Policy And Resources Committee - 23/04/2012

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 23rd April, 2012.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost John R LETFORD

 

 

 

BAILIES

 

Helen WRIGHT

Roderick A J WALLACE

 

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Ken GUILD

Elizabeth F FORDYCE

Laurie BIDWELL

Jim BARRIE

Stewart HUNTER

Tom FERGUSON

Jimmy BLACK

Ken LYNN

Brian GORDON

David BOWES

Craig MELVILLE

Richard McCREADY

Andrew DAWSON

Christina ROBERTS

Donald HAY

Will DAWSON

Alan G ROSS

Fraser MACPHERSON

Bob DUNCAN

Kevin KEENAN

Helen DICK

 

Mohammed ASIF

 

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 26th March, 2012 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I MINUTE - SUPERANNUATION INVESTMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF 27TH FEBRUARY, 2012

 

The minute of meeting of the above Sub-Committee, a copy of which is appended hereto, was submitted for information and record purposes (Appendix I).

 

II RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

 

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

 

There was submitted Report No 161-2012 by the Director of Corporate Services, seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the undernoted non-domestic properties.

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

The Richmond Fellowship Scotland

3 Buchanan Gate

Buchanan Gate Business Park

Cumbernauld

Office

Cowan Grove

5 Cowan Place

Dundee

 

St John's Boomerang

110 Albert Street

Dundee

Cafe

Pavilion Cafe

Baxter Park

Bingham Terrace

Dundee

 

Joan Booth for The Scottish

Bluebell Cheerleaders

Shop

147/149 High Street

Lochee

Dundee

 

Gowrie Care Ltd

4 South Ward Road

Dundee

Office

Flat 7

Pitkerro Court

16 Alloway Terrace

Dundee

 

Rebel Golf Courses Ltd

c/o George Finlay

3 Old Quarry Road

Dundee

Golf Course (Part)

Ballumbie Castle

Old Quarry Road

Dundee

 

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Office

18 Dock Street (1/0)

Dundee

 

The Positive Steps Partnership

Unit 6B-6C

Meadow Mill

West Henderson's Wynd

Dundee

 

Workroom

Meadow Mill

Unit 05 West Henderson's Wynd

Dundee

The Positive Steps Partnership

Unit 6B-6C

Meadow Mill

West Henderson's Wynd

Dundee

Meadow Mill

Unit 06 West Henderson's Wynd

Dundee

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

III DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2011/2012

 

Councillor Hunter declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representative on Ardler Village Trust.

 

There was submitted Report No 156-2012 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

The Committee approved the funding process and proposals contained in Section 5.2 of the report appended hereto (Appendix II).

 

IV THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS FOR 2012/2013

 

Councillors Duncan, Lynn, McCready and Macpherson declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre Board.

 

Councillors Duncan, Ross and McCready declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Dundee Ice Arena Board.

 

Councillor Melville declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representative on Dundee Science Centre.

 

Lord Provost Letford and Councillors Black, Guild and McCready declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Dundee Rep Board.

 

Councillors Black and Asif declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representatives on the Grey Lodge Board.

 

Councillor Melville declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representative on Dundee Industrial Heritage Board.

 

Lord Provost Letford and Councillor Barrie declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Dundee Voluntary Action Board.

 

Councillor Fordyce declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representative on Dundee International Women's Centre.

 

Councillor Hunter declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being the Council's representative on Dundee College Board.

 

There was submitted Report No 141-2012 by the Director, Leisure and Communities relative to the above.

 

The Committee agreed to:-

 

(i) remit the Director, Leisure and Communities, on behalf of Dundee City Council, to update the Management Agreement with Dundee Contemporary Arts Ltd and Dundee Ice Arena;

 

(ii) remit the Director, Leisure and Communities, on behalf of Dundee City Council, to enter into a one year Service Level Agreement with Dundee Science Centre, Dundee Industrial Heritage Ltd, Dundee Repertory Theatre Ltd - Main House, Creative Learning Team and Scottish Dance Theatre, Grey Lodge Settlement, Dundee Voluntary Action Ltd and Dundee College;

 

(iii) remit the Director, Leisure and Communities, on behalf of Dundee City Council to award grants to Volunteer Centre Dundee Ltd and Dundee International Women's Centre;

 

(iv) accept the tender from Craigowl Community for the delivery of Literacy Support at a cost of 23,000;

 

(v) remit the Director, Leisure and Communities, to keep these arrangements under review and amend as appropriate;

 

(vi) approve the level of Management Fee for the period 1st April, 2012 to 31st March, 2013 amounting to:-

 

270,277 for Dundee Contemporary Arts Ltd

262,000 for Dundee Ice Arena; and

 

(vii) approve the Revenue Grant funding for the period 1st April, 2012 to 31st March, 2013 amounting to:-

 

46,092 for Dundee Science Centre

63,000 for Dundee Industrial Heritage Ltd

403,104 for Dundee Repertory Theatre Ltd

63,000 for Grey Lodge Settlement

42,000 for Dundee Voluntary Action Ltd

10,000 for Volunteer Centre Dundee Ltd

8,000 for Dundee International Women's Centre

35,000 for Dundee College

 

V NATIONAL ORGANISATION - MEMBERSHIP OF YOUTHLINK SCOTLAND

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN66-2012 recommending that the Committee approve the payment of 1,000 for the renewal of the Council's annual subscription to YouthLink Scotland, the national Youth Work Agency. YouthLink Scotland acted as an umbrella organisation for the voluntary/statutory youth work sector.

 

YouthLink Scotland provided the following member services:-

 

- Policy Briefings

 

- Youth Work Training

 

- Youth Information

 

- Cashback for Communities

 

- National Representation

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

VI DUNDEE COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP COMMISSIONING BUDGET 2012/2013

 

There was submitted Report No 143-2012 by the Director, Leisure and Communities, seeking approval for the Dundee Community Safety Partnership Commissioning Budget 2012/2013.

 

The Committee approved the proposed allocations which would allow partners to provide a strategic response to the Community Safety priority areas of work as identified within the current Strategic Assessment.

 

VII NON-RECURRING REVENUE GRANT FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER YOUTH SCOTLAND (LGBT)

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN68-2012 advising that LGBT Youth Scotland was the national support service for LGBT young people and had been active in Dundee for four years.

 

Current funding for a part-time worker came to an end on 31st March, 2012. The organisation was attempting to secure funding support in the long-term. This grant would assist with six months staff costs while longer-term funding was secured and this would ensure continuation of an important service for young people in Dundee.

 

The Committee approved a grant award of 6,500 to LGBT Youth Scotland.

 

VIII DUNDEE COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP GRANT AWARDS UP TO £500 2011/2012

 

There was submitted Report No 164-2012 by the Director, Leisure and Communities, detailing awards of up to 500 that had been made during the financial year 2011/2012 by the Community Safety Partnership and shown below.

 

Organisation/Agency

Amount

Brief Description of Project/ Application

 

Women's Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre

468.00

To distribute "Spikeys" as part of a co-ordinated action to end violence against women.

 

Dundee Community Safety Partnership -

Home Safety Sub-Group

500.00

To produce Child Safety Week coasters for distribution throughout the city raising awareness of Child Safety issues.

 

 

Organisation/Agency

Amount

Brief Description of Project/ Application

 

Peer Education Project

349.50

To provide transport for Peer Education to attend Safe Taysiders and provide daily input over a three week period.

 

Tayside Fire and Rescue

500.00

To support the development and delivery of a home fire safety campaign.

 

Women's Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre

480.00

To purchase beer mats displaying advice on how to stay safe for distribution at University Freshers Weeks.

 

The Committee noted accordingly.

 

IX PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF DUNDEE RAILWAY STATION CONCOURSE BUILDING

 

There was submitted Report No 119-2012 by the Director of City Development outlining proposals to redevelop the street level concourse building which acted as the main arrival and departure point from the city into the low level platforms at Dundee Railway Station.

 

The Committee approved the outline proposals within the report to redevelop the concourse building to Dundee Railway Station and remitted the Director of City Development to prepare detailed design proposals and costs and to seek tenders for the staged implementation of the project. Any acceptance of these tenders would then be subject to future Committee approval.

 

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 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

X RELIEF OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES ON THE GROUNDS OF HARDSHIP - (HARDSHIP RELIEF)

 

After considering Report No 168-2012 by the Director of Corporate Services relative to the above, the Committee approved the recommendation detailed therein.

 

XI V & A AT DUNDEE

 

After considering Report No 170-2012 by the Director of City Development relative to the above, the Committee approved the recommendations detailed therein.

 

XII AIRPORT SERVICES

 

After considering Agenda Note AN69-2012 by the Director of City Development relative to the above, it was noted that the Chief Executive had approved the recommendations detailed therein in consultation with the Convener and the Spokespersons from each Group.

 

The Committee noted accordingly.

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

APPENDIX I

 

At a MEETING of the SUPERANNUATION INVESTMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 27th February, 2012.

 

Present:-

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS

Councillor Jimmy BLACK

Councillor Kevin KEENAN

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener, in the Chair.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I TAYSIDE SUPERANNUATION FUNDS BUSINESS PLAN 2012/2013

 

There was submitted Report No 98-2012 by the Director of Finance introducing the ninth annual business plan for the Tayside Superannuation Funds.

 

The Sub-Committee noted the information within the report and approved the 2012/2013 Business Plan which applied to the administration and management of the Tayside Superannuation Fund and the Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund.

 

II TAYSIDE SUPERANNUATION FUNDS RISK REGISTER

 

There was submitted Report No 103-2012 by the Director of Finance updating the Risk Register for the Tayside Superannuation Funds.

 

The Sub-Committee approved the Risk Register for the Tayside Superannuation Fund and Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund.

 

III STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES REVIEW

 

There was submitted Report No 104-2012 by the Director of Finance reviewing Statements of Investment Principles for the Tayside Superannuation Fund and the Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund.

 

The Sub-Committee noted the information within the report and approved the Statements of Investment Principles for both the Tayside Superannuation Fund and the Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund.

 

IV FUNDING STRATEGY STATEMENT

 

There was submitted Report No 102-2012 by the Director of Finance reviewing the Funding Strategy Statements for the Tayside Superannuation Funds.

 

The Sub-Committee approved the Funding Strategy Statements for the Tayside Superannuation Fund and Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund.

 

V TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

 

There was submitted Report No 105-2012 by the Director of Finance reviewing the Treasury Management Strategy for the Tayside Superannuation Fund.

 

The Committee approved the Treasury Management Strategy including the list of permitted counterparties.

 

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 items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 4, 6 and 11 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

VI TAYSIDE SUPERANNUATION FUNDS

 

(a) PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

 

There was submitted Report No 107-2012 by the Director of Finance relating to Performance Summaries for the quarter, twelve months and three years to 31st December, 2011 reviewing the investment performance of the Main Fund's four Fund Managers (excluding Property) and the Financing Fund for the quarter to 31st December, 2011. It also considered the performance of the Transport Fund which shared two of these managers.

 

The report compared investment performances of the Funds with the Funds' specific benchmarks which consisted of various stock market indices.

 

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 106-2012 by the Director of Finance for the quarter, twelve months and three years to 31st December, 2011 reviewing the investment performance of the Property Portfolio for the period to 31st December, 2011.

 

The report compared investment performances with an appropriate benchmark, the IPD Pooled Property All Balanced Funds Median.

 

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 74-2012 by the Director of Finance summarising investments and transactions during the period 1st October to 31st December, 2011 reviewing the investment activities of the Main Fund's six Fund Managers for the quarter to 31st December, 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 values 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 FUND REPORT

 

The Quarterly Funding Report was normally submitted on a quarterly basis and considered a report by the Fund's actuaries, Barnett Waddingham. As the outcome of the triennial valuation would be reported, the report was not submitted for the quarter ended 30th December, 2011.

 

(e) ACTUARIAL VALUATION AT 31ST MARCH, 2011

 

There was submitted Report No 108-2012 by the Director of Finance which considered a report by Barnett Waddingham, with Graeme Muir of Barnett Waddingham providing an overview of the valuation.

 

The report updated the Sub-Committee on the Actuarial Valuation of the Tayside Superannuation Fund and the Tayside Transport Superannuation Fund at 31st March, 2011.

 

The Sub-Committee noted the information contained within the report.

 

VII PRESENTATION

 

Tom Wright and Fiona McLeod of Baillie Gifford gave a short presentation.

 

Tom Wright outlined the history regarding the original mandate noting that the investment philosophy of Baillie Gifford was that, over time, superior earnings had remained unchanged in that a long-term approach was approved. Tom noted that there was a continued focus on stocks, with opportunities from new technologies. Current holdings within the portfolio were outlined and also notable transactions.

 

Thereafter, Fiona outlined the global alpha portfolio and advised that there was an increased exposure to secular growth winners as this would provide idiosyncratic growth drivers and diversification.

 

In conclusion, Tom advised members that continued volatility was anticipated but this would provide opportunities due to mis-priced companies.

 

The Convener thanked the speakers for their interesting and informative presentation.

 

 

 

 

Willie SAWERS, Convener.

 

APPENDIX II

 

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Tayside Police

To purchase a range of materials to promote the police's non-emergency number and other methods of contact to be distributed at community events and schools.

 

1,000

Under 12's Project

To contribute towards ten weeks of holiday activities and trips for approximately 250 local children.

 

6,250

Craigiebank, Douglas and

Mid-Craigie Church Youth Project

 

To contribute towards transport and trips for 60 young people attending local youth groups.

900

Douglas Festival Association

To contribute towards the running cost of a community festival for over 500 local residents.

 

1,474

Tayside Police

To purchase a range of materials to promote the police's non-emergency number and other methods of contact to be distributed at community events and schools.

 

2,000

Douglas CC LMG

To subsidise transport and entrance fees for approximately 150 people to take part in three family trips.

 

1,454

Dighty Connect

To purchase tools and secure storage, five sets of protective clothing and trees and seeds for planting.

 

1,720

Lochee Parish Church

To extend the Community Cafe (drop-in) to two hours on each of two days per week, benefiting approximately 440 people throughout the year.

 

1,800

Charleston Residents' and Tenants' Association

To provide over 1,000 local residents with a community festival.

 

2,703

Dryburgh Community Association

To hold a street party, including several stalls and entertainments, for local residents to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

 

1,414

Menzieshill Gardening Group

To enable a programme of visits to formal gardens by the 13 group members.

 

335

Adult Learning Team

To fund a series of eight family fun days in Baxter's Park during school holidays, bringing together fifty local people at each event along with various agencies working in the area.

 

1,047

Glebelands PTA

To enable 45 P7 pupils to attend Teen Ranch for two nights instead of one, this will help them develop team-building skills and assist with the transition from primary to secondary school.

1,350

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Macara Group (DIWC)

To contribute towards 22 young women from BME backgrounds to take part in a two day residential incorporating a range of physical activities and challenges.

 

4,590

Braeview Academy

To contribute towards a gala day for the whole community including local talent display, carnival rides and various stalls. Pupils making the transition from P7 to S1 are also invited.

 

1,600

Sports Development

To provide a football programme within the local primary schools. A total of four hours provision per week will be on offer. The number of participants is expected to be at least 62.

 

3,240

Tayside Police

To purchase a range of materials to promote the police's non-emergency number and other methods of contact to be distributed at community events and schools.

 

4,000

St Mary's Over 55's Club

For coach hire to enable a trip to Edinburgh for 49 older local residents.

 

375

Sports Development

To provide a basketball programme within St Fergus PS. An hour of provision per week will be on offer. The number of participants is expected to be at least 16.

 

886

Tayside Police

To purchase a range of materials to promote the police's non-emergency number and other methods of contact to be distributed at community events and schools.

 

1,000

Chuckle Club

For coach hire to enable two excursions for approximately 30 older local residents.

 

380

Ardler Village Trust - Fun Day

To contribute towards the costs of the Ardler Fun Day 2012 which aims to attract over 500 local residents.

 

1,000

Dundee North West Community Sports Club

To contribute to the costs of delivering a fun day/ launch of the sports club at Downfield Pavilion for over 700 people. This will include sports displays and challenges, stalls and other fun activities.

 

600