Policy and Strategy Committee

Thursday  30 October 2003 at 3.40 pm

Present:  Provost Rebecchi, Councillors Blair, Forbes, Hill, McCabe, McCormick (M), Mitchell, Nimmo,  Roach,  Robertson and Snoddy.

Chair:  Councillor Blair presided.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Community & Protective Services, Director of Education Services, Director of Finance, Director of Legal & Support Services, Director of Social Work & Housing Services, Head of Personnel Services, Head of Property Services and Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts).

779

Education Asset Management Strategy - Funding Options

779

There was submitted a report dated 27 October 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) identifying the available funding options in support of the Education Asset Management Strategy and (2) recommending a package of funding which provides value for money and is affordable to the Council whilst attracting significant additional Scottish Executive funding and being deliverable over a maximum of 10-15 years.

Councillor McCormick (M) declared an interest in this matter and took no part in its consideration or decision.

The meeting adjourned and reconvened to allow the formal convening and adjournment of the meeting of The Inverclyde Council at 4.00pm.

Decided: 

(1)      that the Committee approves the Combination PPP and Traditional funding option identified in paragraphs 5.6 - 5.9 of the report over a 15 year period to allow Officers to submit a revised Outline Business Case in early course to the Scottish Executive as well as the School Estate Strategy before the end of December deadline;

(2)      that the Council seeks to obtain the agreement of the Scottish Executive to permit the PPP element of the project to be associated with an NPDO;

(3)      that the Council commits to a single tier workforce as part of the traditional ethos of public service in local government; and

(4)      that it be agreed to hold a special meeting of the Policy & Strategy Committee on Thursday 13 November 2003.

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Legal & Support Services was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee to consider its policy position with regard to the future of the housing stock at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

780

Remit from Health Improvement Committee - Future of the Housing Stock

780

There was submitted a report dated 29 October 2003 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a recommendation from the Health Improvement Committee at its meeting on 28 October 2003 that, subject to a majority of tenants voting yes in a ballot, the Council adopt a policy of whole stock transfer to a Not for Profit Housing Trust and explore all avenues to protect the Council’s future interest in strategic land retention.

Decided:  that, subject to a majority of tenants voting yes in a ballot, the Council adopt a policy of whole stock transfer to a Not for Profit Housing Trust and explore all avenues to protect the Council’s future interest in strategic land retention.