Policy And Resources Committee - 26/10/2009
At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 26th October, 2009.
Present:-
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Lord Provost John R LETFORD
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Depute Lord Provost Ian BORTHWICK |
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BAILIES
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Willie SAWERS |
Helen WRIGHT |
Roderick A J WALLACE |
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George REGAN |
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Derek J SCOTT |
COUNCILLORS
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Ken GUILD |
Elizabeth F FORDYCE |
Mohammed ASIF |
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Jim BARRIE |
Stewart HUNTER |
Laurie BIDWELL |
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Jimmy BLACK |
Ken LYNN |
Tom FERGUSON |
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David BOWES |
Craig MELVILLE |
Brian GORDON |
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Andrew DAWSON |
Christina ROBERTS |
Richard McCREADY |
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Will DAWSON |
Alan G ROSS |
Donald HAY |
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Bob DUNCAN |
Kevin KEENAN |
Fraser MACPHERSON |
Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.
The minute of meeting of this Committee of 28th September, 2009 was held as read.
Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.
I MINUTES
(i) AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE - 28TH SEPTEMBER, 2009
(ii) IMPROVEMENT AND EFFICIENCY SUB-COMMITTEE - 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2009
The minutes of meetings of the above Sub-Committees, copies of which are appended hereto, were submitted for information and record purposes (Appendices I and II).
II REVENUE MONITORING 2009/2010
There was submitted Report No 484-2009 by the Director of Finance providing the Committee with an analysis of the 2009/2010 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 31st August, 2009 monitored against the adjusted 2009/2010 Revenue Budget.
The Committee:-
(i) noted that the overall General Fund 2009/2010 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 31st August, 2009 showed an overspend of 27,000 against the adjusted 2009/2010 Revenue Budget;
(ii) noted that the Housing Revenue Account as at 31st August, 2009 was projecting a breakeven position against the adjusted HRA 2009/2010 Revenue Budget;
(iii) instructed the Director of Finance to take every reasonable action to ensure that the 2009/2010 revenue expenditure was below or in line with the adjusted Revenue Budget; and
(iv) instructed the Director of Finance in conjunction with all Chief Officers of the Council to continue to monitor the Council's 2009/2010 Projected Revenue Outturn.
III CAPITAL MONITORING
There was submitted Report No 477-2009 by the Director of Finance appraising members of the latest position regarding the Council's capital expenditure programme for 2009/2010.
The Committee noted the contents of the report.
IV RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF
Bailie Wallace declared a non-financial interest in Unit 15, Campfield Square by virtue of holding surgeries in the premises.
There was submitted Report No 492-2009 by the Director of Finance seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the undernoted non-domestic properties.
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Applicant |
Subjects
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Trustees for the Dundee Church of Christ per Mr Bernard Prestwich 20 Duntrune Terrace Broughty Ferry Dundee
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Hall Unit 15, Campfield Square Broughty Ferry Dundee |
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St Margaret of Scotland Hospice c/o YMCA Charity Shop Services Unit 2, Malvern View Business Park Bishops Cleeve Cheltenham
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Shop 26/28 Reform Street Dundee |
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Action for Children Scotland Cowan Grove 5 Cowan Place Dundee
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Office Cowan Grove 5 Cowan Place Dundee |
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6th/8th Boys' Brigade Company per Gordon Findlay 71 Tullideph Road Dundee |
Hall Boys' Brigade Hall Bright Street Dundee |
The Committee approved accordingly.
V PROVISIONAL REVENUE BUDGET PROJECTION 2010/2011 AND MEDIUM-TERM FINANCIAL OUTLOOK 2011/2014
The Committee agreed to hear a deputation from Rory Malone and Arthur Nicoll, UNISON, relative to the above and after they had stated their case and answered questions, they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.
There was submitted Report No 515-2009 by the Director of Finance advising members of the current position on the Council's Provisional 2010/2011 Revenue Budget in light of the anticipated revised grant settlement, together with the medium-term financial outlook for the period 2011/2014 based on the Centre for Public Policy for Regions projections as reviewed and updated by SOLACE, CIPFA, Directors of Finance and the Improvement Service.
The Committee:-
(i) noted the current position on the Council's Provisional 2010/2011 Revenue Budget;
(ii) noted the medium-term financial outlook for the period 2011/2014; and
(iii) noted that a further report would be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee in early course, detailing the Council's actual revised grant settlement for 2010/2011 and the associated implications. The proposed procedure for setting the Council's Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2010/2011 would also be included in this report.
VI FAIRER SCOTLAND FUND COMMUNITY REGENERATION FORUM ALLOCATION 2008/2010
Councillors Black and Asif declared non-financial interests in the Grey Lodge by virtue of being the Council's representatives on the Board.
Councillor Fordyce declared a non-financial interest in Dundee International Women's Centre by virtue of being the Council's representative on the Board.
There was submitted Report No 488-2009 by the Assistant Chief Executive relative to the above.
The Committee noted the process for allocating grants through the local Community Regeneration Forums as agreed by the Dundee Partnership and endorsed the funding proposals detailed below.
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Project Title/Applicant |
Project Description |
Grant Award
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Dundee Downfield South Church |
To modernise and re-equip the kitchen which is used to serve the community in Downfield and Kirkton. The kitchen is a vital organ for voluntary organisations. It will host the "Healthy Eating Initiative" and train a volunteer workforce in food preparation and hygiene.
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2,000 |
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Active Schools Dundee (Education Department) |
Cost of equipment and coaching mentors for a 15 week block of sport and activity aimed at young people with physical or learning difficulties at Baldragon Academy.
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1,399 |
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St Mary's Social Committee |
To provide a seasonal party for 5-8 years of age for local children and to provide an "80's night" social evening for adults in the area.
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600 |
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Diversionary Activities (Leisure and Communities) |
The block purchasing of recreational activity tickets eg Dundee Ice Arena or local cinemas will allow local people aged 10-18 years opportunities to participate in activities which will divert them from potentially becoming involved in anti-social behaviour in the local community. Youth work staff will work alongside Tayside Police and other partners to identify young people who will most benefit from these opportunities.
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5,793 |
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Fence at Craigmore Street (Housing Department) |
To remove old fence and erect new 1.8m palisade fencing, including gate to stop anti‑social behaviour. Also three new bins to improve littering in the area. |
2,003 |
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Project Title/Applicant |
Project Description |
Grant Award
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St Mary's Community Facility Landscaping |
Purchase of top soil and grass seed to enable landscaping of an area which previously housed the Cadet Force hut. This will create a simple grassy landscaped area which will be used for a variety of pursuits. Plans are in place to create a new play park on the adjacent site.
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2,003 |
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Internal Multi-Purpose Room at Kirkton Community Centre (Leisure and Communities) |
To create an additional facility on the ground floor within the existing youth area. This will increase the capacity to offer structured programmes on the ground floor with full disabled access and will make better use of existing floor space.
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20,500 |
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Peer Education Project (Leisure and Communities) |
To part fund a residential for young people training to become Peer Educators within Menzieshill High School.
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1,800 |
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Myrekirk Park Improvement (Leisure and Communities) |
To provide a woodland management and development plan supporting Myrekirk Park and in consultation with "Open Up To Myrekirk".
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254 |
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Celebrate Hilltown Signpost International Mark Henderson Centre |
Costs of hiring a synthetic Ice Rink (22m x 14m) for one day at Hilltown Christmas Celebration (12/12/09). Pupils from local primaries will be given free tickets for the Ice Rink.
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5,000 |
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4 x AAAA's Project Grey Lodge Settlement |
Purchase of art materials for six week Community and Arts themed project for 10 young people aged 12-16. They will be working in partnership with the Environmental Artist looking at their local area and the ongoing regeneration within it.
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102 |
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Age Concern Dundee |
Costs of transport for two trips to places of interest and transport costs for 12 cinema visits for 15 service users from the Fiveways Centre. The centre do regular fundraising to subsidise outings and participants also contribute to costs.
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300 |
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Dundee International Women's Centre |
To upgrade the centre IT system to enable the centre to respond to their recent growth in users (now 500+). Contribution to be used for purchase and installation of a server and finance software.
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3,983 |
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Hindmarsh Tenants' and Residents' Association |
To purchase garden furniture, outdoor tableware and a BBQ cover for use by the users of Hindmarch community lounge in their Sensory Garden.
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907 |
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Project Title/Applicant |
Project Description |
Grant Award
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Active Schools Dundee (Education Department) |
To purchase equipment and coaching mentors for a 15 week block of sport and activity aimed at young people with physical or learning difficulties at St John's High School.
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1,399 |
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Sandeman Street Play Area Fencing (Dundee Contract Services) |
To supply and install new fencing around recently refurbished play park to ensure a safe dog free place for young children to play. Also installation of two benches for resting places for accompanying adults.
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21,380 |
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Incredible Years' Group (Social Work Department) |
To provide resources to the group and cover crhche costs.
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1,256 |
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Age Concern Dundee |
Transport costs for elderly group members to local places of interest.
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400 |
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Healthy Cooking Project (Leisure and Communities Department) |
To purchase equipment necessary to develop a Healthy Cooking programme for local adults within the area.
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1,080 |
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MidLin Festival Group |
Contribution towards the hire costs and cost of props etc required to hold a pantomime within the east end area. This will promote volunteering and community spirit.
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1,000 |
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Dundee Thistle FC |
To purchase training equipment to increase the group's physical activity.
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354 |
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Douglas Euro Bins (Housing Department) |
Contribution towards installation of euro bins in the Douglas area.
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20,008 |
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Douglas Community Centre Room Improvements - Douglas Management Group |
To redecorate a recently vacated room within the centre, previously used by the out of school club. |
9,369 |
VII HILLTOWN REGENERATION FRAMEWORK - OPTION APPRAISAL
On a reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of the Housing Committee of 21st June, 2004 and Article I of the minute of meeting of the Planning and Transport Committee of 14th January, 2008, there was submitted Report No 385-2009 by the Director of Housing advising the Committee on progress and seeking approval to engage in a Strategic Option Appraisal to ascertain the preferred means of making available the Council's land interests and delivering regeneration of the Hilltown.
The Committee:-
(i) remitted to the Director of Housing in consultation with the Director of City Development, Director of Finance and Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) to pursue the physical regeneration process;
(ii) remitted to the Director of Housing to develop a special Hilltown Regeneration Lettings Initiative ensuring a sustainable community; and
(iii) remitted to the Director of Housing in association with the Director of Finance and the Director of City Development to complete a Strategic Option Appraisal to ascertain the preferred method of procuring the regeneration of the Hilltown.
VIII SINGLE OUTCOME AGREEMENT (SOA) ANNUAL REPORT 2008/2009
There was submitted Report No 478-2009 by the Assistant Chief Executive relative to the above.
The Committee approved the Single Outcome Agreement 2008/2009 annual report and agreed that it be forwarded to the Scottish Government and placed on the City Council and the Dundee Partnership websites.
IX UK EQUALITY BILL - CONSULTATION ON SPECIFIC PUBLIC DUTY RELATING TO SOCIO ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES
There was submitted Report No 505-2009 by the Assistant Chief Executive relative to the above.
The Committee:-
(i) noted the current consultation in respect of the UK Equality Bill;
(ii) noted the position of COSLA in respect of the consultation; and
(iii) approved the consultation response in paragraph 4.7 of the report.
The Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.
X FINANCE DEPARTMENT - SENIOR MANAGERIAL STRUCTURE
On a reference to Article XV of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 24th August, 2009 and after considering Agenda Note AN227-2009, the Committee approved the recommendations detailed therein.
Ken GUILD, Convener.