Policy and Strategy Committee

Thursday 1 February 2001 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Blair, Jackson, McCabe, McGhee, Mitchell, Morrison (M), O'Rourke, Rebecchi, Robertson (A) and Robertson (Y).

Chair:  Councillor Jackson presided.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Community & Protective Services, Director of Education Services, Director of Information Services, Director of Legal & Support Services, Director of Social Work & Housing Services, Head of Accountancy Services and Head of Property Services.

121

Citizens Advice Bureau

121

There was submitted a report dated 18 December 2000 by the Chief Executive on information and advice services in the area and requesting the Committee to consider a presentation by the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland to determine whether funding should be allocated to establish a Citizens Advice Bureau in Inverclyde.  The Committee heard the presentation by Ms Lyle, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Scotland.

Decided:  that the terms of the presentation and report be noted and that the item be continued for further consideration to the next meeting of the Committee.

122

Scottish Executive - Additional Resources for Community Care Equipment and Adaptations

122

There was submitted a report dated 30 January 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request from the Social Work & Housing Committee of 16 January 2001 that the Policy & Strategy Committee consider the report and its financial implications as part of the 2001/2002 budget process.

Decided:  that the content of the report be noted and the financial implications outlined in the report be considered as part of the 2001/2002 budget process.

123

Drugs Action Plan - Expansion of Drug Rehabilitation Services

123

There was submitted a report dated 30 January 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request from the Social Work & Housing Committee of 16 January 2001 that the Policy & Strategy Committee consider the report and its financial implications as part of the 2001/2002 budget process. 

Decided:  that the contents of the report be noted and the financial implications be considered as part of the 2001/2002 budget process.

124

Chief Executive/Miscellaneous/SIP Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 8

124

There was submitted a report dated 18 January 2001 by the Director of Resource Services on the position of the Revenue Budget as at Period 8 (15 November 2000).

Noted

125

General Fund Revenue Summary 2000/2001

125

There was submitted a report dated 21 January 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services on the projected position of the 2000/2001 General Fund Revenue Budget as at 15 November 2000.

Decided:  that the position of the 2000/2001 General Fund Revenue Budget and the impact on the 2001/2002 estimates be noted.

126

Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Financial Position

126

There was submitted a report dated 11 January 2001 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of current and proposed projects in both the Non-HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 and the Social Inclusion Partnership 2000/2001.

Noted

127

Non-HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001

127

There was submitted a report dated 12 January 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services (1) on the financial position of the Non-HRA Capital Programme 2000/2001 and (2) advising that the latest estimated shortfall in the Capital Allocation for 2000/2001 was £2,101,000 representing a reduction of £1,695,000 due to rephasing in some programmes.

Decided:

(1)  that the current position of the 2000/2001 programme and the action taken to control the level of expenditure in 2000/2001 be noted; and

(2)  that the Committee note the position in 2001/2002 of completing the 2000/2001 programme.

128

Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership

128

There was submitted a report by the Director of Community & Protective Services on the progress of Partnership developments and seeking approval for the funding  proposals recommended by the Partnership Forum.

Decided:

(1)  that the developments outlined in the report be noted; and

(2)  that the project expenditure and evaluation proposals as set out in paragraph 7 of the report be approved.

129

Inverclyde Youth Theatre - Application for Financial Assistance

129

There was submitted a report dated 23 January 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request for financial assistance from Inverclyde Youth Theatre towards the cost of funding their activities.

Decided:

(1)  that subject to finding suitable storage for theatre equipment a grant of £10,000 for the purchase of the required equipment be made from the Common Good Fund; and

(2)  that it be remitted to the Head of Property Services to identify suitable premises within Council ownership for the storage of movable property and equipment owned and used by all drama groups, the rent for the premises to be met by the Council from the Common Good Fund.

130

A Consultation Paper - A Power of Community Initiative, Community Planning and Political Restrictions on Council Employees

130

There was submitted a report dated 16 January 2001 by the Chief Executive on proposed responses to the issues raised in the Consultation Paper on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament.

Decided:  that the response set out in the Appendix to the report be agreed.

It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

Item                                                                                                                      Paragraph(s)

The Cinema, Greenock Waterfront                                                            6 & 9

Brown Street/Baxter Street Refurbishment - Phase 4                               6, 8 & 9

131

The Cinema, Greenock Waterfront

131

There was submitted a report dated 13 January 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request from the Corporate Business Committee of 18 January 2001 that the total cost of advertising the cinema amounting to £7,856.80 which cannot be met from the Capital Receipt anticipated following completion of the sale should be defrayed against other Capital Receipts.

Decided:  that the request be agreed.

132

Brown Street/Baxter Street Refurbishment - Phase 4

132

There was submitted a report dated 26 January 2001 advising that authority was granted under Standing Order 66(a) to permit the Head of Property Services to negotiate a tender for Phase 4 of the works at Brown Street/Baxter St±reet.  The report requested that the Committee consider making provision for the estimated £70,000 grant contribution to owner occupiers in 2001/2002.

Decided:  that £70,000 grant contribution to owner occupiers in 2001/2002 be agreed.