Agenda Document Pack - Economy and Regeneration Policy Board - 20/05/2025
Renfrewshire Council · 20 May 2025
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 20 May 2025 and its agenda
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13/05/2025 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Economy and Regeneration Policy Board Date Time Venue Tuesday, 20 May 2025 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: 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. 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 MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance
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13/05/2025 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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13/05/2025 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 Scottish Government Employability Grant Award 2025/26 Report by Chief Executive. 1 - 4 2 Renfrewshire Economy Conference 2025 Report by Chief Executive. 5 - 8 3 Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill Report by Chief Executive. 9 - 14 4 Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Grant Award 2025/26 Report by Chief Executive. 15 - 18 5 Modern Apprenticeship Programme Contract Award 2025/26 Report by Chief Executive. 19 - 24 6 Cornerstones Project, Lochwinnoch Report by Chief Executive. 25 - 30 7 Investment criteria for Renfrewshire Town Centre Regeneration Fund Report by Chief Executive. 31 - 36
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 May 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Scottish Government Employability Grant Award 2025-26 1. Summary 1.1 This report updates Board on the most recent funding allocation from the Scottish Government for employability support in Renfrewshire for the 2025- 26 period. 1.2 A grant award to local authorities is provided under the banner of No-One Left Behind (NOLB) to support all-age employability services and to specifically support disabled people into work and to tackle child poverty. 1.3 Renfrewshire Council is accountable for the resources which are directed and managed through the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 Board members are asked to: (i) Note the acceptance of Scottish Government grant by the Director of Finance awarded for the 2025-26 period for a total of £2,566,526 under the banner of No-One Left Behind. ________________________________________________________________ 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. It is a key component of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET), contributing to Item 1 EAR200525 Page 1 of 36
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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 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. 3.3 Many individuals face significant challenges and barriers to obtaining and sustaining work: This includes disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, lone parents, homeless people and those from minority ethnic groups. Barriers are also likely to exist and needing to be overcome for young care leavers, ‘new Scots’ / refugees and those in the justice system, meaning there is still a strong demand for employability support. 3.4 No One Left Behind promotes a strengthened partnership approach 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. 3.5 Local authorities act as lead accountable bodies for funding, with funding being used by Local Employability Partnerships (LEPs) to design and deliver services that meet the needs of people and labour markets in their area. ________________________________________________________________ 4. Employability Award 2025-26 4.1 For the fiscal year 2025–26, the Scottish Government has allocated £104.5 million to employability programs, reflecting an increase from £100.2 million in the previous year. 4.2 The main part of this funding supports "No One Left Behind", a collaborative approach between the Scottish Government and local authorities aimed at providing all-age, person-centred employability support. 4.3 A total budget of £2,566,525 has been allocated for Renfrewshire. The grant is split into the three separate lines. Activity and spend for each must be reported separately. The allocations for each part of the overall grant fund are set out in the table below: (a) All-Age Employability Support (b) Tackling Child Poverty (supporting parental employment) and (c) Specialist Employability Support (for those with a disability or health condition) Page 2 of 36
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Grant Commitment All-Age Employability Support £1,162,681 Tackling Child Poverty £1,229,771 Specialist Employability Support £174,073 TOTAL £2,566,525 4.4 It is the responsibility of the Grantee (Renfrewshire Council) to ensure that the grant is utilised to deliver the policy and delivery priorities set out in the Grant Offer Letter, and that decisions on the allocation of funding are discussed with the Local Employability Partnership and take into account wider employability investment that exists in the area. 4.5 The Council, on behalf of the Renfrewshire LEP, will submit an Annual Investment Plan (AIP) which sets out proposals for delivery of services and support in 2025-26. The Annual Investment Plan (AIP) 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 all 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. 4.6 The Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership works collaboratively with stakeholders and service users to identify and commission employability support to meet service users' needs and emerging labour market demands. The commissioning process in Renfrewshire was completed in March 2025 for the April 25 to March 26 period and will be highlighted in the AIP. ________________________________________________________________ 5. Conclusion 5.1 A further report to Board will outline the Annual Investment Plan for employability for the year ahead (full funding and targets) and will report on the final outputs and outcomes for the past year. This is currently being prepared. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No immediate implications for Renfrewshire. The grant award is accounted for in current plans for the delivery of employability services. 2. HR & Organisational Development – N/A the grant continues the employment of a number of employability staff at the council. Page 3 of 36
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3. Community/Council Planning – the funding award comes through Renfrewshire Council for decision by the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership, a group reporting to the CPP. All partners on the LEP have been kept up to date on funding delays and are happy with the plans in place. 4. Legal – N/A 5. Property/Assets- N/A 6. Information Technology – N/A 7. Equality & Human Rights- N/A 8. Health & Safety- N/A 9. Procurement – N/A 10. Risk- N/A 11. Privacy Impact- N/A 12. Climate Risk – None 13. Children’s Rights - None 14. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable. ___________________________________________________________________ For more information contact: Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 4 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 May 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Renfrewshire Economy Conference 2025 1. Summary 1.1 Following the success of last year’s event, this report informs and invites Board members to the Renfrewshire Economy Conference 2025 to be held in Paisley Town Hall on the morning of Wednesday 18th June. 1.2 The conference is being organised by Renfrewshire Council Economic Development in association with the Renfrewshire Business Support Partnership and Renfrewshire Employability Partnership. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 Board members are asked to: (i) Note the report and invitation to attend the Conference ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 Following the success of, and feedback from, last year’s inaugural Renfrewshire Economy Conference Board members are invited to attend the 2025 conference to be held in the Paisley Town Hall on the morning of Wednesday 18th June. Board members will receive an invite to the conference separately by email from the Council’s Economic Development Manager. 3.2 The conference is aimed at those involved in economic, business and skills development in Renfrewshire from the public sector, local economic agencies, further and higher education, local businesses, and social enterprises and serves as a collaborative platform to align efforts and priorities for local economic development in the years ahead. Item 2 EAR200525 Page 5 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ 4. Renfrewshire Economy Conference 2025 4.1 The 2025 conference will, once again, consider Renfrewshire’s economy and the key economic factors for sustainable growth. A key feature this year will be the mid-term review of the Renfrewshire Economic Strategy (2020-2030) and the opportunity to enable group discussion around some of the main themes. 4.2 The event will provide an overview of the national, regional and Renfrewshire economy; the current challenges and opportunities; and the key agendas for the next 5 years. A range of speakers will present on key economic drivers and attendees will be asked to respond to key questions and to share experiences that will shape the next phase of work across Renfrewshire. 4.3 The aim of the conference is to set a shared vision for economic growth that reflects local strengths, opportunities, and priorities and to align public, private, and community sectors around common goals. It offers a great opportunity to meet like minded colleagues from other agencies and businesses and to share ideas and current priorities. 4.4 Feedback from last year’s conference was very positive and the event aims to be an annual focal point for local economy discussions, updates and actions involving all key partners and including the involvement of local businesses. It will encourage greater networking and collaboration and aims to influence the direction joint economic responses to key local agendas. 4.5 At the time of writing this report the final agenda has not get been published but information will be sent to Board members as soon as it is ready. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Conclusion 5.1 It is hoped that Board members will be interested in, and available to attend the conference and that the event forms a key element of joint and integrated working across Renfrewshire in the future. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No implications. Budgets for the event are available and planned for within existing approved Economic Development budgets. . 2. HR & Organisational Development – N/A 3. Community/Council Planning – the new Renfrewshire Business Support Partnership will report progress to the CPP. 4. Legal – N/A Page 6 of 36
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5. Property/Assets- N/A 6. Information Technology – N/A 7. Equality & Human Rights- N/A 8. Health & Safety- N/A 9. Procurement – N/A 10. Risk- N/A 11. Privacy Impact- N/A 12. Climate Risk – None 13. Children’s Rights - None 14. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers “Renfrewshire Economy Conference”, Economy and Regeneration Board, 28 May 2024 For more information contact: Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 7 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 May 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill 1. Summary 1.1 The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill was published on 20th March 2025. It is at stage 1 of the three stage process and is anticipated to become an Act in spring 2026. 1.2 This paper provides a brief overview of the Bill and sets out the duties for specified public bodies, including local authorities. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 Board members are asked to: • Note the introduction of the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill and the future actions required by Renfrewshire Council. • Note that further updates on the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill and Council actions will be reported to a future meeting of the Board. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1. The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 20th March 2025 and the full documentation can be found on this link: Item 3 EAR200525 Page 9 of 36
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https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/community-wealth-building- scotland-bill 3.2. The lead Parliamentary Committee for the Community Wealth Building (CWB) Bill is the Economy and Fair Work Committee which is now running a call for views (until 23rd May 2025) to help inform its examination of the Bill. Council Officers have already responded positively to this call and will update the response if there are further comments from the board. 3.3. The Bill provisions are part of the Scottish Governments’ Programme for Government 2024–25 legislative commitments to ensure consistent implementation of the CWB model of economic development across Scotland. 3.4. CWB is both a policy approach and practical model of economic development. It is designed to tackle long-standing economic challenges and transform local and regional economies by considering the ways in which the public sector, in partnership with the private, third and community sectors, can ensure more wealth is generated, circulated and retained in communities and localities. 3.5. At its core, CWB seeks to rebalance wealth inequality by focusing on practical actions that can be taken across five key priority areas: local ownership, local finance and investment, local employment, local purchasing and locally owned land and assets. 3.6. The Scottish Government has been working with local authorities and other partners to build capacity to help drive forward the implementation of CWB at the local and regional level. In partnership with the Improvement Service it has established a CWB Practitioners Network to aid consistency and practice sharing. 3.7. To support the development of legislation, the Scottish Government has also established a CWB Bill Steering Group to provide oversight as legislative proposals have been developed. The Group is chaired by the Minister for Employment and Investment and brings together key stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors. The Group played a pivotal role in the consultation process for developing the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill. ___________________________________________________________________ 4. Overview of the Bill 4.1. The duties in the Bill seek to ensure universal implementation of the CWB economic development approach across Scotland whilst allowing for local, regional, and organisational flexibility in line with the Place Principle. 4.2. Scottish ministers have a duty to publish a Community Wealth Building statement within 18 months of the Bill coming in to force. This statement must be reviewed within a period of 5 years and every 5 years thereafter. 4.3. To align with the pillars of CWB, the CWB statement will set out measures to: Page 10 of 36
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a. use public procurement to facilitate or support such generation, circulation and retention, b. promote i. employment opportunity, ii. workforce development, iii. equality in the workplace c. diversify ownership of land or other assets by facilitating or supporting community ownership, d. bring vacant and derelict land back into use in a way that provides financial, social or environmental benefit to the community, e. encourage local business start-ups or entrepreneurship, f. promote or support the development of employee-owned businesses, co-operatives or social enterprises, g. such other measures as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate. 4.4. Local authorities and relevant public bodies (to include Territorial Health Boards, Regional Colleges, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and Regional Transport Partnerships) are to work together as a “community wealth building partnership.” • CWB partnerships will have a duty to prepare a CWB action plan for the area of the local authority within the period of 3 years beginning with the day on which the Bill comes into force. • The CWB partnership must keep their CWB action plan under review and may revise it as they consider appropriate however, the CWB action plan must be reviewed within the period of 5 years beginning with the day on which the plan was last published. • The CWB partners must, so far as reasonably practicable, implement the measures set out in the plan in the area of the local authority during the period to which the CWB action plan relates. The core policy intention of the CWB action plan is to provide a means for these organisations to collaborate on joint actions, supported by their combined spending ability and broader powers. • Each local authority must publish the CWB action plan agreed with the CWB partnership. 4.5. Economic Development is not a statutory function of local authorities (although local authorities recognise their role in economic development as being an important aspect of their work to provide services that support economic growth and skills development) and so an element of funding will be provided to cover the anticipated costs to local authorities to discharge their duties under the CWB Bill. ___________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 36
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5. Next Steps for Renfrewshire Council 5.1. An introductory paper was presented to the March 2025 meeting of this Board in anticipation of the Bill being published. The actions in that paper align well with the current Bill and so the next steps for Renfrewshire Council will be: • consult with partners specified in the Bill (Territorial Health Boards, Regional Colleges, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and Regional Transport Partnerships) along with other local partners from the public, private and third sector in Renfrewshire on the principles f CWB and requirement to establish a Renfrewshire Community Wealth Building Partnership • deliver a CWB workshop for elected members (as previously requested) to explore the opportunities that CWB presents for Renfrewshire. The workshop will be scheduled for early autumn 2025. • Develop a Community Wealth Building Conference around autumn 2025 to bring together local partners, community organisations and businesses who can contribute to CWB in Renfrewshire. The conference will provide opportunity to discuss the key themes and agendas of CWB will encourage greater networking and collaboration to promote local partnership working. • Establish a future CWB partnership group and governance structure to agree, implement and deliver a CWB action plan for Renfrewshire. • Identify specific key actions for Renfrewshire Council. 5.2. Further information to elected members and reports to board will be brought forward as required. __________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – The Bill identifies that some funding will be made available to support the new intentions, and work related to, Community Wealth Building. 2. HR & Organisational Development – There are no implications 3. Community/Council Planning – CWB is mentioned across the current council plan, procurement strategy and community learning and development plan. 4. Legal- The council will have an obligation to publish a CWB action plan within the period of 3 years beginning with the day on which the Bill comes into force. Page 12 of 36
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5. Property/Assets- There are no new implications however, land and assets are a key theme of CWB with a particular focus on community asset transfer and the inclusion of a CWB provision within the National Planning Framework (NPF4) published in 2024. 6. Information Technology – There are no implications 7. Equality & Human Rights- There are no implications 8. Health & Safety- There are no implications 9. Procurement - There are no new implications however, procurement and the tracking of the public pound and local spend are a key focus of the spending pillar of CWB. 10. Risk- There are no implications 11. Privacy Impact- There are no implications 12. COSLA Policy Position- COSLA strongly supports the concept of Community Wealth Building (CWB), advocating for its implementation across Scotland through legislation and collaborative efforts with local authorities, businesses, third sector organisations, and communities to ensure wealth generated within communities is redistributed and benefits local residents; essentially seeing local government as a key "anchor institution" to drive CWB initiatives. 13. Climate Risk - There are no implications 14. Children’s Rights - There are no implications ________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers • “Community Wealth Building in Renfrewshire”; Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 25th March 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Authors:: Morag Doig, Community Wealth Building Coordinator, Renfrewshire Council email: morag.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager, Renfrewshire Council Email: ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 13 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 May 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Grant Award 2025-26 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an update on the 2025-26 offer of grant from Scottish Government to allow delivery of the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (GRI) Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: a) Note the grant offer from Scottish Government to award £175,086.63 to the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area for the delivery of the Community Led Local Development programme for 2025/26. b) Agree that Renfrewshire Council continues to act as Lead Partner and Accountable Body for the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area for this programme. c) Agree to the continuation of delegated authority to Head of Economy and Development for the delivery of programme requirements. 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 Item 4 EAR200525 Page 15 of 36
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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 for the programme 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 all represented on the Local Action Group. _________________________________________________________________ 4. CLLD Delivery 2025 / 26 4.1 Scottish Government has confirmed an initial tranche of funding of up to £175,086.63 has been allocated to GRI LAG to deliver CLLD programme requirements to 31 March 2026. 4.2 This includes an allocation of £100,000 (revenue) and £75,086.63 (capital). 4.3 Should Board agree that Renfrewshire Council continues to act as Lead Partner and Accountable Body for the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area then a meeting of the GRI LAG will be convened to agree how the allocated funding will be best utilised. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Future Reporting 5.1 It is proposed that a further update report(s) be provided to a future Board to update on progress with the programme’s delivery. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional finance is sought. Funding of £175,086.63 has been allocated by Scottish Government for the 2024/25 period. 2. HR & Organisational Development – 2 posts within Economic Development (amounting to 0.6 FTE posts in total) are currently financially supported through CLLD funding. 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. Page 16 of 36
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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 Reports to Economy and Regeneration Board on CLLD programme • 23 August 2023; • 27 August 2024; • 21 January 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ 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 17 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 May 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Modern Apprenticeship Programme Contract Award 2025-26 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 Renfrewshire Council’s Modern Apprenticeship Programme has been successfully delivered for a number of years. 1.2 The Programme supports approximately 80 apprentices at any given time, with around 30 new opportunities available to Renfrewshire residents each year. 1.3 Our programme outcomes regularly exceed national targets, compare well to other providers and have been shown to positively support under-represented individuals and groups. 1.4 This report updates on progress for 2024 / 25 and confirms the contract award for continued delivery of the programme into 2025 / 26. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: a) Note the content of this report and continuation of the Modern Apprenticeship contract from Skills Development Scotland into 2025/26. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1. Renfrewshire Council’s Modern Apprenticeship Programme (MAP) has been in place for around 20 years and in that time has supported over 800 Renfrewshire residents into employment. Item 5 EAR200525 Page 19 of 36
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3.2. Modern Apprenticeships (MA) mainly support young people aged 16 – 24 into employment. However, increasingly opportunities are being made available to applicants of all ages, with particular support offered to those applicants who are disabled or care experienced. 3.3. Modern Apprentices gain paid work experience and a qualification related to their particular occupational requirements. They will have an Individual Training Plan and complete an appropriate vocational qualification at either, SCQF Level 5, 6 or 7. 3.4. The Council has qualified staff who assess and verify a range of qualifications in the areas of Business and Administration and Social Services for a number of apprentices. Whilst other apprentices will attend at a local Further Education College to achieve their required qualification, for example in areas such as construction. __________________________________________________________________ 4. Modern Apprenticeship Programme Delivery 4.1. Renfrewshire Council is contracted as a Learning Provider to deliver modern apprenticeships through a procurement process, which is led by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) on behalf of Scottish Government. 4.2. During 2024 / 25 we recruited 42 new apprentices across a range of frameworks including Business and Administration, Social Services (Children and Young People), Construction (a range of trades) and Horticulture. This included recruitment of Housing (2) and Regulatory Services (2) apprentices for the first time, as well as supporting a small number of local businesses to recruit new apprentices. 4.3. The number of opportunities and range of roles available each year can change based on service requirements. Recruitment for these opportunities is restricted to Renfrewshire residents. 4.4. It can take between 12 and 48 months for an apprentice to achieve all requirements depending on the framework undertaken. 4.5. Each year the Council provide a full range of support to around 80 apprentices, with approximately 70% being employed by the Council and 30% with local businesses. 4.6. SDS recently advised our 2025/26 contract will be renewed and we have initially been awarded up to 27 new opportunities in the following areas: o Business and Administration (9 apprenticeships) o Social Services (Children and Young People) (4 apprenticeships) o Construction (Trades) (8 apprenticeships) o Horticulture (3 apprenticeships) o Motor Vehicle Mechanics (1 apprenticeship) o Housing (1 apprenticeship) o Youth Work (1 apprenticeship) Page 20 of 36
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4.7. We regularly discuss with service colleagues how we might add to the range of opportunities available, wherever possible. During 2025/26 we will offer a new apprenticeship opportunity in Youth Work. __________________________________________________________________ 5. Programme Outcomes 5.1. The main objective of our MAP is to ensure that apprentices complete all MA requirements and progress into a permanent job role. This is referred to by SDS as an Achievement. The Council’s MAP has for many years consistently received Achievement rates which are higher than national target of 70% - 75% (depending on framework). 5.2. However, our overall achievement rate for 2024 / 25 did reduce to 67% (30 Leavers / 20 Achievers). This was due to a much higher number of apprentices (10) than is usual leaving their apprenticeship early. 5.3. A review of this has already taken place which identified a variety of reasons for early leavers including: Moving to new employer, taking up university positions and health reasons. Changes have already been made within the team which aims to reduce the number of early leavers over the coming financial year and beyond. 5.4. The vast majority of successful Modern Apprentices sustain their employment for many years, with many progressing onto further promoted posts and building excellent careers, both with the Council and with other local employers. There are many excellent examples within Renfrewshire Council of colleagues who began their careers as Modern Apprentices now working very successfully in supervisory and management roles. __________________________________________________________________ 6. Equality and Inclusion 6.1. Learning Providers are also required to ensure that our programme delivery supports those who are under-represented to access modern apprenticeship opportunities. We must report on our gender profile, as there is often a gender imbalance with young women negatively impacted in general regards access to modern apprenticeships. They are also particularly negatively impacted within some frameworks, which are viewed as being traditional male industries. 6.2. We are also required to report on the number of MAs we support who have a disability, are care experienced or who are from ethnically diverse communities, as these groups are often under-represented across Modern Apprenticeship starts. 6.3. The Council take this requirement very seriously and strive to ensure our programme is reflective of our local communities. We therefore take steps to engage, wherever possible, with those from the under-represented groups noted above. We also ensure that both our programme marketing and our recruitment advertising makes clear our desire for our programme to be truly representative. Page 21 of 36
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6.4. We have ensured that our MAP is aligned to other Invest in Renfrewshire employability programme provision e.g. Council Traineeship Programme and DFN Project SEARCH. This ensures that all Invest clients, in particular those from under-represented groups, have clear pathways to progress into apprenticeship opportunities at the right time in their employability journey to allow them to achieve secure and sustainable paid work. 6.5. The table below outlines our SDS equality and inclusion data for the past 5 years. YEAR Gender (Male / Female) Ethnicity (Other B.M.E) Disability (Yes) Care Experienced (Yes) National Renfrewshire Council National Renfrewshire Council National Renfrewshire Council National Renfrewshire Council 2020 - 21 M 60% / F 40% M 55% / F 45% 2.7% 3.2% 13% 19.4% 1.7% 9.7% 2021 - 22 M 61.2% / F 38.8% M 61.1% / F 38.9% 3.1% 2.8% 13.3% 16.7% 2.0% 5.6% 2022 – 23 M 61.9% / F 38.1% M 53.1% / F 46.9% 3.3% 3.1% 15.3% 31.3% 2.1% 12.5% 2023 - 24 M 62.4% / F 37.6% M 84.5% / F 15.5% 4.5% 3.4% 17% 24.6% 2.3% 10.3% 2024 –25* M 63.9% / F 36.1% M 50% / F 50% 5.3% 3.8% 16.5% 50% 2.6% 3.8% 2024-25* - ALL Figures ONLY up to Q3 December 2024 (with the exception of Gender) __________________________________________________________________ 7. Future Reporting 7.1. It is proposed that a further update report(s) be provided to Board at a date(s) to be agreed. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional finance is sought. 2. HR & Organisational Development – 3 FTE posts within Economic Development are supported through our SDS contract and current funding streams 3. Community/Council 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. 8. Health & Safety – None. Page 22 of 36
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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 Economy and Regeneration Board 14 March 2023 and 28 May 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ 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 23 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 May 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Cornerstones Project, Lochwinnoch ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform members about the funding applications being developed for “Cornerstones: Revitalising Lochwinnoch’s Historical Axes” an area-based scheme which seeks to help regenerate the centre of Lochwinnoch by investing in its built heritage and promoting the history of the village. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendation 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Authorises the Head of Economy and Development to submit applications for the Cornerstones project to Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage and Place Programme and National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Grants £250,000 to £10million Fund. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) work in collaboration to provide funding support for area-based heritage projects via HES’s Heritage and Place Programme and NLHF’s Heritage Grants £250,000 to £10million Fund. Item 6 EAR200525 Page 25 of 36
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3.2 In 2023, Renfrewshire Council received feedback from HES and NLHF on an unsuccessful application for an area-based heritage project focused on the Kilbarchan and Johnstone areas. Funders felt that the scheme area was too big, with a lack of a sufficient concentration of properties in Johnstone, making it difficult for it have an impact. 3.3 Based on that feedback, officers determined that – outwith Paisley Town Centre Conservation Area – developing a proposal for Lochwinnoch Conservation Area had the potential to better align with the outcomes of both funders. 3.4 In response to the launch of the third round of the Heritage and Place Programme, in January 2025 an Expression of Interest was submitted to HES for Cornerstones. A corresponding Expression of Interest was subsequently submitted to NLHF. At the end of February, both funders confirmed the success of the Expressions of Interest and invited Renfrewshire Council to make full applications to their respective programmes for funding to develop the proposal. 3.5 Applications to HES and NLHF for area-based heritage projects are submitted and assessed in stages and are highly competitive. If approved, Expressions of Interest progress to applications for Development Phase funding, which if successful provide funds to support the creation of applications for Delivery Phase funding. ___________________________________________________________________ 4. Proposal 4.1 The centre of Lochwinnoch was developed in the 18th Century as a planned expansion of the older village, organised around three primary axes. Cornerstones seeks to revitalise Lochwinnoch’s streetscape and economy by focusing investment within the conservation area where these axes meet. Repair grants will help preserve Lochwinnoch historic built environment; a parallel programme of community engagement activities will emphasise the value of the village’s heritage, raise awareness of its unique history, and develop local expertise around traditional building skills. 4.2 The scheme area encompasses: • the central section of the Main Street/High Street axis and its junction with the Calder Street/Church Street axis; • the southeast section of the Calder Street/Church Street axis as far as the south corner of Harvey Square; and • the southwest section of the Harvey Terrace/Gates Road axis which terminates with the Parish Church of Lochwinnoch on Church Street. • The area includes 1 x A Listed, 9 x B Listed, and 7 x C Listed buildings plus 18 shopfronts. Page 26 of 36
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4.3 A draft repair and resilience capital plan would see delivery of: • 1 x large scale major building repair project • 8 x medium scale major building repair projects • 10-15 x small scale building repair projects • 5-7 x shopfront improvements • 1 x enhancement of public realm at Harvey Square 4.4 Cornerstones aims to empower people in Lochwinnoch to shape the place where they live and work. Establishing working partnerships locally, regionally and nationally will be key to the development of the proposal. If funding is secured for the Development Phase (one year period), an Area Partnership (steering group) will be established with stakeholders to finalise an Area Action Plan detailing how Cornerstones will be delivered over a five-year period. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Timetable 5.1 The deadline for submitting applications to both HES and NLHF for funding for the Development Phase of Cornerstones is 6 August 2025. 5.2 If the applications are successful, the yearlong Development Phase will start June 2026 and conclude in May 2027 with the submission of Delivery Phase applications to both funders. 5.3 If the Delivery Phase applications are successful, it is anticipated that the full Cornerstones project will run from April 2028 for five years. ___________________________________________________________________ 6. Budget 6.1 The total cost of the Development Phase is £105,000. This is based on £45,000 of grant funding from both HES and NLHF and £15,000 from the Council (RC). Half the expenditure will be on staff costs for a dedicated, full- time Cornerstones officer; the remaining expenditure includes delivery of a small number of community engagement activities, a materials audit, and a traditional building skills audit. 6.2 The total cost of the Delivery Phase is estimated to be £2.4million. This comprises £850,000 of funding from NLHF, £750,000 from HES, £600,000 from RC and c. £200,000 from property owners. Most expenditure – c. £1.8million – will be on the repair and resilience capital projects but there will also be meaningful expenditure on training and community engagement activities. Again, this will be delivered by a dedicated, full-time Cornerstones officer. ___________________________________________________________________ Page 27 of 36
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7. Next Steps 7.1 To develop the proposal, officers will consult with the local community, as well as regional and national stakeholders, to: • share their research into Lochwinnoch’s heritage and identify those areas where further research is required • gauge the appetite for participation in Cornerstones and assess the potential for collaboration • ensure that the approach is inclusive and sustainable 7.2 Officers will commission a conservation accredited architect to prepare a character appraisal of Lochwinnoch Conservation Area, the findings of which will help hone the proposed scheme area and identify priority projects. 7.3 Officers plan to take representatives from HES and NLHF on a tour of Lochwinnoch in June. 7.4 Officers will submit Development Phase applications to HES and NLHF by 6 August 2025. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – if the Development Phase applications are successful, it is anticipated that £15,000 can be allocated from the Council Regeneration Team’s 2026/27 revenue budgets. Following any successful application an update report would be brought back to Board if additional funding is sought at that stage. 2. HR & Organisational Development – if the Development Phase applications are successful, support will be required to recruit and appoint a temporary Grade 9 member of staff. 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving – The project has the potential to support developments which will protect and enhance the built heritage of Lochwinnoch, contributing to the creation of a thriving village centre which support individuals, communities, and businesses. • Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – The project has the potential to help support the restoration of historic buildings in the centre of a Renfrewshire village, improving the built environment, helping to create job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. Page 28 of 36
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• Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy - Repairing historic buildings mitigates climate change impacts and aligns with Renfrewshire Council’s Net Zero 2030 goals. • Working together to improve outcomes - The project aims to work in partnership with local, regional and national groups and organisations to achieve positive outcomes. 4. Legal – if the Development Phase applications are successful, some support will be required to draft an Area Partnership Agreement. 5. Property/Assets – improvement of the public realm around the war memorial at Harvey Square is potentially a priority project for Cornerstones. 6. Information Technology – if the Development Phase applications are successful, a new member of staff will require standard ICT hardware. 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 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 – risk assessments will be required to be undertaken for survey work and community events. 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk - None. 11. Privacy Impact – Not applicable 12. 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 potential repair and maintenance of older buildings in Lochwinnoch will contribute to the restoration and repair of Renfrewshire’s historic fabric. 13. Children’s Rights – Not applicable 14. Cosla Policy Position – Not applicable _______________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) Appendix A Map of proposed Cornerstones, Lochwinnoch Scheme Area Author: Euan Shearer; Regeneration and Place Manager Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 29 of 36
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LEGEND CORNERSTONES AREA CONSERVATION AREA HISTORICAL AXIS LANDMARK GATEWAY A LISTED BUILDING B LISTED BUILDING C LISTED BUILDING N 0 100m Page 30 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 May 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Investment criteria for Renfrewshire Town Centre Regeneration Fund ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Renfrewshire Council budget for 2025/26 has allocated £0.5 million to help unlock further regeneration in town centres, specifically targeting projects where the redevelopment of significant local buildings or sites has stalled. 1.2 This report sets out the investment criteria for the fund and outlines the types of projects it is intended to support. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Approves the investment criteria for the £0.5m grant funding aimed at town centre regeneration. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 At the Council meeting on 27th of February 2025, the Council committed £0.5m to unlock town centre regeneration proposals where market conditions and other circumstances are such that the redevelopment of significant buildings or sites are currently stalled; with the criteria for investment being the subject of a future report to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board. This paper sets out the proposed criteria for funding bids. Item 7 EAR200525 Page 31 of 36
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___________________________________________________________________ 4. Investment Criteria 4.1 The redevelopment of significant buildings or sites can stall for various reasons, often due to a combination of financial, planning, technical and social factors. These may include a lack of funding to secure necessary investment, cost overruns resulting from rising construction expenses, the complexities of working with older buildings and refurbishing them in accordance with current building regulations, and economic downturns or shifts in demand that impact a project’s viability. Regulatory challenges— such as obtaining planning consent, particularly whilst maintaining the integrity of historic or listed buildings—can also present significant barriers to development. 4.2 The £0.5 million Council fund will be used by officers as a catalyst to unlock regeneration activity that is currently stalled due to viability or investment gaps. The Council is seeking opportunities to work collaboratively with owners of vacant, underused or derelict properties across Renfrewshire’s town centres to bring them back into viable use. It is hoped that the grant funding will boost private sector confidence and leverage additional investment by demonstrating the Council’s proactive role. 4.3 The following set of key criteria for investment is being proposed to guide how the grant funding will be administered: Eligibility of Property • The property must be located within a town centre. • Eligible properties include those that are currently either vacant, underused, or derelict. • The property must be of strategic importance, the assessment of which will include heritage value, scale, visibility, or potential to stimulate wider regeneration and growth. Nature of the redevelopment proposal • Any proposal must aim to bring the property back into viable and productive use. • Acceptable end uses may include commercial, cultural, community, residential, or mixed-use developments, subject to compliance with planning policies. • Projects that preserve or sensitively adapt heritage or listed structures will be prioritised. Demonstratable Market Failure • Potential grant recipients must provide clear evidence of market failure which has prevented redevelopment to date. • Evidence should also be provided outlining the actions taken to date to try and bring the building back into reuse. Page 32 of 36
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• Owners should demonstrate that, without public sector intervention, the project would not proceed due to a funding gap or issues affecting commercial viability. Leverage and Additionality • Preference will be given to projects that can demonstrate: o Match funding or co-investment from the private sector or other public sources. o A clear ability to attract additional economic activity or investment as a result of the intervention. Eligible Costs • The grant funding can be used for a variety of costs, including: Capital works o Essential structural repairs to make the building safe or usable o Roof repairs or replacement o External fabric repairs, including windows, masonry, and façades o Internal adaptations or refurbishments to enable new use Heritage and Conservation Works o Restoration of historically significant architectural features o Works required to comply with conservation or listed building consent o Sensitive adaptations to allow modern use while retaining heritage value Enabling Works o Site clearance or demolition of non-heritage structures o Temporary works to stabilise or secure a building o Asbestos removal or remediation of contaminated land Accessibility and Compliance o Improvements to meet building regulations (e.g. fire safety, accessibility, energy efficiency) o Installation of ramps, lifts, or accessible toilets Project Management and Oversight o Reasonable project management or contract administration costs Page 33 of 36
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Ineligible Costs • Acquisition of land or property • Marketing and promotional costs • General maintenance not linked to redevelopment • VAT (unless it is non-recoverable) • Feasibility studies and option appraisals • Professional fees (e.g. architect, engineer, surveyor, planning consultant) • Planning application and other statutory consent fees • Building surveys and site investigations (e.g. structural, ecological, or contamination assessments) Deliverability and Readiness • Grant recipients must demonstrate that they have a deliverable project, including detailed designs which are fully costed. • A robust delivery plan and timeline must be provided which is realistic and capable of commencing within 12 months of grant award. • Grant recipients must demonstrate planning status (e.g., permission granted or initial discussions held with planning officers on acceptability of proposals). • Before any grant funding is released, a project delivery team must be in place including main contractor, project manager etc. Community and Economic Impact • Proposals should demonstrate how they will: o Contribute to local economic growth (e.g., job creation, increased footfall). o Enhance the vitality and attractiveness of the town centre or local area. o Align with local regeneration strategies and community priorities. Ownership and Legal Status • Grant recipients must have legal ownership of the property or site, or a long-term leasehold interest (minimum 10 years). • There must be no outstanding legal disputes or encumbrances that would delay redevelopment. Value for Money • Clear explanation of how the grant will be used, including a detailed breakdown of costs which will be covered by the grant Page 34 of 36
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• Evidence that the amount requested is proportionate to the overall costs and impact. • Grants will typically not exceed a certain percentage of the total project cost (e.g., 30–50%), match funding is expected. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Next Steps 5.1 Officers will carry out a review of each town centre to produce a list of priority target buildings. They will then engage with property owners to discuss their regeneration plans and assess whether these align with the investment criteria of the fund. Where alignment is identified, officers will conduct further engagement to determine the level of grant funding required and assess whether it represents best value for money for the fund. 5.2 Progress on the grant will be reported back to the Board on a rolling basis, with an update on the projects which have been funded. ________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – £0.5m has been allocated as part of the approved budget motion at the Council meeting of 27 February 2025 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving – The project supports development which will protect and enhance the built heritage of Renfrewshire’s town centres, contributing to the creation of thriving places which support individuals, communities, and businesses. • Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – The project will help support the restoration and productive re-use of landmark buildings in Renfrewshire’s town centres, improving the built environment, helping to create job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. 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 Page 35 of 36
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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. Climate Risk – Potential projects identified in this report will encourage sustainable neighbourhoods, sustainable links and enhancements to greenspace 13. Children’s Rights – None 14. Cosla Policy Position – None _______________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) Council Budget as agreed at Full Meeting of Renfrewshire Council; 27 February 2025 __________________________________________________________________ Author: Euan Shearer; Regeneration and Place Manager Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 36 of 36