Policy And Resources Committee - 21/04/2014
At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 21st April, 2014.
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 10th March, 2014 was held as read.
Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.
I DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Lord Provost Duncan and Councillors Hunter, Gordon and McCready declared a non-financial interest in Item III by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Leisure and Culture, Dundee.
Councillor Hunter declared a non-financial interest in Article X by virtue of being the Council's representative on Ardler Village Trust.
Lord Provost Duncan declared a non-financial interest in Article XII by virtue of being the Council's representative on Dundee Science Centre.
Councillor McDonald declared a non-financial interest in Article XII by virtue of being the Councils representative on Dundee Industrial Heritage.
Lord Provost Duncan and Councillors Guild, Black and McCready declared a non-financial interest in Article XII by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Dundee Repertory Theatre.
Councillors Black and Asif declared a non-financial in Article XII by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Grey Lodge Settlement Association.
Depute Lord Provost Roberts declared a non-financial interest in Article XII by virtue of being the Council's representative on Dundee International Womens Centre.
Councillors McDonald, Lynn, Melville and McCready declared a non-financial interest in Article XII by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Dundee Contemporary Arts.
Lord Provost Duncan and Councillors Hunter, Gordon and McCready declared a non-financial interest in Article XIII by virtue of being the Councils representatives on Leisure and Culture, Dundee.
II MINUTES
(a) PENSION INVESTMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF 3RD MARCH, 2014
(b) PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 2ND APRIL, 2014
The minutes of meetings of the above Sub-Committees, copies of which are appended hereto (Appendices I and II), were submitted for information and record purposes.
III DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2014/2015
There was submitted Report No 189-2014 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.
The Committee noted the Community Regeneration Fund allocations for 2014/2015 and approved the funding proposals contained in Section 5.2 of the report appended hereto (Appendix III).
IV IMPROVEMENT SERVICES THROUGH LISTENING TO CUSTOMERS AND SERVICE USERS
There was submitted Report No 90-2014 by the Chief Executive highlighting some of the improvements which had been made to Council services as a result of listening to the views of customers and service users over the past year.
The Committee:-
(i) noted the contents of the report, and agreed that similar reports should continue to be submitted annually;
(ii) agreed that departments be encouraged to maintain their efforts to listen to and respond to feedback from customers and to identify any further customers who should be consulted with a view to achieving service improvements; and
(iii) noted the launch of the Council's first Corporate Customer Charter which included a commitment to listen to what customers had to say.
V WELFARE REFORM UPDATE
The Committee agreed to hear a deputation in respect of the above and after the deputation had put forward their case and answered questions from members of the Committee, they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.
On a reference to Article V of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 24th June, 2013, there was submitted Report No 146-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services updating members on the work being undertaken by the Council to mitigate the risks and prepare individuals for the Welfare Reform changes.
Councillor Guild, seconded by Councillor Alexander, moved that the Committee:-
(i) notes the update on the work streams which have been identified to assist in preparing for the Welfare Reform changes;
(ii) notes the continued work and progress being undertaken to engage and communicate with those impacted by the Welfare Reform changes;
(iii) notes the implications in terms of increased debt, potential increases in homelessness and demand for advice services from various services and the voluntary sector;
(iv) notes the new projects which have been established because of the successful external funding application.
In addition, the Committee:-
(v) acknowledges the devastating impact the Westminster Government's 'Welfare Reform' agenda is having on the most vulnerable people within Dundee and supports Dundee City Council's approach in mitigating the worst effects;
(vi) notes the concern 'The Child Poverty Action Groups' assessment that after housing costs have been taken into account, 100,000 more children in Scotland will be pushed into poverty by 2020 because of the 'reforms';
(vii) notes the University of Sheffield Study published on 9th April, 2014 which indicates that the rise in demand for foodbanks is a clear signal 'of inadequacy of both social security provision and the processes by which it is delivered';
(viii) notes the recent Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, 'The impact of welfare reform on social landlords and tenants', which illustrates the financial strain being placed upon people affected by the cuts and their landlords and reiterates in its key findings that 'Tenants are experiencing poverty, anxiety, debt and health problems. Foodbanks are becoming essential. People (are) relying on family and friends for help';
(ix) further condemns the UK Government for its harmful welfare policies which will drive families into poverty, remove 58 million from the local economy and strain the resources of individuals and local authorities at a time when Westminster Government has reduced the budget of the Scottish Parliament; and
(x) recognises that the Scottish Parliament is best placed to make decisions on behalf of the people of Scotland and supports a vote of independence in September, allowing the removal of policies such as the 'bedroom tax' and the burden placed on vulnerable and disabled people across this city.
As an amendment, Bailie Scott, seconded by Councillor Macpherson, moved that the Committee only note the recommendations in Report No 146-2014 (paragraphs (i) to (iv) above).
On a division, there voted for the motion - Councillors Guild, Alexander, Black, Bowes, Campbell, Cordell, Dawson, Hunter, Lynn, McDonald, Melville, Murray, Lord Provost Duncan, Depute Lord Provost Roberts and Bailie Sawers (15); and for the amendment - Councillor Macpherson and Bailie Scott (2) - Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Brennan, Cruickshank, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready, McGovern, Bailies Wright and Borthwick declining to vote - whereupon the motion was declared carried.
VI BLACKLISTING
There was submitted Agenda Note AN142-2014 intimating that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor McCready.
The Committee approved the undernoted resolution:-
"Dundee City Council welcomes the issuing of the Scottish Government's Procurement Policy Note SPPN 4/2013 providing advice and guidelines on the exclusion from public contracts of companies which engage in blacklisting.
Dundee City Council resolves to fully implement these guidelines forthwith in procurement processes."
VII DERELICT PROPERTY AT 14 GARLAND PLACE AND AFFECTED PROPERTY AT 12 GARLAND PLACE
The Committee agreed to hear a deputation in respect of the above and after the deputation had put forward his case and answered questions from members of the Committee, he was thanked for his attendance and withdrew.
There was submitted Report No 96-2014 by the Directors of City Development and Housing.
The Committee:-
(i) agreed to the serving of a Work Notice under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 Section 30 requiring the immediate construction of a replacement roof on the building, 14 Garland Place, for the protection of habitability of 12 Garland Place; and
(ii) authorised the promotion of a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 189 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 for the acquisition of the tenement property at 14 Garland Place by the Council.
VIII PROVISION OF BANKING SERVICES - TENDER REPORT
There was submitted Report No 123-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services seeking acceptance of the recommended tender for the provision of banking services.
The Committee approved the acceptance of the tender from Royal Bank of Scotland amounting to 107,780.25 over three years, it being noted that this figure included the cost of other bodies such as Tay Road Bridge Joint Board and Tayside Contracts which were administered as part of the contract.
Arising therefrom, in line with the Council's Community Benefits from Procurement Approach Policy Report No 350-2012 (Policy and Resources Committee, 10th September, 2012, Article XV refers), the Committee noted that procurement activity should secure maximum economic and social benefit. The Committee further noted plans by the Royal Bank of Scotland to close its Perth Road branch.
The Committee instructed the Chief Executive to write to the Royal Bank of Scotland highlighting the Council's commitment to Community Benefits from Procurement, highlighting the negative impact any closure would have on residents who used the bank, businesses which use the bank and on the wider local community and to ask the Royal Bank of Scotland to reconsider its decision to close their branch on the Perth Road.
IX RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF
There was submitted Report No 175-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services relative to the above.
Applicant |
Subjects
|
Art Angel (Scotland) Ltd 1/0 Enterprise House 45 North Lindsay Street Dundee
|
Office 1/0 Enterprise House 45 North Lindsay Street Dundee |
Scottish Autism Enterprise House 45 North Lindsay Street Dundee
|
Office Enterprise House 45 North Lindsay Street Dundee |
Wave 102 Help for Kids 5th Floor Part City House 116 Overgate Dundee |
Office 5th Floor Part City House 116 Overgate Dundee
|
Penumbra Norton Park 57 Albion Road Edinburgh
|
Office Unit 3 10 Douglas Street Dundee |
Penumbra Norton Park 57 Albion Road Edinburgh
|
Office Unit 3A 10 Douglas Street Dundee |
Penumbra Norton Park 57 Albion Road Edinburgh
|
Car Park 10 Douglas Street Dundee |
TFCR t/a Tayside Recyclers Units 1 and 2, Dudhope Mill 87-89 Douglas Street Dundee
|
Shop Unit 23/24 Level 3 The Wellgate Dundee |
Transform Community Development Transform House 95 Douglas Street Dundee |
Warehouse and Office Transform House 95 Douglas Street Dundee |
The Committee approved the recommendations detailed in the report.
X ADMINISTRATIVE GRANTS TO COMMUNITY COUNCILS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD REPRESENTATIVE STRUCTURES 2014-2015
There was submitted Report No 177-2014 by the Director, Leisure and Communities seeking approval for the payment of administrative grants for the financial year 2014/2015 to Community Councils and Neighbourhood Representative Structures in existence or established during the year and to confirm the formulae for payment.
The Committee agreed that:-
(i) administrative grants be awarded to all Community Councils currently in existence or established during 2014/2015 in accordance with the Council's Revised Scheme for the Operation of Community Councils;
(ii) administrative grants be also awarded to other Neighbourhood Representative Structures which meet the eligibility criteria set out in Report No 725-2002;
(iii) grants be awarded according to the following formulae: a lump sum of 330 per Community Council/Neighbourhood Representative Structure plus 1.2p per resident in each area;
(iv) Community Councils or Neighbourhood Representative Structures established beyond 1st April, 2014 would only be eligible for a grant for the part of the year from their inception.
XI IMPACT OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (SCOTLAND) ACT 2014
There was submitted Report No 39-2014 by the Director of Social Work outlining the likely impact of the proposals contained in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 which was introduced to Parliament on 17th April, 2013. The Act was passed by Parliament on 19th February, 2014 and gained Royal Assent on 27th March, 2014.
The Committee:-
(i) noted the contents of the report;
(ii) noted the establishment of the Integrated Children's Services management structure which included Dundee City Council services, Health Board services and partners in the Third Sector;
(iii) agreed that this was the mechanism to prepare and report on the single Children's Service Plan; and
(iv) noted that further reports would be presented to the appropriate Committee once the requirements of the legislation were known.
XII THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS FOR 2014/2015
There was submitted Report No 163-2014 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.
The Committee:-
(i) remitted to the Chief Executive, on behalf of Dundee City Council, to update the Management Agreement with Dundee Contemporary Arts Ltd;
(ii) remitted to the Chief Executive, 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;
(iii) remitted to the Chief Executive, on behalf of Dundee City Council, to enter in to a Third Sector Interface as detailed in an annual Work Plan for 2014/2015 with Dundee Voluntary Action Ltd;
(iv) remitted to the Chief Executive, on behalf of Dundee City Council, to award grants to Volunteer Centre Dundee Ltd, Dundee International Women's Centre and Grey Lodge Settlement;
(v) remitted to the Chief Executive to keep these arrangements under review and amend as appropriate;
(vi) approved the level of Management Fee for the period 1st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2015 amounting to:-
251,363 for Dundee Contemporary Arts Ltd.
(vii) approved the Revenue Grant Funding for the period 1st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2015 amounting to:-
43,787 for Dundee Science Centre
59,850 for Dundee Industrial Heritage Ltd
374,425 for Dundee Repertory Theatre Ltd
59,604 for Grey Lodge Settlement
38,378 for Dundee Voluntary Action Ltd
9,624 for Volunteer Centre Dundee Ltd
7,761 for Dundee International Womens Centre
XIII COMMONWEALTH GAMES - GLASGOW 2014 - DUNDEES PRE-GAMES, GAMES DELIVERY AND LEGACY PLANS UPDATE
On a reference to Article VI of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 20th May, 2013, there was submitted Report No 164-2014 by the Chief Executive updating the Committee on the Pre‑Games, Games and Legacy Plans for the Commonwealth Games 2014.
The Committee:-
(i) noted the City's Pre-Games, Games Delivery and Legacy Plans for the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Dundee; and
(ii) approved the expenditure of 41,120 on costs associated with providing the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Dundee activities.
Ken GUILD, Convener.
At a MEETING of the PENSION INVESTMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 3rd March, 2014.
APPENDIX I
Present:-
COUNCILLORS
Jimmy BLACK |
David BOWES |
Gregor MURRAY |
Councillor Jimmy BLACK, Depute Convener, in the Chair.
I DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
II TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS BUSINESS PLAN 2014/2015
There was submitted Report No 130-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services introducing the ninth annual business plan for the Tayside Pension Funds.
The Sub-Committee noted the information within the report and approved the 2014/2015 Business Plan which applied to the administration and management of the Tayside Pension Fund and the Tayside Transport Pension Fund.
III TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS RISK REGISTER
There was submitted Report No 128-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services updating the Risk Register for Tayside Pension Funds.
The Sub-Committee approved the Risk Register for the Tayside Pension Fund and Tayside Transport Pension Fund.
IV TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
There was submitted Report No 131-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services reviewing the Treasury Management Strategy for the Tayside Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee approved the Treasury Management Strategy including the list of permitted counterparties.
V FUNDING STRATEGY STATEMENT
There was submitted Report No 126-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services reviewing the Funding Strategy Statements for the Pension Funds.
The Sub-Committee approved the Funding Strategy Statements for the Tayside Pension Fund and Tayside Transport Pension Fund.
VI STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES REVIEW
There was submitted Report No 133-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services reviewing Statements of Investment Principles for the Tayside Pension Fund and the Tayside Transport Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee noted the information within the report and approved the Statements of Investment Principles for both the Tayside Pension Fund and the Tayside Transport Pension Fund.
VII LGPS (SCOTLAND) NEW GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS DISCUSSION PAPER
The Committee noted the Tayside Pension Fund response to LGPS, Governance Consultation by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency.
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 involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 4, 6 and 11 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.
VIII TAYSIDE SUPERANNUATION FUNDS
(a) PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES
There was submitted Report No 132-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services relating to Performance Summaries for the quarter, twelve months, three years, five years and ten years to 31st December, 2013, reviewing the investment performance of the Main Fund's five Fund Managers (including Property) and the Financing Fund for the quarter to 31st December, 2013. It also considered the performance of the Transport Fund which invests with three of these managers.
The report compared investment performance of the Funds with the Funds' specific benchmarks which consisted of various stock and security marked indices.
The Sub-Committee noted the information contained therein with regard to the performance of the Tayside Pension Fund and Tayside Transport Pension Fund and their Fund Managers.
(b) SUMMARIES OF INVESTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS
There was submitted Report No 84-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services summarising investments and transactions during the period 1st October to 31st December, 2013 reviewing the investment activities of the Main Fund's seven Fund Managers for the quarter to 31st December, 2013. 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 Pension Fund and Tayside Transport Pension Fund and their Fund Managers.
(c) QUARTERLY FUNDING REPORT
There was submitted Report No 127-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services which considered reports by the Fund Actuary reviewing the current funding level of the Funds as assessed by the Fund Actuary.
The Sub-Committee noted the report.
IX INVESTMENT IN TOBACCO - EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT
Members noted the current position with regards to this issue.
X ANNUAL REVIEW OF INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE - MAIN FUND
There was submitted Report No 129-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services which considered a report by the Investment Consultants. Kenneth Ettles of AON Hewitt gave a short overview of this.
The Sub-Committee noted the report and, in particular, the recommendations on individual investment managers. A further report would be brought back in due course as part of a wider review of the Fund.
XI PRESENTATION
Nicholas Gardner and Douglas Stewart of Alliance Bernstein gave a short presentation to members reviewing the current position of the portfolio, including benchmarks and performance summary.
Current investment goals were outlined, noting that it was a strong year for equities across developed markets.
The Chair thanked the presentation for their attendance on behalf of members.
Jimmy BLACK, Depute Chair.
At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 2nd April 2014.
APPENDIX II
Present:-
COUNCILLORS
Jimmy BLACK |
Gregor MURRAY |
Mohammed ASIF |
Councillor Jimmy BLACK, Convener in the Chair.
The minute of meeting of this Committee on 29th January, 2014 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 items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.
I DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
II APPEAL AGAINST DISMISSAL
It was reported that an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Corporate Services Department had been submitted.
The Sub-Committee heard the Councils representative and witnesses and, thereafter the Appellant and her representative.
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 been substantiated and that the appeal be upheld.
Councillor Murray intimated his dissent from the foregoing decision.
Jimmy BLACK, Convener.
APPENDIX III
Applicant |
Description of Project |
Forum Decision Amount
|
Highwayman Management Group |
To purchase IT equipment and software for use by members of the Highwayman Digital Photography Group.
|
1,832 |
Bottom of the Hill Tenants' and Residents' Group |
To support a pilot series of family engagement events in Tulloch Court Lounge arising from feedback from local residents. Events will lead to the production of community artworks and be a starting point for other activities.
|
2,070 |
On The Whole |
Funding for project running costs for one year, a six week summer programme, volunteer training, a term-time drop-in programme and development and equipment costs.
|
11,917 |
Craigiebank Association |
To contribute towards the cost of a Community Fun Day with a range of free activities. Approximately 250-300 people are expected to participate.
|
1,300 |
Rock Solid Youth Group |
To provide regular outings as part of the Groups youth diversionary activities, for approximately fifty young people from the East End area.
|
1,723 |
LACD - Leisure and Sports |
To help reduce inactivity by providing organised opportunities for children and young people to play football at Ancrum Road PS. Approximately 32 children are expected to take part over the year, with regular attendances of 20 at each session.
|
1,160 |
Menzieshill Gardening Group |
To fund transport and entry to Redhall Garden by Edinburgh and Dunninald Gardens by Montrose for eleven group members, plus a guided tour of Dundee Botanic Gardens.
|
340 |
B2G Experience |
To enable B2G to work with three local out of school clubs to provide them with a 12 week programme of outdoor survival activities culminating in an outdoor camping session. Up to 90 children aged between five and twelve are expected to participate.
|
5,200 |
Lochee Boys/Girls Boxing Club |
To contribute to the refurbishment of toilet and changing room facilities as part of the ongoing improvements being made at the club. This will enable a wider range of local groups to make use of the facilities.
|
10,000 |
B2G Experience Ltd |
To enable B2G to work with The Glebie out of school club to provide them with a 12 week programme of outdoor survival activities culminating in an outdoor camping session. Up to 30 children aged between five and twelve are expected to participate.
|
1,750 |
Dura Street Sheltered Housing Social Group |
To continue to provide chair aerobics throughout 2014/2015 and to fund the shortfall in OPEN funding to continue Aromatherapy and Reiki. Altogether, approximately fifty older people take part in these activities.
|
990 |
DISC Target Project |
To employ a minimum of eight local young people from Maryfield as Dundee United sessional football coaches to deliver diversionary football sessions for sixty other young people from the local community on Thursday/Friday nights at the DISC.
|
7,000 |
Boomerang |
To fund the continuation and expansion of the current Koala Club from one night to two nights a week based at No 1 Youth Centre. The funds would be used to pay for two youth workers, to support the group for approximately 20 children aged 5-9.
|
6,452 |
Ormiston, Inveresk and Salton Residents Association |
To provide fruit, vegetables and healthy snacks for 60 local young people attending the youth club and other groups, to help improve their diet and overall health.
|
750 |
Finlarig 61 Club |
To purchase hairdressing equipment and chairs that will enable the 56 elderly residents of the sheltered housing complex to have their hair washed/styled regularly by a visiting hairdresser.
|
682 |
LACD - Leisure and Sports |
To provide five sessions of hockey and football per week at Fintry and Ballumbie Primary Schools. Approximately 88 children are expected to participate each week.
|
5,401 |
St Marys Over 55s Club |
To fund transport for an outing for 37 elderly people to visit the Peoples Palace, Winter Gardens and Transport Museum in Glasgow.
|
380 |
St Marys Bluebells |
To fund transport for an outing for 28 members of the Over 60s group to the Highland Museum.
|
360 |
Kick It Kick Off Learning Centre |
To provide eleven of the looked after and accommodated children and young people attending the centre with an overnight residential experience, including a range of activities.
|
1,700 |
Kick It Kick Off Learning Centre |
To purchase equipment and refreshments for a weekly football project for a group of 35 young people accessing the centre. The activity will make use of the astroturf pitch at St Pauls HS.
|
2,000 |
St Andrew's Primary School |
To deliver a Honeybee Project which will deliver four sessions to each of 14 class groups, reaching 368 pupils and 60 nursery children. This builds on a nationally recognised pilot project from 2013. |
4,500 |