THE FIFE COUNCIL - GLENROTHES.

14th December, 2006 10.00 a.m. - 1.20 p.m.

PRESENT: Councillors John Simpson (Chair), William Aitken, David Alexander, George Allan, David C. Arnott, Fraser Ballantyne, John Beare, John Bell, Sheila Black, Henry Blyth, William Brand, James Brennan, Timothy Brett, Andrew Brown, Patrick Callaghan, John Cameron, William Clarke, Irene Connelly, James Connelly, Thomas Dair, Margot Doig, Peter Douglas, Gordon Duff, Ronald Edwards, William Ferguson, Fiona Grant, Peter Grant, Eleanor Gunstone, Ewen Jardine, George Kay, William Kay, Andrew Keddie, Margaret Kennedy, Alan Kenney, Catherine Latto, George Leslie, Jane Ann Liston, Donald Lothian, Archibald Lowe, Alice McGarry, Anne McGovern, John Mackenzie, Gerald McMullan, Antony Martin, Alexander Maxwell, Frances Melville, Loretta Mordi, Kay Morrison, Andrew Paterson, Alfred Patey, James Philp, Fiona Purdon, Stuart Randall, Elizabeth Riches, Albert Ritchie, Andrew Rodger, Joe Rosiejak, Mike Rumney, Alexander Sawers, Mike Scott-Hayward, James P. Simpson, Alice Soper, Margaret Taylor, Alexander Thomson, Jim Tolson, David Torrance, Ann Watters, Les Wood, Michael Woods and Robert Young.

APOLOGIES

FOR ABSENCE: Councillors Andrew Arbuckle, David Cunningham, Drew Edward, Theresa Gunn, William Sangster, Joyce Smith and Marilyn Whitehead.

176. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillors D. Alexander, D.C. Arnott, J. Brennan, P. Grant, E. Gunstone, K. Morrison, M. Scott-Hayward, James P. Simpson and M. Woods declared an interest for the reasons as minuted.

177. CIVIC BUSINESS

(1) Former District Councillor William Poulton - The Provost made reference to the recent death of former Kirkcaldy District Councillor William Poulton, who served on Kirkcaldy District Council from 1980 to 1988 as the member for the Kinghorn, Auchtertool & Chapel and Kinghorn & Burntisland East Wards, and was Vice-Convener of the Council from 1985 to 1988. He had also been a Justice of the Peace and a member of Kinghorn Town Council.

All Members joined with the Provost in expressing their sincere condolences to Mr. Poulton's family and recorded their appreciation of his valued contribution to public service in Fife.

(2) Scottish Transport Awards - The Provost advised that Fife Council had been named as the winner in the road safety category at this year's Scottish Transport Awards. The Road Safety Strategy for Fife, which had been launched in September, 2003, provided a range of complementary road safety initiatives against a defined set of aims and objectives and, through joint working with community safety partners, had achieved a reduction of casualties on Fife's roads.

The/

The Council extended their congratulations to all those involved on winning this award.

(3) E-Government National Award 2006 - The Provost advised that, following on their success at the COSLA Excellence Awards, Fleet Services had reached the final of the E-Government National Award 2006 in the category of E-Government Excellence - Shared Services, for their submission “PPP Initiative, Applying VideoRoute Technology to Refuse Collection and Disposal Operations”.

The Council wished Fleet Services success at the Awards Ceremony to be held in London in January.

(4) APSE Performance Network - The Provost congratulated Community Services who had recently been named by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Performance Network as one of the best performing local authorities in the UK for Parks, Open Spaces and Horticultural Services. As one of the finalists in the Best Performer Awards, Community Services would be attending the National Awards Ceremony being held in Blackpool on 14th December when the winners would be announced.

Members expressed their congratulations to Community Services on their achievement and wished them success at the Awards Ceremony.

(5) Fife Constabulary - The Provost referred to a number of awards which had been won recently by Fife Constabulary:-

(6) Cairneyhill Primary School - The Provost advised that Cairneyhill Primary School P7s had won the “Enterprise is the Business” Award, awarded by Determined to Succeed in Fife, by forming a business team which had designed, made, marketed and sold Christmas stationery items in the final. The winning school had been selected on the basis of the most profitable enterprise and the highest quality product, after a course run by www.entrepreneur.me.uk.

Members expressed their congratulations to the P7s at Cairneyhill Primary School on their enterprising venture.

(7) “Connecting Classrooms” - The Provost advised that Waid Academy, in partnership with Bell Baxter High School and Kirkland High School, were the only Scottish schools to have gained a place and funding in the “Connecting Classrooms” Project run by the British Council. The Partnership was with three schools in South Africa and a further three in Uganda. The aim of the Partnership was to develop shared understanding of life and education across the three member countries, actively engaging students in the principles/

principles of Global Citizenship. Funding of £15,000 per annum for three years had been provided by the British Council to support educational initiatives involving the nine schools.

The Council acknowledged the efforts of the schools involved in gaining a place on the “Connecting Classrooms” Project.

(8) Safe Drive Stay Alive - The Provost was delighted to advise that the Safe Drive Stay Alive Team had won a Prince Michael of Kent International Road Safety Award for the Safe Drive Stay Alive Roadshow and would receive the official presentation at a ceremony in London this week.

Members acknowledged the work of all those involved in the Safe Drive Stay Alive Initiative on receiving this award.

(9) Maggie's Fund-raising Day - The Provost was delighted to advise that, due to the efforts of Fife Council staff, Fife Constabulary and Kingdom FM, over £25,000 had been raised to date for the Maggie's Centre Appeal following various fund-raising events held on 1st December, 2006.

The Council acknowledged the tremendous achievement and congratulated all those involved on their generosity.

178. MINUTES

(1) Fife Council of 5th October, 2006 -

The Provost, seconded by the Depute Provost, moved that the minute of the meeting of Fife Council of 5th October, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minute was approved.

Arising from consideration of the minute, the following matters were raised:-

(a) Para. 171(9) of 2006.F.C.324 - Civic Business - Beautiful Scotland in Bloom - Councillor E. Jardine referred to Falkland's recent success in winning the Best Village and Best Large Village Awards and advised that Falkland had been chosen to represent the UK in the large village section of the Europe-wide Entente Florale, and requested that Fife Council continue to support Falkland in the competition which would be held during the summer of 2007.

(b) Para. 172(e)(iii) of 2006.F.C.330 - Environment & Development Committee - St. Andrews and East Fife Finalised Draft Local Plan - In response to a question from Councillor F. Melville regarding publication of the Draft Local Plan, Councillor M. Rumney advised that a response was still awaited from the Scottish Executive, and that a report on the St. Andrews and East Fife Local Plan would be submitted to the Environment & Development Committee in January, 2007 outlining proposed timescales for implementation.

(2)/

(2) Community Safety Committee of 1st November, 2006 -

Councillor A. Keddie, seconded by Councillor F. Ballantyne, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee of 1st November, 2006, together with the minutes of the meetings of the Police Complaints & Discipline Sub-Committee and Community Safety Scrutiny Sub-Committee, be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved.

Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matters were raised:-

(a) Para. 431 of 2006.C.S.187 - Fife Constabulary - Performance Report - Councillor D. Alexander referred to the time taken by the Force Contact Centre in averaging 18 seconds to answer calls and asked if response targets had been set. Councillor A. Keddie, in response, advised that while targets had not been set, additional staff had been employed within the Force Contact Centre and that the position would be kept under review.

(b) Para. 433 of 2006.C.S.188 - Fife Constabulary/Fife Council Social Work Service - Joint Tabletop Exercise to Improve Management of Sex Offenders - Councillor D. Alexander referred to the venue for this exercise which had been held at the Fairmont, St. Andrews and suggested alternative Council accommodation be used in future such events. Councillor A. Keddie, in response, advised that the exercise had involved a number of Council Services and that the venue had represented value for money.

(Councillor D. Torrance entered the meeting during consideration of the above item).

(3) Children's Services Committee of 12th October, 2006 -

Councillor T. Dair, seconded by Councillor K. Morrison, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Children's Services Committee of 12th October, 2006, together with the minutes of the meetings of the Education Appointment Committee and Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee, be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved.

Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matters were raised:-

(a)/

(a) Para. 492 of 2006.Ch.S.350 - Raising Attainment, Improving Achievement in Fife Schools - Councillor M. Woods asked if the reduction in the number of teachers in Fife had had an effect on the SQA examination results. Councillor T. Dair, in response, referred to a letter from HMIe to the Chief Executive in connection with the inspection report of March, 2002 which highlighted the progress which had been made in raising pupils' attainment and on developments in the management of finance and resources. He further pointed out that a number of initiatives would continue to be undertaken by the Council to promote raising attainment across all sectors of the Education Service.

(b) Para. 21 of 2006.Ch.S.SC.13 - The Impact of the Youth Justice Action Plan and Strategy as Delivered by Youth Justice Services - Councillor T. Brett expressed concern regarding the rise in the number of offenders and asked whether the Council would achieve a 10% reduction in the number of persistent young offenders by 2006. Councillor T. Dair, in response, advised that the Council would endeavour to decrease the number of persistent young offenders and that all action was being done within the Council's powers to take effective measures to seek alternatives to using ABSOs, and that reports would continue to be submitted to the Scrutiny Sub-Committee and Children's Services Committee updating members on the Action Plan, as appropriate.

(c) Para. 486 of 2006.Ch.S.347 - School Estate Strategy - School Rationalisation: Statutory Consultations - Councillor E. Jardine referred to the proposal to close Dunshalt Primary School and, given the proposed suggestion by objectors to extending the school to a seven year primary school, enquired whether the option for keeping the school open was being rigorously pursued. Councillor T. Dair, in response, advised that following the statutory consultation period, a full report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Children's Services Committee on 11th January, 2007.

(d) Para. 23 of 2006.Ch.S.SC.15 - Report on the Scheme for Early Retirement - Teachers (“Refreshing the Profession”) - In response to a question from Councillor A. Ritchie expressing concern at the loss to the Service of experienced teachers who were taking early retirement, Councillor T. Dair advised that the Early Retirement Scheme was voluntary and that it was a matter for teachers to apply for early retirement.

(4) Adult Services Committee of 27th October, 2006 -

Councillor A. Sawers, seconded by Councillor J. Brennan, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Adult Services Committee of 27th October, 2006, together with the minute of the meeting of the Adult Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee, be approved.

Decision/

Decision

The minutes were approved.

Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matters were raised:-

(a) Para. 342 of 2006.A.S.176 - Social Work Service - Revenue Budget: Projected Outturn 2006/07 - Councillor P. Grant requested an update on the current position regarding the overspend in the Social Work revenue budget and suggested that the budget projections for 2006-07 had been inadequate and had resulted in serious under-funding of the Social Work Service. Councillor I. Connelly, in response, concurred with Councillor Grant regarding an under-funding of the Social Work Service which had been due to a reduction in Scottish Executive funding allocations, however, meetings were taking place with other local authorities in a similar position with a view to pressure being exerted on the Scottish Executive to provide additional funding.

(Councillor A. Rodger entered the meeting at the conclusion of the above item).

(b) Para. 337 of 2006.A.S.173 - The Future of Leisure - Proposals for the Redevelopment of Fife's Major Sports Centres and Swimming Pools

(Councillors D.C. Arnott, J. Brennan, E. Gunstone, K. Morrison and M. Woods declared a non financial interest in this item as members of the Management Committee of FIPRE; and Councillor James P. Simpson declared a non-financial interest in this item as a member of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust).

Motion

Councillor J. Brennan, seconded by Councillor A. Sawers, moved that the recommendations contained in Para. 337 of 2006.A.S.174, be approved.

Amendment

Councillor A. Maxwell, seconded by Councillor W. Clarke, moved, as an amendment, that recommendation (4) of the report which proposed, in principle, the establishment of a Community Sport and Leisure Trust to manage and operate the Council's sports centres and swimming pools be remitted back for further investigation to enable consideration of all options open to the Council.

Vote

Amendment -   7

Motion - 59

Decision/

Decision

The Council agreed that the recommendations contained in Para. 337 of 2006.A.S.174 be approved.

(Councillor S. Black left the meeting during consideration of the above item).

(5) Environment and Development Committee of 2nd November, 2006 -

Councillor M. Rumney, seconded by Councillor J. Philip, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Environment and Development Committee of 2nd November, 2006 together with the minute of the meeting of the Environment & Development Scrutiny Sub-Committee, be approved.

(Councillor M. Scott-Hayward declared an interest in Para. 539 of the Environment and Development Committee minute as an employee of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency).

Decision

The minutes were approved.

Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matters were raised:-

(a) Para. 529 of 2006.E.D.C.265 - Scottish Planning Policy SPP10 - Planning for Waste Management: Consultation Draft - Councillor S. Randall referred to work on the new Dalgety Bay Recycling Centre being stopped due to difficulties regarding ownership of land and sought an assurance that this would not result in the start date for the opening of the new recycling centre being delayed. Councillor M. Rumney, in response, advised that this matter, which had been raised at a recent meeting of the Waste Management Working Group, had been due to confusion regarding land ownership resulting in work being suspended to enable the matter to be resolved. Councillor Rumney however advised that he would arrange for the Head of Environmental Services to provide Councillor Randall with an update on the present position.

(b) Para. 528 of 2006.E.D.C.264 - Taking Forward Renewables - Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance - Renewable Energy Technologies Other than Wind Energy - In response to a question from Councillor E. Jardine regarding consultation on the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance being undertaken in parallel with the consultation on the finalised draft St. Andrews and East Fife Local Plan, Councillor Rumney advised that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of Environment & Development Committee clarifying the position.

(6) Standards and Audit Committee of 10th October, 2006 -

Councillor P. Grant, seconded by Councillor E. Riches, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Standards and Audit Committee of 10th October, 2006 be approved.

Decision/

Decision

The minute was approved.

Arising from consideration of the minute, the following matter was raised:-

Para. 219 of 2006.S.A.127 - Summary of Internal Audit Reports Issued - Councillor G. Kay referred to the overpayment made to sixty teachers over the last three years which had resulted in the teachers being asked to repay monies over a period of time, and asked whether the Standards & Audit Committee had been asked to investigate the overpayment; what arrangements would be made to recover the money from both existing teachers and those no longer employed by the Council; and what action was being taken to ensure that a similar error did not occur in the future. Councillor P. Grant, in response referred to the policy for recovery of overpayments which had been agreed with the trade unions a number of years ago. The Chief Executive pointed out also that the Head of Education had asked the Head of Finance & Asset Management to conduct a review of the processes, recommending improvements to the payroll system.

(7) Policy and Resources Committee of 30th November, 2006 -

Councillor A. McGovern, seconded by Councillor A. Thomson, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 30th November, 2006, together with the minutes of the meetings of the Appeals Sub-Committee, Policy & Resources Scrutiny Sub-Committee, External Affairs Sub-Committee and Superannuation Fund & Pensions Sub-Committee be approved.

(Councillor D. Alexander declared an interest in Para. 438 of the Policy & Resources Committee minute).

Decision

The Minutes were approved, subject to Para. 416 of 2006.P.R.273 - Revision to Delegated Powers Granted to Head of Development Services - Proposed Pilot - being amended by the deletion of the words “attracting objections” in the last sentence of the second paragraph.

Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matters were raised:-

(a) Para. 427 of 2006.P.R.280 - Conferences - Councillor P. Grant referred to the Chartered Institute of Housing Annual Conference to be held in March, 2007 and enquired why the fee of £509 did not include accommodation costs. Councillor A. McGovern, in response, undertook to provide Councillor Grant with details of the accommodation costs, and to give consideration to members providing feedback to Committee following attendance at conferences.

(b)/

(b) Para. 421 of 2006.P.R.276 - Asset Management Plan - Councillor James P. Simpson expressed concern regarding the common good assets in the West Fife area and asked that a report be submitted to Committee advising members of how the common good assets were being maintained. Councillor A. McGovern, in response, advised that this matter would be referred to the appropriate Committee for further discussion.

(c) Para. 423 of 2006.P.R.277 - Residential Regeneration at Abbeyview, Dunfermline - Councillor A. McGarry requested that a clause be included in the agreement for new housing in the Abbeyview area, to ensure maintenance of open spaces in the area. Councillor R. Young, in response, pointed out that as the houses proposed for the Abbeyview area were public sector housing, open spaces would be maintained by the Council. However, Councillor D. Arnott advised that this was a matter currently being addressed by the West Fife Development Committee.

(d) Para. 21 of 2006.P.R.S.S.17 - Local Services Network - Annual Report 2005/2006 - Councillor J. Beare referred to the length of time taken by Local Services Network to advise Asset Management that, following the decision to close the Local Office in Markinch, the building was surplus to their requirements. Councillor A. McGovern, in response, advised that she would arrange for a response to be submitted to Councillor Beare.

(8) Area Committees -

Central Fife Area -

(a) Central Fife Area Development Committee of 17th October and 14th November, 2006 -

Councillor W. Aitken, seconded by Councillor W. Brand, moved that the minutes of the meetings of the Central Fife Area Development Committee of 17th October and 14th November, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved.

(Councillor W. Aitken left the meeting at the conclusion of the above item).

(b) Central Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 6th September, 2006 -

Councillor W. Brand, seconded by Councillor R. Edwards, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Central Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 6th September, 2006 be approved.

Decision/

Decision

The minute was approved.

(c) Central Fife Area Common Good Sub-Committee of 4th October, 2006 -

Councillor M. Doig, seconded by Councillor F. Ballantyne, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Central Fife Area Common Good Sub-Committee of 4th October, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minute was approved.

(d) Central Fife Area Services Committee of 10th November, 2006 -

Councillor M. Doig, seconded by Councillor W. Brand, moved that the minute of the meeting of the Central Fife Area Services Committee of 10th November, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minute was approved.

East Fife Area -

(e) East Fife Area Development Committee of 24th October and 21st November, 2006 -

Councillor F. Melville, seconded by Councillor M. Taylor, moved that the minutes of the meetings of the East Fife Area Development Committee of 24th October and 21st November, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved subject to it being noted that, with regard to Para. 302(f)(24) of 2006.EAD.585 - Development Control - List of Applications for Determination - 06/02409/EFULL - Crusoe Hotel, 2 Main Street, Lower Largo - Alterations to Building, including erection of external porch and canopy - Mr. and Mrs. S. Dykes, that as the objection had been withdrawn, the application had been approved under delegated powers.

(f) East Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 15th June and 17th August, 2006 -

Councillor P. Douglas, seconded by Councillor E. Jardine, moved that the minutes of the meetings of the East Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 15th June and 17th August, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved.

(g)/

(g) East Fife Area Services Committee of 11th October, 2006 -

Councillor D. Lothian, seconded by Councillor P. Douglas, moved that the minute of the meeting of the East Fife Area Services Committee of 11th October, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minute was approved.

West Fife Area -

(h) West Fife Area Development Committee of 4th October, 11th October and 8th November, 2006 -

Councillor A. Kenney, seconded by Councillor D.C. Arnott, moved that the minutes of the meetings of the West Fife Area Development Committee of 4th October, 11th October and 8th November, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved.

Arising from consideration of the Minutes, the following matter was raised:-

Para. 334(a)(24) of 2006.WD.424 - Applications for Planning Permission - List of Applications for Determination - Application Number 06/02118/WFULL: 9 Otterston Grove, Dalgety Bay (Mr. and Mrs. Kernaghan) - Councillor S. Randall referred to the recommendation by the Head of Development Services to refuse this application and pointed out that notification had not been given in advance to the applicants advising them that their application would be recommended for refusal, and enquired whether it was no longer normal practice to advise applicants if an application was being recommended for refusal. Councillor A. Kenney, in response, advised that he would investigate the matter and arrange for Councillor Randall to be advised of the current policy.

(i) West Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 12th September and 24th October, 2006 -

Councillor A. Brown, seconded by Councillor D.C. Arnott, moved that the minutes of the meetings of the West Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 12th September and 24th October, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved.

(j)/

(j) West Fife Area Common Good Sub-Committee of 19th October, 2006 -

Councillor D.C. Arnott, seconded by Councillor A. Brown, moved that the minute of the meeting of the West Fife Area Common Good Sub-Committee of 19th October, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minute was approved.

(k) West Fife Area Services Committee of 19th October and 16th November, 2006 -

Councillor D.C. Arnott, seconded by Councillor A. Brown, moved that the minutes of the meetings of the West Fife Area Services Committee of 19th October and 16th November, 2006 be approved.

Decision

The minutes were approved.

(Councillors A. Brown and M. Taylor left the meeting during consideration of the above item)

179. APPOINTMENTS TO PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

(1) St. Andrews Links Trust

Decision

The Council agreed that Councillor Frances Melville be re-appointed as a Trustee of the St. Andrews Links Trust for the period 1st January, 2007 to 31st December, 2009.

(2) Glenochil Prison Visiting Committee

Decision

The Council noted the resignations of Councillor Fiona Purdon and Mrs. Sheila Nikolaidis and agreed to appoint Mrs. Dianne McDowall, 8 Lyne Grove, Crossford and Mr. William Mason, 83 Sauchenbush Road, Kirkcaldy as non-elected members on the Glenochil Prison Visiting Committee until 3rd May, 2007.

(3) St. Andrews Botanic Trust

Decision

The Council agreed to appoint Councillor A. Thomson.

180./

180. AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST MARCH, 2006

Members considered a report on the 2005/06 audit of Fife Council by Henderson Loggie, together with a draft management response which would be submitted to the Standards & Audit Committee on 9th January, 2007. Copies of the 2005/06 Abstract of Accounts had been circulated also to Members, for information.

Chris Beaton, Henderson Loggie, spoke to the Audit Report and highlighted, in particular, a number of areas of good practice by the Council.

Councillor A. McGovern, on behalf of the Council, extended her thanks to Messrs Henderson Loggie for their work with the Council since being appointed as External Auditors, which had been very much appreciated.

Decision

The Council noted the Audit of Accounts.

(Councillors G. Allan, P. Douglas, A. Keddie, F. Melville and M. Woods left the meeting at the conclusion of the above item).

181. FIFE ARTS AND THEATRES TRUST - APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL DIRECTORS

The Council considered a joint report by the Head of Community Services, Head of Finance & Asset Management and Head of Law & Administration proposing that four members be appointed to the Fife Arts and Theatres Trust, on the basis of party political balance, together with the Head of Finance & Asset Management and Head of Community Services.

Decision

The Council agreed:-

(1) that Councillors J. Beare, W. Brand, J. Brennan and G. McMullan be appointed to the Fife Arts and Theatres Trust; and

(2) that Brian Lawrie, Head of Finance & Asset Management and Steve Grimmond, Head of Community Services be appointed as officer representatives on the Fife Arts and Theatres Trust.

(Councillor P. Grant left the meeting at the conclusion of the above item).

182. NOTICE OF MOTIONS

In terms of Standing Order No. 30, the following Notice of Motions had been submitted.

(Councillor P. Grant had declared an interest in this item as an employee of Clackmannanshire Council).

Motion 1/

Motion 1

Councillor W. Ferguson, seconded by Councillor A. McGovern, moved as follows:-

“As the Scottish Executive have confirmed that construction of the new bridge over the Forth at Kincardine is on schedule and will be opened to the public on 4th November, 2007; And as Fife Council and the local community in Kincardine have fought long and hard to secure the environmental and economic benefits which the bridge will bring; And, as representations are now being made to Scottish Ministers in regard to the naming of the new bridge, we therefore move that the Council:-

Decision

The Council agreed in terms of the Motion.

(Councillor D. Torrance left the meeting at the conclusion of the above item).

Motion 2

Councillor J. Mackenzie, seconded by Councillor F. Purdon, moved as follows:-

“The Vienna Declaration (Health of Men and Boys in Europe) approved at the World Conference on Human Rights on 1st October, 2005, seeks to improve public health and prevent disease, and recognises that there is a need, in particular, to take specific action to address men's health.

The Declaration calls on the EU, national governments, providers of health services and other relevant bodies to -

In recognition of the relatively poor state of men's health in Scotland, it is proposed that Fife Council, as the country's third largest local authority, agrees to formally endorse the Declaration, support its objectives and is proud to become a signatory.”

Councillor M. Woods having moved, as an amendment, that the Motion be rejected on equal opportunities grounds as women's health issues were just as relevant as men's, failed to find a seconder, and the amendment fell.

Decision/

Decision

The Council agreed in terms of the Motion.

183. BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE PROVOST AS A MATTER OF URGENCY

The Provost referred to the announcement expected today regarding proposals to close a substantial number of post offices throughout Great Britain and asked that authority be given to the leaders of the political groups to make representations as appropriate, regarding the proposed closures. The Provost had raised the matter as one of urgency in view of the imminence of the announcement and the need to respond quickly so that the Council's views could be made known and taken into account before any decision on closure was taken.

Decision

The Council agreed that the leaders of the political groups make representations, as appropriate, regarding the proposed review of the Post Office Network.

184. QUESTION TIME -

In terms of Standing Orders, the following questions had been submitted for answer at the meeting:-

(1) Question from Councillor Mike Scott-Hayward

“What active and immediate measures is Fife Council taking against acts of vandalism and intrusion at school premises?”

Answer

Councillor T. Dair, Chair of Children's Services Committee, in replying stated:-

“Projects directly relating to security and vandalism are prioritised from the Safer Schools theme of the Education Capital Programme by cost of repair, frequency of incidents and severity of vandalism. Actual investment in projects amounted to around £350K in 2005/06 and this included:

The total investment planned under the Safer Schools theme within the 5 year Capital Programme amounts to £2.364 million from 2006 to 2011. This also incorporates proposed spend on safety installations, such as fire alarms.

All large planned projects are being actioned under Education's capital programme incorporate “Secure by Design” philosophies where possible. For example ensuring that areas which may be prone to vandalism are “designed out”.

Education/

Education Service have worked with Facilities piloting a new type of external lighting which is designed to ensure that CCTV images are improved during the hours of darkness. This has been installed at Woodmill High School, the school with the highest cost of vandalism in 2005/06. This has greatly improved the ability to identify individuals.

Education Service are working also with Fife Constabulary through individual schools on the “Enjoy, don't destroy” anti-vandalism initiative.”

A supplementary question regarding consideration being given to a customised package being put together which schools could purchase from as and when necessary, was put and answered.

(2) Question from Councillor Mike Scott-Hayward

“Can the Leader of the Administration assure me that she is satisfied that the protocols agreed by this Council in November, 2003 have been fully promulgated to all appropriate staff as procedures with which they should be familiar and implement?”

Answer

“The Protocol was approved at the Council meeting on 23rd November, 2003. All Heads of Service were aware of its approval from that date.

More specifically however, a series of management training sessions was held this year on 2nd February, 9th March, 4th May and 8th June to which all first and second tier managers were required to attend. These were repeated on 23rd February, 30th March, 31st May and 29th June. The topics covered were all to do with the Council's governance arrangements based on the topics “Partnerships”, “Performance”, “Best Value” and “People” and included reference to the Protocol and the importance of ensuring that all Services were aware of its content and that they complied with it.

The Protocol is on FISH and managers' attention was directed to that fact. Indeed, one of the main purposes of these sessions was to ensure that all managers were aware that the Council's governance documents such as the Scheme of Administration, Scheme of Delegation, Standing Orders, Scheme of Tender Procedures, Financial Regulations, Codes of Conduct (Employees and Councillors) and so on were available on FISH and that they need to be followed.”

A supplementary question was put and answered.

______________________________________

2006.F.C.337

Minute of Fife Council - 141206 - LL(2)