2005.F.C.257
THE FIFE COUNCIL - GLENROTHES.
15th December, 2005.
PRESENT:
10.00 a.m. - 12.20 p.m.
Councillors John Simpson (Chair), William Aitken, David Alexander,
George Allan, David C. Arnott, Fraser Ballantyne, John Bell, Sheila Black,
Henry Blyth, William Brand, James Brennan, Timothy Brett, Andrew Brown,
Patrick Callaghan, John Cameron, Irene Connelly, Thomas Dair, Margot
Doig, Peter Douglas, Gordon Duff, Drew Edward, Ronald Edwards, Fiona
Grant, Peter Grant, Theresa Gunn, Eleanor Gunstone, George Kay,
William Kay, Andrew Keddie, 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, David Rougvie, Mike Rumney,
Alexander Sawers, Mike Scott-Hayward, James P. Simpson, Alexander
Thomson, Jim Tolson, David Torrance, Ann Watters, Marilyn Whitehead,
Les Wood and Robert Young.
APOLOGIES
FOR ABSENCE: Councillors Andrew Arbuckle, William Clarke, Ewen Jardine, Margaret
Kennedy, William Sangster, Joyce Smith, Alice Soper and Margaret Taylor.
133.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillors J. Cameron, A. McGarry, A. Martin, and M. Rumney declared an interest
in Para. 139 - Notice of Motion - as they were the Council’s representatives on FETA.
134.
CIVIC BUSINESS (a)
Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2005 - The Provost advised that
the Council had been recognised at the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship
Awards 2005 by winning the prestigious “Large Employer” Award. One of the
Council’s apprentices, Kevin Wallace also received the runner-up award in
the “Apprentice Achievement” category.
The Council acknowledged this recognition of the Council’s commitment to
the Modern Apprenticeship Programme and congratulated Kevin on his
success in the individual category.
(b)
Scottish Transport Awards - It was noted that, at the Scottish Transport
Awards held on 28th November, 2005, the Council had been highly
commended in two categories - the “Go Flexi” entry in the Rural Transport
Category, and the Council’s Partnership entry for the East Coast Safety
Partnership Camera Campaign, targeting fleet drivers.
The Council acknowledged the efforts by all those involved in achieving these
commendations.
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(c)
Andrew Beveridge - The Provost advised that Andrew Beveridge, the
Council’s photographer based in CRMS, had won the Sunday Herald/Adobe
Systems Competition to find the “Spirit of Scotland at Christmas”. Andrew
had beaten off strong competition from around Scotland with a photograph of
Duncan McAndrew, a Street Sweeper from Leven. The photograph had
been made into a postcard and used to promote Adobe’s Photoshop
Elements Software and distributed around the country.
Members expressed their congratulations to Andrew on winning this
competition.
(d)
Robert Henryson School - The Provost congratulated the Robert Henryson
School for children and young people with profound disabilities who had
received an outstanding HMIe report in October, 2005 and who were featured
in a recent publication of the Times Educational Supplement as an example
of excellent practice.
The Council expressed their congratulations to all the staff, children and
young people at Robert Henryson School on their achievement.
(e)
Fife Employability Team - It was noted that the Fife Employability Team had
gained registration to the internationally recognised Quality Management
Standard (IS09001:2000) and, in recognition of the high quality service they
provided to their customers, the Team had been awarded also the Health
Mark Charter by the registration body, SGS UK Limited.
The Council expressed their congratulations to all staff on their achievement.
(f)
Maggie’s Fundraising Day - The Provost was delighted to advise that, due
to the efforts of Fife Council staff, over £20,000 had been raised to date for
the Maggie’s Centre Appeal through staff holding various fundraising events
on 2nd December, 2005.
The Council acknowledged this tremendous achievement and members
congratulated all Fife Council staff on their generosity.
(g)
Retiral of Ernest Brewster, Head of IT - The Provost referred to the retiral
of Ernest Brewster, Head of IT on 31st December, 2005. Ernest started his
career as a Research Assistant at Exeter University in 1972 and, having
served at the Central Computer & Telecommunications Agency and DTI, took
up the post of Information Systems Manager at Norfolk County Council
before moving to Borders Regional Council in 1987. Following Local
Government Reorganisation in 1995, Ernest was appointed Fife Council’s
Head of IT.
The Provost, on behalf of the Council, paid tribute to the valued contribution
which Ernest Brewster had made to local government in Fife and members
conveyed their best wishes to Ernest and his family for a long and happy
retirement.
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135.
MINUTES (a)
Fife Council of 6th October, 2005 The Provost, seconded by the Depute Provost, moved that the minute of the
meeting of Fife Council of 6th October, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minute was approved.
Arising from consideration of the minute, the following matter was raised:Para. 126(b)(ii) - Joint Fife Council/Fife Constabulary Review of Colyn
Evans - Response to Recommendations and Associated Action Points Councillor A. McGovern, Leader of the Administration, advised members that
the Chief Executive, Chief Constable and herself had met with the Minister
for Justice, Cathy Jamieson, and the Depute Minister for Education &
Children, Robert Brown, on 8th December, 2005 in anticipation of the
publication of the report by SWIA and HMIC into the Colyn Evans’ case.
They made available the action plan which had already been submitted to the
Community Safety Committee following the Council’s own review of the case
and advised that this would be updated to take account of the issues
identified for the Council and Fife Constabulary in the SWIA and HMIC report
and which would, again, be subject to consideration with the Colyn Evans
report by the Community Safety Committee.
The SWIA/HMIC report raised a number of important issues, some for Fife
but many which had national implications. As Leader of the Administration,
Councillor McGovern undertook to ensure that the issues for Fife would be
comprehensibly and fully addressed. However, even the very best training
and monitoring processes to manage risk could never give communities the
absolute certainty that risk could be eliminated, as unpredictable events could
not always be prevented. The central conclusion of the SWIA or the HMIC
report was that Colyn Evans’ behaviour could not have been reasonably
predicted. Councillor McGovern shared with all elected members, the sense
of concern about these difficult issues and indicated that the Minister had
agreed that it would be helpful to provide training and briefing materials for
elected members to help them understand the particular contribution they
could make in what was a difficult and complex area, trying to find a balance
between the needs of offenders and the needs of the community.
In conclusion, Councillor McGovern accepted that the Council and Fife
Constabulary had lessons to learn and improvements to make. Work had
already started and would be completed but it would be wrong to raise false
expectations that there were easy answers.
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Councillor E. Riches concurred with the sentiments of Councillor McGovern’s
statement and advised that she fully supported the points in the Action Plan.
However, she expressed the hope that sufficient funding would be made
available to undertake the action points and asked that a report be submitted
to all elected members in 12 months time identifying how effective the Action
Plan had been. Councillor A. McGarry also asked for an assurance that the
Minister for Justice be given an update on the position in 6 months time.
(b)
Community Safety Committee of 2nd November, 2005 Councillor A. Keddie, seconded by Councillor D.C. Arnott, moved that the
minute of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee of 2nd November,
2005, together with the minute of the meeting of the Police Complaints and
Discipline Sub-Committee, be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matter was raised:Para. 310 of 2005.C.S.138 - Draft Graffiti Policy - In response to a question
from Councillor T. Brett, who raised concerns regarding the availability of
additional significant resources being required to fund the policy, Councillor
A. Keddie advised that work on the graffiti policy was ongoing and would be
piloted into selected areas in the first instance, prior to implementation across
Fife.
(c)
Children’s Services Committee of 3rd and 24th November, 2005 Councillor T. Dair, seconded by Councillor K. Morrison, moved that the
minutes of the meetings of the Children’s Services Committee of 3rd and
24th November, 2005, together with the minutes of the meetings of the
Education Appointment Committee, be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matter was raised:Para. 338 of 2005.Ch.S.271 - Raising Attainment, Improving
Achievement in Fife Schools - In response to a question from Councillor D.
Alexander regarding the reduction in teacher numbers in Fife and seeking
clarification of the Scottish Executive’s views on teacher numbers, Councillor
T. Dair advised that work was under-way to improve achievements in Fife
schools and that the Scottish Executive were currently considering the
allocation of resources for teacher numbers for the next financial year.
(d)/
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(d)
Adult Services Committee of 18th November, 2005 Councillor T. Gunn, seconded by Councillor A. Sawers, moved that the
minute of the meeting of the Adult Services Committee of 18th November,
2005, be approved.
Decision
The minute was approved.
Arising from consideration of the minute, the following matter was raised:Para. 253 of 2005.A.S.128 - Supporting People Funding - Further
Progress - Councillor I. Connolly advised members of recent meetings which
had been held with MPs and MSPs regarding the Council’s allocation for
supporting people funding and, in particular, the funding gap for 2006/2007
and beyond. It was proposed to raise this matter with the Scottish
Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee in an attempt to secure additional
funding for the Council. Councillor M. Scott-Hayward welcomed Councillor
Connolly’s comments, and sought an assurance that any increase be taken
account of in the Council’s budget and that efforts be made to reduce the
direct charge to those people affected by this funding gap. Councillor T.
Gunn in response advised that all aspects of supporting people funding
would be considered as part of the budget process.
(e)
Environment and Development Committee of 17th November, 2005 Councillor M. Rumney, seconded by Councillor J. Philp, moved that the
minute of the meeting of the Environment and Development Committee of
17th November, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minute was approved.
Arising from consideration of the minute, the following matters were raised:(i)
Babcock, Rosyth - Councillor M. Rumney welcomed the
announcement yesterday from the MOD regarding the awarding of a
contract to Babcock at Rosyth which would be of great benefit to the
economy of Fife and would ensure the long term security of jobs.
(ii)
Para. 410 of 2005.E.D.C.208 - Fife Structure Plan - Draft Publicity
and Consultation Statement - Councillor A. Martin sought an
assurance from the Chair of the Environment and Development
Committee regarding the process for the consultation exercise and
the need for members of the public to be advised that their views
would be taken on board. Councillor M. Rumney, in response,
advised that consultations would be undertaken with the political
groups on Fife Council and that it was proposed to hold a Special
Meeting of the Environment and Development Committee at the end
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of January, 2006. A recommendation would be made to the Area
Development Committees and thereafter would be reported back to
Fife Council prior to a submission to the Scottish Ministers by the end
of March, 2006. It was suggested also that, if necessary, an Elected
Members Development Day could be arranged. Councillor F.
Melville pointed out the need for further clarification for members of
the public regarding the consultation exercise and expressed concern
regarding the proposed timescale. Following discussion the Provost
advised that consideration would be given to the most appropriate
forum for members to discuss the plan, prior to its submission to the
Scottish Ministers.
(iii)
(f)
Para. 393 of 2005.E.D.C.201 - Transport (Scotland) Bill 2005 Regional Transport Partnerships (Establishment, Constitution
and Membership) (Scotland) Order - Councillor T. Brett referred to
the number of people in Fife who travelled to Dundee on public
transport and asked how the Council would be able to input into the
Regional Transport Partnership (RTP) for Central & Tay. Councillor
M. Rumney, in response, pointed out that three elected members had
been appointed as representatives of Fife Council on the RTPs and
that while Fife was a member of the South-East of Scotland RTP,
regular meetings were held at both member and officer level with
Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross Councils. It was pointed out
that the decision to establish RTPs had been made by the Minister of
Transport with elected members from an authority being appointed to
no more than one Partnership, and it was suggested that the Minister
of Transport should be asked to re-consider this decision.
Standards and Audit Committee of 15th November, 2005 Councillor P. Grant, seconded by Councillor A. Rodger, moved that the
minute of the meeting of the Standards and Audit Committee of 15th
November, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minute was approved.
Arising from consideration of the minute, the following matter was raised:Para. 156 of 2005.S.A.96 - Report to Members and Controllor of Audit Final Overview - Councillor F. Melville sought clarification on the ownership
of the Byre Theatre in St. Andrews. Councillor J. Brennan, in response,
advised that while the building was in the ownership of Fife Council, it was
leased to the Byre Theatre Trust. Councillor P. Grant pointed out that a
report on the position of the Byre Theatre would be submitted to the next
meeting of the Standards & Audit Committee clarifying the position.
(g)/
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(g)
Policy and Resources Committee of 1st December, 2005 Councillor A. McGovern, seconded by Councillor A. Thomson, moved that
the minute of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 1st
December, 2005 together with the minutes of the meetings of the External
Affairs Sub-Committee, Appeals Sub-Committee, Appointments SubCommittee and Conduct of Senior Police Officer Sub-Committee, be
approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
Arising from consideration of the minutes, the following matters were raised:(i)
Para. 313 of 2005.P.R.204 - Expanding Horizons New Community
Schools Project - Progress Update - Councillor A. McGovern
advised members that the issues with the Scottish Executive which
were reported to the Policy & Resources Committee regarding timing
of the Council’s capital payments appeared to have been resolved
and that a target date of 16th December, 2005 had been agreed for
finalising all project documentation which would allow financial close
to take place early next week and would allow advance works to
continue on site.
(ii)
Para. 293 of 2005.P.R.190 - A Fife Council Policy on Charging:
Delivery Best Value - Councillor A. McGovern referred to recent
press articles and concerns expressed by Councillor S. Randall
regarding her interpretation of Standing Orders at the meeting. She
advised that she had based her interpretation on the custom and
practice of Strategic Committees over many years, a practice which
had previously gone unchallenged and which had proved acceptable
to all Committee members. She recognised that Councillor Randall
had a different view and would seek to ensure that Administration
Chairs avoided any possible confusion in the future.
Councillor S. Randall, seconded by Councillor A. Maxwell, moved, as
an amendment, that the minute was incorrect in that it stated that the
Administration had moved the motion, which had denied Councillor
Randall the opportunity to sum up.
Vote
Amendment
Motion
-
14 votes
38 votes
Decision
The Minute was approved.
(iii)/
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(iii)
(h)
Para. 302 of 2005.P.R.195 - Conferences - In response to a
question from Councillor A. Patey, enquiring whether the fees for
attendance at conferences included accommodation, the Head of
Law & Administration advised that, in future wherever practicable,
details would be included in the report submitted to Committee
identifying whether accommodation was included in the conference
fee.
Area Committees Central Fife Area (i)
Central Fife Area Development Committee of 27th September,
25th October and 22nd November, 2005 Councillor W. Aitken, seconded by Councillor W. Brand, moved that
the minutes of the meetings of the Central Fife Area Development
Committee of 27th September, 25th October and 22nd November,
2005 be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
(ii)
Central Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 12th October,
2nd November and 9th November, 2005 Councillor W. Brand, seconded by Councillor R. Edwards, moved
that the minutes of the meetings of the Central Fife Area Regulation
Sub-Committee of 12th October, 2nd November and 9th November
be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
(iii)
Central Fife Area Common Good Sub-Committee of 1st
November, 2005 Councillor M. Doig, seconded by Councillor W. Brand, moved that the
minute of the meeting of the Central Fife Area Common Good
Sub-Committee of 1st November, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minute was approved.
(iv)
Central Fife Area Services Committee of 14th October and 11th
November, 2005 Councillor M. Doig, seconded by Councillor W. Brand, moved that the
minutes of the meetings of the Central Fife Area Services Committee
of 14th October and 11th November be approved.
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Decision
The minutes were approved.
East Fife Area (v)
East Fife Area Development Committee of 27th September, 25th
October and 22nd November, 2005 Councillor F. Melville, seconded by Councillor P. Douglas, moved
that the minutes of the meetings of the East Fife Area Development
Committee of 27th September, 25th October and 22nd November be
approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
(vi)
East Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 13th October and
10th November, 2005 Councillor P. Douglas, seconded by Councillor E. Gunstone, moved
that the minutes of the meetings of the East Fife Area Regulation
Sub-Committee of 13th October and 10th November, 2005 be
approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
(vii)
East Fife Area Common Good Sub-Committee of 12th October
and 9th November, 2005 Councillor P. Douglas, seconded by Councillor L. Mordi, moved that
the minutes of the meetings of the East Fife Area Common Good
Sub-Committee 12th October and 9th November, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
(viii)
East Fife Area Services Committee of 12th October and 9th
November, 2005 Councillor D. Lothian, seconded by Councillor P. Douglas, moved
that the minutes of the meetings of the East Fife Area Services
Committee of 12th October and 9th November, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
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West Fife Area (ix)
West Fife Area Development Committee of 28th September, 26th
October and 23rd November, 2005 Councillor M. Rumney, seconded by Councillor D.C. Arnott, moved
that the minutes of the meetings of the West Fife Area Development
Committee of 28th September, 26th October and 23rd November,
2005 be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
(x)
West Fife Area Regulation Sub-Committee of 11th October,
2005 Councillor A. Brown, seconded by Councillor D.C. Arnott, moved that
the minute of the meeting of the West Fife Area Regulation SubCommittee of 11th October, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minute was approved.
(xi)
West Fife Area Common Good Sub-Committee of 13th October
and 31st October, 2005 Councillor D.C. Arnott, seconded by Councillor A. Brown, moved that
the minutes of the meetings of the West Fife Area Common Good
Sub-Committee of 13th October and 31st October, 2005 be
approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
(xii)
West Fife Area Services Committee of 13th October and 10th
November, 2005 Councillor D.C. Arnott, seconded by Councillor A. Brown, moved that
the minutes of the meetings of the West Fife Area Services
Committee of 13th October and 10th November, 2005 be approved.
Decision
The minutes were approved.
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136.
APPOINTMENTS TO PARTNER ORGANISATIONS (a)
St. Andrews Links Trust Decision
The Council agreed that Mrs. Fiona de Vries, the nominee from the Local
Golf Clubs, be re-appointed as a Trustee of the St. Andrews Links Trust for
the period 1st January, 2006 to 31st December, 2008.
(b)
St. Andrews Links Management Committee Decision
The Council agreed that Councillor P. Douglas be re-appointed as a member
of the Links Management Committee for the period 1st January, 2006 to 31st
December, 2009.
On the recommendation of the Inter-Clubs Liaison Committee of St. Andrews,
the Council further agreed that Mr. Kevin Mullins be appointed to replace
Mr. Drew Renwick as a member of the Links Management Committee from
1st January, 2006 to 31st December, 2009.
137.
AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST MARCH, 2005 Members considered a report on the 2004/05 audit of Fife Council by Henderson
Loggie, together with a joint report by the Chief Executive and the Heads of Finance
& Asset Management and Policy & Organisational Development, which had
previously been submitted to the Standards and Audit Committee on 15th November,
2005. Copies of the 2004/05 Abstract of Accounts had also been circulated
previously to members, for information.
A number of questions raised by members on the Audit Report were put and
answered by Cathy Wyllie, Messrs. Henderson Loggie.
Decision
Members, in noting the report, recorded their thanks to the Head of Finance & Asset
Management and his staff for their work in producing an exceptionally good report
from the Auditors.
138.
JOINT FUTURE - JOINT STRATEGY AND RESOURCES GROUP - AMENDMENT
TO FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND CHANGE OF NAME The Council considered a joint report by the Head of Finance & Asset Management
and Head of Law & Administration dated 9th December, 2005 advising that the Joint
Strategy and Resources Group had recommended to both the Council and NHS Fife
an amendment to the financial regulations for the Group, and that the name of the
Group be changed to the Health and Social Care Partnership to better reflect the
partnership working for which the Group was responsible.
Decision/
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Decision
The Council approved the revision to the financial regulations and that the Joint
Strategy and Resources Group be re-named the Health and Social Care Partnership.
139.
NOTICE OF MOTION Prior to the start of this item, the Provost advised that, following the submission of a
second motion on the same topic, further discussion had taken place and Councillors
S. Randall and M. Scott-Hayward, the proposer and seconder, had agreed that the
second motion now be treated as the First Amendment.
In terms of Standing Order No. 30, the following Notice of Motion had been
submitted:Motion
Councillor A. McGovern, seconded by Councillor A. Thomson, moved as follows:"That this Council distance itself from the recent Forth Estuary Transport Authority’s
decision to apply to Scottish Ministers for ‘approval in principle’ to the introduction of a
road user charging scheme at the Forth Road Bridge at levels proposed in the FETA
Integrated Transport Initiative Report.
That this Council calls upon Scottish Ministers to refuse said ‘approval in principle’ at
charge levels currently proposed.
That the Scottish Executive instructs FETA to implement full, open and transparent
public consultation with all interested parties prior to any future application by FETA
for ‘approval in principle’.
That the Scottish Executive and FETA agree to finance and hold the fullest public
referendum in local authority areas which are represented at FETA to decide any
future proposals for introduction of road user charging schemes at the Forth Road
Bridge.”
First Amendment
Councillor S. Randall, seconded by Councillor M. Scott-Hayward, moved, as the first
amendment:“This Council believes users of the Forth Road Bridge do not receive a fast, reliable,
high quality service and calls on the Scottish Executive to refuse FETA’s plan for yet
further increases in the current £1 toll, as these will cause massive economic harm to
Fife and other regions.”
Second Amendment
Councillor A. Martin, seconded by Councillor E. Riches, moved, as an amendment to
the motion that the following addition be made to it:“No decision should be made on the Road User Charging Proposals in FETA’s
transport strategy until decisions are made on the timescales and funding
arrangements for a new multi-model crossing.”
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With the consent of Councillors McGovern and Thomson and Councillors Riches and
Martin, the Provost agreed to conjoin the motion and the second amendment in terms
of Standing Order 42.
Third Amendment
Councillor A. McGarry, seconded by Councillor G. Kay, moved, as the third
amendment:“This Council (a)
expresses its disappointment that FETA has decided to apply to the Scottish
Executive for ‘approval in principle’ with regard to a road charging scheme at
the Forth Road Bridge which would see charges, for some users, rise from £1
to £4 per journey;
(b)
is deeply concerned about the impact these proposed charges will have on
the Fife economy.
(c)
is perplexed that FETA has taken this course of action in advance of the
release of the Scottish Executive’s Tolled Bridges Review;
(d)
accepts that Fife’s commuters again face substantial rises in the cost of rail
travel, that very few affordable travel options are open to Fife residents who
need to access Edinburgh and the Lothians for work or education and for
family/social reasons and the Council is concerned that the Labour
Government’s plans for an integrated transport system have never come to
fruition; and
(e)
is reminded of the £9 million cost of the Edinburgh City Council referendum
on Road Charging and therefore rejects the notion that the Fife taxpayer
should pay, either directly or indirectly, for a referendum on an issue which
will be ultimately decided by a Liberal Minister within a Labour/Liberal
Executive and suggests that every political lobbying route be explored to
ensure that the Liberal Transport Minister rejects FETA’s proposals for a
400% hike in bridge charges.”
Vote
Prior to the vote being taken, the first amendment was withdrawn by Councillors
S. Randall and M. Scott-Hayward.
Third Amendment
Motion (as conjoined with the
Second Amendment)
-
12 votes
51 votes
Decision
The Council agreed:(a)
that this Council distance itself from the recent Forth Estuary Transport
Authority’s decision to apply to Scottish Ministers for ‘approval in principle’ to
the introduction of a road user charging scheme at the Forth Road Bridge at
levels proposed in the FETA Integrated Transport Initiative Report;
(b)/
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(b)
that this Council calls upon Scottish Ministers to refuse said ‘approval in
principle’ at charge levels currently proposed;
(c)
that no decision should be made on the road user charging proposals in
FETA’s transport strategy until decisions are made on the timescales and
funding arrangements for a new multi model crossing;
(d)
that the Scottish Executive instructs FETA to implement full, open and
transparent public consultation with all interested parties prior to any future
application by FETA for ‘approval in principle’; and
(e)
that the Scottish Executive and FETA agree to finance and hold the fullest
public referendum in local authority areas which are represented at FETA to
decide any future proposals for introduction of road user charging schemes at
the Forth Road Bridge.”
(Councillor A. Watters entered the meeting during discussion of the above item,
Councillor S. Black left during the discussion, and Councillor T. Brett left at the
conclusion of the above item.)
140.
BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE PROVOST AS A MATTER OF
URGENCY Decision
It was noted that there was no business to be brought forward under this item.
141.
QUESTION TIME In terms of Standing Orders, the following question had been submitted for answer at
the meeting:Question from Councillor G. McMullan
“1.
What action are Fife Council Licensing Boards taking to combat binge
drinking?
2.
What action is Fife Council taking to stop the promotion of cheap drinking in
its pubs and clubs?
3.
What representations has Fife Council made to the Scottish Executive on
these issues?”
Answer
Councillor A. Keddie, Chair of the Community Development Committee, in replying
stated:Answer/
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Answer to Question 1
“Firstly, can I point out that Fife Council do not have Licensing Boards. Fife Council is
a member of the Fife Drug and Alcohol Action Team which has a specific action to
reduce binge drinking in support of the National Priority. Main actions for 2005-06
include implementation of the Licensing Board’s “fitness” policy with priority areas for
implementation of training for licensees and bar staff; feasibility of door steward
registration.
A Licensing Board Chairs meeting has been established with attendance from Fife
Constabulary, Scottish Licensed Trade and the Drug & Alcohol Action Team to take
forward issues arising from the Licensing (Scotland) Bill and also debate issues about
alcohol problems which fall within the remit of the 3 Licensing Boards.”
Answer to Question 2
“Currently there is concern about the irresponsible promotion of cheap drinking in
some pubs and clubs in Fife. Recent examples include a “Free Bar” for entrance of
£10 or £8 with a student card at the Candlerooms in Kirkcaldy where you can drink as
much as you please every Thursday. Similar promotions are now known at the
Ballroom, Dunfermline (free bar for £10), and at After Dark, Kirkcaldy (free bar for £8).
A complaint has been submitted to the Advertising Standards Agency by Alcohol
Focus Scotland regarding the flyer being used by the Ballroom on the grounds that it
links alcohol to sex. The outcome of the complaint will be reported back to the DAAT
Support Team.
Responsibility for the regulation and control of alcohol advertising sits with the UK
Government legislature. In the absence of such regulation the drinks industry is
governed by 3 regulatory codes ie Portman Group, Advertising Standards Authority
and Ofcom. These codes are voluntary.”
Answer to Question 3
“Fife Council has responded directly to the Scottish Executive on the Licensing
(Scotland) Bill. This was a co-ordinated response by all Divisional Licensing Boards
with some additional comments included. Fife Drug & Alcohol Action Team also
submitted a response and consulted with Fife Council on the Licensing Board views.”
A supplementary question regarding mandatory training for members of Licensing
Boards, was put and answered.
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