Policy And Resources Committee - 19/08/2013

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 19th August, 2013.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost Bob DUNCAN

 

Depute Lord Provost Christina ROBERTS

 

BAILIES

 

Willie SAWERS

Helen WRIGHT

Ian BORTHWICK

 

Derek J SCOTT

 

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Ken GUILD

Stewart HUNTER

Lesley BRENNAN

John ALEXANDER

Ken LYNN

Georgia CRUICKSHANK

Jimmy BLACK

Vari McDONALD

Tom FERGUSON

David BOWES

Craig MELVILLE

Brian GORDON

Bill CAMPBELL

Gregor MURRAY

Richard McCREADY

Kevin CORDELL

Kevin KEENAN

Norma McGOVERN

Will DAWSON

Mohammed ASIF

Fraser MACPHERSON

 

Laurie BIDWELL

 

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 24th June, 2013 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

Bailie Sawers declared a non-financial interest in Article III by virtue of his partner being a student at the Stobswell Adult Learning Association.

 

II DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2013/2014

 

There was submitted Report No 339-2013 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

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

 

III ADULT LEARNING FUND (GRANTS TO ADULT EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS)

 

There was submitted Report No 326-2013 by the Director, Leisure and Communities detailing applications received from Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) and Stobswell Adult Learning Association (SALA), to assist in the administration and running costs of the programme of evening learning opportunities.

 

The Committee approved the assessment applications and awarded a grant of 3,000 to BERA and 2,670 to SALA.

 

IV COMMUNITY ASSET TRANSFER STRATEGY

 

There was submitted Report No 244-2013 by the Director of City Development seeking approval for a Community Asset Transfer Strategy that detailed the framework for transferring certain Council property assets to voluntary and community organisations.

 

The Committee approved the Strategy appended to the report.

 

V UNIT RATE CONTRACT FOR GROUND INVESTIGATIONS - AUGUST, 2013 - MARCH, 2016

 

Reference was made to Article II of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 24th August, 2009 which approved the existing Unit Rate Contract and to Article VII of the minute of meeting of the Environmental Services and Sustainability Committee of 22nd August, 2005, wherein the continued implementation of the Contaminated Land Strategy was agreed.

 

After considering Agenda Note AN94-2013, the Chief Engineer recommended that a Unit Rate Contract be utilised to obtain rates from a number of specialist contractors experienced in contaminated land site investigation. The contract specification had been updated to reflect current testing methods and practices and tenders for the Unit Rate Contract for the period August, 2013 to March, 2016 had now been submitted by the undernoted specialist contractors:-

 

Aitken Laboratories Ltd

BAM Ritchies Ltd

Environmental Reclamation Services Ltd

Fugro Engineering Services

Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical Ltd

REC Renewable Energy Ltd

 

The Committee authorised the Chief Engineer to use the most advantageous offer utilising the Unit Rate Contract for appropriate future ground investigation work.

 

VI REPLACEMENT OF HARRIS ACADEMY

 

On a reference to Article III of the minute of meeting of the Education Committee of 19th August, 2013, there was submitted Report No 302-2013 by the Director of Education relative to the above.

 

The Committee, as far as its interest was concerned:-

 

(i) noted the contents of the report; and

 

(ii) agreed to proceed to Financial Close of the Contract to replace Harris Academy.

 

VII RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

 

There was submitted Report No 321-2013 by the Director of Corporate Services relative to the above.

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

Wooden Spoon Catering Ltd

Unit 1

5 Coldside Road

Dundee

 

Warehouse

Unit 1

5 Coldside Road

Dundee

Wooden Spoon Catering Ltd

Unit 1

5 Coldside Road

Dundee

 

Shop

38 Castle Street

Dundee

Children of Songea Trust

Per Joyce Mathers

Grange Cottage

Dronley Road

Backmuir of Liff

by Dundee

 

Shop

109-111 High Street

Lochee

Dundee

 

Neon (North East of North) Ltd

Chamber of Commerce Buildings

2nd Floor

Panmure Street

Dundee

Office

Chamber of Commerce Buildings

2nd Floor

Panmure Street

Dundee

 

The Committee approved the recommendations detailed in the report.

 

VIII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANT - YUSUF YOUTH INITIATIVE

 

After considering Agenda Note AN93-2013, the Committee agreed to award the YUSUF youth initiative a grant of 1,500 from the Community Development Fund to support the delivery of a programme of activities aimed at raising awareness with young Muslim men around themes including counter-terrorism, violence and criminality supporting vulnerable individuals and reporting concerns.

 

IX VOLUNTARY EARLY RETIREMENT/VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCY SCHEME

 

On a reference to Article IX of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 29th October, 2012, there was submitted Report No 342-2013 by the Director of Corporate Services seeking approval to reintroduce a voluntary early retirement/voluntary redundancy scheme for the financial year 2013/2014.

 

The Committee approved the revised approach to VER/VR as detailed in the Appendix to the report, it being noted that a new approach would continue to promote the options for flexible retirement and also other flexible working options for staff.

 

It was also delegated to the Chief Executive to grant approval for applications made outwith the closing date as part of the Changing for the Future and departmental reviews.

 

X BLACKLISTING

 

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

 

The Committee agreed to hear a deputation from UNITE and after they had stated their case and answered questions from members of the Committee they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

 

Thereafter, the Committee approved the undernoted resolution.

 

Dundee City Council is deeply concerned by recent revelations that some major construction companies have been involved in denying employment to workers who have been engaged in trade union activity, such as the reporting of breaches of health and safety standards, through the unacceptable practice of operating a blacklist of these workers collated by private consultancies such as the Consulting Association.

 

This Council notes that:-

 

Information and evidence has been provided to the Scottish Affairs Select Committee during the committees enquiry into the use of blacklisting of trade unionists in Scotland.

 

The UK Information Commissioner has investigated and taken action against the Consulting Association for this practice.

 

Trade Unions (notably Unite, GMB and UCATT) have an on-going campaign against the blacklisting of trade unionists which has severely impacted on many trade unionists and their families.

 

The operation of such blacklists may be a breach of statute laws, regulations and conventions covering employment rights, human rights, freedom of information, data protection and rights to freedom of association.

 

Victimisation of workers raising concerns over workplace health, safety and welfare discourage efforts to prevent workplace accidents, fatalities and injuries and encourage industrial disputes both official and unofficial.

 

The current consideration by the Scottish Government of legislation on rules for Public Procurement provides an opportunity to ensure that companies engaged in the blacklisting of trade unionists are prevented from tendering for public sector contracts.

 

Councils, such as Hull City Council, have resolved to ensure that companies involved in blacklisting are not included, where lawful to do so, in future lists of approved suppliers and have urged UK Government Ministers to ensure that such companies are prevented from securing future public sector contracts by the inclusion of appropriate clauses in the sustainable procurement bill being considered at Westminster.

 

and the Council resolves to:-

 

Support the campaign by trade unions against the operation of blacklists against trade unionists.

 

Where lawful to do so to exclude companies involved in blacklisting of trade unionists from securing future Council contracts.

 

Where lawful to do so, request that companies that tender for Council contracts demonstrate that they have processes in place to encourage the reporting by workers, including those who are trade union members, of workplace concerns, particularly in respect of health, safety and welfare.

 

Write to the Scottish Government urging the inclusion of clauses in future Scottish bills covering public procurement to prevent companies involved in the blacklisting of trade unionists from securing future public sector contracts.

 

The Convener agreed that Articles XI and XII be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.

 

XI CASUAL USER MILEAGE RATE

 

Reference was made to Article III of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 14th February, 2013, wherein the Committee agreed to reduce the casual car user mileage rate from 45p per mile to 25p per mile, for employees, whether full-time or part-time, whose basic salary was calculated on a SCP higher than SCP36 (currently 20,064 per annum for a full time employee). The decision had been monitored on a monthly basis since implementation.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN97-2013 reporting that the Council's Staff Travel Plan was implemented on 1st June, 2012 and this plan included clear guidance for employees regarding business travel, ensuring employees considered whether the journey was actually necessary and promoting bus travel and the use of existing pool cars. Analysis of the cost of mileage claimed showed a reduction of 45.6% for April/May/June, 2013 compared to April/May/June, 2012 and, whilst difficult to separate, it was considered that the reduction had resulted, in the main, from the effective implementation of the Staff Travel Plan.

 

It was therefore proposed to reinstate the casual user mileage rate of 45p with effect from 1st September, 2013. This would prevent any impact on essential services where employees had a business case to use their cars in accordance with the Staff Travel Plan. It was also proposed to provide all employees with comprehensive information regarding the Staff Travel Plan and management information to departments to ensure ongoing and consistent application of the Staff Travel Plan.

 

The financial implications of this change would be monitored to ensure the delivery of budget savings through the effective implementation of the Staff Travel Plan.

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

XII REVIEW OF RECYCLING CENTRES

 

Reference was made to Article III of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 14th February, 2013, wherein the Committee agreed to a reconfiguration of the citys recycling centres including the closure of the Marchbanks centre in order to achieve revenue savings of 316,000 per annum. The report also identified restrictions to be placed on the types of materials that could be accepted at the remaining two sites at Baldovie and Riverside and this was based on users taking their materials to the sites where they were processed for recycling and thus achieving savings in handling and transport.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN98-2013 reporting that the restrictions on the types of materials accepted at each centre had proven to be very unpopular due to the additional travel distances required, particularly for those living to the east and west ends of the city. In recognising these public concerns, it was proposed to amend the reconfiguration of the sites to allow green waste to be accepted at Baldovie and mixed waste to be accepted at Riverside.

 

The changes introduced had to date been successful in achieving the financial savings required. At the same time there had been no significant impact on recycling levels achieved at the Recycling Centres and in some areas there had been a number of positive improvements. At the same time there had been no adverse impact on the incidents of fly tipping in the city and nor had there been any significant change in the amount of residual waste collected within the grey bins.

 

The additional costs associated with this change were largely associated with handling and transport costs and were estimated to be 85,000 in a full financial year. The pro-rata expenditure of 52,000 would be funded from general contingencies in 2013/2014 with provision to be made in future years revenue budgets.

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

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

 

XIII HARDSHIP RELIEF

 

There was submitted Report No 331-2013 by the Director of Corporate Services.

 

The Committee approved the recommendation detailed in the report.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

APPENDIX I

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

 

Housing Department

Contribution towards costs of the installation of controlled entry systems, with intercoms for 31 houses at Butterburn Square, redesign and closure of insecure entry points to the block and providing a secure fence around the square.

 

5,000

Hilltown Out of School Club

Funding towards club development plans including part funding to pilot a part-time Development Manager for the Club, and additional staff training in family support approaches and behavioural management techniques.

 

3,748

Active Schools

To provide a free extra-curricular sport and activity programme for approximately 200 primary school children. Activities will be delivered in the four primary schools and the secondary school in the Ward and will focus on increasing activity levels, particularly in girls.

 

4,471

Womens Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre

To provide a six week course of self defence classes for 12 women.

 

720

Craigowl Communities

To deliver a programme of activities that will help 12 participants to sustain their tenancies and improve their employability skills.

 

3,223

Charleston Community Centre LMG

To fund the cost of a drama worker to run a weekly drama group for approximately 12 young people from September, 2013‑March, 2014.

 

400

Menzieshill Community Centre LMG

To start an arm chair yoga group for 10-12 people with physical and/or learning difficulties. The group aims to be self-funding by the end of the year.

 

720

Menzieshill Community Centre LMG

Contribution towards family fun day activities in order to minimise cost to local residents. 700 people are expected to attend.

 

1,677

Little Stars Toddlers' Group

To build a storage cupboard for toys and purchase new toys for approximately 40 children attending the group to use.

 

375

Friends of Baxter Park

To employ an artist to help the group create an exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of Baxter Park. The exhibition will be seen by all visitors to the Pavilion and its anticipated will attract additional visitors.

 

2,000

Boomerang

To fund the printing and distribution costs of three issues of a community newsletter in the Maryfield Ward, focussing on the Community Regeneration Area.

 

1,707

Active Schools

To provide free extra-curricular sport and activity programme for approximately 80 children attending Clepington and Glebelands Primary Schools and Morgan Academy, including a Fit for Girls group aiming to increase activity levels for girls.

 

3,142

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

 

Yusuf Youth Initiative

To fund three integration events and a group leader residential. Each event will bring together 40-50 young people aged 8-14 years to participate in sporting activities, team building exercises, communal eating and cultural information sharing.

 

2,125

Dundee United FC

To employ six local young people on a Friday night at DISC to become Dundee United Community Coaches and a Dundee United Community Youth Worker to support these coaches into employment.

 

5,104

Morgan Academy

To employ a youth worker for 10 hours a week for 26 weeks and provide resources for a breakfast club at Morgan, five days a week. This will benefit approximately 35 pupils each day.

 

3,924

Morgan Academy

To part fund a two night residential trip to Dalguise Activity Centre for 40 S6 pupils from Morgan Academy with the aim of developing their leadership and team working skills.

 

2,028

DEAP Ltd

To employ two youth workers and a caretaker for a 29 week pilot youth project that will benefit 50 local young people aged 16-25. A mix of training and recreational activities will be on offer and support this. The grant will be used to purchase five computers, and other resources such as arts and craft materials.

 

16,496

Mill OMains Pavilion

To provide a range of activities for a Summer Fun Day, with approximately 250 local people expected to attend.

 

1,387

Volunteer Centre Dundee

To employ a broker/worker to enable the Timebank to continue running for over 50 people in the North East.

 

2,421

Environment Department

To undertake a tree planting programme that will improve the environment for approximately 6,500 Whitfield residents.

 

10,000

Mill OMains Pavilion

To create a community garden space that will be of benefit to approximately 100 residents of Mill OMains and enable approximately 25 volunteers to undergo training in growing vegetables and flowers.

 

1,303

Salto Gymnastics

The provision of new gym mats for use by approximately 270 children who are club members.

 

1,675

Kirkton Community Centre LMG

To fund activities at the Kirkton Festival for young children and to provide demonstrations, information sharing and cultural opportunities for the wider community. Approximately 1,500 people are expected to participate.

 

945

SS Leonard and Fergus Social Committee

To provide a festive meal with accompanying music and entertainment for 100 of our most elderly and vulnerable community members.

 

650

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

 

Kirkton Community Centre LMG

To purchase tools, bulbs and seeds to enable approximately 25 young people involved in Kick It Kick Off to improve their local community by cultivating flower beds around the community centre. This will also be of benefit to other centre users as an improvement to the local environment.

 

710