_Minute
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 - 15 DECEMBER 2022 5 15 December 2022 at 4 pm. A Meeting of the NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL PRESENT Councillor Duffy, Provost; Councillor Burgess, Depute Provost; Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, 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, Linden, Logue, Loughran, MacGregor, Magowan, McBride, McCluskey, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McDade, McKay, McKendrick, McLaren, McManus, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Mitchell, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Robb, Robinson, Shevlin, Smith, Stevenson, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner, Watson, Williams, Wilson and Woods. CHAIR Councillor Duffy (Provost) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Chief Executive; Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic); Chief Officer (Finance); Democratic Services Manager, and Principal Democratic Officer. APOLOGIES Councillors Beveridge, Lennon, Masterton and Shields. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. The Council noted that there were no declarations of interest. MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES AND PANELS 2. There was submitted the Volume of Minutes for meetings of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels for Cycle 4, 2022 for approval in terms of Standing Order 21. Councillor Wilson intimated that, in respect of the Minute of the meeting of the Environment and Climate Change Committee held on 9 November 2022 – paragraph 7 "Litter Bin Strategy", the additional recommendation (5) which had been agreed at the meeting had not been reflected within the Minute and requested that the Minute be updated accordingly, which was agreed. Councillor Sullivan intimated, in respect of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 6 October 2022 – paragraph 4 "Membership of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies", that the Minute was inaccurate as no decision had been taken in respect of the changes to the Membership for the Conservative Group and Independent Members and that this is reflected in the recording of the meeting. The Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) advised that he would review the footage of the meeting together with the text contained within the Minute and advise Members of the Council accordingly.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 6 Decided: (1) that decision (5) of paragraph 7 – “Litter Bin Strategy” of the Minute of the meeting of the Environment and Climate Change Committee held on 9 November 2022 be updated to reflect the decision taken at the meeting; (2) that, in respect of paragraph (4) “Membership of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies” of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 6 October 2022, the Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) review the recording of the meeting to ensure that the decisions are accurately recorded in the Minute and advise Members of the Council accordingly, and (3) that the Minutes of meetings of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels for Cycle 4, 2022 be otherwise approved. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, PANELS, WORKING GROUPS AND OUTSIDE BODIES 3. There was submitted a document from the Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) setting out recommendations for appointments 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, which was split into two parts (A) and (B) with part (A) reflecting like for like changes by political groups and part (B) the proposals from the Labour Group. The Provost proposed the appointment of members to Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies be split into two parts (A) and (B), which was agreed. The changes contained in part (A) were agreed. Councillor Logue, seconded by Councillor Roarty, moved the appointment of Members to Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies, as set out in Part (B) of the document. Decided: that the appointment of Members to Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Outside Bodies, as detailed in Appendix 1 to this Minute, be implemented. USE OF PROXY VOTES BY ELECTED MEMBERS ABSENT DUE TO FAMILY LEAVE 4. With reference to paragraph 15 of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee held on 29 September 2022 when, inter alia, it was agreed that a report be submitted to the Council meeting in December 2022 setting out options on whether Elected Members on parental leave could be entitled to nominate one other Elected Member to act as their proxy for any vote within Council meetings to avoid pressures on parents to attend meetings during paternity/family leave, there was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) (1) providing clarification on the position regarding the use of proxy votes for Elected Members who may be absent due to family leave; (2) advising that paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 states that "all questions coming or arising before a Council shall be decided by a majority of Members of the Council present and voting thereon at the meeting of the Council" and requesting that Members note the word "present" included within that text; (3) advising that legal advice had been sought and it has been confirmed that no Elected Member may participate in a meeting of the Council or one of its Committees unless they are present, and as a result the use of a proxy vote was not considered permissible, and (4) reminding Members that the Council's Standing Orders enable political groups to nominate three Elected Members per Committee who may attend as a substitute should another Member from that same political group be absent.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 7 Councillor A. Stubbs, seconded by Councillor Brennan, moved as an Amendment:- An additional recommendation be included "This Council agrees that a letter be sent to the Scottish Government, copied to COSLA and Leaders of all other Scottish Councils, requesting that the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 be updated to permit proxy voting in certain, locally agreed, circumstances." Following consideration of this Amendment by the Council, consensus was reached to incorporate it within the recommendations contained within the report. Decided: (1) that it be noted that the use of proxy votes for Elected Members was unavailable as this would be in conflict with the terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and (2) that a letter be sent to the Scottish Government, copied to COSLA and leaders of all other Scottish Councils, requesting that the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 be amended to permit proxy voting in certain, locally agreed, circumstances. REMIT FROM THE EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE HELD ON 22 NOVEMBER 2022 - APPOINTMENT OF TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE 5. With reference to paragraph 15 of the Minute of the meeting of the Education, Children and Families Committee held on 22 November 2022, when, it was agreed that the report be remitted to Council for approval, with a recommendation that Megan McCrossan be appointed as the Teacher Representative on the Education, Children and Families Committee for the Primary Sector, there was submitted the said report thereon. Decided: that Megan McCrossan be appointed as the Teacher Representative for the Primary Sector on the Education, Children and Families Committee. HOME TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT PROVISION – REVIEW 6. With reference to paragraph 19 of the Minute of the meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee held on 29 September 2022 when, inter alia, it was agreed that the outcome of the completed review be submitted for consideration by Council at its meeting in December 2022 and that no options or recommendations be implemented without a decision being made by Elected Members, there was submitted a report by the Head of Education (North) (1) advising that the Council provides free school transport to over 8,000 children and young people under Section 51 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, which requires Local Authorities to make such arrangements as they consider necessary for the provision of school transport for pupils attending schools in their area; (2) informing that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) contacted the Council on 16 August 2022 to advise that it had failed in it’s obligation to arrange transport for over 1600 children and young people due to attend school the next day; (3) intimating that the impact of this failure was far reaching and led to substantial disruption to learning and other service delivery, significant reputational damage, national media coverage and considerable additional costs to secure internal contingency mitigations via emergency planning procedures; (4) intimating that a preliminary internal review of the current home to school transport policy and practice within North Lanarkshire had been carried out, a copy of which was attached at Appendix 1 to the report; (5) indicating that the internal review by SPT had yet to be finalised and the preliminary joint review by the Council and SPT had been completed and was attached as Appendix 2 to the report; (6) enclosing, in Appendix 4 to the report, a summary of the review recommendations, and (7) detailing, in Section 2.4 of the report, the additional costs associated with the failure of SPT to arrange transport for over 1600 children and young people.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 8 Decided: (1) that the contents of the preliminary internal review of home to school transport by the Council and the preliminary joint review by the Council and SPT be endorsed; (2) that it be noted that the internal review by SPT had yet to be finalised and published, and a further report on the outcome of the review would be submitted to a future meeting of Council, and (3) that a further detailed report on the key aspects/issues arising from both reviews be submitted to Council in Cycle 2 of 2023. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR A. STUBBS AND COUNCILLOR LARSON 7. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor A. Stubbs and Councillor Larson, notice of which appeared on the Agenda, viz:- "This Council agrees to carry out a full consultation to include, but not necessarily limited to, Pupils, Pupil Councils, Parents, Parent Councils, Teachers, Teachers' Unions, Support Staff and Support Staff Unions seeking opinion on the current school holiday cycles. The consultation should seek views on the possibility of reducing the summer break and increasing the October break to two weeks, the February break to one week and/or an extension to the Christmas break, as well as any other proposals from stakeholders. The consultation should be completed, and a report brought to the Council meeting in June 2023. It is acknowledged that any change to school holiday cycles as a result of this consultation would likely not be in place until at least the 2024/25 academic year." Councillor A. Stubbs, seconded by Councillor Larson, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Duffy-Lawson, moved as an Amendment:- “This Council notes that it has been working with the member Councils of the West Partnership to align the present school holiday dates in full consultation with all interested parties including parents, staff, and Trade Unions. At present there is consensus within the West Partnership that the school calendars need to be more aligned. The Trade Unions are taking a leading role in this activity. Prior to any internal consultation it would be advisable to elicit the views of the seven other member Councils wishing to make major changes prior to going to internal consultation owing to the disruption this can cause to families where children attend schools in one authority and parents are employed by another”. Councillor A. Stubbs withdrew his Motion, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. Councillor Campbell withdrew her Amendment, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. There was submitted the following composite Motion in the names of Councillor A. Stubbs and Councillor Campbell, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. “This Council notes that is has been working with the member Councils of the West Partnership on school holiday dates as there is consensus that the school holiday calendars need to be more aligned.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 9 This Council agrees therefore to carry out a full consultation to include, but not necessarily limited to, Pupils, Pupil Councils, Parents, Parent Councils, Teachers, Teachers’ Unions, Support Staff and Support Staff Unions seeking their opinions on the current school holiday cycles. The consultation should seek views on the possibility of reducing the summer break and increasing the October break to two weeks, the February break to one week and/or an extension to the Christmas break, as well as any other proposals from stakeholders. The consultation should be completed and a report brought to the Education Committee by *June 2023*. The results of the consultation will form the input from this Council to the discussions ongoing with the West Partnership.” Decided: (1) that it be noted that the Council has been working with the Member Councils of The West Partnership on school holiday dates as there was a consensus that the school holiday calendars need to be more aligned; (2) that a full consultation be undertaken on the school holiday calendar to include, but not necessarily limited to, pupils, pupil councils, parents, parent councils, teachers, teachers’ unions, support staff and support staff unions seeking their opinions on the current school holiday cycles; (3) that the consultation should seek views on the possibility of reducing the summer break and increasing the October break to two weeks, extending the February break to one week and/or an extension to the Christmas break, as well as any other proposals from stakeholders; (4) that the consultation be completed and a report brought to the Education, Children and Families Committee by June 2023, and (5) that the results from the consultation will inform the input from the Council to the ongoing discussions with The West Partnership. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR MITCHELL AND COUNCILLOR TONER 8. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Mitchell and Councillor Toner, notice of which appeared on the Agenda, viz: "North Lanarkshire Council recognises that menstruation is a subject that continues to suffer great stigma especially in the workplace, which in turn is damaging to the needs of people who menstruate. This Council further recognises that conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and other abnormal menstruation conditions with debilitating symptoms are incredibly common but often remain hidden by individuals out of fear or embarrassment. As a major employer, the Council has a duty to ensure that there is sufficient training, guidance, safe spaces and accessible resources to ensure that both employees and users of council services, for example young people in schools, feel supported and ensure their employment or academic performance is not affected. The Council recognises that the majority of their workforce are women, many of whom will menstruate for much of their lives, and so support for those who menstruate should be commonplace. This Council will investigate the feasibility and consequences of implementing a menstruation policy for both workplaces and schools. Such policy should consider suitable training and ample resources be in place for managers and teachers to support those who menstruate without stigma or embarrassment. Further, guidance will be considered which seeks to allow for suitable adjustments to be made for pupils and employees who menstruate, for example, a right to paid leave or time away from education for up to 3 days with prior medical agreement where required. Subsequently, findings
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 10 and recommendations will be brought to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee by Autumn 2023. Menstruation and bleeding should not disadvantage any individual, and North Lanarkshire Council commits to supporting those who do so by destigmatising the pain and challenges that often comes with menstruation." Councillor Mitchell, seconded by Councillor Larson, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Woods, seconded by Councillor Costello, moved as an Amendment:- "North Lanarkshire Council has a workforce consisting of 77% female employees and as a major employer recognises the importance of ensuring appropriate measures are in place to support women in the workplace in relation to matters surrounding women's health. Indeed, the Council has, and will, continue to develop and implement strategies to provide for its workforce a comprehensive and supportive set of internal policies that recognise the debilitating impact both menstruation and the aforementioned conditions can have. As part of its focus, the Council should aim to have all senior managers trained by the end of 2023 and all line managers trained by the end of 2024 on matters linked to women's health to ensure best practice exists across Council services and delivers effectively for women and removes the stigma that surrounds discussing such topics in the workplace. Moreover, an outline for how the Council will engage with schools to ensure a young person is not disadvantaged academically due to menstruation or indeed other matters related to Women's Health should be set out in early 2023 to the Tackling Poverty and Wellbeing Committee. The Council recognises the very strong and compassionate leave policies which already exist across services and commits services to redouble their efforts to ensure that compassion is shown, and flexible working arrangements are in place where possible to protect those who may experience significant pain as a result of menstruation or indeed other women's health related conditions." Councillor Mitchell withdrew her Motion, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. Councillor Woods withdrew her Amendment, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. There was submitted the following composite Motion in the names of Councillor Mitchell and Councillor Woods, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. “North Lanarkshire Council recognises that menstruation is a subject that continues to suffer great stigma especially in the workplace, which in turn is damaging to the needs of people who menstruate. This Council further recognises that conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and other abnormal menstruation conditions with debilitating symptoms are incredibly common but often remain hidden by individuals out of fear or embarrassment. As a major employer, the Council has a duty to ensure that there is sufficient training, guidance, safe spaces, and accessible resources to ensure that both employees and users of council services, for example young people in schools, feel supported and ensure their employment or academic performance is not affected. The Council will continue to develop and implement strategies to provide for its workforce a comprehensive and supportive set of internal policies that recognise the debilitating impact both menstruation and the aforementioned conditions can have. This Council will investigate the feasibility and consequences of implementing a menstruation policy for both workplaces and schools. Such policy should consider suitable training and ample resources be in place for managers and teachers to support those who menstruate without stigma or embarrassment. All senior managers will be trained by the end of 2023 and all line managers trained by the end of 2024 on matters linked to reproductive health to ensure best practice exists across
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 11 Council services and delivers effectively for those impacted by menstruation and removes the stigma that surrounds discussing such topics in the workplace. Further guidance, in consultation with Trade Unions, will be considered which seeks to allow for suitable adjustments to be made for pupils and employees who menstruate, for example, a right to paid leave or time away from education for up to 3 days with prior medical agreement where required. Subsequently, findings and recommendations will be brought to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee by Spring 2023. The Council recognises the robust and compassionate leave policies which already exist across services and commits such services to redoubling their efforts to ensure that compassion is shown, and flexible working arrangements are in place where possible to protect those who may experience significant pain as a result of menstruation. Menstruation and bleeding should not disadvantage any individual, and North Lanarkshire Council commits to supporting those who do so by destigmatising the pain and challenges that often comes with menstruation”. Decided: (1) that the Council recognises that menstruation is a subject that continues to suffer great stigma especially in the workplace, which in turn is damaging to the those who menstruate; (2) that Council further recognises that conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Endometriosis and other abnormal menstruation conditions with debilitating symptoms are incredibly common but often remain hidden by individuals out of fear or embarrassment and, as a major employer, the Council has a duty of care to ensure that there is sufficient training, guidance, safe spaces, and accessible resources to ensure that both employees and users of Council services, for example young people in schools, feel supported and that employment or academic performance is not affected; (3) that the Council continues to develop and implement strategies to provide for its workforce a comprehensive and supportive set of internal policies that recognise the debilitating impact of both menstruation and the aforementioned conditions; (4) that the feasibility and consequences of implementing a menstruation policy for both workplaces and schools be investigated, with such a policy ensuring that training and ample resources are in place for managers and teachers to support those who menstruate without stigma or embarrassment; (5) that all senior managers be trained by the end of 2023, and all line managers by the end of 2024, on matters linked to reproductive health to ensure best practice exists across Council services and delivers effectively for those impacted by menstruation and removes the stigma that surrounds discussing such topics in the workplace; (6) that further guidance, in consultation with Trade Unions, be considered for appropriate adjustments to be made for pupils and employees who menstruate, for example, a right to paid leave or time away from education for up to three days, with medical confirmation, where required, with the findings and recommendations being submitted to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee by September 2023, and (7) that the Council recognises the robust and compassionate leave policies which already exist and commits to ensuring that compassion is shown, and flexible working arrangements are in place, where possible, to protect those who may experience significant pain as a result of menstruation, and that menstruation and bleeding should not disadvantage any individual, and the Council commits to provide support to destigmatising the pain and challenges that often come with menstruation.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 12 NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR FOTHERINGHAM AND COUNCILLOR TONER 9. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Fotheringham and Councillor Toner, notice of which appeared on the agenda, viz:- "North Lanarkshire Council agrees that schools must consider the current cost of living crisis when organising ‘educational’ trips to prevent widening of the attainment gap; organised excursions, particularly abroad, must provide educational benefit and affordability to all families." Councillor Fotheringham, seconded by Councillor Toner, moved the terms of the Motion. Decided: that when organising school trips consideration must be given to the current cost of living crisis to prevent the widening of the attainment gap and organised excursions, particularly abroad, must provide educational benefit and be affordable to all families. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR SMITH AND COUNCILLOR HUGHES 10. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Smith and Councillor Hughes, notice of which appeared on the agenda, viz:- "This Council recognises the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, families, workers, and communities throughout North Lanarkshire, with 2,261 people in North Lanarkshire having either died directly from COVID-19 or with COVID-19 as an underlying cause of death between 1st March 2020 and 31 October 2022. This Council reiterates its support for the Remembering Together project, managed by Greenspace Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, which will result in memorial projects in each local authority across Scotland, aiming to bring together communities and artists in reflection, hope, and healing in commemoration and remembrance. This Council notes the Country Parks for the Future paper presented to the Environment and Transportation Committee meeting on 9 February 2022, where Strathclyde Country Park was “proposed as the location for North Lanarkshire’s Covid Memorial”, however also notes no alternative options were presented to committee. Initial public consultation has taken place throughout North Lanarkshire ahead of design proposals being prepared around March 2023, with a further round of consultation to follow before procurement, and with the intention for the memorial to be installed late summer/autumn 2023. This Council also notes the progress and options being implemented for Covid commemoration in other local authorities, including East Dunbartonshire Council where it has been acknowledged and agreed that one memorial would not be appropriate in representing communities with very different identities and “a trail of smaller memorials that have their own identity but are linked could be one way to have a Covid memorial that represents a wide range of experiences. This Council agrees to utilise the information and feedback from the public consultation work already completed to arrange for the design and installation of one Covid memorial within each Community Board area, to better represent the experiences and identities of communities across North Lanarkshire and to ensure any memorial and acts of remembrance can be more accessible and visible to the wider population. Further information will be presented to the Community Board meetings in quarter 1 of 2023 and to the Environment and Climate Change Committee meeting on 8 February 2023." Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor Hughes, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Loughran, seconded by Councillor McPhilemy, moved as an Amendment:-
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 13 "Council acknowledges the devastating legacy of the Covid 19 pandemic in all North Lanarkshire communities. Council is wholly sensitive and supportive in its commitment to deliver a fitting and lasting memorial that symbolises the collective experiences of all our communities. Council notes the diligence of the North Lanarkshire Greenspaces team to facilitate "Remembering Together". A project in essence that embodies co creation from wide-reaching groups, both diverse in demography and geography. The final design will be a culmination of collective reflection and experiences of those most impacted throughout North Lanarkshire. Council notes the decision of the Environment & Transportation Committee report dated February 2022 to deliver the final design at the Art Park location in Strathclyde Park. Council also recommends that those communities who have not already committed to localised acts of remembrance be supported by the Communities Team to facilitate any localised preferences." 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, Duffy-Lawson, Dunbar, Fisher, Jones, Kelly, Khan, Leckie, Logue, Loughran, McBride, B. McCulloch, M. McCulloch, McKay, McLaren, McNally, McPake, McPhilemy, McVey, Nolan, Patton, Reddin, Roarty, Shevlin, Stevenson, Watson, Wilson and Woods. 34 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, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, McCluskey, McKendrick, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. 38 Members having voted for the Amendment and 34 Members having voted for the Motion, the Amendment was accordingly declared carried. Decided: (1) that the devastating legacy of the Covid 19 pandemic in all North Lanarkshire communities be acknowledged and it be noted that the Council was sensitive and supportive in its commitment to deliver a fitting and lasting memorial that symbolises the collective experience of all our communities; (2) that the Council notes the diligence of its Greenspace team to facilitate "Remembering Together", a project that embodies co-creation from wide-reaching groups, both diverse in demography and geography, with the final design a culmination of collective reflection and experience of those most impacted throughout North Lanarkshire; (3) that the decision of the former Environment and Transportation Committee on 9 February 2022 to deliver the final design at the Art Park location in Strathclyde Park be noted, and (4) that those communities who have not already committed to local acts of remembrance be supported by the Communities Team to facilitate any local preferences. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR CARRAGHER AND COUNCILLOR KELTIE 11. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Carragher and Councillor Keltie, notice of which appeared on the agenda, viz:-
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 14 "This Council agrees that all North Lanarkshire Council tenants will be contacted by letter or email (if email address held) to request any concerns they may have in relation to mould, damp or condensation within their home. This Council agrees the wording of this correspondence will be formulated in consultation with the Leaders of political groups. This Council will investigate all reports and commence immediate works to rectify any issues found. To monitor progress, updates will be submitted to the Housing committee with the aim of this exercise being completed by the summer of 2023." Councillor Carragher, seconded by Councillor Keltie, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Brannan-McVey, seconded by Councillor McPake, moved as an Amendment:- "North Lanarkshire Council launches dovetail campaign for tenants in winter safety and cost of living campaigns highlighting essential information. The information promotes guidance to tenants on how to heat and ventilate their homes as well as how to access financial support to maximise their incomes. The Council takes its responsibilities extremely seriously. In the most recent landlord report from the Scottish Housing Regulator, it was found that the council delivered repairs to a very high standard, with 98.5 per cent of reactive repairs completed ‘right first time’ compared with a Scottish average of 88.3 per cent. 94.8 per cent of tenants who had repairs carried out were satisfied as against a Scottish average of 88 per cent and we also complete our emergency and non-emergency repairs faster than the Scottish average. The Council responds immediately to issues which arise within properties and takes any action necessary to ensure homes are safe. North Lanarkshire Council is the biggest council housing landlord and this has enabled us to create support for tenants that other authorities have not, such as the universal credit assistance fund and the rent relief fund. Information for the Councils 36,000 tenants will be circulated using the Councils extensive social media channels, website and direct information drop to tenants. Leaflets will be distributed through direct service contact with housing officers. It will also be circulated during any maintenance visits. The leaflet will also be circulated with the rent setting letter for 2023." Councillor Carragher withdrew her motion which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. Councillor Brannan-McVey withdrew her amendment, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. There was submitted the following composite Motion in the names of Councillor Carragher and Councillor Brannan-McVey, which had been intimated in accordance with Standing Order 24. “North Lanarkshire Council launches dovetail campaign for tenants in winter safety and cost of living campaigns highlighting essential information. The information promotes guidance to tenants on how to heat and ventilate their homes as well as how to access financial support to maximise their incomes. This Council takes its responsibilities extremely seriously and agrees that all North Lanarkshire Council tenants will be provided contact details to report any concerns they may have in relation to mould, damp or condensation within their home. This Council will investigate any reports and take necessary actions as a result of the findings.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 15 To monitor progress, updates will be submitted to the Housing committee on an ongoing basis”. Decided: (1) that the Council launch a dovetailed campaign for tenants in respect of winter safety and the cost of living crisis, highlighting essential information which will include guidance to tenants on how best to heat and ventilate their homes as well as how to access financial support to maximise their incomes; (2) that it be noted that the Council takes its responsibilities extremely seriously and agrees that all Council tenants be provided with contact details to report any concerns they may have in relation to mould, damp or condensation within their home; (3) that the Council investigates any reports of and takes all necessary action as a result of the findings, and (4) that progress be monitored and updates submitted to the Housing Committee on an ongoing basis. NOTICE OF MOTION BY COUNCILLOR LOGUE AND COUNCILLOR KELLY 12. There was submitted the following Motion in the names of Councillor Logue and Councillor Kelly, notice of which appeared on the agenda, viz:- "Council agrees that standing order 31 be amended, as undernoted:- Any Motion, Amendment or Composite shall be required to meet the criteria of Competency, Relevancy and Affordability. Prior to submission, any of the aforementioned must contain full details of (i) associated costs and (ii) how such costs will be funded. In addition, whilst recognising that the Council has an annual fixed limited budget, any consequential detriment to previously agreed commitments also requires to be highlighted (This to be verified by the Section 95 Officer, or another officer delegated by them for that purpose). Any Motion, Amendment or Composite that fails to demonstrate the above shall be deemed by the Provost as not competent in accordance with Standing Orders 23 and 24." Councillor Logue, seconded by Councillor Kelly, moved the terms of the Motion. Councillor Sullivan, seconded by Councillor Thomas, moved as an Amendment:- "This Council recognises that Standing Orders already provide for motions to be retrospectively costed and, if required, to be reported back to relevant committees with full costing details if the policy has been previously agreed. Any requirement to provide costings prior to submission on motions would be burdensome on council officers as they will be required to prepare costings for every motion that members are considering, even those which may not be submitted or may not have the support of a majority of members. Any requirement to provide costings prior to amendments being submitted would be particularly onerous on officers due to the timescales involved. Staff would be required to prioritise often complex requests to allow amendments to be submitted to motions and recommendations at council or committee in a matter of a few days. The requirement for amendments to be fully costed prior to submission would impact on the full representation of the people of North Lanarkshire as it would effectively ban any amendment that arises out of debate. This Council is disappointed in yet another attempt by the administration to diminish the democratic accountability of its actions and decisions and agrees that the standing orders will remain unchanged." Thereon, in terms of Standing Order 39, the vote was taken by calling the roll.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 16 On the roll being called 34 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows:- Councillors Ashraf, Ballinger, Barclay, Baudo, Brennan, Cairns, Carragher, Crichton, Di-Mascio, Fotheringham, Goldie, Hughes, Hume, Jarvie, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Keltie, Larson, Linden, MacGregor, Magowan, McCluskey, McKendrick, McManus, Mitchell, Robb, Robinson, Smith, A. Stubbs, L. Stubbs, Sullivan, Thomas, Toner and Williams. 39 Members voted for the Motion, as follows:- Councillors Boyd, Brannan-McVey, Burgess, Bustard, Campbell, Costello, M. Coyle, S. Coyle, Currie, Docherty, Duffy, Duffy-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, Stevenson, Watson, Wilson and Woods. 34 Members having voted for the Amendment and 39 Members having voted for the Motion, the Motion was accordingly declared carried. Decided: that Council agrees that Standing Order 31 be amended, as undernoted:- Any Motion, Amendment or Composite Motion shall be required to meet the criteria of Competency, Relevancy and Affordability. Prior to submission, any of the aforementioned must contain full details of (i) associated costs and (ii) how such costs will be funded. In addition, whilst recognising that the Council has an annual fixed limited budget, any consequential detriment to previously agreed commitments also requires to be highlighted (This to be verified by the Section 95 Officer, or another officer delegated by them for that purpose). Any Motion, Amendment or Composite Motion that fails to demonstrate the above shall be deemed by the Provost as not competent in accordance with Standing Orders 23 and 24. QUESTIONS RECEIVED IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 51 13. It was noted, in terms of Standing Order 51, three written questions had been submitted:- Question by Councillor Larson "To ask the Leader of the Council what informed the decision to appoint a Conservative Depute Provost in North Lanarkshire Council." Answer by Councillor Logue "It is a matter for Council to appoint the Depute Provost." Question by Councillor T. Johnston “Please state what is the total PFI/PPP ongoing contracted costs expenditure paid by North Lanarkshire Council for each of the previous three financial years, what is currently projected in these same PFI/PPP costs expenditure for the current financial year and list what individual building projects have been constructed under PFI/PPP schemes by North Lanarkshire Council and the PFI/PPP capital cost of each of these building projects.” Answer by Councillor Fisher "The table below highlights the actual unitary charge paid by NLC for the previous 3 financial years and forecast unitary charge for 2022/23. The information is presented for each school that has been procured via the PFI or DBFM delivery models within North Lanarkshire.
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 17 The unitary charge represents in aggregate the construction, financing and lifecycle costs which are charged each year by TSNL (Education 2010) and Hub South West (DBFM). As indicated above the Council does not incur direct capital costs for schools procured under the PFI or DBFM delivery models. PFI/DBFM Programme Annual Unitary Charge 1 Education 2010 Project 2019/20 Actual Expenditure £ 2020/21 Actual Expenditure £ 2021/22 Actual Expenditure £ 2022/23 Projected Expenditure £ Cambusnethan PS 728,611 746,476 751,879 800,595 New Stevenston PS 849,184 870,005 876,303 933,079 Tannochside PS 1,111,132 1,138,375 1,146,616 1,220,907 Wishaw Academy PS 699,460 716,609 721,797 768,565 St Ignatius PS 559,997 573,727 577,880 615,324 St Patricks (New Stevenson PS) 428,488 438,993 442,171 470,820 St Patricks (Kilsyth) PS 949,797 973,084 980,128 1,043,632 Stepps PS 1,176,187 1,205,025 1,213,748 1,292,389 Bargeddie PS 376,963 386,205 389,001 414,205 Chapelhall PS 578,161 592,337 596,625 635,281 Clarkston PS 889,947 911,767 918,367 977,870 Glenboig PS 395,809 405,514 408,449 434,913 Glengowan PS 588,478 602,906 607,271 646,616 Plains PS 325,479 333,460 335,874 357,635 Our Lady & St Josephs PS 561,794 575,568 579,735 617,297 St Aloysius PS 676,091 692,668 697,682 742,885 St Davids PS 699,781 716,938 722,128 768,915 St Kevins PS 525,995 538,891 542,792 577,961 St Marys (Caldercruix) PS 254,630 260,873 262,761 279,786 St Timothys PS 986,227 1,010,408 1,017,722 1,083,662 St John Paul II PS 1,142,358 1,170,367 1,178,839 1,255,218 Airdrie Academy HS 2,893,628 2,964,575 2,986,035 3,179,505 Coatbridge HS 2,878,014 2,948,579 2,969,923 3,162,349 St Andrews HS 3,525,958 3,612,409 3,638,559 3,874,306 23,802,169 24,385,759 24,562,285 26,153,715 2 DBFM Project Greenfaulds HS 3,366,442 3,168,517 3,168,840 3,239,402 Cumbernauld Academy HS 2,756,004 3,257,509 3,336,703 3,401,443 6,122,446 6,426,026 6,505,543 6,640,845 "
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 18 Question by Councillor T. Johnston “Please state the General Fund Revenue Budget approved by North Lanarkshire Council, both for the current financial year for each of the previous ten financial years and also the General Service Capital Programme for the current financial year and for each of the previous ten financial years.” Answer by Councillor Fisher "General Fund Revenue Budget The analysis below summarises the General Fund Revenue Budget for the current financial year and preceding 10 years. Key points to note are: • Since 2016/17 there has been a significant increase in the funding which is ringfenced for specific purposes. This primarily relates to funding for Early Learning & Childcare 1140 hours, Pupil Equity Funding, Criminal Justice • As outlined, the Scottish Government Funding for non-ringfenced services has only increased by 3.3% overall • This funding is required to meet the cost of inflation, pay awards, increasing demand for services, as well as the cost of new responsibilities • During the period, particularly since 2018/19, significant additional responsibilities have had to be funded within Scottish Government grant including (examples if required); Growth in core Early Learning & Childcare services Extension of Free School Meals School Counselling Services Teachers Pay Awards Increased commitment to Adult Social Care Services Carers Act Commitments Increased ASN requirements • As a result of the requirement to meet the additional cost pressures and new commitments, Council funding for core services has materially reduced, resulting in the need for significant budget savings over the same period, to comply with the statutory obligations to set a balanced budget annually 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Movement 2012/13 to 2022/23 Movement % 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 £m SG Funding (including new responsibilities) * 657.400 583.486 576.813 628.614 604.862 592.807 600.212 600.204 629.043 646.094 679.094 21.694 3.30% Council Tax 122.812 123.212 123.611 124.012 126.153 130.553 135.500 142.295 151.249 152.249 158.049 35.237 28.69% Ring Fenced Funding 0.289 0.289 0.289 0.289 12.808 15.030 18.506 33.501 47.369 51.025 50.126 49.837 17244.64% Other One off Resources 0.000 6.500 18.500 5.400 1.912 14.000 2.502 4.729 Total Budget 780.501 713.487 719.213 758.315 745.735 752.390 756.720 780.729 827.661 849.368 887.269 106.768 13.68%
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 19 General Services Capital Programme The following table highlights the approved capital budget for the current financial year and each of the previous 10 financial years: Financial Year Approved Budget Funded by: General Capital Grant Community Investment Fund Other Grants and Contributions Other Council Borrowing (£m) (£m) % (£m) % (£m) % (£) % 2012/13 66.450 14.226 21% 0.000 0% 5.214 8% 47.010 71% 2013/14 69.100 21.447 31% 0.000 0% 12.353 18% 35.300 51% 2014/15 58.235 30.138 52% 0.000 0% 16.042 28% 12.055 21% 2015/16 81.807 32.138 39% 0.000 0% 16.468 20% 33.201 41% 2016/17 52.481 24.233 46% 0.000 0% 7.210 14% 21.038 40% 2017/18 78.075 32.715 42% 0.000 0% 8.290 11% 37.070 47% 2018/19 41.150 29.763 72% 0.000 0% 5.387 13% 6.000 15% 2019/20 44.793 37.268 83% 0.000 0% 4.525 10% 3.000 7% 2020/21 89.207 23.197 26% 7.000 8% 32.580 37% 26.430 30% 2021/22 98.151 23.380 24% 42.374 43% 6.752 7% 25.645 26% 2022/23 (current year) 177.119 23.380 13% 57.911 33% 33.529 19% 62.299 35% The table highlights the growth in the capital programme over the last three financial years, largely as a result of the introduction of the Community Investment Fund which has accounted for 43% of the capital programme in 2021/22 and 33% in the current financial year. In addition, the table demonstrates the reduced value of funding provided by the General Capital Grant from a high of £37.268m in 2019/20 to the current value of £23.380m. Similarly, the proportion of the capital programme funded by the General Capital Grant has reduced from a high of 83% in 2019/20 to just 13% for the current financial year."
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 20 APPENDIX 1 PART A Amendments to Memberships of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Other Bodies Meeting of North Lanarkshire Council – 15 December 2022 Council is recommended to approve the appointments as detailed below. Committees/Sub- Committees/Panels Proposed Amendment Communities • Replace Cllr McManus with Cllr Barclay Finance and Resources • Replace Cllr Goldie with Cllr Carragher • Replace Cllr Carragher with Cllr Hughes as substitute member Education, Children and Families • Replace Cllr L Stubbs with Cllr Carragher Education Employee Appeals Sub-Committee • Replace Cllr McDade with Cllr Duffy-Lawson Enterprise and Fair Work • Replace Cllr Mitchell with Cllr Robb • Replace Cllr Robb with Cllr Mitchell as substitute member Environment and Climate Change • Replace Cllr Jarvie with Cllr Smith • Replace Cllr Smith with Cllr Barclay as substitute member • Replace Cllr Patton with Cllr Duffy Housing • Replace Cllrs Goldie and Thomas with Cllrs D Johnston and Mitchell • Replace Cllr Mitchell with Cllr Thomas as substitute member • Replace Cllr Duffy with Cllr Patton • Replace Cllr Patton with Cllr Stevenson as substitute member Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) for Local Government Employees • Replace Cllr Thomas with Cllr Smith Petitions Sub • Replace Cllrs Fotheringham and Mitchell with Cllrs Magowan and Sullivan Planning • Replace Cllr MacGregor with Cllr Robinson Policy and Strategy • Replace Cllrs Fotheringham and Jarvie with Cllrs Barclay and Goldie • Replace Cllr Boyd with Cllr Brannan-McVey Regulatory • Replace Cllr B McCulloch with Cllr Fisher • Replace Cllr Smith with Cllr Baudo Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty • Replace Cllrs Carragher and Sullivan with Cllrs Ashraf and Barclay
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 21 Working Groups Proposed Amendment Community Safety Partnership Forum • Replace Cllr Smith with Cllr Thomas Outside Bodies Proposed Appointment Future NL Board • Replace Cllrs Duffy and Fisher with Cllrs Campbell and Costello • Replace Cllr Linden with Cllr Sullivan Strategic Leadership Board • Replace Leader of the Council with Convener of Enterprise and Fair Work Committee (appointment sits with the position and not the individual) Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) • Replace Cllr Keltie with Cllr Smith • Cllr Keltie to be designated Substitute Member for SNP Group PART B LABOUR GROUP PROPOSALS Amendments to Memberships of Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups and Other Bodies Meeting of North Lanarkshire Council – 15 December 2022 Council is recommended to approve the appointments as detailed below. Committees/Sub- Committees/Panels Proposed Amendment Education Employee Appeals Sub-Committee • Cllr Ballinger to be replaced by Cllr Campbell as Convener • Cllr Larson to be replaced by Cllr Duffy-Lawson as Vice Convener Working Groups Proposed Amendment Community Safety Partnership Forum • Cllr Ashraf to be replaced by Cllr Stevenson as Convener Resettlement and Relocation Working Group • Cllr Thomas to be replaced by Cllr McPake and Cllr McPake to be appointed Convener Outside Bodies Proposed Appointment COSLA Executive Group for Children and Young People • Cllr Mitchell to be replaced by Cllr Campbell Fusion Assets • Either Cllr Crichton or Cllr Sullivan to be replaced by Cllr B McCulloch Glasgow and Clyde Valley Region Education Committee • Cllr Larson to be replaced by Cllr Campbell
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL - 15 DECEMBER 2022 22 Scotland Excel Executive Committee • Cllr Robinson to be replaced by Cllr McPake Stirling Educational Trust • Cllr Ballinger to be replaced by Cllr Duffy-Lawson Clyde Valley Learning and Development Joint Committee • Cllr Campbell to replace Cllr Ballinger COSLA Executive Group Environment and Economy • Cllr Loughran to replace Cllr Di Mascio COSLA Executive Group Health and Social Care • Cllr M McCulloch to replace Cllr Brennan COSLA- Scottish Joint Council for Local Government • Cllr Fisher to replace Cllr Hume Council Champions Proposed Appointment Early Years and Older People Champion • Cllr L Stubbs to be replaced by Cllr Campbell