	Policy & Resources Committee

	Tuesday 20 November 2007 at 3.00 pm

	Present: Councillors Blair, Brooks, Clocherty, Ferguson, Fyfe, McCabe, McCallum (for McIlwee), McKenzie, MacLeod, Moran and Wilson.

	Chair: Councillor McCabe presided.

	In attendance: Chief Executive, Corporate Director Education and Social Care, Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection, Corporate Director Improvement and Performance, Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Economic and Social Regeneration, Head of Legal and Administration, Head of ICT and Business Transformation, Head of Performance Management and Procurement, Head of Organisational Development and Human Resources, Head of Property Resources and Facilities Management and Managing Solicitor (Litigation/Advice).

	Apologies: Councillor McIlwee.

	The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

739	Regeneration and Resources Revenue Budget 2007/08: Remit from Regeneration Committee		739

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on a remit from the Regeneration Committee of 1 November 2007 requesting the Committee to approve virement of £100,000 between Facilities Management, Manual Wages and the Efficiency Target of £700,000.
	Decided: that approval be given to virement of £100,000 between Facilities Management, Manual Wages and the Efficiency Target of £700,000.

740	Revenue Budget 2007/08 - Period 6		740

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on the position of the 2007/08 Revenue Budget as at Period 6 (30 September 2007) which showed a projected underspend of £328,000.
	Decided:
	(1) that the current projected underspend of £328,000 for 2007/08, as at 30 September 2007, be noted; and
	(2) that approval be given to virement of £37,000 from the Authorities Buying Consortium budget within Performance Management and Procurement to the Corporate Directors Office to meet one-off costs associated with staffing pressures within Finance Services.

741	General Fund Revenue Budget 2007/08 - Period 6		741

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Financial Officer (1) on the position of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2007/08 as at Period 6 (30 September 2007) and (2) appending position statements in respect of earmarked reserves.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the current position of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2007/08 as at Period 6 and that the latest projections indicate the Committee is on target to generate a surplus of at least £0.38M to meet the one-off costs relating to the School Estate Strategy approved at the last meeting of the Committee; and
	(2) that the Committee note the position of the earmarked reserves and the action being taken by the Corporate Management Team to thoroughly review all projections and phasings.

742	Non-HRA Capital Programme 2007/08		742

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Financial Officer (1) on the current position of the one year Non-HRA Capital Programme and (2) advising of significant matters.
	The Chief Financial Officer advised the Committee that the column B total in appendix 2 to the report should, in fact, be £44,599.
	Decided: that the Committee note the current position of the 2007/08 Non-HRA Capital Programme and the inclusion of a report elsewhere on the agenda updating the Committee on the progress in improving the monitoring and management of the Capital Programme.

743	Budget 2008/2009 - Update		743

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance updating the Committee on progress regarding the development of the 2008/2009 Budget.
	There were circulated to Members and Officers copies of a concordat between the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities relative to the funding to be provided to local government over the period 2008/09 to 2010/11.
	Decided:
	(1) that the terms of the report and the concordat be noted;
	(2) that further information on the budget process be provided to Members through their individual political groups over the next six - eight weeks; and
	(3) that the non-cash elements set out in the concordat be referred to the Strategic Leadership Forum for consideration.

744	ICT Capital Programme Update		744

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on the current position of the 2005/08 ICT Capital Programme.
	Decided: that the Committee note the improved position and progress with the ICT Capital Programme.

745	Modernisation and Efficiency Programme - Progress Report		745

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on the progress of the Council’s Modernisation and Efficiency Programme.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the good progress being made with the implementation of the Council’s Modernisation and Efficiency Programme; and
	(2) that a further report on the Modernisation and Efficiency Programme be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee.

746	Treasury Management Monitoring Report 2007/08 - Quarter 2		746

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Financial Officer summarising the Council’s Treasury Management position and activities during quarter 2, 2007/08 as required under the terms of Treasury Management Practice 6 (“TMP6”) on “Reporting Requirements and Management Information Arrangements”.
	Noted

747	Insurance Fund Position as at 30 September 2007		747

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Financial Officer (1) on the position of the Council’s insurance fund as at 30 September 2007 and (2) highlighting relevant issues.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the contents of the report and the continued significant financial benefits the Council is achieving from the current insurance strategy; and
	(2) that approval be given to proceed with a tender exercise to secure insurance from October 2008 until September 2013.

748	Debt Recovery Performance 2006/07		748

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Financial Officer on the progress made in respect of debt recovery during 2006/07, as required by the Council’s Financial Regulations and (2) advising the Committee of future plans.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee welcome the continuing high level of debts recovered via the Debt Management Partnership and the plans to continue to maintain performance during 2007/08; and
	(2) that the Committee note the ongoing tendering exercise for the new Debt Recovery Partners.

749	Management, Delivery and Reporting of the Capital Programme and Management of the Council’s Assets		749

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources updating the Committee on progress with regard to the management, delivery and reporting of the Council’s Capital Programme and management of the Council’s assets.
	Decided: that the Committee note the progress in the management of the Council’s Capital Programme.

750	Strategic Planning and Performance Management Framework - Progress Report		750

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on progress made to date in developing and implementing the Council’s Strategic Planning and Performance Management Framework.
	Decided: that the Committee note the progress made to date in developing and implementing the Strategic Planning and Performance Management Framework.

751	Corporate Performance Report		751

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance presenting to the Committee the Corporate Performance Report for September/October 2007, which complements existing Directorate performance reporting arrangements to Committee and is a key component of the Council’s overall Strategic Planning and Performance Management Framework.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee endorse the performance information contained in the Corporate Performance Report; and
	(2) that it be noted further reports on Corporate Performance will be presented to future meetings of the Committee.

752	Improvement and Performance Directorate Performance Report		752

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on progress made by the Improvement and Performance Directorate in achieving its key objectives as set out in its Directorate Plan for 2007/08 and the contribution made to the achievement of key corporate priorities.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee endorse the performance information contained in the report and note that further reports on the performance of the Improvement and Performance Directorate will be presented to future meetings of the Committee; and
	(2) that Members be requested to identify any further performance information from the list detailed in the report for submission to the next meeting of the Committee.

753	Regeneration and Resources Directorate Performance Report		753

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on the progress made by those services within the Regeneration and Resources Directorate which report to the Policy and Resources Committee in achieving their key objectives as set out in the Regeneration and Resources Directorate Plan and how they have contributed to the achievement of key corporate priorities.
	Decided: that the Committee note the performance information contained in the report and that further reports on performance will be presented to future meetings of the Committee.

754	Public Performance Report 2006/07		754

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance outlining proposals for preparing the Council’s Public Performance Report for 2006/07.
	Decided: that agreement be given to the following methods to produce a Public Performance Report for 2006/07:
	(a) the inclusion of an article in each issue of Inview highlighting progress made in achieving the outcomes in the new Corporate Plan 2007-11;
	(b) the production of a hard copy report to be made available at Council Offices and public buildings;
	(c) publishing the report on the Council’s website along with other performance information; and
	(d) placing an advert in the Greenock Telegraph to inform members of the public that the Council has produced a Public Performance Report for 2006/07 and advising where copies can be obtained.

	The Committee adjourned at 4 pm to allow a special meeting of The Inverclyde Council to take place and reconvened thereafter at 5.15 pm.

755	Statutory Performance Indicators 2006/07		755

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance (1) advising of the current position with regard to the Statutory Performance Indicators 2006/07 and providing an update on progress with the review of the poorest performing indicators undertaken in March 2007, (2) examining current performance with particular focus on those indicators subject to review earlier in the year and (3) making recommendations relative to strengthening the robustness and consistency of audit trails, processes and supporting systems within services.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the positive impact of the review of Statutory Performance Indicators undertaken earlier in the year;
	(2) that the content of the report be noted and that it be agreed that services complete the self assessment pro forma and endorse the standardised audit procedures, including timescales and six monthly reporting of all Statutory Performance Indicators, as detailed in appendix 3 to the report;
	(3) that a further report on specific indicators for review/improvement actions pending the results of the above review and the Audit Scotland rankings in context, be considered in February/March 2008; and
	(4) that Corporate Directors progress the recommendations set out in the report and the self assessment exercise and report on those Statutory Performance Indicators covered by their Directorate to the relevant strategic Committee.

756	A Communications Framework for Inverclyde Council		756

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance seeking approval for a new Communications Framework for the Council, a copy of which was appended to the report.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee approve the new Communications Framework for the Council; and
	(2) that it be noted that updates on the implementation of the Communications Framework will be submitted on a regular basis.

757	Inverclyde Council and Scotland Excel		757

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance seeking approval for the Council to join Scotland Excel, the national local government centre of procurement excellence, from 1 April 2008.
	Decided:
	(1) that agreement be given to the Council becoming a full member of Scotland Excel for an initial three year period on the basis of the funding model, governance arrangements and terms and conditions outlined in appendix 3 to the report;
	(2) that approval be given to the Council’s membership of Scotland Excel from 1 April 2008 at a cost of £62,082; and
	(3) that Councillor McKenzie, currently the Council’s representative on the Authorities Buying Consortium (Strathclyde) - Joint Committee, be nominated as the Council’s representative on the Scotland Excel Joint Committee once it is formally established.

758	Transformation Programme - Progress Report		758

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive (1) providing a detailed position statement in terms of the key workstreams contained within the Council’s overall Transformation Programme and (2) seeking approval to officially “close down” the Transformation Programme in its current format now that the corporate recovery is effectively complete.
	The Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources referred to paragraph 5.1 of the report and, with regard to the establishment of Riverside Inverclyde, advised that it was anticipated the total public sector contribution of approximately £96M would lever in investment of up to £400M.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the significant progress made by the Council in respect of the Transformation Programme and in this regard extend thanks to Officers and Elected Members;
	(2) that it be agreed to “close down” the Transformation Programme as the corporate recovery is now effectively complete; and
	(3) that monitoring of progress against the remaining actions within the Transformation Programme be undertaken through the Corporate Performance Reports.

759	Organisational Improvement Plan		759

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance outlining the process for developing the Organisational Improvement Plan for the period 2007-2011 to facilitate the transition from the recovery phase to an improvement phase as the Council works towards becoming an excellent organisation.
	Decided: that the Committee approve the process for the development of an Organisational Improvement Plan for the Council for the period 2007-2011 as outlined in the report.

760	Independent Review of Regulation, Audit, Inspection and Complaints Handling in Public Services		760

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on the recommendations detailed within the Crerar Review Report, an independent review of the regulation, audit, inspection and complaints handling of public services in Scotland established by the previous Scottish Executive to make recommendations on a framework for the future external scrutiny of public services.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the issues raised in the Crerar Review Report; and
	(2) that a further report be submitted to the Committee when detailed proposals are developed to progress the recommendations of the Crerar Review.

761	Accounts Commission Review of the Statutory Best Value/Community Planning Audit		761

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on the outcome of the recent review of the Audit of Best Value and Community Planning undertaken by the Accounts Commission.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the key findings and recommendations contained within the Review of the Audit of Best Value and Community Planning;
	(2) that it be agreed to consider a further report on the Accounts Commission’s Improvement Plan in respect of the Audit; and
	(3) that a further report and associated project plan covering proposals for gearing up for the revisit by Audit Scotland in June 2008 be considered.

762	Community Planning Improvement Plan Update		762

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance updating Members on the progress made in revitalising Community Planning in Inverclyde and the delivery of a Community Planning Improvement Plan.
	Decided:
	(1) that the content of the report be noted;
	(2) that it be agreed to hold a briefing workshop on Community Planning in Inverclyde for Elected Members;
	(3) that the Committee ensure full engagement in the development of the new Community Plan; and
	(4) that the report be referred to the next meeting of the Alliance Board to be held in December 2007.

763	Efficiency Review Programme 2007/08 - Progress Report		763

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance on the progress of the Efficiency Review Programme 2007/08 approved by the Council on 15 February 2007.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the progress to date in respect of the Efficiency Review Programme commissioned by the Council; and
	(2) that an update on the Review Programme be provided to political groups as part of the budget process and that a final report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee to be held on 5 February 2008.

764	Acceptable Use Policy - Internet, E-mail and IT Security		764

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance seeking agreement to implement an Acceptable Use Policy for staff usage of the internet, e-mail and the associated security for desktop computers in operation within the Council, a copy of which was appended to the report.
	Decided: that the Committee approve the Acceptable Use Policy for issue to all corporate network users.

765	Future Funding of the School Estate		765

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the future funding of the school estate (1) on the financial implications arising from the adjustment of the PPP Project in respect of a revision of the size of the school to be placed on the current Notre Dame High School site in Dunlop Street, Greenock and (2) outlining options for the future funding of a secondary school for St Columba’s High School in Gourock.
	After discussion, Councillor McCabe moved:
	(1) that the PPP Project be adjusted to accept the original proposal in respect of the new school for 950 pupils at Bayhill and in respect of the new school for Notre Dame High School for 850 pupils at Dunlop Street, Greenock;
	(2) that the future funding of a sixth secondary school estimated at the rate of £2.096M per year (2007/08 base price) from 2014 be contained in the funding for the school estates and the wider budget of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee;
	(3) that the School Estates Team be instructed that when Gourock High School is vacated in 2011 the building be refurbished for St Columba’s High School, it being noted that the proposal for a new school could be considered if funding were made available by the Scottish Government;
	(4) that the Committee acknowledge the best value and risk considerations outlined in the report;
	(5) that investigations be undertaken to establish the feasibility and legality of providing sports pitches at Tower Hill, Gourock, on land within the Council’s ownership; and
	(6) that the Corporate Director Education and Social Care bring forward a revised funding model for the schools estate during the spring of 2008 following the proposed consultations.
	As an amendment, Councillor Blair moved that consideration of the report be continued pending receipt of the recommendations of the Working Party dealing with secondary education in Port Glasgow after which decisions will be arrived at on the provision of secondary education throughout Inverclyde.
	On a vote, 2 Members voted for the amendment and 6 for the motion which was declared carried.
	Decided:
	(1) that the PPP Project be adjusted to accept the original proposal in respect of the new school for 950 pupils at Bayhill and in respect of the new school for Notre Dame High School for 850 pupils at Dunlop Street, Greenock;
	(2) that the future funding of a sixth secondary school estimated at the rate of £2.096M per year (2007/08 base price) from 2014 be contained in the funding for the school estates and the wider budget of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee;
	(3) that the School Estates Team be instructed that when Gourock High School is vacated in 2011 the building be refurbished for St Columba’s High School, it being noted that the proposal for a new school could be considered if funding were made available by the Scottish Government;
	(4) that the Committee acknowledge the best value and risk considerations outlined in the report;
	(5) that investigations be undertaken to establish the feasibility and legality of providing sports pitches at Tower Hill, Gourock, on land within the Council’s ownership; and
	(6) that the Corporate Director Education and Social Care bring forward a revised funding model for the schools estate during the spring of 2008 following the proposed consultations.

	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)
	Community Regeneration Fund - Update	1
	Single Status	11
	Education and Social Care Services: Psychological Service Structure Proposals	1
	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive	1 and 6

766	Community Regeneration Fund - Update		766

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Improvement and Performance and Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) updating Members on the current position with regard to the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) at both national and local level, (2) detailing decisions taken at a special meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board on 12 November 2007 regarding the future of the existing CRF project portfolio and the resultant implications for a number of services currently delivered by the Council and (3) outlining a proposed approach to ensure the implications of the decisions taken by the Alliance Board and the resultant impact on services delivered by the Council are effectively managed.
	The Corporate Director Improvement and Performance advised the Committee that the date referred to in paragraph 2.21 of the report should, in fact, be December.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee endorse the decisions taken by the Inverclyde Alliance Board on 12 November 2007 and note the implications for individual projects within the existing CRF project portfolio particularly a number of services currently provided by the Council;
	(2) that the implications for the Council of the decisions taken by the Alliance Board as set out in paragraph 2.19 of the report be noted;
	(3) that the implications of the decisions taken by the Alliance Board for each service, provided on a directorate by directorate basis set out in section 4.0 of the report, and the provisional indication of the way forward be noted;
	(4) that the potential budgetary and employee implications for the Council if the situation is not effectively managed be noted; and
	(5) that a further report with recommendations regarding each service and full details of the financial and employee implications be submitted to the Policy and Resources Executive Sub-Committee by early December.

767	Single Status		767

	There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive updating Elected Members on the progress of the Single Status project.
	Councillor Clocherty declared a non-financial interest in this matter as a relative of a Council employee. He also formed the view that the nature of his interest and of the item of business did not preclude his continued presence in the Chamber or his participation in the decision making process.
	Decided:
	(1) that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to negotiate with the Trades Unions on all aspects of the Single Status Agreement subject to referral of the key issues to the Policy and Resources Executive Sub-Committee;
	(2) that it be noted meetings of the Policy and Resources Executive Sub-Committee will need to be called as and when required with the requisite notice throughout the negotiations; and
	(3) that it be noted that following negotiations a full report will be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee for final approval of the implementation arrangements as quickly as practicable.


768	Education and Social Care Services: Psychological Service Structure Proposals		768

	There was submitted a report by the Head of Organisational Development and Human Resources recommending amendments to the establishment of Education and Social Care.
	Decided:
	(1) that the 0.5 FTE Psychologist post (temporary) previously funded by Changing Children’s Services Fund and now financed by Grant Aided Expenditure be established as a permanent post in the Psychological Service; and
	(2) that approval be given to the creation of a new post of Depute Principal Psychologist post Grade 1 (£48,069) subject to job sizing in line with the McCrone Salary Agreement SNCT/30 and SNCT/33 as set out in appendix 1 to the report.

769	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive		769

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive since the last ordinary meeting of the Committee (1) for approval for the appointment of consultants to progress capital and other works and (2) for approval to increase the salary of a post.
	Noted