Policy And Resources Committee - 13/06/2011

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 13th June, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost John R LETFORD

 

 

 

Depute Lord Provost Ian BORTHWICK

 

 

 

BAILIES

 

Willie SAWERS

Helen WRIGHT

Roderick A J WALLACE

George REGAN

 

Derek J SCOTT

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Jim BARRIE

Stewart HUNTER

Mohammed ASIF

Jimmy BLACK

Ken LYNN

Laurie BIDWELL

David BOWES

Craig MELVILLE

Brian GORDON

Andrew DAWSON

Christina ROBERTS

Richard McCREADY

Will DAWSON

Alan G ROSS

Donald HAY

Bob DUNCAN

Kevin KEENAN

Fraser MACPHERSON

Elizabeth F FORDYCE

 

Helen DICK

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 9th May, 2011 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I MINUTES

 

(a) PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 28TH APRIL AND 18TH MAY, 2011

 

(b) PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 17TH MAY, 2011

 

(c) SUPERANNUATION INVESTMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF 23RD MAY, 2011

 

The minutes of meetings of the above Sub-Committees, copies of which are appended hereto (Appendices I, II and III), were submitted for information and record purposes.

 

II PALESTINE

 

It was reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Macpherson.

 

The Council agreed to hear deputations from the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Tayside for Justice in Palestine and the People's Charter and after they had stated their cases they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

 

Thereafter, Councillor Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Dick, moved Dundee City Council, proud of its historic links with the people of Palestine and the past support it has given to the oppressed inhabitants of the region, condemns the Government of Israel for its continuing illegal occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank and the illegal blockade of Gaza. The Council recognises that Apartheid was not acceptable in South Africa and it is not acceptable in Palestine. The Council furthermore notes the Government of Israel's continuing disregard of successive UN Resolutions and its continuing failure to comply with the requirements of the Geneva Convention in regard to its treatment of Palestinians living in the Occupied Territories.

 

As an amendment, Councillor Black, seconded by Councillor Keenan, moved:-

 

Dundee City Council notes with concern the ongoing situation in Israel/Palestine and calls for a just and lasting two-state solution which will bring a just and lasting peace to the region.

 

Dundee City Council welcomes and celebrates the diversity of cultures and faiths within its boundaries; believes that respect for human rights is fundamental to peaceful co-existence in any society; and notes, with sorrow, the continuing violence in Israel and in the Palestinian territories.

 

The City Council commends the efforts made by President Obama and others to promote a just peace in the region, and calls on the British Government to show leadership; appeals to all sides to show restraint, and to find a way of living together in peace and prosperity.

 

The City Council accepts that Israelis have the right to live in peace, but deeply regrets the disproportionate response of the Israeli military against aid convoys and Palestinian protesters which has led to unnecessary suffering, lasting bitterness and international condemnation.

 

The City Council expects both sides of the conflict to comply with all relevant UN resolutions and the Geneva Convention.

 

Dundee City Council also recognises the courage of those struggling for democracy in many Arab nations; condemns violence and oppression by dictatorial governments anywhere; believes that the Arab Spring could be a defining event of equal importance to the fall of the Berlin Wall; and calls on the leaders of the Arab world to embrace democracy, not to fear it.

 

The City Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to Her Majesty's Government raising the ongoing concerns of the City Council, asking that Her Majesty's Government respond outlining the actions which they are taking in regard to finding a peaceful solution.

 

On a division, their voted for the motion - Councillors Macpherson and Dick (2); and for the amendment - Councillors Barrie, Black, Bowes, Andy Dawson, Will Dawson, Duncan, Fordyce, Hunter, Lynn, Melville, Roberts, Ross, Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Gordon, McCready, Hay, Bailie Sawers, Regan, Wright, Wallace, Scott and Lord Provost Letford (24) - Depute Lord Provost Borthwick declining to vote - whereupon the amendment was declared carried.

 

III RECESS SUB-COMMITTEE

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN93-2011 intimating that the Council's Recess commenced on 2nd July, 2011 and ended on 13th August, 2011.

 

To facilitate the smooth continuous conduct of the Council's business, it was proposed that a Recess Sub-Committee of the Council be set up to deal with matters of an urgent nature which the Chief Executive or Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) believed cannot wait for the next ordinary meeting of the Committee concerned during that period and that its operating arrangements be as follows:-

 

(i) Membership - 4 members of the Administration, 2 members of the Labour Group, 1 member of the Conservative Group and 1 member of the Liberal Democrat Group;

 

(ii) Chair - Leader of the Administration or nominee;

 

(iii) Substitutes - in terms of Standing Order No 45(3) it shall be competent for substitutions to be intimated and effected for individual meetings;

 

(iv) Quorum - 3 members;

 

(v) Dates - to be arranged on a Monday when required;

 

(vi) Remit - to deal with any urgent business arising during the recess period; and

 

(vii) Power - full delegated powers to deal with business laid before it.

 

Notwithstanding the above, it was noted that it may be necessary, in view of their quasi judicial nature, to arrange meetings of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee and Licensing Committee.

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

IV DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2010/2011 TO 2012/2013

 

There was submitted Report No 293-2011 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

The Committee approved the funding process and the proposals contained in Section 5 of the report appended hereto (Appendix IV).

 

V COUNTERFRAUD REPORT - AS AT 31ST MARCH, 2011

 

There was submitted Report No 254-2011 by the Director of Finance informing elected members of the Revenue Division's Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit counterfraud activity as at 31st March, 2011.

 

The Committee approved the report.

 

VI TRANSFER OF CLEANING POSTS TO TAYSIDE CONTRACTS

 

Councillors Andy Dawson, Roberts, Bowes and Bailie Wallace declared non-financial interests in this item by virtue of being Council representatives on the Tayside Contracts Joint Committee.

 

There was submitted Report No 256-2011 by the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services), seeking approval for the transfer of cleaning posts to Tayside Contracts.

 

The Committee approved the transfer of cleaning posts to Tayside Contracts and remitted to the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) and the Head of Personnel to take forward the appropriate establishment change.

 

VII LEISURE AND CULTURE DUNDEE

 

Councillors Duncan, Hunter, Gordon and Bailie Wallace declared non-financial interests in this item by virtue of being Council representatives on Leisure and Culture Dundee.

 

There was submitted Report No 260-2011 by the Director of Finance relative to the above.

 

The Committee noted that Leisure and Culture Dundee would be established as an arms length charitable organisation, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), to deliver leisure, sport, library and cultural services on behalf of Dundee City Council and its staff would be transferred from Dundee City Council and Dundee Leisure.

 

The Committee agreed that from the date it came into being, Leisure and Culture Dundee, be admitted to the Local Government Pension Scheme as a Community Admission Body and to make and enter into an appropriate admission agreement. The Committee further agreed that Dundee City Council would act as guarantor.

 

VIII HOSPITAL FUND AND JOHNSTON BEQUEST

 

There was submitted Report No 263-2011 by the Director of Finance advising members of the additional income likely to be available in 2011/2012 from the above funds for distribution to pensioners in financial need.

 

The Committee approved the issue of one application form per elected member in order that they may identify appropriate constituents within their ward for receipt of a pension from the above funds.

 

IX ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT - ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

There was submitted Report No 301-2011 by the Director of Environment (Designate) advising the Committee on the proposals for the creation of a new Environment Department.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) approved the organisational structure for the new Environmental Department;

 

(ii) authorised the filling of posts through the matching process or through competitive interview, as appropriate; and

 

(iii) authorised the reintroduction of the voluntary early retirement/redundancy scheme targeted at areas where surplus staff were identified as a consequence of this restructuring.

 

X CORPORATE MAINTENANCE OF LAND

 

There was submitted Report No 303-2011 by the Director of Contract Services setting out a proposed new delivery model relative to the above. In addition, it was noted that a full benefits realisation plan would be prepared by December 2011.

 

Bailie Sawers, seconded by Councillor Duncan, moved that the Committee:-

 

(i) note the contents of the report;

 

(ii) approve the proposed new delivery model;

 

(iii) agreed that budgetary responsibility for and control of all Council owned land be transferred to the new Environment Department; and

 

(iv) note that service level agreements between the Environment Department and service departments would be prepared for relevant areas of land.

 

As an amendment, Councillor Keenan, seconded by Bailie Wright, moved deferral of the consideration of this report until officers bring back full and detailed proposals that will outline the operational plan and the financial savings. This report should be detailed enough for everyone to easily understand the new roles and responsibilities of our staff and it should also detail the service level that the citizens of Dundee can expect to be delivered by the Council, for example, parks and ground maintenance, dog fouling and litter pick up etc.

 

On a division, their voted for the motion - Councillors Barrie, Black, Bowes, Andy Dawson, Will Dawson, Duncan, Fordyce, Hunter, Lynn, Melville, Roberts, Ross, Hay, Macpherson, Dick, Bailies Sawers, Wallace, Scott and Lord Provost Letford (19); and for the amendment - Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Gordon, McCready, Bailie Wright and Depute Lord Provost Borthwick (7) - Bailie Regan being absent when the vote was taken - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

 

XI VOLUNTARY EARLY RETIREMENT/VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCY SCHEME

 

On a reference to Article VIII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 26th April, 2010, there was submitted Report No 224-2011 by the Director of Finance and Head of Personnel advising the Committee on the uptake by employees of the Council's Voluntary Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy Scheme.

 

The Committee noted the information contained within the report regarding the uptake of this scheme.

 

XII EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY MONITORING

 

After considering Report No 312-2011 by the Head of Personnel, the Committee noted the Employment Equality Monitoring statistics detailed in the appendices to the report.

 

XIII PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME - ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011

 

There was submitted Report No 308-2011 by the Director of Finance relative to the above.

 

The Committee noted the contents of the report which was submitted in accordance with the Council's approved procurement objectives as contained within the Procurement Strategy 2008/2011.

 

XIV TAYSIDE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY - 2011/2015

 

Councillor McCready declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being a member of the Dundee Fair Trade Forum.

 

After considering Report No 309-2011 by the Director of Finance relative to the above, the Committee approved, as far as its interests was concerned, the Tayside Procurement Strategy 2011/2015.

 

XV FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC POUND

 

After considering Report No 290-2011 by the Director of Finance relative to the above, the Committee approved the updated guidance and associated appendices to the report.

 

XVI INTEGRATED CHILDRENS SERVICES ANNUAL REPORT

 

There was submitted Report No 314-2011 by the Director of Social Work updating elected members on the annual progress of the Council's Integrated Children's Services Plan 2009/2011.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the content of the report and the progress report on Dundee Integrated Children's Services Plan (ICSP);

 

(ii) endorsed the drive to develop and provide more integrated support for children and young people across the city; and

 

(iii) approved the delivery framework within the ICSP which set out what we intended to achieve, how we would achieve it, how we would know we had achieved it and who was responsible for those achievements.

 

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 items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 12 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

XVII DUNDEE HOUSE - FURNITURE

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN96-2011 relative to the above.

 

The Committee noted that in view of the timescales involved, following consultation with the Convener and the Spokespersons from the opposition groups, it was agreed that the Council would accept the tenders detailed in the note.

 

XVIII DUNDEE REP

 

Lord Provost Letford, Councillors Andy Dawson and McCready declared non-financial interests in this item by virtue of being Council representatives on the Dundee Rep Board.

 

After considering Agenda Note AN95-2011 relative to the above, the Committee approved the recommendation detailed therein.

 

XIX V & A

 

After considering Report No 239-2011 by the Director of City Development relative to the above, the Committee approved the recommendations detailed in the report.

 

XX SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - EARLY RETIREMENT

 

After considering Agenda Note AN94-2011, the Committee resolved that employee ER02/11, within the Social Work Department, be retired with effect from 17th June, 2011 on the grounds of voluntary redundancy.

 

 

 

 

Willie SAWERS, Convener.

 

APPENDIX I

 

At MEETINGS of the PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 28th April and 18th May, 2011.

 

 

Present:-

 

Bailie Derek J SCOTT

 

Councillors

 

Ken GUILD

Jimmy BLACK

Kevin KEENAN

Elizabeth F FORDYCE

 

Laurie BIDWELL

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I SUBSTITUTES

 

It was reported that for the purpose of these meetings only, Councillor Fordyce would substitute for Councillor Duncan, and Councillor Bidwell would substitute for Bailie Regan.

 

The Sub-Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the public be excluded from 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.

 

II APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

 

At the meeting on 28th April, 2011, the Sub-Committee agreed the provisional timetable for the recruitment exercise, and noted the appointment of Mr Jim Anderson to act as external adviser to the Council.

 

There were also submitted copies of the applications received and the Sub-Committee agreed the candidates to be invited for interview on 18th May, 2011.

 

At the meeting held on 18th May, 2011, the Sub-Committee interviewed the candidates. Following an exchange of views, and after hearing the officers, the Sub-Committee unanimously agreed to offer the post to Mr Michael Wood, who intimated his acceptance.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

APPENDIX II

 

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 17th May, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

Councillor David BOWES

 

Bailie Derek J SCOTT

 

Councillor Mohammed ASIF

 

Councillor David BOWES, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 31st January, 2011 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

The Sub-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.

 

APPEAL AGAINST DISMISSAL (PA2/11)

 

It was reported that an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Social Work Department had been submitted.

 

The Council's representative requested that additional information in the form of a medical report relative to the Appellant which was referred to within the Council's submission, be submitted to the meeting. The Sub-Committee and the Appellant agreed to the submission of the document, which was then tabled.

 

The Sub-Committee heard the Council's representative and witnesses and thereafter, the Appellant, on his own behalf.

 

After questions had been put and answers given by both parties to each other and the witnesses, and by members of the Sub-Committee, the parties withdrew.

 

Thereafter, following careful consideration of all the information, the Sub-Committee agreed that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and that the appeal be not upheld.

 

 

 

 

David BOWES, Convener.

 

APPENDIX III

 

At a MEETING of the SUPERANNUATION INVESTMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 23rd May, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Jimmy BLACK

Andrew DAWSON

Kevin KEENAN

 

Also in attendance, Rod McKay, UNISON.

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener, in the Chair.

 

Unless marked thus *all items stand delegated.

 

I APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTES

 

Apologies had been submitted by Bailies George Regan and Rod Wallace.

 

II SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT - SIX MONTHLY REPORT

 

There was submitted Report No 269-2011 by the Director of Finance reviewing the progress by the Fund Managers regarding the positive engagement Policy on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance approved by the Sub-Committee on 17th November, 2008.

 

The Sub-Committee noted the information contained within the report with regard to the activities of the Fund Managers during the six month period ended 31st March, 2011.

 

The Sub-Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the public and press be excluded from the meeting in order that the undernoted items of business be considered in private on the grounds that they involved the likely disclose of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 4, 6 and 11 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

III PENSIONS PATHFINDER PROJECT

 

A verbal update was given to the Sub-Committee on the Pensions Pathfinder Project and the current Pensions Pathfinder Project newsletter submitted for members' information.

 

Members noted the content of the newsletter and recommendations of the Project Team with regard to:-

 

(i) Investment Management;

(ii) Pensions Administration; and

(iii) Governance

 

IV TAYSIDE SUPERANNUATION FUNDS

 

(a) PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

 

There was submitted Report No 270-2011 by the Director of Finance relating to Performance Summaries for the quarter, twelve months and three years to 31st March, 2011, which reviewed the investment performance of the Main Fund's four Fund Managers for the quarter to 31st March, 2011. It also considered the performance of the Transport Fund which shared two of these managers.

 

The report compared investment performance of the Funds with the Funds' specific benchmarks.

 

The Sub-Committee noted the information contained therein with regard to the performance of the Tayside Superannuation Fund and Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund and their Fund Managers.

 

(b) PERFORMANCE SUMMARY (PROPERTY PORTFOLIO)

 

There was submitted Report No 271-2011 by the Director of Finance for the quarter, twelve months and three years to 31st March, 2011 which reviewed the investment performance of the Property Portfolio for the periods to 31st March, 2011.

 

The report compared investment performance with an appropriate benchmark.

 

The Sub-Committee noted the information contained therein with regard to the performance of the Property Portfolio.

 

(c) SUMMARIES OF INVESTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS

 

There was submitted Report No 259-2011 by the Director of Finance summarising investments and transactions during the period 1st January to 31st March, 2011, reviewing the investment activities of the Main Fund's six Fund Managers for the quarter to 31st March, 2011. The Transport Fund shared three of these managers and their transactions were included.

 

The report summarised the transactions of each Fund Manager and showed the market value of the Main and Transport Fund.

 

The Sub-Committee noted the information contained therein with regard to the activities of the Tayside Superannuation Fund and Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund and their Fund Managers.

 

(d) QUARTERLY FUNDING REPORT

 

There was submitted Report No 268-2011 by the Director of Finance which considered the report by the Actuary reviewing the current funding level of the Funds as assessed by the Fund Actuary.

 

The Sub-Committee is asked to note the report by the Fund Actuary.

 

V PRESENTATION

 

Tony Docherty and Graeme Rutter of Schroders gave a short presentation.

 

Graeme Rutter advised that Fund performances had been affected by the current economic climate; however, growth in the property market was improving with out-performance of investments made. Future performance could be affected by inflation however.

 

Thereafter, Tony Docherty outlined the strategies to be implemented to ensure future portfolio growth.

 

The Convener thanked the speakers for their presentation.

 

 

 

 

Willie SAWERS, Convener.

APPENDIX IV

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Coldside Community Forum

For a fun day to be held in Hilltown Park on 23rd July to create a greater sense of community spirit.

 

1,730

Sports Development

To provide football training programmes for 52 children within local primary schools over a 33 week period.

 

1,692

Under 12's Project

To host a family fun day for 150 participants, incorporating a number of workshops and activities.

 

1,265

Brooksbank Centre and Services

To provide activities during a gala week within the centre during summer, culminating in a trip for families.

 

654

St Ninian's Local History Group

To contribute towards the cost of a Local History Group book project and subsequent publication of 100 copies.

 

567

Dundee Contract Services

To purchase and plant hedging at Fairfield Park, improving security and the local physical environment.

 

12,855

Charleston Residents' and Tenants' Association

To provide a fun day for 800+ local residents with inexpensive activities and entertainment as well as information on local projects.

 

2,500

Menzieshill CC Management Group

Contribution towards outing for families living in the Lochee Ward.

 

427

Menzieshill CC Management Group

To contribute towards costs of a family fun day for 700+ local residents. Activities to include a bouncy castle, roundabouts and a science workshop.

 

825

Menzieshill Gardening Group

To enable the group to visit formal gardens at three locations; Branklyn and Rodney Gardens, Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and the Stirling Museum Grounds for Learning Garden.

 

300

Menzieshill Out of School Care Club

To contribute towards travel costs for summer trips for the children attending the club.

 

427

DHLI - Aquafit

To subsidise 200 individual aquafit sessions for CRA residents and help to meet the demand for low cost physical activity.

 

440

Community Family Support Project

To work with 40 children from Lochee/ Charleston aged 5-10 and 14 parents through provision of a variety of fun and educational activities. Each area will have both a children's group and a family group each week.

 

11,752

in 2011/2012

 

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Peer Education Project

For 22 peer educators from Morgan Academy to take part in a day of outdoor team building activities.

 

576

Yusuf Youth Initiative and CLD Youth Team

To fund eight cultural integration events over two years for 4,050 young people aged 8‑14 years.

1,600

in 2011/2012

 

1,600

in 2012/2013

 

Finmill Centre LMG

To hold a gala day in August for around 1,000 local residents, incorporating children's activities and information stalls for adults.

 

1,515

Mill O'Mains Residents Association

To hold a gala day in July for around 450 local residents. Carnival rides, music and other volunteer run activities will be on offer.

 

1,510

Whitfield Community Centre LMG

To provide a week of drama workshops in July for secondary school age children. Each of the five workshops will have 20 places.

 

650

Community Family Support Project

To run a six week summer programme of activities and trips for approximately 100 under 12's and their families.

 

1,210

Whitfield Inclusion Network Group

To hold a gala day in July for around 450 local residents. Carnival rides, music and other volunteer run fun activities will be on offer.

 

1,407

Young at Heart

To pay for transport costs for an educational trip for 32 older people to Bo'ness, visiting exhibitions and historical venues.

 

330

St Mary's Over 55's

To pay for transport costs for outing for 39 pensioners to a railway and exhibition in Bo'ness.

 

330

Community Family Support Project

To hold eight, weekly activity sessions promoting parent wellbeing, with supporting creche facility, for mums in St Mary's.

 

542

St Mary's Fun Day Planning Group

To contribute towards costs of the St Mary's fun day by providing funding for entertainments, street football, carnival rides, events, insurance and first aid cover.

 

1,309