Minutes of Meetings of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels - Cycle 4
North Lanarkshire Council · 15 December 2022
Back to Council — 15 December 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Minutes of Meetings of the North Lanarkshire Council, Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels To Be Submitted to the Meeting of The North Lanarkshire Council to be held on THURSDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2022 The Symbol “C” appearing against any item of business indicates that that particular item is subject to consideration and disposal by the Council. All other items have been delegated in terms of the approved Scheme of Administration and are therefore submitted for information only.
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CONTENTS 1st Last Meeting Date Page Page Minutes of Previous Meetings North Lanarkshire Council 6 October 2022 3 18 Minutes of Meetings of Sub-Committees and Panels previously considered by the appropriate Parent Committee Audit and Scrutiny Panel 8 September 2022 19 23 Joint Consultative Committee for Local Government Employees 26 October 2022 24 27 Special Audit and Scrutiny Panel 27 October 2022 28 30 Minutes of Meetings of Committees for Approval Planning 13 October 2022 31 34 Communities 31 October 2022 35 37 Regulatory 1 November 2022 38 40 Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty 4 November 2022 41 42 Environment and Climate Change 9 November 2022 43 50 Planning 10 November 2022 51 53 Adult Care and Social Work 15 November 2022 54 56 Housing 16 November 2022 57 64 Enterprise and Fair Work 18 November 2022 65 67 Regulatory 22 November 2022 68 70 Education Children and Families 22 November 2022 71 77 Finance and Resources 30 November 2022 78 83 Policy and Strategy 1 December 2022 84 87 Regulatory 6 December 2022 88 90 Planning 8 December 2022 91 93 NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 3 6 October 2022 at 4 pm. A Hybrid Meeting of the NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL PRESENT Councillor Duffy, Provost; Councillor Burgess, Depute Provost; Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Beveridge, Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Brennan, Bustard, Cairns, Campbell, Carragher, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Crichton, Currie, Di Mascio, Docherty, Duffy-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Jones, Kelly, Keltie, Khan, Larson, Leckie, Lennon, Linden, Logue, Loughran, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McBride, McCluskey, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McKendrick, McLaren, McManus, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Mitchell, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Robb, Robinson, Shevlin, Shields, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner, Watson, Williams, Wilson and Woods. CHAIR Councillor Duffy (Provost) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Chief Executive; Deputy Chief Executive; Chief Accountable Officer, Health and Social Care; Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions; Head of Strategic Communication; Head of Financial Solutions; Democratic Services Manager, and Committee Officer. APOLOGY Councillor Stevenson. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor Williams, by virtue of being a Director of a Community Energy Co-operative, declared a connection with agenda item 5, and further declared that she considered the interest so sufficiently remote that it did not preclude her participation in consideration of the motion. MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES AND PANELS – CYCLE 2 AND CYCLE 3 2022 2. There was submitted the volume of minutes for meetings of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels for Cycle 2 and Cycle 3, 2022 for approval in terms of Standing Order 21. Councillor A. Stubbs intimated that, in respect of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee held on 29 September 2022 – paragraph 19 "Home to School Transport Provision 2022/2023", a further recommendation had been omitted from the Minute and requested that the Minute be updated accordingly, which was agreed. Decided: that paragraph 19 of the minute of the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee held on 29 September 2022 be updated and the Minutes of the meetings of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels for Cycles 2 and 3 be approved.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 4 SCHEME OF ADMINISTRATION AND TIMETABLE OF MEETINGS 2022-2027 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions seeking approval of the revised Scheme of Administration and the timetable of meetings for the period from October 2022 to April 2027. Councillor Wilson requested that the date of the Community Safety Partnership Forum and Petitions Sub-Committee meetings in October and November 2022 respectively be added to the Timetable of Meetings, which was agreed. Decided: that the Scheme of Administration and the timetable of meetings for the period from October 2022 to April 2027 be approved and implemented, including the Community Safety Partnership Forum and Petitions Sub-Committee meetings in October and November 2022 respectively being added to the Timetable of Meetings. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, PANELS, WORKING GROUPS AND OUTSIDE BODIES 4. There was submitted a document by the Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions setting out recommendations for appointment to Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies, together with lists of changes to the Membership of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies from each of the Labour Group and the SNP Group. The Provost proposed that the appointment of elected members to Outside Bodies be dealt with separately, which was agreed. Councillor Logue, seconded by Councillor Kelly, moved the appointment of Members to Committees, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Panels as set out in the Labour Group proposals. Councillor Carragher, seconded by Councillor Sullivan, moved as an Amendment the appointment of Members to Committees, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Panels as set out in the SNP Group proposals, with the exception of the Appointments Committee, the Audit and Scrutiny Panel and the Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers which in their view did not accord with the Council's political balance. Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the roll. On the roll being called 37 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Beveridge, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Di-Mascio, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Lennon, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, McKendrick, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. 38 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:- Councillors Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Burgess, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Currie, Docherty, Duffy, Duff-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Leckie, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Watson, Wilson and Woods. Councillor Shields abstained. 37 Members having voted for the Amendment, 38 Members having voted for the Motion and 1 Member having abstained, the Motion was accordingly declared carried.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 5 Councillor Roarty, seconded by Councillor Logue, moved the appointment of elected Members to Outside Bodies, as set out in the Labour Group proposals. Councillor Carragher, seconded by Councillor Sullivan, moved as an Amendment, the appointment of elected Members to Outside Bodies as set out in the SNP Group proposals. Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the roll. On the roll being called 36 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Beveridge, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Lennon, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, McKendrick, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. 38 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:- Councillors Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Burgess, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Currie, Docherty, Duffy, Duff-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Leckie, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Watson, Wilson and Woods. Councillor Shields abstained. 36 Members having voted for the Amendment, 38 Members having voted for the Motion and 1 Member having abstained, the Motion was accordingly declared carried. Decided: that the appointment of Members to Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies, as attached at Appendix 1 to the Minute, be implemented. Councillor Williams prior to consideration of the following item of business, had declared a connection by virtue of being a Director of a Community Energy Co-operative, and had further declared that she considered the connection so sufficiently remote that it did not preclude her participation in consideration of the matter. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR LENNON AND COUNCILLOR DI MASCIO 5. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Lennon and Councillor Di Mascio, notice of which appeared on the Agenda, vis:- “Conduct a feasibility study for an authority wide Green, Renewable & Sustainable Community Energy Company that benefit’s the residents of North Lanarkshire. This Council recognises the financial impacts that the Cost of Living, Energy & Climate crises will have upon low-income families, the working poor, disadvantaged & energy excluded individuals and/or communities across the authority. This Council acknowledges the dire financial challenges residents will face both this winter and for the foreseeable future due to global instability and increases to fuel price caps. This Council agrees that despite being at the mercy of global markets & UK government, this authority has a significant role to play in mitigating these financial catastrophes for the betterment of its residents. This Council concludes that an authority/ community owned energy company could put our people at the heart of the energy system. It could bring communities & people together to take democratic climate action by understanding, generating, owning, using, and saving energy.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 6 This Council further acknowledges that community energy provides clear accountability and participatory governance within the energy system, which is empowering, transparent and equitable. It accelerates the transition to a zero-carbon energy system while increasing community resilience and/or it includes communities which may otherwise be excluded from the energy system. This Council agrees to conduct a full feasibility study to explore the concept of an authority/ community owned energy company which will be presented at a later date to committee. The study will include scalable options for Wind, Biomass, Solar & Hydrogen plants which be located in the authority bringing with it new job opportunities & significant community benefits. The report will also include a potential business case, funding options, partners and/or stakeholders whilst understanding that community energy refers to the delivery of community-led renewable energy, energy demand reduction and energy supply projects, whether wholly owned and/or controlled by communities or through partnership with commercial and/or public sector partners ensuring Green, Clean & Sustainable energy for many years to come thus ensuring North Lanarkshire truly is a place to Live, Learn, Work, Invest & Visit.” Councillor Lennon, seconded by Councillor Di Mascio, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Loughran, seconded by Councillor McPhilemy, moved as an Amendment:- "Council acknowledges the importance of tackling fuel poverty and supporting sustainable energy systems. Council commits to further develop and build on existing sustainable, green, energy systems within North Lanarkshire. Council will conduct a feasibility study to inform how the Council can best support the creation and implementation of fully integrated energy systems." Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Watson, moved as a further Amendment:- "That the Council acknowledges the proposals to progress a feasibility study specifically for an authority wide Green, Renewable & Sustainable Community Energy Company on cost of living, energy and climate change grounds but is not persuaded that an investigation focused solely on this initiative is the right course of action to pursue at the present time. Agrees that the local authority will not proceed with an investigation that is focused solely on the particular initiative set out in the motion. Notes that the Scottish Government announced plans to set up a not-for-profit national energy company in 2017 but that there was a failure to follow through on this promise and the proposals were ultimately withdrawn in 2021. Understands that the Scottish Government now plan to establish a national energy agency and agrees that Council should monitor what progress is made with the downgraded plans before deciding whether it would be appropriate to initiate a feasibility study that is focused specifically on a Council- wide Green, Renewable & Sustainable Community Energy Company. Recognises the need to meet net zero targets and to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts towards 1.5°C. Understands that the Council has set ambitious targets to reach net zero including a requirement that at least 10 percent of community hub anticipated energy demands will be generated on site, a reduction in energy consumption of 3 percent annually and Energy Efficiency Improvements in the Corporate Estate to reduce carbon emissions in buildings such as sport centres, offices and schools. Notes that reports on the Council’s actions to move towards net zero and progress in meeting these aims will continue to be presented at future meetings of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 7 On the cost of living, Council raises concerns at the accuracy of the discourse directed towards the UK Government in the third paragraph of the motion including the phrase “being at the mercy of …. the UK Government.” Notes that in contrast to the discourse presented in this part of the motion, the UK Government has announced a range of measures to help the people of our four nations manage the current cost of living pressures, which have been caused by global factors. Acknowledges the following actions are part of the overall UK Government support package on the cost of living issues:- • The “Energy Price Guarantee” that will cap typical household energy bills at £2,500 per year for the next two years. This scheme will save the typical household £1,000 a year and may amount to a £150 billion expenditure package and more than double the £70 billion UK Government furlough scheme. • The “Energy Bills Support Scheme” to reduce household energy bills by £400 from October and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee. • A £650 payment, made in two instalments, for 8 million households in receipt of particular welfare support initiatives including Universal Credit, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Child Tax Credit and Pension Credit. • An additional £300 for all pensioner households. • Fuel duty reduced by 5p per litre for 12 months in March." Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the roll. On the roll being called, in the first instance between the Motion and the Amendment first proposed, 36 Members voted for the Amendment first proposed, as follows:- Councillors Beveridge, Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Docherty, Duffy, Duff-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Leckie, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McKendrick, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Shields and Woods. 35 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Di-Mascio, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Lennon, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. Councillors Burgess, Currie, Nolan, Watson and Wilson abstained. 36 Members having voted for the Amendment first received, 35 Members having voted for the Motion and 5 Members having abstained, the Amendment first proposed was accordingly declared carried and as a result the Amendment first proposed became the Motion and the Amendment second proposed became the Amendment. On the roll being called, in the second instance between the Motion and the Amendment, 5 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows:- Councillors Burgess, Currie, Nolan, Watson and Wilson. 37 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:-
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 8 Councillors Beveridge, Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Docherty, Duffy, Duff-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Leckie, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McKendrick, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Shields, Williams and Woods. 33 Members abstained, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Di-Mascio, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Lennon, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas and Toner. 5 Members having voted for the Amendment, and 37 Members having voted for the Motion, and 33 Members having abstained, the Motion was accordingly declared carried. Decided: (1) that the importance of tackling fuel poverty and supporting sustainable energy systems be noted; (2) that the Council commits to further develop and build on existing sustainable green energy systems within North Lanarkshire, and (3) that a feasibility study be conducted to inform how the Council can best support the creation and implementation of fully integrated energy systems. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR LENNON AND COUNCILLOR McCLUSKEY 6. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Lennon and Councillor McCluskey, notice of which appeared on the Agenda viz:- “To review all play park equipment in the authority making play areas more accessible for children with Disabilities, Sensory Impairment & Additional Support Needs. This Council recognises that play is an important part of all children’s development and more so for children with disabilities, visual impairment, and children with additional support needs. This Council acknowledges there is a severe lack of accessible/ inclusive play equipment at many play/ swing parks in North Lanarkshire for children with specialised requirements. This Council agrees that disabled & sensory play equipment is limited to one or two children’s play parks in the authority, which does not promote inclusive play “FOR ALL CHILDREN” with its selection of current play equipment. This Council further concedes that many parents must travel to Ravenscraig or out with the authority (Rouken Glen in Giffnock or Zetland in Grangemouth) to access purpose designed disabled equipment, meaning many parents must travel great distances to allow their children the opportunity for safe play & at significant cost. This Council agrees to conduct a full review (including any consultative data) of disabled/ sensory play equipment in the authority with an aim of identifying 1 adapted, disabled/ sensory play park per ward area in the authority thus ensuring stronger linkage with the 20 Minute Neighbourhood Concept. This Council will present a report at a future committee including an action plan to achieve more inclusive play for children with disabilities, visual impairment & additional support needs and ensuing North Lanarkshire an authority that promotes disabled play & play for all children living in the authority.” Thereon, Councillor Lennon, seconded by Councillor McCluskey, moved the terms of the Motion.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 9 Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Fisher, moved as an Amendment:- "Council welcomes a review of all play areas especially since the arbitrary and inadequate allocation of £60m in April 2021 to revamp every playpark in Scotland by the Scottish Government. Council acknowledges that all new NLC play areas are designed with inclusivity in mind. The money provided to NLC by the Scottish Government so far equates to £341K year one and £360K year 2 as part of a 5 year program. These monies have been used to refurbish 7 existing sites in year 1 (2021-22) and will refurbish 5 existing sites in year 2 (2022-2023). Council instructs the Leader of the Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy requesting additional funding to allow the Council to refurbish 260 existing play parks." Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the roll. On the roll being called 38 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows:- Councillors Beveridge, Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Burgess, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Currie, Docherty, Duffy, Duff-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Watson, Wilson and Woods. 37 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Di-Mascio, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Leckie, Lennon, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, McKendrick, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. 38 Members having voted for the Amendment and 37 Members having voted for the Motion, the Amendment was accordingly declared carried. Decided: (1) that the Council welcomes a review of all play areas given the arbitrary and inadequate allocation by the Scottish Government of £60m in April 2021 to revamp every playpark in Scotland; (2) that the Council acknowledges that all new Council play areas were designed with inclusivity in mind, and the money provided to the Council equates to £341K year one and £360K year 2 as part of a 5 year program with these monies being used to refurbish 7 existing sites in year 1 (2021-22) and will refurbish 5 existing sites in year 2 (2022-2023), and (3) that the Leader of the Council writes to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy requesting additional funding to allow the Council to refurbish 260 existing play parks. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR GOLDIE AND COUNCILLOR MASTERTON 7. This Notice of Motion was withdrawn. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR ROBINSON AND COUNCILLOR DI MASCIO 8. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Robinson and Councillor Di Mascio, notice of which appeared on the Agenda viz:- “Conduct a feasibility study on the creation of a North Lanarkshire university-linked business incubator.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 10 This Council recognises that North Lanarkshire is the largest local authority in Scotland with no university, or university campus (outside of health facilities), within its boundaries. This puts North Lanarkshire at a distinct disadvantage with regards to attracting university spin-out companies, the majority of which are in the high value-add STEM sector, notably life sciences, engineering, software/ video games development, robotics, artificial intelligence and net zero / green technologies. In its resource spending review for the period 2023-27, Universities Scotland noted that Scottish Universities made an economic contribution of £15.3 billion to the UK economy in 2019/20. Notably, Scottish universities have created 1,240 spin-out companies via the commercialisation of research activities – 19% of the UK total. The commercialisation of university research adds £613 million to the Scottish economy on an annual basis. This Council notes that the BioCity / MediCity business accelerator is successfully located at Newhouse, however it is focussed on the life sciences sector and is not specifically linked to Scotland’s universities. This Council agrees to conduct a full feasibility study to explore the concept of a university-linked business incubator, the findings of which will subsequently be presented to committee. This study will investigate: • options for the scope and location of an incubator • funding options • identification of key partners and stakeholders This Council recognises that the creation of a business incubator linked to Scotland’s universities will have several positive impacts for our communities, notably: • the creation of high value jobs in North Lanarkshire – contributing to closing the gap between average earnings in North Lanarkshire and Scottish average earnings. • Enhancing North Lanarkshire’s reputation as the best place in Scotland to Live, Learn, Work, Invest and Visit, as part of the Council’s “We ASPIRE” framework. • Developing opportunities for our young people, especially graduates, who are often forced to work, and potentially live, elsewhere. Helping to create a sustainable economy of the future, one that positions North Lanarkshire at the forefront of technological innovation across a variety of economic sectors.” Thereon, Councillor Robinson, seconded by Councillor Mitchell, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Duffy-Lawson, moved as an Amendment:- "This Council notes the decision that was taken at the meeting of the policy and strategy committee dated 18/03/2021 to create a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of the West of Scotland. This Council further notes, that in addition to the BioCity business incubator based in Newhouse, that this pathway includes key sectors of growth activity such as data science, sustainable construction and applied technologies as well as industry mentoring at every stage from an employer whom they will build a long-term relationship with. Further to this, Council recognises that 14 students have already started on this curricular progression route and it is anticipated that these numbers will significantly increase year on year." Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the roll.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 11 On the roll being called 38 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows:- Councillors Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Burgess, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Currie, Docherty, Duffy, Duff-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Leckie, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Watson, Wilson and Woods. 37 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Beveridge, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Di-Mascio, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Lennon, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, McKendrick, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. 38 Members having voted for the Amendment and 37 Members having voted for the Motion, the Amendment was accordingly declared carried. Decided: (1) that the decision taken at the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee on 18 March 2021 to create a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of the West of Scotland be noted; (2) that it be further noted that, in addition to the BioCity business incubator based in Newhouse, this pathway includes key sectors for growth activity such as data science, sustainable construction and applied technologies as well as industry mentoring at every stage from an employer with whom they will build a long term relationship, and (3) that the Council recognises that 14 students have already started on this curricular progression route and it is anticipated that these numbers will significantly increase year on year. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR MITCHELL AND COUNCILLOR TONER 9. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Mitchell and Councillor Toner, notice of which appeared on the Agenda viz:- “This Council recognises that for employees of the Council, hybrid working has been accepted through the Hybrid Working Scheme which allows for the application of workforce flexibility by utilising online meeting systems such as Microsoft Teams. This Council notes that this policy does not apply to Councillors and that whilst hybrid meetings have been taking place for appropriate Committees, there is no permanent provision to ensure this remains the policy. This Council acknowledges that Hybrid Working enhances participation, capacity, and empowerment across our communities and allows those Councillors from marginalised backgrounds to participate as elected representatives where they previously may not have been able to due to the barriers present. This Council accepts that Hybrid Working using technology is commonplace in appropriate workplaces now and will likely remain permanent, therefore, to not embrace such methods of working would be suppressive to a modern working environment that does not disenfranchise those with accessibility issues and provides a positive work life balance for workers. This Council recognises that promoting inclusion and aiming for equality helps in addressing the disadvantages that people may experience because of societal constructs, prejudice, and discrimination and this should include elected members.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 12 The Council agrees to amend Section 4 of 'Standing Orders for Meetings' and suitably amending the 'Protocol for Remote Council and Committee Meetings' to reflect a commitment to hybrid working for Councillors for appropriate meetings.” Thereon, Councillor Mitchell, seconded by Councillor Toner, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Roarty, seconded by Councillor Kelly, moved as an Amendment:- Additional Recommendation “Council agrees to amend Standing Order 64(A) to permit substitute members on the Planning Committee, Regulatory Committee and Audit and Scrutiny Panel”. Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the roll. On the roll being called 38 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows:- Councillors Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Burgess, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Currie, Docherty, Duffy, Duff-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Leckie, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Watson, Wilson and Woods. 37 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Beveridge, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Di-Mascio, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Lennon, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, McKendrick, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. 38 Members having voted for the Amendment and 37 Members having voted for the Motion, the Amendment was accordingly declared carried. Decided: (1) that Council recognises that for Council employees hybrid working has been accepted through the Hybrid Working Scheme which allows for the application of workforce flexibility by utilising online meeting systems such as MS Teams and notes that this policy does not apply to Councillors and whilst hybrid meetings have been taking place for appropriate Committees, there is no permanent provision to ensure this remains the policy; (2) that Council acknowledges that Hybrid Working enhances participation, capacity, and empowerment across our communities and allows those Councillors from marginalised backgrounds to participate as elected representatives where they previously may not have been able to due to the barriers present; (3) that Council accepts that Hybrid Working using technology is commonplace in appropriate workplaces and it is likely to remain permanent and to not embrace such methods of working would be suppressive to a modern working environment that does not disenfranchise those with accessibility issues and provides a positive work life balance for workers and recognises that promoting inclusion and aiming for equality helps in addressing the disadvantages that people may experience because of societal constructs, prejudice, and discrimination and this should include elected Members; (4) that Section 4 of 'Standing Orders for Meetings' and the 'Protocol for Remote Council and Committee Meetings' be amended to reflect the commitment to hybrid working for Councillors for appropriate meetings, and
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 13 (5) that Standing Order 64(A) be amended to permit substitute members on the Planning Committee, Regulatory Committee and Audit and Scrutiny Panel. QUESTIONS RECEIVED IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 51 10. It was noted that no questions had been submitted in terms of Standing Order 51.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 14 Appendix 1 Amendments to Memberships of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Other Bodies Meeting of North Lanarkshire Council – 6 October 2022 Council is recommended to approve the appointments as detailed below. Conservative Group, Other Members and Officers Committees/Sub- Committees/Panels Proposed Amendment Adult Care and Social Work • Appoint Cllr McKendrick Communities & Regeneration • Appoint Cllr Beveridge Education, Children and Families • Appoint Cllrs M Coyle & S Coyle • Remove Cllr Beveridge Education Employee Appeals Sub • Appoint Cllr Beveridge Employee Appeals Sub • Appoint Cllr Beveridge Employment & Fair Work • Appoint Cllr Leckie Environment and Climate Change • Appoint Cllr Williams Housing • Remove Cllr S Coyle Petitions Sub • Appoint Cllr Leckie Planning • Remove Cllr Beveridge Policy & Strategy • Appoint Cllr Beveridge Regulatory • Appoint Cllr Beveridge Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee • Appoint Cllrs Currie and Nolan • Appoint Cllrs Leckie and Williams Outside Bodies Proposed Appointment North Lanarkshire Properties (Investments) Ltd and North Lanarkshire Properties Management Committee • Head of Property and Projects to replace Head of Environmental Assets as Officer Director
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 15 Labour Group Proposals Amendments to Memberships of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels and Outside Bodies Meeting of North Lanarkshire Council – 6 October 2022 Council is recommended to approve the appointments as detailed below. Committees/Sub- Committees/Panels Proposed Amendment Audit & Scrutiny Panel Community Partnership Housing Committee Licensing Board Policy & Strategy Planning Regulatory Petitions Sub – Substitutes Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty – Substitutes Planning Substitutes* Audit & Scrutiny Panel substitutes* Regulatory substitutes* Councillor Fisher to replace Councillor Kelly Councillor Stevenson to replace Councillor Campbell Councillor Fisher to replace Councillor Kelly Remove Councillor Shevlin Councillor Roarty added as 2nd Vice Convener Councillor McPake to replace Councillor Duffy Lawson Councillor B McCulloch to replace Councillor Kelly Councillor Bustard, Councillor Fisher, Councillor Patton Councillor Khan, Loughran, Stevenson, McNally, McPhilemy, Jones and Reddin Councillor Woods, Convener, and Councillor Costello, Vice Convener, appointed on 25 August 2022 Councillor B McCulloch, Councillor McLaren, Councillor Fisher Councillor Dunbar, Councillor Fisher, Councillor McKay Councillor Logue, Councillor B McCulloch, Councillor Roarty Councillor Kelly, Councillor Fisher, Councillor M McCulloch *Subject to approval of Agenda Item 9 Outside Bodies Proposed Amendment Care Experienced & Young People Champion Councillor Costello Amey Public Services LLP Councillor McPake to replace Councillor Masterton Environmental Key Fund Limited Councillor McPhilemy to replace Councillor Masterton Highland Reserve Forces & Cadet Association Councillor Burgess to replace Councillor Magowan NL Property Investments Limited and North Lanarkshire Properties LLP Councillor Duffy, Councillor Fisher 2 vacancies for SNP 1 vacancy for Conservative & Unionist Party
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 16 Outside Bodies Proposed Amendment North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Integrated Joint Board Councillor Khan (chair), Councillor Kelly 1 vacancy for SNP 1 vacancy for Conservative & Unionist Party Routes to Work Limited Councillor Duffy to replace Councillor Di Mascio Seven Lochs Partnership Board Councillor McPake to replace Councillor Keltie Supplier Development Programme Ltd Councillor Brannan McVey to replace Councillor Stubbs West of Scotland European Forum Councillor Kelly to replace Councillor Linden Substitute: Councillor Brannan McVey to replace Councillor Carragher
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 17 Memberships of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels and Outside Bodies SNP Proposals Committees/Sub- Committees/Panels Proposed Amendment Adult and Social Work Remove Cllr. Ballinger Appointments Sub Committee Replacing Cllr. Linden with Cllr. Sullivan Adding Substitutes Cllr. Barclay Cllr Hughes Cllr. Masterton Audit and Scrutiny Replacing Cllr. Lennon with Cllr. Sullivan Adding Substitutes *Cllr. Barclay *Cllr. Hughes *Cllr. Masterton Communities and Regeneration Remove Cllr. Masterton Economy, Finance and Resources Replace Cllr. Carragher with Cllr. Cairns Replace Cllr. Brennan with Cllr. Keltie Replace Cllr. Magowan with Cllr. Mitchell Substitutes: Replace Cllr. Hughes with Cllr. Carragher Replace Cllr. Mitchell with Cllr. Smith Education, Children and Families Remove Cllr. Linden Education Employee Appeals Sub Remove Cllr. Mitchell Employee Subs Appeal Remove Cllr. Barclay Employment and Fair Work Remove Cllr. Ashraf Environment and Climate Change Remove Cllr. Cairns Housing Add Cllr. Lennon Substitutes Replace Cllr. Masterton with Cllr. Hughes Joint Consultative Committee for Local Government Employees Replace Cllr. Sullivan with Cllr. Thomas Licensing Board Add Cllr. Toner Replace Cllr. Magowan with Cllr. Robb Petitions Sub Remove Cllr. Sullivan Substitutes: Replace Cllr. Barclay with Cllr. Ballinger Replace Cllr. Hughes with Cllr. Crichton Replace Cllr. Smith with Cllr. Jarvie Planning Add Cllr. Cairns Replace Cllr. A. Stubbs with Cllr. Jarvie Substitutes *Cllr. Barclay *Cllr. Hughes
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 6 OCTOBER 2022 18 Committees/Sub- Committees/Panels Proposed Amendment Policy and Strategy Remove Cllr. Magowan Replace Cllr. Ashraf with Cllr. Sullivan Replace Cllr. Barclay with Cllr. Fotheringham Replace Cllr. Linden with Cllr. Robinson Substitutes Replace Cllr. Hughes with Cllr. Smith Regulatory Remove Cllr. Sullivan Replace Cllr. Barclay with Cllr. Ballinger Substitutes *Cllr. Barclay *Cllr. Denis Johnston *Cllr. Sullivan Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Cllr. Carragher Cllr. Goldie Cllr. Keltie Cllr. Linden Cllr. McGregor Cllr. McManus Cllr. Mitchell Cllr. Smith Cllr. L. Stubbs Cllr. Sullivan Cllr. Thomas Substitutes: Cllr. Brennan Cllr. Fotheringham Cllr. D. Johnston *Subject to approval of Agenda Item 9
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AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 19 Motherwell, 8 September 2022 at 2 pm. A Meeting of the AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL PRESENT Councillor Watson, Convener; Councillor Dunbar, Vice-Convener; Councillors Hume, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Loughran, Robinson and Stevenson. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Financial Solutions; Head of Business and Digital; Head of Audit and Risk; Finance Manager; Business Strategy Manager; Strategy and Performance Manager; Business Partnership Manager; Principal Auditor and Democratic Services Manager. CHAIR Councillor Watson (Convener) presided. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE G McCreadie and P Murray, Audit Scotland. APOLOGIES Councillors Kelly, Lennon and McNally, Prior to the commencement of business, the Convener read out a statement to the Panel outlining its role and remit and indicating that consideration of matters should take place in a non-political environment. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations of interest. INTERNAL AUDIT ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Audit and Risk (1) informing the Panel that the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and the Council’s Internal Audit Charter require the Head of Audit and Risk to provide the Panel, and the Chief Executive and the Corporate Management Team, with an annual summary of work undertaken by Internal Audit and providing an annual independent opinion on the Council’s Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Internal Control arrangements; (2) explaining that the report fulfilled that requirement by providing an overview of the activities of the Internal Audit Section for the year 2021-2022 and by presenting, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, the Annual Internal Audit Opinion, and (3) stating that the Annual Opinion is unqualified and that the report offers a generally positive view of the Council’s Governance and Internal Control arrangements. The Panel agreed that the 2021-22 Internal Audit Annual Report, and associated annual opinion of the Head of Audit and Risk, be noted.
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AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 20 ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2021-22 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Business and Digital (1) informing the Panel that the Council is required to produce an Annual Governance Statement in line with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 and that this statement requires to be included within the Council’s annual accounts and is subject to review by the external auditors as part of their year end annual audit report process; (2) attaching, as Appendix 1 to the report, the Annual Governance Statement for the 2021-22 year, which outlines the Council’s Governance arrangements for the previous financial year and demonstrates how the Council complies with the Delivering Good Governance in Local Government Framework (2016), and (3) advising that included in the Annual Governance Statement is the annual internal audit opinion from the Head of Audit and Risk on the Council’s internal control systems which concludes that “reasonable assurance can be placed on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s Framework of Governance, Risk Management and Internal Control for the year ended 31 March 2022”. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the Annual Governance Statement for 2021-22 be noted, and (2) that the inclusion of the Assurance Statement in the Annual Governance Statement for 2021- 22 be confirmed. DRAFT UNAUDITED ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2022 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) informing the Panel that the unaudited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 had been completed and submitted to Audit Scotland by 30 June 2022 in accordance with the statutory deadline, and (2) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, the unaudited annual accounts for the year to 31 March 2022. The Panel agreed that the contents of the report, and the unaudited annual accounts submitted to External Audit by 30 June 2022, be acknowledged. EXTERNAL AUDIT – ANNUAL PLAN 2021-22 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Audit and Risk presenting the Annual Plan 2021-22 from the Council’s appointed external auditors, Audit Scotland. Thereon, G McCreadie, Audit Scotland, spoke to the External Audit Annual Plan 2021-22. The Panel agreed that the External Audit Annual Plan 2021-22, and the work proposed in undertaking that audit of the Council, be noted. INTERNAL AUDIT PROGRESS REPORT 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Audit and Risk (1) providing an overview of Internal Audit activity; (2) reporting the results of Internal Audit outputs finalised since the last update to the Panel in March 2022; (3) highlighting the most significant areas arising from the completed audit work; (4) updating the Panel on other aspects of the work of Internal Audit, and (5) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, a brief summary of the scope and key findings of each substantive planned audit together with a supplementary pack containing copies of those reports.
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AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 21 Thereon, K Adamson answered questions from the Panel and provided assurance that information relating to the report on business continuity planning testing by Services would be provided to members of the Panel. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the findings, conclusions and recommendations of completed Internal Audit reports, together with the associated management responses, be noted; (2) that Internal Audit provide a report to future meetings of the Panel on progress made in implementing agreed management actions in relation to all audit recommendations categorised as high or medium, and (3) that, otherwise, the content of the report be noted. INTERNAL AUDIT: FOLLOW-UP OF ACTIONS PREVIOUSLY AGREED BY MANAGEMENT IN RESPONSE TO AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Audit and Risk (1) detailing the extent to which management had implemented actions previously committed to in response to recommendations in Internal Audit reports, where those actions were due to be completed by the end of June 2022; (2) advising that Internal Audit had concluded that 10 of the 27 actions agreed in response to relevant Internal Audit recommendations during the period had been completed, 15 were assessed as being partially implemented, and 2 determined as no longer relevant; (3) explaining that 9 of the 14 actions agreed in respect of External Audit outputs had been completed, 1 had been partially implemented, and 4 were no longer relevant, and (4) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, commentary for management and details of proposed management actions and revised target dates for completion of those outstanding audit recommendations where Internal Audit had assessed the residual risk as high or medium. During consideration, the Panel expressed concern that where a target date for an action was listed for the end of the month in which the Panel met, and in the event that the target date was missed, it may be an entire Committee cycle before the Panel was made aware of this situation and requested that members of the Panel be notified between meetings where any actions listed had not been achieved by their target date. The Panel agreed (1) that the contents of the report be noted, and (2) that the recommendations by Internal Audit at Appendix 1 to the report be approved. INTERNAL AUDIT ANNUAL PLAN 2022-23 8. There was submitted a report by the Head of Audit and Risk (1) presenting the proposed Internal Audit Plan 2022-23 to the Panel for its consideration and approval, and (2) setting out the background and context within which the Internal Audit planning process is undertaken, and providing a high level review of how it is proposed Internal Audit resources will be allocated in 2022-23. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the approach adopted to produce the 2022-23 Internal Audit Annual Plan be noted;
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AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 22 (2) that the detailed list of proposed Internal Audit assignments for the 2022-23 Plan, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be noted, and (3) that the proposed 2022-23 Internal Audit Annual Plan be approved. RISK MANAGEMENT UPDATE AND CORPORATE RISK REGISTER 2022-23 9. There was submitted a report by the Head of Audit and Risk (1) providing a general update on key risk management developments with particular focus on the results of the recent annual review of the Corporate Risk Register; (2) submitting a proposed timetable for future reporting on key corporate risks to the Panel; (3) reminding the Panel that the Corporate Risk Register is reviewed annually to ensure completeness and continuing alignment to the Council's strategic objectives; (4) noting that all corporate risks identified and agreed as meriting inclusion in the Corporate Risk Register are subject to regular monitoring and review by senior management and periodic review and consideration of individual risks by both the Corporate Management Team and the Panel in line with the Council's Risk Management Strategy and their respective governance roles, and (5) reporting that, although there are some changes in individual risk scores, the Corporate Risk Register for 2022-23 remains substantially unchanged from the previous year. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the agreed Corporate Risk Register for 2022-23, attached at Appendix 1 to the report and incorporating the range of proposed changes outlined in the report, be noted; (2) that the proposed Schedule, attached at Appendix 3 to the report, for reporting on corporate risks to future meetings of the Panel, be approved, and (3) that the proposal to carry out a further review of the Corporate Risk Register in late 2022, as outlined in the report, including the addition of top risks from Service Risk Registers, be noted. STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK - ANNUAL REVIEW AND REFRESH 10. There was submitted a report by the Head of Business and Digital (1) reporting that the Delivering Good Governance in Local Government: Framework requires that each year, local authorities test their arrangements against the Good Governance principles set out within it by carrying out a review of existing arrangements, ensuring that their local Code is up to date, and reporting on compliance; (2) advising that, in this respect, the Strategic Governance Framework has been reviewed and updated; (3) presenting the updated Strategic Governance Framework to the Panel for approval in line with its role "to provide independent assurance to the Council and those charged with governance on the adequacy of the Council's Risk Management Framework and internal control environment", and (4) intimating that the annual review process, and refreshed Strategic Governance Framework, are also key pieces of evidence used to inform the development of the Annual Governance Statement for 2021-22. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the annual review which has been undertaken to refresh the Strategic Governance Framework, and ensure each of the elements and mechanisms listed therein are up to date, and on a review programme to be updated at an appropriate interval and reported to the relevant Committee, be acknowledged; (2) that the Panel continues to carry out its role in respect of the Strategic Governance Framework in terms of providing independent assurance to the Council and those charged with
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AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 23 governance on the adequacy of the Council's Risk Management Framework and internal control environment, and (3) that the refreshed Strategic Governance Framework be approved. SCRUTINY WORK PROGRAMME 11. There was submitted a report by the Head of Business and Digital (1) providing an update to the assessment and prioritisation process previously approved in 2018 to establish a work programme for the scrutiny function of the Panel, and (2) explaining that this process has been updated to ensure that scrutiny activity is framed within the context of The Plan for North Lanarkshire. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the updated process, as set out in the report and in Appendix 1 to the report, in order to assess and prioritise future items requiring scrutiny, with a work programme for the scrutiny function of the Panel to be established, be approved, and (2) that the role of Panel members in identifying, assessing and prioritising items for inclusion in the Scrutiny Work Programme in line with the updated process be endorsed. ARM'S LENGTH EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS: GOVERNANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT: OVERSIGHT AND ASSURANCE REPORT 2022-23 (PROGRAMME OF WORKS 75.1 – PART 2) 12. There was submitted a report by the Head of Business and Digital (1) reminding the Panel that the Council delivers a number of frontline and business-focussed services through Arm's Length External Organisations (ALEOs) which have been developed over the past 20 years to provide services in new ways that are innovative, responsive or more commercially driven; (2) explaining that the Council must have confidence in the quality of service delivery and obtain assurances, through robust monitoring, scrutiny and oversight, that the public purse continues to secure best value and that the externalised delivery arrangements are not exposing the Council to potential operational, financial or reputational risks; (3) providing an overview of the ALEO landscape and the performance and financial monitoring safeguards that are in place to provide such assurance; (4) confirming that ALEO Boards and Management Committees continue to demonstrate effective stewardship with financial governance and risk management arrangements in place, and (5) providing an update on the status of current dissolution activity and providing assurance to Members that Council decisions are being effectively and timeously implemented. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the nature and range of services provided by ALEOs and the governance and stewardship arrangements in place to ensure effective, efficient and responsive service delivery be noted; (2) that the performance monitoring and oversight arrangements in place, and that these are suitably robust and provide appropriate opportunity for the Council to obtain the necessary assurances that service delivery reflects best value, be noted, and (3) that the current activity to wind-up the business and affairs of a small number of existing ALEOs, where the Council has previously agreed to in-source or cease service delivery, be endorsed.
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JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES - 26 OCTOBER 2022 24 26 October 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES PRESENT Councillor Boyd, Convener; Provost Duffy; Councillors Ballinger, Barclay, Currie and Jarvie. M. Quigley, Vice-Convener, Unison; A. Clark, J. Hannigan, W. Shearer, D. Watson, J. Watson, A. Whisker; D. Whelan and L. Stewart, GMB, and J. Rooney and V. Thomson, Unite (T & G). CHAIR Councillor Boyd (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of People and Organisational Development; HR Business Partnership Manager; Employee Service Centre Manager; Occupational Safety and Wellbeing Manager; Senior Employee Relations Advisor, and Committee Officer. APOLOGIES Councillors Brannan-McVey, M. Coyle, Logue, MacGregor, McDade and Thomas; B. Rankin and H. Smith, GMB, and J. Baxter and G. Bryson, Unison. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations of interest. END OF YEAR ABSENCE STATISTICS 2021-22 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of People and Organisational Development (1) providing details of (a) the Council’s end of year absence position for 2021/22, excluding Covid-19 related absences, which were reported separately, and (b) Quarter 1 2022/23 – April to June 2022, and (2) detailing within the report, a summary of information and analysis regarding the year end outturn position at 2021/22; FTE days lost monthly performance and year end; top reasons for absence during 2021/22; Covid-19 sickness absence at year end 2021/22; year-to-date absence as at Quarter 1; FTE absence days lost as at Quarter 1, and actions taken to reduce sickness absence and improve health and wellbeing. Thereon, John Watson, Unison, intimated that a BBC Scotland report had advised that the uptake of the Covid and Flu booster from NHS and Social Care staff was very low, and currently stood at 18%, and enquired whether it would be possible to administer boosters in the workplace. The Senior Employee Relations Adviser advised that there was no capacity for the Council's occupational health provider to administer the boosters. The Head of People and Organisational Development intimated that she would raise the matter with Ross McGuffie, Chief Accountable Officer, Health and Social Care, and provide an update to the Trade
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JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES - 26 OCTOBER 2022 25 Union representatives. Victoria Thompson, Unite, (T & G) requested communication to school staff, particularly non-education staff, and asked if this could be done on an individual basis. The Head of People and Organisational Development intimated that future communications to schools would be in the form of All User e-mails, and, where applicable, information posters would be sent to each establishment. John Watson, Unison, advised that the Trade Union representatives would be happy to assist with the dissemination of this information. Donna Watson, Unison enquired whether the high absence statistics within the Enterprise and Communities Service were linked to hybrid working and smarter working applications. The Senior Employee Relations Adviser intimated that Employee Relations staff were currently looking at the data and once this had been completed, the Trade Union representatives would be notified accordingly. Decided: (1) that the sickness absence information for the year 2021/22, and for Quarter 1 2022/23 be noted; (2) that the Head of People and Organisational Development contact Ross McGuffie, Chief Accountable Officer, Health and Social Care to ascertain whether it would be possible to administer Covid and Flu boosters in the workplace; (3) that future communications to schools would be in the form of All User e-mails and, where applicable, information posters would be sent to each establishment, and (4) that the report be otherwise noted. COST OF LIVING CRISIS 3. With reference to paragraph 5 of the reconvened Policy and Strategy Committee held on 4 October 2022 when, inter alia, approval had been given (1) to increase the number of work locations available to all Council staff, and (2) for Council staff on the frontline, for these work locations to provide warm places for their break. The Employee Service Centre Manager advised that this support to Council staff would be introduced from 1 November 2022, and that there would be an interactive Google searchable map which would highlight the locations and the facilities, with some facilities having the provision of free tea and coffee. John Watson, Unison, advised there was an increasing number of employees with rent arrears and financial issues, and requested that the Financial Inclusion Team re-introduce face to face consultations. The Employee Service Centre Manager intimated that the Financial Inclusion Team currently undertook face to face consultations in various locations across the Council area. John Watson, Unison, enquired whether it would be possible for the Council to provide one hot meal to every school child per day. The Head of People and Organisational Development intimated that she would raise this matter with the Education Service, and an update would be provided to the Trade Union representatives.
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JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES - 26 OCTOBER 2022 26 Decided: (1) that the Head of People and Organisational Development would ascertain from the Education Service whether it would be possible for the Council to provide one hot meal to every school child per day, and an update on the discussion would be provided to the Trade Union representatives in due course, and (2) that the update be noted. EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING UPDATE 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of People and Organisational Development (1) informing on proposals to further progress the Council’s Mental Health Strategy; (2) advising that it was the Council's intention to create (a) Service based groups to lead on mental health, and (b) a Council based group to progress the Council plans for mental health, and (3) highlighting within the report an up-to-date picture on activity being carried out on Employee Wellbeing. John Watson, Unison, enquired whether the high levels of absences in the Early Years Service were linked to work related stress, and as a result, leading to staff shortages. The Senior Employee Relations Adviser intimated that (1) discussions were ongoing with the Early Years Service and it was recognised that the model was still being integrated, and (2) there were retention issues with that particular service, and the Employee Relations Team would be providing support to Senior Managers where required. Thereon, Victoria Thompson, Unite (T & G) praised the positive recognition of the World Menopause Day, and requested that future events be extended to other locations across the Council area to enable more staff to attend. Decided: (1) that it was the intention to create (a) Service based groups to lead on mental health, and (b) a Council based group to progress the Council plans for Mental Health; (2) that options be explored to extend events linked to the World Menopause Day to other locations across the Council area to enable more staff to attend, and (3) that the report be otherwise noted. DISCIPLINARY, GRIEVANCE AND SUPPORTING ATTENDANCE POLICIES 5. The Senior Employee Relations Manager provided an overview and an update in respect of the Disciplinary, Grievance and Supporting Attendance policies and advised that (1) the Supporting Attendance Policy had been updated to include early intervention measures to ensure a tool kit, which included sample letters allowed a consistency of approach, and (2) Trade Union representatives had requested that bereavement leave and industrial injuries would not count towards the points trigger contained in the policy, and that it was her intention to discuss the request with Trade Union representatives in the coming weeks. The Senior Employee Relations Adviser acknowledged, in respect of the Disciplinary and Grievance policies, that there had been protracted delays with some investigations, which was due to a number of factors, including staffing issues, and the availability of Managers to undertake investigations. Donna Watson, Unison, advised that a number of cases could, and should, be dealt with in-house, which was acknowledged.
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JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES - 26 OCTOBER 2022 27 John Watson, Unison, intimated that protracted investigations had an impact on Social Work staff and as the Scottish Social Services Council carried out an investigation at the same time, he requested that in circumstances where an employee was suspended that this be reviewed, and that for all disciplinary and grievance meetings, employees be offered face to face meetings. The Senior Employee Relations Adviser agreed employees were offered face to face meetings in relation to disciplinary and grievance matters, and whilst the Employee Relations Team did not encourage the suspension of staff, this was at the discretion of each individual Service. She also advised that at the first investigation meeting, all Managers were encouraged to discuss and review the nature of the suspension whilst the investigation was ongoing. Willie Shearer, Unison suggested that it should be mandatory to review the suspension at the first interview stage, and that this discussion should also involve the Trade Union representatives, the Senior Employee Relations Adviser agreed that this would be looked at as part of the review. Decided: that the update be noted. I-TRENT OUTAGE 6. The Employee Service Centre Manager intimated that there had been a significant outage of the iTrent system on Friday, 11 September 2022 for a 36 hour period, and that there had been no access for Council staff during this period. She advised that in terms of contingency planning, staff had worked over that weekend to make sure that processes were in place to ensure that the payruns were on time. She further advised that the iTrent provider, Midland HR had carried out a review of the outage and were taking steps to mitigate further outages. Marie Quigley, Vice-Convener, enquired whether the iTrent system provided the Council with value for money. The Employee Service Centre Manager intimated that in terms of its functionality, the iTrent system did provide the Council with value for money. The Head of People and Organisational Development advised it was the intention to provide the Trade Union representatives with a copy of the report submitted to the Corporate Management Team on the Service Now system enhancements. Decided: (1) that Trade Union representatives would be provided with a copy of the report submitted to the Corporate Management Team on the Service Now system enhancements, and (2) that the update be noted.
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SPECIAL AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 27 OCTOBER 2022 28 27 October 2022 at 2 pm. A Special Meeting of the AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL PRESENT Councillor Watson, Convener; Councillor Dunbar, Vice-Convener; Councillors Fisher, Hume, D. Johnston, McNally, Robinson, Stevenson and Sullivan. CHAIR Councillor Watson (Convener) presided. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillor Hughes substituted for Councillor T. Johnston. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Financial Solutions; Head of Business and Digital; Head of Audit and Risk; Business Strategy Manager; Strategy and Performance Manager; Finance Manager, and Democratic Services Manager. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE B. Howarth and P. Murray, Audit Scotland. APOLOGIES Councillor T. Johnston. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations of interest. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2021/22 LETTERS OF REPRESENTATION 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions providing the Panel with information on the Letters of Representation required to be submitted to Audit Scotland in respect of the Council’s Annual Accounts and the Council’s Charitable Trust Accounts for 2021/22 (1) indicating that the Letters of Representation had been signed by the Head of Financial Solutions in her capacity as the Council’s Section 95 Officer and Trustee for the Charitable Trust and Educational Trust; (2) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, a copy of both Letters of Representation; (3) explaining that, as in previous years, the letters set out the Representations of Management and confirmed that the accounts were free from material mis-statement; (4) reporting that during the course of the audit, the External Auditors had highlighted a number of mis-statements within the Council’s Financial Statements which had been adjusted for the audited accounts where these were material, and (5) advising that a list of items that had arisen relating to the Council’s Accounts and the Charitable Trust and Education Trust Accounts were contained within the external Audit Annual Report. The Panel agreed that the Letters of Representation, provided to Audit Scotland, be noted.
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SPECIAL AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 27 OCTOBER 2022 29 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2021/22 – EXTERNAL AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE ON THE 2021/22 AUDIT 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions permitting the Panel to consider the External Auditors comments on specific matters arising from its audit of the Financial Statements for both the Council and the Charitable Trust in Education Endowments administered by the Council (1) providing background to the appointment of External Auditors to the Council and their role and remit; (2) explaining that, following completion of the audit, Audit Scotland had produced reports to those charged with governance on the 2021/22 audit for both the Council, and the Council’s Charitable Trust in Education Endowments, and (3) attaching, as Appendices to the report, reports from Audit Scotland in relation to the Council and the Council’s Charitable Trust in Education Endowments. B. Howarth spoke to the report by the External Auditor, following which the Panel agreed to note the report. EXTERNAL AUDIT – ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT 2021/22 4. There was submitted a report by the Audit and Risk Manager presenting to the Panel the Annual Audit Report produced by the Council’s appointed External Auditors, Audit Scotland in respect of the audit for the Council for the year ending 31 March 2022 (1) explaining that the Accounts Commission had appointed Audit Scotland as the Council’s appointed External Auditor and that Audit Scotland is required to annually prepare a report for Elected Members and the Controller of Audit, summarising the audit work and presenting the main findings arising from the audit; (2) informing the Panel that the External Auditor’s report presents key matters arising from each of the main areas of work undertaken by the External Auditor including the audit of financial statements and issues relating to the Council’s Financial Management, Financial Sustainability, Governance and Value for Money arrangements; (3) highlighting that, as outlined in the report by the External Auditor, they were able to place an unqualified audit opinion on the 2021/22 Financial Statements and that, although a small number of issues were highlighted by the External Auditor where scope for further improvement exists, overall, the report is considered by management to be positive with no significant weaknesses identified, and (4) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, the Audit Scotland Annual Audit Report 2021/22. B. Howarth spoke to the report by the External Auditor and answered questions from the Panel. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the External Auditor’s Annual Audit Report be noted, and (2) that implementation by management of actions agreed in response to External Audits recommendation be monitored through reports from Internal Audit. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2021/22 (AUDITED) 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions presenting the Council’s final 2021/22 Annual Accounts, and providing Elected Members with a background on the need to consider matters raised by Audit Scotland in respect of examination of the accounts (1) reminding the Panel that the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 require the Council to prepare an Annual Statement of Accounts in accordance with proper accounting practices and that the Accounts Commission appoints External Auditors to local authorities in order to carry out the audit of Financial Statements in accordance with International Standards; (2) informing the Panel that the review of the 2021/22 accounts by Audit Scotland was now complete and that the final version of the accounts was attached to the report as an Appendix, and (3) indicating that, following consideration of the accounts, a copy of the financial accounts signed by Council Officers and the Audit Director would be submitted to Audit Scotland and that a full Annual Report had been prepared by Audit Scotland and considered elsewhere in the meeting.
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SPECIAL AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL - 27 OCTOBER 2022 30 B. Howarth spoke to the report by Audit Scotland and wished to place on record the thanks of Audit Scotland for the co-operation of the Council Officers involved. The Panel agreed:- (1) that the contents of the report be noted; (2) that the final accounts, attached to the report as an Appendix, be approved for signing, and (3) that the relevant matters raised by the External Auditor at the meeting be noted.
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PLANNING - 13 OCTOBER 2022 31 13 October 2022 at 10 am. A Hybrid Meeting of the PLANNING COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Shevlin, Convener; Councillor Currie, Vice-Convener; Councillors Burgess, Bustard, Cairns, Campbell, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Docherty, Jarvie, T. Johnston, Lennon, Loughran, McDade, McManus, McNally, McPake, Robb, Smith, L. Stubbs and Woods. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Hughes and Fisher attended as substitutes for Councillors Baudo and Logue respectively. CHAIR Councillor Shevlin (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Planning and Regeneration, Planning and Place Manager, Planning Manager (South), Communications Officer and Committee Officer. APOLOGIES Councillors Baudo and Logue. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. The meeting noted that there were no declarations of interest. PLANNING APPLICATIONS INDEX 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration detailing applications for planning consent. In respect of planning application 22/00868/FUL – Installation of a new 40m high lattice telecoms tower with 12 x antennas and ancillary equipment and the relocation of 4 x 300mm diameter dishes, all contained within a new compound enclosed by way of a 2.5m high palisade fence at Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell, Councillor Robb, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved that the application be refused as the mast would detract from the amenity of the immediate and wider area due to its height, location and appearance, which was agreed. Decided: that the applications be dealt with in accordance with the Annex to this Minute. PLANNING AND ENFORCEMENT NOTICE APPEALS LODGED 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration advising of one planning and enforcement notice appeal which had been lodged with the Scottish Ministers. Decided: that the report be noted.
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PLANNING - 13 OCTOBER 2022 32 NOTICE OF PLANNING AND ENFORCEMENT NOTICE APPEAL DECISION 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration advising of one recent decision in respect of planning and enforcement notice appeals. Decided: that the report be noted. THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (FEES FOR APPLICATIONS) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2022 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) intimating that The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 sets out the level of fees required as part of the submission of planning applications and associated applications which includes, for the first time, new sections on discretion to charge fees, waiving or reducing of fees and surcharges on retrospective planning applications; (2) advising that the regulations require a Planning Authority to set out where they will charge for these services, when and by how much the fees will be reduced and to clarify the level of surcharges applied; (3) recommending that the fees set out in Section 2.7 of the report be implemented, which would deliver additional resources to enhance the service provided and ensure a well resourced and efficient planning service was maintained; (4) advising that, should the fees be agreed, the Planning Authority would require to provide detail on the content and advice that will be provided for pre-application advice, a draft of which is attached at Annex 1 to the report, and (5) proposing that where the application relates to development which, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, has the primary purpose of contributing to a not for profit enterprise or a social enterprise the fees be reduced by 50%. Decided: (1) that the introduction of fees for pre-application discussions/written advice considering a request to vary a planning permission under Section 64 of the 1997 Act (Non-material Variations) and written confirmation of compliance with a condition imposed on a grant of planning permission (Conditions Discharge) as set out in Section 2.12 of the report be approved, and (2) that, where an application relates to development which, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, has the primary purpose of contributing to a not for profit enterprise or social enterprise, the fees be reduced by 50%. CONTRACT AWARD - IDOX HOSTED AND MANAGED SERVICE 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration seeking approval to award a call off contract for Hosted and Managed Service to Idox Software Limited up to the maximum value of £1,209,684, exclusive of VAT, for an initial period of 60 months, with the option to extend for an additional period up to the maximum of 24 months. Decided: that the call off contract for Hosted and Managed Service be awarded to Idox Software Limited up to a maximum value of £1,209,684, exclusive of VAT, for an initial period of 60 months, with the option to extend up to a maximum of 24 months.
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PLANNING - 13 OCTOBER 2022 33 ANNEX Application No: 19/01460/FUL Applicant: Mrs J Fionda Development/Locus: Four detached dwellinghouses (including demolition of existing house) (revised layout) - 110 Glen Road, Wishawhill, Wishaw Decision: Withdrawn Application No: 21/01580/FUL Applicant: North Lanarkshire Council Development/Locus: Residential development (25 flats) with associated roads and drainage infrastructure - Site at Gibb Street, Chapelhall Decision: Grant Application No: 22/00770/S42 Applicant: Greengairs East Wind Farm Limited Development/Locus: Construction of Wind Farm including Permanent Meteorological Mast, Site Entrance, Access Tracks, Crane Hardstandings, Control Building, Underground Cables and Temporary Construction Compound (Section 42 Application to Vary Condition 1 and Delete Condition 38 of Planning Permission 19/01292/S42 to extend the operational life to 40 years and allow 3 years for restoration) - Site to North of Easterton, Airdrie Road, Caldercruix Decision: Continued for further consideration Application No: 22/00780/FUL Applicant: ASE 7 LLP Development/Locus: Change of Use from Class 6 (Storage and Distribution) to Fitness Studio Class 11 (Assembly and Leisure) - 10 Badenheath Place, Westfield, Cumbernauld, G68 9HX Decision: Grant Application No: 22/00836/FUL Applicant: Guala Closures UK Development/Locus: Manufacturing Facility and Offices with associated Parking, Landscaping and Infrastructure - Land North of Craignethan Drive, Gartcosh Decision: Grant
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PLANNING - 13 OCTOBER 2022 34 Application No: 22/00868/FUL Applicant: Wireless Infrastructure Group Development/Locus: Installation of a new 40m high lattice telecoms tower with 12 x antennas and ancillary equipment and the relocation of 4 x 300mm diameter dishes, all contained within a new compound enclosed by way of a 2.5m high palisade fence - Fir Park Stadium, Fir Park Street, Motherwell Decision: Refused as the height, location and appearance of the mast would detract from the amenity of the immediate and wider area and as a result the proposal was deemed to be contrary to the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2022, in particular Policy PP 3 (in that it would not be in keeping with the residential character of the area), Policy EDQ 1 (in that it would not integrate successfully into the local area and would not avoid harm to neighbouring amenity), Policy EDQ 3 (in that high standards of site planning would not be achieved), and Policy PROM ID2 (in that it would not be designed to reduce its visual and environmental impacts).
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COMMUNITIES - 31 OCTOBER 2022 35 31 October 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Stevenson, Convener; Councillor McBride, Vice-Convener; Councillors Ashraf, Baudo, Beveridge, Burgess, Fisher, Fotheringham, Hughes, Keltie, Khan, McCluskey, B. McCulloch, McLaren, McManus, McNally, Mitchell, Nolan, Patton, Robb, Smith, Toner and Williams. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Kelly and Shevlin attended as substitutes for Councillors Campbell and Jones respectively. CHAIR Councillor Stevenson (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Strategic Communications; Active and Creative Communities Manager; Area Community Partnership Managers, and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillors Campbell and Jones. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations of interest. COMMUNITY BOARD LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Strategic Communication (1) providing an update on progress with the Community Board Local Development Programme (LDP) projects which had been previously approved by Committee; (2) seeking in principle approval for new potential projects as proposed by local community groups; (3) explaining that to be eligible for inclusion in the LDP, projects must meet the priorities of the Local Outcome and Improvement Plan (LOIP) and substantially subscribe to previously agreed criteria, and (4) attaching, as Appendices to the report, (a) Community Board Local Development Programme 2022/23 onwards; (b) budget information, and (c) the play area development list 2022/23. Decided: (1) that the progress with the remaining 2022/23 programme, and onwards, be recognised; (2) that projects which have the potential for delivery in future financial years depending on availability of budget and community support, as detailed in the Appendix to the report, be approved;
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COMMUNITIES - 31 OCTOBER 2022 36 (3) that the capital budget allocated to the LDP for each Community Board area for the next five financial years, as detailed at Appendix 2 to the report, be recognised; (4) that the amendments to existing projects, and further project proposals and project criteria, be approved, and (5) that the current challenges faced in achieving delivery of the Local Development Programme be acknowledge. ACCESS TO FREE PERIOD PRODUCTS (PERIOD DIGNITY INITIATIVE) UPDATE 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Strategic Communication providing an update on the activity relating to the delivery and further development of the Access to Free Period Products/Period Dignity initiative (1) recalling that since August 2018 all local authorities in Scotland had been provided with funding to introduce access to free period products in schools and that, from January 2019, the Scottish Government had provided funding to all local authorities to increase the number and range of places where products would be available free of charge to those who need them with a focus on publicly accessible buildings; (3) indicating that the main intent of the wider roll-out for community provision remains tackling poverty but also a wider need to address the overarching gender equality and dignity issues that affect all those who menstruate regardless of income; (4) reporting that, currently, spending is split between school and community provision with this approach having been designed to reflect the needs of communities across the Council area; (5) advising that the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 received Royal Assent in January 2021 and became legislation on 15 August 2022 to be fully implemented by January 2023, and (6) outlining the Council's intentions around period dignity for local people through increased access to free sanitary products and other support which will be outlined on the Council website. Decided: (1) that the significant work carried out to date across key Council services and partner agencies be acknowledged; (2) that the outline of the planned developments for the next three-year period be approved, and (3) that the publication of a Statement of Intent, which will reinforce the Council's commitment to period dignity in line with the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 be approved. DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY CONCORDAT 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Strategic Communication (1) reminding the Committee that in 2020 it had been agreed by the previous Community Empowerment Committee that it would be useful to develop a Community Concordat with communities, primarily facilitated through the community and voluntary sector to agree shared values and approaches to working together to improve lives through, for example, the effectiveness of North Lanarkshire's Local Outcome Improvements Plans (LOIPs); (2) explaining that, in January 2022, Committee approval had been received for a one-off allocation of £60k to fund this work and that Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL) had been leading in engagement and development work to progress this on behalf of the North Lanarkshire Partnership Strategic Leadership Board, and (3) providing an update on progress to date and providing an overview of delivery priorities and timescales. Decided: that the progress with the development of the Community Concordat and revisions to the original approach be acknowledged.
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COMMUNITIES - 31 OCTOBER 2022 37 P056.2(3) COMMUNITY BOARD AND PARTNERSHIP COMMUNICATION STRATEGY 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Strategic Communication providing an update on key progress linked to supporting development of the Community Boards model including updates on the eighth cycle of Community Board meetings which took place throughout September and October 2022 (1) indicating that, as previously agreed, reports on the work of the nine Community Boards are provided to the Committee in each Committee cycle with progress also being reported to the North Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership Strategic Leadership Board to reflect the statutory nature of the Board's community planning role to provide local governance for the Local Outcome Improvement Plans, and (2) intimating that the process and focus of reporting on the work of the Community Boards will continue to be reviewed and elements will be included within the Local Outcome Improvement Plan monitoring and management framework for 2022/23 onwards. Decided: that the work to continue to develop and improve the integrated approach to supporting the local Community Board model be recognised. PROGRAMME OF WORK (P084 (6)) PROGRESS REPORT 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Strategic Communication providing an update on activity aimed at strengthening the role of the Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) in the delivery of priorities associated with the Plan for North Lanarkshire and the nine Local Outcome Improvement Plans (1) outlining a proposal to test and redesign, through engagement with the sector and Elected Members, the Grant Award Programme (GAP) to better align it to the model for working with communities and the delivery of local priorities which provides an opportunity to support a long-term shift from traditional “grant making model” to one that is built on co-production, community capacity building and local community assets and, reflects the needs, aspirations and circumstances of local communities, and (2) detailing that work is underway to develop a Concordat between community planning partners, local communities and the community and voluntary sector and the development of the Social Enterprise Strategy reflecting the need for better approaches to Community Wealth Building. Decided: that the plans to further scope out opportunities to realign the Grant Award Programme (GAP) to locally agreed and strategic priorities, as outlined in the report, be approved. CONTRACTS AWARDED BELOW COMMITTEE APPROVAL THRESHOLD 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions notifying the Committee of contracts awarded between 1 July to 30 September 2022 with a value below the financial threshold requiring Committee approval. Decided: that the contracts awarded below Committee approval threshold between 1 July to 30 September 2022, as per the process within the Council’s General Contract Standing Orders, be noted.
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REGULATORY - 1 NOVEMBER 2022 38 Motherwell, 1 November 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the REGULATORY COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor McLaren, Convener; Councillor McVey, Vice-Convener; Councillors, Beveridge, Crichton, Docherty, Dunbar, Hughes, B. McCulloch, Robb, Smith, Thomas and Watson. CHAIR Councillor McLaren (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Solicitor (Licensing) and Administrative Officer, Legal and Democratic Solutions. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE Inspector McCluskey, Police Scotland. In respect of paragraph 5 – Civic Licensing Standards Officer. APOLOGIES Councillors Ballinger and Shevlin. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor McLaren, by virtue of the licence holder being know to him, declared an interest by virtue of a connection in respect of paragraph 5 – Private Hire Driver's Licence and Private Hire Car Licence – Complaint – William Quinn, and left the meeting during consideration of this item. It was agreed in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the public 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 paragraphs 3 and 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. HEARINGS (1) PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION - GEORGE DOCHERTY 2. There was submitted an application by George Docherty for a Private Hire Driver's Licence. The Administrative Officer then indicated that George Docherty was not in attendance. The Solicitor (Licensing) then advised that attempts to contact George Docherty had been unsuccessful. Thereafter, the Committee determined that consideration of the application should proceed in George Docherty's absence.
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REGULATORY - 1 NOVEMBER 2022 39 The Committee then heard the Solicitor (Licensing) advise that George Docherty had attempted the knowledge test on 4 May 2022 but had abandoned the test after answering six questions, and that attempts to contact George Docherty to offer him a further opportunity to sit the knowledge test had been unsuccessful. Decided: that the application by George Docherty for a Private Hire Driver's Licence be refused. (2) PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER'S LICENCE - RENEWALS (a) MARTIN McAULEY 3. There was submitted (1) an application by Martin McAuley for the renewal of his Private Hire Driver's Licence, and (2) a representation to the application received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland. The Committee then heard the Solicitor (Licensing) advise that, for the reasons narrated, Martin McAuley's agent could not be in attendance, and had requested that consideration of the application be continued to permit her a further opportunity to appear before the Committee to represent her client. The Committee then heard Inspector McCluskey advise that, given the circumstances, he had no objection to consideration of the application being continued. Decided: that consideration of the application by Martin McAuley for the renewal of his Private Hire Driver's Licence, be continued until 22 November 2022, to allow Martin McAuley's agent a further opportunity to appear before the Committee to speak in respect of the application. (b) BRIAN McCLOY 4. There was submitted (1) an application by Brian McCloy for the renewal of his Private Hire Driver's Licence, and (2) an objection to the application received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland. The Administrative Officer then indicated that Brian McCloy was not in attendance. The Committee then heard the Solicitor (Licensing) advise that telephone communication had been made with Brian McCloy on 11 October 2022, when Brian McCloy had advised that he would not be in attendance at the meeting, and that he was aware of the likely outcome of the hearing proceeding in his absence. Thereafter, the Committee determined that consideration of the application should proceed in Brian McCloy's absence. The Committee then heard Inspector McCluskey outline the Chief Constable's objection to the application. Decided: that the application by Brian McCloy for the renewal of his Private Hire Driver's Licence be refused. Councillor McLaren, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of the licence holder being known to him, left the meeting during consideration of this item. Councillor McVey assumed the Chair.
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REGULATORY - 1 NOVEMBER 2022 40 (3) PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER'S LICENCE AND PRIVATE HIRE CAR LICENCE - COMPLAINT - WILLIAM QUINN 5. In terms of paragraph 11 of Schedule 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, there was submitted a complaint received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, relative to William Quinn, who currently held a Private Hire Driver's Licence and a Private Hire Car Licence. The Committee then heard (1) Inspector McCluskey outline the Chief Constable's complaint; (2) the Civic Licensing Standards Officer provide an overview of the matter, and (3) William Quinn speak in respect of the complaint. Thereafter, William Quinn, the Civic Licensing Standards Officer and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. William Quinn, the Civic Licensing Standards Officer and the representative of Police Scotland were then re-admitted to the meeting. Councillor Dunbar, seconded by Councillor Thomas, moved that the complaint by the Chief Constable, relative to William Quinn, be upheld. Councillor Crichton, seconded by Councillor Hughes, moved, as an amendment, that the complaint by the Chief Constable, relative to William Quinn, be not upheld. On a vote being taken, 2 Members voted for the amendment and 9 Members voted for the motion, which was accordingly declared carried. The Committee then heard William Quinn in mitigation. Thereafter, William Quinn, the Civic Licensing Standards Officer and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. William Quinn, the Civic Licensing Standards Officer and the representative of Police Scotland were then re-admitted to the meeting. Decided: that, in terms of paragraph 11 of Schedule 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the complaint by the Chief Constable, relative to William Quinn, firstly be upheld, and secondly that the Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions issue William Quinn with a formal written warning.
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WELLBEING AND TACKLING POVERTY - 4 NOVEMBER 2022 41 4 November 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the WELLBEING AND TACKLING POVERTY COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Woods, Convener; Councillor Costello, Vice-Convener; Councillors Carragher, Currie, Goldie, Khan, Leckie, Linden, MacGregor, McManus, McNally, McPhilemy, Mitchell, Nolan, Smith, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas and Williams. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Fisher, D. Johnston and McLaren attended as substitutes for Councillors Jones, Keltie and Stevenson respectively. IN ATTENDANCE Head of Children, Families and Justice Social Work/Chief Social Work Officer; Head of People and Organisational Development; Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions; Equalities Manager; Area Community Partnership Manager; Business Manager, Solution Inclusion, and Democratic Services Manager. CHAIR Councillor Woods (Convener) presided. APOLOGIES Councillors Jones, Keltie and Stevenson. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations of interest. PRESENTATION – AN OVERVIEW OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR EQUALITIES DUTY 2. There was submitted a presentation by the Head of People and Organisational Development providing the Committee with an overview of the Council’s responsibility in relation to its Public Sector Equality Duty, together with other aspects of equalities legislation and requirements. Decided: that the presentation be noted. PRESENTATION – TACKLING POVERTY IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE 3. There was submitted a presentation by the Business Manager, Tackling Poverty providing details to the Committee of the work of officers in relation to tackling poverty, how this work was undertaken, including processes followed, together with information on outcome monitoring. Decided: that the presentation be noted.
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WELLBEING AND TACKLING POVERTY - 4 NOVEMBER 2022 42 PROGRAMME OF WORK (P005.1(2) & (3)) – TACKLING POVERTY AND MAXIMISING THE LOCAL AUTHORITY ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUND 4. In reference to paragraph 6 of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee held on 29 September 2022 there was submitted a report by the Head of Children, Families and Justice Services/Chief Social Work Officer (1) providing an update on the implementation of the Tackling Poverty Strategy and the improved outcomes which have been achieved; (2) providing an Annual Child Poverty Action Report, covering the previous years activities and outlining future plans in line with statutory requirements and the Plan for North Lanarkshire, and (3) informing of the proposed approaches of the use of the Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) funding from the Scottish Government for 2022-23 for the purposes of (a) tackling financial insecurity, and (b) fuel hardship payment. Decided: (1) that the contents of the report, and the approval of the Policy and Strategy Committee future actions, be noted, and (2) that updates on associated activity be provided through reports to the next Cycle of this Committee. COST OF LIVING RESPONSE 5. In reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee held on 29 September 2022 there was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) commenting that the cost of living crisis in the UK is creating unprecedented pressures on people already in poverty and that thousands of people in North Lanarkshire will be forced into fuel poverty and will require to take difficult life decisions; (2) indicating that those supports coming from both the UK and Scottish Governments are evolving, but irrespective of this, the coming Winter months will be extremely challenging for a significant number of households, and (3) outlining which current initiatives and assistance were currently in place within North Lanarkshire and what further assistance could be delivered. Thereon, the Area Community Partnership Manager provided an oral update regarding the distribution of funds and ongoing engagement with Community Groups together with information regarding monitoring arrangements of the use of those funds by Community Groups. Decided: that the contents of the report, and the decision of the Policy and Strategy Committee to support the recommendations contained within the report, be acknowledged.
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 43 9 November 2022 at 2 pm. A Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Loughran, Convener; Councillor McPhilemy, Vice-Convener; Councillors Carragher, Di Mascio, Goldie, Leckie, Lennon, Linden, Masterton, McBride, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, Mitchell, Nolan, Patton, Roarty, A. Stubbs, Williams, Wilson and Woods. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Robb, Hughes and Smith attended as substitutes for Councillors Crichton, Jarvie and Thomas respectively. CHAIR Councillor Loughran (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions; Green Space and Country Park Manager and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillors Crichton, Jarvie, Reddin and Thomas. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were none. BUTTON BATTERY AWARENESS PLEDGE 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) explaining that over the course of the previous 18 months, two young children within the UK had died after swallowing a button or coin battery; (2) indicating that many more children have suffered life changing injuries for the same reason, and (3) seeking approval for the Council, as an organisation committed to public protection, to become a signatory to the Button Battery Awareness pledge. Decided: that the Council be a signatory to the Button Battery Awareness pledge. CLYDE CLIMATE FOREST REGIONAL CONCORDAT 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) providing background on the Clyde Climate Forest Programme; (2) outlining the vision for the programme and detailing the steps taken to date by the Council to contribute to the regional initiative, and (3) outlining the commitment for the longer term vision requested of the Council.
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 44 Decided: (1) that the Council's initial engagement with Clyde Climate Forest be endorsed, and (2) that the Council become a signatory to the Clyde Climate Forest Regional Concordat. CHARGES FOR ATTESTATIONS FOR EXPORTS FOLLOWING EU EXIT 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) seeking approval for the introduction of charges for Support Attestations provided to Food Business Operators to facilitate the export of products of animal origin to the European Union and movements to Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland protocol; (2) explaining that, in North Lanarkshire, this process currently pertains only to businesses exporting fish and shellfish; (3) advising that from 1 January 2020 until 31 March 2022, local authorities had been able to recover the charge of £100 per Support Attestation from Food Standards Scotland; (4) detailing that, effective from 1 April 2022, Food Standards Scotland was no longer paying local authorities for Attestations; (5) highlighting that the direction is now that local authorities should recover the costs associated with providing Attestation from the exporting businesses directly, and (6) intimating that the Council intends to introduce the charge of £100 per Support Attestation recoverable direct from the exporting business(es) concerned. Decided: that the introduction of a £100 charge for each Support Attestation under Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law (which is being elected as domestic UK legislation in order that businesses can continue to trade with the EU) be approved. ELECTRICAL VEHICLE (EV) INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSED TARIFFS 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) providing an update on the status of the Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Network and the proposed introduction of tariffs; (2) informing the Committee that the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (EVIF) has replaced the Local Authority Installation Programme (LAIP) and is an annual funding programme which further develops EV charging networks so that EV drivers can confidently travel throughout Scotland, and is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Transport Scotland; (3) providing details of the number of EV charging points across North Lanarkshire; (4) explaining that, during the early phases of implementation of EV charging points, there had been an expectation by Transport Scotland that there would be no tariffs for users of the EV chargers, however, the significant increase in electricity costs between 2020/21 and 2021/22, together with the ongoing maintenance costs associated with charging points, will create an unsustainable pressure on Council budgets where proposed electricity costs for 2022/23 are estimated to be in the region of £852,000 and it is expected that, should the rise in electric vehicle usage continue, these costs will very quickly run into tens of millions of pounds; (5) intimating that the aim of the tariff model is to move towards a point where the growing EV network and infrastructure is financially sustainable and, as a minimum, covers the cost of the charging opportunity provided to the users of EVs; (6) explaining that three main options for tariffs for EV charging points have been identified namely Option A – Fixed Rate: a single rate is applied regardless of the amount of electricity consumed; Option B – Costs Only: customers are charged a rate based on the number of units of electricity consumed, which could have a minimum charge and encompass all costs, and Option C – Fixed Rate Plus Costs: a fixed rate is applied to use the charge point and customers are also charged per unit of electricity consumed; (7) recommending that Option B offers the most equitable and flexible charging model for the user and the Council; (8) advising that, should the introduction of tariffs be approved by the Committee it would be the intention to commence charging on 1 January 2023 and tariffs would be set at that time by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions, and (9) outlining proposals in regards to the regulation of bays including the requirement for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order to limit the time permitted to stay in a charging bay and to include an overstay fee in the tariff.
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 45 Decided: (1) that the information contained in the report relating to the current and future costs, assumptions and plans associated with operating public electrical vehicle (EV) charging points, including future commercial opportunities, be approved; (2) that the introduction of tariffs for the use of Council EV charging points from 1 January 2023 be approved; (3) that this tariff be set in accordance with the principles outlined in the report and would be regularly reviewed thereafter to ensure that the tariff is in line with market fluctuations and realistically tracks costs being incurred, and (4) that the introduction of a restricted time period for the use of charging points, to be enforced through a relevant Traffic Regulation Order, be approved. ILLEGAL SIGNAGE AND ATTACHMENTS TO STREET FURNITURE 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) seeking approval of an amended policy which seeks to introduce a more proactive and efficient procedure to address illegal signs, and to introduce a policy regarding the attaching of fixings including bunting, signs, hanging baskets etc., to ensure industry standards structural assessments are undertaken to ensure the stability of the asset and to safeguard public safety; (2) advising that, in the main, signs, flags, bunting and for sale boards are erected without consent from the Council and this constitutes an offence under Sections 59 and 100 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and that, in 2007, the former Planning and Transportation Committee had approved procedures for illegal signage to be removed by Environmental Health through their Environmental Protection Officers, and, since then, the structure of the Service has significantly changed, and (3) outlining the proposals in relation to the removal of illegal signage and attachments to street furniture. Decided: (1) that any illegal signs and fixtures on street furniture be removed by local teams or contractors appointed on behalf of the Council and disposed of immediately; (2) that signs and other fixtures not be permitted on street furniture or lighting columns unless a robust design check is undertaken to ensure their stability and to safeguard public safety, and (3) that all costs associated with such requests be met by the applicant. LITTER BIN STRATEGY 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) advising the Committee of the outcome of the litter bin consultation as required by a motion agreed by the Council at its meeting on 7 October 2021 and seeking approval of the new strategy that would enable modernisation of the Service and see a consistent approach to the litter bin provision across North Lanarkshire; (2) providing information on the number of bins across the Council and the associated costs of servicing those; (3) reminding the Committee that at the Council meeting on 7 October 2021 a motion was agreed namely "that this Council instructs Environmental Assets to carry out a review of the sites and emptying schedule of the new waste bins. This review would include a consultation with the Community Boards and other community groups through the existing NLC corporate communication network. The aim of the review would be to establish whether the current sites are the most appropriate to facilitate the needs of residents for the disposal of litter and dog waste. The results of this review would be brought back in a future report to a future Environment and Transportation Committee"; (4) highlighting that the Service undertook an exercise to review all street bins across the C
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 46 Council and that this review was based on criteria developed and updated as part of a draft strategy that was constructed in 2015 following market research but had not been implemented at the time; (5) providing details of the proposed Litter Bin Strategy, highlighting that it would not be possible to provide bins in every street, therefore they would be focussed on considered locations and identified hotspots, as detailed within the report; (6) providing a narrative on how the Service responds in respect of those bins which require more frequent servicing and also on the introduction of sensor technology which would be considered upon completion of the full roll-out of the new bins; (7) outlining the details of the consultation and providing a summary of the outcome from that exercise; (8) explaining the different types of litter bins that it is proposed be installed, together with details of proposed locations, and (9) informing the Committee of additional initiatives in relation to grassed areas to be used for dog walking, maintenance and servicing and the introduction of technology. Councillor Masterton, seconded by Councillor Goldie, moved as an Amendment:- "Add an additional recommendation: Agree to bring a report back to the Environment and Climate Change Committee within the next year to update Committee, and consider any improvements required to the Litter Bin Strategy, as a result of the roll-out of the strategy across the remainder of North Lanarkshire and the recommended changes to the current system." Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Nolan, moved, as an Amendment that the terms of the report be approved on the condition that the proposed reduction in bin capacity remain at 20% and not extended to 40%, in line with the 2019 Council budget decision. Following consideration of both Amendments by the Committee, it was agreed that they be incorporated within the recommendations in the report. Arising out of discussion, the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions confirmed that he would inform Members of the Committee of the reason for the proposed increased reduction of bin capacity from 20% to 40%, and also provide further detail on any additional savings implications. Decided: (1) that the outcome of the public consultation exercise be acknowledged; (2) that the introduction of the Litter Bin Strategy be approved; (3) that the installation of new bins across of North Lanarkshire and the removal of the existing small capacity bins, where appropriate, be approved; (4) that a report be brought back within the next year to update the Committee, and to consider any improvements required to the Litter Bin Strategy as a result of the roll-out across North Lanarkshire and the recommended changes to the current system, and (5) that any reduction in the capacity of bins be restricted to 20%, and not be extended to 40%. LIGHTING UP PARKS APPRAISAL 8. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) advising that the report had been produced in response to a motion agreed by Council in March 2022 which had requested a report on lighting solutions in all Council parks; (2) summarising the existing lighting provision in parks, including the recent programme of renewable lighting improvements, and (3) providing information on the options appraisal which involved the recent programme and providing a basis for any further investment.
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 47 Decided: (1) that the progress made in providing sustainable lighting within North Lanarkshire's parks and green spaces on key routes over the previous two years be acknowledged; (2) that, in general terms, it be acknowledged that the provision of solar lighting is the most appropriate choice for lighting paths within the Council's parks and green spaces where appropriate, and (3) that the intention to continue to implement sensitive and sustainable lighting solutions on a project by project basis, as resources allow, be supported. RESILIENCE PLANNING AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY UPDATE 9. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) reminding the Committee that the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 define local authorities as Category 1 Responders and, as such, the Council is required to fulfil the statutory obligations in respect of contingency planning and business continuity; (2) reporting that the overall resilience and business continuity arrangements were extensively tested throughout the Council's response to the Covid pandemic and that, in summary, the maintenance of all critical services throughout the period of the pandemic demonstrated the robustness and depth of the resilience and business continuity arrangements in place; (3) summarising the outcome of the response by the Council to the pandemic; (4) advising that, to compliment the ongoing review process, the Council's Internal Audit Team also undertook a review of the current corporate resilience arrangements and issued a report with their findings in July 2022 and that, although the report concluded that there existed a "reasonable assurance" that effective business continuity resilience planning measures were in place, several improvement actions were also identified and agreed by the Service; (5) informing the Committee that an action plan had now been agreed which would deliver on all the recommendations detailed within the Internal Audit report and which also includes a review of the existing guidance document to provide further clarity to Services, leading to improvements in the overall quality and robustness for individual business continuity plans, and (6) providing an overview of the staffing arrangements in relation to the Council's Resilience Development Team. Decided: that the ongoing improvements to the Council's business continuity and resilience planning arrangements be supported. RATIONALISATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF WASTE AND FLEET SERVICE ASSETS - PROGRAMME OF WORK 2.1 10. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) providing an update on the proposals within the Waste and Fleet Service to maximise the use of the Council's assets in line with the Council's Programme of Work No. 2.1; (2) summarising proposals to move towards an electric/low emission fleet for the Council; (3) outlining the Council's rationalisation programme for the waste service; (4) informing the Committee that, although discussions were still at an outline planning stage, it was the intention that the Bellshill eco park site would go live in Spring/Summer of 2024 and that further updates on this project would be provided to the Committee at future dates; (5) advising that the Waste Service has applied for, and was granted, full planning permission for a material recovery facility for the hardstanding area at the former Dalmacoulter Landfill Site, although it should be noted that this does not involve the treatment of any waste but simply the sorting and bulking of waste which is then sent for treatment at another plant; (6) indicating that the intention was that the Council would enter into a longterm lease with a private contractor who would design, build and finance the material recovery facility on the site, however, over the period of the planning application, the complexities involved brought into question the value of any such longterm contract being sustainable and that, in light of this, a business case exercise was now commencing to
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 48 determine what the best option for the site would be with three options being considered namely (a) design, build, finance and operate by a private contractor; (b) design, build, finance and operate by the Council, and (c) that the land be marketed with accompanying planning permission to deliver a capital receipt for the Council, and the intention being to provide a business case by May 2023 with an outcome from that to be reported to the Committee; (7) providing an update on a proposal to locate the entire Waste and Fleet Service at the Bellshill complex and reporting that, after reviewing the two Services, it was further decided that basing several refuse collection vehicles and Additional Support Needs (ASN) school buses within the northern half of the Council area would deliver a more efficient operation and that this has now been delivered with the appropriate supporting welfare facilities located within the Wardpark facility; (8) advising that planning consent had now been obtained to operate the facility as a waste transfer station to allow the bulking of waste collected within the north area of the authority and to reduce the number of vehicle movements to disposal outlets, and that work would now commence in line with the business case for the Dalmacoulter facility to determine how best to proceed with the development; (9) reporting that the Council was now engaging the services of a private consultant to determine the viability of the footprint of the closed landfill areas at Dalmacoulter and Auchinlea as potential solar farms with further information to be provided in the form of an update report to the Committee around May 2023; (10) outlining proposals in relation to the decarbonisation of the Council's fleet and the corresponding requirement for an appropriate infrastructure across all depot and office facilities to ensure sufficient power and charging points are available; (11) detailing the number of charging points across the Council area together with their location and noting that these charging facilities are for the exclusive use of Council vehicles; (12) indicating that the Council now has a vehicle replacement programme in place for all light commercial vehicles which will see a graduated approach to an entire electric/low emission fleet by 2027/2028, and (13) advising that, in line with the digital transformation of the Service, it will now move to a complete online service for trade waste. Decided: (1) that the ongoing proposals for the Bellshill Waste and Fleet complex be supported; (2) that the work associated with the introduction of an eco park within the Bellshill complex be supported; (3) that the actions now being taken across the Dalmacoulter, Auchinlea and Wardpark facilities be endorsed; (4) that the progress and actions proposed to allow the decarbonisation of the Council fleet be supported, and (5) that the move of the trade waste service to a fully digital registration process be supported. POW P025.1(2) UPDATE: USING GREEN SPACE TO IMPROVE HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SOCIAL OUTCOMES 11. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) highlighting work undertaken in the previous 12 months to improve health and wellbeing activity in green spaces, a key outcome for this element of the Programme of Work; (2) reporting that, utilising Scottish Government Nature Recovery and Smarter Choices Smarter Places funding, and one-off funds awarded to improve sustainability in parks, the Community Green Space and Green Space Projects continued to deliver more accessible and, more biodiverse spaces for the residents of North Lanarkshire, and beyond, to enjoy; (3) outlining work that has been achieved through the additional temporary staff resource, including the biodiversity enhancements of sites and large-scale public engagement projects, and (4) providing detail on upcoming projects to enhance the local green spaces of North Lanarkshire.
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 49 Decided: (1) that the continued significant effort to improve health, wellbeing and social outcomes through effective use of the Council's green space be acknowledged; (2) that it be recognised that the planned investment this year across a range of engagement exercises, including participatory budgeting, and research into changing behaviours around active travel, together with the delivery of further projects which will contribute to tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through investing in the Council's green spaces, and (3) that the impact that these interventions can have on addressing inequalities in accessing green space be recognised. AMEY PUBLIC SERVICES LLP: OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING REPORT FOR 1 OCTOBER 2021 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE TO 31 JULY 2022 12. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions outlining Amey Public Services (APS) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) performance against its business objectives and Council priorities for the period from October 2021 to September 2022 and its financial performance as at 31 July 2022. Decided: (1) that APS LLP’s operational performance up to 30 September 2022, along with service delivery highlights over the previous 12 months, be acknowledged, and (2) that APS LLP’s financial performance as at 31 July 2022 be acknowledged. CONTRACT AWARD FOR SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE BINS 13. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions seeking approval for the award of a contract for supply and delivery of household waste bins to SSI Schaefer Limited for an initial period of 36 months to commence on 28 November 2022 and not to exceed a contract value of £1,500,000. Decided: that the award of the contract for the supply and delivery of household waste bins to SSI Schaefer Limited to the maximum value of £1,500,000 exclusive of VAT be approved. PROCUREMENT OF THE PROVISION OF THE RECYCLING AND TREATMENT OF KERBSIDE COLLECTED GLASS, METAL AND PLASTICS 14. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) notifying the Committee of action taken by him in terms of a variation/modification to the current contract for the recycling and treatment of glass, metal and plastics which was undertaken in accordance with Regulation 72 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 to extend the original tendered term of the contract to allow the re-procurement process to be undertaken, and (2) seeking approval for the award of a new contract for the recycling and treatment of kerbside collected glass, metal and plastics to Levenseat Limited for an initial period of 36 months anticipated to commence on 16 January 2023 and advising that it was estimated that the contract would generate an income to the Council of approximately £1,833,544.38.
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 NOVEMBER 2022 50 Decided: (1) that the decision taken by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions to apply a modification to the current contract be acknowledged, and (2) the award of the new contract to Levenseat Limited, with the contract generating approximately £1,833,544.38 of income over the five year period, be approved. CONTRACTS AWARDED BELOW COMMITTEE APPROVAL THRESHOLD 15. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions notifying the Committee of contracts awarded between 1 July to 30 September 2022 with a value below the financial threshold requiring Committee approval. Decided: that the contracts awarded below Committee approval threshold between 1 July and 30 September 2022, as per the process within the Council’s General Contract Standing Orders, be noted.
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PLANNING - 10 NOVEMBER 2022 51 10 November 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the PLANNING COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Shevlin, Convener; Councillor Currie, Vice-Convener; Councillors Baudo, Brennan, Bustard, Cairns, Campbell, M. Coyle, Docherty, T. Johnston, Lennon, Logue, Loughran, McDade, McNally, McPake, Robb, Smith and L. Stubbs. CHAIR Councillor Shevlin (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Planning and Regeneration, Planning and Place Manager, Planning Manager (North), Planning Manager (South) and Principal Democratic Officer. APOLOGIES Councillors Burgess, S. Coyle, Jarvie and McManus. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor Brennan, by virtue of advising and supporting opposition to planning application 21/00896/FUL, prior to becoming an Elected Member, declared a connection with agenda item 3 and further declared that he believed that the connection was so sufficiently remote that it did not amount to an interest which precluded his participation in consideration of the item. PLANNING APPLICATIONS INDEX 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration detailing applications for planning consent. In respect of planning applications 22/00623/FUL – Change of Use of Dwellinghouse to Serviced Accommodation at 10 Lammermuir Way, Chapelhall, Councillor Shevlin proposed that planning permission be granted for a temporary period to expire on 10 November 2023, which was agreed. Decided: that the applications be dealt with in accordance with the Annex to this Minute. Councillor Brennan, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of advising and opposing planning application 21/00896/FUL, prior to becoming an Elected Member, further declared that he considered the connection so sufficiently remote that it did not preclude his participation in consideration of the report.
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PLANNING - 10 NOVEMBER 2022 52 NOTICE OF PLANNING AND ENFORCEMENT NOTICE APPEAL DECISIONS 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration advising of one recent decision in respect of a planning and enforcement notice appeal. Decided: that the report be noted. COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER: 99 STANHOPE PLACE, GOWKTHRAPPLE, WISHAW: TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1997 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) seeking approval to promote a Compulsory Purchase Order in relation to the property at 99 Stanhope Place, Gowkthrapple, Wishaw; (2) intimating that the property was identified in the location plan and the Compulsory Purchase Order Plan in Annex 2 and 5 to the report and was part of the approved Gowkthrapple Regeneration Master Plan Framework for major regeneration at Gowkthrapple; (3) advising that the regeneration plans outline significant redevelopment of the area following demolition of the existing flats and would deliver new housing, landscape, open space and green corridors, and (4) indicating that it had not been possible to reach final agreement with the owner of 99 Stanhope Place, Wishaw to purchase their flat on a voluntary basis. Decided: (1) that a Compulsory Purchase Order be promoted to acquire the property at 99 Stanhope Place, Gowkthrapple, Wishaw together with all common rights pertaining thereto, as shown on the plan annexed to the report, for the purpose of supporting the property planning of the area, and (2) that the Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions be provided with delegated authority to prepare all Compulsory Purchase Order documentation and to take all necessary steps including publication of all statutory notices to secure confirmation of the Order by the Scottish Ministers and the vesting of the property in the Council.
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PLANNING - 10 NOVEMBER 2022 53 ANNEX Application No: 21/00665/PPP Applicant: Advance Construction Scotland Limited Development/Locus: 57 Dwellinghouses (Detached, Semi-Detached and Terrace) with Associated Access, Parking, Landscaping, Open Space, SuDS and other Associated Development (Planning Permission in Principle) - Land South East Of Mailings Road, Banton Decision: Grant Application No: 22/00119/FUL Applicant: BDL (Scotland) Holdings Limited Development/Locus: Erection of 1.8m timber fence (partly in retrospect) Banton Mill, Mill Road, Banton Decision: Grant Application No: 22/00623/FUL Applicant: Mr Gordon Smith Development/Locus: Change of use of dwellinghouse to serviced accommodation - 10 Lammermuir Way, Chapelhall Decision: Grant for a temporary period to expire on 10 November 2023 Application No: 22/00997/PPP Applicant: Ms Denise Woolfries Development/Locus: Single dwellinghouse (in principle) - Burniebrae House, Burniebrae Road, Chapelhall Decision: Grant
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ADULT CARE AND SOCIAL WORK - 15 NOVEMBER 2022 54 15 November 2022 at 2 pm. A Meeting of the ADULT CARE AND SOCIAL WORK COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor M. McCulloch, Convener; Councillor Boyd, Vice-Convener; Councillors Barclay, Baudo, Brennan, Burgess, Bustard, Cairns, Costello, Goldie, Hughes, Jarvie, Jones, Keltie, McCluskey, B. McCulloch, McKendrick, McPhilemy, McVey, L. Stubbs, Toner, Williams, Wilson and Woods. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillor Campbell attended as a substitute for Councillor Kelly. CHAIR Councillor M. McCulloch (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Children, Families and Justice Social Work Services; Head of Adult Social Work; Head of Performance Planning and Quality Assurance; Chief Officer, Health and Social Care; Business Finance Manager, and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillor Kelly. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations. SUICIDE PREVENTION – FUTURE STRATEGY FOR SCOTLAND 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Adult Social Work Services (1) advising of the response to the Scottish Government Consultation on a New Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for Scotland; (2) outlining the Council’s ongoing developments in suicide prevention; (3) informing that the new strategy would be for a period of ten years, with two to three yearly action plans to support the delivery of the strategy, and (4) intimating that future update reports would be submitted to future meetings of the Committee. Decided: that the contents of the report be noted. NORTH LANARKSHIRE ALCOHOL AND DRUG PARTNERSHIP 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning, Performance and Quality Assurance (1) summarising that North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (NLADP) is a local multi-agency strategic partnership focused on alcohol and drug use issues; (2) detailing that members include agencies with interest in providing treatment and intervention for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drug use, and other key stakeholders; (3) setting out the development of five key actions to support the strategic direction of NLADP structures to deliver on the priorities in line with additional
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ADULT CARE AND SOCIAL WORK - 15 NOVEMBER 2022 55 investments; (4) outlining each of the priority areas along with any additional investment and a ringfenced budget, and (5) seeking approval of the NLADP Self-Assessment Tool Template to ensure delivery of National Mission priorities and the Partnership Delivery Framework Objectives, as outlined within Appendix 4 of the report. Decided: (1) that the key actions to support the strategic direction of NLADP structures and to deliver on the priorities in line with additional investment be noted; (2) that the additional investment and ringfenced budget for each priority area as outlined within the report be noted, and (3) that the NLADP self-assessment tool template completion be approved. CARERS ACT IMPLEMENTATION 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Performance, Planning and Quality Assurance (1) providing an update on the support in place for unpaid carers; (2) recognising that unpaid carers of all ages play a vital role in the lives of the people they care for; (3) highlighting the Council’s commitment to supporting carers to continue to provide that care for as long as they wish; (4) reporting on previously approved commissioned services to enable the Council to meet the requirements of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, and (5) seeking approval to extend the contract period for all services, as outlined within the report. Decided: (1) that the approach to supporting unpaid carers be noted, and (2) that the requested extension to service contracts, in order to ensure a continuation of support is available for unpaid carers, be approved. QUALITY ASSURANCE ANNUAL REPORT 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning, Performance and Quality Assurance (1) highlighting the Quality Assurance role across a range of Social Work functions, and (2) providing an update on the Quality Assurance Activity over the period 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2022. Decided: (1) that the report be remitted to the Integration Joint Board, Audit and Scrutiny Panel and Education Children and Families Committee for information, and (2) that the contents of the report be otherwise noted. SELF DIRECTED SUPPORT 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Adult Social Work Services (1) providing an update on the Self-Directed Support (SDS) Transformational agenda; (2) advising that the Council’s direction continues to be informed by developments at national level including the revised SDS Strategy; (3) highlighting that the improvements to implementing SDS is a local priority, influencing the way in which care and support is received, and (4) detailing that the Transformational SDS agenda had been
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ADULT CARE AND SOCIAL WORK - 15 NOVEMBER 2022 56 developed to reflect the current landscape moving forward, incorporating the Council’s approach to support unpaid carers. Decided: that an update report be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee, as the Transformational SDS Strategy is being developed and implemented. ADULT SOCIAL CARE PERFORMANCE REPORT – QUARTER 1 2022/23 7. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer, Health and Social Care (1) providing an update on the performance of key areas of activity within Adult Health and Social Care for the period 1 April to 30 June 2022 (Quarter 1), and (2) highlighting, within Appendix 2 to the report, areas for improvement and planned actions. Decided: (1) that the areas for improvement and planned actions, as detailed within Appendix 2 to the report, be noted, and (2) that the performance of key areas of activity, as detailed within Appendix 1 to the report, be noted. REVENUE AND CAPITAL BUDGET MONITORING REPORT: ADULT SOCIAL CARE PERIOD 6 – 1 APRIL 2022 TO 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 8. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning, Performance and Quality Assurance providing a summary of the revenue financial performance of the Health and Social Care Partnership, North Lanarkshire (Adult Social Care and Housing) and the capital financial performance of the Social Work programme (1) incorporating the period 1 April to 16 September 2022 (Accounting Period 6) and (2) including projected outturn forecast for the financial year ending 31 March 2023, with major outturn variances highlighted and explained as per the Council’s approved Financial Regulations. Decided: (1) that the Revenue Financial Outturn position be noted, and (2) that the Capital Financial Outturn position be noted. CONTRACTS AWARDED BELOW COMMITTEE APPROVAL THRESHOLD 9. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions providing, within an Appendix to the report, details of a contract, which had been awarded by him, under delegated authority, for works over £50,000 but less than £500,000 in value during the period 1 July to 30 September 2022. Decided: that the report be noted.
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 57 16 November 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the HOUSING COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Brannan-McVey, Convener; Councillor McPake, Vice-Convener; Councillors Brennan, Burgess, Carragher, M. Coyle, Crichton, Di Mascio, Duffy, Dunbar, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Jones, Keltie, Leckie, Lennon, Logue, MacGregor, McBride, McCluskey, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McKendrick, McManus, McNally, McPhilemy, McVey, Nolan, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, and Toner. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Patton and Roarty attended as substitutes for Councillors Fisher and Reddin respectively. CHAIR Councillor Brannan-McVey (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Housing, Property and Projects; Head of Housing Solutions; Head of Planning and Regeneration; Business Finance Manager (Resource Solutions); Housing Development Manager; Communications Officer, and Principal Democratic Officer. APOLOGIES Councillors Fisher and Reddin. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor M Coyle, by virtue of being a Board Member of Mears LLP, declared a connection in respect of paragraph 2 – P014 Tower Strategy Update; paragraph 15 (a) – Ukrainian Resettlement – Negotiated Tender Procedure, and paragraph 15 (b) – Low Rise Fire Door Programme – Negotiated Tender Procedure, and left the meeting during consideration of the items. Councillor Hughes, by virtue of being the Office Manager for the Scottish Minister responsible for resettlement and support, declared a connection with Agenda item 15(a) – Ukrainian Resettlement Programme – Negotiated Tender Procedure and further declared that she considered the interest so sufficiently remote that it did not preclude her participation in that item. Councillor M Coyle, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of being a Board Member of Mears LLP, left the meeting during consideration of this item. P014 TOWER STRATEGY UPDATE 2. With reference to paragraph 9 of the Minute of the meeting of the former Housing and Regeneration Committee held on 24 November 2021, there was submitted a report by the Head of Housing, Property
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 58 and Projects (1) detailing the progress of the (a) Tower Strategy and key achievements to date, and (b) Demolition/Ambition Programme and the Sprinkler/Fire Safety Programme; (2) highlighting the progress of the major refurbishment works within the four towers in Coatbridge, and (3) advising that, in order to support displaced citizens affected by the war in Ukraine, the Council had committed to reinstate approximately 200 properties, on a temporary basis, at the tower blocks in High Coats, Coatbridge, and Birkshaw, Wishaw, which were scheduled to be released on a phased basis over the course of the refurbishment programme. Decided: (1) that the progress of the Tower Demolition/Ambition Programme be noted; (2) that the progress of the Sprinkler Installation and Fire Safety Programmes be noted, and (3) that the progress of major refurbishment projects be noted. SCOTTISH HOUSING REGULATOR: 2021/22 LANDLORD REPORT 3. With reference to (1) paragraph 11 of the Minute of the meeting of the former Housing and Regeneration Committee held on 24 November 2021 when, inter alia, it had been agreed to note the 8th Scottish Housing Regulator Landlord Report, which detailed the Councils performance in relation to the Scottish Social Housing Charter, and (2) paragraph 7 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 31 August 2022, there was submitted a report by the Head of Housing Solutions (a) setting out details of the role of the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR), and the requirements for Scottish landlords to collect and provide on an annual basis key information on their performance in achieving the Scottish Social Housing Charter (SSHC) Outcomes and Standards; (b) advising (A) that all landlords had a legal requirement to submit a signed Annual Assurance Statement to the SHR by 31 October each year, and a separate report on this was presented to Committee on 31 August 2022, and (B) that, following submission from each Local Authority and Registered Social Landlord’s Annual Return on Charter (ARC), the SHR published a Landlord Profile of all Scottish landlords, which allowed tenants to compare landlords’ performance across Scotland; (c) providing details of the contents of the 9th North Lanarkshire Council Landlord Report which includes a summary of the performance figures for the five main areas; (d) intimating that the Council was performing above the Scottish average; (e) detailing within the report further information in respect of homes and rents; tenants' satisfaction; quality and maintenance of homes; neighbourhoods; value for money, and the Annual Performance Report, and (f) informing that 99.1% of anti-social behaviour cases were resolved at the year end and within the targets, compared to the Scottish average of 94.7%. Decided: (1) that the contents of the Landlord Report provided by the SHR in Section 4 of the report which sets out the Council’s performance in relation to the Scottish Social Housing Charter, be noted; (2) that it be noted that a separate report had been submitted to this Committee on 31 August 2022 on the Annual Assurance Statement; (3) that the progress being made to produce the Council’s Annual Report to tenants be noted, and (4) that the report be otherwise noted. COST OF LIVING (TENANT PROTECTION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 2022 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Housing Solutions (1) setting out details of the measures contained within the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 and potential implications
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 59 across the wider housing sector; (2) outlining the background to the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill 2022 which came into force on 27 October 2022 as part of the Scottish Government's overall response to the Cost of Living crisis and aimed to help mitigate the impact for those renting their home; (3) advising (a) that the provisions of the Act would remain in force initially until 31 March 2023 and could be extended by Regulations to 30 September 2023, and thereafter to 31 March 2024, and (b) that the Scottish Government would confirm by 14 January 2023 whether the provisions would continue beyond 31 March 2023; (4) detailing, within the report, the intentions of the Temporary Measures, and the three key measures introduced by the Act, and (5) providing further information in respect of the Rent Cap; Moratorium on Evictions; Increased Damages for Unlawful Eviction; Additional Points and Potential Implications. Decided: (1) that it be noted that the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill 2022 was passed on 6 October 2022, received Royal Assent, and became an Act on 27 October 2022; (2) that it be noted that the requirements set out in the Act would be in place until the end of March 2023, although they could be extended beyond this period for up to a year, and that the Scottish Government would confirm by 14 January 2023 whether these provisions would continue beyond 31 March 2023; (3) that the potential implications for the Council and wider housing sector in North Lanarkshire be noted; (4) that, should the measures contained within the Act be extended beyond 31 March 2023, a further report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee, and (5) that the report be otherwise noted. LICENSING OF SHORT-TERM LETS 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions (1) outlining the background to, and the need to introduce, a Short-Term Lets Policy which placed a statutory duty on all Local Authorities; (2) seeking approval of the Short-Term Lets Policy, attached in Appendix 1 to the report; (3) advising that there was a requirement for the licensing authority to publish, and keep under review, a statement of its policy and, in conjunction with this, the Council must carry out a period of public consultation which would include information relating to fees, applications etc., and required to be published on the Council website, with the results of this consultation attached in Appendix 1 of the Short-Term Lets Policy document, and (4) providing details of the fee structure proposed by the Council in respect of secondary letting; home letting; and home sharing. Decided: (1) that the Short-Term Lets Policy, attached in Appendix 1 to the report be approved, and (2) that the report be otherwise noted. NEW SUPPLY COMMUNITY BENEFITS - SUMMARY REPORT 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) outlining the background to the provision of Community Benefits which were tangible, and positive outcomes linked to public sector contracts; (2) advising that Community Benefits for each new build development were submitted by the Contractors as part of the tender process and monitored through the period of the contract; (3) informing that a Community Benefits Development Group had been established comprising of a number of stakeholders to co-ordinate and maximise opportunities created through the new supply C
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 60 programme, and (4) highlighting, within the report, the various elements of Community Benefits Menu which included; Employment Targeted Recruitment and Employment; Education; Enterprise – Supply Chain Development; Community Engagement – Financial Support, and Non-Financial Support. Decided: (1) that the delivery of Community Benefits from the new supply programme be noted; (2) that an update on Community Benefits from the new supply programme be submitted annually to the Housing Committee, and (3) that the report be otherwise noted. NEW SUPPLY PROGRAMME – UPDATE ON PROGRESS – PROGRAMME OF WORK – P013(1) 7. With reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of the meeting of the former Housing and Regeneration Committee held on 24 November 2021, when, inter alia, approval had been given for the targets for delivery of the programme, and it was agreed that an update on overall progress with the delivery of the new supply programme against targets be reported to Committee annually, there was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) advising that the new supply programme aimed to deliver 5,000 new homes by 2035; (2) detailing the progress in respect of the New Build programme; the New Market Purchase Scheme (OMPS); Off the shelf purchases (Affordable Housing Policy Sites), and the Development Pathfinder approach; (3) providing details (a) of the current challenges in respect of the availability/suitability of sites; Scottish Water Drainage Policy; Procurement/Contractor Capacity; Costs, and Programme Targets which were impacting on the progress of the programme, and (b) the reasons that the targets for 2021/22 had not been met; (4) informing that the new supply programme would be closely monitored with regular updates reported to Committee, including an annual update on progress against targets, and any adjustments to the programme that may be required, and (5) seeking approval of the revised programme targets as set out in Section 2.4 of the report. Decided: (1) that the progress and the challenges associated with the delivery of the new supply programme be noted; (2) that the targets for delivery of the programme as set out in Section 2.4 of the report be approved; (3) that an update on overall progress with the delivery of the new supply programme against targets be reported to Committee annually, and (4) that the report be otherwise noted. HOUSING SUPPLY PROGRAMME – PROCUREMENT REPORT 8. With reference to paragraph 15 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 31 August 2022, there was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) providing an update on the current procurement activity relating to the New Build Programme; (2) proposing (a) in line with the Scotland Excel New Build Residential Framework, to engage with contractors for the projects (A) at Dunnottar Avenue, and Burleigh Place, Shawhead, Coatbridge, up to 102 units, up to the value of £26.5m, and (B) the former Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Motherwell, up to 10 units, up to the value of £3m, with both projects containing a contingency allowance; (b) in line with the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) H2 Framework Agreement Conditions, to engage with contractors for the projects (A) at the former St. Mary’s Primary School, Hill Street, Caldercruix, up to 25 units, up to the value of £6.5m;
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 61 (B) at Thornlie Church Halls, Caledonian Road, Wishaw, up to 6 units, up to the value of £1.5m; (C) at Airdriehill Road, Airdrie, up to 65 units, up to the value of £16.9m, and (D) at the former Cumbernauld Village School, Glasgow Road, Cumbernauld, up to 8 units, up to the value of £2m, with all projects containing a contingency allowance, and that a final tender price for all contracts be agreed to allow the contract to be awarded; (c) in line with the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) PB3 Framework Agreement Conditions, to engage with the contractors for the project at Old Motherwell Town Hall, Hamilton Road, Motherwell up to 20 units, up to the value of £5.5m, including a contingency allowance, and (d) to award a call-off contract in line with the Scotland Excel New Build Residential Framework for the construction of new build housing at the former Petersburn Primary School, Petersburn Road, Airdrie up to the value of £9.4m to McTaggart Construction, including contingency allowance, and (3) advising that, in line with the Scotland Excel New Build Residential Framework, the contracts for the construction of new build housing at (a) Ravenscliff Road, Motherwell up to 24 units, up to the revised value of £5.75m, had been awarded to CCG (Scotland) Limited, and (b) at Glenacre Drive, Airdrie up to 16 units, up to the revised value of £3.726m, had been awarded to McTaggart Construction, with both projects containing a contingency allowance. Decided: (1) that call-off contracts in line with the Scotland Excel New Build Residential Framework for the construction of new build housing at Dunnottar Avenue, and Burleigh Place, Shawhead, Coatbridge up to 102 units, up to the value of £26.5m, and the conversion and refurbishment of the former Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Motherwell up to 10 units, up to the value of £3m, with both projects containing a contingency allowance, be approved; (2) that the call-off contracts in line with the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) H2 Framework Agreement Conditions for the construction of new build housing at the former St. Mary’s Primary School, High Street, Caldercruix up to 25 units, up to the value of £6.5m; at the former Thornlie Church Halls, Caledonian Road, Wishaw up to 6 units, up to the value of £1.5m; at Airdriehill Road, Airdrie up to 65 units, up to the value of £16.9m, and at the former Cumbernauld Village School, Glasgow Road, Cumbernauld up to 8 units, up to the value of £2m, with all projects including a contingency allowance, be approved; (3) that a call-off contract in line with the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) PB3 Framework Agreement Conditions for the conversion and refurbishment of Old Motherwell Town Hall, Hamilton Road, Motherwell up to 20 units, up to the value of £5.5m, including a contingency allowance, be approved; (4) that the award of a call-off contract in line with the Scotland Excel New Build Residential Framework for the construction of new build housing at the former Petersburn Primary School, Petersburn Road, Airdrie up to 40 units, up to the value of £9.4m, to McTaggart Construction, including a contingency allowance, be approved; (5) that the award of a call-off contract in line with the Scotland Excel New Build Residential Framework for the construction of new build housing at Ravenscliff Road, Motherwell up to 24 units, up to the revised value of £5.75m to CCG (Scotland) Limited, including contingency allowance, be noted; (6) that the award of a call-off contract in line with the Scotland Excel New Build Residential Framework for the construction of new build housing at Glenacre Drive, Airdrie up to 16 units, up to the revised value of £3.726m to McTaggart Construction, including contingency allowance, be noted, and (7) that the report be otherwise noted.
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 62 FUTURE APPROACHES TO HEATING WITHIN NEW BUILD HOMES 9. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) setting out (a) details of the requirement to provide space and water heating in new build homes to comply with the Scottish Government's Heat in Buildings Strategy, and (b) the challenges of meeting the requirements of the Heat in Buildings Strategy, while keeping rents and heating bills affordable; (2) advising that an options appraisal had been carried out to consider various options for zero emissions heating systems that could be used in new homes for social rent, with the options highlighted within Section 2.3, and Table 1 of the report, with Option A being the preferred option; (3) providing details of options which would be considered going forward; (4) intimating (a) that a pilot project for net zero emission heating was currently under construction at Dykehead Road, Airdrie, with the pilot project consisting of 19 properties, out of a site total of 150 properties, and (b) that data and tenant feedback would be collected from both the net zero homes and the properties heated by gas combination boilers, which would allow the Council to assess the performance and future viability of the proposals, and (5) seeking approval of the approach set out in Section 2.7 of the report for achieving low/zero emissions for space and water heating systems to both new build and regeneration/redevelopment projects. Decided: (1) that the approach to heating new build homes and conversions, as set out in Section 2.7 of the report, be approved; (2) that further options to deliver energy efficient homes continue to be explored, and (3) that the report be otherwise noted. REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING REPORTS (1) REVENUE MONITORING REPORT - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT 10. There was submitted a report by the Head of Housing Solutions (1) providing a summary of the Housing Revenue Account Financial Performance for the period from 1 April to 16 September 2022 (Period 6); (2) illustrating the projected outturn as at 31 March 2023, with major outturn variances highlighted and explained in accordance with the Council's approved Financial Regulations, and (3) advising (a) that the Service was currently projecting a breakeven position for the financial year, and (b) that it was anticipated that £1.849m of savings would be delivered by the financial year-end. Decided: that the financial position of the HRA Revenue Budget 2022/23 be noted. (2) ENTERPRISE AND COMMUNITIES - REVENUE MONITORING REPORTS 11. There was submitted a report by the Deputy Chief Executive (1) highlighting the Financial Performance of the Enterprise and Communities Service for the period from 1 April to 16 September 2022 (Period 6); (2) illustrating the projected outturn as at 31 March 2023, with major outturn variances highlighted and explained as per the Council's approved Financial Regulations, and (3) advising, that the Enterprise and Communities Service was currently forecasting an overspend of £3.958m, as a result of (a) inflationary pressures of £3.068m, which would be offset by the corporate contingency, and (b) the re-allocation of the digital savings to Services of £0.890m, which the Service continued to work with Business and Digital to progress plans for delivery of savings. Decided: that the financial position of the 2022/23 Enterprise and Communities Revenue Budget be noted.
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 63 CAPITAL PROGRAMMES MONITORING REPORTS (1) HRA CAPITAL MONITORING REPORT - 1 APRIL TO 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 12. There was submitted a report by the Head of Housing, Property and Projects (1) reviewing progress towards agreed spending plans within the 2022/23 HRA Capital Programmes, and (2) advising that full spend was projected for the Mainstream and New Build Programmes but, due to lack of demand within the Council Buy Back, and Mortgage to Rent Schemes, an underspend of £3.310m was projected, thereby reducing the borrowing requirements for the year. Decided: that the financial position of the 2022/23 HRA Capital Programmes be noted. (2) ENTERPRISE AND COMMUNITIES - CAPITAL MONITORING REPORT 13. With reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee held on 30 September 2021, when, inter alia, it had been agreed to note the Medium Term Financial Plan 2022/23 to 2026/27, there was submitted a report by the Deputy Chief Executive (1) highlighting the financial performance of the 2022/23 Enterprise and Communities Capital Programme for the period from 1 April to 16 September 2022 (Period 6); (2) advising that the Service had a total Capital Budget of £161.151m, and that, at this stage in the financial year, the Service was currently reporting an underspend of £3.085m, and (3) providing further explanation of project variances and management action taken by the Service, as set out in the report and attached Appendices. Decided: that the financial position of the 2022/23 Enterprise and Communities Capital Programmes be noted. CENTRAL HEATING SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACT MODIFICATION 14. With reference to the decisions taken by the Chief Executive under delegated authority on 20 May 2020, there was submitted a report by the Head of Housing, Property and Projects (1) seeking approval to modify the existing contract for Central Heating Servicing and Maintenance provided by Saltire Facilities Management Limited; (2) advising that the existing contract would be replaced by the Enterprise Contract in January 2024, resulting in this contract modification being utilised as an interim measure to ensure continuity of service for the Council’s tenants, until such time as the new contract was awarded, and (3) detailing within the report the rationale for the modification. Decided: (1) that the one-off modification to the existing Central Heating Repairs and Maintenance Contract be approved, and (2) that the report be otherwise noted. Councillor M Coyle, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of being a Board Member of Mears LLP, left the meeting during consideration of this item. Councillor Hughes, prior to the consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of being the Office Manager for the Scottish Minister responsible for resettlement and support, further declared that she considered that the interest was so sufficiently remote that it did not preclude her participation in consideration of the matter.
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HOUSING - 16 NOVEMBER 2022 64 CONTRACTS FOR NOTING (1) UKRAINIAN RESETTLEMENT – NEGOTIATED TENDER PROCEDURE 15. There was submitted a report by the Head of Housing, Property and Projects (1) seeking homologation of the decision taken by the Deputy Chief Executive in awarding a contract for the Ukrainian Resettlement Works to recommission the previously decommissioned properties at Birkshaw Tower, Wishaw, and High Coats, Coatbridge to Mears Scotland LLP, and (2) advising that the contract commenced on 18 July 2022 for approximately 24 weeks, with the maximum value of the contract being approximately £5m, exclusive of VAT. Decided: that the report be noted. Councillor M Coyle, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of being a Board Member of Mears LLP, left the meeting during consideration of this item. (2) LOW RISE FIRE DOOR PROGRAMME – NEGOTIATED TENDER PROCEDURE 16. There was submitted a report by the Head of Housing, Property and Projects (1) seeking homologation of the decision taken by the Deputy Chief Executive in awarding a contract for the installation of fire doors to low rise properties and fire stopping to supported and linked sheltered housing complexes across North Lanarkshire to Mears Scotland LLP, and (2) advising that the contract had commenced late Summer 2022 for approximately 24 weeks, up to the maximum value of the contract of £8m, exclusive of VAT. Decided: that the report be noted. CONTRACTS AWARDED BELOW COMMITTEE APPROVAL THRESHOLD 17. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions intimating that the contracts highlighted within Appendix 1 to the report had been awarded by him in accordance with the General Contract Standing Orders during the period from 1 July to 30 September 2022. Decided: (1) that the contracts awarded by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions in the reported period from 1 July to 30 September 2022 be noted, and (2) that the report be otherwise noted.
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ENTERPRISE AND FAIR WORK - 18 NOVEMBER 2022 65 18 November 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the ENTERPRISE AND FAIR WORK COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Khan, Convener; Councillor Patton, Vice-Convener; Councillors Bustard, Crichton, Di Mascio, Docherty, Duffy, Dunbar, Hume, Leckie, Lennon, Magowan, Masterton, McNally, McPake, Mitchell, Smith, Stevenson, Toner, Watson and Williams. In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Currie, Jarvie and Thomas attended as substitutes for Councillors Nolan, Robinson and Sullivan respectively. CHAIR Councillor Khan (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Planning and Regeneration; Business Strategy Manager; City Deal Manager; Enterprise Manager; Growth Programme Manager, and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillors Logue, Nolan, Robinson and Sullivan. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations. CITY DEAL PROGRAMME UPDATE 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) outlining the North Lanarkshire City Deal Programme Update, and (2) advising of the current status and recent progress of each of the North Lanarkshire City Deal Infrastructure Sub-Projects being undertaken by the Council. Decided: that the contents of the report, including the progress made in the North Lanarkshire City Deal Infrastructure Sub-Projects, be noted. ENERGY AUDIT VOUCHER SCHEME 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) seeking approval to establish a new Energy Audit Voucher Scheme for North Lanarkshire based small to medium sized businesses; (2) advising that the Scheme would provide up to £2,500 of financial support; (3) highlighting that the Scheme aims to fund the costs associated with an Energy Audit to support businesses in saving money on their energy bills, to assist with reducing their carbon emissions and to tackle climate change. Decided: that the establishment of an Energy Audit Voucher Scheme be approved.
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ENTERPRISE AND FAIR WORK - 18 NOVEMBER 2022 66 FUSION ASSETS PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL MONITORING REPORT 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) detailing the operational performance of Fusion Assets Limited during 2022/23 (up to 30 September 2022); (2) summarising a range of economic outputs and outcomes being delivered through the Arms Length Organisation (ALEO); (3) advising of key highlights achieved during 2021/22 (Q3 and 4) and 2022/23 (Q1 and 2), and (4) setting out the financial performance of Fusion Assets between 1 April 2021 to 30 June 2022, and it's overall current financial standing and future financial projections. Decided: that the contents of the report be noted. CONTRACT AWARD – ENTERPRISE BACKUP SOLUTION 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Business Solutions advising of action taken under delegated authority to award the contract for an Enterprise Backup Solution to the maximum value of £514,069 to Softcat plc for a period of five years. Decided: that the action taken under delegated authority to award the contract for an Enterprise Backup Solution, to Softcat plc to the maximum value of £514,069 exclusive of VAT for a period of five years be noted. CONTRACT AWARD – GREENSPACE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) seeking approval to award the Greenspace Development Framework Agreement to Project Centre Limited, to the maximum value of £5,000,000, exclusive of VAT, and (2) informing that the Framework Agreement is for an initial period of 24 months, with the option to extend for a further period of 24 months. Councillor Khan, seconded by Councillor Patton, moved that the recommendation contained within the report be approved. Councillor Hume, seconded by Councillor Di Mascio, moved as an amendment:- An additional recommendation be included that “Officers provide information on any future spending proposal and will include full details of how the money is being spent and what benefits and improved outcomes will be achieved to allow Members to approve the proposal”. Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the Roll. On the Roll being called:- 12 Members voted for the Motion as follows:- Councillors Bustard, Currie, Docherty, Duffy, Dunbar, Khan, Leckie, McNally, McPake, Patton, Stevenson and Watson. 11 Members voted for the Amendment as follows:- Councillors Crichton, Di Mascio, Hume, Jarvie, Lennon, Magowan, Masterton, Mitchell, Smith, Thomas and Toner. 12 Members having voted for the Motion and 11 Members having voted for the Amendment, the Motion was accordingly declared carried.
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ENTERPRISE AND FAIR WORK - 18 NOVEMBER 2022 67 Decided: that the award of the contract for the Greenspace Development Framework Agreement to Project Centre Limited, in a value not to exceed £5,000,000 exclusive of VAT, be approved. BUSINESS GATEWAY LANARKSHIRE CONTRACT EXTENSION – 1 MARCH 2023 TO 29 FEBRUARY 2024 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration advising of action taken, under delegated authority, in awarding a 12 month extension to the contract for Lanarkshire Business Gateway to 29 February 2024. Decided: that the action taken, under delegated authority, in extending the contract for Lanarkshire Business Gateway to 29 February 2024 be noted.
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REGULATORY - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 68 Motherwell, 22 November 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the REGULATORY COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor McLaren, Convener; Councillor McVey, Vice-Convener; Councillors Ballinger, Beveridge, Crichton (paragraphs 1 to 6 only), Docherty, Dunbar, Hughes, B. McCulloch, Robb, Shevlin, Smith (paragraphs 5 to 7 only), Thomas and Watson. CHAIR Councillor McLaren (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Solicitor (Licensing) and Administrative Officer, Legal and Democratic Solutions. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE Sergeant Brown, Police Scotland. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillors Docherty and McVey, by virtue of the applicant being known to them, declared an interest by virtue of a connection in respect of paragraph 6 – Taxi Driver's Licence – New Application – Michael McGeechan, and left the meeting during consideration of this item. HEARINGS (1) LATE HOURS CATERING LICENCE - EXEMPTIONS (a) MORRISONS PETROL FILLING STATION, JOHN STREET, BELLSHILL 2. There was submitted an application by Gosschalks, Solicitors, per WM Morrisons Supermarkets plc for exemption from the requirement to hold a Late Hours Catering Licence in respect of the Morrisons petrol filling station at John Street, Bellshill for the period from Thursday, 22 December until Friday, 23 December 2022 from 11 pm until midnight. The Solicitor (Licensing) then advised of the background relative thereto. Thereafter, the Committee considered the application for exemption. Decided: that the application by WM Morrisons Supermarkets plc for exemption from the requirement to hold a Late Hours Catering Licence in respect of the Morrisons petrol filling station at John Street, Bellshill for the period from Thursday, 22 December until Friday, 23 December 2022 from 11 pm until midnight be granted.
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REGULATORY - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 69 (b) MORRISONS PETROL FILLING STATION, GARTLEA ROAD, AIRDRIE 3. There was submitted an application by Gosschalks, Solicitors, per WM Morrisons Supermarkets plc for exemption from the requirement to hold a Late Hours Catering Licence in respect of the Morrisons petrol filling station at Gartlea Road, Airdrie for the period from Thursday, 22 December until Friday, 23 December 2022 from 11 pm until midnight. The Solicitor (Licensing) then advised of the background relative thereto. Thereafter, the Committee considered the application for exemption. Decided: that the application by WM Morrisons Supermarkets plc for exemption from the requirement to hold a Late Hours Catering Licence in respect of the Morrisons petrol filling station at Gartlea Road, Airdrie for the period from Thursday, 22 December until Friday, 23 December 2022 from 11 pm until midnight be granted. It was agreed in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the public 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 paragraphs 3 and 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. (2) PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER'S LICENCE - RENEWAL - MARTIN McAULEY 4. There was submitted (1) an application by Martin McAuley for the renewal of his Private Hire Driver's Licence; (2) a representation to the application received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, and (3) a written submission received from Martin McAuley's agent, DAC Beachcroft, Solicitors. The Committee then heard Sergeant Brown outline the Chief Constable's representation to the application, and Martin McAuley speak in support of the application. Thereafter, Martin McAuley and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. Martin McAuley and the representative of Police Scotland were then re-admitted to the meeting. Decided: that the application by Martin McAuley for the renewal of his Private Hire Driver's Licence be granted. (3) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATIONS (a) KEVIN LEES 5. There was submitted (1) an application by Kevin Lees for a Taxi Driver's Licence, and (2) an objection to the application received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland. The Committee then heard Sergeant Brown outline the Chief Constable's objection to the application, and Kevin Lees speak in support of the application. Thereafter, Kevin Lees and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. Kevin Lees and the representative of Police Scotland were then re-admitted to the meeting. Decided: that the application by Kevin Lees for a Taxi Driver's Licence be refused.
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REGULATORY - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 70 Councillors Docherty and McVey, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of the applicant being known to them, left the meeting during consideration of this item. (b) MICHAEL McGEECHAN 6. There was submitted (1) an application by Michael McGeechan for a Taxi Driver's Licence, and (2) an objection to the application received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland. The Committee then heard Sergeant Brown outline the Chief Constable's objection to the application, and Michael McGeechan speak in support of the application. Thereafter, Michael McGeechan and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. Michael McGeechan and the representative of Police Scotland were then re-admitted to the meeting. Decided: that the application by Michael McGeechan for a Taxi Driver's Licence be granted. Councillor B. McCulloch being the mover of an amendment which failed to attract a seconder, requested that his dissent to the decision be recorded. (4) STEET TRADER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION - M & D TOWN CAR WASH LIMITED 7. There was submitted (1) an application by Annas Mohammed Konbus, T/A M & D Town Car Wash Limited for a Street Trader's Licence to enable the company to operate a car was from a yard located to the rear of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, Main Street, Coatbridge, seven days per week from 8 am to 7 pm; (2) e-mail correspondence received from Pollution Control confirming no objection in principle, but recommending that, due to lower background noise from less traffic in the area on weekend mornings, the business does not start operating until at least 9 am on Saturday and Sunday, and (3) a Planning Report confirming that the applicant had not sought planning permission for the operation of the car wash. The Committee then heard Annas Konbus's representative, Mohammad Ali, speak in support of the application. Thereafter Annas Konbus and Mohammad Ali withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. Annas Konbus and Mohammad Ali were then re-admitted to the meeting. Decided: that the application by M & D Town Car Wash Limited for a Street Trader's Licence be granted, subject to the following conditions:- • that the trading hours will be from 9 am until 7 pm, seven days per week, and • that the Licence will not be operated until planning permission has been granted.
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EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 71 22 November 2022 at 2 pm. A Meeting of the EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Campbell, Convener; Councillor Duffy-Lawson, Vice-Convener; Councillors Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Bustard, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Currie, Dunbar, Fotheringham, Hughes, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Jones, Kelly, Keltie, Larson, Lennon, Loughran, Magowan, Masterton, McCluskey, B. McCulloch, McKay, McKendrick, McManus, McPake, Mitchell, Stevenson, Toner, Wilson and Woods; Mr. G. McCormack, and Mr. G. Paterson, and Mr. I. Scott. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors McPhilemy, Smith and Thomas attended as substitutes for Councillors Khan, Ashraf and L. Stubbs respectively. Councillor Brennan. CHAIR Councillor Campbell (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE Deputy Chief Executive; Head of Education (North); Head of Education (South); Head of Children, Families and Justice Social Work Services; Senior Education and Families Manager (Social Work) Justice; Business Finance Manager; Education and Families Managers; Hub Strategy Manager; SAC Improvement and Equity Lead, and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillors Ashraf, Khan, McVey, and L. Stubbs. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor Bustard declared a connection by virtue of a family member’s employment, and declared an interest in Agenda item 2 – Improving Outcomes, Standards and Quality Report 2021-22 and left the meeting during consideration of that item of business. Councillor Bustard, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of a family member, declared an interest and left the meeting during its consideration. IMPROVING OUTCOMES, STANDARDS AND QUALITY REPORT 2021-22 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (South) (1) setting out the key highlights and achievements in respect of improving life chances for children, young people and communities for the period from August 2021 to August 2022; (2) reporting, that despite challenges presented by the pandemic, focus continued on the key drivers for improvement to ensure all learners were supported regardless of their socioeconomic background; (3) highlighting that there had been a continued focus
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EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 72 on strengthening the cluster model, reviewing core curriculum pathways and pedagogical practice for literacy, numeracy and digital learning, and (4) seeking approval of the Standards and Quality report 2021-2022, and the Education and Families Improvement Plan 2021-2022, as detailed within the Appendices to the report. Decided: (1) that the Standards and Quality Report 2021-22 be approved, and (2) that the Education and Families Improvement Plan 2021-22 be approved. SCOTTISH ATTAINMENT CHALLENGE AND PUPIL EQUITY FUND UPDATE 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (South) providing an update on progress within the Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) Programme within North Lanarkshire and the Pupil Equity Fund (PEF), which is part of the National Attainment Challenge Programme (1) detailing that the SAC Programme had significantly evolved over the years with fundamental changes, thereby enabling a new operating model for the Service; (2) summarising that the last year of the Attainment Challenge Programme had been held in session 2021/22, and had been replaced by the Strategic Equity Fund (SEF) model, incorporating all local authorities; (3) advising that the next phase of SAC, implemented through the SEF, had been set in motion for the current session and would continue until 2025/26; (4) informing that the policy’s mission would be to use education to improve outcomes for children and young people, focusing on tackling the poverty related attainment gap, and (5) enclosing within Appendix 1 to the report the SAC end of year report 2021/22. Decided: that the contents of the report be noted. AWARD FOR FLEXIBLE FRAMEWORK FOR SERVICES LINKED TO SCOTTISH ATTAINMENT CHALLENGE (SAC) AND PUPIL EQUITY FUND (PEF) 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (South) (1) seeking approval to award 30 contractors onto a Multi-Lot Framework for services to the Flexible Framework for Services Linked to Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) and Pupil Equity Fund (PEF); (2) advising that the Framework Agreement is for a period of 48 months, anticipated to commence on 12 December 2022, with no option to extend; (3) stating that the Framework Agreement would not exceed £16m exclusive of VAT, and (4) summarising, within Appendix 1 to the report, the tenderers identified for appointment to the Framework Agreement. Decided: that the award of the Framework Agreement, for services to the Flexible Framework for Services Linked to Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) and Pupil Equity Fund (PEF), to the maximum value of £16m, to the tenderers outlined within the Appendix to the report, be approved. DEVELOPING THE YOUNG WORKFORCE 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (South) (1) providing an update on the Council’s first Developing the Young Workforce/Employer Engagement Conference; (2) informing that the Conference had been attended by over 300 delegates, and brought together over 100 school leaders and staff, almost 100 employers and a wide range of key partners; (3) highlighting that the outcome of the Conference had been extremely positive with over 200 commitments made by employers to create specific opportunities for young people, and (4) advising on the next steps and approach in Developing the Young Workforce Delivery Plan 2022-25, as outlined within Appendix 1 to the report.
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EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 73 Decided: (1) that the success of the Conference be noted; (2) that the next steps planned to build on the success of the Conference be noted; (3) that the Developing The Young Workforce Delivery Plan be noted; (4) that the measures of success for the Developing the Young Workforce Delivery Plan for 2022-2025 be approved, and (5) that further progress reports be submitted to future meetings of the Committee. WEST PARTNERSHIP REGIONAL IMPROVEMENT – COLLABORATIVE IMPROVEMENT PLAN 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (South) (1) informing of the evaluation of work undertaken by the West Partnership Regional Improvement Collaborative during 2020/21, and (2) seeking approval of the West Partnership’s Improvement Plan for 2022/23 as outlined within Appendix 3 to the report. Decided: (1) that the West Partnership’s evaluation of the Regional Improvement Plan for 2020/21 be noted, and (2) that the West Partnership’s Improvement Plan for 2022/23 be approved. MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESILIENCE 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (North) (1) seeking approval to carry out a further survey of all children in primary and secondary schools who agree to participate, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; (2) referring to the previous survey undertaken, which provided a significant set of data around the health and wellbeing of children and young people, and (3) highlighting that the approach would be useful given the recent launch of the Roadmap to Recovery, Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan for Children in North Lanarkshire. Decided: that the undertaking in 2023 of a further survey of children and young people’s wellbeing, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, be approved. REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS 8. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (North) (1) providing an update on the progress made in implementing the 12 recommendations arising from the Additional Support Needs (ASN) review; (2) advising of the ongoing programme of transformational change in reconfiguring intensive ASN systems and services; (3) highlighting that the transformation of ASN provision is a key Programme of Work item within The Plan for North Lanarkshire; (4) emphasising the importance of ensuring that all children achieve their full potential and are catered for within high quality facilities, and (5) seeking approval to extend the original timescale for the implementation of the 12 recommendations from the review to June 2023.
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EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 74 Decided: (1) that the progress in relation to implementing the outcomes of the Review of ASN provision within North Lanarkshire be noted, and (2) that the extended period, to enable the implementation of all 12 recommendations, to June 2023 be approved. TACKLING DOMESTIC ABUSE - UPDATE ON IMPROVING ACTIVITY, PARTNERSHIP STRATEGY AND DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS 9. There was submitted a report by the Head of Children, Families and Justice Social Work Services (1) providing an update on strategic planning and improvement activity targeted at addressing domestic abuse; (2) advising that a key development is the production of the new Violence Against Women Strategy and Action Plan for 2022/25, enclosed within Appendix 1 to the report; (3) summarising that the Strategy and Action Plan would provide a vehicle to further strengthen and ensure coherence in local improvement activity within this area; (4) setting out specific detail on the SACRO Aura service, following the award of the contract for specialist domestic abuse services, and (5) reporting on a variety of other key foundations of provision and practice development. Decided: (1) that the Violence Against Women Strategy and Action Plan as outlined within Appendix 1 to the report be approved, and (2) that a further update be submitted to a meeting of this Committee in six months. ANNUAL REPORT - COMMUNITY PAYBACK 2021/22 10. There was submitted a report by the Head of Children, Families and Justice Social Work Services (1) advising of the Community Payback Order (CPO) Annual Report for the fiscal year 2021/22; (2) informing that the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 placed a duty on local authorities to prepare an Annual Report outlining the operation of Community Payback Orders; (3) providing an overview of service delivery, key issues and outcomes relating to the delivery of Community Payback; (4) detailing within the report the progress made in delivery of Services’ statutory responsibilities for Community Payback Orders; (5) informing of the impact, both in respect of individuals who are subject to CPO and the local community; (6) highlighting that service delivery required adapting in response to restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic to support recovery and address the resulting backlog within the wider justice system, and (7) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, the Annual report. Decided: that the approach to service delivery, as outlined within the report, be approved. EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE EXPANSION PROGRAMME UPDATE 11. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (North) (1) providing an update on the 1140 hours Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Expansion Programme; (2) reporting on the two outstanding projects at Craigneuk Family Learning Centre and Heathery Park Family Learning Centre; (3) setting out statistical information on the ELC core function; (4) proposing to increase the rate paid for eligible two year olds and three to five year olds based on Scottish Government guidelines; (5) intimating that a Procurement Framework Contract Modification would be required should the increase in the rate per child be approved, as the value of the framework would exceed £12.3m, and (6) summarising the outcome of the Tender process for the 2023/27 ELC framework.
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EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 75 Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Currie, moved as an amendment that recommendation 2 of the report be amended as follows:- "Note the current status of the project to establish the Heathery Park Family Learning Centre and agree that alongside a general update on the planned new nursery, the 1140 report be presented at the next scheduled meeting of the Committee on Tuesday, 28 February 2023 will also include:- (i) a new target completion date for the refurbishment of the former Community Centre in Wishawhill or at the very least an indication of when the building works may now be finished if the construction is still incomplete, and (ii) a draft plan for the Early Years Centre to be operational and providing a first rate nursery education for local children." Thereon, following consideration of the amendment moved by Councillor Wilson, a consensus was reached to accept the additional recommendation. Decided: (1) that the 1140 ELC project update be noted; (2) that the current status of the project to establish the Heathery Park Family Learning Centre be noted; (3) that it be agreed that a general update on the planned new nursery at the Heathery Park Family Learning Centre be presented to the next scheduled meeting of the Committee and to include (a) a new target completion date for the refurbishment of the former Community Centre at Wishawhill, or alternatively an indication of when the building works will be finished should the construction be incomplete, and (b) a draft plan for the Early Years Centre to be operational and providing a first rate nursery education for local children; (4) that the ELC core function update be noted; (5) that the proposal to increase the rate paid for three to five year olds to £5.77, and eligible two year olds to £6.03, based on Scottish Government guidelines, be approved; (6) that the modification to the final year procurement framework be approved, and (7) that the outcome of the 2023/27 ELC tender be approved. ALTERATION TO PROPOSALS FOR DENOMINATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOL WITHIN THE RAVENSCRAIG AREA 12. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (North) (1) reminding the Committee that a previously approved consultation had been undertaken to build a new denominational primary school with an associated nursery class within the Ravenscraig site; (2) informing that an amended proposal had been made that would require a change in location, taking account of the opportunities within the Levelling Up Fund (LUF); (3) highlighting that the change in location is dependent on approval of LUF funding, however, should the funding be rejected, no statutory education consultation would be required; (4) seeking approval that, should the funding be approved, any further statutory consultation would follow the same process as previously agreed by the Committee, and (5) advising that a further secondary consultation would be required to reallocate the new Ravenscraig catchment to an associated cluster secondary school.
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EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 76 Decided: (1) that further statutory consultation on the relocation of the denominational primary school within the Ravenscraig area, using previously approved methodology and approach, be approved, and (2) that a further secondary consultation to reallocate the new Ravenscraig catchment to an associated cluster secondary school be approved. ALTERATION TO PROPOSALS FOR NON-DENOMINATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOL WITHIN THE RAVENSCRAIG AREA 13. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (North) (1) reminding the Committee that a previously approved consultation had been undertaken to build a new non-denominational primary school with an associated nursery class within the Ravenscraig site; (2) informing that an amended proposal had been made that would require a change in location, taking account of the opportunities within the Levelling Up Fund (LUF); (3) highlighting that the change in location is dependent on approval of LUF funding, however, should the funding be rejected, no statutory education consultation would be required; (4) seeking approval that, should the funding be approved, any further statutory consultation would follow the same process as previously agreed by the Committee, and (5) advising that a further secondary consultation would be required to reallocate the new Ravenscraig catchment to an associated cluster secondary school. Decided: (1) that further statutory consultation on the relocation of the non-denominational primary school within the Ravenscraig area, using previously approved methodology and approach, be approved, and (2) that a further secondary consultation to reallocate the new Ravenscraig catchment to an associated cluster secondary school be approved. TOWN AND COMMUNITY HUB DELIVERY PROGRAMME - UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF THE HUB DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY PROGRAMME 14. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) providing an update on the Town and Community Hub Delivery Programme; (2) summarising the status of each of the projects on the programme, and (3) enclosing a number of Appendices supporting the narrative contained within the report. Decided: that the report be noted. APPOINTMENT OF TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE 15. There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions (1) advising of the outcome of the process to appoint a teacher representative for the primary sector to the Committee, following the resignation from that position of a previous postholder, and (2) highlighting that one nomination had been received and seeking approval to appoint Megan McCrossan to the vacant position on the Committee. Thereon, the Democratic Services Manager provided a verbal update on the report to advise that, since the report had been written, a resignation had also been received from Mr. D. Hannan, Church of Scotland representative. It was further advised that no alternative nomination had been provided
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EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - 22 NOVEMBER 2022 77 by the Church of Scotland, however, should a nomination be received, a further report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee, or the next meeting of full Council, whichever is earlier, recommending the appointment of a Church of Scotland representative. Decided: (1) that the outcome of the process for the appointment of a teacher representative for the primary sector be noted; (2) that the report be remitted to the next meeting of the Council recommending that Megan McCrossan be appointed to the vacant position; (3) that the resignation by Mr. D. Hannan, Church of Scotland representative, be noted, and (4) that should a nomination from the Church of Scotland for the vacant position be received, a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Council, should time allow. REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING REPORT 16. There was submitted a report by the Deputy Chief Executive (1) providing a summary of the financial performance of the Education, Children and Families Service for the period 1 April to 16 September 2022 (Period 6), and (2) illustrating the projected outturn position as at 31 March 2023, with major outturn variances highlighted and explained as per the Council's Approved Financial Regulations. Decided: (1) that the financial position of the Education, Children and Families Revenue Budget be noted, and (2) that the contents of the report be noted. CONTRACTS AWARDED BELOW COMMITTEE APPROVAL THRESHOLD 17. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions notifying the Committee of contracts awarded between 1 July to 30 September 2022 with a value below the financial threshold requiring Committee approval. Decided: that the contracts awarded below the Committee approval threshold between 1 July to 30 September 2022, as per the process within the Council's General Contract Standing Orders, be noted.
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FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 30 NOVEMBER 2022 78 30 November 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the FINANCE AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Fisher, Convener; Councillor B. McCulloch, Vice-Convener; Councillors Beveridge, Bustard, Cairns, Campbell, Costello, S. Coyle, Crichton, Currie, Dunbar, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hume, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Jones, Kelly, Keltie, Logue, Loughran, MacGregor, McCluskey, McKay, McKendrick, McLaren, McNally, McPake, Roarty, Robb, Robinson, Stevenson, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan and Watson. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Barclay, Carragher, McVey and Smith attended as substitutes for Councillors Mitchell, Linden, Duffy and Di Mascio respectively. CHAIR Councillor Fisher (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Financial Solutions; Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions; Head of Business and Digital; Head of People and Organisational Development; Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions; Business Finance Managers (Resource Solutions); Strategic Asset Manager, and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillors Di Mascio, Duffy, Linden and Mitchell. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor D. Johnston declared a connection, because his employer had made an objection to the proposal, and declared an interest in agenda item 15 – Pavilion, Sports Pitch and Ancillary Ground at Deerdykes Place, Cumbernauld – and left the meeting during consideration of that item. Councillor Watson declared a connection, by virtue of being a member of the Board of North Lanarkshire Properties, and declared an interest in agenda item 12 – North Lanarkshire Properties LLP – Performance Indicators: 13 January 2022-27 July 2022 and Financial Performance as at 22 July 2022 – and further declared that he considered the interest sufficiently remote that it did not preclude his participation in consideration of that item. MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES DATED 26 OCTOBER 2022 2. There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee for Local Government Employees held on 26 October 2022. Decided: that the Minute of the meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee for Local Government Employees held on 26 October 2022 be approved.
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FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 30 NOVEMBER 2022 79 P048.1 - ACTIVE PARTICIPATION POLICY FOR NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (South) (1) reporting that the impact from the Covid pandemic had seen an increase in volunteering activity to 74% in Scotland and, whilst those numbers had since diminished as people revert back to normal working lives, there remains increased participation in Scotland of approximately 59%; (2) advising that volunteers have traditionally undertaken a range of roles within the Council and, as the organisation moves towards a model of engagement with its communities, there is a growing interest in volunteering from many people to work alongside the Council for the benefit of the whole community, and (3) seeking approval for a policy to reinforce the Council's commitment to its volunteer workforce, formalising the support that it will offer to ensure that the relationship with volunteers yields positive benefits for all. Decided: (1) that the proposed Active Participation Policy, attached as an Appendix to the report, be approved, and (2) that, otherwise, the contents of the report be endorsed. ANNUAL FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2021/22 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions (1) providing details of Freedom of Information and Environmental Information requests received by the Council during 2021/22 and providing further comparative and ancillary information, and (2) attaching, as Appendices to the report, further data and information. Decided: that the contents of the report be noted. 2022 REVIEW OF FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND SCHEME OF FINANCIAL DELEGATION 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) providing the outcome of the Annual Review of the Financial Regulations and the Scheme of Financial Delegation; (2) reporting that full consideration continues to be given to the collective responsibility for the long-term financial sustainability of the Council and how its financial governance arrangements, including the Financial Regulations and Scheme of Financial Delegation, can further support this, and (3) attaching, as Appendices to the report, details of minor amendments made to the documents together with full amended versions of each document. Decided: that the revisions made to the Council's Financial Regulations and Scheme of Financial Delegation be acknowledged. REVENUES AND BENEFITS UPDATE 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions providing an update on the performance within the Revenue Benefits function of Financial Solutions as at 30 September 2022. Decided: that the contents of the report be acknowledged. C
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FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 30 NOVEMBER 2022 80 REVENUE MONITORING REPORT: CAPITAL SUMMARY - 1 APRIL 2022 TO 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) providing an update on the overall position for the General Fund Account, Housing Revenue Account and Adult Health and Social Care for the financial year to 31 March 2023; (2) consolidating the budget monitoring position of all Services, and (3) highlighting and explaining major variances as per the Council's approved Financial Regulations. Decided: (1) that the financial position of the 2022/23 Revenue Budget be acknowledged, and (2) that, otherwise, the contents of the report be endorsed. REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING REPORT: CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S AND OTHER CORPORATE SERVICES' - 1 APRIL TO 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 (PERIOD 6) 8. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) providing a summary of the Chief Executive and other corporate services' financial performance for the period 1 April to 16 September 2022 (Period 6), and (2) illustrating the provisional outturn as at 31 March 2023 with major outturn variances highlighted and explained as per the Council's approved Financial Regulations. Decided: that the financial position of the 2022/23 Chief Executive and other corporate services' revenue budget be acknowledged. CHIEF EXECUTIVE SERVICE - CAPITAL MONITORING REPORT - 1 APRIL TO 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 (PERIOD 6) 9. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions highlighting the financial performance and provisional outturn of the 2022/23 Chief Executive Capital Programme for the period ended 16 September 2022 (Period 6). Decided: that the financial position of the 2022/23 Chief Executive Capital Programme be acknowledged. TREASURY MANAGEMENT MONITORING REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 10. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) fulfilling the key requirements of the Council's reporting procedures for Treasury Management in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, and (2) reporting on the quarterly treasury management activity for the period 1 July to 30 September 2022 together with compliance with the mandatory treasury and prudential indicators. The Convener read out a statement on behalf of the Section 95 Officer informing the members of the Committee that links would be provided to permit them to undertake online training in respect of treasury management. Decided: that the treasury management activity for the quarter ended 30 September 2022, including the positive performance against the key treasury and prudential indicators, be noted.
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FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 30 NOVEMBER 2022 81 CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2022/23 MONITORING REPORT 11. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) providing an update on the 2022/23 Resources and Expenditure for the Council’s Strategic Capital Investment Programme, and (2) illustrating the 2022/23 projected outturn position and the resultant variances. Decided: that the financial position of the Council’s Strategic Capital Investment Programme, as at 16 September 2022, be acknowledged. Prior to consideration of the following item of business, Councillor Watson declared a connection by virtue of being a member of North Lanarkshire Properties Board and further declared that he considered the interest sufficiently remote that it did not preclude his participation in that item. NORTH LANARKSHIRE PROPERTIES LLP – PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: 13 JANUARY TO 27 JULY 2022 AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AS AT 22 JULY 2022 12. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) providing details of North Lanarkshire Properties LLP’s (NLP LLP) performance for the period 13 January to 27 July 2022; (2) providing an update on significant events and service delivery highlights during the reporting period, and (3) outlining the financial performance for the period from 1 April to 22 July 2022. Decided: (1) that NLP LLP’s operational performance against its 2021/22 targets for the period 13 January to 27 July 2022 be acknowledged; (2) that NLP LLP’s financial performance during the period from 1 April to 22 July 2022 be acknowledged, and (3) that the service delivery highlights as detailed within the report be acknowledged. PROPOSED SUB-STATION AT CLIFFVALE ROAD, CHRYSTON 13. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking approval for a lease to SP Distribution PLC for an electrical sub-station and associated servitude for cables, pedestrian and vehicular rights of access on land at Cliffvale Road, Chryston. Decided: (1) that a new lease be granted to SP Distribution PLC, or their nominees, for a sub-station and an associated servitude for cables, pedestrian and vehicular rights of access on land at Cliffvale Road, Chryston on the terms as detailed within the report, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. PROPOSED SUB-STATION AT NETHERTON ROAD, WISHAW 14. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking approval for a lease to SP Distribution PLC for an electrical sub-station and associated servitude for cables, pedestrian and vehicular rights of access on land at Netherton Road, Wishaw.
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FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 30 NOVEMBER 2022 82 Decided: (1) that a new lease be granted to SP Distribution PLC, or their nominees, for a sub-station and associated servitude for cables, pedestrian and vehicular rights of access on land at Netherton Road, Wishaw on the terms as detailed within the report, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. At 10.25 am the meeting was adjourned due to a fire alarm. The meeting resumed at 11 am. Prior to consideration of the following item of business, Councillor D. Johnston declared a connection because his employer had objected to the proposals and further declared an interest in the item and left the meeting during its consideration. PAVILION, SPORTS PITCH AND ANCILLARY GROUND AT DEERDYKES PLACE, CUMBERNAULD 15. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) seeking consent to declare the pavilion, sports pitch and ancillary land at Deerdykes Place, Cumbernauld surplus to Council requirements; (2) advising that the ground occupied by the pavilion and sports pitch have been designated as a “proposed business site” within the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan, which had been adopted on 6 July 2022; (3) detailing that the ground could, therefore, be used for expansion of the existing adjacent industrial estate into the area, subject to relevant statutory consents being obtained, and (4) advising that local elected members had been consulted on the proposal with one objection being received, which, therefore, necessitated the matter being brought for consideration by the Committee. Decided: (1) that the contents of the report be noted; (2) that it be noted that an objection had been received from a local elected member and that a response had been submitted as detailed in the report, and (3) that the proposal to declare the pavilion, sports pitch and ancillary land as surplus to Council requirements be agreed and that the matter be referred to the Council’s Estates Team to determine the future use of the site. CONTRACT AWARD FOR BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BEMS) SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 2023-2026 16. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking approval for the award of a contract for Building Energy Management System (BEMS) Servicing and Maintenance 2023-2026 to Chartwell Limited for an initial period of 24 months anticipated to commence on 23 January 2023 with a maximum contract value of £825,000 exclusive of VAT. Decided: that the award of contract to Chartwell Limited at the maximum value of £825,000, exclusive of VAT, be approved. CONTRACT AWARD PROPOSALS FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF CATERING EQUIPMENT 17. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) seeking approval for Facility Support Services to award call-off contracts from the Scotland Excel Framework for repair
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FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 30 NOVEMBER 2022 83 and maintenance of catering equipment; (2) explaining that the new framework had been established for the period 7 May 2022 until 30 April 2025, with an option to extend by 12 months until 30 April 2026; (3) indicating that the framework is split into three lots namely Lot 1 – commercial gas, Lot 2 – electrical, and Lot 3 – refrigeration, and (4) indicating that the anticipated total spend of £1,092,650 is indicative only and that the actual spend will depend on the performance of the existing equipment. Decided: that the Facility Support Service be authorised to call-off future requirements for Repair and Maintenance of Catering Equipment from the Scotland Excel Framework. CONTRACTS WITH VARIATIONS 18. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions notifying the Committee, in accordance with the Council's Financial Regulations, of contracts which had been completed between 1 April and 21 October 2022 where the expenditure had exceeded the contract award value by greater than 5% or £25,000. Decided: that the content of the report, and the accompanying Appendix, be acknowledged. CONTRACTS AWARDED BELOW COMMITTEE APPROVAL THRESHOLD 19. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions notifying the Committee of contracts awarded between 1 July and 30 September 2022 which had a value below the financial threshold requiring Committee approval. Decided: that the contracts awarded with a value below Committee approval threshold between 1 July and 30 September 2022, as per the process contained within the Council's General Contract Standing Orders, be noted. It was agreed in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. PROPOSED PURCHASE OF HOUSES AT TORRANCE PARK, HOLYTOWN 20. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking consent to acquire six terraced houses at Torrance Park, Holytown to support the Council's New Housing Supply Programme. Decided: (1) that the purchase of six terraced houses at Torrance Park, Holytown on the terms as detailed in the report subject to grant funding approval from the Scottish Government be approved, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 1 DECEMBER 2022 84 1 December 2022 at 2 pm. A Meeting of the POLICY AND STRATEGY COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Logue, Convener; Councillor Kelly, Vice-Convener; Councillor Roarty, Vice-Convener; Councillors Beveridge, Boyd, Brennan, Campbell, Carragher, Di Mascio, Fotheringham, Hume, Jarvie, Jones, Larson, Leckie, Loughran, Masterton, McBride, Nolan, Robinson, Stevenson, A. Stubbs, Sullivan and Watson. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillor M. McCulloch attended as a substitute for Councillor Duffy. CHAIR Councillor Logue (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Chief Executive; Deputy Chief Executive; Head of Financial Solutions; Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions; Head of Business and Digital; Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions; Head of Strategic Communication; Head of People and Organisation Development; Head of Performance Planning and Quality Assurance; Head of Audit and Risk; Business Finance Manager (Resource Solutions); Technology Strategy Manager; Commercial Contracts Manager; Business Strategy Manager, and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillor Duffy. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. There were no declarations of interest. MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL HELD ON 8 SEPTEMBER AND 27 OCTOBER 2022 2. There were submitted the Minutes of the meetings of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel held on 8 September and 27 October 2022 respectively. Decided: that the Minutes of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel held on 8 September and 27 October 2022, respectively, be approved. CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME UPDATE 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) reminding the Committee that the Community Investment Fund Annual Update report considered by it in September 2022 had highlighted the requirement to reduce the Council's Capital Investment Programme by £22.076m to ensure that programme activity matched funding availability; (2) presenting the outcome of the review of the Capital Programme undertaken by the Council's Strategic Capital Delivery Group while ensuring
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 1 DECEMBER 2022 85 alignment with the Council's previously agreed capital prioritisation matrix and, therefore, The Plan for North Lanarkshire; (3) explaining that the Council was nearing the end of the second year of its five year capital planning period and that it had always been the intention to undertake a review of the Programme during its first three years and, accordingly, the Strategic Capital Delivery Group would work with Services to develop a new, reset, Capital Programme to commence from 2024/25, and (4) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, the Capital Programme Review. Decided: (1) that the budget reductions outlined in the report, and in the Appendix to the report, be approved; (2) that the ongoing Capital Programme of Funding Risks linked to wider economic factors be acknowledged, and (3) that the approach to the development of a future Strategic Capital Programme, as outlined in the report, be endorsed. ONE PLACE ONE PLAN - GOVERNANCE UPDATE 4. There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive (1) indicating that in the four years since the establishment of a One Place with One Plan approach, with a vision of inclusive growth and prosperity for all, The Plan for North Lanarkshire and its associated governance arrangements and operating model have continued to undergo incremental refinements to ensure ongoing alignment which has enabled an approach to policy setting and strategic and operational decision making that has been unwavering in its direction; (2) commenting that ensuring ongoing alignment in this way has also been instrumental in supporting the delivery of a wide range of programmes, projects and activities; (3) reporting on the pressures – internal and external to the Council – which impact on the local government landscape and confirming that the Council needs to be prepared if it is to effectively manage its way through the extent of the business changes to come, and create (and sustain) the conditions that mean local people will thrive now and in the future and that this will require further structural refinements to ensure ongoing alignment of vision, plan, governance and operations in order to maintain the focus and ensure an inclusive growth and prosperity for all, and (4) outlining the first phase of structural refinements for Committee approval. Decided: (1) that the deletion of the Head of Environmental Assets post with immediate effect – realising one-off savings of £54,083 for 2022/23 and recurring savings of £126,992 for 2023/24 onwards – and the realignment of these functions within existing remits as noted in the report be approved; (2) that the changes to Heads of Service reporting lines and the formalisation of Chief Officer job titles, with immediate effect, to ensure Council operating structures and governance arrangements continue to align, as noted in the report and depicted in the Appendix to the report, be acknowledged, and (3) that the intent for a future programme of linked reviews to be undertaken in preparation for the extent of the business change to come, and the indicative dates for future reports to the Committee in this respect, as noted in the report, be noted. POW:003.2 DIGITALNL - NEXT STEPS 5. There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive (1) outlining the background to DigitalNL; (2) highlighting the scope of Digital NL which is much more than just about the Council becoming digitised;
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 1 DECEMBER 2022 86 (3) explaining that in January 2021 Audit Scotland produced its report "Digital Progress in Local Authorities" with North Lanarkshire participating as one of six selected field work sites for the national performance audit on digital progress in local government; (4) reporting that Audit Scotland acknowledged that the Council had a digital vision that went beyond technology and focussed on people and outcomes; (5) advising that delivering digital savings during the pandemic has been extremely challenging with Services unable to resource the service redesign and consequential user acceptance testing essential for delivering the vision of Digital First due to refocussing their resources to respond to the pandemic, and (6) reviewing programme deliverables achieved to date against those outlined within the Full Business Case approved in March 2019. Decided: (1) that it be recognised that the financial benefits and associated Full Time Equivalent (FTE) reduction available from this transformation programme are very different post-pandemic to those identified – based on pre-pandemic historical experience – by the Council's Digital Business Partner; (2) that it be recognised that the Year 4 Roadmap and future digital developments build upon lessons learnt, and knowledge and experience gained, from progressing the transformation strands of DigitalNL and SmartNL; (3) that the successful delivery of the Digital Workplace and Cloud Migration components of the DigitalNL Transformation Programme be acknowledged; (4) that it be recognised that commitment to the continued development of the Digital Council, and associated governance alongside enhancements and reuse of the Digital Platform, create scope to deliver digital processes, automation and financial and non-financial benefits; (5) that it be acknowledged that the Connectivity Framework, and the partnership with Commsworld, provide the underlying infrastructure to transform and innovate Council services, ultimately placing local people, elected members and communities at the heart of the Council's revised operating model; (6) that it be recognised that the actions outlined within the report enable the Council to drive forward its ambition to become a leading digital authority, and (7) that, otherwise, the contents of the report be noted. P077.1 WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE PROGRESS UPDATE 6. There was submitted a report by the Deputy Chief Executive (1) reminding the Committee that the Council has a well established Workforce for the Future Strategy, which takes forward the aspirations of the Plan for North Lanarkshire to drive inclusive growth; (2) providing an update on how the Council is partnering with employers as it progresses its rolling out of the Strategy and in response to emerging challenges; (3) reporting that the Council’s integrated and innovative approach has put it in an excellent position to capitalise on new opportunities, such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will enable the Council to better navigate the challenging economic landscape being faced by both employers and employees; (4) intimating that the plan is to create jobs and to meet employment demand by enabling businesses to grow and develop their workforce and to ensure that all opportunities, including apprenticeships and work placements, demonstrate the principles of fair work and pay and providing an update on the success of a recently launched scheme to reward businesses which demonstrate these values in practice; (5) highlighting a number of planned developments in regards to engagement with key industry sectors, which are anticipated to ensure much more effective pathways are in place to employment in these areas, and (6) detailing successes, so far, in creating jobs and pathways to jobs and the potential to add significant ongoing value in the labour market.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 1 DECEMBER 2022 87 Decided: (1) that the increase in workforce demands now being seen within growth sectors, and a concerning position with overall workforce availability in North Lanarkshire’s labour market, be noted; (2) that the good progress being made with the Workforce for the Future Programme of Work in the challenging context, including the significant employer engagement and positive feedback which is now informing the Council’s plans, be endorsed; (3) that the further development of the academy model, and the first stage outcome of the construction skills options appraisal , and the development of a full business case to progress this work, be noted and endorsed; (4) that the increased funding and resources which have now been aligned to support delivery of the Programme of Work in the next phase be noted, and (5) that the intention to bring a further progress update to the Committee in Cycle 2 of 2023 be endorsed. It was agreed in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 10 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. P001 THE ENTERPRISE STRATEGIC VEHICLE – UPDATE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) providing a further update on the Enterprise Project highlighting both progress to date and planned future development; (2) explaining that the project aims to achieve an integrated client function for asset management across the Council with Phase 1 contract awards expected to be made for the Housing and Corporate Contract in October 2023 and the Roads Contract in December 2023 and that Phase 2 of the project, from 2026, will thereafter aim to optimise asset related arrangements that underpin the delivery of the Plan for North Lanarkshire and allow further integration and development of strategic supply relationships; (3) providing details of procurement activity, and decisions made to date, by the Project Board; (4) explaining that project resource is necessarily focused on the delivery of the Housing and Corporate and the Roads Contracts and that suitable short-term arrangements to provide play shaping advisory services, as and when required, are available, and the longer-term solution will be developed as soon as project resource capacity allows; (5) outlining the Project Governance arrangements, and (6) indicating that a further report will be provided to Committee in May 2023 reporting the progress of the procurement and the outcome of the options revalidation exercise for the Housing and Corporate Contract and the progress of the Roads Contract. Decided: (1) that the status of the Housing and Corporate Contract as set out in the report be acknowledged; (2) that the status of the Roads Contract as set out in the report be acknowledged; (3) that the status of the play shaping contract as set out in the report be acknowledged; (4) that, in relation to the Housing and Corporate Contract, the decisions taken by the Project Board, as detailed in the report, be acknowledged, and (5) that a further report be provided to the Committee in May 2023 reporting on the progress of the procurement and the outcome of the options revalidation exercise for the Housing and Corporate Contract and the progress of the Roads Contract.
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REGULATORY - 6 DECEMBER 2022 88 Motherwell, 6 December 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the REGULATORY COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor McLaren, Convener; Councillor McVey, Vice-Convener; Councillors Ballinger, Beveridge, Crichton, Docherty, Dunbar, Hughes, Robb, Shevlin, Smith (paragraphs 3 to 5 only), and Watson. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillor Fisher attended as a substitute for Councillor B. McCulloch. CHAIR Councillor McLaren (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Solicitor (Licensing) and Administrative Officer, Legal and Democratic Solutions. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE Sergeant Brown, Police Scotland. APOLOGIES Councillors B. McCulloch and Thomas. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. No declarations were made. It was agreed in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the public 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 paragraphs 3 and 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. HEARINGS (1) LATE HOURS CATERING LICENCE – NEW APPLICATION – QASID TANDOORI, 17 AITCHISON STREET, AIRDRIE 2. There was submitted (1) an application by Abdul Zahid for a Late Hours Catering Licence in respect of premises at Qasid Tandoori, 17 Aitchison Street, Airdrie; (2) objections to the application received from local residents; (3) an internal memorandum from the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions submitting a representation to the application, and (4) an emailed letter of support from a local resident.
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REGULATORY - 6 DECEMBER 2022 89 The Committee then heard (1) Mr. Muir, local resident, outline his objection to the application; (2) the Environmental Health Officer, outline the Head of Regulatory Services and Waste Solutions representation in respect of the application, and (3) Abdul Zahid’s representative, Megan Binnie, speak in support of the application. Thereafter, Abdul Zahid, Megan Binnie, Mr. Muir, the Environmental Health Officer and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. Abdul Zahid, Megan Binnie, Mr. Muir, the Environmental Health Officer and the representative of Police Scotland were then readmitted to the meeting. Decided: that the application by Abdul Zahid for a Late Hours Catering Licence in respect of premises at Qasid Tandoori, 17 Aitchison Street, Airdrie be refused. (2) PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER’S LICENCE – NEW APPLICATION – CHRISTOPHER WIGGINS 3. There was submitted (1) an application by Christopher Wiggins for a Private Hire Driver’s Licence, and (2) an objection to the application received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland. The Committee then heard Sergeant Brown outline the Chief Constable’s objection to the application, and Christopher Wiggins, who was accompanied by his partner, Grace Ghosh, speak in support of the application. Thereafter, Christopher Wiggins, Grace Ghosh and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. Christopher Wiggins, Grace Ghosh and the representative of Police Scotland were then readmitted to the meeting. Councillor Dunbar, seconded by Councillor Robb, moved that the application by Christopher Wiggins for a Private Hire Driver’s Licence be granted for a period of one year. Councillor Watson, seconded by Councillor Crichton, moved, as an amendment, that the application by Christopher Wiggins for a Private Hire Driver’s Licence be refused. On a vote being taken, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 10 Members voted for the motion, which was accordingly declared carried. Decided: that the application by Christopher Wiggins for a Private Hire Driver’s Licence be granted for a period of one year. (3) TAXI DRIVER’S LICENCE – NEW APPLICATION – STEPHEN CAMERON McELROY 4. There was submitted (1) an application by Stephen Cameron McElroy for a Taxi Driver’s Licence, and (2) an objection to the application received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland. The Committee then heard Sergeant Brown outline the Chief Constable’s objection to the application, and Stephen McElroy speak in support of the application. Thereafter, Stephen McElroy and the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. Stephen McElroy and the representative of Police Scotland were then readmitted to the meeting.
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REGULATORY - 6 DECEMBER 2022 90 The Committee then heard Stephen McElroy advise that he wished to withdraw his application for a Taxi Driver’s Licence. Decided: that it be noted that Stephen Cameron McElroy had withdrawn his application for a Taxi Driver’s Licence. (4) WINDOW CLEANERS LICENCE – COMPLAINT – LEWIS MacLEOD 5. In terms of paragraph 11 of Schedule 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, there was submitted a complaint received from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, relative to Lewis MacLeod, who currently held a Window Cleaner’s Licence. The Committee then heard the Solicitor (Licensing) advise that, for the reasons narrated, Lewis MacLeod would not be in attendance. Thereafter, the Committee determined that consideration of the complaint should proceed in Lewis MacLeod’s absence. The Committee then heard Sergeant Brown outline the Chief Constable’s complaint. Thereafter, the representative of Police Scotland withdrew from the meeting and the Committee resumed consideration of the matter. The representative of Police Scotland was then readmitted to the meeting. Decided: that, in terms of paragraph 11 of Schedule 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the complaint by the Chief Constable, relative to Lewis MacLeod, firstly be upheld, and secondly that his Window Cleaners Licence be revoked.
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PLANNING - 8 DECEMBER 2022 91 8 December 2022 at 10 am. A Meeting of the PLANNING COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Shevlin, Convener; Councillor Currie, Vice-Convener; Councillors Baudo, Brennan, Burgess, Bustard, Cairns, Campbell, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Docherty, Jarvie, Logue, Loughran, McManus, McNally, McPake, Robb, Smith, L. Stubbs and Woods. CHAIR Councillor Shevlin (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE Chief Officer of Place; Planning and Place Manager; Planning Manager (South), and Principal Democratic Officer. APOLOGY Councillor Lennon DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor Smith, by virtue of being the applicant for the designation of Palacerigg Visitor Centre as a listed building, declared a connection with agenda item 5, and further declared that he considered the interest so sufficiently remote that it did not preclude his participation in consideration of the item. PLANNING APPLICATIONS INDEX 2. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration detailing applications for planning consent. Decided: that the application be dealt with in accordance with the Annex to this Minute. NOTICE OF PLANNING AND ENFORCEMENT NOTICE APPEAL DECISIONS 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration advising of two recent decisions in respect of planning and enforcement notice appeals. Decided: that the report be noted. INTRODUCTION OF DISCRETIONARY PLANNING CHARGES - UPDATE 4. With reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 13 October 2022, there was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) providing a summary of the discretionary planning fees which includes VAT, where applicable, and (2) intimating that the
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PLANNING - 8 DECEMBER 2022 92 fees for retrospective applications and pre application advice for major applications were introduced on 1 November 2022 and all other discretionary charges would be introduced from 4 January 2023. Decided: that the range and scale of discretionary planning fees and the inclusion of VAT where applicable, be noted. Councillor Smith prior to consideration of the following item of business, had declared a connection by virtue of submitting the application for the designation of Palacerigg Visitor Centre as a listed building, and had further declared that he considered the connection so sufficiently remote that it did not preclude his participation in consideration of the matter. DESIGNATION OF PALACERIGG VISITOR CENTRE AS A LISTED BUILDING 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Regeneration (1) advising that Historic Scotland had designated Palacerigg Visitor Centre with mural by Alisdair Gray, Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld as a category B listed building, and (2) intimating that the protected status of the building came into effect on 5 October 2022 under Section 1 of the Planning (Listed Buildings in Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. Decided: that the contents of the report be noted.
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PLANNING - 8 DECEMBER 2022 93 ANNEX Application No: 22/00517/FUL Applicant: Mr John Crainie Development/Locus: Erection of a Single Storey Dwellinghouse and Garage - Land East of 11 Coach Close, Kilsyth Decision: Grant Application No: 22/01046/FUL Applicant: Mr Gerard Currie Development/Locus: Erection of a 1.5 Storey Dwellinghouse and Garage - Land Adjacent to 15 Coach Close, Kilsyth Decision: Grant Application No: 22/00674/FUL Applicant: Mr Duncan Cairney Development/Locus: New Dwelling - Land at West Avenue, Stepps Decision: Grant