Policy And Resources Committee - 25/08/2014

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 25th August, 2014.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost Bob DUNCAN

 

Depute Lord Provost Christina ROBERTS

 

BAILIES

 

Willie SAWERS

Helen WRIGHT

Ian BORTHWICK

 

Derek J SCOTT

 

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Ken GUILD

Ken LYNN

Laurie BIDWELL

Jimmy BLACK

Vari McDONALD

Lesley BRENNAN

David BOWES

Craig MELVILLE

Tom FERGUSON

Bill CAMPBELL

Gregor MURRAY

Brian GORDON

Kevin CORDELL

Alan G ROSS

Richard McCREADY

Will DAWSON

Kevin KEENAN

Norma McGOVERN

Stewart HUNTER

Mohammed ASIF

Fraser MACPHERSON

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 23rd June, 2014 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

No declarations of interest were made.

 

II REVENUE MONITORING

 

There was submitted Report No 301-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services providing an analysis of the 2014/2015 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30th June, 2014 monitored against the adjusted 2014/2015 Revenue Budget.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted that the overall General Fund 2014/2015 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30th June, 2014 was projecting a breakeven position against the adjusted 2014/2015 Revenue Budget;

 

(ii) noted that the Housing Revenue Account as at 30th June, 2014 was projecting a breakeven position against the adjusted HRA 2014/2015 Revenue Budget;

 

(iii) instructed the Director of Corporate Services to take every reasonable action to ensure that the 2014/2015 revenue expenditure was below or in line with the adjusted Revenue Budget; and

 

(iv) instructed the Director of Corporate Services, in conjunction with all Chief Officers, to continue to monitor the Councils 2014/2015 Projected Revenue Outturn.

III CAPITAL MONITORING

 

There was submitted Report No 289-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services appraising members of the latest position regarding the Councils Capital Expenditure Programme for 2014/2015.

 

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

 

IV RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

 

There was submitted Report No 310-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services relative to the above.

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

The Kapital Foundation Charitable Trust

t/a Purdies

Kiloran Hall

Middle Balado

Kinross

 

Shop

Unit L28

Overgate

Dundee

Boomerang Community Centre

Neil Ellis

110 Albert Street

Dundee

 

Shop

9a/11 Albert Street

Dundee

Fairfield Sports & Leisure Social Club Ltd

James Sorrie

1 Castleview Apartments

6 Dudhope Terrace

Dundee

 

Licensed Club

West Side of Drumgeith Road

Dundee

Centric Community Projects Ltd

c/o Vsm

Silbury Court

352-390 Silbury Boulevard

Milton Keynes

Office

Explorer Road

Dundee

 

The Committee approved the recommendations detailed in the report.

 

V TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF A CONSUMER AND SOCIAL SURVEY ON BEHALF OF DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL, THE DUNDEE PARTNERSHIP ANDANGUS COUNCIL

 

There was submitted Report No 282-2014 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

In view of the timescales involved, it was noted that the Chief Executive in consultation with the Depute Convener of this Committee, Labour Group spokesperson, Conservative member, Liberal Democratic member and Independent member, had considered tenders received from market research companies to conduct a survey on behalf of the Council and Dundee Partnership in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 and accepted the lowest tender from Research Resource at a cost to Dundee City Council of 53,700 over three years.

 

VI DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2014/2015

 

There was submitted Report No 309-2014 and Report No 331-2014 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

The Committee noted the allocations to the Community Regeneration Fund for 2014/2015 and approved the funding proposals contained in Section 5.2 of the reports appended hereto.

VII ANNUAL PROCUREMENT REPORT

 

On a reference to Article XIV of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 13th June, 2011 there was submitted Report No 306-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services summarising progress made against the objectives set out in the Councils Procurement Strategy 2011/2015.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the content of the report, which was submitted in accordance with the objectives contained within the Councils Procurement Strategy 2011-2015 (Report No 309-2011 refers);

 

(ii) noted the progress being made in the procurement reform programme contained within the Procurement Capability Assessment 2013;

 

(iii) noted the standards expected of public bodies when applying sustainability to procurement expressed in the Procurement Capability Assessment questionnaire 2013; and

 

(iv) approved the Tayside Procurement Consortium Sustainable Procurement Policy detailed in (Appendix A) of the report.

 

In addition, it was agreed that all future procurement reports, where appropriate, demonstrate how the Councils Policy on Community Benefits had been included in the assessment of the tender.

 

VIII PROCUREMENT OF EMPLOYABILITY SERVICES PROCESS

 

On a reference to Article VIII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 9th June, 2014, there was submitted Report No 285-2014 by the Director of City Development relative to the above.

 

In view of the timescales involved it was noted that the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Depute Convener of this Committee, Labour Group spokesperson, Conservative member, Liberal Democratic member and Independent member, had approved the recommendations of the Dundee Partnership Employability Assessment Group and remitted to officers to award the contracts involved.

 

IX ADULT SUPPORT AND PROTECTION COMMITTEE - INDEPENDENT CONVENERS BIENNIAL REPORT TO THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

 

There was submitted Report No 307-2014 by the Director of Social Work advising the Committee that the Independent Convener of the Adult Support and Protection Committee had produced his Biennial Report for the Scottish Government for the period April, 2012 - March, 2014 and informing members of the key considerations highlighted in the Biennial Report.

 

In addition, the Committee heard Mr Colin McCashey, Independent Convener of the Adult Support and Protection Committee.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the contents of the Independent Conveners Biennial Report;

 

(ii) noted the progress that had been made in developing an effective partnership response to Adult Support and Protection issues in the city; and

 

(iii) noted the Independent Conveners recommendations for 2014-2016 outlined in paragraph 4.4 in the report.

X LOCAL COMMUNITY PLAN MONITORING - 2013/2014

 

There was submitted Report No 281-2014 by the Director, Leisure and Communities presenting the findings from the annual output monitoring exercise of Local Community Plans for the period 1st April, 2013 to 31st March, 2014.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) agreed to recognise the significant level of progress made in terms of outputs achieved by Local Community Planning Partnerships for each area;

 

(ii) agreed to recognise the high level of collaboration, co-operation and support between Dundee City Council, partner agencies and community stakeholders in the implementation of Local Community Plans; and

 

(iii) agreed that Dundee City Council should continue to work with public, private and voluntary sector agencies in partnership with local communities to address the long‑term aspirations, needs and issues identified in each Local Community Plan.

 

XI INVOLVING YOUNG PEOPLE IN DECISION-MAKING

 

There was submitted Report No 302-2014 by the Director, Leisure and Communities advising the Committee about progress being made in the development of opportunities for young people to be involved in decision-making.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) agreed to endorse progress being made in the development of opportunities for young people to be involved in decision-making as described in Appendix 1 of the report;

 

(ii) approved a framework for ongoing improvement, characterised by the following improvement actions, to be implemented by the Communities Division Youth Work Teams:-

 

- Continue to support young people to ensure that they were represented at each LCPP.

 

- Support young people to develop Youth Action Groups to take forward ideas for local developments as and when these arised.

 

- Facilitate regular opportunities for local representatives to visit programmes and to meet young people in order to raise awareness of young peoples views.

 

- Support young people to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to become more involved in local decision-making.

 

- Support opportunities for progression for young people who get involved in service developments as volunteers.

 

- Ensure that all young people who were engaged in volunteering and/or other opportunities to influence policy and service developments had the opportunity to be recognised for their efforts through accreditation.

 

XII ANNUAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT 2013/2014

 

After considering Report No 279-2014 by the Head of Human Resources and Business Support relative to the above, the Committee approved the Annual Health and Safety Report which helped to promote the management of health and safety across the Council and provided information regarding the further development of health and safety management throughout the Council.

XIII RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PUBLIC BODIES (JOINT WORKING) (SCOTLAND) ACT 2014

 

There was submitted Report No 308-2014 by the Director of Social Work updating members on the Scottish Government's consultation on draft Regulations to support the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014, which provided details about the proposed arrangements for the integration of health and social care and to seek agreement on the proposed response to the consultation on the Regulations.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the information contained within this report about the Scottish Government's consultation to support the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014;

 

(ii) approved the proposed response to the draft Regulations summarised within the report and included as Appendix 1 to the report; and

 

(iii) noted as outlined in paragraph 4.3.1.1 of the report that an Integration Scheme would require to be submitted for approval by Scottish Ministers by 1st April, 2015.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

APPENDIX

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

 

Dundee Foodbank

To contribute towards the salary of a volunteer co‑ordinator for the Dundee Foodbank. This will provide better recruitment of, and experience for volunteers who annually support around 4,500 clients.

 

2,000

By Ricochet

To contribute to a film making project. By Ricochet and partners will provide activities focussed on developing the range of skills and talents involved in and around film making for 40 young people (aged 1625) in the Ward.

 

3,500

St Pius Primary

To purchase and install a range of stimulating play resources for the playground area within the school grounds.

 

5,000

Dryburgh Community Association

To hold a childrens Halloween Party and fund a pantomime trip for 35 children attending the youth clubs plus six supervising adults.

 

880

By Ricochet

To contribute to a film making project. By Ricochet and partners will provide activities focussed on developing the range of skills and talents involved in and around film making for 40 young people (aged 16‑25) in the Ward.

 

3,500

Dundee International Womens Centre

To repair the outdoor play park fencing to enable up to 100 children accessing the creche each week to safely access the area. To renovate and redecorate seating in the play park area.

 

421

By Ricochet

To contribute to a film-making project. By Ricochet and partners will provide activities focussed on developing the range of skills and talents involved in and around film-making for 40 young people (aged 1625) in the Ward.

 

3,500

Boomerang Community Centre

To fund the salary costs of two youth workers in order to develop and deliver a media project for 10-12 young people, documenting peoples opinion of Stobswell.

 

3,927

Tayside Contracts/City Development

To carry out resurfacing and drainage improvement works at the Cheviot shopping precinct car park, enabling better access to the local shops.

 

4,597

Roly Poly

To buy art and craft goods and materials for ten group members to continue to develop their skills and confidence.

 

76

The Attic

To purchase microphones and a portable PA system for use by children and youth clubs, as well as at special events. At least 150 people will benefit each year.

 

1,000

Rosebank Primary School Football Team

To provide a football coach for the P5 - P7 class teams, purchase football strips, hire pitches and provide transport to away games. A washing machine will also be installed at the school to ensure the strips are kept clean.

 

1,632

Douglas CC LMG

To subsidise travel costs and entrance fees for three family trips with approximately thirty children and twenty adults participating in each trip.

 

1,365

Dundee Foodbank

To contribute towards the salary of a volunteer coordinator for the Dundee Foodbank. This will provide better recruitment of, and experience for volunteers who annually support around 4,500 clients.

 

1,350

Labourtrain

To provide gardening equipment for a pilot project involving training for ex-offenders and people recovering from substance misuse at the Menzieshill Parish Church and City Church.

 

2,250

Dryburgh Farmhouse Shelter Housing

To upgrade the sheltered housing garden space, enabling around sixty residents to socialise better with each other in a pleasant environment.

 

444

Ancrum Road Primary School

To part fund bee-keeper, Wendy Jackson to deliver Honey Bee Project sessions to two classes (approximately sixty children).

 

300

Craigowan Sheltered Housing

To purchase a green house, gardening tools, seeds and pots for the shared garden space that will enable some residents to get involved in improving the space and sixty residents to better use the outdoors as a social setting.

 

500

Dundee Foodbank

To contribute towards the salary of a volunteer co‑ordinator for the Dundee Foodbank. This will provide better recruitment of, and experience for volunteers who annually support around 4,500 clients.

 

2,000

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland

To fund a fifth of the salary costs of the Hear to Help Co-ordinators post. The Co-ordinator will spend a fifth of her time in the Maryfield Ward carrying out drop in sessions and home visits in the local area.

 

3,333

Dundee Foodbank

To contribute towards the salary of a volunteer co‑ordinator for the Dundee Foodbank. This will provide better recruitment of, and experience for volunteers who annually support around 4,500 clients.

 

1,800

Longhaugh Sheltered Housing

To fund transport for two coach trips, to Livingston and Aberdeen, for approximately 33 local elderly people. the trips will provide a positive boost to participants mental health by reducing isolation.

 

540

Dundee Foodbank

To contribute towards the salary of a volunteer co-ordinator for the Dundee Foodbank. This will provide better recruitment of, and experience for volunteers who annually support around 4,500 clients.

 

1,350

St Marys Fun Day

To allow the planning group to deliver a fun day for St Marys by providing the core costs for activities on the day. Approximately 500 people are expected to participate.

 

2,213

Young at Heart

To fund transport for a motivation and educational trip to Oban. 32 people will be able to see places they would not otherwise visit due to mobility or financial restrictions.

 

445

Kirkton Community Centre Management Group

To put on the Kirkton Festival which will provide a range of activities and rides for children and their families. Over 1,500 people are expected to participate on the day.

 

1,486

Chuckles Club

To fund transport costs for approximately thirty group members to go on an excursion to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

 

300

Dundee Foodbank

To contribute towards the salary of a volunteer co‑ordinator for the Dundee Foodbank. This will provide better recruitment of, and experience for volunteers who annually support around 4,500 clients.

 

1,350

50+ Group

To fund transport and entry costs for approximately 49 group members to go on a day trip to the New Lanark Mill.

 

718

Kirkton Partnership

To fund an environmental arts project in Kirkton. The project will focus on improving the appearance of the wall which borders Asda and the adjacent community green space.

 

5,430