Agenda Document Pack - Council - 11/12/2025
Renfrewshire Council · 11 December 2025
Back to Council — 11 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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03/12/2025 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Council Date Time Venue Thursday, 11 December 2025 09:30 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Membership Provost Lorraine Cameron (Convener): Councillor Iain Nicolson (Leader): Councillor Cathy McEwan (Depute Convener): Councillor Jacqueline Cameron (Depute Leader): Councillor Jennifer Adam: Councillor Fiona Airlie-Nicolson: Councillor Alison Ann-Dowling: Councillor Stephen Burns: 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 David McGonigle: Councillor Jamie McGuire: Councillor Marie McGurk: Councillor Iain McMillan: Councillor John McNaughtan: Councillor Kevin Montgomery: Councillor Sam Mullin: Councillor Will Mylet: Councillor Jim Paterson: Councillor Emma Rodden: Councillor John Shaw: Councillor Ben Smith: Councillor Andy Steel: Hybrid Meeting Please note that this meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers. However, it is a hybrid meeting and arrangements have been made for members to join the meeting remotely should they wish. Members of the Press and Public Members of the press and public wishing to attend the meeting should report to the customer service centre where they will be met and directed to the meeting. MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance Page 1 of 30
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03/12/2025 Webcasting of Council Meeting This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Provost will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed. Generally the public seating areas will not be filmed. The cameras focus on the main participants. If you have any queries regarding this please contact Committee Services on democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk. To find the webcast please navigate to: https://renfrewshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home and select the meeting from the calendar. Further Information This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. A copy of the agenda and reports for this meeting will be available for inspection prior to the meeting at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and online at http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx For further information, please email democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk Information Bulletin To reduce the reporting of routine operational matters to Policy Boards, to allow Boards to focus on major policy issues and to streamline business for Members’ consideration and determination, a Bulletin, issued in line with the Council meeting timetable, is produced. The Bulletin is intended to provide members with a concise summary of significant decisions and action taken by officers in the exercise of their delegated powers, and details of issues which do not require a decision. A copy of the Bulletin has been attached under separate cover to this agenda. Page 2 of 30
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03/12/2025 Items of business Apologies Apologies from members. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements Members are asked to declare an interest or make a transparency statement in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest or the transparency statement. 1 Provost's Update Hear from Provost 2 Minutes of Meetings of Council, Boards and Panels Minutes of Meetings of Council, Boards and Panels (attached under separate cover) 3 Renfrewshire Youth Voice Presentation by Renfrewshire Youth Voice 4 Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators Mid-year Review 2025/26 Report by Director of Finance & Resources 9 - 24 5 Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland – Annual Report 2024/25 Report by Director of Finance & Resources 25 - 30 6 Notice of Motion 1 by Councillors Paterson and Steel "2026 FIFA WORLD CUP “Council welcomes the achievement of the Scotland Men’s National Team in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and notes the sense of pride and community spirit this has generated across Scotland. To help residents share in the tournament and support wider participation in sport, Council asks Officers to assess the feasibility of creating a Renfrewshire Fan Zone during the World Cup and to report back to the next appropriate Policy Board.”" Page 3 of 30
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03/12/2025 7 Notice of Motion 2 by Councillors McMillan and Montgomery "Renfrewshire council notes that one of our neighbouring authorities Glasgow City Council are considering charges for motorists entering the city and for those using the Clyde Tunnel. This will have a detrimental impact on people who rely on cars for work, leisure and health appointments. At a time when a lot of people are struggling with bills a charge for going about your daily business is not appropriate. Council therefore agrees to write to the leader of Glasgow City Council expressing our opposition to these proposals." 8 Notice of Motion 3 by Councillors McMillan and Steel "Council congratulates Elderslie Wallace Bowling for reaching its 150th Anniversary earlier this year. Council recognises the significant role the club plays within the community of Elderslie and the part it plays in improving the health and wellbeing of local people. Council therefore asks the Provost to both express Council's appreciation of the work the club carries as well as congratulating the club on reaching this impressive milestone." 9 Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Davidson and McDonald "Renfrewshire Foodbank Parking Passes Council will support Renfrewshire Foodbank, by providing 3 parking passes for the Paisley distribution centre at the Paisley Baptist Church, that can be used during the operation of the Renfrewshire Foodbank only." 10 Notice of Motion 5 by Councillors Clark and Smith "CCTV for Renfrewshire Parks Renfrewshire Council notes with deep concern the recent high-profile incident in Brodie Park, and child safeguarding concerns elsewhere, and therefore proposes that the Council reviews its CCTV policy with the aim of placing CCTV in all of Renfrewshire’s main parks to assist with the safety and wellbeing of all users." 11 Notice of Motion 6 by Councillors Shaw and Hughes "Renaming Andrew Avenue Council notes the recent stripping of titles from the from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by The Crown, and the ongoing national concern regarding his behaviour and character. Page 4 of 30
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03/12/2025 Council further notes that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, as former Prince, has the honour of having Andrew Avenue in Renfrew named for him. Council confirms its position that persons having a street named after them are being given a great honour, and that those persons should therefore be honourable and worthy of the recognition. Given the change in Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s status, Council directs officers to initiate a consultation with the street’s residents on the possibility of renaming Andrew Avenue." 12 Notice of Motion 7 by Councillors Smith and G Graham "Monsignor Denis Carlin – Celebrating 50 Years of Service Renfrewshire council notes the retirement of Monsignor Denis Carlin. Council congratulates Fr Carlin for 50 years of service across communities in Renfrewshire and the Diocese of Paisley. Council wishes to note its gratitude to Fr Carlin for his years of ministry and wishes him the best for his retirement." 13 Notice of Motion 8 by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood "The Centenary of Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club in 2026 Renfrewshire Council congratulates the Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club on their 100th anniversary of their foundation in 2026, and applauds the Club for the outstanding contribution they have made to Scottish, UK, and international cycling over the last century." 14 Notice of Motion 9 by Councillors Andy Doig and Devine "Government Research on Ultra-Processed Foods and Public Health in Renfrewshire Renfrewshire Council wishes all its residents, of all faiths and none, a very happy festive season and recognizes that many religious and cultural festivities have at their heart the pleasure of collective social and family gatherings where traditional meals and dishes are central to the celebrations. Quality plentiful food is indeed essential to the enrichment of human society. This Council, only seeking the best for all our residents, believes in the promotion of the highest ethical and legal standards of food quality, from farm to plate, and notes the growing concerns of the scientific community, both at home and abroad, about the prevalence of ultra- processed food and its potential detrimental effects on public health. Council further welcomes the commitment of the scientific community in the UK and beyond to undertake further research into the links between UPFs and poor diet and health and working with bodies such the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland. Council agrees to write to the FSA and FSS and calls on them to collaborate to commission further research, independent of industry into these links, Page 5 of 30
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03/12/2025 and in particular to explore: • Potential mechanisms of causation linking UPFs and poor health outcomes; • The health benefits of consumption of products with no or minimal processing on both overall dietary patterns and on health outcomes; • The impact of the hyper-palatability and energy density of foods on dietary consumption; • The long-term health effects of consumption of specific additives and combinations of additives; and • The cost-effectiveness of interventions that can reduce consumption of less healthy, often highly processed foods, and increase the availability and affordability of healthier foods." 15 Notice of Motion 10 by Provost L Cameron and Councillor MacFarlane "Renfrewshire Youth Voice Renfrewshire Council acknowledges the importance of the views of young people across the country, particularly in Renfrewshire where young people have been empowered to amplify their voices and act as agents of positive social change through Renfrewshire Youth Voice (RYV). Renfrewshire Youth Voice continues to grow and thrive, with members gaining confidence and developing essential skills for life, learning, and work. Supported by Renfrewshire Council’s Connected Communities Team, young people have been empowered to amplify their voices and act as agents of positive social change. Through a rights-based approach, the organisation has strengthened its impact and enhanced the experiences of its members. The support of the Council will be important to RYV as they take forward a range of new ideas which will amplify the role that young people have in Renfrewshire. Renfrewshire Council commends the work of RYV, and through the Connected Communities team, will continue to work with them and commit to providing, or advising on, any support that would help them to develop and put their ideas into place." Page 6 of 30
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03/12/2025 16 Notice of Motion 11 by Councillors McNaughtan and K MacLaren "Empty Property Relief for Listed Buildings In 2023 Renfrewshire Council implemented the discretion to remove empty property rates relief as it applies for listed buildings to discourage long term vacant and deteriorating listed buildings. Given 2 years have elapsed it is now an appropriate time to review this policy and examine how it can be further used to encourage the reuse of unoccupied listed properties. Council therefore agrees that officers review the Non-Domestic Rates – Empty Properties Operational Policy and any potential amendments required which may assist in encouraging owners to bring their properties back into use. A board paper with the outcome of the review to be presented at the relevant board for members consideration." 17 Notice of Motion 12 by Councillors Innes and MacFarlane "Responsible and Ethical Expansion of AI in Renfrewshire Council Council acknowledges the successful introduction of the award-winning Millie, Renfrewshire Council’s AI-powered customer support system and that it has improved access to services, reduced waiting times, and supported staff by handling routine enquiries. It demonstrates our commitment to digital innovation and notes that Renfrewshire is ahead of many Scottish local authorities in adopting practical, resident-focused AI tools. Council recognises that as AI becomes a larger part of public service delivery, ethical governance and transparent safeguards are essential to protect residents’ rights, prevent bias, and ensure AI continues to support key services and our valued workforce. As AI technologies learn over time, ongoing oversight and regular updates to elected members are necessary to ensure safe, transparent and responsible use as these systems evolve. Council agrees that a 6-monthly ‘AI Transparency Report’ be made to the relevant board, outlining all AI tools utilised by the council the purpose and function of each system, any data-protection or equality assessments undertaken, changes since the previous report, and any identified risks, mitigations or recommendations for future deployment. Renfrewshire can be a national leader in ethical, transparent, resident- focused AI, and that Millie as an example represents a foundation on which to build the confidence and transparency in our use of AI technology and one that the public can have trust in." Page 7 of 30
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Council On: 11 December 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Finance and Resources ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators Mid-Year Review 2025/26 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This mid-year report has 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 covers the following for 2025/26 to date: • a review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26, incorporating the annual investment strategy; • a review of the Council’s borrowing and investments; • a review of compliance with treasury management and prudential indicators; • an economic update and interest rate forecast. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Members: a) Note the treasury management activity for the period 1iApril 2025 to 17 October 2025 (reporting period 7); b) Approve the ‘Probable’ prudential indicators for capital expenditure as detailed in Section 7 of the report. Item 4 Page 9 of 30
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PUBLIC 3. Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy Update 3.1 The Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26 was approved by Council on 27 February 2025. It incorporates the Annual Investment Strategy, which sets out the Council’s investment priorities as follows: • the security of capital; and • the liquidity of its investments. 3.2 The Council also aims to achieve the best return on its investments, along with the proper levels of security and liquidity. 3.3 Investments and borrowing between 1 April to 17 October 2025 were in line with the approved strategy, and there have been no changes to the policies set out in the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26. 3.4 Given the current economic climate, it is considered appropriate to keep investments short-term to cover cashflow needs, and seek improved returns in periods up to 12 months with high credit-rated financial institutions. The following sections in this report provide an update considering the current economic position and any budgetary changes already approved. ___________________________________________________________________ 4. Review of borrowing and investments over the period 1 April 2025 to 17 October 2025 4.1 The Council’s net borrowing position is calculated as total borrowing minus total investments. At 17 October 2025, this figure was a net borrowing position of £204.1m (see Appendix 1). 4.2 During the period 1 April to 17 October 2025, the Council’s total external borrowing level decreased only marginally, from £283.8m to £283.0m. In early November, new short-term borrowing of £20.0m was taken from the PWLB to cover the projected cashflow until the end of the financial year. 4.3 In the same period, short-term investment balances have increased from £23.0m to £78.4m, primarily due to the front-loading of revenue support grant and other sources of income in-year, such as Council Tax payments. 4.4 The Director of Finance and Resources confirms that, during the period 1 April to 17 October 2025, the approved limits set out within the annual investment strategy sections of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 were complied with, and the Council only invested with institutions listed in its approved lending list. Similarly, only permitted investment vehicles were used, mainly fixed-term deposits with banks, the UK governments deposit facility (DMADF), call accounts and money market funds. Page 10 of 30
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PUBLIC 4.5 In accordance with CIPFA’s Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice, it is the Council’s priority to ensure security of capital and liquidity, and to obtain an appropriate level of return that is consistent with the Council’s risk appetite. 4.6 As shown by the interest rate forecasts in Appendix 3, rates have remained at 4.0% and are forecast to reduce in Q1 of next year. 4.7 The table below shows the average interest rate achieved by the Council on its investments during the period 1 April 2024 to 17 October 2025. The table also shows for comparison the benchmark comparator SONIA (the Sterling Overnight Index Average), which is administered by the Bank of England and reflects bank and building societies’ actual overnight funding rates in Sterling. The Council’s average return is in line with the benchmark and the current bank rate. 4.8 Opportunities for debt rescheduling (where high rate loans are repaid and lower rate loans taken out instead) are limited in the current economic climate and this is not expected to change over the short term. However, officers continue to liaise with the Council’s treasury advisors to monitor this. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Review of compliance with Treasury Management indicators for 2025/26 5.1. During the period 1 April 2025 to 17 October 2025, the Council complied with the approved treasury management indicators as set out in the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26. These indicators relate to: • interest rate exposure: the upper limit on the proportion of investments held with fixed interest rates and the upper limit on the proportion of investments held with variable interest rates; • the maturity structure of borrowing: the lower and upper limits on the proportion of investments that fall into each maturity band. ___________________________________________________________________ 6. Foreign Exchange Deposits The Council will retain a holding of Euros in relation to the Renfrew bridge project, until the final account and any retentions are fully settled. Interest rates achieved Average value of investments Average rate of return Benchmark return (SONIA) Internally managed investments £70.9m 4.14% 4.17% Page 11 of 30
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PUBLIC 7. Review of Prudential Indicators for Capital Expenditure 7.1. The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 and supporting regulations require local authorities to have regard to the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (“the Prudential Code”). 7.2. Following a change to the Prudential Code 2021, Prudential Indicator reporting now forms part of the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring – Council Overview, reported each cycle to the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, with this mid-year update reporting to full Council. 7.3. The Council set its prudential indicators for 2025/26 on 27 February 2025. The purpose of this section is to consider the indicators as they stand at 17 October 2025, approximately halfway through the financial year, and revise them where appropriate. All indicators for the current year and the following two years are summarised in Appendix 2. Capital Expenditure Indicators 7.4. The Council is required to make estimates of the capital expenditure it plans to incur for the forthcoming financial year and at least the following two years. Separate estimates should be made for Housing and Non-Housing services. 7.5. The Capital Investment Programmes for both Housing and Non-Housing were approved by Council on 27 February 2025, and the resulting indicators were updated in May 2025 to reflect the approved programme, incorporating the decisions taken by the Council at the budget meeting. 7.6. Council approved the following as an indicator for Capital Expenditure. The limit is based on the resources available to fund the capital programmes, split between Housing and Non-Housing Services, excluding the Public Sector Housing Grant, as this is not considered to be capital spend for the Council. Capital Expenditure 2025/26 2025/26 2025/26 2025/26 Approved Probable Outturn Movement Actual spend at 17 October £m £m £m £m Non-Housing 128.219 113.185 -15.034 50.961 Housing 61.336 46.546 -14.790 14.879 Total 189.555 159.731 -29.824 65.840 Page 12 of 30
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PUBLIC The decrease of £15.034m in the planned Non-Housing capital expenditure during 2025/26 is mainly attributable to: • adjustment to the capital plan, (£23.024m), approved by Council on 1 May 2025. • changes in the cashflow profile of a number of capital investment programmes, resulting in a net adjustment of (£12.282m) from 2025/26 into 2026/27 and future years, as reported to relevant policy boards; • carry forward of programmed expenditure from 2024/25 to 2025/26 totalling £10.686m; and • the addition of £9.586m, including various grant awards, and £3.5m relating to increased budget for Paisley Museum Reimagined, approved by Council on 25 September 2025. The decrease of £14.790m in the planned Housing capital expenditure during 2025/26 arises from changes in cashflow profile of a number of programmes, particularly within regeneration, kitchen, bathroom and rewiring and upgrades to multi storey flats resulting in a net adjustment of £14.790m from 2025/26 into 2026/27, as reported to the Communities and Housing Policy Board. Capital Financing Requirement Indicator 7.7. The Council has available to it a number of ways of financing capital investment. The term ‘financing’ does not refer to the payment of cash, but the resources that are applied to ensure that any underlying capital spend is funded absolutely, whether at the point of spend or over the longer term. A number of financing options involve resourcing the investment at the time that it is incurred. These are: • the application of useable capital receipts; • a direct charge to revenue for capital expenditure; • the application of capital grants; or • upfront contributions from project partners. Any capital expenditure not financed at the outset by one of these methods will increase the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) of the Council. The revised projected Capital Financing Requirement for 2025/26, based on the position at 17 October 2025 is noted in the table below. Page 13 of 30
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PUBLIC Capital Financing Requirement 2025/26 Approved Probable Movement £m £m £m Non-Housing 524 518 -6 Housing 173 156 -17 Total 697 674 -23 The decrease of £6m in probable Capital Financing Requirement at 31 March 2026 for Non-Housing services arises from the movement in net capital expenditure forecast to the end of 2025/26 described in 7.6 partially offset by the adoption of IFRS 16. The impact of IFRS 16 results in other long-term liabilities increasing, as contracts previously recognised as operating leases are now classed as right of use assets, with a liability and corresponding asset now recognised. The decrease of £17m in the probable Capital Financing Requirement at 31 March 2026 for Housing services arises from the reduced capital expenditure forecast to the end of 2025/26 described in 7.6. External Debt Indicators 7.8. External debt indicators are set at two levels: an Operational Boundary and an Authorised Limit. Both of these need to be consistent with the Council’s plans for capital expenditure and financing and with its Treasury Management policy statement and practices. Operational Boundary: This is the focus of day-to-day treasury management activity within the Council and is an estimate of the most likely, but not worst case, scenario in terms of cashflow. Risk analysis and risk management strategies have been taken into account, as have plans for capital expenditure, estimates of the Capital Financing Requirement and estimates of cashflow requirements for all purposes. It is possible that this boundary is breached occasionally and this would not be regarded as significant. However, a sustained or regular trend of such would be significant, and require investigation and action. The Operational Boundary is split between external borrowing and other long-term liabilities. Page 14 of 30
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PUBLIC Operational Boundary for external debt 2025/26 Approved Probable Movement £m £m £m Borrowing 602 550 -52 Other long-term liabilities 95 124 29 Total 697 674 -23 The decrease in the Operational Boundary of £23m is directly related to the decrease in the Capital Financing Requirement Indicator, and application of IFRS 16, described in 7.7. Authorised Limit: This is based on the same assumptions as the Operational Boundary, with additional headroom to allow for both planned and exceptional cashflow requirements, without breaching the limit. It is split between external borrowing and other long-term liabilities. Authorised Limit for external debt 2025/26 Approved Probable Movement £m £m £m Borrowing 633 578 -55 Other long-term liabilities 95 124 29 Total 728 702 -26 The decrease of £26m is related to the Operational Boundary reduction as outlined in 7.8. ___________________________________________________________________ Page 15 of 30
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PUBLIC Implications of the Report 1. Financial As described in the report; the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, treasury management and prudential indicators all assist in providing assurance that the Council’s treasury management activities and longer-term spending plans are affordable, prudent and sustainable. 2. HR & Organisational Development There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 3. Community/Council Planning Community Plan Our Renfrewshire is thriving The Council’s revenue and capital spend ensures that its facilities are fit for purpose and safe for the community, to maximise accessibility. Our Renfrewshire is well Our Renfrewshire is fair Our Renfrewshire is safe Council Plan Reshaping our place, our economy and our future The Council’s revenue and capital spend ensures that its facilities are fit for purpose and safe for the community, to maximise accessibility. Building strong, safe and resilient communities Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy Ongoing revenue and capital budget monitoring is a tool to enable good financial management so that the Council has resources now and in the future for continued service delivery. Working together to improve outcomes 4. Legal There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 5. Property/Assets The capital expenditure noted in this report will result in lifecycle maintenance improvements to existing properties and replacement of ICT, infrastructure, and plant and equipment. 6. Information Technology There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 7. Equality & Human Rights Page 16 of 30
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PUBLIC While new areas of spend may impact on particular groups, any such impact would be assessed prior to the spend being incurred, therefore there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 8. Health & Safety There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 9. Procurement While Procurement is an important consideration prior to the Council incurring any revenue or capital spend, there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 10. Risk The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, treasury management and prudential indicators provide a framework for the Council’s treasury activities, the effective control of risks associated with those activities, and the pursuit of optimum performance in line with those risks. This report demonstrates that the treasury management activities carried out during the period 1 April 2025 to 17 October 2025 have been consistent with the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 and have complied with the treasury management indicators set out in the approved Treasury Management Strategy Statement. 11. Privacy Impact There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 12. Children’s Rights There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 13. Climate Change The Council aims to reduce its carbon and other emissions to net zero by 2030, however there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 14. Cosla Policy Position - N/A _________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: Prudential Framework and Treasury Management Strategy, Council, 27 February 2025. Author: Alastair MacArthur, Director of Finance and Resources Page 17 of 30
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PUBLIC Appendix 1: Borrowing Position as at 17 October 2025 Balance at 1 April 2025 New Borrowing in 2025/26 Cash Movements Balance at 17 October 2025 Long-term borrowing PWLB – fixed rate 237,049,581.70 0 (797,063.26) 236,252,518.44 Market loans 46,766,000.00 0 0 46,766,000.00 Total long-term borrowing 283,815,581.70 0 (797,063.26) 283,018,518.44 Investments Fixed term deposits 0 0 0 0 Call accounts (7,622,319.51) 0 17,415,719.51 9,793,400.00 UK Government DMADF 17,534,448.48 0 10,692,551.52 28,227,000.00 Money market funds 13,127,729.77 0 27,805,970.23 40,933,700.00 Total investments 23,039,858.74 0 55,914,241.26 78,954,100.00 Net borrowing 260,775,722.96 0 (56,711,304.52) 204,064,418.44 Page 19 of 30
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PUBLIC Appendix 2: Prudential and Treasury Indicators as at 17 October 2025 2025/26 Estimate 2025/26 Probable 2026/27 Estimate 2027/28 Estimate Operational boundary for external debt £697m £674m £770m £827m Authorised limit for external debt £728m £702m £804m £864m External debt* £492m £360m £558m £614m Upper limit for fixed interest rate exposure (borrowing) expressed as percentage of total net outstanding principal 100% 83% 100% 100% Upper limit for variable interest rate exposure (borrowing) expressed as percentage of total net outstanding principal 25% 17% 25% 25% New Borrowing in 2025/26 Total of all Borrowing Maturity structure of fixed rate borrowing Value Maturity structure Upper limit As at 17 October 2025 Under 12 months 0 0% 15% 1.77% More than 12 months and within 24 months 0 0% 15% 0.00% More than 24 months and within 5 years 0 0% 45% 0.00% More than 5 years and within 10 years 0 0% 50% 6.26% 10 years and above 0 0% 100% 91.97% * The Probable figure here represents the actual level of debt at 17 October 2025 and includes finance lease and service concession liabilities, in line with the Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary values. Page 21 of 30
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PUBLIC Appendix 3: Economic Update and Interest Rate Forecast 1. Economic update (MUFG Corporate Markets) 1.1. The first half of 2025/26 saw: • A 0.3% pick up in GDP for the period April to June 2025. More recently, the economy flatlined in July, with higher taxes for businesses restraining growth. • The 3m/yy rate of average earnings growth excluding bonuses has fallen from 5.5% to 4.8% in July. • CPI inflation has ebbed and flowed but finished September at 3.8%, whilst core inflation eased to 3.6%. • The Bank of England cut interest rates from 4.50% to 4.25% in May, and then to 4% in August. • The 10-year gilt yield fluctuated between 4.4% and 4.8%, ending the half year at 4.70%. 2. Interest Rate Forecast (MUFG Corporate Markets) 2.1. The Council has appointed MUFG Corporate Markets as its treasury advisors, and part of their service is to assist the Council to formulate a view on interest rates. The PWLB rate forecasts below are based on the Certainty Rate (the standard rate minus 20 bps) which has been accessible to most authorities since 1 November 2012. 2.2. The latest forecast on 11 August sets out a view that short, medium and long-dated interest rates remain elevated, but will begin to reduce slightly over the next two years. 2.3 Revised PWLB rate forecasts below are based on the Certainty Rate (the standard rate minus 20 bps). For those authorities with a Housing Revenue Account (HRA) borrowing need, a lower PWLB rate of standard rate minus 60 bps started on 15 June 2023 and is set to prevail until at least the end of March 2026. There may be a further extension to this discounted rate in the next Budget announcement. Page 23 of 30
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PUBLIC MUFG Corporate Markets Interest Rate View 11.08.25 Sep-25 Dec-25 Mar-26 Jun-26 Sep-26 Dec-26 Mar-27 Jun-27 Sep-27 Dec-27 Mar-28 Jun-28 Sep-28 BANK RATE 4.00 4.00 3.75 3.75 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3 month ave earnings 4.00 4.00 3.80 3.80 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.30 3.30 3.30 3.30 3.30 6 month ave earnings 4.00 3.90 3.70 3.70 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.30 3.30 3.40 3.40 3.40 12 month ave earnings 4.00 3.90 3.70 3.70 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.30 3.40 3.50 3.60 3.60 5 yr PWLB 4.80 4.70 4.50 4.40 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.10 4.10 10 yr PWLB 5.30 5.20 5.00 4.90 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.70 4.70 4.70 4.70 4.60 4.60 25 yr PWLB 6.10 5.90 5.70 5.70 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.40 5.40 5.30 5.30 5.30 5.20 50 yr PWLB 5.80 5.60 5.40 5.40 5.30 5.30 5.30 5.20 5.20 5.10 5.10 5.00 5.00 0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 3.0% 4.0% 5.0% 6.0% 7.0% Interest rate forecast bank rate 5 yr PWLB 10 yr PWLB 25 yr PWLB 50 yr PWLB Page 24 of 30
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PUBLIC To: On: Council 11 December 2025 Report by: Director of Finance & Resources Heading: Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland – Annual Report 2024/25 1 Summary 1.1 The Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland has issued his 2024/25 Annual Report. The report is available on the Commissioner’s website at https://www.ethicalstandards.org.uk/node/2654 1.2 The report provides details of investigations of complaints about the conduct of councillors, members of devolved public bodies and MSPs and scrutiny of Scotland’s Ministerial public appointments process. Where there has been contravention of the relevant Code, the Commissioner reports this, in the case of councillors and members of public bodies, to the Standards Commission for Scotland and in the case of MSPs and in relation to lobbying complaints, to the Scottish Parliament. 1.3 The report advises of revised governance arrangements, reinstated transparency reporting and a new rolling biennial business covering all office functions. 2 Recommendations 2.1 That the 2024/25 Annual Report by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland be noted. Item 5 Page 25 of 30
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PUBLIC 3 Background 3.1 The 2024/25 annual report was the second published by Ian Bruce since his appointment as Commissioner for a six-year period from 1 March 2023. 4 Complaint Volumes In 2024/25 4.1 Nationally, during 2024/25 the Commissioner received a total of 2749 complaints, compared with 344 in 2023/24 and 159 in 2021/22. The statistics for 2024/25 were skewed by 2520 complaints connected to one case, which the Commissioner has referred to as a ‘super complaint’. This ‘super complaint’ involved ‘Quasi-judicial or regulatory applications’ and the complaints relating to this one case have been removed from the rest of the report’s statistical returns in order to improve clarity and better reflect the overall trend. 4.2 The following tables show the number of complaints and cases handled by the Standards Team in 2024/25. When multiple complaints relate to the same issue, they are combined into a single case. This ensures consistent handling and fair outcomes. Reporting both complaints and cases gives a clearer picture of the Commissioner’s workload. Complaint volumes during 2024/25 and previous two years 2024/25 2023/24 2022/23 Already open at 1 April (beginning of financial year) 231 97 156 Received 2749(1) 344 159 Active during year 2980 441 315 Completed 2857 210(2) 218 Cases remaining open at 31 March, (end of financial year) 123 231 97 (1) 2520 complaints are connected to one case, which are referred to as a ‘super complaint’. (2) Following a review, some figures reported in 2022/23 and 2023/24 have been adjusted. This is due to a small number of cases either being re-opened or additional complaints being added to existing cases. Case Volumes during 2024/25 and previous years 2024/25 2023/24 2022/23 Already open at 1 April (beginning of financial year) 111 68 86 Received 143 185 109 Active during year 254 253 195 Completed 193 142 127 Cases remaining open at 31 March, (end of financial year) 61 111 68 Page 26 of 30
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PUBLIC 5 Categories of Complaints Received 5.1 The categories of complaints received, and the number of complaints received for 2024/25 are indicated below with disrespect towards employees and the public being the most common type of complaint received. This remains unchanged from previous years. Taking together cases in relation to disrespect towards both councillors/members, employees and the public accounted for 55% of the total complaints received during 2024/25. Complaints Received During 2024/25 (Total 244 excluding super complaint) Type of complaint 2024/25 Disrespect towards employees/public 80 Outwith jurisdiction 46 Disrespect towards other councillors/members 33 Quasi-judicial or regulatory applications 26 Other 24 Breach of confidentiality 6 Failure to declare an interest 20 Financial misconduct/Misuse of council facilities 3 Failure to register an interest 6 6 Origin of Complaints 6.1 The majority of complaints, 189, were lodged by members of the public. This represented 83% of all complaints received, a slight increase on previous years. A total of 29 were lodged by Councillors and 11 by officers. 7 Outcome of Complaints Nationally 7.1 Nationally a total of 142 cases (142 complaints) progressed to full investigation and were reported on and finalised during the year, with 19 being breach reports (regarding 15 cases) which were heard by the Standards Commission, and 123 being reported on as non-breach (regarding 55 cases). Outcome from complaints completed in 2024/25 and previous two years Outcomes 2024/25 2023/24 2022/23 Initial assessment 2712 95% 127 60% 121 56% Full investigation 142 5% 77 37% 79 36% Breach 19 13% 211 27% 17 22% No breach 123 87% 56 73% 62 78% Withdrawn 3 0.1% 6 3% 18 8% Page 27 of 30
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PUBLIC Outcome from complaints completed in 2024/25 and previous two years Outcomes 2024/25 2023/24 2022/23 Total completed 2857 210 218 1Following a review, some figures reported in 2023/24 have been adjusted to reflect changes made in the first two tables of this report. Outcome from cases completed in 2024/25 and previous two years Outcomes 2024/25 2023/24 2022/23 Initial assessment 120 62% 84 59% 69 54% Full investigation 70 36% 53 37% 45 36% Breach 15 21% 151 28% 9 20% No breach 55 79% 38 72% 36 80% Withdrawn 3 2% 5 4% 13 10% Total completed 193 142 127 1Following a review, some figures reported in 2023/24 have been adjusted to reflect changes made in the first two tables of this report. 8 Outcome of Complaints relating to Renfrewshire Council 8.1 Information has been received separately from the Commissioner that, during the period covered by the report, five complaints were considered about councillors in Renfrewshire Council which totalled to 4 cases. One case combined two complaints as they were relating to the same matter. 8.2 Out of the four cases, one was about disrespect towards employees/public, one was a combination of disrespect towards the public and misuse of council facilities, and two were relating to service complaints which are outwith our jurisdiction. All four cases were dismissed at the admissibility stage (stage 1). 9 Hearings 9.1 Under current Directions, the Commissioner reports the outcome of all investigations to the Standards Commission for Scotland (SCS). They may hold a hearing, direct the Commissioner to conduct further investigation or do neither. If the SCS concludes at a hearing that a breach of the Code has occurred, they must impose a sanction. 9.2 Nationally, 55 reports where the Commissioner found there was no breach were submitted to the SCS. There were a further 15 reports which were referred to the SCS where the Commissioner found that a breach had occurred. Page 28 of 30
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PUBLIC 10 Code of Conduct 10.1 On 8 October 2025, as part of the programme of events and development opportunities for Councillors, the Head of Corporate Governance provided an annual update to Members on the Code of Conduct/Standards Commission. 10.2 The Council’s Head of Corporate Governance is available for members should they wish to seek advice on the Code of Conduct generally and specifically in relation to the registration and declaration of interests. 11 Public Appointments 11.1 The Commission regulates how Scottish Ministers make appointments to the boards of public bodies that are within their remit. 11.2 The ESC report highlighted that it had a statutory duty to use their powers with a view to ensuring that appointments are made fairly and openly and that as far as possible everyone has an opportunity to be considered. As part of our work in this area, the Commissioner agreed targets with the Scottish Ministers in the strategy document “Diversity Delivers” (published September 2008), intended to encourage applications from as wide a range of people as possible. The strategy also included a range of recommendations, agreed with the Scottish Government at the time, intended to improve on the diversity of Scotland’s boards. Progress against the recommendations is available on our website. During the year, contractors, Leading Kind, successfully tendered to undertake a review of the Diversity Strategy and began consulting with interest groups and conducting initial research. A “State of the Nation” report is due to be published in the Autumn of 2025. 11.3 Tables and graphs included in the Annual Report detailed the extent to which Scotland’s board members at the end of 2024 reflected the population of the country as a whole and how it had changed over time. Implications of the Report 1 Financial - None 2 HR & Organisational Development – None 3 Community Planning – None 4 Legal - None 5 Property/Assets – None 6 Information Technology - None 7 Equality & Human Rights – The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8 Health & Safety – None Page 29 of 30
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PUBLIC 9 Procurement - None 10 Risk – None. 11 Privacy Impact – None 12 COSLA Policy Position – None 13 Climate Risk – None 14 Children’s Rights – none Author: Dave Low, Democratic Services & Elections Manager 0141 487 1118 Email: david.low@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 30 of 30