Policy and Strategy Committee

Tuesday 14 December 2004 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor Blair presided.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Community Services, Director of Corporate Services, Director of Education Services, Mr G Douglas (for Head of Legal Services) and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Councillor Robertson.

891

General Services and Housing Revenue Budgets for 2005/06 Onwards

891

There was submitted a report dated 7 December 2004 by the Director of Corporate Services (1) providing an update on progress made in the preparation of the General Services and Housing Revenue Budgets for 2005/06 onwards and (2) making recommendations regarding proposals for consultation.

There were circulated copies of a draft questionnaire prepared by the Director of Corporate Services for consideration for use by the Council as part of the consultation on the draft Budget proposals.

Decided: 

(1)      that the Committee agree to progress to consultation on the General Services and Housing Revenue Budgets based upon the contents of the report and that it be remitted to the Director of Corporate Services to adjust the draft questionnaire as required;

(2)      that the trade unions be represented on any Working Groups set up to consider Service reviews which affect employees; and

(3)      that all Elected Members be afforded the opportunity to participate in formal consultation meetings with the trade unions, business and industry.

892

Prudentially Funded New Schools

Procurement Options

892

There was submitted a report dated December 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive setting out and commenting on procurement options for schools to be built under the prudential framework.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the contents of the report and remit it to the Chief Executive and other relevant Officers to further evaluate the methods of procurement detailed in the report with the Council’s legal and technical advisers;

(2)      that the Committee note the Chief Executive will be issuing appropriate notices in the Official Journal of the European Union inviting responses from potential design teams and contractors;

(3)      that arrangements be made for a seminar for Elected Members on the procurement options; and

(4)      that it be remitted to the Chief Executive to report back to the Committee in due course.