Minute of Meeting of Perth and Kinross Council of 25 February 2025 for Approval
Perth and Kinross Council · 29 April 2026
Back to Perth and Kinross Council — 29 April 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Perth and Kinross Council Minute of hybrid meeting of Perth and Kinross Council held in the Council Chamber, 2 High Street, Perth on Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 10.15am. Present: Provost X McDade, Depute Provost A Parrott, Bailies C Ahern, A Bailey (up to Item 8), R Brock, C McLaren and M Williamson (up to Item 7); Councillors K Allan, H Anderson, L Barrett, P Barrett, B Brawn, S Carr, A Chan, D Cuthbert, S Donaldson, E Drysdale, J Duff, A Forbes, M Frampton, N Freshwater, K Harvey, D Illingworth, I James, N Khogali, G Laing, I MacPherson, C Mair, I Massie, S McCole, T McEwan, J Rebbeck, W Robertson, C Shiers, F Smith, C Stewart, G Stewart, A Watt, R Watters and J Welch. In Attendance: T Glen, Chief Executive; C Mailer, Depute Chief Executive; L Simpson, Strategic Lead - Legal and Governance; F Crofts, Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure; S Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning; E Ritchie, Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities; S Walker, Strategic Lead – Finance and Business Support; C Guild, Strategic Lead – Projects and Programmes; J Beveridge, Strategic Lead – Property Services; P Leonard, D Grant, G Key (all Environment and Infrastructure); S MacDonald (Economy, Development and Planning); P Johnstone (Strategic Planning, People and Performance); J Jennings (Finance and Business Support); S Hendry, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Provost X McDade, Presiding Provost led on Items 1-6 and 8-13, and Depute Provost led on Item 7. 1. Welcome and Apologies Provost McDade welcomed all those present to the meeting. It was agreed to re-order the business on the agenda and consider Item 6 prior to Item 4. The Provost noted that the previous day marked four years since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The Provostreflected on the ongoing local support in Perth and Kinross for Ukraine, including twinning with Nikopol and the significant humanitarian aid sent from Tayside. The Provost reaffirmed the Council’s continued support for Ukrainian residents and the wider humanitarian effort. 2. Declarations of Interest In terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, Councillor K Harvey declared a non-financial interest in Item 5(ii). 3. Minute of Meeting of Perth and Kinross Council of 14 January 2026 for Approval
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The minute of the meeting of Perth and Kinross Council of 14 January 2026 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. Climate Change Annual Report – Year 4 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure (26/49) (1) providing an update on Perth and Kinross Council’s (PKC) progress delivering its Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and delivering statutory responsibilities, (2) reviewing overall performance and progress and then exploring the progress in each of the eight themes identified in the plan, (3) proposing an annual update to the action plan for Year 5 (4) identifying the associated resources required to deliver them, (5) highlighting the good progress made and wide range of outcomes achieved, and also (6) highlighting the main delivery challenges the Council has, which are increased by the changing severity and frequency of climate impacts facing the Perth and Kinross Council area. Resolved: (i) The progress achieved be noted and the proposed amendments to the Climate Change Action Plan and KPI framework be approved; (ii) Amendments to Perth & Kinross Climate Risk and Opportunity Register be noted and approved; (iii) Elected Members and officers be requested to continue to raise the resource and delivery challenges associated with addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency with COSLA, the Scottish and UK Governments, and other relevant bodies whenever appropriate. (iv) It be noted that the resources required to take forward priority actions would be considered in the annual Revenue and Capital Budget setting processes. (There followed a short recess and the meeting reconvened at 12.08pm). It was agreed at this point to re-order the business on the agenda and consider Item 9 following Item 8. 5. Notice of Motion 5(i) Motion Regarding Visitor Levy – February 2026 Motion by Councillor A Forbes and J Duff Council recognises that, by the date of Full Council meeting on 29th April 2026, the Scottish Parliament is expected to have passed the final piece of legislation regarding the Visitor Levy. In practice, we already know what this will look like, as all political parties have already indicated their agreement.
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This is the final stage of the process and, taking into account the extensive consultation carried out by PKC over the last few months will allow Council, to make a decision on whether or not we implement a Visitor Levy. Council instructs officers to bring to Full Council meeting on 29 April 2026: The Outcome of the consultation process; The general principles of a Visitor Levy Scheme and an economic impact assessment based on the information available at the time; Any proposals and recommendations required to allow Council to make a decision. Amendment by Councillors E Drysdale and I Massie In order to ensure all elected members are in possession of all relevant facts to enable them to reach a decision on this matter which is of huge importance to Perth and Kinross and to this Council, that officers bring forward as detailed as possible an elected member briefing during April, and then a full paper to Council at its meeting in June. In terms of Standing Order 21, a roll call vote was taken 17 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Provost X McDade, Bailies C Ahern and R Brock, Councillors K Allan, H Anderson, B Brawn, A Chan, D Cuthbert, J Duff, A Forbes, N Freshwater, D Illingworth, I James, N Khogali, C Shiers, F Smith andC Stewart. 23 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Depute Provost A Parrott, Bailies A Bailey, C McLaren and M Williamson, Councillors L Barrett, P Barrett, S Carr, S Donaldson, E Drysdale, M Frampton, K Harvey, G Laing, I MacPherson, C Mair, I Massie, S McCole, T McEwan, J Rebbeck, W Robertson, G Stewart, A Watt, R Watters and J Welch. Resolved: In accordance with the Amendment. (Councillor K Harvey left the meeting at this point) 5(ii) Motion on 1-5 High Street
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Prior to consideration of the Motion, the Provost confirmed in terms of Standing Order 23.2 that it was opinion that a material change of circumstances had occurred to such an extent that it was appropriate for the matter to be reconsidered within the six-month period since the previous decision of 10 December 2025. Motion by Councillors C Stewart and D Cuthbert That Council: notes the prior decisions taken in relation to the disposal of 1-5 High Street in summer 2020, April 2022, and December 2025; believes that since the Council decision in December 2025 on Report 25/355, additional information – including around running costs and other interest expressed - has been provided to elected members which may have changed their view and thus the decision; resolves to pause any current work on the Lock Terrace Ltd. proposal, and instead to undertake a new marketing exercise for 1-5 High Street to establish the full market potential of the building for any use, such marketing exercise to be for a period of no less than 12 weeks; and to instruct officers to bring back the results of such a marketing exercise to a full Council meeting by no later than September 2026. Amendment by Councillors E Drysdale and J Duff To reject the terms of the Motion and to proceed with the decision of Council of 10 December 2025. In terms of Standing Order 21, a roll call vote was taken 14 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Provost X McDade, Bailies C Ahern, A Bailey and R Brock, Councillors K Allan, H Anderson, A Chan, D Cuthbert, N Freshwater, N Khogali, G Laing, W Robertson, F Smith andC Stewart. 25 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Depute Provost A Parrott, Bailies C McLaren and M Williamson, Councillors L Barrett, P Barrett, B Brawn, S Carr, S Donaldson, E Drysdale, J Duff, A Forbes, M Frampton, D Illingworth, I James, I MacPherson, C Mair, I Massie, S McCole, T McEwan, J Rebbeck, C Shiers, G Stewart, A Watt, R Watters and J Welch. Resolved: In accordance with the Amendment.
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6. Outstanding Business Statement The Outstanding Business Statement was noted, and it was agreed to remove the completed actions. There followed a recess and the meeting reconvened at 3.15pm COUNCILLOR HARVEY RETURNED TO THE MEETING AND BAILIE WILLIAMSON LEFT THE MEETING AT THIS POINT. 7. Update on Perth and Kinross Projects Under Tay Cities Region Deal Programme - Update on Local Growth Fund and Regional Economic Partnership Arrangements There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (26/51) (1) giving an update on the process of Reshaping the Tay Cities Deal (TCD), including the status of existing projects and possible new projects, and also (2) seeking to position Perth and Kinross Council in relation to forthcoming regional investment decisions associated with the Local Growth Fund, announced by the UK Government in January 2026 and evolving Regional Economic Partnership arrangements. Resolved: (i) The contents of the report, including the scale of funding opportunities from Tay Cities Deal Programme Strand 2 and Local Growth Fund, be noted; (ii) It be agreed that Council priorities are clearly articulated and promoted through the Tay Cities Regional Economic Partnership in relation to Strand 2 projects, taking into account Tay Cities Deal and Local Growth Fund criteria; (iii) It be agreed that the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive engage with Tay Cities partners and other local authorities to understand and assess the implications of emerging Scottish and UK Government approaches to Regional Economic Partnerships for local authorities, the Tay Cities Regional Economic Partnership and Perth and Kinross Council; (iv) It be agreed that the Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning provide a further update on projects at a future meeting. 8. Holiday Proposal for World Cup There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People and Performance (26/52) seeking to establish if the Council wished to support the Bank Holiday on Monday 15 June 2026 to mark Scotland’s participation in the men's football World Cup finals. If supported it was proposed that this be as an additional day’s annual leave for all employees, recognising the operational impact and any
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issues around the different Terms and Conditions for Teachers and other staff groups. Motion by Councillors G Laing and C Stewart Not to accept the proposal to grant 15 June 2026 as bank holiday. Amendment by Councillors J Duff and C Shiers This Council congratulates the Scottish national Men's football team on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the first time since 1998, and notes that this is a cause for celebration. However, given the serious monetary challenges facing this Council, it is not in the financial position to declare Monday 15 June 2026 a public holiday for Council employees. Alternatively, the Council seeks the opportunity to encourage our communities to come together to mark this occasion and agrees to allocate £26,000 from the Communities Fund earmarked reserve to provide grants to community groups for appropriate events connected with celebrating Scotland’s participation in the World Cup. Council would particularly welcome applications from groups who promote "Football for All" and encourage participation and inclusion especially in relation to grassroots football, the participation of women and girls, walking football and para-football. Council also recognises the great work done to promote football and sport more generally across Perth and Kinross and seeks to use the World Cup not only as an occasion to celebrate and support the Scottish football team but also as an opportunity to acknowledge and promote volunteering and participation in football and sports groups across Perth and Kinross. The Mover and Seconder of the Motion agreed to incorporate the Amendment into the Motion. Resolved: This Council congratulates the Scottish national Men's football team on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the first time since 1998, and notes that this is a cause for celebration. However, given the serious monetary challenges facing this Council, it is not in the financial position to declare Monday 15 June 2026 a public holiday for Council employees. Alternatively, the Council seeks the opportunity to encourage our communities to come together to mark this occasion and agrees to allocate £26,000 from the Communities Fund earmarked reserve to provide grants to community groups for appropriate events connected with celebrating Scotland’s participation in the World Cup. Council would particularly welcome applications from groups who promote "Football for All" and encourage participation and inclusion especially in relation to grassroots football, the participation of women and girls, walking football and para-football.
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Council also recognises the great work done to promote football and sport more generally across Perth and Kinross and seeks to use the World Cup not only as an occasion to celebrate and support the Scottish football team but also as an opportunity to acknowledge and promote volunteering and participation in football and sports groups across Perth and Kinross. BAILIE BAILEY LEFT THE MEETING AT THIS POINT 9. ALEO’s Review (Strategic Alliance Terms of Reference) There was submitted a report by Chief Executive (26/50) seeking Council approval of the Strategic Alliance Terms of Reference which has been developed in response to an action requested at full Council on 29 October 2025 (Report 25/279 refers). Resolved: (i) The Strategic Alliance Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix 1, to enable the implementation of the Strategic Alliance model, be agreed; (ii) It be agreed that the Terms of Reference be adopted by all participating parties and form the basis of collaborative joint working from 1 April 2026; (iii) It be noted that the Terms of Reference document will be reviewed every three years or earlier if required in line with the provisions to be set out within the Memorandum of Understanding document and that annual progress reports will come to full Council in October each year. 10. Treasury and Investment Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2026/27 – 2031/32 There was submitted a report by Chief Finance Officer (26/53) detailing the Council’s proposed Treasury Strategy for 2026/27 to 2031/32, the Investment and Property Strategy for 2026/27 and Prudential Indicators for 2026/27 to 2031/32. Resolved: (i) The contents of the report be noted; (ii) The six-year Treasury Strategy for 2026/27 to 2031/32, as detailed in the report, which is submitted in accordance with the Council’s approved Treasury Management Practices (TMP), be approved; (iii) The Permitted Investments and Investment Strategy for 2026/27, outlined at Section 7 and detailed at Appendix III of the report, be approved; (iv) The Property Investment Strategy for 2026/27, outlined at Section 8 and detailed at Appendix IV of the report, be approved; (v) The proposed Prudential Indicators for 2026/27 to 2031/32, including increasing the Council’s Authorised Limit for Borrowing from £1.3 billion to
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£1.355 billion, as outlined at Section 11 and detailed at Appendix V of the report, be approved. 11. Update to Scheme of Administration Resolved: The change to the Scheme of Administration as set out on the agenda be agreed. 12. Appointments to Committees / Outside Bodies / Partnerships and Working Groups Resolved: 1. Councillor Eric Drysdale be replaced by Councillor G Laing on the Economy and Infrastructure Committee. 2. Councillor Grant Laing be appointed Convener of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee. 13. Elected Members Briefing Notes The Elected Members Briefing Notes, issued since the previous Council meeting and as set out on the agenda, be noted.