Minute
North Lanarkshire Council · 14 September 2022
Back to Finance and Resources Committee — 14 September 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 130 14 September 2022 at 10 am. A Hybrid Meeting of the FINANCE AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Fisher, Convener; Councillor B. McCulloch, Vice-Convener; Councillors Beveridge, Brennan, Bustard, Campbell, Carragher, Costello, S. Coyle, Di Mascio, Dunbar, Goldie, Hume, D. Johnston, T. Johnston, Jones, Kelly, Linden, Logue, Loughran, Magowan, McCluskey, McKay, McLaren, McNally, McPake, Roarty, Robb, Robinson, Stevenson, A. Stubbs and Sullivan. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Mitchell and Hughes attended as substitutes on behalf of Councillors Fotheringham and L. Stubbs respectively. CHAIR Councillor Fisher (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Head of Financial Solutions; Head of Education (South); Head of People and Organisational Development; Group Manager (Estates); Strategic Asset Manager; Business Finance Managers (Resource Solutions), and Democratic Services Manager. APOLOGIES Councillors Crichton, Currie, Duffy, Fotheringham, MacGregor, McKendrick, L. Stubbs and Watson. Prior to the commencement of business, the Convener informed the Committee it was with great sadness that on Thursday, 8 September we heard of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, who was the longest reigning British Monarch and had reigned for 70 years, and asked the Committee to be upstanding to observe a one minute silence to commemorate Her Majesty. Thereon, the Committee observed a one minute silence. Thereafter, the Convener informed the Committee that he had agreed, in terms of Standing Order 15 on the grounds of relevance, competency and urgency, that an additional item of business would be taken in relation to the Queen's Funeral Bank Holiday immediately following agenda item 3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillors Linden and Costello, by virtue of a connection with employees of the Council, each declared an interest in the additional item of business – Queen Elizabeth II Funeral – Approved Bank Holiday – and both left the meeting during consideration of that item of business. Councillors Costello and Bustard, by virtue of a connection with employees of the Council, each declared an interest in paragraph 5 – Active NL Staff Membership – and each left the meeting during consideration of that item of business.
Page 2
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 131 MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES OF 29 MARCH 2022 2. There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee for Local Government Employees held on 29 March 2022. Decided: that the Minute of the meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee for Local Government Employees held on 29 March 2022 be approved. LOCAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR FACTORIES AND BUSINESSES 2023 3. There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions seeking approval for local public holidays for factories and businesses in calendar year 2023. Decided: that the local public holidays for factories and businesses in calendar year 2023 be approved. Councillors Linden and Costello, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of an association with employees of the Council, left the meeting during consideration of this item of business. QUEEN ELIZABETH II FUNERAL - APPROVED BANK HOLIDAY 4. There was submitted a report by the Head of People and Organisational Development (1) informing that, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, 8 September 2022, King Charles III had approved an Order for the day of the Queen's funeral to be a Bank Holiday across the United Kingdom with the funeral to take place on Monday, 19 September 2022; (2) indicating that the Scottish Government had since confirmed that this date would be a Bank Holiday to mark the last day of the period of national mourning and that it had further confirmed that all schools and early years settings across Scotland, that would normally be closed on a Bank Holiday, should close on that day as a mark of respect; (3) highlighting that there was no instruction to close other local authority services, but there was an expectation that many workers would be able to take the day off for the Bank Holiday and that employers would respond sensitively to requests from workers who wished to do so; (4) outlining the implications of the additional holiday on service provision and detailing the principles around the application of the additional Bank Holiday. Decided: (1) that the formal announcement of a Bank Holiday on Monday, 19 September 2022 to allow people to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her funeral be noted; (2) that the closure of all schools and nursery establishments on Monday, 19 September 2022 be approved; (3) that the closure of other services in line with the approach taken for the Queen's Jubilee in June 2022 be approved; (4) that it be noted that, to enable this, the statutory schooling days for pupils in North Lanarkshire would be reduced to 189 days from 190 days in 2022, and (5) that the principles around the application of the Bank Holiday within the Council be approved.
Page 3
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 132 P002.1: CORPORATE ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN (CAMP) 2021-2026 5. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) providing an overview of how the Council was managing its assets to align to the Council's Ambition Programme for 2021-2026 and seeking approval to adopt the Plan, and (2) informing the Committee that the CAMP is one of the tools used to manage the Council's asset base which will guide its activities during the period and links into the ongoing review and development for the five year Plan. Decided: that the Corporate Asset Management Plan, covering the period 2021-2026, be approved. Councillors Bustard and Costello, prior to consideration of the following item of business, having declared a connection by virtue of being associated with employees of the Council, left the meeting during consideration of this item of business. ACTIVE AND CREATIVE COMMUNITIES – ACTIVE NL STAFF MEMBERSHIPS 6. There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (South) (1) setting out a proposal to introduce a new, reduced membership rate for employees of the Council to access health and fitness services under Active NL, Active and Creative Communities and within the overall Workwell NL programme, and (2) highlighting the financial implications, updates on discussions with trade unions and proposals for implementation. Decided: (1) that the proposed new membership rate as set out in the report be approved, and (2) that, otherwise, the contents of the report be endorsed. GENERAL DEBTORS WRITE-OFF 2022-23 7. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) presenting a summary of outstanding debtor accounts which were deemed uncollectable following all attempts at recovery or were considered not economically viable to pursue, and (2) reporting that, in accordance with financial guidelines, a bad debt provision had previously been established for the outstanding accounts highlighted in the report. Decided: (1) that the decision by the Head of Financial Solutions, under delegated responsibilities, to write-off £9,490.11 for debts under £500 be noted, and (2) that the write-off of £83,001.57, which includes debts greater than £500, be approved. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS OUTTURN 8. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) informing the Committee that the Annual Statutory Accounts of the Council for the year ended 31 March 2022 had been submitted to the Council’s external auditors, Audit Scotland, by the statutory date of 30 June and subsequently reported to the Audit and Scrutiny Panel at its meeting of 8 September, and (2) providing an update on the overall position for the General Fund Account and explaining any major variations against the
Page 4
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 133 Council’s annual budget for the year 2021-22 together with a summary of the Housing Revenue Account. Decided: that the contents of the report be acknowledged. POW11 – REVIEW OF 2022-23 BUDGET SAVINGS 9. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions providing an update on the achievement of the approved net savings for financial years 2022-23 of £10.484m. Decided: that the contents of the report be acknowledged. TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT – 2021-22 10. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions 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. Decided: that the Treasury Management Activity undertaken during 2021-22, and its resulting impact on the Council’s borrowing and investment strategy as set out within the report, be acknowledged. REVENUES AND BENEFITS UPDATE 11. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions providing an update on the performance within the Revenue and Benefits functions of Financial Solutions as at 31 July 2022. Decided: that the contents of the report be acknowledged. REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING REPORT: CHIEF EXECUTIVES AND OTHER CORPORATE SERVICES' – 1 APRIL TO 22 JULY 2022 (PERIOD 4) 12. 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 22 July 2022 (Period 4), 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. REVENUE MONITORING REPORT COUNCIL SUMMARY 1 APRIL TO 22 JULY 2022 13. 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, and (2) consolidating the budget monitoring position of all Services and highlighting and explaining major variances as per the Council’s approved financial regulations.
Page 5
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 134 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. CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2022-23 MONITORING REPORT 14. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions (1) providing an update on the 2022-23 Resources and Expenditure of the Council’s Strategic Capital Investment Programme, and (2) outlining the 2022-23 projected outturn position and resultant variances. Decided: that the financial position of the Council’s Strategic Capital Investment Programme, as at 22 July, be acknowledged. CHIEF EXECUTIVE SERVICE – CAPITAL MONITORING REPORT 1 APRIL TO 22 JULY 2022 (PERIOD 4) 15. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions highlighting the financial performance and provisional outturn of the 2022-23 Chief Executive Service Capital Programme for the period ended 22 July (Period 4). Decided: that the financial position of the 2022-23 Chief Executive Service Capital Programme be noted. TREASURY MANAGEMENT MONITORING REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDED 30 JUNE 2022 16. There was submitted a report by the Head of Financial Solutions 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. Decided: that the Treasury Management activity for the quarter ended 30 June 2022, including the positive performance against the Key Treasury and Prudential Indicators, be noted. REMIT FROM HOUSING COMMITTEE OF 31 AUGUST 2022 - GENERAL DEBTORS WRITE-OFF 2022 17. There was submitted a report by the Head of Housing Solutions presenting a summary of outstanding debtor accounts which were deemed uncollectable following all attempts at recovery or were considered uneconomically viable to pursue and asking the Housing Committee to note the decision of the Chief Executive and the Head of Financial Solutions, under delegated responsibilities, to write off £168,652.09 of debts with a value under £500 and to approve the write off of £462,352.29 for debts with a value greater than £500 and that the report be remitted to this Committee for approval.
Page 6
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 135 Decided: (1) that the decision of the Chief Executive and the Head of Financial Solutions, under delegated responsibility, to write off debts under £500, totalling a figure of £168,665.09 be acknowledged, and (2) that the write off of all items of debt with a value over £500 to the value of £293,699.20 be approved. REMIT FROM ADULT SOCIAL WORK, CARE AND WELLBEING COMMITTEE OF 6 SEPTEMBER 2022 - SUNDRY DEBT WRITE-OFF 2022 18. There was submitted a report by the Head of Adult Social Work, Health and Social Care presenting a summary of outstanding debtor accounts which were deemed uncollectable following all attempts at recovery or were considered uneconomically viable to continue pursuing in accordance with financial guidelines and asking that Committee to note the decision of the Chief Accountable Officer and the Head of Financial Solutions, under delegated responsibilities, to write off £13,702.54 for debts with a value under £500 and to approve the write off of £35,851.67 for debts with a value greater than £500 and to remit the report to this Committee for approval. Decided: (1) that the decision of the Chief Accountable Officer and the Head of Financial Solutions, under delegated responsibilities, to write off £13,702.54 for debts with a value under £500 be noted, and (2) that the write off of £35,851.67 for debts with a value greater than £500 be approved. REMIT FROM EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE HELD ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2022 - ANNUAL BAD DEBT WRITE-OFF EXERCISE 19. There was submitted a report by the Deputy Chief Executive providing a summary of outstanding debtor accounts relating to previous financial years which were deemed uncollectable following all attempts at recovery or were not economically viable to continue pursuing and asking that Committee to note the decision of the Deputy Chief Executive and the Head of Financial Solutions, under delegated responsibilities, to write off a total of £37,100.83 for debts with a value under £500 and to approve the write off of £12,614.07 for debts with a value greater than £500 and remitting the report to this Committee for approval. Decided: (1) that the decision of the Deputy Chief Executive and the Head of Financial Solutions, under delegated responsibilities, to write off a total of £37,100.83 for debts with a value of under £500 be noted, and (2) that the write-off of debts of £12,614.07 with a value greater than £500 be approved. P059 PROCUREMENT STRATEGY 2023-24 20. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) providing an update on the Council’s Procurement Strategy which was first published in September 2017; (2) informing the Committee that the Council is required to review this Strategy annually and to make changes to it where appropriate and that this update was the outcome of the fifth review undertaken since the
Page 7
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 136 Strategy was first introduced, and (3) explaining that the latest Strategy sets out how the Council plans to carry out its procurements from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024. Decided: that the Procurement Strategy for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 be approved. P059 ANNUAL PROCUREMENT REPORT 2021-22 21. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) reminding the Committee that the Council’s Procurement Strategy 2022-23 had been approved by the Committee at its meeting on 25 November 2021; (2) explaining that the Annual Procurement Report provides the Committee with an update on the activity and outcomes that have been delivered through the Procurement Strategy for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022, and (3) intimating that the report discharges the Council’s duties in terms of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 to prepare an annual report on its regulated procurement activities. Decided: (1) that the content of the report and the publication of the Annual Procurement Report 2021-22 be approved, and (2) that it be noted that the Procurement Strategy is reviewed on an annual basis as set out in the report. PROPOSED SUB-STATION AT PADDOCK STREET, CARNBROE 22. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking homologation of the decision taken by the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Convener of the Committee, for a 175 year lease to SP Distribution plc for an electrical sub-station and associated servitude of cable, pedestrian and vehicular rights of access on land at the site of the proposed Carnbroe Community Hub at Paddock Street, Carnbroe. Decided: (1) that the contents of the report be noted; (2) that the decision taken by the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Convener to approve the Lease as detailed in the report be homologated, and (3) that all other terms and conditions to be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. CONTRACT AWARD FOR CASHLESS CATERING SOLUTION AND ONLINE SCHOOL PAYMENTS 23. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) advising that, in accordance with General Contract Standing Order 21.3.2, approval had been provided to expediate the contract award for a cashless catering solution for the schools estate to CRB Cunninghams for a five year period, and (2) asking the Committee to note that, prior to establishing the new contract, two interim contracts had been placed directly with the incumbent contractor to ensure a bridge between old and new contracts, ensuring maintenance, support and continuity of service during a period significantly disrupted by Covid-19.
Page 8
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 137 Decided: (1) that the interim contracts awarded directed to CRB Cunninghams for the provision of cashless catering solutions and online school payments be noted; (2) that the long term contract awarded to CRB Cunninghams for the provision of cashless catering solutions following a mini-competition for the Council’s requirements in a national collaborative framework for a period of five years at a cost of £770,078, with an option to consider further spend should the opportunity arise to provide add-ons that could advance the solution during the contract period, be noted, and (3) that it be noted that a separate procurement is being undertaken to secure a long term solution for online school payments. CONTRACT AWARD FOR SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF FROZEN FOODS 2022-26 24. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) advising the Committee that approval had been provided, in accordance with General Contract Standing Order 21.3.2, to expediate the contract award for the supply and distribution of frozen foods to Brake Bros Ltd, and (2) indicating that the contract had been awarded for an initial period of four years with an option to extend for a period of two months with a contract award value of £8,340,000 exclusive of VAT. Decided: (1) that the award of a contract to Brake Bros Ltd for a period of four years with the option to extend for a period of two months be noted; (2) that it be noted that the Scotland Excel Supply and Distribution of Frozen Foods (1120) Framework had been used as the procurement route and that a direct award, conducted in conformance with the framework conditions, had been made to Brake Bros Ltd following an evaluation of all framework contractors, and (3) that it be noted that the contract with Brake Bros Ltd represented the best value proposal available to the Council in terms of the combined evaluation of price and quality criteria. CONTRACT AWARD FOR THE SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF MILK 2022-26 25. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) informing the Committee that approval had been provided, in accordance with General Contract Standing Order 21.3.2, to expediate the contract awards for the supply and distribution of milk to Muller UK and Ireland Group LLP T/A Muller Milk and Ingredients, and (2) indicating that the contract had been awarded for an initial period of four years with an option to extend for a period of six months with a contract value of £2,431,836 exclusive of VAT. Decided: (1) that the award of a contract to Muller Milk and Ingredients for a period of four years, with an option to extend for a period of six months, be noted, and (2) that it be noted that Scotland Excel’s Supply and Distribution of Milk (Lot 1: Ref:05/21) was used as the procurement route and that a direct award, in conformance with the framework conditions, had been made to Muller Milk and Ingredients.
Page 9
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 138 CONTRACT AWARD FOR PROVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME 26. There was submitted a report by the Head of People and Organisational Development (1) advising of the decision taken in accordance with General Contract Standing Order 21.3.2 to approve the award of a contract for the Council’s Occupational Health Services and Employee Assistance Programme to Health Management Ltd, and (2) indicating that the contract was for an initial period of 36 months commencing on 1 June 2022 and would initially expire on 31 May 2025 with the Council reserving the right to extend the contract for two additional twelve month periods until 31 May 2027 with a contract value to not exceed £2,775,000 exclusive of VAT. Decided: (1) that the award of the contract in accordance with General Contract Standing Order 21.3.2 to Health Management Ltd at the maximum value of £2,775,000 exclusive of VAT be acknowledged, and (2) that it be noted that the decision followed the completion of an approved procurement procedure, where the tender recommended for award has been evaluated as providing the most economically advantageous tender in terms of cost and quality for the Council. CONTRACTS AWARDED BELOW COMMITTEE APPROVAL THRESHOLD 27. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions notifying the Committee of contracts awarded between 1 January to 30 June 2022 with a value below the financial threshold requiring committee approval. Decided: that the contracts awarded below the committee approval threshold between 1 January and 30 June 2022, as per the process 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 items of business on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6, 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. P021: CITYDEAL - PROPOSED LAND TRANSACTIONS AT WINDMILLHILL STREET, MOTHERWELL 28. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking consent for several linked transactions at Windmillhill Street, Motherwell to facilitate the relocation of a business to secure the land for the development of the Glasgow City Region Citydeal Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure Roads Projects (Programme of Work Reference P021). Decided: that the recommendations, as outlined in the report, be approved. PROPOSED PURCHASE OF FLATS AT DOWANFIELD ROAD, CUMBERNAULD 29. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking consent to acquire 24 flats in Dowanfield Road, Cumbernauld to support the Council’s new housing supply programme.
Page 10
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 139 Decided: (1) that the purchase of 24 flats at Dowanfield Road, Cumbernauld in the terms as detailed in the report be approved, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. DISPOSAL OF KILBOWIE STABLE BLOCK, GALLANACH ROAD, OBAN, PA34 4PD 30. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking consent to sell Kilbowie Stable Block, Gallanach Road, Oban to the highest bidder at closing date following a marketing campaign. Decided: (1) that the sale of Kilbowie Stable Block, Gallanach Road, Oban on the terms as detailed within the report to the highest bidder or their nominees be approved, and (2) that all other terms and conditions to be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. PROPOSED SALE OF FORMER WESTFIELD RECYCLING CENTRE, DEERDYKES PLACE, CUMBERNAULD, G68 9HE 31. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions advising of the results of a recent Open Market tender exercise in recommending the sale of the former Westfield Recycling Centre at Deerdykes Place, Cumbernauld. Decided: (1) that the sale of the former Westfield Recycling Centre, extending to 1.16 hectares of land at Deerdykes Road, Cumbernauld, to the highest bidder or their nominees be approved, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. PROPOSED PURCHASE OF HOUSES AT GARTFERRY ROAD, MOODIESBURN 32. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking consent to acquire 12 residential properties at Gartferry Road, Moodiesburn to support the Council’s new housing supply programme. Decided: (1) that the purchase of 12 residential properties at Gartferry Road, Moodiesburn on the terms as detailed in the report be approved, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions.
Page 11
FINANCE AND RESOURCES - 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 140 PROPOSED PURCHASE OF HOUSES AT LORNE PLACE, COATBRIDGE 33. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking consent to acquire 24 residential properties at Lorne Place, Coatbridge to support the Council’s new housing supply programme. Decided: (1) that the increased purchase price for the 24 residential properties at Lorne Place, Coatbridge on the terms as detailed in the report be approved, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. PROPOSED PURCHASE OF LAND AT THORN ROAD, BELLSHILL 34. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions seeking consent to acquire land at Thorn Road, Bellshill to support the Council’s new housing supply programme. Decided: (1) that the purchase of approximately 4,330 square metres (1.066 acres) of land at Thorn Road, Bellshill, on the terms as detailed in the report, be approved, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions. OFFICE RATIONALISATION – FLEMING HOUSE, CUMBERNAULD 35. There was submitted a report by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions (1) informing the Committee that, as part of the Council’s ongoing rationalisation of its office estate due to the reduced need for office accommodation following the introduction of the Hybrid Operating Model, it had been decided to review the operational activity within Fleming House, Cumbernauld; (2) reporting that Fleming House had subsequently been identified for closure with services utilising the wider estates support operations and that its closure would act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Cumbernauld Town Centre; (3) highlighting that, in addition to the relocation of Council services, due to the associated risk of the private commercial tenants also reviewing their office requirements in response to future operations, Notices to Quit were served on 2021 on all three commercial tenants who leased office space, with three tenants having now been removed over the course of 2021 and 2022 and with two of the tenants successfully relocating to other Council premises; (4) noting that two additional private tenants currently remained in occupation across the roof space and have leases with the Council for the siting of their telecommunications apparatus on the roof area; (5) indicating that one of the telecommunications apparatus provides blue light emergency services in the Cumbernauld area, and (6) detailing that, through a robust negotiation process, agreements in principle had now been reached with the two telecommunications companies to remove their apparatus from Fleming House and to relocate to the alternative sites agreed with the Council, subject to the appropriate planning permissions being obtained. Decided: (1) that authority be granted to the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions to meet the relocation costs for the telecommunications company, as detailed in the report, up to the amount detailed in the report, to a new tower site within Cumbernauld, and (2) that all other terms and conditions be adjusted by the Head of Asset and Procurement Solutions.