Minute of Meeting of Perth and Kinross Council of 30 October 2024 for Approval
Perth and Kinross Council · 4 December 2024
Back to Perth and Kinross Council — 4 December 2024 and its agenda
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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 30 October 2024 at 10.30am. Present: Provost X McDade, Depute Provost A Parrott, Bailies C Ahern, A Bailey, R Brock, C McLaren and M Williamson, 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; G Boland, Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People and Performance; S Walker, Strategic Lead – Finance and Business Support; E Ritchie, Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities; S Devlin, Strategic Lead – Education and Learning, J Pepper, Director/Chief Officer Health and Social Care Partnership, C Jolly (Health and Social Care Partnership) ( from Item 7), P Smith, M Lynch, C Hendry (all Strategic Planning, People and Performance), D McPhee, D Stokoe (both Housing & Communities), G Fogg, S Hendry, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Also in Attendance: Shaheena Din (PKAVS), Gareth Ruddock (Giraffe) (for Item 6). Provost X McDade, Presiding. Provost led on Items 1-6 and 9-15, and Depute Provost led on Items 7-8. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Provost McDade welcomed all those present to the meeting, particularly newly elected Councillors Carol Mair and Alan Watt and congratulated them on their recent election success. There were no apologies submitted. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST In terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, Bailie McLaren declared a connection in relation to Item 4(i) on the agenda.
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URGENT BUSINESS ITEMS (i) Payment of Real Living Wage In terms of Standing Order 9.3(b), the Provost ruled that he was accepting the following urgent item of business as the announcement on the real living wage had taken place after the deadline for notices of motions. Motion by Councillors G Laing and Bailie A Bailey The Council notes that an increase in the Real Living Wage from £12 per hour to £12.60 per hour was announced by the Living Wage Foundation on 23 October 2024. Perth and Kinross Council is committed to support Fair Work First and is an accredited Living Wage employer and would normally apply the new Real Living Wage from 1 April 2025. I am recommending that we apply the announced new rate from 1 December 2024 rather than waiting until 1 April 2025. This would demonstrate the commitment from Council to ensuring all our lowest paid staff benefit from this change on the earliest possible date. The Council also agrees that in future years any uplift in the Real Living Wage will be implemented at the earliest possible date. There are currently 43 employees who would benefit from introducing the Real Living Wage early at a cost of £13.5K including employer on-costs in this financial year will be contained within existing budgets or supplemented from the Modern Apprentice Reserve Fund. Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. (ii) Crisis Grants In terms of Standing Order 9.3(b), the Provost ruled that he was accepting the following urgent item of business as if Council didn’t approve the monies at today’s meeting then the Council would have to close the rural hardship payments the following day. Motion by Councillors P Barrett and G Laing Council notes: 1) Crisis grant spend is likely to increase significantly for 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. Crisis Grant applications have increased by 13% over the first 6 months of 2024/25. 2) Based on Quarters 1 and 2 Crisis grant spend is on course to exceed 2023/24 level by £100k, taking the winter months increase in crisis applications this figure is likely to rise even further.
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3) PKC Welfare Fund Team is taking steps to manage the Community Care Grant budget by reducing quality of floor coverings and transferring removals costs to the Discretionary Housing Payments budget. 4) Without augmenting Crisis Grant funding PKC will be forced to close the rural hardship payments provided through the Financial insecurity fund. Council agrees: To augment the Crisis Grant budget for 2024/25 by £150k on a non-recurring basis from the anti-poverty reserve. Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. 3. MINUTE OF PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL OF 4 SEPTEMBER 2024 FOR APPROVAL The minute of meeting of Perth and Kinross Council of 4 September 2024 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. NOTICE OF MOTIONS 4(i) Motion on UK Government’s Plans to add VAT to School Fees Motion by Councillors A Forbes and D Illingworth This Council recognises the benefits of having a number of private sector schools within our area, not only do these schools relieve pressure from the state education system, but they stimulate the local economy by providing well paid jobs for teachers, school staff, grounds staff and other support staff, not to mention the contribution by using local trades people for a variety of services. The UK Government's plans to add VAT to school fees is counterproductive, we have already witnessed one school close citing this decision as a contributing factor and we would anticipate more to follow. Families who can and are willing to pay for their children’s education should be supported and not punished. Council instructs the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister asking him not to proceed with this policy. 1st Amendment by Bailie A Bailey and Councillor G Laing To reject the proposals in the Motion.
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2nd Amendment by Bailie C McLaren and Councillor P Barrett In accordance with the Motion but with the following changes: First paragraph, delete “not to mention the contribution by local tradespeople for a variety of services.” Replace with “Council further recognises the positive economic contribution that local private schools make through direct employment and via the local supply chain for goods and services.” After "Families who can and are willing to pay for their children's education should be supported and not punished" insert new paragraph: "Perth and Kinross Council notes that there are legal challenges to the government’s proposals, alleging breach of Article 2 of the First Protocol of the European Convention on Human rights (access to educational facilities) or of Article 14 of the Convention (arbitrary discrimination in the enjoyment of educational facilities) with respect to special educational needs. The Mover and Seconder of the Motion agreed to incorporate the changes set out in the 2nd Amendment into the Motion. The 1st Amendment therefore became the substantive Amendment which was then put against the Revised Motion. In terms of Standing Order 21.1, a roll call vote was taken 19 Members voted for the Motion, as follows: Bailies C Ahern and C McLaren, Councillors K Allan, H Anderson, L Barrett, P Barrett, B Brawn, A Chan, J Duff, A Forbes, N Freshwater, D Illingworth, I James, N Khogali, W Robertson, C Shiers, F Smith, C Stewart and A Watt. 19 Members voted for the Amendment, as follows: Provost X McDade, Depute Provost A Parrott, Bailies A Bailey and M Williamson, Councillors S Carr, S Donaldson, E Drysdale, M Frampton, K Harvey, G Laing, I MacPherson, C Mair, I Massie, S McCole, T McEwan, J Rebbeck, G Stewart, R Watters and J Welch. 2 Members abstained as follows: Bailie R Brock and Councillor D Cuthbert. In terms of Standing Order 21.2, Provost X McDade exercised his casting vote in favour of the Amendment.
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Resolved: In accordance with the Amendment. 4(ii) Motion on Winter Fuel Payment Reform Motion by Councillors J Duff and I Massie Council firmly believes that all pensioners, irrespective of their income, should be supported during the winter months to ensure they can adequately heat their homes and maintain a decent standard of living. The Winter Fuel Payment has historically been a vital lifeline for many elderly individuals in our community, helping to mitigate the risks of cold-related health issues and ensuring their wellbeing during harsh winter conditions. This Council opposes and condemns the UK Government’s cuts to the Winter Fuel payment passed by the House of Commons on 10th September 2024 in withdrawing this assistance from approximately 860,000 Scottish pensioners, including over 32,000 pensioners in Perth and Kinross. This Council believes that the Winter Fuel Payment should remain a universal benefit to those of pension age. This Council agrees that the Leader of the Council and a representative from each of the political parties represented on the Council, together with a representative of the independent councillors, write jointly to The Chancellor of the Exchequer as a matter of urgency, expressing this Council’s strong opposition to the means-testing of the Winter Fuel Payment and encouraging the Government to reverse this decision. The letter should also be signed by the Council’s Older Peoples Champion. Furthermore, in the likely event that this Council’s appeal is not successful, this Council welcomes the dissemination of targeted literature towards the pension-age population of Perth and Kinross encouraging the maximum uptake of Pension Credit and offering assistance and guidance on how to apply for it. This Council hopes that this action will go some way to mitigate the harshness of these welfare cuts this winter. Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. Note: In terms of Standing Order 22.1, Bailie Bailey requested that his dissent to the decision be recorded and confirmed that he would not be signing a joint letter. 5. OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT The Outstanding Business Statement was noted, and it was agreed to remove the completed actions.
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THERE FOLLOWED A SHORT BREAK AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 12.00PM. 6. PROVISION OF FEEDBACK FOR ANTI-POVERTY TASK FORCE’S TACKLING POVERTY STRATEGY 2024 to 2030 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People and Performance (24/299) providing the draft Tackling Poverty Strategy prior to approval by the Anti-Poverty Task Force on 14 November 2024. Resolved: (i) The draft Tackling Poverty Strategy, be noted. (ii) Adoption by the Anti-Poverty Task Force of the social contract developed by the Poverty Strategy Commission, as set out in the report, be endorsed. (iii) The additional clause added to the strategy by the Anti-Poverty Task Force, as noted below, be endorsed: • The Anti-Poverty Task Force members should invest in partnership co-ordination to streamline service provision by adopting the “no wrong door” approach enabling greater collaboration to the benefit of those in need. Ensuring efficiency, and effective use and deployment of collective resources which can be deployed for poverty alleviation and building sustainable livelihoods. (iv) The Council’s commitment to the Anti-Poverty Task Force, as set out in the report and strategy, be renewed. THERE FOLLOWED A BREAK FOR LUNCH AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 2.00PM. 7. 6TH LOCAL CHILD POVERTY ACTION PLAN There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People and Performance (24/300) presenting an update on actions taken during 2023/24; the new Child Poverty Action Plan for 2024/25 and an update on progress with the Child Poverty Delivery Plan for 2022 - 2026. Resolved: (i) The contents of the reportbe noted. (ii) Council confirms its continued commitment to the following strategic aims set out in the child poverty strategy: a. To raise awareness about the causes and consequences of child poverty b. To foster social cohesion and reduce stigma surrounding poverty for children and families
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c. To reduce the negative effects of living in poverty for children and families d. To enable children and families to prepare themselves for a life free from poverty. (iii) Council re-affirms its commitment to the objectives of the Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022 – 2026 to work with NHS Tayside and the Community Planning Partners to: • Provide opportunities and support to enter, sustain and progress in work (employability and skills, housing and economic opportunity, connectivity and childcare) • Maximise the support available to families to lead dignified lives and meet their basic needs (person-centered support, social security and income maximisation) • Support the next generation to survive and thrive • Deliver a one council, whole family, whole community approach to connecting children and families to the help and support they need to mitigate and move beyond poverty. 8. PERTH AND KINROSS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2023-24 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People and Performance (24/301) providing an overview of how Council has performed against its priorities, actions and associated key performance indicators in the period from April 2023 to March 2024, as set out within our Corporate Plan 2022-2027. Resolved: (i) The Annual Performance Report for 2023/24 be approved. (ii) It be noted that the report was also considered by the Scrutiny and Performance Committee on 18 September 2024. 9. INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2023- 24 There was submitted a report by Chief Officer of the Integration Joint Board (24/255) (1) setting out performance in relation to the National Core Suite of Integration Indicators and (2) providing an overview of progress in meeting the Integration Joint Board’s (IJB) strategic delivery plans focusing on the impact and the experiences of people who use health and care services. Resolved: (i) The Integration Joint Board Annual Performance Report 2023/24 (Appendix 1) be noted. (ii) It be noted that the report had also been considered by the Scrutiny and Performance Committee on 18 September 2024.
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THERE FOLLOWED A SHORT BREAK AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 3.30PM. 10. ARMED FORCES COVENANT PROGRESS REPORT There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (24/302) providing a progress report in relation to the Council’s commitment under the Armed Forces Covenant. Resolved: (i) The content of the report, be noted. (ii) The continued work in relation to the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, as set out in the report, be approved. 11. COMMITTEE TIMETABLE 2025 Resolved: The timetable of Committee meetings for 2025, as attached to the agenda, be agreed. 12. UPDATE OF GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS 12(i) UPDATES TO SCHEME OF ADMINISTRATION Resolved: The proposed changes to the Scheme of Administration, as set out on the agenda, be agreed, with exception of the proposed change to Section 48 and the Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure, which is deferred for further discussion at the next Council meeting on 4 December 2024. 12(ii) FINANCIAL REGULATIONS There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Finance and Business Support (24/303) seeking approval to update the Council’s Financial Regulations to reflect the revised organisational structure. Resolved: (i) The contents of the report be noted. (ii) The updated Financial Regulations, as set out in Appendix 1, be approved.
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13. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES/OUTSIDE BODIES Resolved: • The updated membership list for Committees/Sub-Committees and Other Bodies (as set out in Appendix 1 of this minute), be agreed. • Bailie C McLaren be appointed to Live Active Leisure Board. • Councillor I Massie be replaced by Councillor C Mair as Older People’s Champion. • Bailie A Bailey be appointed to Friends of Bydgoszcz – Management Committee. • Councillor S Donaldson be appointed to Crieff and Strathearn Museum Group. • Remaining vacancies for committees and outside bodies to be submitted to the next Council meeting on 4 December 2024. 14. ELECTED MEMBERS BRIEFING NOTES Resolved: The Elected Members Briefing Notes, issued since the previous Council meeting and as set out on the agenda, be noted. 15. VALEDICTORY – SHEENA DEVLIN, STRATEGIC LEAD – EDUCATION AND LEARNING The Provost, Councillors J Rebbeck, J Duff and P Barrett passed on their best wishes on behalf of all elected members to Sheena Devlin, Strategic Lead – Education and Learning who was leaving the Council in November 2024 after holding a number of different roles since joining the Council in 2002.