Policy And Resources Committee - 25/06/2018

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 25th June, 2018.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor John ALEXANDER, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 4th June, 2018 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II REVENUE BUDGET 2018/2019 - REVIEW OF CHARGES FOR INTERMENT FEES FOR BURIALS OF CHILDREN

On a reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 22nd February, 2018, there was submitted Agenda Note AN45-2018 advising that, in line with the objectives of the Fairness Commission, it was recognised that the high cost of funerals was an issue that could affect all but could have a greater impact for low income families. This financial burden for families could be particularly difficult with the loss of a child. On 30th May, 2018, the Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities had announced that the Scottish Government would be working with COSLA to remove all local authority charges for child burials and cremations for those aged under 18. It was therefore proposed that the interment fees for all children (ie those aged under 18) be revoked and there be no charge other than the cost of purchasing the lair and compulsory perpetuity fee (where applicable).

The Committee agreed to the undernoted charges with immediate effect.

The Committee also noted that, depending on the level of demand, these changes might reduce the Council's income by approximately 5,000 per annum. The Scottish Government had announced funding would be provided to local authorities from the Social Security budget to offset this loss of revenue.

III CORPORATE PROCUREMENT COMMUNITY BENEFITS POLICY REFRESH AND UPDATE REPORT

On a reference to Article XV of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 10th September, 2012, there was submitted Report No 153-2018 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services providing an updated Community Benefits Policy refreshing the approach in light of policy and legal changes, local priorities, and developments and innovations within the programme. The report also provided an update on Community Benefits which had been secured as part of Dundee City Council's Community Benefits Approach.

The Committee:-

(i) agreed to adopt the updated Community Benefits Policy, appended to the report as Appendix 1, which aimed to secure maximum economic and social benefits from procurement for the people of Dundee; and

(ii) noted progress of the Community Benefits approach to date as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.

IV PROCUREMENT UPDATE REPORT AND CORPORATE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

There was submitted Report No 216-2018 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services providing an update, details of future planned activity and review of the progress made of work being undertaken by the Corporate Procurement Team.

The Corporate Procurement Strategy for the period 2018-2020 was also provided for approval.

The Committee:-

(i) noted progress made within the Corporate Procurement Team and approved the planned actions and activities to realise the savings and benefits targets included in the report;

(ii) approved the priorities outlined in Key Future Workstreams as detailed in paragraph 4.8 of the report; and

(iii) approved the Corporate Procurement Strategy 2018-2020 detailed in Appendix 4 to the report.

V CHANGING FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAMME - C2022

There was submitted Report No 223-2018 by the Chief Executive outlining the projects for the next phase of the Changing for the Future Programme (C2022).

The Committee:-

(i) approved the Changing for the Future work programme for 2018/2022 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;

(ii) noted the work within the transformation programme focused on medium to long-term transformation of the Council's service delivery, while contributing to short to mid-term savings plans aimed at addressing financial challenges and supporting the delivery of the City Plan and Council Plan objectives; and

(iii) noted that reports would be brought back to the Policy and Resources Committee outlining progress of this phase of the programme and more detailed project specific reports to the appropriate Committees as required, where policy or investment decisions were required.

VI ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY 2017/2018

There was submitted Report No 167-2018 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the Treasury Management activities for the period 1st April, 2017 to 31st March. 2018.

The Committee noted the information contained therein and approved the limits set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

VII BREXIT

Reference was made to Article VII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 12th February, 2018, wherein the Committee considered the possible impacts and issues for local government arising from Brexit. It was reported that, on 12th June, 2018, in the Westminster Parliament the House of Commons, after debate, rejected amendments proposed by the House of Lords to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Dawson, moved approval of the undernoted:-

Dundee City Council condemns the UK Government for forcing through a vote which attacks the democratic process and silences the Westminster Parliament from having a say on the final Brexit deal.

Dundee City Council notes, that MPs narrowly voted against Lord Hailsham's amendment which called for the UK's sovereignty to be respected by holding a vote on the final deal in Westminster before the European Parliament vote.

Dundee City Council further notes that, the EU Bill is a step closer to being on the statute book - despite the Scottish Parliament voting overwhelmingly, by 93 to 30, to refuse legislative consent for Clause 15 of the EU Withdrawal Bill, and that the clause will allow the UK Government to legislate in important devolved areas including the environment, food standards, agriculture and fishing.

Dundee City Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the UK Government to convey our significant concern at the position taken and to the city's two MP's asking them to continue to press to ensure that the position of the Scottish Parliament is respected.

As an amendment, Bailie Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Duncan, moved approval of the undernoted in addition:-

There is a strong case for continued EU membership and Committee is of the view that there should be People's Vote on the Brexit deal through a referendum on the terms of exit from the European Union negotiated by the UK Government.

On a division, there voted for the motion, the Convener, Councillors Cordell, Dawson, Flynn, Hunter, Lynn, Murray, Rendall, Ross, Short, Cruickshank, Gordon, McCready, Malone, Marra, Richardson, Bailies Roberts, Sawers, Keenan, Wright, Depute Lord Provost Campbell and Lord Provost Borthwick (22); and for the amendment - Bailie Macpherson and Councillor Duncan (2) - Bailie Scott and Councillors Hay and Scott declining to vote - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

As a further amendment, Councillor Scott, seconded by Bailie Scott, moved that no action be taken.

On a division, there voted for the motion - Councillors Alexander, Cordell, Dawson, Flynn, Hunter, Lynn, Murray, Rendall, Ross, Short, Cruickshank, Gordon, McCready, Malone, Marra, Richardson, Bailies Roberts, Sawers, Keenan, Wright, Depute Lord Provost Campbell and Lord Provost Borthwick (22); and for the amendment - Bailie Scott and Councillors Hay and Scott (3) - Bailie Macpherson and Councillor Duncan declining to vote - whereupon the motion was declared carried and became the finding of the meeting.

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.

VIII DUNDEE AND ANGUS WASTE PROJECT

On a reference to Article III of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 25th September, 2017, there was submitted Joint Report No 218-2018 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services and Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services relative to the above.

The Committee approved the report with an additional recommendation.

John ALEXANDER, Convener.