Minutes of meeting
Renfrewshire Council · 25 September 2025
Back to Council — 25 September 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Minute of Meeting Council Date Time Venue Thursday, 25 September 2025 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 Stephen Burns, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, Provost Lorraine Cameron, Councillor Michelle Campbell, Councillor Graeme Clark, 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, B Walker, Programme Director (City Deal & Infrastructure), D Love, Chief Planning Officer, A Williamson, Strategy & Place Manager, K Dalrymple, Development Plans & Housing Strategy Team Leader (all Chief Executive’s); J Trainer, Head of Children & Justice Social Work (Children’s Services); G Hannah, Head of Climate, Public Protection & Roads and C Dalrymple, Head of Facilities & Property Services (both Environment, Housing & Infrastructure); M Conaghan, Head of Corporate Governance, R Cree, Head of People & Organisational Development, C McCourt, Head of Finance & Procurement, P Murray, Head of Digital, Transformation & Customer Services, L Currie, Managing Solicitor (Projects), D Low, Democratic Services Manager and R Devine, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources); V Hollows, Chief Executive and F Naylor, Finance, Governance & Business Improvement Director (both OneRen): and B McClean, Chief Officer (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership).
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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. Declarations of Interest Councillor McGonigle declared an interest in item 19 by reason of his employment with an asset management company with connections to Strathclyde Pension Fund. Councillor McGonigle indicated that as he had declared an interest, he would leave the meeting during any discussion and voting on the item. Transparency Statements Councillor Davidson indicated that she had a connection to item 4 by reason of her daughter’s employment at Barochan Road Children’s House. However, she indicated that she had applied the objective test and did not consider she had an interest to declare. Councillor Campbell indicated that she had a connection to item 13 by reason of her employment with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. 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 13, 14 and 15 by reason of his employment with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had an interest to declare.
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1 Provost's Update The Provost advised that an update on the duties she had undertaken since the last meeting of the Council held on 26 June 2025 had been distributed to members. DECIDED: That the update be noted. 2 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 June 2025 Special Council, 26 June 2025 Placing Requests & Exclusions Appeal Panel, 15 July 2025 Special Local Review Body, 14 August 2025 Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 18 August 2025 Communities & Housing Policy Board, 19 August 2025 Regulatory Functions Board, 20 August 2025 Education & Children's Services Policy Board, 21 August 2025 Economy & Regeneration Policy Board, 26 August 2025 Planning & Climate Change Policy Board, 26 August 2025 Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board, 27 August 2025 Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service, 28 August 2025 Regulatory Functions Board, 4 September 2025 Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 11 September 2025 Leadership Board, 17 September 2025 Appointment Board, 22 September 2025 Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 22 September 2025 DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved. Sederunt Councillors Adam and J Cameron entered the meeting during consideration of the following item of business. 3 Financial Outlook and Medium-Term Financial Plan There was submitted an update report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s Financial Outlook and medium-term Financial Plan. The report provided an update in relation to the medium-term forecast financial position and the key assumptions and risks which underpinned it. DECIDED: (a) That the economic updates, outlined in Sections 3 and 4 of the report, be noted;
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(b) That the key financial assumptions and projected medium-term revenue position, outlined in Section 5 of the report, be noted; (c) That the savings update be noted and the savings targets, outlined in Section 6 of the report, be agreed; (d) That the reserves update be noted and that the principles, outlined in Section 7 of the report, be agreed; (e) That the financial risks to the forecast position, outlined in Section 8 of the report, be noted; (f) That the treasury and debt update provided, in Section 9 of the report, and the long-term financial planning principles outlined to secure and support future strategic investment be noted; and (g) That the capital update be noted and that the revision to the 2025/26 Capital Plan, as outlined in Section 10 of the report, be agreed. 4 Chief Social Work Officer Report 2024/25 There was submitted a report by the Chief Social Work Officer relative to the Chief Social Work Officer Report 2024/25, a copy of which was appended to the report. DECIDED: That the key activities in the Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report 2024/25 be noted. 5 Renfrewshire Community Protection Chief Officers Group – Annual Report 2024/25 There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Community Protection Chief Officers Group Annual Report 2024/25. The report indicated that the tenth annual report of the Renfrewshire Community Protection Chief Officers Group provided an overview of the key areas of work in relation to public protection during 2024/25 and highlighted the ongoing key benefits of partnership working. The Annual Report, a copy of which was attached as Appendix 1 of the report, provided detailed information on activities undertaken during the reporting period, and highlighted key priorities identified for collective focus and action during 2025/26. DECIDED: That the content of the report be noted. 6 Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 3 – Evidence Report There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3) Evidence Report. The Evidence Report was the first key stage in the preparation of the Local Development Plan and provided a body of evidence that informed the content of the Plan.
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Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor MacFarlane, moved (a) that the Local Development Plan Evidence Report, as contained in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved and that authority be delegated to the Head of Economy & Development to make amendments to the Evidence Report format, as required, to meet the Scottish Government Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals submission requirements; and (b) that, following any necessary reformatting, the Evidence Report be submitted to Scottish Ministers for the Gate Check review process to be undertaken. Councillor Devine, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved as an amendment that “Council agrees to defer the approval of Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 3, Evidence Report, until the 11th December Full Council to allow Elected Members the fullest scrutiny”. On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Devine, Andy Doig, Hood and Mylet. The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Ann- Dowling, Burns, Campbell, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Clark, Davidson, Audrey Doig, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, N Graham, Gray, Hannigan, Hughes, Innes, Leishman, McCulloch, McDonald, MacFarlane, McGonigle, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGuire, McGurk, McMillan, McNaughtan, Montgomery, Mullin, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw, Smith and Steel. 4 members having voted for the amendment and 39 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried. DECIDED: (a) That the Local Development Plan Evidence Report, as contained in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved and that authority be delegated to the Head of Economy & Development to make amendments to the Evidence Report format, as required, to meet the Scottish Government Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals submission requirements; and (b) That, following any necessary reformatting, the Evidence Report be submitted to Scottish Ministers for the Gate Check review process to be undertaken. 7 Governance Arrangements – changes to Standing Orders relating to Contracts There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to proposed changes to the Council’s Standing Orders relating to Contracts. The report stated that the Council’s Standing Orders relating to Contracts required to be revised, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, to reflect the new payment arrangements arising from the Council’s No Purchase Order No Pay Policy. Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron moved as an addition to the recommendation detailed in the report that
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“Council agrees that (a) Councillor J Paterson replace Councillor B MacFarlane on Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board (b) Councillor Marie McGurk replace Councillor A Steel on Linstone Housing Association (c) Councillor B MacFarlane replace Councillor E Rodden on Regulatory Functions Board”. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: (a) That the revised Standing Orders relating to Contracts, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved and take effect on the date the Council’s No Purchase Order No Pay Policy goes live in Q4 2025; and (b) That Councillor Paterson replace Councillor MacFarlane on Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board; Councillor McGurk replace Councillor Steel on Linstone Housing Association; and Councillor MacFarlane replace Councillor Rodden on Regulatory Functions Board. 8 Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries that had commenced on 1 September 2025. Details of the fourth phase of consultation and the Council’s response were set out within section 3 of the report which also set out the Final Recommendations approved by the Scottish Parliament in so far as they related to the Renfrewshire area, highlighting changes to existing Scottish Parliament names and boundaries and alterations to polling district boundaries and coding. DECIDED: (a) That the Final Recommendations of the Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries, as approved by the Scottish Parliament, be noted; and (b) That the changes to the polling districts and polling places, as set out in the appendices to the report, be approved for use in all elections and referenda until the next review of the polling arrangements. 9 Request to light up Council Buildings – Governance Arrangements There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to a request received to light up Council buildings and property on 24 October 2025 to mark Child Brain Injury Trust GloWeek 2025 and on an annual basis thereafter. DECIDED: That the request to light up Council buildings and property purple on 24 October 2025 to mark Child Brain Injury Trust GloWeek 2025 and on an annual basis thereafter be agreed.
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10 Flag Flying Protocol Update Under reference to item 6 of the Minute of meeting of Council held on 26 June 2025 there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to an update to the Flag Flying Protocol. Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Hood moved "Agree to fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club until a Johnstone-based community group succeeds in matriculating the former Johnstone Burgh Coat of Arms, after which the Johnstone Burgh Coat of Arms shall be flown”. Councillor G Graham, seconded by Councillor Gilmour moved as an amendment that “Marking Johnstone Burgh Football Club’s outstanding achievement in winning the Scottish Junior Cup. Renfrewshire Council will fly the Johnstone Burgh Football Club flag from the third flagpole at Houstoun Square Johnstone, until Friday 5th January 2026. Following 5th January, no flags will be flown from the third flagpole other than those previously agreed. These being: 14 February 2025 International Brigades Flag flown for International Brigades Day and 10 March 2025 Commonwealth Flag, marking Commonwealth Day. Thereafter the flagpole will remain empty until April 2026 when there are plans to fly the Renfrewshire Council marking the 30th Anniversary of Renfrewshire Council”. On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, Gray, Leishman, McCulloch, McDonald, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith. The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, Campbell, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Devine, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, N Graham, Hannigan, Hood, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, McGonigle, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel. 15 members having voted for the amendment and 28 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried. DECIDED: (a) That the update provided in the report be noted; and (b) That it be agreed to fly the flag of Johnstone Burgh Football Club until a Johnstone-based community group succeeds in matriculating the former Johnstone Burgh Coat of Arms, after which the Johnstone Burgh Coat of Arms shall be flown. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11.30 am and reconvened at 11.45 am.
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11 Notice of Motion 1 by Councillors Devine and Mylet There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Devine and Mylet in the following terms: “School Crossing Patrollers Renfrewshire Council agrees that any removal of school crossing patrollers must be referred back to the ILE Board as agreed by the Board Convener at the March 2025 board meeting”. Councillor Devine, seconded by Councillor Mylet, then moved the motion. Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron moved as an amendment that “Council also agrees that as a consequence of this decision the existing delegation to the Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure should be removed from the Scheme of Delegations.” Councillors Devine and Mylet, 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. The motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: School Crossing Patrollers Renfrewshire Council agrees that any removal of school crossing patrollers must be referred back to the Infrastructure Land & Environment Policy Board as agreed by the Board Convener at the March 2025 board meeting; and Council also agrees that as a consequence of the above decision the existing delegation to the Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure be removed from the Scheme of Delegations. 12 Notice of Motion 2 by Councillors Hughes and J Cameron There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Hughes and J Cameron in the following terms: “Renfrewshire: A welcoming place. Renfrewshire Council is deeply concerned by rise in anti-migrant, racist rhetoric exhibited nationally and across the globe, and condemns all attempts to scapegoat migrants, and particularly refugees fleeing the worst of situations, for global issues. Renfrewshire Council agrees that the current Labour Government must work to improve the lengthy wait for asylum applications to be processed. Renfrewshire Council also calls for the reinstatement of the Family Reunification Scheme, noting that 92% of the beneficiaries of this scheme are women and girls fleeing war and
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persecution. Renfrewshire has a proud history of welcoming and supporting refugees to settle here and become part of our communities and recognises the rich contributions they and other migrants who choose Renfrewshire as their home make to the area. Renfrewshire Council reaffirms its commitment to welcoming refugees and migrants who choose to make Renfrewshire their home. Renfrewshire Council will write to the Prime Minister asserting our view that the ‘pause’ on Family Reunification Scheme must be removed, and work must be done at pace to improve waiting times for Asylum Applications to be processed”. Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, then moved the motion. Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Devine, moved as a first amendment that “Renfrewshire Council further agrees to write to the UK Home Secretary to introduce a system whereby Visa approval would continue to rest with UK Visas and Immigration, but the power to enforce devolved-specific Visa requirements would be devolved to the Scottish and Welsh Governments, and the Northern Ireland Executive”. Councillor Leishman, seconded by Councillor McGuire moved as a second amendment "the direct negative". Councillor Montgomery, seconded by Councillor Ann-Dowling moved as a third amendment that paragraph two of the motion be deleted and replaced with “Renfrewshire Council agrees that the current Labour Government must work to improve the lengthy wait for asylum applications to be processed, including increasing to effective levels the number of application decision making staff which the previous Conversative Government reduced near the end of their term. Renfrewshire Council also calls for an effective and timely review of the Family Reunification Scheme to enable a sustainable replacement which commands public confidence, recognising the importance of a scheme that supports families to be reunited following Refugee Status being granted in the UK” and that paragraph five of the motion be deleted and replaced with “Renfrewshire Council will write to the Home Secretary requesting an effective and timely review of the Family Reunification Scheme to enable a sustainable replacement to be provided, and work to be completed to improve waiting times for Asylum Applications to be processed." Councillors Leishman and McGuire, being the mover and seconder of the second amendment, intimated that, in terms of Standing Order 27, the second amendment had been withdrawn. Councillors Hughes and J Cameron, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed in terms of Standing Order 27 to accept the first and third amendments to the motion. The motion as amended was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Renfrewshire: A welcoming place.
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Renfrewshire Council is deeply concerned by the rise in anti-migrant, racist rhetoric exhibited nationally and across the globe, and condemns all attempts to scapegoat migrants, and particularly refugees fleeing the worst of situations, for global issues; Renfrewshire Council agrees that the current Labour Government must work to improve the lengthy wait for asylum applications to be processed, including increasing to effective levels the number of application decision-making staff which the previous Conversative Government reduced near the end of their term. Renfrewshire Council also calls for an effective and timely review of the Family Reunification Scheme to enable a sustainable replacement which commands public confidence, recognising the importance of a scheme that supports families to be reunited following Refugee Status being granted in the UK; Renfrewshire has a proud history of welcoming and supporting refugees to settle here and become part of our communities and recognises the rich contributions they and other migrants who choose Renfrewshire as their home make to the area. Renfrewshire Council reaffirms its commitment to welcoming refugees and migrants who choose to make Renfrewshire their home; Renfrewshire Council will write to the Home Secretary requesting an effective and timely review of the Family Reunification Scheme to enable a sustainable replacement to be provided, and work to be completed to improve waiting times for Asylum Applications to be processed; and Renfrewshire Council further agrees to write to the UK Home Secretary to introduce a system whereby Visa approval would continue to rest with UK Visas and Immigration, but the power to enforce devolved-specific Visa requirements would be devolved to the Scottish and Welsh Governments, and the Northern Ireland Executive. 13 Notice of Motion 3 by Councillors McCulloch and McMillan There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McCulloch and McMillan in the following terms: “Proposed Closure of GP Surgery and Dispensary in Langbank In light of the very disappointing decision of the Inverclyde IJB to approve the proposed closure of the GP surgery and dispensary in Langbank, Council agrees to write to the chief officer of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board to request that they co-ordinate with relevant HSCPs and IJBs to enable that the village of Langbank and surrounding areas within Renfrewshire be moved into the jurisdiction of Renfrewshire HSCP at the earliest opportunity. This move will correct an historic anomaly whereby a body of local elected representatives from another local authority area take decisions for the provision of health and social care for people out with their own boundaries of responsibility. Renfrewshire Council will support the people Langbank in all efforts to reinstate GP services within the village”. Councillor McCulloch, seconded by Councillor McMillan, then moved the motion.
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Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor N Graham, moved as an amendment that "In addition, this Council requests NHS GG&C invest in a GP surgery within Langbank as soon as possible as part of the move to Renfrewshire HSCP, but that Langbank residents who wish to remain with their existing practice in Inverclyde HSCP (e.g. Kilmacolm, Port Glasgow), should be allowed to do so." Councillors McCulloch and McMillan, 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. The motion as amended was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Proposed Closure of GP Surgery and Dispensary in Langbank. In light of the very disappointing decision of the Inverclyde IJB to approve the proposed closure of the GP surgery and dispensary in Langbank, Council agrees to write to the Chief Officer of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board to request that they co-ordinate with relevant Health & Social Care Partnerships and Integrated Joint Boards to enable the village of Langbank and surrounding areas within Renfrewshire be moved into the jurisdiction of Renfrewshire HSCP at the earliest opportunity. This move will correct a historic anomaly whereby a body of local elected representatives from another local authority area take decisions for the provision of health and social care for people outwith their own boundaries of responsibility; Renfrewshire Council will support the people of Langbank in all efforts to reinstate GP services within the village; and In addition, this Council requests NHS GG&C invest in a GP surgery within Langbank as soon as possible as part of the move to Renfrewshire HSCP, but that Langbank residents who wish to remain with their existing practice in Inverclyde HSCP (e.g. Kilmacolm, Port Glasgow), should be allowed to do so. 14 Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors McMillan and Smith Councillors McMillan and Smith, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed in terms of Standing Order 27 that it be withdrawn. 15 Notice of Motion 5 by Councillors G Graham and Ann-Dowling There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors G Graham and Ann-Dowling in the following terms: "Support for Alzheimer Scotland’s Stop the Cuts Campaign This Council supports Alzheimer Scotland’s Stop the Cuts campaign. People with dementia and their carers deserve the right care, at the right time, in the right place. We support the introduction of clear dementia care pathway guarantees that set out the level and standard of care that everyone affected by dementia, including carers, should expect and receive.
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We believe every person with dementia in Scotland deserves: • Access to quality, local support throughout every stage of their condition • A clear, national care pathway, not a postcode lottery • The same priority in the health system as other people living with major illnesses We call upon the Scottish Government and Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership to work together with Alzheimer Scotland to protect dementia services, and build a national, consistent standard of care that ends the postcode lottery for good”. Councillor G Graham, seconded by Councillor Ann- Dowling, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Support for Alzheimer Scotland’s Stop the Cuts Campaign. This Council supports Alzheimer Scotland’s Stop the Cuts campaign. People with dementia and their carers deserve the right care, at the right time, in the right place. We support the introduction of clear dementia care pathway guarantees that set out the level and standard of care that everyone affected by dementia, including carers, should expect and receive. We believe every person with dementia in Scotland deserves: • Access to quality, local support throughout every stage of their condition • A clear, national care pathway, not a postcode lottery • The same priority in the health system as other people living with major illnesses; and We call upon the Scottish Government and Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership to work together with Alzheimer Scotland to protect dementia services, and build a national, consistent standard of care that ends the postcode lottery for good. 16 Notice of Motion 6 by Councillors G Graham and Smith There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors G Graham and Smith in the following in the following terms: "Change Standing Orders To Issue Agendas 7 Days In Advance Of Meetings The issuing of agendas is bound by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and is set out in the Council’s Standing Orders. Council and Board agendas must be issued three clear days before a meeting. For these purposes Renfrewshire Council includes weekends. The three clear days set out in the Act is the minimum requirement, and each Council can and does have its own practices in relation to the issuing of agendas. This results in a post code lottery, with elected members, and the public, in some authorities receiving access to Board papers up to 10 days in advance of meetings.
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The current practice in Renfrewshire can result in elected members receiving papers (often comprising hundreds of pages) less than 4 clear days in advance of meetings. This limits the time available to scrutinise content and discriminates against elected members with disabilities such as dyslexia or visual impairments. Council agrees to change Standing Orders to enable Board Agendas to be issued a minimum of 7 days (inclusive of weekends) in advance of meetings”. Councillor G Graham, seconded by Councillor Smith, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Change Standing Orders To Issue Agendas 7 Days In Advance Of Meetings. The issuing of agendas is bound by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and is set out in the Council’s Standing Orders. Council and Board agendas must be issued three clear days before a meeting. For these purposes Renfrewshire Council includes weekends. The three clear days set out in the Act is the minimum requirement, and each Council can and does have its own practices in relation to the issuing of agendas. This results in a post code lottery, with elected members, and the public, in some authorities receiving access to Board papers up to 10 days in advance of meetings; The current practice in Renfrewshire can result in elected members receiving papers (often comprising hundreds of pages) less than 4 clear days in advance of meetings. This limits the time available to scrutinise content and discriminates against elected members with disabilities such as dyslexia or visual impairments; Council agrees to change Standing Orders to enable Board Agendas to be issued a minimum of 7 days (inclusive of weekends) in advance of meetings. 17 Notice of Motion 7 by Councillors G Graham and Gilmour The Provost indicated that following the decision, detailed at item 11 of this Minute, the Notice of Motion had been ruled to be incompetent in terms of Standing Order 28. 18 Notice of Motion 8 by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood The Provost indicated that following the decision, detailed at item 11 of this Minute, the Notice of Motion had been ruled to be incompetent in terms of Standing Order 28. Declaration of Interest Councillor McGonigle having previously declared an interest in the following item, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.
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19 Notice of Motion 9 by Councillors K MacLaren and Andy Doig There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors K MacLaren and Andy Doig in the following terms: “Strathclyde Pension Fund Council notes with deep concern the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, and the findings of the United Nations, Amnesty International, and other human rights organisations that Israel’s actions constitute war crimes and serious violations of international law. Over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed with hundreds of thousands more injured by Israeli forces. Health workers and journalists have become targets for an Israeli regime desperate to hide the scale of its war crimes from future generations. Gaza now faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with over 80% of the population facing food insecurity, and UN-backed food security experts now stating that a famine is unfolding in Gaza, primarily due to Israeli blockades of humanitarian aid. Council understands that the Strathclyde Pension Fund - one of Europe’s largest pension funds with over 277,000 members - continues to invest in companies that supply arms, military technology, or other support used in Israel’s war crimes and violations, including those operating in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Council believes pension funds should not be invested in companies complicit in breaches of international law, particularly amid this ongoing and escalating crisis. Our investments must reflect our commitment to justice, human rights, and ethical governance. Council will contact the Strathclyde Pension Fund Committee to express our strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, and to urge the Fund to urgently review its investment portfolio and divest from companies linked to or complicit in Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law”. Councillor K MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, then moved the motion. Councillor Ann-Dowling, seconded by Councillor Clark, moved as an amendment that “Council believes pension fund investments must reflect our values. Council will contact the Strathclyde Pension Fund Committee to ask the Fund to confirm its investment portfolio ensures prudent, ethical investments in line with Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to justice, human rights, and ethical governance”. On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, N Graham, Gray, Leishman, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McDonald, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith.
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The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, Campbell, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Devine, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hannigan, Hood, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel. 17 members having voted for the amendment and 25 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried. DECIDED: Strathclyde Pension Fund. Council notes with deep concern the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, and the findings of the United Nations, Amnesty International, and other human rights organisations that Israel’s actions constitute war crimes and serious violations of international law. Over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed with hundreds of thousands more injured by Israeli forces. Health workers and journalists have become targets for an Israeli regime desperate to hide the scale of its war crimes from future generations. Gaza now faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with over 80% of the population facing food insecurity, and UN-backed food security experts now stating that a famine is unfolding in Gaza, primarily due to Israeli blockades of humanitarian aid; Council understands that the Strathclyde Pension Fund - one of Europe’s largest pension funds with over 277,000 members - continues to invest in companies that supply arms, military technology, or other support used in Israel’s war crimes and violations, including those operating in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Council believes pension funds should not be invested in companies complicit in breaches of international law, particularly amid this ongoing and escalating crisis. Our investments must reflect our commitment to justice, human rights, and ethical governance; and Council will contact the Strathclyde Pension Fund Committee to express our strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, and to urge the Fund to urgently review its investment portfolio and divest from companies linked to or complicit in Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law. Sederunt Councillor McGonigle re-joined the meeting. 20 Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors J MacLaren and McCulloch There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors J MacLaren and McCulloch in the following terms:
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“Pest Control - Solar Panels Pigeons are known for carrying diseases. This council wishes to advise all residents who have or intend to install solar panels on their roofs that it is strongly advised that, in order to prevent bird access, particularly of the likes of pigeons, for their own health and that of their neighbours, that the gap between the solar panel and the roof line should be sealed off with either mesh or netting. Council to include such advice on their website and for the Planning Department to issue this advice where appropriate” Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor McCulloch, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Pest Control - Solar Panels Pigeons are known for carrying diseases. This council wishes to advise all residents who have or intend to install solar panels on their roofs that it is strongly advised that, in order to prevent bird access, particularly of the likes of pigeons, for their own health and that of their neighbours, that the gap between the solar panel and the roof line should be sealed off with either mesh or netting; and Council to include such advice on their website and for the Planning Department to issue this advice where appropriate. 21 Notice of Motion 11 by Councillors Smith and G Graham There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Smith and G Graham in the following terms: “Motion: To acknowledge and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Trinity High School Renfrew Renfrewshire Council offers its warm congratulations to the staff and pupils of Trinity High School Renfrew on its 50th Anniversary. Opening in 1975 Trinity High has long held close ties to local parishes, primary schools and the communities it serves. The school’s values of dedication to academic excellence, personal development, and strong community values, are evident in its academic achievements, HMIE Inspections and the esteem in which it is held locally. A recent inspection noted among its key strengths; strong compassionate leadership empowering staff to lead improvements across the school, and the very caring and nurturing ethos across the school. Also recognised are the positive approaches to supporting young people’s wellbeing, which have resulted in young people who have a strong sense of belonging and feel valued at Trinity High School.
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Congratulations to all the staff and pupils on their achievements in this their Golden Jubilee year”. Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor G Graham, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: Motion: To acknowledge and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Trinity High School Renfrew. Renfrewshire Council offers its warm congratulations to the staff and pupils of Trinity High School Renfrew on its 50th Anniversary. Opening in 1975 Trinity High has long held close ties to local parishes, primary schools and the communities it serves. The school’s values of dedication to academic excellence, personal development, and strong community values, are evident in its academic achievements, HMIE Inspections and the esteem in which it is held locally; A recent inspection noted among its key strengths; strong compassionate leadership empowering staff to lead improvements across the school, and the very caring and nurturing ethos across the school. Also recognised are the positive approaches to supporting young people’s wellbeing, which have resulted in young people who have a strong sense of belonging and feel valued at Trinity High School; and Congratulations to all the staff and pupils on their achievements in this their Golden Jubilee year.