Agenda and minutes

The Council Leader presented a Quaich to Jim Robb, Head of Adult Care to mark his retirement from the Council and from Local Government.  He thanked him for his hard work and his many years of service; and wished him all the best for the future. Mr Robb accepted the Quaich with thanks and gave a short speech.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Donald Kelly, Iain MacLean and Gary Mulvaney.

There were none intimated.

Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance

At their meeting on 18 December 2014 the Committee had considered a report on the revenue budgetary outlook covering the period 2016/17 to 2020/21.  The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the position and advised that further updates would be provided during the year.

Decision

The Committee agreed to recommend to Council –

1.    To note the assumptions as set out in the report resulting in a revised budgetary outlook.

2.    To agree to amend the policy on Council Tax on empty homes.  It was the original intention that the additional income would be allocated to Area Committees; it is now recommended that this be retained to help support overall Council spending plans. 

3.    To note the advice in paragraph 4.2.15; based on the current budgetary outlook and for planning purposes, that Members consider moving forward with overall savings targets of around £9m in both 2016-17 and 2017-18. 

Councillor James Robb who had moved an amendment which failed to find a seconder requested that his dissent be recorded from the foregoing decision.

(Reference:  Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated 11 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance

The Committee considered a report advising on the progress of Service Choices.  The report which advised of further work that was proposed following a members seminar held on 5 June 2015 and that this; along with savings targets, would be brought back to the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee on 20 August 2015.  The report also advised of proposals for Social Work Services.

Motion

That the Committee agree to recommend to Council that –

1.    Members note the progress being made on service choices through the Project Board and Members Seminar. Members further note that feedback results from the Members Seminar will be considered by the Project Board with proposals on service targets being brought back to the Policy and Resources Committee on 20 August 2015.

2.    Members agree that Social Work Services be subject to an integrated approach with further work required to set targets over the 3 year Strategic Plan.

Moved Councillor Dick Walsh, seconded Councillor Ellen Morton.

Amendment

That the Committee –

1.    Note the report.

2.    Note the additional requirement to agree a budget to transfer to the Integrated Joint Board as per paragraph 4.2.2 of the report.

Moved Councillor James Robb, seconded Councillor Sandy Taylor.

Decision

On a show of hands vote the Motion was carried by 10 votes to 2 and the Committee resolved accordingly.

(Reference: Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated 10 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report outlining the proposed restructuring of the Economic Development and Strategic Transportation Service.

Decision

The Committee agreed to recommend to the Council that they -

1.    Support the proposed revised structure of the Economic Development and Strategic Transport Service as identified in appendix one to the report by the Executive Director and

2.    Approve the allocation of additional resources as identified in appendix two to the report by the Executive Director and also as detailed at paragraph 4.1 of the report.

Councillor James Robb who had moved an amendment which failed to find a seconder requested that his dissent be recorded from the foregoing decision.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 22 June 2015, submitted)