Policy and Strategy Committee

Wednesday 21 January 2004 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor Blair presided.

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

Apologies: Provost Rebecchi.

The meeting was adjourned from 3 pm until 10 minutes after the conclusion of the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee. 

The Committee reconvened at 5.30 pm and was adjourned for a further 50 minutes and then reconvened at 6.20 pm.

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Finance was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee to be advised of the financial implications of the Education Asset Management Strategy at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

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EDUCATION ASSET MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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There was submitted a report dated 16 January 2004 by the Director of Finance (1) on the financial implications resulting from the Education Asset Management Strategy and (2) setting out the circumstances under which further Committee approvals will be required.

Decided:

(1)      that it be noted that should the recommendations contained within the report by the Director of Education Services entitled “Future Provision of Education in Inverclyde:  Results of Consultation” be approved and the Education Working Group report back within its remit in February 2004, the financial implications have already been approved by the Council and therefore the relevant tenders will be progressed with the lowest or most economically advantageous tenders being accepted through delegated authority where costs are contained within the approved budget, in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Director of Finance to report to the next meeting of the Policy & Strategy Committee on the impact of the decisions by the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee relating to Wellington Academy and the provision of denominational education in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.