Agenda and minutes

The Leader welcomed everyone to the meeting and extended a special welcome to Antony Clark, Assistant Director of Audit Scotland and Gary Devlin, Director, Grant Thornton UK LLP, the Council’s external auditors, who were attending to give a presentation on the Local Area Network of external scrutiny bodies recently completed annual Shared Risk Assessment review of the Council and the updated Assurance and Improvement Plan.

Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillors Alison Hay, Duncan MacIntyre, Robert Macintyre, Ellen Morton and from Maureen Arthur and David McEwan.

Councillor Dick Walsh declared a non financial interest in respect of item 8 of this Minute (Allocation of Central Third Sector Grants Budget 2011-12) as he is Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group.  He left the room and took no part in the discussion of this item and Councillor Gary Mulvaney took the Chair for this item in his absence.

The Minutes of the Executive of 21 April 2011 were approved as a correct record.

Arising from item 8 Transportation and Infrastructure – it was noted that the Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services would bring a report on Air Services discounts to islands to the next meeting of the Executive.

The Minutes of the Special Committee for Older People’s Service of 4 May 2011 were noted.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Leader submitted a report which also highlighted some of the activities of the Depute Leader who had recently attended some meetings on his behalf including:-

Her attendance at a meeting of the Project Board for Future Use of Learning Disability Services on 4 May 2011; her attendance at a meeting on 12 May 2011 to discuss the development of Campbeltown Grammar School facilities; and her attendance at a meeting of the CHORD Programme Management Board on 18 May 2011.

The Leader also provided updates on Council Tax and Non Domestic Rates collection figures up to 30 April 2011; Benefits; Procurement and Commissioning and Customer Services.

Decision

Noted the contents of the report for the period 11 April to 20 May 2011.

(Reference: Report by Leader of the Council, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

Consideration was given to a report advising on the key conditions and guidance from the Scottish Government for procuring bodies receiving revenue finance from the Scottish Government’s “Scotland’s Schools for The Future” project contained within a letter from the Learning Directorate of the Scottish Government dated 22 March 2011 and the current position in regard to the Council progressing the business cases for each of the proposed Dunoon Joint Primary Campus and new Campbeltown Grammar.

Decision

1.             Noted the report and requested the Executive Director – Customer Services to write to the Learning Directorate of the Scottish Government confirming that the Council will work within the conditions and guidance set out in the letter dated 22 March 2011; and

2.             Requested the Executive Director – Customer Services to consider the conditions and guidance set out in the said letter and to report back to the Executive making recommendations on a number of factors as detailed at paragraphs 2.2.1 – 2.2.4 of the Executive Director’s report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Customer Services, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council and Departmental scorecards and reports were presented to the Executive using the Council’s performance management system, Pyramid, and focussed on performance during the period December 2010 to March 2011, including a review of successes, key challenges and an outline of improvement actions for the coming period.

Decision

1.             Noted the contents of the report and scorecards for financial quarter 4 2010/2011;

2.             Agreed to the Chief Executive arranging a seminar for Members, Teacher representatives and Religious representatives to highlight changes to the 2011/2012 Scorecards which will reflect the new Corporate Plan and Service Plans for 2011/12 which are more outcome based;

3.             Noted that the Executive Director – Customer Services will include the former Hermitage Academy site as a key challenge in future reports;

4.             Noted that the Chief Executive will look at incorporating measures for Roads Asset Management on the Council Scorecard; and

5.             Noted that the Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure will investigate the possibility of introducing mobile tarring units on the islands and report back to the Executive.

(Reference: Reports and Scorecards by Chief Executive and Executive Directors for the period January – March 2011, submitted)

Councillor Vivien Dance joined the meeting during discussion of the foregoing item.

Report by Chief Executive

The Local Area Network of external scrutiny bodies has recently completed its annual Shared Risk Assessment review of the Council and updated the Assurance and Improvement Plan accordingly.  Consideration was given to a presentation by Antony Clark, Assistant Director of Audit Scotland on the processes and findings of this year’s assessment and on the Plan which outlines the current level of risk within the Council and sets out the proposed external scrutiny for a rolling three year period.

Mr Clark also responded to a number of questions arising from his presentation and report.

Decision

1.             Noted the annual Assurance and Improvement Plan update and, in particular, the positive comments on the Council’s improvement progress and reduction in risk;

2.             Noted that areas identified as risks or uncertainty will continue to be addressed through the Council’s ongoing improvement agenda; and

3.             Noted that consideration will be given to a request for issues which have a national dimension being highlighted in future reports.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive and Assurance and Improvement Plan Update 2011-14, submitted)

The Leader ruled and the Executive agreed to vary the order of business and consider the report on the Allocation of Central Third Sector Grants Budget 2011-12 next as Councillor Mulvaney had to leave the meeting early.

Having previously declared an interest in this item, Councillor Walsh left the room and took no part in the discussion of this item.  Councillor Gary Mulvaney took the Chair for this item.

Report by Executive Director – Community Services

A report recommending the allocation of the Third Sector Grants central budget for 2011-2012 was considered.  The total Third Sector Grant budget made available by the Council for allocation to third sector organisations centrally is £79,950.

Decision

Agreed strategic funding of the following annual amounts:-

Organisation                                                               Amount Awarded 2011/12

Argyll and Bute Befrienders                                        £24,000

Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid                                     £18,000

Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis                                        £16,000

Relationships Scotland – Couple Counselling

Argyll                                                                           £  4,500

Argyll and Bute Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Group                                                                          £  4,000

Fèisean nan Gàidheal                                                 £  7,000

Family Mediation Argyll and Bute                                £  5,000

The GRAB Trust                                                         £  1,450

                                                            TOTAL            £79,950

The Chair ruled and the Executive agreed to adjourn the meeting at 1.15 pm for lunch.

The Executive reconvened at 1.50 pm when Councillor Walsh resumed the Chair.

Councillors George Freeman, Gary Mulvaney, John Semple and William Petrie and also Alison Palmer did not return to the meeting.

Report by Spokesperson

The Spokesperson for Third Sector and Communities submitted a report which highlighted issues he had recently been involved with including:-

His attendance at the Development Trust Association Scotland Seminar on Asset Transfer on 1 March 2011; his attendance at the second meeting of the Third Sector and Communities CPP Sub Group on 10 May 2011; his attendance at a Library Team meeting on 3 May 2011; and his attendance at the official opening of “The Lost City Soft Play and Climb Cube” at Atlantis Leisure on 20 April 2011. 

He also reported on the Scottish Social Enterprise Fair on 20 April 2011 and meeting with Antonia Swinson of Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition and provided updates on Campbeltown Museum; Campbeltown All Weather Pitch; Argyll and Bute Social Services Initiative; and the Revolving Renewable Energy Fund being promoted by Forum for the Future.

Decision

1.             Noted the contents of the report;

2.             Agreed that a presentation on the Council’s library service be added to the programme of presentations to be made to Council; and

3.             Agreed that the Spokespersons for Third Sector and Communities; Rural and Islands Affairs, Housing and Gaelic; and Enterprise, Energy, Culture and Tourism should be kept informed of discussions regarding arts, culture and heritage.

(Reference: Report by Spokesperson for Third Sector and Communities dated May 2011, submitted)

Joint report by Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland Board

Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland have had preliminary discussions to initiate the development of a strategy for integration and a report setting out an overarching framework of values and principles that, if agreed, would underpin the development of the strategy was considered.

Decision

1.             Noted the current reality of partnership working in Argyll and Bute;

2.             Agreed that significant further improvements in the experience and outcomes for services users and improvement in the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the service will not be achieved within these current arrangements;

3.             Agreed the values and principles that underpin service delivery;

4.             Agreed the values and principles of the partnership that guide the pathway and development of a strategy to integration;

5.             Endorsed the statement of intent;

6.             Agreed to remit to Officers of Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland (Argyll and Bute CHP) to develop a strategy for integration with the regular reporting of progress provided to Leaders of the partnership; and

7.             Noted that the Chief Executive will provide regular progress reports to the Executive.

(Reference: Joint report by Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Community Services

A report presenting a detailed and costed options appraisal of possible arrangements for the future financial support of kinship carers and identifying a preferred option was considered.

Decision

The Executive agreed:-

1.             to endorse option 3 for the future financial support of kinship care arrangements with additional funding required for this proposal met by utilising an element of the supporting people budget reinstated by the Government in 2011/12;

2.             that consideration is given to ongoing funding as part of the budget deliberations for future years;

3.             that an action plan be developed to implement the preferred option; and

4.             that a report be presented as part of the budget process for 2012/13 to update the Executive on the implementation of the preferred option.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Community Services, submitted)

The Leader ruled and the Executive agreed to adjourn the meeting at 2.30 pm to allow him to take a phone call from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.

The Executive reconvened at 2.40 pm.  Douglas Mackie did not return to the meeting.

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

A report providing Members with information regarding the possibility of the Council marking the homecoming of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5^th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland on their return from their current tour of duty in Afghanistan was considered.

Decision

Agreed to the request made by the Bute and Cowal Area Committee that the Council marks the safe return of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders by provision of a Homecoming Parade in Dunoon during Summer 2011.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 20 May 2011, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

Following the Executive of 21 April 2011 it was agreed that a meeting would be held with the Jura Development Trust.  A report giving a summary of the meeting that was held on 12 May 2011 and making recommendations to assist with exceptional “one off” funding for the fast passenger ferry service between Jura to Tayvallich, for the duration of the 2011 Summer Service, until the findings of the Scottish Ferries Review are known was considered.

Decision

The Executive agreed to approve:-

1.             the Business Gateway Team supporting and assisting development of a business model with the Jura Development Trust;

2.             Argyll and Bute Council supporting the Jura Development Trust in their request for financial support from the Scottish Government and incorporating this within their response to the next stage of the Scottish Ferries Review;

3.             the allocation of £24,000 grant funding to the Jura Development Trust from the General Fund unallocated reserve for 2011-2012 only to keep the service operational until the findings of the Scottish Government’s Ferries Review are known; and

4.             the Head of Economic Development establishing what plans HIE has to support the Jura Development Trust in their request for financial support from the Scottish Government, and in light of the current local economic concerns expressed by the Jura Development Trust as set out at Section 4, confirming what plans HIE has to support the Jura Development Trust beyond 2012.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services, tabled)

Extract from Minutes of CHORD Programme Management Board 18 May 2011 and Report by Head of Economic Development

A report advising that Rothesay Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) has been successful in attracting funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and LEADER and that the project will move to implementation phase and run for a period of five years was considered along with a recommendation from the CHORD Programme Management Board that the CHORD funding allocation approved for this project by the Council is now committed and drawn down in accordance with the THI criteria.

Decision

Agreed that the CHORD funding allocation approved for this project by the Council is now committed and drawn down in accordance with the THI criteria.

(Reference: Extract from Minutes of CHORD Programme Management Board of 18 May 2011 and Report by Head of Economic Development dated 9 May 2011, submitted)

Councillors McNaughton and McQueen left the meeting.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

Marine Scotland is currently consulting on a pre-consultation draft of a National Marine Plan for Scotland, which will be followed by a further consultation late in 2011, with the aim of delivering a final marine plan during Spring/Summer 2012.  A report providing background to Marine Scotland’s aims and objectives of the National Marine Plan and detailing the key issues that will form the final Council response to the specific consultation questions was considered.

Decision

1.             Noted the contents of the report; and

2.             Agreed to this report forming the basis of the Council’s formal response to the Marine Scotland consultation on a pre-consultation draft of Scotland’s Marine National Plan.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services, submitted)

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for the following 5 items of business on the grounds that they were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 8 and 9; 1, 8 and 9; 12; 12; and 6, 8 and 9 respectively of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report updating the Executive on progress towards the development of a sustainable Business Plan, associated Implementation Plan and the procurement of future PSO flights and airport management and operations was considered.

Decision

The Executive agreed:-

1.             to note that the contract for the PSO Flight Service has been awarded to Hebridean Air Services;

2.             to note that the resolution of matters between the Council and Argyll Aero Club has allowed the perimeter fence to be removed, which will allow the airport to operate at Category Two (with remission to Category Three);

3.             to note that the revised and reduced staffing structure for the operation of the Airport at Category Two has been accepted by the Civil Aviation Authority;

4.             to note that the strategic aims and priorities approved by the Executive on 4 November 2010 have been achieved to date.  The sustainable financial business model which has been developed following the successful re-tender process, the achievement of mainstream funding within the finance settlement and the revised staffing structure provides the foundation to achieve the strategic aims and priorities in the future; and

5.             that the successive monthly reporting of Argyll Air Services to the Executive cease.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 2 June 2011, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

Consideration was given to a report providing the Executive with a detailed overview of the position of the Argyll and Bute Employability Team as a consequent of the introduction of the UK Government’s new Work Programme in June 2011. 

Decision

Agreed the recommendations detailed in the report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services, submitted)

A report advising the Executive on the current position in respect to the application of variations within the Waste PPP contract  the Council currently has with Shanks Argyll and Bute Ltd/Shanks Waste Services Ltd was considered.

Decision

Noted the report and the actions taken by the Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

A report outlining the options available to the Council to resolve the outstanding legal issue with Luss Estates Company regarding the ownership of the Helensburgh Pier Head site was considered.

Decision

1.             Agreed the recommendations detailed in the report; and

2.             Noted the emergency powers invoked and used in respect of the Mariner’s site.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 13 May 2011, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

As a result of the School and Public Transport Service Review and the required savings to be made from the procurement of transport, it was agreed that a Sourcing Strategy should be developed.  The Procurement Team, in conjunction with the Commissioning Team, has developed a Strategy which was before the Executive for consideration.

Decision

1.             Approved the Sourcing Strategy for future procurement of this commodity category, and that the Strategy is piloted in the Helensburgh and Lomond area as the contracts in this area are due for renewal in July 2011;  and

2.             Agreed that any lessons learned from the pilot should be reported on prior to embarking on the long term action plan.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 5 May 2011 and Sourcing Strategy – School and Public Transport, submitted)

Councillor Len Scoullar left the meeting during discussion of the foregoing item.

At the conclusion of the Executive Briefing the Head of Strategic Finance will provide a briefing to Members on International Financial Reporting Standards and Implications for the Councils Accounts.