Policy And Resources Committee - 09/11/2015

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 9th November, 2015.

 

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

Lesley BRENNAN

John ALEXANDER

Craig MELVILLE

Georgia CRUICKSHANK

Jimmy BLACK

Gregor MURRAY

Tom FERGUSON

David BOWES

Alan G ROSS

Brian GORDON

Bill CAMPBELL

Kevin KEENAN

Richard McCREADY

Kevin CORDELL

Mohammed ASIF

Norma McGOVERN

Stewart HUNTER

Laurie BIDWELL

Fraser MACPHERSON

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 26th October, 2015 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

No declarations of interest were made.

 

II MINUTES - PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE AND PENSION BOARD

 

The minutes of meetings of 31st August, 2015 and 26th October, 2015, copies of which are appended hereto (Appendices I and II) were submitted for information and record purposes.

 

III REVENUE MONITORING

 

There was submitted Report No 408-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services providing an analysis of the 2015/2016 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30th September, 2015 and monitored against the adjusted 2015/2016 Revenue Budget.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted that the overall General Fund 2015/2016 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30th September, 2015 was projecting a breakeven position against the adjusted 2015/2016 Revenue Budget;

 

(ii) noted that the Housing Revenue Account as at 30th September, 2015 was projecting a breakeven position against the adjusted HRA 2015/2016 Revenue Budget;

 

(iii) instructed the Executive Director of Corporate Services to take every reasonable action to ensure that the 2015/2016 revenue expenditure was below or in line with the adjusted Revenue Budget; and

 

(iv) instructed the Executive Director of Corporate Services, in conjunction with all Chief Officers, to continue to monitor the Councils 2015/2016 Projected Revenue Outturn.

 

IV TREASURY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY 2015/2016 (MID-YEAR REVIEW)

 

There was submitted Report No 387-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the Council's Treasury Management activities for the period 1st April, 2015 to 30th September, 2015.

 

The Committee noted the information detailed therein.

 

V DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND

 

There was submitted Report No 413-2015 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

The Committee noted the Community Regeneration Fund allocations for 2015/2016 and approved the funding proposals contained in Section 5.2 of the report appended hereto (Appendix III).

 

VI DUNDEE FAIRNESS COMMISSION - INTERIM REPORT/STICK YOUR LABELS CAMPAIGN

 

On a reference to Article VIII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 9th March, 2015, there was submitted Report No 354-2015 by the Chief Executive updating the Committee on the work of the Dundee Fairness Commission between April and September, 2015 and outlining emerging conclusions and areas for priority action.

 

The Committee noted:-

 

(i) the progress of the Dundee Fairness Commission; and

 

(ii) the actions in place to meet the pledges set out in the Poverty Alliance's "Stick Your Labels" campaign.

 

VII CHIEF EXECUTIVES DEPARTMENT SERVICE PLAN - REVIEW

 

There was submitted Report No 348-2015 by the Chief Executive reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive's Department in relation to its Service Plan 2012-2017.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the contents of the Chief Executive's Department Service Plan Review;

 

(ii) approved the new targets and key performance indicators shown in the table in paragraph 4.2.3 of the report; and

 

(iii) approved the new actions contained in paragraph 4.3.3 of the report.

 

VIII CORPORATE SERVICES PLAN REVIEW

 

There was submitted Report No 394-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the performance of Corporate Services in relation to its Service Plan 2012-2017.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the contents of the Corporate Services Service Plan Review; and

 

(ii) approved the new actions contained in paragraph 4.5 of the report.

 

IX LIVING WAGE ACCREDITATION

 

There was submitted Report No 395-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services informing the Committee of the process and preparation required to enable the Council to secure Living Wage accreditation.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) agreed that an Officer Working Group be created to establish the practical steps required to make an application to the Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative; and

 

(ii) agreed that monitoring of progress be reported back to Committee.

 

X IT NETWORK UPGRADE FOR NEW SAFETY AND ALARM CENTRE

 

After considering Report No 410-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services relative to the above, the Committee agreed to accept a quote from Rapier Systems amounting to 85,000 for the purchase of wireless network equipment for the upgrade of the Council IT network to allow the transmission of CCTV images to the new Safety and Alarm Centre.

 

XI V&A MUSEUM OF DESIGN - PROGRESS REPORT

 

On a reference to Article IV of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 26th January, 2015, there was submitted Report No 400-2015 by the Executive Director of City Development updating the Committee on progress towards the delivery of the V&A Museum of Design project.

 

The Committee noted the progress being made and remitted to officers to continue to closely manage and monitor the project's delivery to ensure a successful outcome.

 

XII DUNDEE WATERFRONT PROJECT - PROGRESS REPORT

 

There was submitted Report No 420-2015 by the Executive Director of City Development advising members of progress on the implementation of the Dundee Waterfront Project.

 

The Committee noted the progress being made on the delivery of the various components of the Dundee Waterfront Project.

 

XIII IMPACT OF ABOLITION OF NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRACTED OUT RATES ON EMPLOYEES

 

On a reference to Article III of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 14th September, 2015, there was submitted Report No 418-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services informing the Committee of the particular impact of the UK Government's decision to abolish National Insurance contracted out rates for employees.

 

The Committee noted the significant impact that this change would have on City Council individual employees.

 

XIV TRANSATLANTIC TRADE AND INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN198-2015 intimating that this item had been placed on the Committee at the request of Councillor Black.

 

The Committee agreed to hear a deputation from Mr Paul Robison, the Chair of the Dundee Committee against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and after he had stated his case and answered questions from members of the Committee, he was thanked for his attendance and withdrew.

 

Councillor Black, seconded by Councillor Melville, moved approval of the undernoted resolution:-

 

This Council notes:-

 

1. That the EU and USA are negotiating a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

 

2. That negotiations are underway to determine which goods and services TTIP will apply to and if new rules can be agreed to protect investors, harmonise standards, reduce tariffs and open new markets throughout the EU and USA.

 

3. That there has been no impact assessment about the potential impact on local authorities.

 

4. That there has been no scrutiny of the negotiating texts by local government and no consultation with local government representatives.

 

5. That MPs and MSPs are also unable to scrutinise the negotiating documents.

 

This Council believes that:-

 

1. TTIP could have a detrimental impact on local services, employment, suppliers and decision-making.

 

2. A thorough impact assessment of TTIP on local authorities must be undertaken before the negotiations can be concluded.

 

3. The EU's proposed Investor Court mechanism provides transnational companies with privileges not shared by individual citizens or nation states, and that this is unacceptable, as is the ISDS system of arbitration.

 

4. The EUs food, environmental and labour standards are better than those in the US and TTIP negotiations must raise and not lower these standards across the EU and USA.

 

5. Sourcing supplies and employment locally is important to strengthening local economies and meeting local needs. TTIP must not impact on local authorities ability to act in the best interests of their communities.

 

This Council therefore agrees:-

 

1. To write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, The Right Honourable Greg Clark, MP, the Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment, Marco Biagi, MSP, local MPs, MSPs and all Scottish MEPs raising opposition to TTIP.

 

2. To write to COSLA to raise our opposition to TTIP and ask them to raise this with the Westminster and Scottish Governments on our behalf.

 

3. To call for an impact assessment on the potential impact of TTIP on local authorities.

 

4. To publicise the Councils opposition to TTIP; join with other local authorities which are opposed to TTIP across Europe and work with local campaigners to raise awareness about the problems of TTIP.

 

As an amendment, Bailie Scott, seconded by Councillor Macpherson, moved that no action be taken.

 

On a division, there voted for the motion - Councillors Guild, Alexander, Black, Bowes, Campbell, Cordell, Hunter, Lynn, Melville, Murray, Ross, Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Brennan, Cruickshank, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready, McGovern, Bailies Sawers, Wright and Borthwick and Lord Provost Duncan and Depute Lord Provost Roberts (25); and for the amendment - Councillor Macpherson and Bailie Scott (2) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

At a JOINT MEETING of the PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE AND THE PENSION BOARD held at Dundee on 31st August, 2015.

 

APPENDIX I

 

Present:-

 

PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Jimmy BLACK

Brian GORDON

Gregor MURRAY

 

Kevin KEENAN

 

 

PENSION BOARD

 

Arthur NICOLL

Rob MURRAY

George RAMSAY

John KELLAS

 

Kenny DICK

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener, in the Chair.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

II TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS RISK REGISTER

 

There was submitted Report No 317-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services updating the Risk Register for the Tayside Pension Funds.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board approved the updated Risk Register for the Tayside Pension Fund and Tayside Transport Pension Fund.

 

III TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS ADMINISTRATION STRATEGY

 

There was submitted Report No 318-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services setting out, in conjunction with the implementation of a self-service pension site (pensionsWEB), the standards required of the participating employers and the Fund to ensure that the Fund meet their statutory obligations and demonstrate ability to deliver services efficiently. The strategy contained a variety of performance measures against which the Fund and participating employers were assessed with performance being reported to Sub-Committee and Board.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board agreed to:-

 

(i) Agree the policy contained within, which would be effective following successful implementation of pensionsWEB by the end of the current financial year;

(ii) Consent to distribute to all employers; and

(iii) Consent to engage in production of key partnership agreements with larger employers within the Fund.

 

IV TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

 

There was submitted Report No 319-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services presenting a Communications Policy as required by the Local Government Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2014.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board approved the Communications Policy which would be effective following successful implementation of pensionsWEB by the end of the current financial year.

 

V TRAINING - SCOTTISH LGPS TRAINING - OCTOBER 2015

 

A training seminar was being organised by LGPS Scotland IGG for all Scottish LGPS Funds Committees and Boards. The seminar would take place in COSLA offices in Edinburgh on 9th October, 2015.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board agreed that any interested member be authorised to attend these training events.

 

VI PENSIONSWEB SELF SERVICE ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM

 

A verbal update was given on the current project being undertaken within the Pension Admin section to install and implement the Hymans Robertson system. This new system would enable employer and member self service access to administration queries and facilitate automatic pension contribution processing.

 

A phased approach to implementation would be made, with the employer module being implemented in January, 2016 and the employee module implemented thereafter.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board noted the update given.

 

VII AON HEWITT CHANGE OF INVESTMENT TEAM

 

It was reported that following discussions with Investment Advisors, it was decided that the Fund would be better suited to a different investment support team. The team was headed by Emily McGuire who is Head of LGPS UK supported by Dave Lyons who has extensive experience with larger funds (LGPS and corporate).

 

The Sub-Committee and Board noted the change of Investment Team.

 

VIII PENSION BOARD - APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSON

 

It was reported that in line with regulatory requirements, the Pension Board was required to appoint a chairperson to act on their behalf.

 

The Pension Board nominated Councillor Rob Murray to be appointed as chairperson.

 

The Sub-Committee and the Board 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.

 

IX TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS

 

(a) PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES

 

There was submitted Report No 320-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services relating to Performance Summaries for the quarter 1, 3, 5 and 10 year time periods to 31st March, 2015.

 

This report reviewed the investment performance of the Main Funds six Fund Managers (including Property) for the quarter to 30th June, 2015. It also considered the performance of the Transport Fund which invests with four of these managers.

 

The report compared investment performance of the Funds with the Funds specific benchmarks which consisted of various stock and security market indices.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board noted the information contained therein with regard to the performance of the Tayside Main Fund and Tayside Transport Fund and their Fund Manager.

 

(b) SUMMARIES OF INVESTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS

 

There was submitted Report No 315-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services summarising investments and transactions during the period 1st April to 30th April, 2015 and reviewing the investment activities of the Main Funds seven Fund Managers for the quarter to 30th June, 2015. 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 and Board 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 321-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which consisted a report by the Fund Actuary reviewing the current funding level of the Funds as assessed by the Fund Actuary.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board noted the report by the Fund Actuary.

 

X PRESENTATION

 

Douglas Stewart and Nicholas Davidson from Alliance Bernstein gave a short presentation to members, reviewing the current position of the portfolio including benchmarks and performance summary.

 

It was noted that the integrated research used by AB increased opportunities for success in both global and UK markets, and that fund was continuing to perform above the benchmark.

 

After Mr Stewart and Mr Davidson had made their presentation and answered questions from members, the Chair thanked the presentation in behalf of members.

 

 

 

 

Willie SAWERS, Chair.

 

At a JOINT MEETING of the PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE AND THE PENSION BOARD held at Dundee on 26th October, 2015.

 

APPENDIX II

 

Present:-

 

PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Jimmy BLACK

Brian GORDON

Gregor MURRAY

 

PENSION BOARD

 

Arthur NICOLL

Brian BOYD

Mac ROBERTS

 

Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener, in the Chair.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

II ADMISSIONS AGREEMENT - ANGUS ALIVE

 

There was submitted Report No 414-2015 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services seeking agreement of the Sub-Committee and Board to the admission of Angus Alive to the Local Government Pension Scheme as an Admission Body. Angus Alive would be established as an arms length charitable organisation, a company limited to guarantee, to deliver leisure and cultural services on behalf of Angus Council and its staff would be transferred from Angus Council.

 

The Sub-Committee and Board agreed that from the date it came into being, Angus Alive be admitted to the Local Government Pension Scheme as an Admission Body and make and enter into an appropriate admission agreement. The Sub-Committee also noted that Angus Council would act as guarantor.

 

 

 

 

Willie SAWERS, Convener.

 

APPENDIX III

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

 

Hindmarsh Tenants' and Residents' Association

To provide the Association with a new printer, sound system and cabinet to facilitate work towards enabling increased access to community opportunities.

 

205

Douglas Over 60's Group

To contribute toward the cost of a Christmas trip to the theatre for approximately 28 elderly people, some of whom have limited mobility.

 

511

Eastern Primary School Parent Council

Contribution towards costs of protective clothing and an outdoor education trip for pupils.

 

279

Dryburgh Community Association

To cover the cost of transport and tickets for a group of 27 young people to attend the Whitehall Theatre Christmas pantomime.

 

649

Charleston Community Centre

Contribution to the costs of a family social evening/ceilidh to celebrate St Andrew's Night. Approximately eighty local residents are expected to participate.

 

400

Community Family Support Project

To fund an art project that will decorate a wall adjacent to the Community Garden at Whorterbank. Approximately twelve people will be directly involved and additional people using the garden will also benefit.

 

500

Festival of Lochee Life

To purchase tickets for local activities in and around the Ward, that will be used to enable young people in the area to participate in a range of new experiences and challenges. A large number of local young people are expected to benefit.

 

10,000

Charleston Community Centre Youth Group

To purchase group resources and undertake three outdoor activities. Approximately fifteen young people will benefit.

 

995

Stobswell Forum

To produce and distribute two issues of a newsletter to 5,000 households across the regeneration area. These will highlight the work of the forum and encourage involvement in local activity.

 

1,036

Boomerang Community Centre

To convert rooms within the new premises into community facilities. One space will be transformed into an office space for use by a range of support agencies during our community cafe sessions.

 

1,959

Finmill Centre LMG

Contribution towards the cost of putting on a Family Christmas Show for approximately 150 local residents.

 

680

St Marys Community Facility - Christmas Party

To host a Christmas party for approximately fifty local children who attend the childrens club.

 

490

CLD Family Learning

To purchase resources for use at three Family Christmas events (one each in Ardler, Kirkton and St Marys). Overall, 110 families are expected to benefit.

 

203

SMILE Newsletter

To continue the production of a thrice yearly community newsletter delivered to all households in the St Marys/Brackens areas.

 

1,600

The Attic

To contribute to three areas of work at the Attic; the Cheeky Monkey Parent and Toddler Group, a youth group event, and a community lunch. Overall, at least 120 people will benefit.

 

1,845

Baldragon Academy

Pupil Support

Contribution to support the ongoing costs of the breakfast drop in and resources for S1 lunchtime activities. Approximately 200 pupils will benefit.

 

687

West CLD Youth Team

To host a Christmas party for approximately eighty young people who have engaged with learning programmes over the year.

 

800

St Marys Community Facility

To replace the centres water heater. This is in place due to safety concerns of using kettles or urns to heat water. Approximately 350 people will regularly make use of this.

 

1,440

West End Community Council

To host two Christmas Events; a craft session for fifty children, and a networking evening for approximately forty local societies and interest groups. These will be part of a larger, week long series of events in the area.

 

650