Policy And Resources Committee - 15/04/2002

At a MEETING of the FINANCE COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 15th April 2002.

Present:-

COUNCILLORS

Councillor George REGAN, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 11th March 2002 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I RELIEF ON RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

There was submitted Report No. 221-2002 by the Director of Finance seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the undernoted non-domestic properties:-

The Committee approved accordingly.

II ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND - DUNDEE FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE

After considering Agenda Note AN3-2002 it was agreed that a grant of 733 be made in respect of the cost of hiring the Caird Hall Complex on 2nd November 2002 together with ancillary costs.

III HOSPITAL FUND AND JOHNSTON BEQUEST

There was submitted Report No. 276-2002 by the Director of Finance advising the Committee of the additional income likely to be available in 2002/2003 for the above Funds for distribution to pensioners in financial need.

The Committee approved the issue of one application form per elected member in order that they may identify appropriate constituents within their ward for receipt of a pension from the above Funds and that the payment be 50.

IV CONVENTION OF SCOTTISH LOCAL AUTHORITIES (COSLA) - FINANCES 2002/03

There was submitted Report No. 259-2002 by the Chief Executive updating the Council in regard to the COSLA Finances for 2002/03 and subsequent requests for an increased levy contribution for 2002/03.

Councillor Regan, seconded by Councillor Sturrock, moved that the Committee note the current position of the COSLA Budget for 2002/03 and proposals to establish an Audit Committee and agree to an annual membership contribution of 77,786 for 2002/03.

As an amendment, Councillor Fitzpatrick, seconded by Councillor Powrie, moved that the Finance Committee note with concern -

(i)that COSLA is again asking for a higher than inflation increase in membership contributions; and

(ii)that this would have to be passed on to our already hard pressed Council Tax payers.

In addition, the Finance Committee instructs the Chief Executive to write to COSLA giving notice of Dundee City Council's intention to withdraw from COSLA (except for Joint Negotiating bodies for pay and conditions of Council employees of which continued membership should be sought) at the earliest possible time.

On a division, there voted for the motion - Lord Provost Letford, Councillors Regan, de Gernier, Wright, Ward, Shimi, Presswood, Farquhar, Sturrock, Glen, Grant, Rolfe, Macpherson and Borthwick (14); and for the amendment - Councillors Barrie, Richard Beattie, Dawson, Sawers, FitzPatrick, Petrie, Guild, Corrigan, Dave Beattie, Fordyce, Bowes, Powrie, Mackie, Wallace and Scott (15) - whereupon the amendment was declared carried.

V 2002/2003 INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

There was submitted Report No. 285-2002 by the Director of Finance providing an overview of the proposed insured/self-insured and risk management arrangements for the financial year 2002/2003.

The Committee approved the insurance programme, self-funding arrangements, claims handling procedures and risk management funding for the 2002/2003 financial year as detailed in the report.

The Convener agreed that Item VI be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No. 51(3)(b) in view of the timescales involved.

VI CONFERENCE - CIPFA

It was reported that the above Conference would be held on 12th and 13th June 2002 in Brighton.

The Committee authorised one member of the Majority Group, one member of the Major Opposition Group and one member of the Minority Group to attend at an estimated cost excluding travel and subsistence of 530 per delegate.

The Committee resolved, under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

VII RELIEF OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES ON THE GROUNDS OF HARDSHIP - (HARDSHIP RELIEF)

This Report was withdrawn.

GEORGE REGAN, Convener.