director of Education submitted a Report seeking approval for the Voluntary Early Retirement of Employee KMM. The background to the matter was set out in the report. An appendix outlining the terms and benefits of voluntary early retiral was circulated to the committee. It was agreed to recommend that Employee KMM, Cleaner and Dining Attendant at Knockiandue School, be granted early retirement with enhancement with effect from 29 June 2001 on the terms and benefits set out in the report by the Director of Education.
		COMMITTEES
Committee Decision Reports	73*	The Decision Reports Service Committees were submitted as summarised below. Unless otherwise indicated, the Committee noted the Committee Decision Reports.
		(a) Arts and Leisure Committee - 29 May 2001 (b) Education Committee - 29 May 2001 (c) Housing Committee - 29 May 2001 (d) Environmental Services Committee - 30 May 2001
		(e) Transportation Committee - 30 May 2001 (e) Development Services Committee - 30 May 2001 In respect of Item 27 of the Decision Report, it was agreed to recommend that the following be incorporated into the recommendation: "that the Comhairle be represented at the Appeal against the non-inclusion of the 1965 permission in their list of extant permission by a Planning Lawyer and that the sum required be identified from Contingency as recommended in the Report to Development Services Committee of 1 June 2001."
		(f) Social Work Committee - 31 May 2001.
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