Minute of Meeting of Scrutiny and Performance Committee of 28 January 2026 for Approval
Perth and Kinross Council · 25 March 2026
Back to Scrutiny and Performance Committee — 25 March 2026 and its agenda
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Scrutiny and Performance Committee Minute of hybrid meeting of the Scrutiny and Performance Committee held in the Council Chambers, 2 High Street, Perth, on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 1.30pm. Present: Councillors C Stewart, Bailie A Bailey, Councillors K Allan, M Frampton, I James (substituting for Councillor A Forbes), I Massie, W Robertson, C Shiers, F Smith, G Stewart (substituting for Councillor S Carr) and J Welch (up until item 6). In Attendance: L Simpson, Strategic Lead – Legal and Governance; S Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning; K Johnston and S MacDonald (Economy, Development and Planning); K Molley, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Also in attendance: H Smout (Culture P&K); P Cromwell (Live Active Leisure); C Glasgow (Perth Theatre and Concert Hall) (all up to Item 6); D McKay, D Kidd and E McNaughton (Tayside Contracts). Apologies: Councillors Carr and Forbes Councillor C Stewart, Convener, Presiding. 1. Welcome and Apologies The Convener welcomed all those present to the meeting. Apologies were noted as above. 2. Declarations of Interest In terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, Councillors C Shiers and G Stewart declared a non-financial interest in Item 6. 3. Minute of Meeting of Scrutiny and Performance Committee of 19 November 2025 The minute of meeting of the Scrutiny and Performance Committee of 19 November 2025 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. Outstanding Business Statement Resolved: The status of actions in the Outstanding Business Statement, be noted and completed actions be removed accordingly.
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5. Arm’s Length External Organisations Operational Updates S MacDonald, Economic Development Manager, provided a brief introduction to the three ALEOs. 5.(i) Culture Perth & Kinross The Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross provided an update on the work carried out so far throughout 2025/26, towards the future sustainability of the libraries. 5.(ii) Live Active Leisure The Chief Executive of Live Active Leisure provided an update on the policy applied for all venue closures over the festive period. An update was also provided on the policy regarding the recently reported incident in the changing areas of Perth Leisure Pool. 5.(iii) Perth Theatre and Concert Hall The Chief Executive of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall provided an update on the performance of the Panto and wider festive programme for 2025/26. Members questions were answered. The Convener thanked representatives from the three ALEOs for their attendance, and they left the meeting. 6. Tayside Contracts Annual Performance Report 2024/25 There was submitted a report (26/28) summarising the work undertaken across all Tayside Contracts’ activities during 2024/25, to deliver the best possible services, and achieve the best possible outcomes, for the communities of Tayside. D McKay, Tayside Contracts, delivered a short slide-based presentation highlighting performance highs, key pressures and next steps for Tayside Contracts. Councillor M Frampton raised concerns over the standard of service provided by robotic cleaners and if the increase in robotic cleaners would mean that there would not the same need for human cleaners. D McKay advised that the trial of robotic cleaners was focused on large open areas. D McKay reassured members that use of robotic cleaners would not be to replace the need for existing cleaners but due to resource issues, it would allow for cleaners to be used more efficiently in other areas. Councillor K Allan referred to the fault numbers in Perth and Kinross being significantly higher than Dundee as Dundee have completed their transition to all lighting assets being LED technology. Councillor K Allan queried if Perth and Kinross would follow in the same direction. D McKay confirmed that Perth and Kinross are moving towards the same solution as Dundee and advised that updates would be provided through the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.
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Councillor K Allan queried why the primary free school meals uptake remained at 65% across Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus. D McKay confirmed that a School Meal Action Plan was developed following the pandemic to look at ways to increase the levels of uptake of free school meals. D McKay confirmed that ongoing engagement occurs with school pupils, parents and carers to raise awareness of the free school meal entitlement. D McKay confirmed that Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus are at the higher end of the scale for free school meal uptake compared to other Local Authorities in Scotland. The Vice-Convener referred to move towards the Central Production Unit in 2022 for school meal provision in Perth and Kinross and queried if the CPU had created opportunities for local suppliers, local farmers and food production businesses. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts engaged with local suppliers in 2022 to encourage them to gain access to the markets they have links to and advised that Tayside Contracts are looking again at different ways they can engage with local suppliers. In a supplementary question, the Vice-Convener queried if other public and private bodies had been secured for the CPU and if not, were plans in place to seek other customers. D McKay confirmed that the three collectives coming together had made the CPU operate more efficiently and effectively. D McKay advised that engagement has been carried out with other Local Authorities since 2022. Five Local Authorities have been in discussions, but so far, no other Loal Authorities have transitioned. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts are looking at opportunities around the external care home provision to expand the CPU further. Councillor G Stewart queried if ultra-processed food was supplied by Tayside Contracts. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts have a variety of items on their menu that are ultra-processed foods and advised that items such as bread would be classified as ultra-processed. D McKay reassured members that the school meal menu meets the nutritional standards set out by the Scottish Government. In response to a supplementary question from Councillor G Stewart, D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts gather feedback from customers to ensure they are receiving meals they would like to eat in line with the Scottish Government guidelines. In response to a question from Councillor G Stewart regarding targets set for potholes and gullies, D McKay confirmed that the KPIs are set by Perth and Kinross Council based on what would be achievable with the financial and physical resources available. D McKay added that there have been improvements in both areas in 2025/26. Councillor C Shiers referred to the positive work undertaken by Tayside Contracts on continuous improvement and internal scrutiny. Councillor C Shiers queried how Tayside Contracts plan to carry out future engagement and scrutiny. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts would continue to look at areas of performance and accessibility to information. D McKay added that engagement with committee members had been beneficial to set out a programme of areas of interest and allow for more discussion and debate. D McKay advised that the recent Audit
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Scotland report identified that Tayside Contracts have strong governance in place and significant improvements have been made. In response to a question from Councillor I Massie regarding dietary requirements, D McKay advised that if a pupil advises that they have a particular allergy, the menu would be adapted to meet those needs. D McKay confirmed that he would feedback on Councillor I Massie’s suggestions about adding ‘GF’ to menu items were appropriate and see if any of the standard meals that are currently on the menu could be altered to the gluten free version as they taste very similar. In response to a question from Councillor J Welch, D McKay confirmed that promoting efficiencies can be done through various means such as line management engagement or by reporting on performance information to help identify any areas for improvement. Employees are encouraged to provide their thoughts, and information would be gathered and discussed by management. In response to a question from the Convener regarding the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, D Mckay advised that any cost increases are passed through the Councils. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts look at ways to mitigate against cost impact for any cost increases. D McKay added that the increase in national insurance contributions would have had a greater impact on Tayside Contracts than the Council. The Convener queried if the KPI targets could be increased for the following year in high performing areas. D McKay advised that targets would be monitored through the three-year business plan and confirmed that targets could be adjusted if deemed appropriate. The Convener thanked representatives from Tayside Contracts for their attendance and informative presentation. Councillor J Welch left the meeting during the item. Resolved: The contents of Report 26/28, be noted and scrutinised. 7. Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Care and Professional Governance Assurance Report Resolved: Perth and Kinross Care and Professional Governance Forums were held on 24 October, 21 November and 19 December 2025. There were no Social Work/Social Care issues escalated for exception reporting.