Agenda Document Pack - Economy and Regeneration Policy Board - 27/08/2024
Renfrewshire Council · 27 August 2024
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 27 August 2024 and its agenda
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21/08/2024 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Economy and Regeneration Policy Board Date Time Venue Tuesday, 27 August 2024 10:00 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Membership Councillor Andy Steel (Convener): Councillor Michelle Campbell (Depute Convener): Councillor Alison Ann-Dowling: Councillor Stephen Burns: Councillor Graeme Clark: Councillor Andy Doig: Councillor Neill Graham: Councillor Robert Innes: Councillor Janis McDonald: Councillor Jamie McGuire: Councillor Marie McGurk: Councillor Iain McMillan: Councillor John McNaughtan: Councillor Iain Nicolson: Councillor Jim Paterson: 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 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. 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. MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance
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21/08/2024 Webcasting of Meeting This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Convener will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed. To find the webcast please navigate to https://renfrewshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home
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21/08/2024 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 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/25 at 21 June 2024 Joint report by Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resources. 1 - 8 2 Historic Buildings in Villages Grants Scheme - Update Report by Chief Executive. 9 - 14 3 DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire Update Report by Chief Executive. 15 - 18 4 Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) LEADER / Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Update Report by Chief Executive. 19 - 26 5 Launch of Scottish Government’s ‘Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future’ Report by Chief Executive. 27 - 30 6 Employability Update Report by Chief Executive. 31 - 36 7 Update on AMIDS and AMIDS South Projects Joint report by Chief Executive and City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director. 37 - 44
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resources ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/25 at 21 June 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 At the close of reporting Period 3 on 21 June 2024, the projected revenue outturn at 31 March 2025 for those services reporting to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board was an underspend position of £0.066m (3.0%) against the revised budget for the year. 1.2 The projected capital outturn at 31 March 2025 for projects reporting to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board is a break-even position. 1.3 This is summarised in the table below and further analysis is provided in the report and appendices. Revised Annual Budget £000 Projected Outturn £000 Budget Variance (Adv)/Fav £000 Budget Variance % Revenue Economy and Development 2,228 2,162 66 3.0% Capital Economy and Development 22,862 22,862 0 0.0% 2. Recommendations 2.1 Members are requested to: a) Note the projected Revenue outturn underspend position of £0.066m; b) Note the projected Capital outturn break-even position; Item 1 EAR270824 Page 1 of 44
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c) Agree to homologate the budget adjustments detailed at section 6.2; d) Note the budget adjustments detailed at section 6.3; and e) Approve the budget adjustment detailed at section 6.4. 3. Revenue Budget Projection – underspend of £0.066m by 31 March 2025 3.1 The tables in Appendix 1 present the projected year-end position for all services reporting to this board, by both subjective analysis (what the budget is spent on) and objective analysis (which division is spending the budget). Significant variances affecting the projected position are analysed further below. 3.2 It should be noted that the projected outturn position reported here is based on the latest information available, which is subject to change during the financial year. The impact of any change on this projection will be updated at each board cycle until the close of reporting Period 10. Budget holders are obliged to seek mitigating action to minimise significant budget variances. 4. Objective Analysis – Significant Variances 4.1 Regeneration - £0.066m underspend This forecast position reflects the impact of vacancies within the team at the start of the financial year. 5. Subjective Analysis – Significant Variances 5.1 Employees - £0.065m underspend by 31 March 2025 This projected underspend represents vacancies in the Regeneration team at the start of the financial year. Recruitment to these posts is expected to complete over the course of the next quarter. 6. Revenue Budget Virements 6.1. Under the Council’s financial regulations, Directors and their nominated officers, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources, have certain delegated authority to transfer sums between subjective budget headings within a service division to enable budget management throughout the financial year. This is known as ‘budget virement’. 6.2. Transfers between divisions of the same service / department in excess of £100,000, and transfers between services / departments must be authorised by the respective service Director/Chief Executive and the Director of Page 2 of 44
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Finance and Resources for submission to the relevant policy board for approval. Since the budget was approved in February 2024, the Chief Executive now seeks homologation from the Board for the following affected virements: Revenue Budget Adjustments Service Amount (£m) Reason Economy and Development (0.001) Regeneration project budget reallocated to Environment, Housing & Infrastructure for delivery Economy and Development (0.750) Right for Renfrewshire savings realised 6.3. The following budget adjustment reflects changes to superannuation rates for employers and is therefore for noting only: Revenue Budget Adjustments Service Amount (£m) Reason Economy and Development (0.188) Contribution to reserves re reduction in employers’ superannuation 6.4. The Scottish Government issued an offer of grant to Renfrewshire Council of £2.182m in connection with the delivery of No One Left Behind employability support, which was accepted on 18 June 2024. The Board is therefore asked to approve the following virement to reflect the realignment of budgets required to deliver the programme, to be reflected in the next report: Revenue Budget Adjustments Objective Heading Subjective Heading Amount (£m) Reason Economy and Development Employee Costs 1.166 Temporary realignment of costs funded by external income streams. Project Costs* 1.016 Income (2.182) * Project costs can include supplies and services contracts and payments to external bodies 7. Capital Budget Projection – break-even position by 31 March 2025 7.1 The Capital Investment Programme 2024/25 to 2028/29 of £21.720m for Economy and Regeneration was approved by the Council on 29 February 2024. The revised capital spend for 2024/25 is £22.862m. Page 3 of 44
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7.2 The in-year Capital budget is forecast to break-even by 31 March 2025 after a number of budget adjustments between years have taken place, to reflect revised programming of some capital projects. Details of these adjustments, which amount to £1.142m, are as follows: Project Amount (£m) Budget brought forward into 2024/25 to reflect updated timing Paisley Art Centre Redevelopment 0.128 Paisley Town Hall Redevelopment (0.250) Paisley Learning & Cultural Hub 0.280 Paisley Museum (0.634) Paisley Junctions and Charging Hub 0.194 Public Realm 1.163 Sports Development – St James Playing Fields Redevelopment 3.075 Sports Development – Ferguslie Pavilion Upgrade 0.460 Sports Development – Hockey Pitch at On-X 0.600 Town Centre Capital Fund 0.035 Place Based Investment Fund 0.366 Town Centre Regeneration 0.009 Shared Prosperity Fund 0.028 RCGF PACE Theatre (0.210) Townscape Heritage CARS 2 0.223 Budget carried forward into 2025/26 Town Centre Regeneration (0.069) Public Realm (4.256) Total 1.142 Implications of the Report 1. Financial The projected budget outturn position for Finance, Resources and Customer Services’ Revenue budget is an underspend of £0.066 (3.0%) at 31 March 2025. Income and expenditure will continue to be monitored closely for the rest of the financial year and as far as possible, steps will be taken to mitigate any overspend. The projected outturn position for Economy and Regeneration Capital budget is break-even, after the adjustments outlined at section 6. Page 4 of 44
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2. HR & Organisational Development While staffing budgets form a significant proportion of the Council’s revenue budgets, 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 improvements to Culture and Heritage assets and delivery of strategic place-shaping and regeneration. 6. Information Technology There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 7. Equality & Human Rights 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. Page 5 of 44
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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 potential financial risk that the Council will overspend its approved revenue budgets for the year is managed at a Council-wide level by the Chief Executive and Directors. 11. Privacy Impact There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. 12. Cosla Policy Position N/a 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. Children’s Rights There are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report. List of Background Papers • Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2024/25, Council 29 February 2024 • The Capital Investment Programme 2023/24 to 2027/28, Council 29 February 2024 Author: Valerie Howie, Finance Business Partner; and Linsey McGregor, Senior Accountant (Capital) Page 6 of 44
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Appendix 1 RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING STATEMENT 2024/25 1 April 2024 to 21 June 2024 POLICY BOARD: ECONOMY AND REGENERATION Objective Summary Approved Annual Budget Budget Adjustments Revised Annual Budget at Period 3 Projected Outturn Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 % Economy and Regeneration Management 160 (125) 35 35 0 0.0% Economic Development 1,947 (812) 1,135 1,135 0 0.0% Regeneration 1,066 (8) 1,058 992 66 6.2% NET EXPENDITURE 3,172 (944) 2,228 2,162 66 3.0% Subjective Summary Approved Annual Budget Budget Adjustments Revised Annual Budget at Period 3 Projected Outturn Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 % Employees 2,586 (854) 1,732 1,666 66 3.8% Premises Related 22 0 22 21 1 4.5% Transport Related 3 0 3 4 (1) (33.3%) Supplies and Services 30 (7) 23 24 (1) (4.3%) Third Party Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Transfer Payments 842 (69) 773 772 1 0.1% Support Services 40 (15) 25 26 (1) (4.0%) Depreciation and Impairment Losses 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% GROSS EXPENDITURE 3,523 (945) 2,578 2,513 65 2.5% Income (351) 1 (350) (351) 1 0.3% NET EXPENDITURE 3,172 (944) 2,228 2,162 66 3.0% Page 7 of 44
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Appendix 2 Prior Years Approved Budget Revised Projected Expenditure Budget Adjustments Budget Outturn Total Approved Projected to 31/03/2024 2024-25 in 2024-25 2024-25 2023-24 Budget Outurn Project Title to 31-Mar-29 to 31-Mar-29 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT Paisley Art Centre Redevelopment 2,881 741 128 869 869 0 0% 3,750 3,750 0 0% Paisley Town Hall Redevelopment 24,747 1,250 -250 1,000 1,000 0 0% 25,747 25,747 0 0% Paisley Learning & Cultural Hub 6,654 66 280 346 346 0 0% 7,000 7,000 0 0% Paisley Museum 39,228 13,527 -634 12,893 12,893 0 0% 52,122 52,122 0 0% Paisley Junctions and Charging Hub 431 0 194 194 194 0 0% 625 625 0 0% Public Realm 494 3,393 -3,093 300 300 0 0% 5,050 5,050 0 0% Sports Development - St James Playing Fields Redevelopment 426 0 3,075 3,075 3,075 0 0% 3,500 3,500 0 0% Sports Development - Ferguslie Pavillion Upgrade 531 0 460 460 460 0 0% 992 992 0 0% Sports Development - Hockey Pitch at On-X 0 0 600 600 600 0 0% 600 600 0 0% Town Centre Capital Fund 766 74 35 109 109 0 0% 876 876 0 0% Place Based Investment Fund 1,842 2,219 366 2,585 2,585 0 0% 4,428 4,428 0 0% Town Centre Regeneration 1 240 -60 180 180 0 0% 2,050 2,050 0 0% Shared Prosperity Fund 197 0 28 28 28 0 0% 225 225 0 0% RCGF PACE Theatre 1,084 210 -210 0 0 0 0% 1,084 1,084 0 0% Townscape Heritage CARS 2 3,876 0 223 223 223 0 0% 4,099 4,099 0 0% Total Economy & Development 83,158 21,720 1,142 22,862 22,862 0 0% 112,148 112,148 0 0% TOTAL ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT 83,158 21,720 1,142 22,862 22,862 0 0% 112,148 112,148 0 0% RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY - NON-HOUSING SERVICES 1 April 2024 to 21 June 2024 POLICY BOARD: ECONOMY & REGENERATION Current Year 2024-25 Full Programme - All years Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable Budget Variance (Adverse) or Favourable Page 8 of 44
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Historic Buildings in Villages Grants Scheme - Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 Following the paper to Board on 29 August 2023, this report provides a further update on the Council Motion of 3 March 2022 to create a £0.250million conservation and heritage grants scheme for property owners in and around the centres of Renfrewshire’s villages. 1.2 Available across the eleven Renfrewshire villages which previously benefited from the Villages Investment Fund, two complementary grant schemes were launched in November 2023 under the “Historic Buildings in Villages Grants” scheme: “Maintenance Planning Grants”; and “Repairs Grants”. 1.3 The application process for both schemes has followed a similar model to the online process successfully established for the Retail Improvement Scheme, with applications scored on a range of criteria which assess impact, quality and deliverability. 1.4 To date nearly 50 applications have been received under the scheme, with a geographical spread across Renfrewshire’s villages. To date, 19 grants have been offered, totalling over £186,000. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Notes the progress to date in respect of the number applications received for the scheme. (ii) Approves a second round of the Scheme should any of the current allocation remain unspent. Item 2 E&R270824 Page 9 of 44
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(iii) Authorises the Head of Economy and Development to seek sources of funding for future rounds of the Scheme. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Council meeting of 3 March 2022 agreed to commit £0.250million of capital resources committed to town centre regeneration and underpin a conservation and heritage grants scheme for property owners in and around Renfrewshire’s village centres. 3.2 The Historic Buildings in Villages Grants scheme focuses on preserving and enhancing the historic built environment in Renfrewshire’s villages, complementing the existing Villages Investment Fund, to support projects which strengthen the character, identity and heritage of Renfrewshire’s village communities. 3.3 In aligning with the Villages Investment Fund, the Historic Buildings in Villages Grants scheme has been available to property owners in Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, Crosslee, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Inchinnan, Kilbarchan, Langbank and Lochwinnoch. 4. Historic Buildings in Villages Grants Scheme 4.1 In devising an application and assessment process, lessons were learned from Renfrewshire Council’s Retail Improvement Scheme and the Paisley TH.CARS2 regeneration project. Research was also undertaken into similar schemes offered by councils and heritage trusts nationally. 4.2 The Historic Buildings in Villages Grants scheme has been targeted primarily at private owner occupiers (including shared owners), but third sector organisations and commercial businesses (who are more likely to be lessees) have also been eligible to apply. 4.3 Properties dating from 1945 or earlier have been eligible for funding. Applications have been scored according to a range of criteria weighted to prioritise listed buildings, buildings at risk, buildings within conservation areas, and buildings in shared ownership. 4.4 Grants have been available through two complementary schemes: (i) Maintenance Planning Grants support a conservation accredited professional advisor to undertake an external survey and prepare an illustrated, costed maintenance plan for a privately owned historic property. Grants of up to 80% of eligible costs (excluding VAT) - up to a maximum value of £1,500 per property – were available, with applications closing on 29 January 2024. (ii) Repairs Grants support the repair of a privately owned historic property. Small Grants of up to 60% of eligible costs (excluding VAT) have been available for works valued between £3,000 and £8,000 (excluding VAT). Page 10 of 44
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Standard Grants of up to 50% of eligible costs (excluding VAT) have also been available; these support works valued over £8,000 (excluding VAT). The maximum amount awarded for Standard Grants is typically £25,000 however in exceptional circumstances, larger grants have been considered. Applications for the Repairs Grants closed on 29 April 2024. 4.5 The criteria for the Historic Buildings in Villages Grants scheme assess the impact, quality and deliverability of proposed works. Criteria will include:- Whether the property is listed, within a village conservation area or is identified on the Buildings at Risk Register; Ownership and evidence of commitment of owners to repair and maintain the property; Whether the property is currently occupied and has a long-term, sustainable function; Evidence of a level of input from a suitably experienced professional advisor; Whether quotes have been obtained from Renfrewshire based contractors and their experience working on older properties. 5. Outcomes to date 5.1 In total, officers received 94 enquiries about the scheme. Of the 11 eligible villages, enquiries were received from all but 2: Elderslie; and Inchinnan. 5.2 Those 94 enquiries translated into: (i) 13 applications for Maintenance Planning Grants, requesting nearly £16,000 of support. 12 grants were offered, and of those, 8 grants totalling £8,400 were accepted by property owners in Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. 7 Maintenance Plans are now complete. (ii) 36 applications for Repairs Grants from seven villages, requesting over £466,000 of support. To date, 19 grants have been offered, totalling over £186,000. This includes two offers of grant for over £25,000: one for a historically significant listed building in Kilbarchan; and one for a building in shared ownership in the centre of Lochwinnoch, occupying a prominent corner site. A further 11 grant offers, totalling £110,000 are pending, subject to applicants providing clarification on their proposals. 5.3 Applications for Repairs Grants have largely been for roof repair or replacement, and window refurbishment or replacement. 5.4 Part of the purpose of the scheme is to stimulate demand for traditional building skills locally. Applicants obtained quotes from 9 Renfrewshire-based businesses. Page 11 of 44
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6. Next Steps 6.1 Offers of grant are conditional until Council officers issue grantees with Permission to Start letters. For those grantees who have not yet received their Permission to Start letter, officers continue to advise on, for example, consents and issues with contractors. 6.2 Given the challenge of implementing repair works, while c.£300,000 has potentially been allocated in Repairs Grants, it’s highly likely that a % of this will not translate into completed works and will need reallocated. 6.3 On completion of works, grantees will be asked for feedback to help determine where officer can make improvements in the scheme. For example, should funding for the scheme continue to be allocated in the future, to improve the process for applicants - and improve the quality of applications – future applicants may wish the scheme to be available on a rolling basis, rather than having a fixed submission deadline. 6.4 Once the Council motion funds have been expended, officers will continue to explore other alternative funding routes to allow the Scheme to continue. As noted in the Regeneration Funding Bids Update 2024 paper to board on 19th March 2024, there may scope for the Place Based Investment Fund to provide funding for future runs of the Scheme. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Funding for both schemes utilise an approved Council budget. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – Our Renfrewshire is thriving – The schemes support development which will protect and enhance the built heritage of Renfrewshire’s village centres, contributing to the creation of thriving places which support individuals, communities, and businesses. Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – The schemes will help support the restoration and productive re-use of buildings in the centres of Renfrewshire’s villages, improving the built environment, helping to create job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. 4. Legal – Third party grants will be awarded within the relevant Council policies and will be subject to the Council’s approved conditions. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – ICT will help develop and maintain the online application process for both schemes. 7. Equality & Human Rights – The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. Page 12 of 44
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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. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risks – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. COSLA Policy Position – None. 13. Climate Risk – With cognisance of Historic Environment Scotland’s ‘A Guide to Climate Change Impacts: On Scotland’s Historic Environment, Our Place in Time, 2019’, the repair and maintenance of Renfrewshire’s historic fabric will contribute to the restoration and repair of buildings and will improve the performance of these properties over time. 14. Children’s Rights – None. _________________________________________________________ Author: Euan Shearer; Regeneration and Place Manager Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 13 of 44
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Council’s Economic Development service (Invest in Renfrewshire), working in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College, has successfully delivered DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire since 2015. 1.2 DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire usually supports 12 interns each year, each of whom has a learning disability, autism spectrum condition or both. Interns are provided with intensive work experience, as well as academic and employability support, to move towards a job outcome. 1.3 Our job outcome rates have been consistently positive when compared with the national job achievement figures for this priority group. 1.4 This report updates on progress for 2023/24 and confirms continued delivery of the programme into 2024/25, when it will achieve the significant milestone of the 10th year anniversary. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: a) Note the content of this report and continuation of funding into 2024/25. 3. Background 3.1 DFN Project SEARCH has been delivered in partnership by Invest in Renfrewshire and Glasgow Clyde College since 2015 and has, to date, supported 92 Renfrewshire residents across nine different cohorts. Item 3 EAR270824 Page 15 of 44
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3.2 DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire is a business-led, one-year transition to employment programme for young people aged 17 – 29, who have been diagnosed with a learning disability, an autism spectrum condition or both. 3.3 Up to 12 students, who are referred to as interns, are selected each year. Interns participate for 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 15:30. They split their time between a classroom-based environment, which has been created within Renfrewshire House, and on work placement within Renfrewshire Council and with local businesses. 3.4 Each intern completes 3 different work placements or ‘rotations’ during the academic year. These are generally for 20 hours per week and 10 weeks per rotation. Collectively the rotations provide each intern with up to 600 hours of work experience. These work rotations provide interns with opportunities to gain a wide range of new and transferable skills, different aspects of occupational experience and to showcase their attributes and abilities to prospective employers. 3.5 Interns also receive lecturer support and work towards achievement of SQA qualifications and job-related certifications such as Manual Handling and Elementary First Aid at Work, which assist them whilst in placement. Our supported employment job coaches provide guidance and assistance to undertake job task requirements and with employability support such as CV writing, interview techniques and job searching. 3.6 All aspects of programme delivery allow the service to agree individual employment aspirations with the interns and to support them towards securing ongoing suitable employment the end of the programme. If suitable employment has not been secured on completion of the programme, participants will continue to receive up to one year of throughcare employability support to help them progress onto employment. 4. DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire Delivery 2023 / 24 4.1 Eleven interns started our ninth cohort in August 2023 with 4 interns unfortunately leaving during the programme year, due to personal reasons. The remaining interns completed work rotations across a variety of roles including catering, cleaning, clerical and administration, customer services, leisure services and waste recycling. 4.2 Seven interns successfully graduated in June 2024 with each achieving all college academic requirements. The graduates also successfully gained certifications in: Food Hygiene, First Aid, Manual Handling, Health and Safety at Work and Customer Care. 4.3 All seven graduates successfully gained employment with a range of Renfrewshire businesses, including 4 who have gained roles within Renfrewshire Council (1 within the Councils Modern Apprenticeship Programme and 3 within our Soft FM team). So, the Programme’s job outcome rate for 2023/24 is 64%. Page 16 of 44
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4.4 55 graduates (60%), across our nine cohorts since 2015, have progressed to a positive job outcome. 4.5 Overall employment rates in Scotland are estimated at 4% - 8% for people with learning disabilities and 29% for autistic people. (Source: Scottish Government) 5. DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire Delivery 2024 / 25 5.1 Delivery for 2024/25 has been agreed with the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership (RLEP) as part of the Employability Annual Investment plan for 23-25. A salary for a lecturer will be funded by Glasgow Clyde College through Scottish Funding Council contributions. 5.2 The recruitment process has been completed with offers having been made to, and accepted by, 12 young Renfrewshire residents to participate in this year’s cohort. 5.3 Discussions are ongoing with both internal service managers and external businesses with the aim to agree a wide and varied range of work rotation placements, which will meet the work aspirations of this year’s interns. 6. 10th Year Anniversary 6.1 DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire will achieve its 10th Year Anniversary during the 2024/25 session. DFN Project SEARCH, the national license holders for the programme, have always regarded this as a significant milestone and strongly encourage all sites who achieve this to mark it and celebrate appropriately. 6.2 It is proposed that this significant milestone is marked across 2024/25 delivery. This will include: Launching the 2024/25 cohort as part of our wider Renfrewshire Employability Week (2 – 6 September 2024); Production of a short celebration video, which charts the 10 years of success; Compiling and sharing a series of ‘Where are they Now’ Case Studies, which highlights the progression of ex-Graduates; and Design and delivery of a 10 Year Celebration event. 7. Future Reporting 7.1 It is proposed that a further update report be provided to Board in due course. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional finance is sought. 2. HR & Organisational Development – 2 FTE posts within Economic Development are supported to deliver this programme. Page 17 of 44
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3. Community/Council Planning – None. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights (a) 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. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. Climate Risk – Not Applicable. 13. Children’s Rights – None 14. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable. _________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers N/A ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Michael Moran, Assistant Economic Development Manager Email: michael.moran@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 18 of 44
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) LEADER / Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an update on delivery of the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme for 2023/24. 1.2 The report also outlines the proposed approach for delivery for 2024/25, which has been agreed with the Local Action Group (LAG) and our partner local authorities, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, to meet CLLD requirements. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: a) Note the range and depth of rural based projects which were funded and successfully delivered during 2023/24. b) Note the offer from Scottish Government to award £150,347.90 to the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area for the delivery of the Community Led Local Development programme for 2024/25. c) Agree that Renfrewshire Council continues to act as Lead Partner and Accountable Body for the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area. d) Agree to the continuation of the present delegated authority to Head of Economy and Development for the delivery of programme requirements. Item 4 EAR270824 Page 19 of 44
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3. Background: Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Programme 3.1 Scottish Government introduced the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Programme in 2023/24. The Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) programme covers the rural areas of Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, supporting community groups and organisations to deliver projects that provide local benefit and tackle challenges identified in the GRI LAG Community Led Vision (CLV). 3.2 A Local Action Group (LAG) comprising representatives from community council/groups, third sector, businesses, residents, the three local authorities and wider stakeholders develops the CLV actions and takes any funding decisions. 3.3 Roles and responsibilities are: Scottish Government (Scottish Rural Network) are the Managing Authority and Paying Agency for the programme. Renfrewshire Council act as Lead Partner and Accountable Body. Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Councils are represented on the Local Action Group. 4. CLLD Review 2023/24 4.1 Scottish Government awarded the GRI LAG £218,454 funding to deliver CLLD programme requirements to 31 March 2024. 4.2 An original allocation of £88,454 for revenue projects in May 2023, with an additional £130,000 allocated in June 2023 for capital projects, following a successful LAG funding submission. The total allocation of £218,454 was significantly short of the original GRI LAG Business Plan requirement and request for funding around the figure of £361,153. 4.3 Revenue funding was used to design and deliver a Small Grants Revenue Scheme with funding of between £2,500 - £5,000 available for successful applicants. Capital funding was utilised through a Capital Grants Scheme with funding of between £10,000 - £25,000 available for successful applicants. 4.4 LAG funding is allocated through a competitive application process. Eligibility to bid is open to any community led project which advances LAG and Scottish Government priorities and supports communities in the designated LAG areas. 26 expressions of interest were received for GRI LAG support and all were invited to submit a full application. 15 applied for the small grants revenue scheme with 8 receiving funding. 11 applied for the capital grants scheme with 6 receiving funding. 4.5 A list of all successful projects is noted at Appendix 1 of this report. Page 20 of 44
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4.6 Unsuccessful applications were rejected for a combination of reasons, including: a lack of detail in applications; unclear targets and outcomes; insufficient beneficiary numbers; doubts on the logistics of the suggested approach and / or ability to deliver in timescales required; lack of necessary permissions; and inadequate risk assessment. 4.7 The late receipt of funding and the requirement for all projects to be completed, invoiced and paid prior to 31 March 2024 did present a number of challenges, in particular for capital submissions. So, not all funding could be allocated at this point. The LAG decided therefore to offer an opportunity for groups to bid for funding to support Community Engagement Projects that advance community development and address Scottish Government’s priority to ‘help families and services through the cost of living crisis’. 4.8 Four community groups successfully bid for funding and delivered a range of local projects.A further list of successful projects in attached at Appendix 2 to this report. 4.9 A total of £185,130 (84.7%) of the potential grant allocation of £218,454 was spent in 2023/24 - an end of year underspend of £33,324 (15.3%). 5. CLLD Delivery 2024 / 25 5.1 Scottish Government has offered an initial tranche of funding of up to £150,347.90 to Renfrewshire Council as the accountable body for the GRI LAG to deliver CLLD programme requirements to 31 March 2025. The grant offer has been accepted by the council. 5.2 The £150, 347 is broken down as £68,550.61(revenue) and £81,797.28 (capital). 5.3 GRI LAG has decided to utilise the allocated funding through delivery of a Revenue Grants Scheme with funding of between £5,000 - £10,000 available for successful applicants. A Capital Grants Scheme is also available with funding of between £10,000 - £25,000 for successful applicants. 5.4 Allocation of funds will continue through a competitive application process. Eligibility to bid is open to any community led or business project which advances LAG and Scottish Government priorities and supports communities in the designated LAG areas. 5.5 GRI LAG members, as well as Council officials from all three local authority areas, are marketing the opportunities and liaising with a range of eligible local groups with a view to maximising expressions of interest, submissions and spend against available funds. Information is also available on the GRI LAG website (www.grilag.com) 6. Future Reporting 6.1 It is proposed that a further update report(s) be provided to Board at a date(s) to be agreed. _________________________________________________________________ Page 21 of 44
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Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional finance is sought. Funding of £150,347.90 has been allocated by Scottish Government for the 2024/25 period. 2. HR & Organisational Development – 2 posts within Economic Development (amount to 0.6 FTE equivalent) are currently financially supported through CLLD Funds. These posts will continue to be partially supported through this new funding allocation. 3. Community/Council Planning – Partnership working is essential to the success of the CLLD Programme. Economic Development colleagues from East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Councils and from the Renfrewshire LEP will be significantly involved in the planning and delivery of programme requirements. 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. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. Climate Risk – None. 13. Children’s Rights – None. 14. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers 23 August 2023 – GRI CLLD Update Report ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Michael Moran, Assistant Economic Development Manager Email: michael.moran@renfrewshire.gov.uk The foregoing background papers will be retained within Chief Executive’s Service For inspection by the public for the prescribed period of four years from the date of the meeting. The contact officer within the service is Michael Moran, Assistant Economic Development Manager – michael.moran@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 22 of 44
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Appendix 1 – Projects supported and grant allocations 2023/24 Small grant revenue projects These were available for projects requiring LAG funding between £2,500 - £5,000. Project Description LAG funding KLAS Care – Linwood Families Together Provision of a free to use warm space, free access to food, period products, school uniforms and charging sockets for phones to the local community. £5,000 Cosgrove Care - Warm Welcome 2023 Family Support Officer To fund a temporary Family Support Officer to provide support to vulnerable families who live in the rural areas of East Renfrewshire and are worried about the cost-of-living crisis. £5,000 Renfrew YMCA – Pathways to Possibilities Project primarily designed to support young people and families who are care experienced and/or have additional support needs during the cost-of-living crisis. It provided a meal for families once a week and an opportunity for young people to play together in a safe and comforting session. £4,920 Blooming Inverkip A community led gardening group seeking to further improve the wellbeing of their community by adapting their outdoor space and creating accessible vegetable borders and raised beds. The produce would then be given back to the community. £5,000 RIG Arts - Community Food Event A community funday in collaboration with Inverclyde Food Network to raise awareness of community growing spaces to help alleviate the cost-of-living crisis through increased access to locally grown, free, fresh produce. £5,000 The Folks Music project – Neilston Sunday Sessions 16 two-hour community traditional music jam sessions in the village of Neilston. Events intergenerational and free and open to all. £3,000 Propagate Scotland – Blether To employ two local people to open and manage a space to enable access to the community fridge and larder. £5,000 Financial Fitness - Financial Support for Rural Inverclyde 5 month’s salary support towards an adviser who aimed to provide outreach financial support to 250 additional Inverclyde residents from rural areas. £5,000 Page 23 of 44
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Capital projects These were available for capital projects requiring LAG funding between £10,000 and £25,000. Project Description LAG funding Friends of Howwood Park - Howwood Park Pavilion Recladding of the external walls of the football pavilion. This funded the final stages of a wider park regeneration and allowed the pavilion to open and provide a valued service to the community. £25,000 Cycling Without Age - Cycling Without Age Scotland Inverclyde Purchase of two trishaws and training of volunteer pilots to take people of all ages, (although mainly elderly Gourock residents), on rides to experience their surroundings in a unique way. £20,000 Lapwing Lodge – Lapwing Lodge Improvements Window replacements at a multi-purpose outward-bound facility important to many communities within the GRI area. Work will reduce building heating costs. £20,000 Bridge of Weir Scouts – A Kitchen to Cook Support to create a fully functioning kitchen to provide the Scouts with many opportunities to participate in training activities, as well as making the venue a viable option for others to use for larger community events. £10,000 Lochwinnoch CDT Water and sewage work, toilets, storage and ground works to rejuvenate a local community facility. Extensive community engagement involved in the development of this project and the many environmental and social improvements it will achieve, and the additional spin off benefits by attracting an increased footfall to the village. £13,460 Parklee Branching Out Funding to ensure the existing Branching Out service remains secure and deliverable by enabling the construction of a safe and accessible bicycle storage facility. £10,000 Page 24 of 44
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Appendix 2 - Community Engagement Projects These were introduced late in the financial year to support projects that advance community development and address a new Scottish Government priority to ‘help families through the cost of living crisis’. Project Description LAG funding Friends of Howwood Park - The Boarding House, Howwood 5 x lunchtime events at the Boarding House in Howwood. The events provided a hot lunch with hot drink for each person attending, and the opportunity for attendees to socialise with one another. Each attendee left with a selection of food supplies to take away, pre-made by the group and consisting of items such as tea bags, breakfast cereal, pasta, soup, beans and biscuits. Beneficiaries were local people, especially elderly people, so as to reduce social isolation. £2,469 Barrhead Housing Association - Totnosh, Neilston 6 cooking on a budget sessions delivered to adults in the Neilston Area. These sessions demonstrated to participants how to make healthy low-cost meals, which they are able to take home and eat. The sessions were delivered by Totnosh, in premises which host a new community food initiative ‘Blether’. Whilst at the sessions, participants would also have access to Blether’s community fridge and larder and had the opportunity to find out more about the initiative, hopefully encouraging participants new to Blether, to use this local community facility. £1,800 Lochwinnoch CDT - The Three Churches, Lochwinnoch 12 sessions (2 x 6 weeks) targeted at 2 groups (a) older and vulnerable people, and (b) young families after school. Provision of a warm space and food, alongside opportunities to socialise, make new connections, do homework, listen to music etc, and find out about other local developments and supports in the community. £1,620 Page 25 of 44
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Project Description LAG funding Inverkip Community Initiative - Inverkip Hub, Inverkip Inverkip Community Initiative hosted 4 x free lunches for the local community, mainly targeting the over 50s age group. The lunches were open to all Inverkip Hub groups and local residents from the Inverkip area. They ran from 12.30pm till 2.30pm. Individuals or groups attended on a drop-in basis, with no bookings required. Inverkip Community Hub set up the main hall tables and chairs with the emphasis on social interaction and provided soup and a sandwich for anyone attending. £2,000 Page 26 of 44
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Launch of Scottish Government’s ‘Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future’ ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report updates Board on the new childminding recruitment and retention programme that the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) will deliver across Scotland, with Renfrewshire in the first wave of areas to benefit. The scheme launched on June 5th 2024, funded through the Scottish Government, and will run for three years. 1.2 The aim is to address the decline in the childminding workforce in recent years. Childminding is a popular and high-quality form of childcare provision and the Scottish Government and SCMA hope to increase the number of childminders by 1,000 across Scotland. 1.3 The report outlines the broad principles of the funding and the proposed approach for Renfrewshire. __________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: Note the content of the report. Note the reporting of progress and impact to the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The number of registered childminders has been in decline over recent years (almost 50% reduction nationally across 10 years). Within Renfrewshire there are currently 29 registered childminders. Item 5 EAR270824 Page 27 of 44
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3.2 Professional childminders care for children from birth to 12 in their own homes. They are registered by the Care Inspectorate, a process which takes three to six months and includes training. 3.3 Childminding can provide a home-from-home experience where children can learn and play in mixed age groups. It can provide families greater flexibility in terms of start and pick-up times which is crucial for those working out-with ‘standard hours’. 3.4 Providing affordable and flexible childcare is a key pillar of the Scottish Governments Child Poverty strategy and Renfrewshire’s Local Child Poverty Action Plan. The economic impact of childcare matters because it helps drive the local economy. When parents can access childcare, they are more likely to access learning and training opportunities and/or enter the workforce and stay employed. 3.5 In response, last year, Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership (RLEP) provided funding of £15,250 to SCMA (via its 2023/24 Employability Grants programme) to deliver a childminding recruitment campaign. The objective being to support residents into self-employment as childminders, whilst providing additional childcare places to enable more parents to access work. 3.6 The grant funding enabled SCMA to facilitate the training and support associated with becoming a childminder and provide grants of up to £1,000 per childminder, helping to cover the associated costs such as home adaptations and resource costs. SCMA ran similar locally developed recruitment campaigns in a limited number of other local authority areas, some part funded by the Scottish Government as pilots. 4. Overview of the new Scottish Government/SCMA programme. 4.1 The Scottish Governments ‘Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future’ which launched on the 5th June 2024, will build on learning from these pilots and will support a wider recruitment programme across Scotland where local authorities choose to participate and match fund. 4.2 In the case of Renfrewshire, where a recruitment programme was already in place, this will allow for an increase in the number of Renfrewshire places on the programme from the current target of 12, with the existing RLEP Employability Grants allocation acting as the match funding required. 4.3 The Scottish Government will now contribute funding to SCMA to cover £750 /head start-up grants alongside the administration costs of managing and delivering this programme. The RLEP Employability Grants funding will now cover the additional £250/head required to ensure the current grant of up to £1,000 in Renfrewshire is maintained. It will also cover the costs of the package of support and training (£325/head), providing everything needed to establish a new childminding business from home. 4.4 Addressing barriers to retention will also be critical to safeguarding the future of the child-minding workforce long-term. In addition to scaling up the recruitment model nationally, SCMA will be piloting a range of further measures via the Programme with a smaller number of councils. Page 28 of 44
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These trials will seek to explore different approaches to supporting childminders with their workloads and professional development, including a mentoring scheme. The location of these pilots is not yet known. 4.5 SCMA will provide regular reports to Renfrewshire LEP throughout delivery of this programme. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional finance is sought. The RLEP Employability Grant paid to SCMA will provide the match funding required for 2024/25 and potentially beyond (dependent on uptake). 2. HR & Organisational Development –no impact. 3. Community/Council Planning –The Renfrewshire LEP will oversee delivery of the programme. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights (a) 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. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. Childrens Rights – None. 13. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable. 14. Climate Risk – Not Applicable. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers None. ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager; Email: ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 29 of 44
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Employability Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides the board with an update on current employability issues including: Final Scottish Government funding awards 2024-25 An overview of the Local Investment Plan for employability, 2024-25 An overview of 2023-24 performance Plans for Renfrewshire Employability Week ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Note the acceptance of Scottish Government grant by the Director of Finance awarded for the 2024/25 period of £2,182,000 under the banner of No-One Left Behind and the plans for the year ahead; (ii) Note the full grant claim against the 2023-24 grant offer and the outcomes achieved; (iii) Note the plans for Employability Week in Renfrewshire. ’ ________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 Employability plays an essential role in delivering both Scottish and local government’s aims of tackling poverty, promoting inclusion and social justice and creating a fair and prosperous Scotland. Item 6 EAR270824 Page 31 of 44
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It is a key component of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET), contributing to delivering the vision for a strong economy where good, secure and well-paid jobs and growing businesses have driven a significant reduction in poverty and, in particular, child poverty. 3.2 Employability has been a key priority for Renfrewshire Council for many years. Securing employment changes lives, creates opportunity and can lift people from poverty. Many individuals face significant challenges and barriers to obtaining and sustaining work and there is a strong demand for employability support. 3.3 Collectively, Scottish and local government aim to build an employability system that tackles inequalities in Scotland’s labour market by creating a more responsive, joined up and aligned employability system that meets the needs of employers and local labour market and helps people of all ages achieve their potential. 3.4 No-One Left Behind promotes a partnership approach to employability at a local level where Scottish and local government are working together with public, private and third sector organisations to identify local needs and deliver a mixed economy of provision. Local Employability Partnerships (LEPs) have been established in every local authority to design and deliver services that meet the needs of people and labour markets in their area. 3.5 Local Authorities manage funding on behalf of the Local Employability Partnership and are responsible for reporting on the use of funding, both in terms of data (in line with the Shared Measurement Framework) and qualitative narrative on delivery (aligned to Service Standards and policy intent). 4. Scottish Government Employability Grant Award 2023-24 4.1 It was previously reported (Economy and Regeneration Policy Board 28th May 2024) that the Council had accepted a partial Scottish Government grant award of £0.546M under the banner of No-One Left Behind and that a further funding allocation for the balance of funds and a separate award through the General Revenue Grant was anticipated in the next 2 months. 4.2 A revised grant offer of £2.182M was sent to Renfrewshire Council, Director of Finance, on 17th June 2024. 4.3 The grant is split into the two separate lines of: (a) All-Age Employability Support and (b) Tackling Child Poverty, on which both activity and spend must be reported separately. The allocations for each part of the overall grant fund are set out in the table below: Grant Commitment: £2,182,000 All‐Age Employability Support £942,000 Tackling Child Poverty (previously Parental Employability Support Fund) £1,240,000 Page 32 of 44
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4.4 Flexibility of up to 15% is provided through the offer letter to ensure maximum utilisation of grant. Up to 15% of the All-Age Employability Support budget can be vired to the Tackling Child Poverty budget or up to 15% of the Tackling Child Poverty budget can be vired to the All-Age Employability Support budget. 4.5 Renfrewshire Council will vire 15% of the child poverty budget to the All Age Employability Support budget to ensure a more proportionate funding split. 4.6 As part of the acceptance of grant the Council are required to submit an Annual Investment Plan which sets out proposals for delivery of services and support in 2024-25. The Annual Investment Plan must take into account identification of local needs as evidenced by local statistical data and input from stakeholders and service users. The Plan should also include information regarding the Councils core internal funding input for employability support, the level of funding received from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and details of any other sources of funding for employability. 4.7 The Investment Plan provides a breakdown of all provision and also the funding and volumes breakdown below: The financial breakdown below relates to all participants (around 1,800), not just those supported by Scottish Government funding. NO ONE LEFT BEHIND ‐ VOLUME PROFILES ‐ 2024/25 (SG Funding Only) Local Authority ‐ The table below records how many individual participants will access NOLB services each quarter. Input required in white cells ONLY please TARGET GROUP Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS All Age Employability ‐ Excluding Parents 250 250 250 250 1000 Tackling Child Poverty ‐ Parents 75 75 75 75 300 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 325 325 325 325 1300 Renfrewshire Budget Lines Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL All Age Employability (SG funding) £200,000 £200,000 £242,000 £300,000 £942,000 All Age Employability (LG Core) £250,000 £250,000 £250,000 £250,000 £1,000,000 All Age Employability (UK SPF) £300,000 £300,000 £300,000 £300,000 £1,200,000 All Age Employability (Other) £75,000 £75,000 £150,000 All Age Employability Total £825,000 £750,000 £867,000 £850,000 £3,292,000 Tackling Child Poverty (SG Funding) £300,000 £300,000 £300,000 £340,000 £1,240,000 Tackling Child Poverty (LG Core) £0 Tackling Child Poverty (UK SPF) £0 Tackling Child Poverty (Other) £50,000 £50,000 £50,000 £50,000 £200,000 Tackling Child Poverty Total £350,000 £350,000 £350,000 £390,000 £1,440,000 Total Funding (SG Funding) £500,000 £500,000 £542,000 £640,000 £2,182,000 Total Funding (LG Core) £250,000 £250,000 £250,000 £250,000 £1,000,000 Total Funding (UK SPF) £300,000 £300,000 £300,000 £300,000 £1,200,000 Total Funding (Other) £125,000 £50,000 £125,000 £50,000 £350,000 Employability Funding Total £1,175,000 £1,100,000 £1,217,000 £1,240,000 £4,732,000 Page 33 of 44
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5. 2023-24 Performance 5.1 Renfrewshire Council claimed 100% of the £2.1M 2023-24 Scottish Government grant Award for Employability. 5.2 Overall 2,079 people received employability support through the Employability Service of which 1,813 were supported in some way through NOLB funds. 1,188 (of the 1,813) were new to the service during 2023-24 with around 400 people joining in 22-23 and still receiving support and another 200 or so who had re- engaged from previous years. The 1,813 people break down as follows: Male Female Other Prefer not to Say TOTAL 1137 668 4 4 1813 Age 16‐24 Age 25‐67 TOTAL 756 1057 1813 5.3 During 2023-24 588 people moved into employment with the support of employability services of which 387 were supported through NOLB. Of the 387 the breakdown is as follows: Male Female Other Prefer not to Say TOTAL 214 173 0 0 387 Age 16‐24 Age 25‐67 TOTAL 119 268 387 5.4 During 2023-24, 352 NOLB supported people secured qualifications through the employability service, this is broken down as follows: Accredited Training qualification achieved and Level Totals % No. Achieved 352 100% Not recorded 8 2% SCQF Level 1-4 (Access 1,2,3,4/National 1,2,3,4/Skills for Work/Intermediate 1,/General Standard Grade - SVQ1 - ISCED Level 2) 186 53% SCQF Level 4 (National 4/Intermediate 1/General Standard Grade - SVQ1 - ISCED Level 2) 86 24% SCQF Level 5 - National 5/Intermediate 2/Credit Standard Grade - SVQ2 - ISCED Level 3) 30 9% SCQF Level 6 (Higher - SVQ3 - ISCED Level 3) 5 1% SCQF Level 7 - Advanced Higher - ISCED Level 3) 1 0% 8 0 0% TOTAL 352 100% Page 34 of 44
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6. Renfrewshire Employability Week 6.1 Renfrewshire Employability Week is a Local Employability Partnership initiative running from 2-6th September 2024 which aims to raise the profile of local employability services and to promote local awareness of current and future job opportunities and skill requirements across all sections of the community. 6.2 The week will involve offering a range of key events, conferences, information sessions, employer visits, sectoral awareness sessions and open-door workshops to anyone interested in local employment. 6.3 Renfrewshire Council and partner agencies and local businesses will organise, or be involved, in activities throughout the week that will appeal to any employability group - school pupils, young people and their parents, particular target groups, or just people of any age and from any part of the community. Some events are aimed also at those looking to change career. Activities provide an insight into local service and opportunities, or career paths within local organisations / employers, or raise awareness of a particular job sector and the range of jobs within. 6.4 While the week of activities is not yet finalised (at time of submitting this report) the event plan will be shared with members at the Board meeting. If successful it is intended to become an annual event. Implications of the Report 1. Financial -the report provides information on Scottish Government employability funding for the current financial year and reports a full 100% claim on the previous year grant award. 2. HR & Organisational Development – employability funding supports a range of council posts and these are secured again until end March 2025. HR have been consulted / informed. 3. Community/Council Planning – Our Renfrewshire is thriving – 588 people were supported into work last year through participating in employability services. Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – employability plays a major role in the local economy, supporting people to get into work. Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all – NOLB specifically ensures that those most disadvantaged are not left behind. Working together to improve outcomes – the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership is an excellent example of joint working amongst local partners with the aim of improving outcomes and opportunities. Page 35 of 44
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4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights - (a) 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 because it is for noting only. 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. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Childrens Rights – None. 13. Cosla Policy Position – Not applicable. 14. Climate Risk – Not applicable. _________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers Economy and Regeneration Board, 28th May 2024, Scottish Government Employability Grant Award 2024-25 ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager, ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 36 of 44
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive and City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Update on AMIDS and AMIDS South Projects ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 In May 2023 the Council approved the appointment of the Development Partner, Tarras Park Properties Limited (TPPL) to form a joint venture partnership with Renfrewshire Council and to progress the Council’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) to the next stage. 1.2 Progress is being made by TPPL to attract interest from suitable advanced manufacturing facilities and occupiers, supporting the Council’s ambitious vision to deliver long term economic growth and high quality jobs. 1.3 The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland South (AMIDS South) project comprises a new transport link from Paisley town centre to AMIDS and Glasgow Airport, together with a new link from Shortroods to Renfrew Road, crossing the White Cart via a new bridge. The Project includes cycling, walking and vehicle infrastructure as well as sustainable drainage and landscape works. The Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland South (AMIDS South) was approved on 16th June 2021. 1.4 Design activities are completed and the procurement exercise to appoint a contractor is underway. 1.5 This report provides an update on progress made to date with AMIDS and AMIDS South Projects ___________________________________________________________________ Item 7 EAR270824 Page 37 of 44
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2. Recommendations 2.1 To note the progress of AMIDS towards establishing a world class advanced manufacturing cluster delivering long term economic benefits to Renfrewshire. 2.2 To note the progress with AMIDS South Project. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The foundations of the AMIDS vision commenced back in 2014 when the Glasgow City Region City Deal Infrastructure Fund enabled the Council to progress the Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project which provided the enabling infrastructure for the AMIDS Netherton Campus. 3.2 The GAIA Business Case noted the City Deal benefits anticipated. AMIDS will capitalise on the advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise that exists across multiple technologies in both industry and academia in Renfrewshire and Scotland and will further strengthen that capability to create competitive advantage for existing and new companies to remain globally competitive, and drive inclusive, sustainable growth in the Scottish economy. The development of AMIDS has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in Renfrewshire, if managed well and with active support and cooperation of all partners. 3.3 Throughout the development and delivery of the AMIDS the Council has had advice and support from our partners on the AMIDS Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) which includes senior representatives from the Council, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, SDS, NMIS, MMIC, Strathclyde University and West College Scotland. These representatives have collaborated to determine the potential target innovation sectors and organisations to locate at AMIDS and ensure Renfrewshire residents and businesses are given maximum opportunity for skills development and long-term high quality, sustainable employment. 3.4 The limited liability partnership agreement between TTPL and Renfrewshire Council was formally concluded in August 2023 under the name AMIDS (Renfrewshire) LLP. The partnership with TTPL has brought specialist expertise in property marketing and development to deliver the AMIDS project objectives with the 50:50 constitution of the LLP board allowing the Council to appropriately and directly influence the project outcomes. 3.5 The AMIDS South project will provide a 1.7km ‘gateway route’ along the White Cart River with a network of road, cycling and walking links from the town centre train station and bus interchange to Glasgow Airport, AMIDS and onto Inchinnan. The project includes landscaping as well as a new bridge crossing around Paisley Harbour for pedestrians, cyclists and road traffic. AMIDS South is a high- impact local transport scheme which will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, cut congestion, support economic growth and improve the experience of transport users. Page 38 of 44
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3.6 Economic analysis demonstrates the project could bolster the local economy by an additional £136 million, cut carbon emissions by 21,700 tonnes and help existing and new companies to grow creating new job opportunities for years to come. 3.7 A new east-west road linking Renfrew Road to the new Gateway route is also included and will increase connectivity to and from the new manufacturing district and improve accessibility to the proposed new Paisley Grammar community campus, West College Scotland and the Gallowhill area. An extension to the new Renfrew – Paisley active travel route into the Gallowhill catchment area will provide a new safe active travel route to the education facilities. The funding also enables improved walking and cycling on Greenock Road between Inchinnan Business Park and AMIDS, which has already been delivered. 4. Update on Progress at AMIDS 4.1 The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland’s flagship facility opened at AMIDS in June 2023, and acts as a magnet to support advanced manufacturing, engineering and associated technology businesses of all sizes. Innovative R&D will help them to become more productive, tap into emerging markets, embrace new technologies and achieve net-zero targets. The NMIS building accommodates the NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy, Digital Factory, and publicly accessible collaboration hub. 4.2 Adjacent to NMIS the Medicine Manufacturing Innovation Centre is bringing world leading science and technology expertise to help accelerate state of the art solutions to challenges in medicines development and manufacturing. An extension to the facility will create the Oligonucleotides Manufacturing Innovation Centre of Excellence (OMICE). Construction works are programmed to commence on site in October 2024. 4.3 The joint venture between TPPL and Renfrewshire Council has now completed is first year of partnership. Good progress is being made with strong interest from potential suitable occupiers to locate at AMIDS. There are twelve ongoing enquiries at different stages of development with significant work being undertaken to engage with potential occupiers and develop projects. Most enquiries are subject to non-disclosure agreements but from organisations in sectors fitting the AMIDS criteria, including life sciences, green energy, space and aviation. A team of design consultants have been appointed with four interested organisations progressing preliminary design works to inform their decisions on location and costs with encouraging progress towards the release of the first site. 4.4 TPPL as Development Partner are also progressing the development of Tech Terrace with the design team. Tech Terrace will comprise of units ranging from 200 – 3,200 sqm providing much needed speculative space for spin out organisations and those looking to scale up in a supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. Designs are being finalised to allow a submission for planning permission in September 2024. Page 39 of 44
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4.5 In the promotion of AMIDS, TPPL have attended conferences and events in the Glasgow area, wider in Scotland and the UK. Marketing strategies have included a successful agents event held at NMIS in June 2024 for Glasgow and Edinburgh property agents. Marketing brochures have now been produced and are in circulation with a Linkedin strategy is being developed. The AMIDS website is operational at www.amids.co.uk . 4.6 The Team are hopeful that AMIDS will benefit from the GCR Investment Zone though announcements on this are now not expected until the UKG Autumn Statement in October. 4.7 Other progress incudes work by Skills Development Scotland who are undertaking qualitative research into skills shortages. Survey work includes carrying out interviews with businesses in the wider AMIDS area with a report of findings to be completed by October 2024. 5. Update on Progress at AMIDS South 5.1 A Planning Application was submitted to Renfrewshire Council in May 2022 and consent was granted at the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board meeting on 24th January 2023. 5.2 The alignment for the Project runs north from Weir Street along Abercorn St, Harbour Road, across the White Cart Water (just south of Paisley Harbour), linking to Inchinnan Road at the northern end of the Project. A new bridge will be constructed across the White Cart Water (the White Cart Crossing). 5.3 The alignment of the Project and location of the bridge was driven by a detailed multistage options appraisal. This process considered options for delivering the targeted outcomes, potential corridors and then specific alignments to ensure the Project specific objectives were delivered. This appraisal process was further assessed during the stakeholder and public consultation process. 5.4 The planned Project alignment performed best in terms of being considered most suitable for delivery of the targeted benefits, promoting potential for growth of existing businesses, development potential, accommodating the revised traffic flows in the area and minimising impact on existing residential areas. 5.5 A detailed transport modelling exercise has been undertaken to assess and report on the predicted impact of the Project on future traffic flows and was included in the planning application. 5.6 The detailed design has been finished and the procurement exercise to appoint a contractor is underway, which will enable the completion and submission of the Full Business Case (FBC) in early 2025. 5.7 A Compulsory Purchase Order has been applied for and one objection was received. Page 40 of 44
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A Public Local Inquiry will take place at the end of August and the Reporter will thereafter make a decision on whether the Council can proceed with the Order or otherwise. Successful completion of the Project is dependent on the Order being confirmed. 5.8 A two-stage procurement process in underway. Stage 1 has been completed and Stage 2 will commence in August 2024 with the completion date expected to be March 2025. 5.9 Construction work is scheduled to start during the summer 2025 with an expected construction period of 30 months. __________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial - The Council’s financial contribution to the AMIDS (Renfrewshire) LLP for Phase 1 is zero (£0) in monetary terms. The Council’s investment in the LLP is by way of non-cash capital investment of the AMID Land subject to business case agreement by the LLP Board. Financial outlay to progress future development will be returned out of future profits generated through the LLP. Subject to the Council not defaulting on any contractual obligations through the LLP, financial risk rests with the Development Partner 2. HR & Organisational Development -Two officers of Renfrewshire Council are continuing to serve the LLP board 3. Community/Council Planning – Our Renfrewshire is thriving – This project will provide properties for advanced manufacturing employers to locate. This will facilitate business growth and improve skills development for people within the local communities. The projects align with and aid the outcomes of the Renfrewshire Economic Strategy 2020 -2030 and the Renfrewshire Economic Recovery Plan Our Renfrewshire is well - Increased employment opportunities will aid health and social outcomes within Renfrewshire. Reshaping our place, our economy and our future - The progression of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District directly aligns with the council’s policies and ambitions. During the project construction period jobs will be created and existing jobs supported. The new occupiers of buildings created will result in additional employment within Renfrewshire, which will be accessible by people in our communities Page 41 of 44
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Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all - The location of AMIDS, adjacent to residential communities and the infrastructure and active travel links to education and skills development centres will ensure our less advantaged communities are able to access the opportunities provided Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy - The design ethos adopted at AMIDS is one which relies on sustainable transport, active travel, includes a District Heating Network and all property designs will align with the Councils net Zero Carbon target Working together to improve outcomes - Officers are working closely with local communities, neighbouring councils, private sector organisations, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and other partners to ensure the maximisation of positive outcomes from the AMIDS and AMIDS south projects 4. Legal – No legal implications as report is for noting only. 5. Property/Assets - The land area included in the LLP Agreement will be drawn down in parcels. Once the land is made available to the LLP, the Council will retain some control over the land through a 150 year ground lease. Renfrewshire Council will only make available to the LLP land parcels upon agreement by the LLP of a business plan for each development. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights (a) 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 because for example it is for noting only. 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 - Tarras Park Properties Limited health and safety credentials were evaluated by Corporate Health and Safety and met the Council’s minimum requirements regarding health and safety. 9. Procurement – Ongoing procurement process will continue to ensure that the Council meets its statutory requirements in respect of procurement procedures, efficiency and modern Government. 10. Risk - Project and Programme level risk registers have been established for the project. These are kept under regular review and reported to the Council’s internal City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Board. Page 42 of 44
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The Council is not contractually obliged to provide any capital to funding the LLP other than the land injection in parcels as outlined in this report. In the event of a default or winding up situation affecting the LLP situation the Council would have the option to purchase the interests of the LLP, independently valued at Fair Value. 11. Privacy Impact - No Privacy Impact implications have been identified or are anticipated. 12. Climate Risk - The level of impact associated with the AMIDS Development has been assessed using the Scottish Government Sustainability Test and is considered High Risk. The Development Partner is required to develop a Carbon Reduction Plan under the PDSC and confirmed that all Contractors, Designers etc appointed by the LLP will have suitable ISO 14001 or equivalent Environment Management System accreditations. 13. COSLA Policy Position – None. 14. Children’s Rights – Not applicable. _______________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) Appointment of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland Development – Full Council, 4 May 2023 (b) City Deal and AMIDS Projects Update report, Leadership Board, November 2022 (c) Renfrewshire’s City Deal Projects – Final Delivery Phase report, Leadership Board, February 2021 ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Barbara Walker, City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director; Email Barbara.walker@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 43 of 44
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