18 September 2001 at 2 pm. A Meeting the POLICY AND ......POLICY AND RESOURCES - 18 September 2001 Decided: (1) that f224,OOO of the surplus identified in the General Fund be allocated

POLICY AND RESOURCES - 18 September 2001

Motherwell, 18 September 2001 at 2 pm.

A Meeting of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

PRESENT

Councillor McCabe, Convener; Councillors Ross and Smith, Vice-Conveners; Provost McCulloch; Councillors Curley, Gordon, Gormill, Gray, Griffin, Hogg, Holloway, Lyle, H. McGuigan, McKendrick, McLaughlin; G. Murray, M. Murray and Pentland.

CHAIR

Councillor McCabe (Convener) presided.

IN ATTENDANCE

The Chief Executive; Director of Administration; Director of Finance; Director of Planning and Environment; Director of Social Work; Assistant Chief Executive; Head of Central Services; Head of Property Services; Head of Sport, Parks and Transport, and Finance and Administration Manager.

APOLOGY

Councillor Brooks.

MINUTE SILENCE

The Leader of the Council referred to the tragic incidents which had occurred in the United States of America on Tuesday, 11 September 2001 in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania and, as a mark of respect, the Committee observed a minute’s silence.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF SUB-COMMITTEES

(1) MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES (PROPERTY) SUB-COMMITTEE

1. There were submitted the Minutes of the Special Meeting and Meeting of the Policy and Resources (Property) Sub-Committee held on 26 June and 30 August 2001 respectively.

Decided: that the terms of the Minutes be approved.

(2) POLICY AND RESOURCES (FINANCE) SUB-COMMITTEE

2. There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Resources (Finance) Sub-Committee held on 4 September 2001.

The Convener then referred to paragraph 15 of the Mlnute and to the report of 13 August 2001 by the Director of Finance which confirmed that the level of local tax collection will exceed the current budget by f224,OOO in the current financial year and proposed that this sum be allocated to the Social Work budget for 2001/2002 to be used for Aids and Adaptations.


Decided:

(1) that f224,OOO of the surplus identified in the General Fund be allocated to the Social Work budget for the provision of Aids and Adaptations, and

(2) that, it having been noted that the following paragraphs of the Minute are subject to consideration and disposal by the Council:-

(a)

(b)

paragraph 5 - Financial Plan 2001/2002 to 2003/2004;

paragraph 6 - Revenue Budget Process 2002/2003, and

(c) paragraph 7 - Review of Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders,

the terms of the Minute be approved.

(3) POLICY AND RESOURCES (PERSONNEL) SUB-COMMITTEE

3. There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Resources (Personnel) Sub-Committee held on 5 September 2001.

Decided: that the terms of the Minute be approved.

(4) POLICY AND RESOURCES (EARLY RETIREMENT) SUB-COMMITTEE

4. There was submitted the Minutes of the meetings of the Policy and Resources (Early Retirement) Sub-Committee held on 28 June and 10 August 2001.

Decided: that the terms of the Minutes be noted.

(5) POLICY AND RESOURCES (PERSONNEL APPEALS) SUB-COMMITTEE

5. There were submitted the Minutes of the meetings of the Policy and Resources (Personnel Appeals) Sub-Committee held on 6, 10 and 31 August and 10 September 2001.

Decided: that the terms of the Minutes be noted.

SERVICE PLANS 2001/2004

6. There was submitted a report (docketed) dated 14 August 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) advising of the opportunity to operate a similar timeframe for financial and service planning which, for the first time, will be combined; (2) outlining proposals for the preparation of Services Plans for 2001/2004; (3) setting out the targets for efficiency savings in terms of the strategy adopted for the current year’s budget, and (4) detailing the timetable for the Service Plan process.

Decided:

(1) that the process for the preparation of Service Plans for 2001/2004, as outlined in the report, be approved, and

(2) that the contents of the report be otherwise noted.

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CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS - RESPONSES TO THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE AND COSLA 7. There was submitted a report (docketed) dated 27August 2001 by the Chief Executive seeking

endorsement of responses submitted to the Scottish Executive and COSLA during the recess in respect of (1) Review of Funding for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups in the Voluntary Sector, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report; (2) Review of Funding for the Voluntary Sector, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, and (3) Assessing Our Children’s Educational Needs - The Way Forward, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

Decided:

(1) that the comments in response to the Scottish Executive Consultations, contained in Appendices 1 to 3 in the report, be endorsed;

(2) that the action taken by the Chief Executive in submitting the responses to the Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities be endorsed, and

(3) that the contents of the report be otherwise noted

MODERNISING GOVERNMENT FUND AND IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES - UPDATE 8. With reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 19 June 2001,

there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 11 September 2001 by the Chief Executive advising on progress made to improve access to services and seeking approval of a range of proposals, in particular (1) Modernising Government Fund - North Lanarkshire Direct Project, including (a) proposals for the secondment of staff to provide support to the project; (b) details of a partnership approach to undertake the remainder of the value for money plan, and (c) the use of consultancy support at an estimated cost of f37,000 for a period of 3 to 4 months, and (2) First Stop Shops, including (a) staffing and funding proposals for the pool of 21 Customer Service Assistants, and (b) details of training to be provided.

Decided:

(I) that the recruitment and funding proposals for the pool of Customer Service Assistants be approved;

(2) that the transfer of 3 members of staff from the Value for Money Unit in the Department of Finance and 1 member of staff from the Chief Executive’s Office to the North Lanarkshire Direct Team be approved;

(3) that the action taken to engage a partner from the private sector to complete the remaining Value for Money Studies by 31 March 2002 be homologated;

(4) that the proposal to engage Vanguard Consultants to assist in the first phase of service reviews, as detailed in the report, be approved;

(5) that the progress made to date with the Modernising Government Initiative, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, be noted, and


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CONVENTION OF SCOTTISH LOCAL AUTHORITIES

(1) REVIEW 2001

9. With reference to paragraph 9 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 19 June 2001, there was submitted a report dated 8 August 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) advising of the outcome of the review of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities carried out by a Review Group chaired by the Leader of the Council; (2) enclosing at Appendix 1 to the report, a copy of a COSLA briefing incorporating a summary of the recommendations of the Review Group; (3) indicating that COSLA was now implementing the recommendations of the Review Group, and (4) intimating that invoices had been received for (a) the balance of the COSLA levy for the current financial year amounting to f5,673.23 plus V.A.T. and (b) membership of the COSLNQSF Network amounting to f5,500 plus V.A.T, which can be met from within existing budgetary resources.

Decided:

(1) that the outcome of the COSLA Review be endorsed, and

(2) that the action taken to meet the Council’s commitment towards COSLA’s finances for the financial year 2001/2002 be endorsed.

The Convener, being of the opinion that the following item of business was relevant, competent and urgent authorised its consideration in order that the matter be progressed timeously.

(2) ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

10. There was submitted a letter dated 12 September 2001 from COSLA (1) advising of the resignation of Councillor Norman Murray, as President of COSLA; (2) intimating that the election to fill this vacancy would be held on 26 October 2001, and (3) indicating that nominations required to be submitted by 4 October 2001.

Decided: that consideration of the matter be continued to the full Council.

PUBLIC BODIES - PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE - SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE REVIEW 11. There was submitted a report dated 25 July 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) summarising the main

proposals contained within the report published by the Scottish Executive entitled “Public Bodies - Proposals for Change”, and (2) detailing in Appendix 1 to the report, the proposed changes to the 183 non-departmental public bodies in Scotland.

Decided: that the terms of the report be noted.

NHSSCOTLAND NEW PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS - CONSULTATION RESPONSE

12. There was submitted a report dated 18 September 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) outlining the key points of the new arrangements for performance management to be introduced by NHSScotland; (2) advising that NHSScotland had sought the Council’s comments on the proposals, and (3) detailing in the annex to the report, the response forwarded to the Scottish Executive Health Department.

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Decided :

(1) that the consultation response, detailed in the annex to the report, be endorsed, and

(2) that the terms of the report be otherwise noted.

MODERNISING THE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM - FURTHER CONSULTATION ON PUBLIC SECTOR OMBUDSMEN IN SCOTLAND

13. Reference having been made to paragraph 4 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 20 February 2001, when the Council’s response to the Consultation Document issued by the Scottish Executive entitled “Modernising the Complaints System” was endorsed, there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 22August 2001 by the Director of Administration (1) advising that a further consultation had been received from the Scottish Executive in relation to modern public sector ombudsman arrangements in Scotland; (2) outlining the key points of the consultation, and (3) providing comments on the Scottish Executive’s proposals.

Councillor McCabe, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved that the comments set out in the report be endorsed as the Council’s response to the Scottish Executive.

Councillor Lyle, seconded by Councillor G. Murray, moved, as an amendment, that no adverse comment be made regarding the inclusion, in the Ombudsman’s remit, of investigation into the internal organisation of management of Local Authority schools, as proposed in paragraph 3 to the report.

On a vote being taken, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 15 Members voted for the motion, which was accordingly declared carried.

Decided: that the comments set out in the report be endorsed as the Council’s response to the Scottish Executive.

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1995 - PROVISION OF SERVICES AND ACCESS TO BUILDINGS BY THE DISABLED

14. With reference to paragraph 13 of the Minute of the meeting of the Social Inclusion Committee held on 29 March 2001, there was submitted a joint report dated 3 September 2001 by the Directors of Administration, Housing and Property Services and Planning and Environment (1) advising of the progress made by the MemberlOfficer Working Group on Equal Opportunities in relation to the compliance by the Council with those aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which relate to the provision of services, and (2) indicating that f38,500 had been included in the Planning and Environment Revenue Budget to carry out access audits and f560,000 had been included in the Housing and Property Services Capital Budget over a 3 year period for the development of a programme of works.

Decided:

(1) that quarterly reports by the Directors of Planning and Environment and Housing and Property Services be submitted to the Equal Opportunities Working Group advising of progress in undertaking the audits and implementing the programme of works/adaptations;

that it be noted that there will be an on-going financial commitment required to meet the needs of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995;

(2)

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(3) that a report be submitted to the Equal Opportunities Working Group on other service requirements imposed by the Act, and

(4) that the progress made towards the improvement of physical access to services in Council properties be noted.

UNIFIED NHS BOARDS - APPOINTMENTS 15. There was submitted a report dated 30 August 2001 by the Director of Administration (1) advising that

Councillor McCabe, as Leader of the Council, had been nominated as a member of NHS Lanarkshire; (2) indicating that Councillor Smith, as Depute Leader of the Council, had been nominated as a member of Greater Glasgow NHS Board; (3) pointing out that the Chair of Greater Glasgow NHS Board had been requested, as necessary, to approach the Minister for Health and Community Care to seek formal approval to a variation of the arrangements proposed for local authority membership to accommodate Councillor Smith’s appointment, and (4) seeking approval of the action taken.

Decided:

(1) that the nomination of Councillor McCabe, the Leader of the Council, to membership of NHS Lanarkshire be homologated, and

(2) that the nomination of Councillor Smith, the Depute Leader of the Council, to membership of Greater Glasgow NHS Board and the request to the Chair of the Board that should variation of the arrangements for local authority membership be required to accommodate the Depute Leader’s appointment, this be proposed to the Minister for Health and Community Care, be homologated.

APPOINTMENT OF CONVENER AND MEMBERS TO THE MOBILITY AND ACCESS COMMITTEE FOR SCOTLAND (MACS)

16. There was submitted a letter dated 10 August 2001 from the Scottish Executive inviting the Council to suggest candidates for membership of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland.

Decided: that this matter be referred to the Planing and Environment Committee for consideration.

COSLA REPRESENTATION ON PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

17. There was submitted a letter dated 17 July 2001 from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities inviting the Council to nominate representatives to serve on the following partner organisations (1) Scottish Chamber Orchestra Board; (2) Scottish Library and Information Council; (3) National Cultural Strategy Implementation Group; (4) Donaldson Trust Board of Governors; (5) General Teaching Council for Scotland; (6) Scottish Centres, and (7) BBC Educational Broadcasting Council for Scotland.

Decided:

(1) that Councillor Gray be nominated to serve on the BBC Educational Broadcasting Council for Scotland, and

(2) that no nominations be made in respect of any of the other organisations.

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REMIT FROM POLICY AND RESOURCES (PERSONNEL) SUB-COMMITTEE OF I I J U N E 2001 - ABSENCE MANAGEMENT STATISTICS - JANUARY TO MARCH 2001 18. With reference to paragraph 28 of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Resources (Personnel)

Sub-Committee held on 11 June 2001, there was submitted a report dated 15 May 2001 by the Head of Personnel Services providing absence statistics together with a commentary detailing the breakdown of figures within Departments of the Council for the period from January to March 2001 for manuakraft employees, (non-manual staff and teachers) and providing a comparison with the statistics for April 1999 to March 2000.

Decided:

(1)

(2)

that the terms of the report be noted, and

that in future, this information be reported to Committees as part of the Service Plan monitoring reports.

REMITS FROM HOUSING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF 30 AUGUST 2001

(1) HOUSING CAPITAL PROGRAMME (HRA) 2001/2002

19.

c With reference to paragraph 10 of the Minute of the meeting of the Housing and Technical Services Committee held on 30 August 2001, when that Committee, having considered a report dated 16August 2001 by the Director of Housing and Property Services reviewing the HRA Capital Programme for 2001/2002, had agreed (1) that the revised Capital Programme, as shown in Appendices 4 and 5 to the report by the Director of Housing and Property Services, be approved, on the understanding that further reports be submitted to the Housing and Technical Services Committee on any further adjustments required during the remainder of the year, and (2) that the report be remitted to this Committee for consideration, the Committee considered the report.

Decided: that the terms of the report be approved.

(2) REVENUE ESTIMATES OUTTURN REPORT 2000/2001 - HOUSING HRA 20.

c With reference to paragraph 9 of the Minute of the meeting of the Housing and Technical Services Committee held on 30 August 2001, when that Committee, having considered a report dated 1 August 2001 by the Director of Housing and Property Services detailing the outturn expenditure for the financial year 2000/2001 for the Housing Revenue Account for the period from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, had agreed (1) that the main variances on the outturn figures for 2000/2001 be noted and the surplus on the Housing Revenue Account be utilised as detailed within the report, and (2) that the report be remitted to this Committee for consideration, the Committee considered the report.


2000/2001 - OUTTURN REPORTS (1) CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S DEPARTMENT

21. There was submitted a report dated 27 July 2001 by the Chief Executive presenting a comparison of outturn expenditure and income for the Chief Executive’s Department for the financial year to 31 March 2001 and providing explanations of the more significant variances.


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(2) SOCIAL INCLUSION PARTNERSHIPS

22. There was submitted a report dated 31 March 2001 by the Chief Executive enclosing the final outturn report for the Social Inclusion Partnerships for the financial year from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, providing a comparison of actual expenditure and income against estimated expenditure and income and giving explanations of the more significant variances.


REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING REPORTS 200112002

(I) CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S DEPARTMENT

23. There was submitted a report dated 3August 2001 by the Chief Executive comparing actual expenditure and income against estimates for the period from 1 April to 20 July 2001 together with a projected outturn and providing explanations for the major outturn variances.


(2) SOCIAL INCLUSION PARTNERSHIPS

24. There was submitted a report dated 6 September 2001 by the Chief Executive enclosing a budget monitoring report for the Social Inclusion Partnerships for the period from 1 April to 20 July 2001 together with a projected outturn; providing a comparison of actual expenditure and income against estimated expenditure and income, and giving explanations of the most significant variances.

Decided: that the terms of the report be noted

CHIEF EXECUTIVE - EXERCISE OF DELEGATED POWERS 25. There was submitted a report (docketed) dated 30 August 2001 by the Director of Administration

detailing the exercise of delegated powers by the Chief Executive during the summer recess.

Decided: that the Chief Executive’s exercise of delegated powers during the recess as detailed in the report, be noted.

SOCIAL INCLUSION PARTNERSHIPS - UPDATE 26. With reference to paragraph 16 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 19 June 2001,

there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 11 September 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) providing an update on ongoing activity in relation to the Motherwell North, South Coatbridge and North Lanarkshire Social Inclusion Partnerships, and (2) enclosing proposals for funding, as detailed in the Appendices to the report.

Decided: that the recommendations detailed in the Appendices to the report be approved.

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COMMUNITY PLANNING IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE - UPDATE 27. With reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of the meeting of the Social Inclusion Committee held on

23 November 2001, there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 27 August 2001 by the Chief Executive giving details of the progress made by the North Lanarkshire Partnership in relation to (1) Improving Access to Services; (2) Improving the Flow of Information Between Organisations; (3) Capacity Building Through Improved Training; (4) Reviewing Partnership Structures; (5) Developing a Voluntary Sector Strategy; (6) Local Community Planning, and (7) Monitoring the Community Plan.

Decided:

(1) that the progress made by the Council and its partners in the development of the community planning process in North Lanarkshire be noted and welcomed, and

(2) that the terms of the report be otherwise noted.

EDUCATION PPP - PREPARATION OF OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE (APPOINTMENT OF C 0 N S U LTA N TS )

28. With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of the meeting of the Education Committee held on 28 March 2001, there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 4 September 2001 by the Commercial Partnership Manager (1) indicating that adviser’s fees had been capped at f100,OOO of the f443,OOO allocated by the Scottish Executive to assist in the preparation of a feasibility study for the development of a Public Private Partnership Project for School Buildings; (2) advising that if a PPP was considered the best solution, the Executive would require the submission, possibly by December of this year, of an Outline Business Case to bid for funding in support of the initiative; (3) outlining the role of the external advisers; (4) giving details of the invitation and assessment process undertaken to identify consultants for the project; (5) proposing that KPMG Consortium comprising KPMG Consulting (Financial Services), Shepherd and Wedderburn (Legal Services) and McKenzie Partnership (Technical Services) be appointed for the duration of the project, should the Council determine that a PPP project is the best solution, based on the terms and conditions detailed in the report, and (6) intimating that the appointment of consultants for the second stage of the project would be contingent on the Council defining the exact scope of the project and agreeing payment mechanisms that reflected the requirements of best value.

Decided:

(1) that the appointment of KPMG Consulting, in association with Shepherd and Wedderburn and McKenzie Partnership, for the provision of Consultancy Services to complete the Outline Business Case be approved, and

(2) that the continued involvement of KPMG Consulting, in association with Shepherd and Wedderburn and McKenzie Partnership, through to project conclusion, should the Council wish to proceed with the Public Private Partnership solution and be successful in obtaining next stage funding, be endorsed.

TENDER - PROVISION, INSTALLATION AND SUPPORT OF VIDEOCONFERENCING EQUIPMENT 29. There was submitted a report dated 10August 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) reporting that

10 tenders had been issued on behalf of the Council by the Authorities Buying Consortium for the provision, installation and supply of videoconferencing equipment as detailed in the report; (2) advising that the most suitable offer, following evaluation, was that by McMillan UK Limited, amounting to f93,873, and (3) indicating that f88,896 of the total cost of the project would be funded from the Chief Executive’s Department Capital Programme with the remainder consisting of desktop

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equipment costing €4,977 and annual maintenance charges of €7,210 being funded from existing departmental budgets.

Decided: that the Chief Executive be authorised to enter into an agreement with McMillan UK Limited for the provision, installation and support of videoconferencing equipment.

LANGUAGE LINE INTERPRETING SERVICE

30. There was submitted a report (docketed) dated 27 August 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) insmating that the Equal Opportunities Member/Officer Group had received a presentation on the telephone interpreting services provided by Language Line; (2) providing a summary of the services provided and the costs involved, and (3) proposing that the Council establish a contract with Language Line to provide a telephone interpreting service.

Decided:

(1) that the proposals for the Language Line services as outlined in Section 3 of the report be approved, and

(2) that the terms of the report be otherwise noted

TIMETABLE FOR MEETINGS

31.

c With reference to paragraph 14 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 24 April 2001, there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 11 September 2001 by the Director of Administration (1) advising that the cycle of meetings currently prescribed by the Council was due to terminate on 7 February 2002, and (2) enclosing a draft timetable for cycles of meetings extending to April 2003.

Decided: that the draft timetable, as detailed in the report, be approved as the Timetable of Meetings of Committees and Sub-Committees of the Council extending to April 2003, subject to meetings of Coatbridge Area Committee commencing at 2 pm and meetings of the Strategy and Policy Implementation Scrutiny Panel commencing at 10 am.

REMIT FROM SPECIAL POLICY AND RESOURCES (PROPERTY) SUB-COMMITTEE OF 26 JUNE 2001 - LAND AT CRAIGHALBERT WAY, CUMBERNAULD - DISPOSAL 32. With reference to paragraph 3 of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Resources (Property)

Sub-Committee held on 26 June 2001, when that Committee, having considered a report dated 13 June 2001 by the Director of Housing and Property Services regarding the disposal of ground at Craighalbert Way, Cumbernauld to the Islamic Education Trust, Cumbernauld for the construction of a mosque, had agreed to the sale of the site at Craighalbert Way, Cumbernauld to the Trust, and when one quarter of the Members present and voting having required, in terms of paragraph 56(E) of the Council’s Standing Orders in relation to Committees, that the power delegated to the Policy and Resources (Property) Sub-Committee be not exercised and that the matter be referred for determination to this Committee, the matter was referred accordingly.

Councillor McCabe, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved (1) that the site at Craighalbert Way, Cumbernauld extending to 0.74 hectare or thereby, as shown on the plan attached to the report, be sold to the Islamic Education Trust, Cumbernauld for the sum of €18,500, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Property.

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Councillor G. Murray, seconded by Councillor M. Murray, moved, as an amendment, that the report be not accepted pending submission of a report on future proposals for the Cumbernauld Town Park and investigations into the suitability of the site situated opposite the proposed location of the mosque to enable a larger area of the Town Park site to be retained.


Decided:

(1) that the site at Craighalbert Way, Cumbernauld extending to 0.74 hectare or thereby, as- shown on the plan attached to the report, be sold to the Islamic Education Trust, Cumbernauld for the sum of f18,500, and

(2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Property.

REMITS FROM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE OF 29 AUGUST 2001

(1) BROADWOOD STADIUM (CUMBERNAULD) LIMITED - RENEWAL OF FINANCIAL GUARANTEE 33. With reference to paragraph 17 of the Minute of the meeting of the Community Services Committee

held on 29 August 2001, when that Committee, having considered a report dated 20 June 2001 by the Director of Finance regarding renewal of the financial guarantee to Broadwood Stadium (Cumbernauld) Limited, had agreed (1) that the provision of f133,OOO in the Community Services budget to be committed to meeting any shortfall in the Stadium’s running costs for 2001/2002 be approved, and (2) that the matter be referred to this Committee for approval, the Committee considered the report.


(2) PROVISION OF FREE SWIMMING FACILITIES TO CHILDREN

34. With reference to paragraph 37 of the Minute of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 29 August 2001, when that Committee, having considered a report dated 22 August 2001 by the Director of Community Services regarding the outcome of the free swim scheme for children under 16 years of age during the school summer holidays, had agreed (1) that the proposal and financial implications of introducing similar schemes during other school holiday periods throughout the year, be remitted to this Committee for consideration; (2) that the Committee note the additional expenditure required and that funding would be contained within the Council’s overall resources, and (3) that a further report to ascertain the sustainability of the Scheme over a period of two months from the end of the Scheme be submitted by the Director of Community Services to a future meeting of the Community Services Committee, the Committee considered the report. There was then submitted report (tabled) dated 17 September 2001 by the Director of Community Services (1) advising of the successful outcome of the Free Swim Scheme; (2) outlining the possible costs of extending the Scheme over the school holiday periods up to the end of this financial year, and (3) indicating that an amended scheme may require to be implemented in the future to take account of operational difficulties which had been identified.

Decided:

(1)

(2)

that the recommendations contained in the report dated 29 August 2001 be approved;

that the Free Swim Scheme be extended to the October 2001 school holiday period, and

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(3) that the report dated 17 September 2001 be referred to the Community Services Committee for consideration.

REMIT FROM SOCIAL WORK COMMITTEE OF 23 AUGUST 2001 - NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE - PROPOSALS FOR SUPPORT POSTS 35. With reference to paragraph 28 of the Minute of the meeting of the Social Work Committee held on

23 August 2001, when that Committee, having considered a report dated August 2001 by the Director of Social Work, seeking approval for the creation of corporate posts for the North Lanarkshire-Council Child Protection Committee, had agreed (1) that the creation of the posts of Training Co-ordinator graded at PO5 and Senior Clerical Assistant graded at GS3 be approved; (2) that the Director of Social Work submit a report to a future meeting of the Social Work Committee following the outcome of the bid for funding to the Social Inclusion Fund; (3) that the report be remitted to the Policy and Resources (Personnel) Sub-Committee for consideration; (4) that the report be remitted to the Community Services, Education and Housing and Technical Services Committees for information; (5) that the Director of Social Work submit a report to a future meeting of the Social Work Committee on the training undertaken following introduction of the proposals, and (6) that the matter be referred to this Committee in respect of the bid for funding from the Social Inclusion Fund, the Committee considered the report.

Decided: that the posts of Training Co-ordinator and Senior Clerical Assistant for the North Lanarkshire Council Child Protection Committee be funded from the Social Inclusion Fund for the remainder of this financial year.

ACCOUNTS COMMISSION - REVIEW OF THE DLO PUBLlClPRlVATE PARTNERSHIP TRANSACTIONS

36. There was submitted a report (docketed) dated 30 August 2001 by the Commercial Partnership Manager (1) advising that the Section 19B Direction imposed by the Secretary of State in respect of Building Maintenance and General Highways had been lifted by the Scottish Executive on 24 August 2001; (2) enclosing a copy of the Audit Report entitled “Review of the DLO Public/Private Partnership” prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and (3) proposing that the key findings and recommendations, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the Audit Report, form the Council’s response to the external auditor.

Councillor McCabe, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved (1) that the lifting of the Section 19B Notice from the Council in respect of building maintenance and general highways activities be noted; (2) that the contents of the external auditor’s report be noted, and (3) that the recommendations of the external auditor’s report be reviewed and actioned in line with the comments and timescale outlined in the Council’s response.

Councillor Lyle, seconded by Councillor G. Murray, moved, as an amendment, that consideration of this matter be continued to full Council.


Decided:

(1) that the lifting of the Section 19B Notice from the Council in respect of building maintenance and general highways activities be noted;

that the contents of the external auditor’s report be noted, and (2)

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(3) that the recommendations of the external auditor’s report be reviewed and actioned in line with the comments and timescale outlined in the Council’s response.

CAPITAL PROGRAMME GENERAL SERVICES 2001/2002 TO 2003/2004 - MID YEAR REVIEW 2001/2002

37.

c There was submitted a report (docketed) dated 11 September 2001 by the Director of Finance (1) giving details of the outcome of the mid-year review of the Three Year Capital Programme for General. Services from 2001/2002 to 2003/2004; (2) indicating that the projected outturn was estimated at f4.7m below budget; (3) detailing in Appendix 2 to the report, projects totalling f 1.768m which could be accelerated to the current year from 200212003 and 2003/2004; (4) advising that additional capital receipts of approximately f 1 . I m were anticipated for new investment; (5) listing in Appendix 3 to the report, new projects totalling f l . l m which could be included in the Programme, and (6) setting out in Appendix 4 to the report, departmental realignments required to take account of changes.

Decided:

(1) that the projects identified for acceleration, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved;

that new projects for inclusion in the Programme, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be approved, and

that the realignment budgets, as set out in Appendix 4 to the report, be approved.

(2)

(3)

DEVELOPMENT OF EXTERNAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

38. With reference to paragraph 23 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 19 June 2001, there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 27 August 2001 by the Chief Executive advising of bids received for funding by the Corporate External Funding Group from the Corporate Match Funding budget.

Decided:

(1) that the recommendations detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be approved subject to the applications to external funding sources being successful, and


SCOTTISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION UNIT (SLGIU) - WORK PROGRAMME AND AFFILIATION FEE

39. Reference having been made to paragraph 33 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 24 April 2001 when consideration of this matter was continued pending the outcome of the review of the areas of work of COSLA and the submission of a further report indicating how this would relate to the work undertaken at present by the Scottish Local Government Information Unit, there was submitted a report (docketed) dated 20August 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) advising of the outcome of the assessment of the work undertaken by the Scottish Local Government Information Unit; (2) indicating that the affiliation fee for 2001/2002 would be f6,740, and (3) proposing that in light of action being taken to resolve areas of concern, the Council continue its subscription for the current financial year and review the matter again for 2002/2003.

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Decided:

(1) that the affiliation to the Scottish Local Government Information Unit for 2001/2002 at a cost of f6,740 be approved, and

(2) that the terms of the report be othewise noted.

REPORTS AND INFORMATION UPDATE

40. There was submitted a report (docketed) dated 10 September 2001 by the Chief Executive (1) updating the Committee on useful reports and information which had been received, and (2) advising that the following documents would be available in the Members’ Library (a) “Stewardship Report 2000/2001”; (b) Minute of meeting of Strathclyde Joint Police Board, and (c) Minute of meeting of Strathclyde Fire Board.

Decided: that the contents of the report be noted.

CONFERENCES

(1) “INCLUDING US ALL”

41. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Scottish Disability Equality Forum to attend a conference entitled “Including Us All”, held in Dunblane on 9 July 2001.

Decided: that the attendance of Councillor Gorman at the conference be homologated.

(2) “EUROPE EXPLAINED BRIEFING”

42. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Neil Stewart Associates to attend a conference entitled “Europe Explained Briefing”, held in London on 1 1 July 2001.

Decided: that it be noted that the Council was not represented at the conference.

(3) “REPRESENTING INTERESTS IN TODAY’S EU”

43. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Neil Stewart Associates to attend a conference entitled “Representing Interests in Today’s EU”, held in London on 12 July 2001.


(4) “CAN STRATEGIC PARTNERING DELIVER BEST VALUE?”

44. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from New Local Government Network to attend a conference entitled “Can Strategic Partnering Deliver Best Value?”, held in London on 16 July 2001.


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(5) “THE COMING YEAR IN PARLIAMENT”

45. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Neil Stewart Associates to attend a conference entitled “The Coming Year in Parliament”, held in London on 19 July 2001.


(6) “MODERNISING GOVERNMENT WORKSHOP”

46. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Improvement and Development Agency to attend a conference entitled “Modernising Government Workshop”, held in Edinburgh on 23 August 2001.

Decided: that the attendance of Councillor Holloway at the conference be homologated.

(7) “CITIZENS ADVICE SCOTLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE”

47. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Scottish Association of Citizen Advice Bureaux to attend a conference entitled “Citizen’s Advice Scotland Annual Conference”, held in Dundee on 29 and 30 August 2001.

Decided: that the attendance of Councillor Donnelly at the conference be homologated.

(8) “DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION SEMINARS 2001”

48. The Committee was advised of an invitation receivec from Castlemilk Law Centre to attend a conference entitled “Disability Discrimination Seminars 2001” to be held in Glasgow during September and October 2001.

Decided: that Councillor Scott be authorised to attend the conference.

(9) “LGIU SEMINARS”

49. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Local Government Information Unit to attend a conference entitled “LGIU Seminars” to be held in London during September to November 2001.

Decided: that no attendance at the seminars be authorised.

(10) “LINKING THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS TO SOCIAL INCLUSION STRATEGIES”

50. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum to attend a conference entitled “Linking the Development Process to Social Inclusion Strategies” to be held in Glasgow on 7 September 2001.

Decided: that the attendance of Councillor Hogg at the conference be homologated.

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(11) “LOCAL OUTCOME AGREEMENTS: THE NEW HOLY GRAIL”

51. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Scottish Local Government Information Unit to attend a conference entitled “Local Outcome Agreements: The New Holy Grail”, held in Musselburgh on 7 September 2001.


(12) “POLITICAL MANAGEMENT FOR PROFESSIONALS”

52. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled “Political Management for Professionals”, held in Birmingham on 1 1 September 2001.


(13) “SAFER FAMILIES SAFER COMMUNITIES”

53. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from NCH Scotland and Dundee City Council to attend a conference entitled ”Safer Families Safer Communities”, held in Dundee on 12 September 2001.

Decided: that the attendance of Councillor McLaughlin at the conference be homologated.

(14) “HEALTH AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS”

54. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Neil Stewart Associates to attend a conference entitled “Health and Local Government Partnerships”, held in London on 13 September 2001.


(15) “A DIFFERENT SCOTLAND? - THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TWO YEARS ON” 55. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Centre for Scottish Public Policy to

attend a conference entitled “A Different Scotland? - The Scottish Parliament Two Years On”, held in Edinburgh on 15 September 2001.

Decided: that the attendance of Councillor Lunny at the conference be homologated.

(16) “THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITIES”

56. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Lauder College to attend a conference entitled “The Future of Communities” held in Dunfermline on 18 September 2001.



(17) “CONSULTING WITH COMMUNITIES”

57. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Neil Stewart Associates to attend a conference entitled ”Consulting with Communities”, held in London on 18 September 2001.


(18) “PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY”

58. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from IPF to attend a conference entitled “Public Service for the 21st Century”, held in London on 18 September 2001.


(19) “DELIVERING CUSTOMER FOCUSSED AND ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC SERVICES”

59. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from IIR Limited to attend a conference entitled ”Delivering Customer Focussed and Accessible Public Services” to be held in London on 19 and 20 September 2001.

Decided: that no attendance at the conference be authorised.

(20) “SCRUTINY AND HEALTH: A NEW ROLE FOR COUNCILLORS”

60. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from LGlU to attend a conference entitled “Scrutiny and Health: A New Role for Councillors” to be held in London on 20 September 2001.


(21) “SCRUTINY: MEMBERS ONLY”

61. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Scrutiny: Members Only” to be held in Birmingham on 21 September 2001.


(22) “DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND SOCIAL CAPITAL”

62. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from QMW Public Policy Seminars to attend a conference entitled “Developing Effective Social Enterprise and Social Capital” to be held in Edinburgh on 24 September 2001.


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(23) “LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

63. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from QMW Public Policy Seminars to attend a conference entitled “Local Partnerships” to be held in Edinburgh on 24 September 2001.


(24) “SMART, SUCCESSFUL BRITAIN”

64. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from QMW Public Policy Seminars to attend a conference entitled “Smart, Successful Britain” to be held in Edinburgh on 25 September 2001.


(25) “VOTING AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS”

65. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Hansard Society Scotland to attend a conference entitled “Voting and the Electoral Process” to be held in Glasgow on 25 September 2001.


(26) “LOTTERY FUNDING IN SCOTLAND: LOOKING AHEAD”

66. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Lottery Monitor to attend a conference entitled “Lottery Funding in Scotland: Looking Ahead“ to be held in Edinburgh on 26 September 2001.

Decided: that Councillor Mathieson be authorised to attend the conference.

(27) “EQUALITIES AND NEW POLITICAL STRUCTURES”

67. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Equalities and New Political Structures” to be held in Birmingham on 27 September 2001.


(28) “INCREASING TURNOUT IN LOCAL ELECTIONS”

68. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Capita to attend a conference entitled “Increasing Turnout in Local Elections” to be held in London on 27 September 2001.


(29) “PATIENT ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC SCRUTINY”

69. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Laing and Buisson to attend a conference entitled “Patient Advocacy and Public Scrutiny” to be held in London on 27 September 2001.


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(30) “PERFORMANCE IN GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE II”

70. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Public Futures to attend a conference entitled “Performance in Government Conference II” to be held in London on 27 and 28 September 2001.


(31) “MANAGING YOUR BEST VALUE REVIEWS”

71. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled “Managing Your Best Value Reviews” to be held in Birmingham on 2 October 2001.


(32) “PARTNERSHIPS FOR BEST VALUE”

72. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled “Partnerships for Best Value” to be held in Birmingham on 4 October 2001.


(33) “THE FUTURE FOR LOCAL DEMOCRACY”

73. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled “The Future for Local Democracy” to be held in London on 9 October 2001.


(34) “YOUTH CRIME IN SCOTLAND”

74. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Neil Stewart Associates to attend a conference entitled “Youth Crime in Scotland” to be held in Edinburgh on 9 October 2001.

Decided: that Councillor Jones be authorised to attend the Conference.

(35) “DELIVERING GOVERNMENT POLICY ON OBESITY”

75. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from QMW Public Policy Seminars to attend a conference entitled “Delivering Government Policy on Obesity” to be held in London on 10 October 2001.


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(36) “SPIN 2001 SCOTTISH CONFERENCE”

76. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Society of Public Information Networks to attend a conference entitled “Spin 2001 Scottish Conference’’ to be held in Hamilton on 10 October 2001.

Decided: that Councillor Morris be authorised to attend the conference.

(37) “THE SECOND ANNUAL PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHlPSlPRlVATE FINANCE INITIATIVE GLOBAL SUMMIT

77. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from City and Financial Conferences to attend a conference entitled “The Second Annual Public Private Partnerships/Private Finance Initiative Global Summit” to be held in Dublin from 10 to 12 October 2001.


(38) “INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES IN EUROPE”

78. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe to attend a conference entitled “International Conference on Local Authorities and Public Utilities in Europe” to be held in Austria from 10 to 12 October 2001.


(39) “PUBLIC PROCUREMENT BEYOND 2001”

79. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Business Information Publications Limited to attend a conference entitled “Public Procurement Beyond 2001” to be held in London on 11 October 2001.


(40) “PRODUCING AND MANAGING AN EFFECTIVE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY”

80. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled “Producing and Managing an Effective Procurement Strategy” to be held in Birmingham on 11 October 2001.


(41) “DEVELOPING POLICY AND LAW ON GAMBLING”

81. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from QMW Public Policy Seminars to attend a conference entitled “Developing Policy and Law on Gambling” to be held in London on 16 October 2001.


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(42) “RESEARCHING AND ENGAGING WITH THE MARKET”

82. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled ”Researching and Engaging with the Market” to be held on Birmingham on 16 October 2001.


(43) “THE ROLE OF AREA FORUMS IN NEW POLITICAL STRUCTURES”

83. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “The Role of Area Forums in New Political Structures” to be held in Birmingham on 17 October 2001.


(44) “BEST VALUE REVIEWS: CHALLENGE”

84. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Best Value Reviews: Challenge” to be held in Birmingham on 18 October 2001.


(45) “EMERGENCY PLANNING: THE VITAL ROLE OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY”

85. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Capita to attend a conference entitled “Emergency Planning: The Vital Role of the Local Authority” to be held in London on 22 October 2001.


(46) “MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS - WORKSHOPS” 86. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from QMW Public Policy Seminars to attend a

conference entitled “Managing Communications - Workshops” to be held in Edinburgh on 25 September 2001 and London on 23 October and 9 November 2001.


(47) “LEADING IN REGENERATION: NEW ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SOCIAL LANDLORDS AND BOARDS”

87. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the National Council for Housing and Planning to attend a conference entitled “Leading in Regeneration: New Roles and Responsibilities for Social Landlords and Boards” to be held in Eastbourne from 23 to 25 October 2001.


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(48) “BEST VALUE REVIEWS: COMPARE”

88. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled “Best Value Reviews: Compare” to be held in Birmingham on 26 October 2001.


(49) “CHAIRING SCRUTINY”

89. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Chairing Scrutiny” to be held in Birmingham on 26 October 2001.


(50) “IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNITY PLANNING THROUGH PUBLIC CONSULTATION”

90. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Capita to attend a conference entitled “Improve Your Community Planning Through Public Consultation” to be held in London on 30 October 2001.


(51) “POLITICAL MANAGEMENT FOR TRAINERS: DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR DEMOCRACY”

91. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the School of Public Policy to attend a conference entitled “ Political Management for Trainers: Developing Skills for Democracy” to be held in Birmingham on 30 October 2001.


(52) “PROCURING BEST VALUE OUTCOMES”

92. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Vista Conference Organisers to attend a conference entitled “Procuring Best Value Outcomes” to be held in London on 30 October 2001.


(53) “THE ROLE OF CABINET AND CABINET MEMBERS”

93. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “The Role of Cabinet and Cabinet Members” to be held in Birmingham on 31 October 2001.


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(54) “ELECTIONS - WHERE NEXT?” 94. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Solace Enterprises to attend a conference

entitled “Elections - Where Next?” to be held in London on 1 November 2001.


(55) “THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL MAYORS’ CONFERENCE FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST”

95. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Salaam Peace Shalom Tours to attend a conference entitled “The First International Mayors’ Conference for Peace in the Middle East” to be held in Bethlehem from 1 to 7 November 2001.


(56) “CHOOSING THE BEST VALUE SERVICE OPTION”

96. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Choosing the Best Value Service Option” to be held in Birmingham on 7 November 2001.


(57) “SCOTTISH LOCAL AUTHORITIES COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM”

97. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from the Scottish Local Authorities Safety Forum to attend a conference entitled “Scottish Local Authorities Community Safety Forum” to be held in Stirling on 12 November 2001.

Decided: that Councillor Burns be authorised to attend the conference.

(58) “CONTRACTS FOR BEST VALUE”

98. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Contracts for Best Value” to be held in Birmingham on 13 November 2001.


(59) “PAVING THE WAY FOR ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT”

99. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Kingston Upon Hull City Council to attend a conference entitled “Paving the Way for Electronic Government” to be held in Hull on 15 November 2001.


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(60) “PRODUCING AND MANAGING AN EFFECTIVE BEST VALUE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

100. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Producing and Managing an Effective Best Value Procurement Strategy” to be held in Birmingham on 28 November 2001.


(61) “EQUAL FUTURES: CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE BUILDING RACIAL EQUALITY”

101. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from Children in Scotland to attend a conference entitled “Equal Futures: Children and Young People Building Racial Equality” to be held in Glasgow on 30 November 2001.

Decided: that Councillor Jones be authorised to attend the conference.

(62) “PARTNERSHIPS FOR BEST VALUE”

102. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Partnerships for Best Value” to be held in Birmingham on 5 December 2001.


(63) “ETHICAL PROCUREMENT AND PURCHASING FOR BEST VALUE”

103. The Committee was advised of an invitation received from INLOGOV to attend a conference entitled “Ethical Procurement and Purchasing for Best Value” to be held in Birmingham on 7 December 2001.


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Documents

18 September 2001 at 2 pm. A Meeting the POLICY AND ......POLICY AND RESOURCES - 18 September 2001 Decided: (1) that f224,OOO of the surplus identified in the General Fund be allocated