Policy And Resources Committee - 26/11/2012

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 26th November, 2012.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 12th November, 2012 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Lord Provost Duncan, Councillors Guild, Black and McCready declared non-financial interests in Articles II and III by virtue of being the Council's representatives on the Dundee Repertory Theatre Board.

Councillors McDonald, Lynn, McCready and Bailie Borthwick declared non-financial interests in Item III by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Dundee Contemporary Arts.

Councillor McDonald declared a non-financial interest in Item III by virtue of being the Council's representative on Dundee Heritage Trust.

Lord Provost Duncan, Councillors Hunter, Gordon and McCready declared non-financial interests in Article III by virtue of being the Council's representatives on Leisure and Culture, Dundee.

Councillors Black and McCready declared non-financial interests in Article X by virtue of being Credit Union members.

II DUNDEE DANCE PARTNERSHIP

There was submitted Agenda Note AN198-2012 intimating that the Dundee Dance Partnership had successfully applied to Creative Scotland for two dance projects. In addition, the Dundee Dance Partnership had applied to Dundee City Council for support in order that it could take forward this programme and continue to develop dance in the city.

The Committee agreed that an award of 14,000 be made to cover the match funding element for the years 2012 and 2013.

III CITY OF CULTURE BID

There was submitted Report No 112-2012 by the Director, Leisure and Communities providing the Committee with background information on the European Capital of Culture and the UK City of Culture.

The Committee:-

(i) noted the background to the UK and European City of Culture bid process;

(ii) noted the benefits accrued in previous years, both from the bidding process and of securing this prestigious designation;

(iii) approved the proposal that Dundee should bid for UK City of Culture status;

(iv) instructed the Director, Leisure and Communities to invite senior representatives from Dundee Partnership agencies to form a Bid Development Group; and

(v) appointed Creative Services Scotland to provide support for the co-ordination of Dundee's bid.

IV DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN DUNDEE

There was submitted Report No 440-2012 by the Director, Leisure and Communities summarising the outcome of work done to date to investigate how Dundee City Council could enhance its support for the future development of social enterprises in Dundee.

The Committee:-

(i) approved the Social Enterprise Development Strategy (Appendix 1) and Action Plan (Appendix 2) appended to the report;

(ii) agreed that the Council further explore potential opportunities from the Scottish Government's Developing Markets for the Third Sector Programme via the Ready for Business Consortium;

(iii) approved the setting up of an implementation board with the undernoted membership:-

Dundee City Council Chief Executive's Department:

Stewart Murdoch, Director, Leisure and Communities (Chair)

Dundee City Council Economic Development Department:

Rory Young, Team Leader, Policy and Funding

Dundee City Council Corporate Services:

Karen Lawson, Corporate Procurement Manager

Dundee City Council (Property Services):

Colin Craig, Head of Property

Elected Member Representatives:

1 SNP

1 Labour

Dundee Social Enterprise Network:

Susan Smith, DSEN Development Officer

Chair or nominee of DSEN Management Group

Private Sector Representative:

Chamber of Commerce nominee

Officer Support:

Eric Peebles, Senior Policy Officer, Business Development

(iv) approved the appointment of consultants to support implementation of the strategy and development of the Child Care Social Enterprise Initiative; and

(v) agreed that a report on progress be brought back to the Changing for the Future Project Board in twelve months' time.

V CONSULTATION ON THE LIVING WAGE (SCOTLAND) BILL

On a reference to Article XI of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 29th October, 2012, there was submitted Report No 454-2012 by the Head of Human Resources seeking approval for the proposed response from Dundee City Council on the consultation document on the Living Wage (Scotland) Bill.

The Committee approved the proposed response as detailed in the report.

VI SAVINGS FROM CHANGING FOR THE FUTURE PROJECTS

On a reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 23rd August, 2010, there was submitted Report No 439-2012 by the Director of Corporate Services providing an update on the savings arising from projects undertaken as part of the Changing for the Future programme.

The Committee:-

(i) noted the savings totalling 10.478m arising from projects undertaken as part of the Changing for the Future programme, as shown in Appendix 1 of the report;

(ii) noted that 8.265m of the savings shown in Appendix 1 had been reflected in the approved 2012/2013 Revenue Budget and that further savings would be reflected in future years' Revenue Budgets; and

(iii) noted that further regular update reports would be submitted to future meetings of the Policy and Resources Committee.

VII VOLUNTARY EARLY RETIREMENT/VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCY SCHEME

On a reference to Article V of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 14th November, 2011, there was submitted Report No 441-2012 by the Director of Corporate Services advising the Committee of the uptake by employees and the reintroduction of the Council's Voluntary Early Retirement/Voluntary Retirement Scheme in November, 2011, and other targeted applications.

The Committee noted the information contained within the report regarding the take-up of this scheme.

VIII VOLUNTARY EARLY RETIREMENT SCHEME FOR TEACHING STAFF AND ASSOCIATED PROFESSIONALS OUTCOME2011/2012

On a reference to Article IX of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 12th December, 2011, there was submitted Report No 447-2012 by the Director of Education providing feedback on the Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme.

The Committee noted the costs and savings arising from the Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme for the financial years 2011/2012 and 2012/2013.

IX FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES REFORM - LOCAL SCRUTINY AND ENGAGEMENT

There was submitted Report No 437-2012 by the Chief Executive recommending that the Committee agree a process to allow consideration of the Dundee Local Fire and Rescue Plan and reports on the performance of the Fire and Rescue Service.

The Committee:-

(i) noted that a similar process of reform was underway in the Fire and Rescue Service as in the Police Service, and that similar arrangements required to be put in place for scrutiny and engagement involving local authorities and the new national Fire and Rescue Service;

(ii) agreed that, in line with the pathfinder arrangements for scrutiny and engagement with the Police, the remit of the Policy and Resources Committee should be extended to include approval of the Local Fire and Rescue Plan and scrutiny of Fire and Rescue Service performance reports;

(iii) agreed that Fire and Rescue reports between now and March, 2013 be considered in line with the timetable for Police reports, as detailed in paragraph 4.4 of this report; and

(iv) noted that, as agreed in the report on the Police pathfinder, the Chief Executive would bring forward a report evaluating these pilot arrangements to inform a decision on the longer-term structures for scrutiny and engagement with both the Police and Fire and Rescue services.

X HIGH INTEREST RATE LENDERS

There was submitted Report No 436-2012 by the Chief Executive informing members about the effects of easy access to high interest rate loans and credit and to greater regulation of that industry.

The Committee instructed the Chief Executive to:-

(i) write to the UK Government recommending that it introduces regulations to cap the interest rates charged to borrowers by high interest lenders;

(ii) write to the Scottish Government requesting that it investigates whether there was any action it could take within its existing powers to assist people in debt due to the policies of high interest lenders; and

(iii) write to both Governments encouraging them to maximise support and investment in the expansion of the Credit Union movement.

In addition, the Committee instructed the Chief Executive to bring forward an action plan to promote Credit Unions within the City of Dundee and to write to the Scottish Government requesting that it examined its policies in relation to planning matters and whether it was possible to use planning legislation to prevent high interest rate lenders opening shops and, if not, to consider changing legislation to prevent the spread of high interest rate lenders' shops.

XI COLDSIDE - NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE INCORPORATING COMMUNITY FACILITIES

On a reference to Article III of the minute of meeting of the Education Committee of 26th November, 2012, there was submitted Report No 443-2012 by the Director of Education and Director, Leisure and Communities relative to the above.

The Committee, as far as its interest was concerned:-

(i) approved, in principle, the proposals to build 2 x 1 stream primary schools, with additional classrooms which can be allocated to either school as individual school rolls dictate to replace Our Ladys RC Primary School and Rosebank Primary School. Community facilities will also be incorporated within the new build programme. A new replacement facility for Frances Wright Pre-School Centre would also be included on this site which is that of the former Alexander Street multis (precise location to be determined); and

(ii) instructed the Director of Education to formally consult on the proposals contained in recommendation (i) above in terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and report back to Committee in due course on the outcome of the consultations so that a final decision on the proposals can be made.

XII MENZIESHILL - NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL AND NURSERY SCHOOL AND OPTIONS FOR MENZIESHILL COMMUNITYCENTRE

On a reference to Article IV of the minute of meeting of the Education Committee of 26th November, 2012, there was submitted Report No 445-2012 by the Director of Education and Director, Leisure and Communities relative to the above.

The Committee, as far as its interest was concerned:-

(i) approved, in principle, the proposals to merge Hillside and Gowriehill Primary Schools and build a new three stream primary school on the site of the former Menzieshill multis (precise location to be determined), incorporating a nursery provision to replace Menzieshill Nursery School;

(ii) instructed the Director of Education to formally consult on the proposals contained in recommendation (i) above in terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and report back to Committee in due course on the outcome of the consultation so that a final decision on the proposals can be made; and

(iii) remitted to the Director, Leisure and Communities to report back on the option appraisal on Menzieshill Community Centre.

XIII NEW SCHOOL BUILD PROGRAMME IN THE STRATHMARTINE AREA TO INCLUDE BALDRAGON ACADEMY,SIDLAW VIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL AND JESSIE PORTER NURSERY SCHOOL

On a reference to Article IV of the minute of meeting of the Education Committee of 26th November, 2012, there was submitted Report No 446-2012 by the Director of Education relative to the above.

The Committee, as far as its interest was concerned:-

(i) noted the outcome of the Scottish Futures Trust bid as detailed at the Education Committee meeting on 29th October, 2012;

(ii) approved, in principle, the proposals to build a community campus on the site of the existing Baldragon Academy on a phased basis to include Baldragon Academy, Sidlaw View Primary School and Jessie Porter Nursery School; and

(iii) instructed the Director of Education to formally consult on the proposals contained in recommendation (ii) above in terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and report back to Committee in due course on the outcome of the consultations so that a final decision on the proposals can be made.

The Committee further agreed that the Director of Education be instructed to report back to Committee with proposals on realising the ambition of a community campus in terms of the design of the campus that maximised community access and benefit and a vision for teaching and learning in the first half of the 21st century that should underpin the design of these three schools.

XIV ESTABLISHMENT OF PROJECT BOARDS - MENZIESHILL, COLDSIDE AND STRATHMARTINE

On a reference to Articles XI, XII and XIII above, there was submitted Report No 411-2012 by the Chief Executive proposing that Project Boards be established to ensure the delivery of the proposed new school and community campuses at Menzieshill, Coldside and Strathmartine.

Councillor Guild, seconded by Councillor Hunter, moved:-

(i) that the Committee approves the establishment of Project Boards each comprising elected members (Convener of Education and Ward Councillors), a Catholic Church representative for the Coldside Project Board only, the Chief Executive, Director of Education, City Architect, Director of Corporate Services, Head Teachers, one Parent Council member from each of the schools, one Teacher Union representative, Communities Officer, Capital Projects Director, Capital Projects Finance Manager, Capital Projects Education Adviser and Senor Project Manager (Architectural Services). Head of Transportation (as required), and for the Menzieshill Project Board a representative of the Menzieshill Community Centre Management Group; and

(ii) that the Project Boards for Menzieshill, Coldside and Strathmartine be chaired by the Chief Executive, Director of Corporate Services and Director of Education respectively.

As an amendment, Councillor Bidwell, seconded by Councillor Cruickshank, moved approval of the above, subject to the undernoted:-

Delete one Parent Council member from each of the schools and insert two Parent Council members from each of the schools.

On a division, there voted for the motion - Councillors Guild, Alexander, Black, Bowes, Campbell, Cordell, Dawson, Hunter, Lynn, McDonald, Melville, Murray, Ross, Macpherson, Bailies Borthwick and Scott and Lord Provost Duncan and Depute Lord Provost Roberts (18); and for the amendment - Councillors Asif, Bidwell, Brennan, Cruickshank, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready and Bailie Wright (8) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

XV REPLACEMENT OF CIVIC CARS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN199-2012 intimating that the City Council currently leases two civic cars, one of which was used predominantly for the civic duties carried out by the Lord Provost. Both cars had been leased since November/December, 2008 and as the initial lease period of three years had expired, the leases on both civic cars now operated on a month to month basis.

The Committee agreed to defer this item to the next meeting of this Committee.

The Convener agreed that the undernoted items be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.

XVI DUNDEE ENERGY RECYCLING LTD (DERL) - BALDOVIE WASTE TO ENERGY PLANT

On a reference to Article XVII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 10th September, 2012, there was submitted Report No 483-2012 by the Chief Executive updating the Committee on the current situation with the plant following the fire in May, 2012 and seeking approval for the medium‑term investment required in the plant to ensure operating availability was maintained at an acceptable level.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed to authorise the investment of 7.94m in the plant to undertake improvement works outlined in Option 3 of the report.

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, 8 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

XVII DUNDEE ENERGY RECYCLING LTD (DERL)

On a reference to Article XVI above and after considering Agenda Note AN204-2012, the Committee approved the terms of the note.

Ken GUILD, Convener.