Minute
North Lanarkshire Council · 16 March 2023
Back to Policy and Strategy Committee — 16 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 121 16 March 2023 at 2 pm. A Meeting of the POLICY AND STRATEGY COMMITTEE PRESENT Councillor Logue, Convener; Councillor Kelly, Vice-Convener; Councillor Roarty, Vice-Convener; Councillors Barclay, Beveridge, Brannan-McVey, Brennan, Campbell, Carragher, Di Mascio, Duffy, Goldie, Jones, Leckie, Loughran, Masterton, McBride, Nolan, Robinson, Stevenson, A. Stubbs, Sullivan and Watson. ALSO PRESENT In accordance with Standing Order 64(A) Councillors Robb and Smith attended as substitutes for Councillors Hume and Larson respectively. CHAIR Councillor Logue (Convener) presided. IN ATTENDANCE The Chief Executive; Depute Chief Officer; Chief Officer (Health and Social Care); Chief Officer (Finance); Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic); Chief Officer (Business and Digital); Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement); Chief Officer (People Resources); Chief Officer (Education – South); Chief Officer (Place); Chief Officer (Community Operations); Chief Officer (Place); Chief Officer (Audit and Risk); Property Manager (Estate Development) and Democratic Services Manager. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE L. Smith and J. McParland. APOLOGIES` Councillors Hume and Larson. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN TERMS OF THE ETHICAL STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE ETC. (SCOTLAND) ACT 2000 1. Councillor Watson, by virtue of being the Convener of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel, declared a connection in respect of agenda item 13 – Risk Management Strategy – and further declared that he considered the interest sufficiently remote that it did not preclude his participation in consideration of that matter. MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE AUDIT AND SCRUTINY PANEL HELD ON 24 NOVEMBER 2022 2. There was submitted a Minute of the meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel held on 24 November 2022. Decided: that the Minute of the meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel held on 24 November 2022 be approved.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 122 PO12.1(1) – STRATEGIC CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME 2023/24 TO 2025/26 – UPDATE 3. There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive providing an annual update on the Council’s Strategic Capital Investment Programme including an update on available resources and expected profile of expenditure over the period (1) highlighting the £709m of Capital Investment plans from 2021/22 to 2025/26 in support of the Council’s long-term ambitions for place shaping transformation of towns and communities; (2) providing a narrative on the level of investment in the Council’s Housing provision through the Housing Revenue Account, with the total investment in North Lanarkshire’s communities to be £1.332bn over the current five-year planning period; (3) explaining that the current Strategic Capital Investment Programme demonstrates £159.702m in external funding; (4) advising that the Council carries out ongoing reviews of the Capital Strategy, with the current one due for review in 2022/23 and with a revised Strategy intended to be in place for 1 April 2023, however, given the intention to commence work on the development of a new five-year programme from 1 April 2024, the wider review of the Strategy had been delayed to ensure appropriate alignment with the Council’s updated Programme of Work, and (5) attaching, as Appendices to the report, the Strategic Capital Investment Programme updated programme profile and the updated Terms of Reference and Governance Framework for the Strategic Capital Delivery Group which had been reviewed to ensure that this group properly reflects the Council’s current organisational structure. Decided: (1) that the 2023/24 Strategic Capital Investment Programme, as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; (2) that the updated profile of the Strategic Capital Investment Programme from 2024/25 to 2025/25, as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; (3) that the extension of the current Capital Strategy to 31 March 2024, as outlined in the report, be approved, and (4) that the updated Terms of Reference and Governance Framework for the Council’s Strategic Capital Delivery Group, as outlined in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved. PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR 2022/23 4. There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive (1) advising that, since the Committee had approved the Council’s first strategic Programme of Work in 2019, an annual review process has ensured its ongoing currency and relevancy; (2) confirming that, traditionally, annual Programme of Work updates to the Committee have covered three related aspects namely (a) looking back at what has been delivered; (b) providing updated results for the 28 Health Check Indicators, and (c) setting out the Programme of Work for the year ahead; (3) indicating that further work has now been undertaken during 2022/23 to reframe the Programme of Work in line with the current North Lanarkshire context presented through the Health Check Indicators and that, following this work, this year’s approach separates these three aspects into three individual reports on the agenda for this Committee; (4) considering what has been delivered to date as part of the Programme of Work; (5) highlighting the key developments that have been achieved in terms of creating the economic, social and community conditions that would enable local people and communities to thrive, and (6) providing focus on the investment to date to establish solid foundations that support the place based ambition, including the provision of high quality housing, hubs at the heart of local communities, transformation of Town Centres and enhancements to active greenspaces to bring physical and health benefits. Decided: (1) that the extent of the achievements to date, as set out in the report, which have been delivered through the Programme of Work to date be recognised, and
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 123 (2) that it be recognised that the commitment, made in March 2022, to reframe the future Programme of Work had been fulfilled through the three corresponding reports on the agenda at this Committee namely what had been delivered, the results of the 28 Health Check Indicators and the new Programme of Work for 2023 and beyond. STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK – THE NORTH LANARKSHIRE CONTEXT 5. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Business and Digital) (1) explaining that The Plan for North Lanarkshire is supported by a suite of high level Health Check Performance Indicators that collectively provide the context for North Lanarkshire as a place; (2) intimating that the suite of indicators has also played an important role in terms of informing the Council’s Strategic Planning process through the Programme of Work; (3) reporting on a number of data sets which have demonstrated the positive trend; (4) confirming that, although these positive indicators are welcome, a number of challenges remain, and (5) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, the latest results and the North Lanarkshire commentary. Decided: (1) that the key role that the Health Check Indicators play, in providing the evidence base from which progress in delivering on The Plan for North Lanarkshire can be regularly assessed, be noted, and (2) that the latest results, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, and the successes and challenges summarised in the report, be noted. THE PLAN FOR NORTH LANARKSHIRE – PROGRAMME OF WORK TO 2028 6. There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive (1) reporting that significant and far-reaching progress has been achieved against the ambition to make North Lanarkshire the place to Live, Learn, Work, Invest and Visit with these being delivered against the backdrop of high levels of deprivation, a cost of living crisis and during a global pandemic; (2) explaining that, following a commitment in March 2022 to reframe the future Programme of Work, three linked reports are presented to the Committee at this meeting with two of these relating to the Programme of Work for 2022/23 and the Strategic Performance Framework – The North Lanarkshire Context demonstrating the success of the Programme of Work to date and the evidence base; (3) intimating that clear opportunities remain to further strengthen an approach that concentrates effort and delivers further unified solutions; (4) explaining that it is intended to expand the reach of the impact and to ensure that work has the biggest impact where it is needed most, whilst building evidence that the programmes, projects and activities implemented were having the desired effect on the lives of all who live in North Lanarkshire - both now and in the future; (5) providing an initial overview of the creation of the Programme of Work Development Group and how the original Programme of Work has been enhanced and reframed whilst remaining flexible and adaptable in the face of future challenges; (6) informing the Committee that the revised model would better reflect and inform the Council’s financial strategy, which is pivotal in ensuring that there is strong financial governance and robust, affordable and sustainable financial plans and which is particularly important in the current financial climate where funding is unlikely to keep place with inflationary and service demand pressures, and (7) presenting proposed significant enhancements planned for the new Programme of Work with high-level details for each proposal listed within the report. Thereafter, the Committee received a presentation on the new Programme of Work from L. Smith and J. McParland. Decided: that the Programme of Work, as set out in the report, be approved.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 124 STRATEGIC POLICY FRAMEWORK – ANNUAL REVIEW AND REFRESH 7. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Business and Digital) (1) explaining that, since approval of The Plan for North Lanarkshire, and the alignment of the Strategic Policy Framework, many strategies, policies and plans have been developed, reviewed and updated, approved and implemented to support achievement of the Council’s long-term vision; (2) explaining that, by providing a way to ensure a regular monitoring and review process, the Strategic Policy Framework has ensured that services and activities remain aligned to The Plan for North Lanarkshire as well as the relevant local and national strategy, policy and legislative context; (3) advising that, due to the significant change since the Strategic Policy Framework Review Programme was initially created in 2018, the report to the Committee in March 2022 had represented the outcome of a significant review exercise undertaken at that time and, therefore, the 2023 annual review had been more light touch, with the main changes being reflected in the review programme; (4) confirming that maintenance of this Programme would continue to ensure that each of the strategies, policies and plans within the Strategic Policy Framework remain up to date or are scheduled to be updated at an appropriate interval and reported to the relevant Committee for due consideration and approval by Elected Members, and (5) presenting the refreshed Strategic Policy Framework, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, and explaining that, within this Appendix, sub-Appendix A provides guidance to support future development and monitoring processes while sub-Appendix B sets out the accompanying review programme. Decided: (1) that the role of the Strategic Policy Framework in delivering The Plan for North Lanarkshire, and in ensuring each of the strategies, policies and plans listed therein remains up to date or is scheduled to be updated at an appropriate interval and reported to the relevant Committee, be acknowledged, and (2) that the refreshed Strategic Policy Framework, and the accompanying Review Programme, be approved. COST OF LIVING RESPONSE 8. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Community Operations) providing an update on the measures that were agreed to be introduced by the Council in November 2022 to assist residents with the current cost of living crisis (1) providing information on the impact which the cost of living crisis has had, and is having, on Scottish households; (2) providing detail on the proposed Work Local campaign which would enhance the options for staff to work from various Council buildings to mitigate against the impact of higher fuel bills, both in travelling and in heating homes; (3) advising that the purpose of the “Drop-In Spaces” initiative was to provide accessible locations across the Council area, which residents could access to assist with the current crisis, with the aim being that they were to provide spaces for people to attend so that they did not have to heat their own homes at certain periods of the day, provide a space which allowed social interaction and hot food and drinks, and a point which could be utilised to provide access to a variety of health and wellbeing supports; (4) providing a narrative on the Cost of Living Helpline; (5) outlining the communication strategy that was launched in October 2022, together with supporting materials; (6) outlining the next steps to be followed, including the intention to continue to collect data over the coming months and then to incorporate the findings into an overall tackling poverty strategy for the Council so as to determine whether there is merit in continuing all, some or none of the initiatives going forward; (7) clarifying that it is not proposed to extend the funding for the Drop-In Spaces initiative past 31 March 2023 and that the provision of free tea and coffee at the 58 Work Local premises would also cease and that, instead, a full review of the initiatives would be undertaken by the Community Partnership Team on the levels of uptake and success across all participating organisations, with a further report to then be presented to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee during Cycle 3 2023 containing a recommendation as to whether funding should be continued and, if so, at what level and to which organisations; (8) clarifying that, any decision to continue funding will be aligned to the ongoing budgetary considerations for the Council, and (9) attaching, as Appendices to the report, a list of community groups providing drop-in
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 125 spaces, the online monitoring form for Community Groups, a user survey for drop-in spaces and a digital analysis of the cost of living campaign. Decided: (1) that the continued actions being taken to provide assistance relevant to the current cost of living crisis be endorsed; (2) that a review of the success of the drop-in spaces initiative be undertaken by the Community Partnership Team following cessation of the current funding on 31 March 2023, and (3) that a report be presented to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee during Cycle 3 2023 with a recommendation as to whether funding should be continued and, if so, at what level and to which organisations. FACILITIES TO SUPPORT THE NHS LANARKSHIRE VACCINATION PROGRAMME 9. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Community Operations) providing details of the support that could be offered to NHS Lanarkshire in support of its overall vaccination programme up to and including 31 December 2023. Decided: that the proposals as outlined in the report to allow continued support of the vaccination programme within Lanarkshire be supported. OPEN SPACE STRATEGY - UPDATE 10. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Place) (1) advising that the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced new statutory duties on councils to prepare and publish an Open Space Strategy (OSS) and Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) to assess the sufficiency of play opportunities for children in their area; (2) clarifying that the OSS must contain an audit of existing open space provision and an assessment of current and future requirements; (3) highlighting that the Act also introduces a requirement for planning authorities to carry out a Play Sufficiency Assessment; (4) advising that work is underway on the development of the Council's OSS which will set out a strategic framework for the future development, maintenance and use of open spaces and agreed networks, and (5) providing an update on the progress of the OSS and of the steps taken in developing and operating a framework that will enable the audit to be undertaken. Decided: that the approach being taken to develop an Open Space Strategy, including the arrangements for undertaking the Open Space Audit and Play Sufficiency Assessment, be endorsed. UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND - UPDATE 11. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Place) providing an update in relation to the North Lanarkshire Investment Plan for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (1) reminding the Committee that, as previously reported, North Lanarkshire received the conditional allocation of £13,871,047, providing a mix of capital and revenue funding, for projects which meet the UK Shared Prosperity Fund's (UKSPF) three investment priorities – communities and place, support for local businesses and people and skills; (3) detailing that North Lanarkshire's investment priorities, interventions, outputs and outcomes were submitted as part of the Glasgow City Region (GCR) Investment Plan on 1 September 2022 and approved by the UK Government on 5 December 2022, with Glasgow City Council, on behalf of the GCR, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government and accepting the Grant Determination Letters in December, with that Council now in receipt of the first year's (2022/23)
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 126 allocation of funding, with work being undertaken to develop a pass-down agreement and associated assurance framework to be signed by the eight member authorities of the GCR, which will be followed by the distribution of the initial tranche of funding to each authority; (4) highlighting that, to prepare for the first report to the UK Government during March 2023, officers are reviewing the projected spend and outputs/outcomes set out in the North Lanarkshire Investment Plan with a view to reprofiling spend, outputs and outcomes and with no substantive changes to planned activity foreseen at this stage; (5) indicating that this report would be submitted to the UK Government along with a credible plan to deliver 2022/23 spend during 2023/24 and, once approved, will release the second year's funding allocation; (6) informing the Committee that a UK SPF Project Board had been established, chaired by the Chief Officer (Place) as the Senior Responsible Officer, with the report setting out the main responsibilities of the Board, and (7) attaching, as Appendices, to the report, copies of various UK SPF documents. Decided: (1) that work that is underway to re-profile 2022/23 budget allocations, and the proposal to submit an updated plan to the UK Government in March 2023, be acknowledged; (2) that the proposed governance arrangements and delegated authority requirements as set out in the report be approved, and (3) that the proposal to provide an annual progress report to Committee on the delivery of the Shared Prosperity Fund be endorsed. ABRONHILL COMMUNITY HUB 12. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Assets and Procurement) (1) reminding the Committee that it had previously agreed, on 1 October 2020, that feasibility works associated with Abronhill Community Hub could commence; (2) advising that feasibility work for this project is now complete and it has been determined that it is feasible for a Hub to house two primary schools on a shared campus, a family learning centre, a health centre and community facilities – at the proposed site; (3) reflecting on the ongoing volatility within the market, such as inflation pressures, all of which are placing significant pressure on the Council's capital budget; (4) advising that, due to insufficient availability of funds at this time, this project cannot be taken forward and that the Hub Programme Board had reviewed the overall programme and recommended that future work on the Abronhill Community Hub Project should be deferred to such times as sufficient funding becomes available, and (5) explaining that the project will be evaluated, as a viable project, during the preparation of the next five-year capital plan which will be developed during 2023 for commencement on 1 April 2024. During consideration of this matter, Councillor Barclay sought a commitment that this project would not be left behind or forgotten and that a timetable be developed and it, along with any updates on the project, be communicated to the community on a regular basis. Thereon, the Property Manager (Estate Development), on behalf of the Chief Officer (Assets and Procurement), gave such commitment. Decided: (1) that the pressures on the Council's Capital Programme and the budget associated with the Town and Community Hub Programme be recognised; (2) that it be acknowledged that the Abronhill Community Hub Project will not be progressed at this time, and (3) that it be recognised that this project will be a key consideration as part of the next Capital Programme allocations.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 127 Prior to consideration of the following item of business, Councillor Watson had declared, by virtue of being the Convener of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel, a connection and had further declared that he considered the interest sufficiently remote that it did not preclude his participation in consideration of this matter. PROPOSED RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2023-2026 13. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Audit and Risk) seeking approval for a revised and updated Risk Management Strategy for the period 2023-2026 (1) presenting, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, the proposed updated Strategy which was intended to replace the previous version which had been approved by the Committee in March 2020; (2) indicating that the proposed changes to the Strategy are, overall, relatively minor and are designed to deliver incremental improvements to what is assessed as an already sound approach consistent with current risk management good practice; (3) explaining that the revised Strategy reflects the Council's current organisational structures and corporate expectations in respect of risk management; (4) confirming that effective risk management arrangements form an important element of good corporate governance and are designed to ensure that the Council operates systematic and logical processes for managing risks within a comprehensive framework, thereby ensuring that identified risks are managed consistently, effectively, efficiently and coherently across the organisation, and (5) reporting that the Audit and Scrutiny Panel has regular oversight of the Council's risk management arrangements and receives regular reports from senior officers on the operation of the Council's risk management arrangements as well as the management of key corporate risks. Decided: (1) that the revised Risk Management Strategy, and accompanying guidance, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved, and (2) that the role of the Audit and Scrutiny Panel in providing ongoing Elected Member oversight of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council's risk management arrangements be endorsed. GOLDEN WEDDING RECEPTION 14. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) (1) providing a background to the commencements and ongoing holding of Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrations for residents of both North and South Lanarkshire Council areas since 1997; (2) providing information on the costs to the Council for holding these events and the impact this has on the overall Civic Functions budget; (3) proposing that, moving forward, the practice of holding an annual Golden Wedding Reception cease and that the funds which will and released be made available for other civic recognition events for individuals, organisations and charities throughout North Lanarkshire, and (4) confirming that South Lanarkshire Council has been advised of the proposal and that further discussion would be held with officers of that authority subject to the recommendation being approved at the Committee. Decided: that the cessation of the arrangements for holding an annual Lanarkshire Golden Wedding Reception, from 2023 onwards, be approved. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE WHISTLEBLOWING PROCEDURE 15. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) (1) reminding the Committee that the Whistleblowing Policy provides a mechanism for employees of the Council and other workers to report a concern about serious wrong doing within the organisation and to do so with security and in confidence; (2) reporting that the annual review of the Whistleblowing Policy had been undertaken
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 128 on its use; (3) confirming that the policy itself had been reviewed and it is proposed that no amendments are required necessary at this time, and (4) attaching, as an Appendix to the report, the Council’s Whistleblowing procedure. Decided: that the contents of the report be noted. WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE – ACADEMY MODEL DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS UPDATE 16. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (People Resources) (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) indicating that, by enabling businesses to grow and develop their workforce, the strategy provides the basis to create jobs and meet employment demand and that engaging with key industry sectors as part of the Academy Model is critical to its future success; (3) providing an update, following a full update on progress with this work to the Committee in December 2022, on further progress towards developing a Built Environment Academy and setting out the proposed Terms of Reference for a formal Sector Skills Board, to be commissioned by the Council for this important industry sector, which includes construction and built environment, and (4) outlining the progress made towards developing a similar Sector Board for Health and Social Care and on the steps taken to align the efforts of the Council, South Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire to attract, retain, develop and support a workforce for the future. Decided: (1) that the progress towards developing a Built Environment Academy, and in particular the completion of the options appraisal exercise, be acknowledged; (2) that the progress towards developing and agreeing a Memorandum of Understanding between North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire for the Health and Social Care sector be acknowledged; (3) that the commissioning of a Built Environment Sector Board, as detailed within the report, be approved, and (4) that the implementation of a Health and Social Care Sector Board be progressed. OUR FUTURE WORKPLACE – EXTENSION TO THE HYBRID WORKING SCHEME 17. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (People Resources) (1) reminding the Committee that the Council has a clear ambition to create a more agile and collaborative workplace environment to enable employees to work digitally, flexibly and in locations which are closer to, and within, communities; (2) highlighting that over the previous two years, and accelerated by the requirements of the pandemic, the Council has been on a journey to develop flexible work spaces and technology that have brought several significant benefits to staff and services; (3) confirming that, following approval by the Committee at its meeting in December 2021, the Council implemented its first Hybrid Working Scheme for an initial period of 12 months, effective from 1 April 2022, that the implementation of this Scheme was based on significant manager, staff and trade union consultation, and that there has been a continuation of staff engagement during the operation of the scheme, and (4) reporting that the first 12 months of the Scheme will expire in March 2023 and seeking approval for the proposed next steps for the Hybrid Working Scheme as the Council responds to the challenges and opportunities presented over the next few years.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 129 Decided: (1) that the extension of the Hybrid Working Scheme for a further 12 months to 31 March 2024 be approved, and (2) that the commitment to explore opportunities for a permanent scheme during this time, to provide increased flexibility for hybrid staff whilst ensuring performance, productivity and staff wellbeing are maintained, be noted. LEADERSHIP AND OPERATING MODEL 18. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Education South) (1) reminding the Committee of approvals it provided in December 2021 to take a three-phased approach to the Leadership and Operating Model over a ten year period which, pragmatically, provides a period of transition as the new Town and Community Hub Infrastructure is established as part of the Council’s place based plans, with hubs fundamentally providing the networks and services that meet the needs of people from across communities and to support improved outcomes; (2) outlining delivery during phase 1 and setting out a two-year plan for phase 2 as an integrated provision that depends on strategic alignment between projects and programmes delivering against The Plan for North Lanarkshire; (3) highlighting the importance of an iterative phased and structured approach to engaging and involving partners, stakeholders and the community and voluntary sector with the new ways of working together, which are required; (4) confirming that, with the economic and financial challenges ahead, it is important that the Council learns and gains confidence as to what works with communities, ensuring that it develops a hub provision that better meets their needs, and will have a greater impact on outcomes, due to the involvement of individuals who will access them; (5) seeking approval of the two-year plan in order to grasp the challenges and opportunities ahead to take North Lanarkshire towards its longer term operating model; (6) detailing the proposed next steps, and (7) attaching, as Appendices to the report, a series of documents providing further information and guidance on the project and model including, at Appendix 7 to the report, a graphical representation of the activity audit of community use of facilities. Decided: (1) that the integrated provision approach taken to the two-year plan, given the dependencies across different areas of work and the requirement to work effectively across teams to align and deliver these efficiently within agreed budget parameters, be approved, and (2) that the activity analysis work, as detailed in Appendix 7 to the report, that has been completed across all nine Community Board areas to form a baseline understanding of current activity across Council assets to help future planning in line with ambition statements 24 and 25, and to support the progression of this work in phase 2 to include community and voluntary organisations to provide a fuller picture across North Lanarkshire, be noted. CONTRACT AWARD FOR POSTAL SERVICES 19. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) (1) explaining that the Council requires provision of a variety of mail services on an ongoing basis in order to meet its statutory obligations across a range of service areas and that mail services require to be continuously available to the Council with no delay or break, and (2) seeking approval of the award of a call off contract for the provision of postal services to Royal Mail Group Limited for the period 1 July to 31 December 2023 with an estimated contract value of £450,000 exclusive of VAT. Decided: that the award of the contract to Royal Mail Group Limited for six months, with a contract value of £450,000, exclusive of VAT, be approved.
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POLICY AND STRATEGY - 16 MARCH 2023 130 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 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. THE CENTRE, CUMBERNAULD 20. There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer (Place) providing an update to the Committee on progress with the planned acquisition and re-development of The Centre, Cumbernauld and seeking endorsement of the acquisition of The Centre at the previously agreed purchase price. Decided: (1) that the progress that is being made in taking forward previously approved proposals for the acquisition of The Centre, Cumbernauld, as outlined in the report, be acknowledged, and (2) that the purchase of The Centre, Cumbernauld, subject to conclusion of any final due diligence, at the previously approved purchase price, as set out in the report, be approved.