Minutes of meeting
Renfrewshire Council · 12 December 2024
Back to Council — 12 December 2024 and its agenda
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Minute of Meeting Council Date Time Venue Thursday, 12 December 2024 09:30 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Present: Councillor Jennifer Adam, Councillor Fiona Airlie-Nicolson, Councillor Alison Ann- Dowling, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, Provost Lorraine Cameron, Councillor Michelle Campbell, Councillor Carolann Davidson, Councillor Eddie Devine, Councillor Andy Doig, Councillor Audrey Doig, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Councillor Edward Grady, Councillor Gillian Graham, Councillor Neill Graham, Councillor John Gray, Councillor Anne Hannigan, Councillor John Hood, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Councillor Robert Innes, Councillor Alec Leishman, Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, Councillor James MacLaren, Councillor Kenny MacLaren, Councillor Mags MacLaren, Councillor Colin McCulloch, Councillor Janis McDonald, Councillor Cathy McEwan, Councillor David McGonigle, Councillor Jamie McGuire, Councillor Marie McGurk, Councillor Iain McMillan, Councillor John McNaughtan, Councillor Kevin Montgomery, Councillor Sam Mullin, Councillor Will Mylet, Councillor Iain Nicolson, Councillor Jim Paterson, Councillor Emma Rodden, Councillor John Shaw, Councillor Ben Smith, Councillor Andy Steel Chair Provost L Cameron, Convener, presided. In Attendance A Russell, Chief Executive; J O’Neill, Director of Children’s Services; G McNeil, Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure; A MacArthur, Director of Finance & Resources; L McIntyre, Head of Policy & Partnerships, A Morrison, Head of Economy & Development, L Mahon, Head of Marketing & Communications, B Walker, Programme Director (City Deal & Infrastructure) and L Adamson, Communications & Public Affairs Manager (all Chief Executive’s); E Henry, Head of Education and J Trainer, Head of Child Care & Criminal Justice (both Children’s Services); C Dalrymple, Head of Facilities & Property Services, G Hannah, Head of Climate, Public Protection & Roads, G Hutton, Head of Operations & Service Development and L Feely, Head of Housing (all Environment, Housing & Infrastructure); C McCourt, Head of Finance & Procurement, R Cree, Head of People & Organisational Development, M Conaghan, Head of Corporate Governance, P Murray, Head of Digital, Transformation & Customer Services, A Black, Managing Solicitor, D Low, Democratic Services Manager and C MacDonald, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources); V Hollows, Chief Executive (OneRen); and C Laverty, Chief Officer (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership).
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Apology Councillor Burns. Webcasting of Council Meeting Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Provost Cameron intimated that this meeting would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site. Declaration of Interest Councillor McMillan declared an interest in agenda item 11 by reason that a close family member was employed in Corseford College and indicted that he would leave the meeting during consideration of the item. Transparency Statements Councillor Campbell indicated that she had a connection to items 4 and 9 by reason that she was an employee with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde but not within the Council area. However, she indicated that she had applied the objective test and did not consider she had an interest to declare. Councillor Mullin indicated that he had a connection to items 4 and 9 by reason that he was an employee with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde but not within the Council area. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Councillor Paterson indicated that he had a connection to item 7 by reason that he was involved with a charity that had previously called for an end to the two-child benefit cap. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare. Obituaries Provost Cameron referred to the recent deaths of Ian Simpson, former senior officer within the Chief Executive’s Service, former Council Officer Brent Dorey and former Provost of Renfrewshire, Councillor John McDowall. The Provost paid tribute to each one and advised members that the Council’s condolences had been sent to their respective partners. Individual members of the Council paid personal tributes endorsing the sentiments expressed.
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Valedictory The Provost advised that this was the last meeting that Louisa Mahon, Head of Marketing and Communications would attend before she left to join the team at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. The Provost took the opportunity to thank her for her professionalism and, specifically the impartial help, support and advice she had provided during her employment with Renfrewshire Council. Other elected members echoed the sentiments expressed by the Provost. 1 Minutes of Meetings of Council, Boards and Panels There were submitted the Minutes of the following meetings of the Council, Boards and Panels on the dates specified: Council, 26 September 2024 Special Council, 26 September 2024 Special Regulatory Functions Board, 10 October 2024 Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 21 October 2024 Special Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 22 October 2024 Cross Party Sounding Board, 23 October 2024 Special Council, 24 October 2024 Communities and Housing Policy Board, 29 October 2024 Regulatory Functions Board, 30 October 2024 Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, 31 October 2024 Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 4 November 2024 Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 5 November 2024 Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, 5 November 2024 Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 6 November 2024 Petitions Board, 11 November 2024 Regulatory Functions Board, 14 November 2024 Local Review Body, 19 November 2024 Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 21 November 2024 Special Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 22 November 2024 Special Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, 3 December 2024 Leadership Board, 4 December 2024 DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved. 2 Provost's Update The Provost advised that an update on the duties she had undertaken since the last meeting of the Council held on 24 October 2024 had been distributed to members. DECIDED: That the update be noted.
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3 Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators Mid-year Review 2024/25 There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators Mid-year Review 2024/25. The report advised that the mid-year report had been prepared in compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice on Treasury Management 2021. The report covered a review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2024/25; the annual investment strategy; a review of the Council’s borrowing and investments; a review of compliance with treasury management and prudential indicators; and an economic update and interest rate forecast. DECIDED: (a) That the treasury management activity for the period 1 April 2024 to 11 October 2024 (reporting period 7) be noted; and (b) That the ‘Probable’ prudential indicators for capital expenditure as detailed in section 7 of the report be approved. 4 General Fund Financial Update There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to a financial update on the General Fund. The report advised that successive financial update reports to the Council had highlighted the ongoing and increasingly challenging financial and economic environment the Council was facing. The report updated Members on the impact of the UK Government Autumn Statement on 30 October 2024. The report noted that although the draft Scottish Budget had been announced on 4 December 2024, details of the local government grant settlement were not expected to be with officers until 12 December 2024. The draft Budget was expected to be subject to ongoing clarification between COSLA and the Scottish Government, and a full update on the implications of the Budget for the Council’s financial position would be provided to a future Council meeting. DECIDED: (a) That the details of the UK Government Autumn Statement outlined in the report be noted; (b) That the update provided in relation to the current financial year, and current financial risks be noted; and (c) That the recommended adjustments to the capital plan outlined in section 6 be approved.
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5 Neighbour Disputes Under reference to item 3 of the Minute of the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 23 September 2024 there was submitted a report by the Lead Officer on behalf of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board relative to the Board’s Review of neighbour disputes. The report detailed the background and key findings of the review, and the recommendations were outlined in section 12 of the report. DECIDED: That the findings of the review be noted and the recommendations detailed at section 12 of the report, be approved. 6 Governance Report There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources seeking an amendment to the date of the meeting of the Leadership Board to be held on 30 April 2025; to change the Labour Group membership on various Boards and outside bodies; to seek approval for a reserved power within the Council’s Scheme of Delegations; and to delegate authority to the Head of Economy & Development to establish a Member/Officer Working group in respect of the preparation of the new Local Development Plan. Councillor Nicolson, seconded by J Cameron moved as an addition to the recommendations: “That Councillor J Cameron be appointed as a member of the Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board in place of Councillor Airlie-Nicolson and that the appointment be effective from January 1st 2025”. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: (a) That it be agreed that Councillor G Graham replace Councillor Gilmour on the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board; (b) That it be agreed that Councillor G Graham replace Councillor Montgomery on the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board; (c) That it be agreed that Councillor Montgomery replace Councillor G Graham on the Leadership Board; (d) That it be agreed that Councillor McDonald replace Councillor G Graham on OneRen; (e) That it be agreed that Councillor Ann-Dowling replace Councillor Mullin on the Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund; (f) That it be agreed to light up the Bascule Bridge either blue or green from 19 to 25 December 2024;
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(g) That authority be delegated to the Head of Economy & Development to make the necessary arrangements for the establishment and meetings of a Members/Officers Working Group to consider Local Development Plan evidence ahead of the submission of the LDP3 Evidence Report to Council; and (h) That Councillor J Cameron be appointed as a member of the Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board in place of Councillor Airlie-Nicolson and that the appointment be effective from 1 January 2025. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11.20 am to allow young people from Williamsburgh Primary School to perform a melody of Christmas carols. The meeting reconvened at 11.45 am. 7 Notice of Motion 1 by Councillors Paterson and Innes There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Paterson and Innes in the following terms: “Two-Child Benefit Cap Council agrees to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Department of Work and Pensions Secretary asking them to commit to phasing out the Two-Child Benefit Cap within the current parliamentary term, recognising the urgency of reversing its damaging effects on families and children. Requests that they produce a clear roadmap for how and when this will be achieved and work with the Scottish Government and child poverty organisations to implement a more humane and fair welfare system, one that prioritises the welfare of all children, regardless of family size or circumstance.” Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Innes, then moved the motion. Councillor Ann-Dowling, seconded by Councillor McMillan, moved as an amendment that “Council notes the commitment made by the Scottish Labour Party to end the two-child benefit cap”. Councillors Paterson and Innes, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed in terms of Standing Order 27 to accept the amendment as an addition to the motion. DECIDED: Two-Child Benefit Cap Council agrees to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Department of Work and Pensions Secretary asking them to commit to phasing out the Two-Child Benefit Cap within the current parliamentary term, recognising the urgency of reversing its damaging effects on families and children. Requests that they produce a clear roadmap for how and when this will be achieved and work with the Scottish Government and child poverty organisations to implement a more humane and fair welfare system, one that prioritises the welfare of all children, regardless of family size or circumstance.
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Council notes the commitment made by the Scottish Labour Party to end the two-child benefit cap. 8 Notice of Motion 2 by Councillors Innes and Airlie-Nicolson There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Innes and Airlie-Nicolson in the following terms: “Victims of Facial Scarring” Council believes that everyone who is inflicted with a facial scar due to an assault should be supported as a victim of an extremely traumatic experience. Council recognises that victims of permanent facial scarring suffer difficult and life- long trauma. Further, people with facial scarring due to knife attacks or ‘slashing’ suffer stigma and can be vilified in social and professional life due to their scarring. Council agrees that specialist support should be available for a victim from the earliest possible point and throughout any point in a victim’s life when they may feel they need it. Council believes this is the best approach to ensure victims are supported with their trauma, to reduce stigma and to ensure the best possible chances of rehabilitation. Council acknowledges that this support does not exist for those who need it and agrees to work with partners, charities, and organisations to further explore ways to ensure this support is in place for victims of facial scarring.” Councillor Innes, seconded by Councillor Airlie-Nicolson, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Victims of Facial Scarring Council believes that everyone who is inflicted with a facial scar due to an assault should be supported as a victim of an extremely traumatic experience. Council recognises that victims of permanent facial scarring suffer difficult and life- long trauma. Further, people with facial scarring due to knife attacks or ‘slashing’ suffer stigma and can be vilified in social and professional life due to their scarring. Council agrees that specialist support should be available for a victim from the earliest possible point and throughout any point in a victim’s life when they may feel they need it. Council believes this is the best approach to ensure victims are supported with their trauma, to reduce stigma and to ensure the best possible chances of rehabilitation.
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Council acknowledges that this support does not exist for those who need it and agrees to work with partners, charities, and organisations to further explore ways to ensure this support is in place for victims of facial scarring. 9 Notice of Motion 3 by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood in the following terms: “Better Prostate Cancer Screening for Men Renfrewshire Council commends the bravery of leading Scottish sports personality, Sir Chris Hoy, in speaking out about his own personal battle with prostate cancer, articulating how he has coped with those challenges, and encouraging others to do the same. Council further supports the efforts of charities such as Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of the fact that prostate cancer is one of the biggest killers of men, commends their educational campaigns about the risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancer, and their robust advocacy for further research on the causes of prostate cancer. Council agrees with Prostate Cancer UK that current NHS guidance on prostate screening is outdated, recognizes the limitations of the PSA test, and therefore resolves to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care advising that NHS Scotland provide prostate cancer screening for all men over 45 years who have a family history of the disease.” Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Hood, then moved the motion. Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, moved as an amendment “Insert after years…..’in particular those who’….have a family history of the disease.” Councillors Andy Doig and Hood, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed in terms of Standing Order 27 to accept the amendment as an addition to the motion. DECIDED: Better Prostate Cancer Screening for Men Renfrewshire Council commends the bravery of leading Scottish sports personality, Sir Chris Hoy, in speaking out about his own personal battle with prostate cancer, articulating how he has coped with those challenges, and encouraging others to do the same. Council further supports the efforts of charities such as Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of the fact that prostate cancer is one of the biggest killers of men, commends their educational campaigns about the risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancer, and their robust advocacy for further research on the causes of prostate cancer. Council agrees with Prostate Cancer UK that current NHS guidance on prostate screening is outdated, recognizes the limitations of the PSA test, and therefore
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resolves to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care advising that NHS Scotland provide prostate cancer screening for all men over 45 years, in particular those who have a family history of the disease. 10 Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood in the following terms: “LED Headlights on Cars and Review of the Law Renfrewshire Council recognises the importance of ensuring the safety of all road users and pedestrians, and notes growing public concern over the adverse and inappropriate use of LED headlights on cars which are a risk to road safety. Council believes in the promotion of education for car vehicle users around correct operations of the headlights to minimise glare, acknowledges the need for new regulations to address the adverse effects of LED headlight glare, and therefore agrees to write to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, and the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, calling for a strategy to: 1. Task the relevant regulatory authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of current standards related to car lighting, with a specific focus on mitigating LED headlight glare. 2. Consult with car manufacturers to develop and implement updated regulations that effectively reduce the negative impact of LED headlight glare without compromising vehicle safety or performance. 3. Establish a timeline for the implementation of revised standards, ensuring a reasonable transition period for car manufacturers to adapt to the new regulations. 4. Encourage public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the proper use and adjustment of LED headlights to minimize glare. 5. Consider penalties for non-compliance with the revised regulations to incentivize car manufacturers to adhere to the new standards.” Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Hood, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: LED Headlights on Cars and Review of the Law Renfrewshire Council recognises the importance of ensuring the safety of all road users and pedestrians, and notes growing public concern over the adverse and inappropriate use of LED headlights on cars which are a risk to road safety. Council believes in the promotion of education for car vehicle users around correct operations of the headlights to minimise glare, acknowledges the need for new regulations to address the adverse effects of LED headlight glare, and therefore agrees to write to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, and the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, calling for a strategy to:
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1 Task the relevant regulatory authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of current standards related to car lighting, with a specific focus on mitigating LED headlight glare. 2 Consult with car manufacturers to develop and implement updated regulations that effectively reduce the negative impact of LED headlight glare without compromising vehicle safety or performance. 3 Establish a timeline for the implementation of revised standards, ensuring a reasonable transition period for car manufacturers to adapt to the new regulations. 4 Encourage public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the proper use and adjustment of LED headlights to minimize glare. 5 Consider penalties for non-compliance with the revised regulations to incentivize car manufacturers to adhere to the new standards. Declaration of Interest Having previously declared an interest Councillor McMillan left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business. 11 Notice of Motion 5 by Councillors Ann-Dowling and G Graham There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Ann-Dowling and G Graham in the following terms: “Corseford College Corseford College is Scotland’s only further education college for young people with complex needs. The college opened in 2022 as part of a two-year pilot programme funded by Scottish Government, extended for a further year in 2024-25. Specialist further education college provision is a proven and successful model in England and Wales. Now in its third and potentially final year unless long term funding is secured, Corseford College supports students with the delivery of education, physical therapies and life-skills development from its base in Inchinnan in Renfrewshire. Corseford College offers post-school education to young people in Renfrewshire and beyond for young people aged between 18-25 whose needs cannot be met in a mainstream college. It is delivering lifelong learning opportunities while supporting these young people to develop life skills and ways to live a more independent life in the future. Council agrees to write to the Scottish Government requesting that it ensures a sustainable future for the college; to recognise the critical role the college plays by providing the necessary funding to ensure that no young person with complex needs in Scotland is left without a positive destination after school.
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Council asks the Scottish Government to recognise the college as a fundable body by the Scottish Funding Council or for funding to be secured on a long-term basis from other Scottish Government departmental budgets.” Councillor Ann-Dowling, seconded by Councillor G Graham, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Corseford College Corseford College is Scotland’s only further education college for young people with complex needs. The college opened in 2022 as part of a two-year pilot programme funded by Scottish Government, extended for a further year in 2024-25. Specialist further education college provision is a proven and successful model in England and Wales. Now in its third and potentially final year unless long term funding is secured, Corseford College supports students with the delivery of education, physical therapies and life-skills development from its base in Inchinnan in Renfrewshire. Corseford College offers post-school education to young people in Renfrewshire and beyond for young people aged between 18-25 whose needs cannot be met in a mainstream college. It is delivering lifelong learning opportunities while supporting these young people to develop life skills and ways to live a more independent life in the future. Council agrees to write to the Scottish Government requesting that it ensures a sustainable future for the college; to recognise the critical role the college plays by providing the necessary funding to ensure that no young person with complex needs in Scotland is left without a positive destination after school. Council asks the Scottish Government to recognise the college as a fundable body by the Scottish Funding Council or for funding to be secured on a long-term basis from other Scottish Government departmental budgets. Sederunt Councillor McMillan re-joined the meeting. 12 Notice of Motion 6 by Councillors Ann-Dowling and McMillan There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Ann-Dowling and McMillan in the following terms: “Linwood War Memorial Linwood is the only large population centre in Renfrewshire without a permanent war memorial for local people to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday. Instead, the people of Linwood have to organise Remembrance and Armistice Day services at a temporary site at a metal railing in the town. These efforts are led by local volunteers and the Linwood War Memorial Association, who have made
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extensive efforts to fundraise to erect a war memorial for Linwood. Council agrees that it is unacceptable that Linwood is the only large village or town in Renfrewshire that doesn’t have a permanent monument to the men and women who were born in, lived in and worked in Linwood, who fell in war and conflict. Council agrees to contribute £0.075m to the Linwood War Memorial Association once their community asset transfer transaction is concluded, as a donation towards the costs of erecting a permanent war memorial in Linwood.” Councillor Ann-Dowling, seconded by Councillor McMillan, then moved the motion. Councillor Innes, seconded by Councillor Audrey Doig, moved as an amendment “Council notes the hard work and dedication that has been put in by the Linwood War Memorial Association to give Linwood a place to honour the victims of war. Council agreed in a previous motion that officers provide support to Linwood War Memorial Association and further encourages the group to apply for funding from the relevant grant funding stream.” On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hannigan, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel. The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, N Graham, Gray, Hood, Leishman, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McDonald, McGonigle, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin, Mylet and Smith. 21 members voted for the amendment and 21 members voted for the motion. There being an equality of votes, the Provost used her second and casting vote in favour of the amendment. DECIDED: Council notes the hard work and dedication that has been put in by the Linwood War Memorial Association to give Linwood a place to honour the victims of war. Council agreed in a previous motion that officers provide support to Linwood War Memorial Association and further encourages the group to apply for funding from the relevant grant funding stream. 13 Notice of Motion 7 by Councillors McMillan and Davidson There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McMillan and Davidson in the following terms: “Ward 36 at the RAH Council is opposed to any plans to close Ward 36 at the RAH.
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Council therefore agrees to write to the Scottish Health Secretary to ask for any closure proposals to be axed and Ward 36 to remain open.” Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Davidson, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously. DECIDED: Ward 36 at the RAH Council is opposed to any plans to close Ward 36 at the RAH. Council therefore agrees to write to the Scottish Health Secretary to ask for any closure proposals to be axed and Ward 36 to remain open. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 1.15 pm and reconvened at 1.35 pm. 14 Notice of Motion 8 by Councillors MacFarlane and Nicolson There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors MacFarlane and Nicolson in the following terms: “Renfrewshire Council demands that the Labour UK Government should fully reimburse the over £500m costs of employer National Insurance contributions to the public and third sectors in Scotland as a result of the UK Autumn Statement, and that this should include full reimbursement to Renfrewshire Council and our partners. Council further recognises that if the Chancellor does not fully reimburse these costs that it will have a detrimental impact on the wide range of services the people of Renfrewshire rely upon.” Councillor MacFarlane, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, then moved the motion. Councillor Ann-Dowling, seconded by Councillor McMillan moved as an amendment that: “Renfrewshire Council recognises that the UK Labour Budget delivered the largest settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution, in addition to compensation for changes to employer National Insurance Contributions for public sector employees. Council further notes that a key influence on provision of council services is the detrimental impact on council finances from years of underfunding by SNP Government. Renfrewshire Council demands that the Scottish Government gives an assurance that the additional Barnett consequentials allocated to the Scottish Government by the UK Government of £1.5 billion for 2024/2025 and £3.4 billion for 2025/2026 will be allocated to local councils and to Health and Social Care Partnerships in proportion to the national insurance increases in these areas by the UK Government.” On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, McCulloch, McDonald, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith. The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, J
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Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, N Graham, Gray, Hannigan, Hughes, Innes, Leishman, MacFarlane, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGonigle, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel. The following members abstained: Councillors Devine, Andy Doig and Hood. 26 members having voted for the motion, 13 members having voted for the amendment and 3 members having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried. DECIDED: Renfrewshire Council demands that the Labour UK Government should fully reimburse the over £500m costs of employer National Insurance contributions to the public and third sectors in Scotland as a result of the UK Autumn Statement, and that this should include full reimbursement to Renfrewshire Council and our partners. Council further recognises that if the Chancellor does not fully reimburse these costs that it will have a detrimental impact on the wide range of services the people of Renfrewshire rely upon. 15 Notice of Motion 9 by Councillors McMillan and Clark There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McMillan and Clark in the following terms: “IJB Budget Council notes that the IJB meeting to be held on the 13th December is facing some difficult decisions in order to achieve a balanced budget. Council is concerned about potential service cuts having a detrimental impact on some of the most vulnerable people and their families in Renfrewshire. Council therefore agrees to write to the Scottish Government, First Minister, Finance Minister and the Health Secretary to: raise Renfrewshire Council concerns about the impact any significant reduction in service levels or removal of health and social care services will have on the people of Renfrewshire; and to ask what steps the Scottish Government is taking to ensure the health and social care needs of the people of Renfrewshire continue to be met in the face of IJB budget constraints. Finally, Council agrees that IJB’s need to work for the residents and service users of Renfrewshire.” Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Clark, then moved the motion. Councillor Adam, seconded by Councillor Nicolson moved as an amendment that the final sentence of the motion be deleted and replaced with “Council notes that on 2 May 2018, the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport undertook that a review of progress by Integration Authorities would be taken. Audit Scotland in its report in 2018 highlighted difficult challenges facing integration schemes which included financial planning. In the intervening period and recognising the significant risk to the councils own financial planning this Council now believes that a systemic review is required on the integration scheme with regards to financial sustainability.
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Renfrewshire Council agrees to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to consider a new funding model for the Integrated Joint Scheme and for the resources required to provide the services that the people of Renfrewshire rely upon.” Councillors McMillan and Clark, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed in terms of Standing Order 27 to accept the amendment as an addition to the motion. DECIDED: IJB Budget Council notes that the IJB meeting to be held on the 13 December is facing some difficult decisions in order to achieve a balanced budget. Council is concerned about potential service cuts having a detrimental impact on some of the most vulnerable people and their families in Renfrewshire. Council therefore agrees to write to the Scottish Government, First Minister, Finance Minister and the Health Secretary to: raise Renfrewshire Council concerns about the impact any significant reduction in service levels or removal of health and social care services will have on the people of Renfrewshire; and to ask what steps the Scottish Government is taking to ensure the health and social care needs of the people of Renfrewshire continue to be met in the face of IJB budget constraints. That Council notes that on 2 May 2018, the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport undertook that a review of progress by Integration Authorities would be taken. Audit Scotland in its report in 2018 highlighted difficult challenges facing integration schemes which included financial planning. In the intervening period and recognising the significant risk to the councils own financial planning this Council now believes that a systemic review is required on the integration scheme with regards to financial sustainability. Renfrewshire Council agrees to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to consider a new funding model for the Integrated Joint Scheme and for the resources required to provide the services that the people of Renfrewshire rely upon. 16 Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Clark and Smith There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Clark and Smith in the following terms: “Police Provision in Paisley Renfrewshire Council notes Police Scotland‘s wish to close Paisley’s Mill Street Police Station. Council believes that in Scotland’s largest town it is imperative that Police Scotland maintain their current policing provision including 24/7 public counter access and CID. Council requests that the closure of Paisley’s Mill Street Police Station should be fully dependent on Police Scotland obtaining or leasing alternative premises that fully meet with a like-for-like provision of existing services or indeed improve them.” Councillors Clark, seconded by Councillor Smith, then moved the motion which was
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agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Police Provision in Paisley Renfrewshire Council notes Police Scotland‘s wish to close Paisley’s Mill Street Police Station. Council believes that in Scotland’s largest town it is imperative that Police Scotland maintain their current policing provision including 24/7 public counter access and CID. Council requests that the closure of Paisley’s Mill Street Police Station should be fully dependent on Police Scotland obtaining or leasing alternative premises that fully meet with a like-for-like provision of existing services or indeed improve them. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC The Board resolved that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 17 as it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that if members of the press and public were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 17 GAIA Contracts Update There was submitted an exempt joint report by the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Resources relative to an update on the Glasgow Airport Investment Area Project Mediation. DECIDED: That the recommendations as indicated at sections 2.1 and 2.2 within the report be agreed.