Policy And Resources Committee - 13/08/2001

At a MEETING of the FINANCE COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 13th August, 2001.

Present:-

COUNCILLORS

Councillor George REGAN, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 25th June, 2001 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I CAPITAL MONITORING

After considering Report No. 453-2001 by the Director of Finance appraising members on the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Expenditure programme for 2001/2002, the Committee noted the contents of the Report.

II RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

There was submitted Report No. 439-2001 by the Director of Finance seeking authorisation to grant Charity Relief on the undernoted non-domestic property.

The Committee approved accordingly.

III TREASURY POLICY STATEMENT - BANK OVERDRAFT FACILITIES

Reference was made to Article V on the minute of meeting of this Committee of 13th March, 2000 wherein it was delegated to the Director of Finance to use bank overdraft facilities where it was the most appropriate form of borrowing.

In order to renew the current policy, the Royal Bank of Scotland requested approval of the undernoted resolution.

"After due consideration of all the circumstances and on being satisfied that it is for the benefit of the Council and in the interests of the Council for the purpose of carrying on its functions to enter into a Supplemental Agreement (the 'Supplemental Agreement') in the form now produced in respect of the multi-option facility of 4,000,000 made available to the Council by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (the 'Bank') in terms of the Agreement between the Council and the Bank dated 12th April and 5th May both 2000.

It was resolved:

1 that the Director of Finance be authorised to sign the Supplemental Agreement on behalf of the Council; and

2 that in addition to and without amending, prejudicing or revoking any Bank Mandate/Council Excerpt Minute or any other instructions provided or to be provided by the Council to the Bank the Director of Finance be authorised to negotiate any utilisation under the Supplemental Agreement and to sign and/or endorse any documents and notices required in connection with the Supplemental Agreement on behalf of the Council."

In addition, it was agreed that the Director of Finance be authorised to sign any future agreements regarding the multi option facility unless the value was changed.

IV CONVENTION OF SCOTTISH LOCAL AUTHORITIES (COSLA) - REVIEW

On a reference to Article I of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 19th March, 2001 there was submitted Report No. 504-2001 by the Chief Executive updating the Council in regard to the outcome of the COSLA Review and subsequent request for an increased levy contribution for 2001/2001.

The Committee endorsed the outcome of the COSLA Review 2001 and subsequent implementation plan and agreed to a further increased levy contribution of 2,499 in addition to the 3% interim payment already agreed.

V SCHEME OF ALLOWANCES PAYABLE TO ELECTED MEMBERS

There was submitted Report No. 514-2001 by the Director of Finance regarding the revisions to the detailed Scheme of Allowances for Elected Members.

Councillor Regan, seconded by Councillor Sturrock, moved that the Committee approve the following amendments to the Members' Scheme of Allowances 1999 and that the revised Scheme be effective from 1st September, 2001.

(a)Increase the elected members' mileage rate from 30p to 34.7p, in line with the absolute increase announced by the Scottish Executive.

(b)Increase the elected members' mileage rate outwith Scotland from 14.9p to 16.9p.

(c)Increase the elected members' subsistence rates in accordance with the Scottish Executive Circular as detailed in paragraph 13.

(d)No subsistence allowances will be payable to elected members for approved duties carried out within the City boundary.

(e)That all claims for elected members' travel and subsistence must be submitted within three months of the approved duty and any claims submitted outwith this period will not be paid.

(f)That mobile telephones be offered to all elected members on the basis that they purchase "pay as you go" cards. If the member has claimed a telephone allowance then this would would not be reimbursed for any business calls, whereas if they have not claimed a telephone allowance then they may claim business calls. Where mobile phones are already provided, existing contracts will be allowed to continue until termination.

As an amendment, Councillor Sawers, seconded by Councillor FitzPatrick moved approval of the above subject to the deletion of (a) and (b).

On a division, there voted for the motion - Lord Provost Letford, Councillors Regan, de Gernier, Wright, Ward, Shimi, Presswood, Farquhar, Sturrock, Glen, Grant and Rolfe (12); and for the amendment - Councillors Barrie, Richard Beattie, Dawson, Sawers, FitzPatrick, Guild, Corrigan, Dave Beattie, Fordyce, Bowes, Powrie, Mackie, Wallace, Scott and Borthwick (15) - whereupon the amendment was declared carried.

GEORGE REGAN, Convener.