Policy And Resources Committee - 12/09/2011

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 12th September, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost John R LETFORD

 

 

 

Depute Lord Provost Ian BORTHWICK

 

 

 

BAILIES

 

Willie SAWERS

Helen WRIGHT

Derek J SCOTT

 

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 22nd August, 2011 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I MINUTE - PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 23RD AUGUST, 2011

 

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

 

II COUNTER-FRAUD REPORT - AS AT 30TH JUNE, 2011

 

There was submitted Report No 409-2011 by the Director of Finance informing elected members of the Revenue Division's Housing benefit and Council Tax benefit counter-fraud activity as at 30th June, 2011.

 

The Committee approved the report.

 

III REVENUE MONITORING

 

There was submitted Report No 408-2011 by the Director of Finance providing the Committee with an analysis of the 2011/2012 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 31st July, 2011 monitored against the adjusted 2011/2012 Revenue Budget.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted that the overall General Fund 2011/2012 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 31st July, 2011 showed an underspend of 24,000 against the adjusted 2011/2012 Revenue Budget;

 

(ii) noted that the Housing Revenue Account as at 31st July, 2011 was projecting a breakeven position against the adjusted HRA 2011/2012 Revenue Budget;

 

(iii) instructed the Director of Finance to take every reasonable action to ensure that the 2011/2012 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 2011/2012 Projected Revenue Outturn.

 

IV CAPITAL MONITORING

 

There was submitted Report No 400-2011 by the Director of Finance appraising members of the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Expenditure Programme 2011/2012.

 

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

 

V DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2011/2012

 

There was submitted Report No 403-2011 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

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

 

VI FREE FACILITY ACCESS FOR ELITE ATHLETES IN DUNDEE

 

There was submitted Report No 397-2011 by the Director, Leisure and Communities relative to the above.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted that Leisure and Culture Dundee had agreed to grant free access to fitness studios, training pools, games halls and sport specific facilities, including the Regional Gymnastics Facility and DISC artificial pitches, for athletes within Olympic and Commonwealth Games Training Programmes, as identified by Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport; and

 

(ii) agreed to free access on a similar basis to sports facilities, including Caird Park Stadium, Velodrome, and artificial pitches for athletes within Olympic and Commonwealth Games Training Programmes, as identified by Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport.

 

VII EAST CENTRAL TERRITORY HUB

 

On a reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 26th April, 2010, there was submitted Report No 346-2011 by the Chief Executive and Director of Finance, advising the Committee as to progress in developing the East Central Territory Hub.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the contents of the report;

 

(ii) agreed to consider a further report covering the appointment of the private sector development partner, and establishment of hubco and the entering into of the Shareholders' Agreement, the Participants' Agreement and the Territory Partnering Agreement at a special meeting on 28th November, 2011, following its consideration by the Education Committee earlier the same evening; and

 

(iii) instructed the Chief Executive to communicate to the East Central Territory Programme Board the City Council's expectation that in selecting the preferred bidder adequate weighting would be giving to the proposed methodology for demonstrating value for money on individual hub projects, to potential for hubco making use of in‑house design teams, to individual authorities having a choice of local contractors for carrying out construction and maintenance works and to the wider community benefits that would be delivered through the hub procurement programme in areas such as employment, training and business development.

 

VIII PROPOSED SUSTAINABILITY ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

 

Councillor Will Dawson declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being an employee of Scottish and Southern Energy.

 

There was submitted Report No 399-2011 by the Director of City Development seeking authority to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Scottish and Southern Energy which would guide the development of potential future working relationships on a variety of sustainable energy projects and initiatives.

 

The Committee authorised the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding with Scottish and Southern Energy.

 

IX SUPPORT SERVICES DEPARTMENT SERVICE PLAN REVIEW

 

There was submitted Report No 385-2011 by the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) reviewing the performance of the Support Services Department in relation to its Service Plan 2010/2012.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) approved the contents of the Support Services Department Service Plan; and

 

(ii) instructed the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) to continue to seek improvement on the level of performance.

 

X CORPORATE REVIEW OF STAFF TRAVEL

 

There was submitted Report No 413-2011 by the Director of City Development advising on the outcome of the Corporate Review into the current arrangements for the movement of staff across the city for work purposes and to propose new arrangements to reduce costs while supporting the Council's approved staff travel plan.

 

The Committee endorsed the following proposals:-

 

(i) Staff Business Travel Policy

 

The preparation of a consistent corporate policy covering business travel for all Council staff. This policy will be based on the Business Travel Hierarchy outlined at Section 5 of the report and will be clearly communicated and consistently implemented to provide an equitable system across the Council.

 

(ii) Car Lease Scheme

 

The introduction of a revised car lease scheme as outlined in Section 6 of the report with effect from November 2011, although staff will continue to hold their current leases until expiry of their current vehicle. The effect of these revisions will be to gradually improve the sustainability of the Council's lease cars and reduce the levels of participation in the scheme. The Council's car lease scheme, including pool cars and their utilisation will, in future, be managed by the Council's Fleet Manager.

 

(iii) Staff Parking

 

The current guidance detailed in the Staff Expenses Manual will be amended as outlined in Section 7 of the report and be clearly communicated and consistently implemented to provide an equitable system across the Council.

 

XI REVIEW OF WELFARE RIGHTS SERVICES

 

There was submitted Report No 411-2011 by the Director of Housing summarising the findings from the review of the Welfare Rights Services in operation across the Council and provided in Dundee by organisations receiving financial support from the Council and seeking approval for a new Council‑wide policy.

 

The Committee approved the policy appended to the report and remitted to the Director of Housing to commence discussions with external agencies providing such services to ensure better co-operation and more efficient use of resources available.

 

XII REVIEW OF EDUCATION SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL

 

There was submitted Report No 377-2011 by the Director of Education advising the Committee on the proposed review of the Education Service Delivery Model and seeking authority for implementing the new structure.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) approved the new Service Delivery Model for the Education Department; and

 

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

 

XIII DISCRETIONARY EXPENDITURE REVIEW

 

There was submitted Report No 365-2011 by the Director of Finance appraising the Committee of the findings of the recent review of discretionary expenditure.

 

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of this matter to a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee on 26th September, 2011.

 

XIV ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY 2010/2011

 

There was submitted Report No 415-2011 by the Director of Finance reviewing the Treasury Management activities for the period 1st April, 2010 to 31st March, 2011.

 

The Committee noted the information contained therein and approved the limits set out in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

 

XV RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

 

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 414-2011 by the Head of Revenues seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the non-domestic properties detailed in the report and appended hereto (Appendix III).

 

The Committee authorised accordingly.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

APPENDIX I

 

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 23rd August, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

Councillor David BOWES

 

Councillor Elizabeth F FORDYCE

 

Councillor Mohammed ASIF

 

Councillor David BOWES, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 20th June, 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 (PA1/11)

 

It was reported that an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Leisure and Communities Department had been submitted.

 

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

 

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 II

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Powrie Place Sheltered Housing

To purchase tools, equipment, plants and a water feature to enable tenants to pursue a gardening interest and create a relaxing space to help improve the quality of life and reduce the isolation of the residents.

 

1,000

Age Concern

To cover transport costs for six outings to local places of interest for the service users at the Fiveways Centre. Also to purchase arts and craft materials for activities and the purchase of a fridge freezer for the centre.

 

990

City Development

The removal of the overgrown soft landscaped area at the Constitution Street/Rosebank Street Corner. A public seating area and low maintenance hard and soft landscaped area will then be installed in keeping with other recent improvements.

 

18,482

Active Schools

Transport costs for girls' football team from Dens Road Primary for away fixtures to enable continued participation in Girls' Football League. Also for the purchase of sports equipment.

 

600

Dighty Connect

To enable the group to create a mosaic bench to replace vandalised bench-seating in the Dighty corridor.

 

3,470

Active Schools

Transport costs for girls' football teams for away fixtures to enable continued participation in Girls' Football League. Also for the purchase of sports equipment.

 

978

Active Schools

Transport costs for girls' football teams for away fixtures to enable continued participation in Girls' Football League. Also for the purchase of sports equipment.

 

3,000

Boomerang - Kanga Club

To purchase equipment and games for the sixteen 5 to 9 year olds attending the club.

 

488

Friends of Baxter Park

To produce two newsletters that will target the regeneration area with information to help recruitment of new members and inform about activities within the park.

 

434

 

Dundee International Women's Centre

To fund 15 women to take part in a five week, eight session introduction to childcare course with subsidised childcare costs.

 

1,528

 

 

Stobswell Church

To fund the re-painting of the railings on Albert/Dura Street.

3,383

 

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Alzheimer Scotland

To employ the Clean Close Company to do regular clean-ups of the grounds and allow the thoroughfare to stay open for local people.

744

2011/2012

1,404

2012/2013

 

Mill O'Mains Out of School Club

To replace unsafe flooring in the area used by the Out of School Club and purchase ICT and learning resources for use by children attending the club.

 

2,476

Salto Gymnastics Club

To contribute to costs of springboards and mats and fund delivery of 34 weeks of lunchtime gymnastics provision at five local primary schools to a total of fifty children.

 

2,913

2011/2012

1,200

2012/2013

Active Schools

Transport costs for girls' football teams for away fixtures to enable continued participation in Girls' Football League. Also for the purchase of sports equipment.

 

1,200

Braeview Academy

To enable 24 S3-S6 pupils to take part in a week long residential to start their involvement in the Leadership Programme. Pupils will go on to lead projects, activities and fundraising within the school.

 

4,000

Community Family Support Project

To run a two week October holiday programme for under 12's at the Mill O'Mains Pavilion.

 

280

Kirkton Sheltered Housing

Funding to cover the cost of two coaches for a day trip to Perth for 32 elderly tenants and their friends/carers.

 

410

Active Schools

Minibus hire and equipment for all Strathmartine area primary schools (6). Five teams, 120 girls across the ward will be able to participate in the girl's football league.

3,000

 

APPENDIX III

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

Tayforth Veterans' Project

9 Main Street

Balmullo

St Andrews

Office

City Quay

Unit 21B

Camperdown Street

Dundee

 

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Halls

132 Brook Street

Broughty Ferry

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Museum

Barrack Street

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Museum

Broughty Castle

3 Castle Approach

Broughty Ferry

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

Queen Street

Broughty Ferry

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

150 Strathmartine Road

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Caird Hall

City Square

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

225 Perth Road

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Art Gallery and Museum

McManus Galleries

Albert Square

Meadowside

Dundee

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

47/49 High Street

Lochee

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

Level 3

The Wellgate

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

Shopping Centre

Whitfield Drive

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

9 Finavon Terrace and

1 Findcastle Street

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

The Hub

171 Pitkerro Road

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

5 Arthurstone Terrace

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Library

Orleans Place

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Steeple

St Mary's Tower

Kirk Style

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Observatory

Mills Observatory

Balgay Park

Dundee

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Store, Units 5/6

Faraday Street

Dryburgh Industrial Estate

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Office

Conference Hall

Central Library

The Wellgate

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Leisure Centre

Earl Grey Place

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Leisure Centre

2/2A St Mary's Lane

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Sports Centre

Maryfield

Mains Loan

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Douglas Sports Centre

Baldovie Terrace

Dundee

Leisure and Culture Dundee

Level 3

Central Library

The Wellgate Centre

Dundee

 

Lynch Sports Centre

South Road

Dundee

Deaf Link

Tayside Deaf Hub

Old Mill

23 Brown Street

Dundee

Community Centre

23 Brown Street

Dundee