Minute of Meeting of Perth and Kinross Council of 9 November 2022 for Approval
Perth and Kinross Council · 21 December 2022
Back to Perth and Kinross Council — 21 December 2022 and its agenda
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL Minute of hybrid meeting of Perth and Kinross Council held in the Council Chambers, 2 High Street, Perth on Wednesday 9 November 2022 at 10.30am. Present: Provost X McDade, Depute Provost 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, B Leishman, I MacPherson, I Massie, S McCole, T McEwan, J Rebbeck, C Reid, W Robertson, C Shiers, F Smith, C Stewart, G Stewart, R Watters and J Welch. In Attendance: L Simpson (Head of Legal & Governance Services), B Renton Executive Director (Communities), S Mackenzie Head of Finance; C Mailer, Executive Lead (Strategic Planning and Transformation); J Pepper, Chief Officer – Health and Social Care Partnership/Chief Social Work Officer, S Devlin Executive Director (Education and Children’s Services), K Donaldson (Chief Operating Officer), M Lynch, L Brady, N Sutherland, P Smith, D Grant (all Communities) S Walker, S Hendry, A Brown, M Pasternak (all Corporate and Democratic Services). Provost X McDade, Presiding The Depute Provost led discussion on Item 7, the Provost led discussion on all other items of business. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Provost welcomed those present to the meeting. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interests in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. In terms of Standing Order 10.3, the Provost accepted the following emergency motion as an urgent item of business as the deadline for submissions to the consultation was following the next scheduled meeting of the Council in December. A1. MOTION ON BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND PROPOSALS Motion by Depute Provost A Parrott and Councillor J Duff It is proposed that Perth and Kinross Council agree that the response statement below with regard to the proposals of the Boundary Commission for Scotland in respect of Westminster Parliamentary Constituencies should be submitted to the Boundary Commission for Scotland as a response to their further consultation, requesting amendment of the proposals in order to improve the provisions in respect of Perth and Kinross.
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Response Statement Perth and Kinross Council welcomes the proposals set out on 8 November 2022 by the Boundary Commission for Scotland, considering that they represent, overall, a very considerable improvement on the initial proposals that were circulated earlier. Perth and Kinross Council, however, wishes to respond to the Boundary Commission for Scotland’s further consultation to make clear our resolute opposition to certain aspects of the proposals and our wish that the amendments as set out below are made to the present proposals. With regard to the proposed “North Tayside” constituency, the boundaries for this constituency are accepted but it is requested that this constituency be named instead “North Perthshire and Angus” in order to better reflect the communities included. With regard to the Scotlandwell area of the Kinross-shire Ward, Perth and Kinross Council strongly object to the inclusion of this area in the proposed “Glenrothes” constituency and it is requested that this area be included instead in the proposed “Perth and Loch Leven” constituency. The historic county of Kinross has never previously been split between Parliamentary constituencies. The present proposal breaches the design principles of not crossing Council boundaries and not breaking community ties. It is accepted that adopting this request will require further minor adjustment in Fife to ensure the proposed “Glenrothes” constituency remains above the minimum legal electorate number by adding about 300 voters to the proposed “Glenrothes” constituency from the proposed “North East Fife” constituency. Scotlandwell can be added to the proposed “Perth and Loch Leven” constituency without exceeding the maximum legal electorate number. With regard to the areas of Strathallan Ward included in the proposed “Clackmannanshire and Forth Valley” constituency, Perth and Kinross Council object as strongly as possible to this proposal submitting that these areas have no links to the rest of the proposed constituency that they are included with, indeed have no direct road links at all and would be very poorly represented in the new arrangements. The present proposal breaches substantially all the design principles of not crossing Council boundaries, giving regard to local geography, causing minimum disruption and not breaking community ties. It is accepted that the maximum electorate rules preclude the inclusion of these parts of Strathallan Ward in the proposed “Perth and Loch Leven” constituency but it is strongly urged that these parts of Strathallan Ward be included instead with the adjacent proposed “Stirling” constituency. The Strathallan area has historic links with adjacent parts of the proposed “Stirling” constituency that until 1975 were part of historic Perthshire. Accepting this change would mean the proposed “Stirling” and “Clackmannanshire and Forth Valley” constituencies would still comply with the rules regarding electorate size. With regard to the proposed “Perth and Loch Leven” constituency, it is requested that this constituency, its boundaries amended as proposed above, be named instead “Perth, South Perthshire and Kinross” in order to better reflect the
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communities included and consider in the name the electorate ahead of a physical feature of the landscape. With regard to the proposed “Stirling” constituency, it is requested that, if parts of Strathallan Ward are included as proposed above, this constituency is named instead “Stirling and Strathallan” to better reflect the communities included. The initial proposals of the Boundary Commission for Scotland unacceptably divided Perth and Kinross between no less than 5 proposed constituencies, with consequent additional council staff workload at election times, when the electorate in Perth and Kinross amounts to about 1.5 constituencies. The present proposals still unacceptably divide Perth and Kinross between 4 proposed constituencies. The requests made above which Perth and Kinross Council strongly urge the Boundary Commission to adopt divide Perth and Kinross between only 3 proposed constituencies while greatly strengthening adherence to the Boundary Commission principles and only requiring one minor further change within Fife. Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. In terms of Standing Order 10.3, the Provost accepted the following emergency motion as an urgent item of business as the deadline for signing up to the declaration was following the next scheduled meeting of the Council in December. A2. MOTION ON FAST TRACK CITIES Motion by Councillors P Barrett and C Stewart Fast Track Cities “Council notes that Fast Track Cities is a global partnership and initiative, focusing on developing a network of cities pledged to achieve the commitments in the Paris Declaration on HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment; that Glasgow City Council signed up to be a fast track city at the end of 2018 and the aim is to have all 7 Scottish cities signed up, making Scotland the first country in the world to have all cities signed up to the Fast Track Cities initiative by signing the Paris Declaration. The Paris Declaration commitments are: (a) 95-95-95 targets: - To ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status - To improve access to antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV to 95% - To increase the proportion of people living with HIV on ART with an undetectable viral load to at least 95%; and (b) To reduce stigma and discrimination related to HIV to zero with long term goals by 2030: - Zero new HIV transmissions
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- Zero HIV-related deaths - Zero HIV-related stigma Council agrees to collaborate with Tayside partners, NHS Tayside and Dundee and Angus Councils as part of Fast Track Cities Tayside to achieve the Paris declaration to meet the 95-95-95 work to do to reach the 2030 goals. Council therefore recommends that the Provost signs the Paris Declaration on behalf of the Council on World Aids Day, and, requests that the Chief Officer of the Perth and Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership works with the Chief Officer of Dundee IJB who has responsibility for the lead partner arrangements for Sexual and Reproductive Services and report back to Perth and Kinross Community Planning partnership and the Integration Joint Board on the strategic plan for improving performance on the 95-95-95 targets, make progress towards the 2030 goals, and work done as part of the Fast Track Cities initiative.” Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. 3. MINUTE OF MEETING OF PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL OF 28 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOR APPROVAL The minute was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. MOTIONS 4(i) Motion on Royal National Mod Perth 2022 Motion by Councillors J Duff and G Laing MÒD NÀISEANTA RÌOGHAIL PHEAIRT / ROYAL NATIONAL MOD PERTH 2022 That this Council: • Congratulates everyone involved in the organisation and delivery of the recent Royal National Mod and the Mod Fringe held in the City of Perth and recognises, with grateful appreciation, the significantly successful return of this major Gaelic cultural festival to Perth after an absence of 18 years; • Acknowledges the contribution of An Comunn Gàidhealach, the Local Organising Committee, Perth Gaelic Society, the many volunteers, partners and official sponsors of the event, as well as the considerable input from officers and staff of Perth and Kinross Council, CulturePK, Horsecross Arts and Live Active Leisure, in making this 9-day event such a well-organised and enjoyable occasion; • Recognises that the quality of delivery of this year’s Royal National Mod, the Mod Fringe and its many excellent venues has reflected well on the
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city of Perth and Perth and Kinross in general and has brought numerous positive messages of gratitude for the warm, welcoming and helpful atmosphere experienced by those attending; • Appreciates the considerable support provided by city centre businesses, as well as hospitality and accommodation providers in helping to provide that warm and friendly environment and welcomes the considerable economic benefits which the Royal National Mod has brought to the economy of the city and the wider area; • Continues to build up its fund to help finance further Royal National Mods in Perth and Kinross and should look to support the submission of a further bid prior to the end of this 5-year Council term to host a future Royal National Mod Resolved: In accordance with the Motion 4(ii) MOTION ON ANTI-SEMITISM Motion by Councillors P Barrett and K Harvey The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Anti- Semitism Motion to adopt The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Anti-Semitism - “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”. This Council notes that: • The UK was one of the first Countries to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of Anti-Semitism. • Adopting the international definition will ensure that culprits will not be able to get away with being anti-Semitic because the term is ill-defined, or because different organisations or bodies have different interpretations of it • As per the Public Sector Equality Duty enshrined in the 2010 Equality Act, the council must give due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination and advance equality of opportunity for members of communities with a protected characteristic, including Jewish people, such that they are able to participate in society on an equal footing with their non-Jewish counterparts.
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• Anti-Semitism is one of the principal barriers to the participation of Jewish people in public, economic, political, and social spheres of life and must urgently be addressed. This Council believes that: • Adopting a definition of Anti-Semitism is essential to tackling Anti- Semitic behaviour in a targeted and effective manner. • Without a definition of Anti-Semitism, one cannot identify how Anti- Semitism manifests itself and functions and therefore, cannot devise meaningful strategies to address it This Council will commit to: • Work with schools, transport companies, the police force, and other public, third sector and private bodies to tackle Anti-Semitism at a local level • Collaborate with the local communities to challenge Anti-Semitism and to meet their needs such that they are encouraged to participate in public life. • Take further steps to tackle and raise awareness of Anti-Semitism, such as organising training or holding local events on the issue. • Work with other local stakeholders including local parliamentarians to raise awareness of Anti-Semitism in parliament Resolved: In accordance with the Motion 4(iii) MOTION ON ISLAMPHOBIA Motion by Councillors P Barrett and I Massie All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Definition of Islamophobia Motion to adopt the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia - “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness” - together with the explanatory guidelines put forward by the Coalition Against Islamophobia This Council notes that: • Islamophobia is a growing issue in Scotland as a public inquiry by the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Tackling Islamophobia found that approximately 80% of Muslims in Scotland have experienced Islamophobia directly.
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• As per the Public Sector Equality Duty enshrined in the 2010 Equality Act, the council must give due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination and advance equality of opportunity for members of communities with a protected characteristic, including Muslims, such that they are able to participate in society on an equal footing with their non-Muslim counterparts. • Islamophobia is one of the principal barriers to the participation of Muslims in public, economic, political, and social spheres of life and must urgently be addressed. This Council believes that: • Adopting a definition of Islamophobia is essential to tackling Islamophobia in a targeted and effective manner. • Without a definition of Islamophobia, one cannot identify how Islamophobia manifests itself and functions and therefore, cannot devise meaningful strategies to address it. • The APPG definition should be accompanied by the Coalition Against Islamophobia’s explanatory guidelines to provide a more holistic understanding of Islamophobia. This Council will commit to: • Work with schools, transport companies, the police force, and other public, third sector and private bodies to tackle Islamophobia at a local level. • Collaborate with the local Muslim community to challenge Islamophobia and to meet their needs such that they are encouraged to participate in public life. • Take further steps to tackle and raise awareness of Islamophobia, such as organising Islamophobia training or holding local events on the issue • Work with other local stakeholders including local parliamentarians to raise awareness of Islamophobia in parliament Resolved: In accordance with the Motion 5. OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT Resolved: The Outstanding Business Statement be noted and updated accordingly.
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THERE FOLLOWED A SHORT 10 MINUTE RECESS AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 11.45am. 6. 4TH LOCAL CHILD POVERTY ACTION REPORT There was submitted a report by Executive Lead (Strategic Planning and Transformation) (22/271) presenting an update on actions taken during 2021/22; the Child Poverty Action Plan for 22/23 and a Child Poverty Delivery Plan for 2022 - 2026 Resolved: (i) The 4th Local Child Poverty Action Report be approved. (ii) The Council’s commitment to the strategic aims set out in the child poverty strategy be re-affirmed. (iii) The objectives of the Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022 – 2026 to work with NHS Tayside and the Community Planning Partners be approved. THERE FOLLOWED A RECESS AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 13.50. THE DEPUTE PROVOST LED ON THE FOLLOWING ITEM. 7. ANNUAL CLIMATE ACTION REPORT AND ACTION PLAN UPDATE There was submitted a report by Executive Director (Communities) (22/272) (1) providing the Council with an update on Perth and Kinross Council’s (PKC) progress delivering its Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, (2) reviewing overall performance and progress along with the progress in each of the eight themes identified in the plan, (3) proposing an annual update to the action plan for 2023/24. Resolved: (i) A Climate and Biodiversity Emergency be declared by the Council. (ii) The Climate Action Annual Report (Appendix A) and the associated detailed Action Plans for 2023/24 (Appendix B) to report 22/272 be approved. (iii) It be requested that the Council Leader raises the resource and delivery challenges associated with addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency with COSLA, Scottish and UK Governments and other relevant bodies as appropriate. THE PROVOST LED ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. 8. AUDITED 2021/22 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS and ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PERTH & KINROSS COUNCIL AND THE CONTROLLER OF AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 There was submitted a report by Chief Accountant (22/273) (1) presenting the Council’s Audited 2021/22 Annual Accounts and the Annual Audit Report to the Members of Perth & Kinross Council and the Controller of Audit for the Year Ended 31 March 2022.
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Resolved: (i) The Audited 2021/22 Annual Accounts be noted (ii) The contents of KPMG’s Annual Audit Report to the Members of Perth & Kinross Council and the Controller of Audit for the year ended 31 March 2022 be noted. 9. 2023 COMMITTEE TIMETABLE There was submitted a proposed timetable of Council and committee meetings for January – December 2023. Resolved: (i) The proposed timetable of committees from January – December 2023 be approved subject to the following change: • The Attendance Sub-Committee indicatively scheduled for the 8 May 2022 be moved to the nearest suitable date due to a public holiday for the coronation of His Majesty the King. (ii) It be agreed for the timetable to be reviewed in mid-2023. Post Agenda Note: The Attendance Sub-Committee is now indicatively scheduled for Wednesday 3 May 2023. 10. APPOINTMENT TO COMMITTEES Resolved: (i) Councillor D Cuthbert replaces Provost X McDade on the Community Planning Partnership Board. (ii) Councillor M Frampton replaces Councillor J Rebbeck on the Children, Young People and Families Partnership. (iii) Following approved changes to the Scheme of Administration, the change in membership of the Audit and Risk Committee to now be: Councillor L Barrett Councillor A Chan (vice-Convener) Councillor K Harvey Councillor D Illingworth (Convener) Councillor I MacPherson Councillor C Stewart Councillor G Stewart (iv) Councillor D Cuthbert be added to the Dr Donald Duncan Bequest Fund Committee as the Council's representative. 11. ELECTED MEMBERS BRIEFING NOTES Resolved: The Elected Members Briefing Notes that have been issued to elected Members since the previous Council meeting were noted.