Committee round-up: Aberdeenshire Council 25.09.14

Provost Jill Webster opened the meeting by paying tribute to Cllr John Duncan who passed away on 4th September.

She said: “We all knew him as an incredibly hard working elected member who even attended committee on the day of his passing.

“He served his constituents in Troup since 2002 and during that time sat on several committees including social work and housing and the Banff and Buchan area committee.

“On top of that he was a member of the licensing board and the Peterhead prison visiting committee.

“John was a champion of older people who was never afraid to stand up for what he thought was right, but he was always a gentleman.

“One of his other passions was of course farming and he worked tirelessly to represent the best interests of rural businesses throughout Troup.

“He was a quiet and astute man who was always worth listening to and will be sorely missed.”

She then asked the meeting to observe a minute’s silence.Planning Permission in principal for construction of onshore electrical transmission cablesFull council considered the application for the construction of two sub stations southwest of New Deer which forms the onshore works in connection with three offshore windfarms in the Outer Moray Firth, granted consent by Scottish Ministers in March 2014. The onshore works are necessary to facilitate the final connection of onshore power to the existing transmission grid.

The proposal consists of three parts: the coming ashore of the offshore transmission cables at Inverboyndie; 33kms of underground cables between Inverboyndie and Mains of Asleid; and two substations at New Deer.

Head of Planning, Robert Gray, began his presentation by setting out the importance of the project to the economy in supporting the generation and distribution of electricity. He said that all cables would be underground, so there would be minimal impact on the environment following the construction work. He recommended approval on the basis of a long list of planning conditions, with further decisions to be made by ISC, following views by area committees.

Councillors discussed the application and welcomed the actions of the applicant to address concerns raised by objectors. These included concerns about environmental issues, impact on the environment, disruption to the tourist industry during the summer months, the need to include the views of area committees as the application progresses, community consultation.

The application was approved.Annual Performance Report 2013/14Chief Executive Colin Mackenzie provided an overview of the performance of the council highlighting the good services delivered, positive inspections, strong reputation and the achievements of employees.

Policy Chairs and Directors provided overviews of performance across all services of the council.

Cllr Isobel Davidson and Maria Walker provided an overview of performance under Lifelong Learning – highlighting the newly formed management team driving forward improvement and ensuring a service centred on the needs of the individual.

The work of Education & Children’s Services was commended by Cllr Jean Dick.

Cllr Peter Argyle and Stephen Archer provided an overview of performance for Strong and Sustainable Communities, highlighting the rollout of new waste and recycling services, improvements to the planning system and the work to drive forward Energetica.

Cllr Rob Merson commended the report and acknowledged the service in their appreciation of the need to continue to deliver further improvements.

Cllr Martin Ford asked about a joint initiative between Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council to promote the area as a film location. Mr Archer highlighted recent successes in securing the interest of filmmakers and assured committee that it was an area that would continue.

Cllr Malone welcomed the fresh injection and impetus on Energetica and Cllr Mark Findlater welcomed the increase in recycling rates.

Cllr Karen Clark and Ritchie Johnson provided an overview of performance towards Caring for Communities, focusing on the integration of health & social care, Getting it Right for Every Child, investment in housing, homelessness prevention and the opening of HMP Grampian and Young Offenders Institute.

Cllr Anne Allan said that considering the state of flux the service finds itself in, activity is progressing well but would wish to see improvement in housing repairs and more affordable houses built.

Cllr Jim Gifford and Christine Gore provided an overview on Public Service Excellence, focusing on delivering transformation, finance and welfare reform, consultation and engagement, customer service and recruitment.

Cllr Hamish Vernal recognised the very good report which had been presented, acknowledged the further work that needs to be done, and commended the Chief Executive and Directors for their work.

Councillors approved the Council Plan 2013-2017 and the Annual Performance Report 2013-14.

How Good Is Our Council 2014Councillors considered the How Good is our Council? self-evaluation and the improvement actions for 2014.

Councillors recognised the very honest approach taken by officers in preparing the report and evaluating their performance – highlighting the good work as well as where the council needs to improve. Cllr Vernal recognised the role that councillors can play in improving the council and suggested adding a further action around governance. He said: “Good report, good council, need to make it very good.”

Chief Executive Colin Mackenzie advised the meeting that further consideration was being taken around the governance of the council, prompted by the changes facing the council due to the integration of health and social care. A report is expected to be presented to full council in November.

Cllr Anne Robertson asked for self-evaluation to be considered through area committees and it was acknowledged that anything with a local dimension should be shared with and discussed at area committees.Area Performance Reporting FrameworkThe report set out the approach for reporting council performance locally and the report has been fully discussed at all area committees. It was acknowledged that councillors will be offered further training on the council’s performance management tool, Covalent, to assist in their use of the system.

Cllr Kitts-Hayes acknowledged that scrutiny of council performance is a critical role of councillors, and the improvements to the approach were to be welcomed.

The report was agreed. Statement of Accounts 2013/14 and the External Auditor’s Report Head of Finance Alan Wood reported that the council had received an unmodified statement of accounts – reflecting that the accounts are correct, accurate, proportionate and that the council is supported by a strong financial base. The action plan is included within the report, which was to be welcomed and work is already underway to address the issues.

Cllr Gifford welcomed the report, supported by Cllr Gillian Owen who acknowledged the reports and the challenge provided by Scrutiny & Audit in reviewing the reports.Scrutiny & Audit Annual ReportCllr Gillian Owen presented the annual report which highlights the work of the committee. She said that over the past year three investigations had been carried out, and a new structured approach to investigations had been adopted. She explained that the selection of topics continues to be challenging – striving to find a balance between investigations into strategic issues, with the views of individual councillors.

She explained that it had become common practice to consider national audit reports for which the committee took its responsibilities very seriously.

Cllr Richard Thomson seconded the report, saying it had been a good year of work, reflecting a good balance between investigations and audit and assurance remit. He acknowledged the work of councillors and officers in the successful delivery of the committee.

Progress on the development of the Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership

Chief Officer for Integration in Aberdeenshire Adam Coldwells explained why integration was important in Aberdeenshire, focusing on the patient being at the centre of services, creating a unified team with a single vision, budget and management structure – to keep ‘Mrs Smith’ at the centre of everything we do.

He highlighted the work taking place towards delivery of a strategic vision, engagement with communities to inform the vision and he advised of plans to visit area committees to consult more widely on the proposals and the final Integration Scheme.Chief Executive appointmentCouncillors approved the process for the recruitment of a new Chief Executive. The Appointments Committee will have 11 members, drawn from 6 Administration, 4 Main Opposition and 1 other.