Agenda Document Pack - Community and Enterprise Resources Committee - 25/02/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 25 February 2025
Back to Community and Enterprise Resources Committee — 25 February 2025 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Monday, 17 February 2025 Dear Councillor Community and Enterprise Resources Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Tuesday, 25 February 2025 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Robert Brown (Chair), Maureen Devlin (Depute Chair), Joe Fagan (ex officio), John Anderson, Ralph Barker, Walter Brogan, Andy Carmichael, Gerry Convery, Poppy Corbett, Andrea Cowan, Margaret Cowie, Colin Dewar, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Ross Gowland, Graeme Horne, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Susan Kerr, Martin Lennon, Richard Lockhart, Hugh Macdonald, Ian McAllan, Kenny McCreary, Davie McLachlan, Carol Nugent, Helen Toner, David Watson Substitutes Alex Allison, Ross Clark, Margaret Cooper, Allan Falconer, Alistair Fulton, Lynsey Hamilton, Ross Lambie, Lesley McDonald, Elaine McDougall, Mark McGeever, Richard Nelson, Graham Scott, David Shearer 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee held on 26 November 2024 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 14 Monitoring Item(s) 3 Community and Enterprise Resources - Revenue Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 Joint report dated 6 February 2025 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 15 - 24 4 Community and Enterprise Resources - Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 Joint report dated 28 January 2025 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 25 - 28 5 Community and Enterprise Resources – Workforce Monitoring – October to December 2024 Joint report dated 27 January 2025 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 29 - 34 Item(s) for Decision 6 Community Benefit Funds – Renewable Energy Fund - Grant Applications Report dated 5 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 35 - 44 Item(s) for Noting 7 South Lanarkshire Inward Investment and Property Enquiries Update Report dated 5 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 45 - 50 8 Waste Policy Update Report dated 5 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 51 - 56 9 Waste Management Review Update Report dated 5 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 57 - 64 2
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Urgent Business 10 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Tracy Slater Clerk Telephone: 07385 370089 Clerk Email: tracy.slater@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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COMMUNITY AND ENTERPRISE RESOURCES COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 26 November 2024 Chair: Councillor Robert Brown Councillors Present: Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Ralph Barker, Councillor Walter Brogan, Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Ross Clark (substitute for Councillor Andrea Cowan), Councillor Gerry Convery, Councillor Poppy Corbett, Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Maureen Devlin (Depute), Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Councillor Susan Kerr, Councillor Ross Lambie (substitute for Councillor Richard Lockhart), Councillor Martin Lennon, Councillor Ian McAllan, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Carol Nugent, Councillor Helen Toner, Councillor David Watson Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Andrea Cowan, Councillor Joe Fagan (ex officio), Councillor Richard Lockhart, Councillor Hugh Macdonald Attending: Community and Enterprise Resources D Booth, Executive Director; A Brown, Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services; F Carlin, Head of Planning and Regulatory Services; K Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services; G Forrest, Team Leader; D Hashagan, Employability Manager; K Lean, Economic Development Manager (Funding and Rural); C Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services; I Ross, Project Manager; G Simpson, Partner Liaison Manager; M Wilkie, Performance and Policy Development Manager Finance and Corporate Resources G Booth, Finance Manager (Strategy); L Harvey, Finance Manager (Resources); E McPake, HR Business Manager; G Robertson, Personnel Adviser; T Slater, Administration Adviser; L Wyllie, Administration Assistant 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee held on 17 September 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Community and Enterprise Resources - Revenue Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 A joint report dated 25 October 2024 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the actual expenditure measured against the revenue budget for the period 1 April to 4 October 2024 and providing a forecast for the year to 31 March 2025 for Community and Enterprise Resources. 2 5
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A Service Analysis Statement, which outlined key highlights by Service for the Resource, was provided at Appendix A to the report. The detailed financial position, with variance explanations by budget category, was provided in appendices B to G of the report. At 4 October 2024, the projected outturn position for the Resource was a breakeven position. Virements, proposed to realign budgets across budget categories and with other Resources, were detailed in appendices C to G of the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the forecast to 31 March 2025 of a breakeven position, as detailed in Appendix A of the report, be noted; and (2) that the proposed budget virements, as detailed in appendices C to G of the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of 17 September 2024 (Paragraph 4)] 4 Community and Enterprise Resources - Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 A joint report dated 30 October 2024 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted advising of progress on the Community and Enterprise Resources’ Capital Programme 2024/2025 and summarising the expenditure position at 4 October 2024. The revised Capital Programme for 2024/2025 for the Resource amounted to £53.679 million. This was based on the overall Capital Programme for 2024/2025 and included adjustments approved by the Executive Committee on 2 October and 13 November 2024. Appendix A to the report detailed the financial position for the Resource and provided a forecast for the financial year of £53.679 million. Actual expenditure to 4 October 2024 was £9.193 million. The Committee decided: that the Community and Enterprise Resources’ Capital Programme of £53.679 million, and expenditure to date of £9.193 million, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 17 September 2024 (Paragraph 6) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 13 November 2024 (Paragraph 4)] 5 Community and Enterprise Resources - Workforce Monitoring – July to September 2024 A joint report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the following employee information for Community and Enterprise Resources for the period July to September 2024:- attendance statistics occupational health statistics accident/incident statistics disciplinary hearings, grievances and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews Staffing Watch as at 14 September 2024 The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 6
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[Reference: Minutes of 17 September 2024 (Paragraph 7)] 6 Community and Enterprise Resource Plan: Quarter 2 Progress Report 2024/2025 A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the Community and Enterprise Resource Plan Quarter 2 Progress Report 2024/2025 for the period 1 April to 30 September 2024. The Resource Plan measures were rated using a traffic light system of red, amber or green as well as blue (BRAG) which indicated that an action had been completed. Details were provided on:- progress against all Resource Plan measures contained in Quarter 2 Progress Report 2024/2025, as detailed in Section 5.2 and attached as Appendix 2 to the report key achievements made by the Resource to date, as detailed in Section 5.3 of the report the status of those measures identified as ‘report later’ at Quarter 4 2023/2024, as summarised in Section 5.6 of the report There were no areas for improvement identified at Quarter 2. The Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services responded to members’ questions:- confirming that the target for the percentage of waste sent to landfill was a national target explaining how contaminated recycled waste was dealt with and separated explaining why Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) could no longer be recycled The Committee decided: (1) that the Community and Enterprise Resource Plan Quarter 2 Progress Report 2024/2025, as summarised in paragraph 5.2 and detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, be noted; (2) that the key achievements made by the Resource up to Quarter 2, as detailed at paragraph 5.3 of the report, be noted; (3) that it be noted that there were no areas for improvement identified for the Resource at Quarter 2; and (4) that the additional scrutiny of reporting the updated status of those measures identified as ‘report later’ at Quarter 4 2023/2024, as summarised in Section 5.6 or the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 18 June 2024 (Paragraph 5)] 7 Employment Land and Property Market Analysis Report A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted advising of the conclusions of the recently completed Employment Land and Property Market Analysis. Information was provided on the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, which was a 10-year strategy providing a set of key priorities and actions with a vision of achieving a wellbeing economy that was prosperous for all the country’s people and places. One aspect of the Strategy’s vision was for Scotland to be ‘the best place to start and grow a business’. To understand the employment landscape in South Lanarkshire, Ryden LLP property consultants were appointed to provide an employment land and property analysis for:- 7
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East Kilbride Hamilton, Blantyre and Larkhall Clydesdale Cambuslang and Rutherglen The work undertaken as part of the analysis, its conclusions and recommended actions were outlined in the report. This included actions in relation to specific sites in Rutherglen, East Kilbride and Lanark. Although there was uncertainty around potential funding streams, there might be opportunities to apply for UK and Scottish Government funds, as well as funding through the Glasgow City Region Enabling and Delivering Commercial Space project. The Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services responded to a member’s questions in relation to:- confidence, given the current financial climate, of funding becoming available considerations for the future use of Langlands West in East Kilbride The Committee decided: (1) that the conclusions of the employment land and property market analysis be noted; (2) that the use of the analysis reports as the guiding documents for future management and investment in employment land and property by the Council be approved; (3) that the next steps identified in the analysis reports, and the actions outlined around specific sites in Rutherglen, East Kilbride and Lanark, be approved; and (4) to note that officers were engaging with Glasgow City Region regarding proposals in relation to a regional-wide Enabling and Delivering Commercial Space project. 8 Scottish Government Vacant and Derelict Land Fund Programme 2024/2025 A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the progress made in delivering the Scottish Government Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) Programme for 2023/2024 in South Lanarkshire and the proposed Programme for 2024/2025. The Scottish Government had allocated £687,000 to the Council for the VDLF in 2023/2024 and a Local Delivery Plan had been approved by the Committee on 29 August 2023 to implement the following key objectives:- tackle long-term vacant and derelict land stimulate economic growth and wealth creation develop a diverse sustainable environment with a focus on temporary and permanent greening support communities to flourish and tackle inequalities Details were provided on the progress achieved in 2023/2024. The Scottish Government allocation to South Lanarkshire for the VDLF in 2024/2025 was £425,000. A Local Delivery Plan, the key objectives of which were outlined in the report, had been submitted to the Scottish Government. The proposed funding allocation for the projects in the Local Delivery Plan was as follows:- Cathcart Road, Rutherglen Industrial Development - £350,000 Clyde Climate Forest - £10,000 8
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Cunningar Loop Food Growing Project, Rutherglen - £65,000 The Committee decided: (1) that the progress made in delivering the agreed Vacant and Derelict Land Fund Programme 2023/2024 in South Lanarkshire be noted; and (2) that the allocation of funds in the 2024/2025 Vacant and Derelict Land Fund Delivery Plan, as set out in paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 of the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of 29 August 2023 (Paragraph 9)] 9 Community Benefit Funds – Renewable Energy Fund - Grant Applications A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on 6 applications to the Renewable Energy Fund (REF). This community benefit funding, secured from windfarm developers, had been established to provide funding to suitable projects providing community benefits in eligible areas. It was proposed that, subject to the applicants providing written confirmation that all other additional funding for the projects had been secured, a grant be awarded up to a maximum of:- £28,410 towards eligible costs associated with the upgrade of a community nature trail walkway to Coalburn Community Action Group from Douglas West Windfarm £177,543.79 towards eligible costs associated with the employment of a Team Leader and 2 Project Worker posts to Healthy Valleys from Douglas West Windfarm £200,000 towards eligible costs associated with the refurbishment of village centre property to Lesmahagow Development Trust from Kype Muir Windfarm £189,446 towards eligible costs associated with the upgrade and renewal of core paths to the Rural Development Trust from Douglas West Windfarm £56,231 towards eligible costs associated with restoring the Strathaven Town Mill frontage to Strathaven Town Mill Arts and Heritage Centre from Calder Water Windfarm £49,840 towards eligible costs associated with restoring the Alexander Memorial Fountain to Friends of Stonehouse Park from Auchrobert Windfarm The Economic Development Manager highlighted an error in the award amounts noted in the recommendations of the report which were verbally clarified. The Committee decided: that, subject to the applicants providing written confirmation that all other funding for the projects had been secured, a grant be awarded of up to a maximum of:- £28,410 towards eligible costs associated with the upgrade of a community nature trail walkway to Coalburn Community Action Group from Douglas West Windfarm £177,543.79 towards eligible costs associated with the employment of a Team Leader and 2 Project Worker posts to Healthy Valleys from Douglas West Windfarm £200,000 towards eligible costs associated with the refurbishment of village centre property to Lesmahagow Development Trust from Kype Muir Windfarm £189,446 towards eligible costs associated with the upgrade and renewal of core paths to the Rural Development Trust from Douglas West Windfarm 9
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£56,231 towards eligible costs associated with restoring the Strathaven Town Mill frontage to Strathaven Town Mill Arts and Heritage Centre from Calder Water Windfarm £49,840 towards eligible costs associated with restoring the Alexander Memorial Fountain to Friends of Stonehouse Park from Auchrobert Windfarm [Reference: Minutes of 6 February 2024 (Paragraph 8)] 10 Employability Performance Update A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the performance of the Council’s Employability Service, South Lanarkshire Works. The Service was split into the following 3 categories:- senior phase work-based learning programmes which were delivered to school pupils in S4 to S6 as part of the curriculum keyworker-based employability support delivered to key priority groups learning/training and skills development provision which was delivered to meet the needs of people engaging with keyworker services School leaver and post-school tracking, and labour market information was also provided. Case studies, demonstrating the impact of the programmes, were attached as Appendix 1 to the report. The Employability Manager responded to members’ questions in relation to:- the apparent reduction in the uptake by schools of the Foundation Apprenticeship and GradU8 programmes the positive destination figures for South Lanarkshire The Committee decided: that the performance of the Employability Service be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 17 September 2024 (Paragraph 8)] 11 National Business District (NBD) Shawfield Update A report dated 8 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the National Business District (NBD) Shawfield Phase 1 and 2 projects. The Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company (CG) Outline Business Case (OBC), finalised in January 2024, developed the Strategic Case and Economic Impact for the Shawfield completion programme. The focus of the programme was to address environmental harm, prevent health impacts and provide an acceptable target date for addressing the wider damage caused to watercourses and marine coastal environments from the chromium contamination, whilst leveraging additional economic benefits. Information was provided on:- the progress of the projects, which were being supported by a variety of funding sources, including Council funding of £800,000, resulting in a programme of works totalling £29.1 million 10
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the positive progress made by CG in delivering the Phase 2 projects which had received £14.7 million UK Government funding and had a total combined value of £20.7 million the governance arrangements in place, with the Shawfield Project Delivery Board (SPDB) acting as the primary form of governance for all NBD Shawfield projects and providing visibility and accountability to the Council and UK Government, together with other funders and stakeholders on all concurrent projects and activities within Shawfield, as required by the UK Government funding conditions The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 12 Larkhall Leisure Centre Replacement A report dated 7 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the progress of the Larkhall Leisure Centre replacement. In February 2024, the Council approved an additional £12 million to bridge the funding gap for the replacement of Larkhall Leisure Centre. The project was now underway to deliver the new £23.9 million leisure facility. Information was provided on:- the budget and funding arrangements the project team and management arrangements which included the appointment of BAM Construction as the tier 1 contractor, following a robust procurement process the status of the project, with the programme on track for start in autumn 2025 and completion by summer 2027 the consultation and engagement that had been undertaken Officers responded to members’ questions in relation to:- concerns that the plans would not meet the needs of the whole community, with particular reference to the size of the games hall the progress of, and feedback from, the engagement process the progress of the agreement with Larkhall Academy to share facilities the progress of the site investigations in relation to demolition works The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of the meeting of South Lanarkshire Council of 21 February 2024 (Paragraph 4)] 13 Centre West and East Kilbride Masterplan Update A report dated 7 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the progress of:- the transfer of Centre West, East Kilbride to South Lanarkshire Council the implementation of elements of the East Kilbride Masterplan Information was provided on:- the challenges faced by Centre West in recent years and the actions taken for its transfer to the Council the vision for East Kilbride town centre which included a Civic Hub next steps and timescales 11
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the intention to continue to develop the East Kilbride Masterplan proposals and identify opportunities for the development of East Kilbride town centre Officers responded to members’ questions in relation to:- concerns about the East Kilbride Masterplan, in particular, around the location of the Civic Hub, the impact on housing and car parking the marketing of the Civic Centre elected members being kept informed of developments The Chair highlighted that the report was for noting only at this point and more detail would become available. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 24 April 2024 (Paragraphs 9 and 10) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 8 May 2024 (Paragraph 7)] 14 Pavement Parking A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the progress and enforcement of the national prohibitions on pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs. Part 6 of the Transport Scotland (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a national ban on pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs to make it easier for local authorities to ensure pavements and roads were safer and more accessible to all. The Parking Prohibitions (Enforcement and Accounts) (Scotland) Regulations 2023, enacted on 11 December 2023, provided local authorities with the powers to enforce the new prohibitions. Information was provided:- confirming that the legislation introduced a statutory power rather than duty, which gave the Council discretion on how it exercised the power confirming the Penalty Charge Notices (PNCs) that could be issued and the exceptions that would apply on the work that had been undertaken by officers in preparation for enforcement, including assessment of roads for exemptions, preparing back-office systems, and training and recruitment of Parking Attendants and a Team Leader The Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services responded to members’ questions in relation to:- working with elected members to identify problem areas the promotion of the enforcement to the public and the reasons for it reporting issues outwith office hours Parking Attendant vacancies using a common-sense approach to those areas where it did not cause an issue The Committee decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that the commencement of formal enforcement from 6 January 2025 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 7 November 2023 (Paragraph 10)] 12
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15 UK Shared Prosperity Fund Progress Report A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the progress of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan. The UKSPF provided a mix of capital and revenue funding for projects which met its 4 investment themes of:- communities and place support for local business people and skills multiply Information was provided on:- the Council’s allocation of the UKSPF which was in its third and final financial year, together with the agreed approach of working as part of the Glasgow City Region with a single Investment Plan for the Region the expenditure summary for each council within the Glasgow City Region UKSPF to 2023/2024 budgets and current spend to 30 June 2024 for each of the investment themes, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report the current outputs and outcome targets, as summarised in Appendix 2 to the report the revisions between themes taken under delegated authority, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report The UK Government had announced that the UKSPF would be extended for 1 year to 2025/2026 with a 40% funding reduction. Officers were awaiting details of this funding. The Committee decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that the changes to the appendices to the report, approved by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) under delegated authority, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 29 August 2023 (Paragraph 10)] Councillors McLachlan and Toner left the meeting during consideration of this item of business 16 Lanarkshire Business Excellence Awards A report dated 18 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the arrangements for the 2025 Lanarkshire Business Awards. The event, which would mark the 30th anniversary of the Lanarkshire Business Awards, would be run jointly by North and South Lanarkshire Councils with the support of an external events management company. The event would be held on 30 May 2025 at the Caledonia Gladiators Arena in East Kilbride and the cost would be met by sponsorship, ticket sales and residual contingency funds held by North Lanarkshire Council on behalf of both councils. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 13
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17 Update of the Community and Enterprise Resources’ Risk Register and Risk Control Plan A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on Community and Enterprise Resources’ Risk Register and Risk Control Actions. The risks were scored in accordance with the Council’s scoring mechanism which scored risks based on the likelihood and impact of risk. This resulted in risks being scored between 1 to 25 (low to very high). Risks were scored on their inherent risk (risk if nothing was done) and their residual risk (risk after applying controls). The risk scoring matrix was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Risk Register had been developed and was monitored on an ongoing basis to add any new risks and to review the scores of existing risks. The main changes to the Community and Enterprise Resources’ Register were as follows:- the addition of the following 2 new top risks:- failure to deliver the Town Centre Masterplans insufficient waste processors to secure competitive bids and provide continuity of service Risks scored 15 to 25 were considered very high and risks scored 8 to 12 were considered high risks. The top risks identified for the Resource were detailed in Appendix 2 to the report. Comparisons of risk scores for 2023 and 2024 were detailed in Appendix 3 to the report. An update was also provided on the Council’s top risks. The Committee decided: that the current position with regards to the Community and Enterprise Resources’ Risk Register be noted [Reference: Minutes of 7 November 2023 (Paragraph 11)] 18 Notification of Contracts Awarded – 1 April to 30 September 2024 A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on contracts awarded by Community and Enterprise Resources in the period 1 April to 30 September 2024. In terms of Standing Order Nos 21.8 and 22.5 of the Standing Orders on Contracts, Resources were required to notify the relevant Committee of contracts awarded above the sum of £50,000. Details of the contracts awarded or extended were provided in the appendices to the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the details of the contracts awarded, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be noted; and (2) that details of the contracts extended, as detailed in Appendix B to the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 7 November 2023 (Paragraph 12)] 19 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 14
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 25 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Community and Enterprise Resources - Revenue Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide information on the actual expenditure measured against the revenue budget for the period 1 April to 27 December 2024 for Community and Enterprise Resources provide a forecast for the year to 31 March 2025 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [re (1) that the forecast to 31 March 2025 of a breakeven position after approved transfer to reserves, as detailed in Appendix A of the report be noted; and (2) that the proposed budget virements be approved. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. This is the third revenue budget monitoring report presented to the Community and Enterprise Committee for the financial year 2024/2025. 3.2. The report details the financial position for Community and Enterprise Resources. Appendix A provides the service analysis statement, outlining key highlights by Service for the Resource and appendices B to G provides the detailed financial position with variance explanations by budget category. 3.3. This report reflects the actual spend to 27 December 2024 within the Resource budget and reflects the expected outturn forecast on expenditure and income at this date. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. As at 27 December 2024, the projected outturn position for 2024/2025 is an underspend of £0.040m before approved transfers to reserves. This is outlined in the attached appendices. 3 15
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5.2. Probable Outturn - Following the Council’s formal Probable Outturn exercise, the forecast for the budget to 31 March 2025 is a breakeven position after approved transfers to reserves of £0.040m. This position is outlined in appendices B to G. 5.3. Virements are proposed to realign budgets across budget categories and with other Resources. These movements have been detailed in the appendices to this report, as appropriate. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability, or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s Revenue Budget is that there is an overspend. There are inflationary and budget pressures which could increase the risk of overspend, however these are mitigated by additional funds being added to the budget. 7.2. The risk is managed through four weekly Budget Monitoring meetings at which any variance is analysed. In addition, the new forecasting within FUSION and work with the Resource and finance teams, ensures early warning for corrective action to be taken where appropriate. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and, therefore, no integrated impact assessment is required. 8.2. There was also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 6 February 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References None List of Background Papers Financial Ledger and budget monitoring results to 27 December 2024 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Louise Harvey, Finance Manager Ext: 2658 (Tel: 01698 452658) Email: louise.harvey@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 16
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Appendix A Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Community and Enterprise Resources Committee: Period 10 Ended 27 December 2024 (No. 10) Revenue Budget Monitoring Report – Service Analysis Service Analysis Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) % YTD Actual (£000) Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services 81,493 80,904 589 0.72% 56,638 Planning and Regulatory Services 4,876 4,710 166 3.40% 3,073 Leisure Services 21,747 21,759 (12) (0.06%) 18,489 Enterprise and Sustainable Development 6,917 6,550 367 5.31% 8,571 Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services 17,948 19,018 (1,070) (6.18%) 6,695 Net Controllable Exp. 132,981 132,941 40 0.03% 93,466 Service Explanation for significant projected outturn variances Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services The anticipated underspend is mainly due to turnover and staff vacancies, partially offset by under recoveries in School Meals within Facilities as well as less income recovered from Care of Gardens within Grounds. The anticipated Service underspend will be offset by overspends within the overall Resource. Planning and Regulatory Services The anticipated underspend is mainly due to staff vacancies and turnover within the Environmental Services and Planning & Building Standards teams, and lower than budgeted costs for Scientific Services within Environmental Services due to decreased demand. These underspends are partially offset by reduced income from Planning applications and Building Warrants given a reduced number of applications. The anticipated Service underspend will support the overall Resource balanced budget position. Leisure Services No significant variances to report. Enterprise and Sustainable Development The anticipated underspend is mainly due to staff vacancies and turnover within the Economic Development and Support teams. The anticipated Service underspend will support the overall Resource balanced budget position. Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services A overspend is anticipated across the service, mainly due to the net costs of Electric vehicles, reduced income within Parking and the Roads Construction Unit and increased costs associated with the upkeep of depots. These overspends are partially offset by an expected underspend within employee costs due to vacancies and staff turnover. The anticipated Service overspend will be managed within the overall Resource position. 17
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Appendix B Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Community and Enterprise Resources Committee: Period Ended 27 December 2024 (No.10) Community and Enterprise Resources Summary Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) Over / Under % YTD Actual (£000) Notes Employee Costs 99,523 95,434 4,089 Under 4.11% 68,675 Property Costs 10,295 11,115 (820) Over (7.97%) 7,031 Supplies & Services 21,075 20,950 125 Under 0.40% 11,593 Transport & Plant 24,049 24,160 (111) Over (0.46%) 12,183 Administration Costs 857 984 (127) Over (14.82%) 844 Payments to Other Bodies 20,252 20,196 56 Under 0.28% 11,210 Payments to Contractors 39,876 40,712 (836) Over (2.10%) 31,688 Transfer Payments 617 617 0 - 0.00% 459 Financing Charges 206 197 9 Under 4.37% 10 Total Controllable Exp. 216,750 214,365 2,385 Under 2.80% 143,673 Total Controllable Inc. (83,769) (81,424) (2,345) Under (2.80%) (50,207) Net Controllable Exp. 132,981 132,941 40 Under 0.03% 93,466 Transfer to Reserves - 40 (40) Position after Transfer to Reserves 132,981 132,981 0 - 0.0% Variance Explanations Variance explanations are shown in Appendices C-G as appropriate. Budget Virements Budget virements are shown in Appendices C-G as appropriate. Approved Transfers to Reserves Detailed in Appendix G. 18
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Appendix C Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Community and Enterprise Resources Committee: Period Ended 27 December 2024 (No.10) Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) Over / Under % YTD Actual (£000) Notes Employee Costs 62,191 60,222 1,969 Under 3.17% 43,823 1,a,g Property Costs 2,286 2,747 (461) Over (20.17%) 1,730 2,a,b,f Supplies & Services 10,738 10,619 119 Under 1.11% 6,382 3,c,d,e,f Transport & Plant 9,042 9,251 (209) Over (2.31%) 6,170 4,a,c,f Administration Costs 181 222 (41) Over (22.65%) 136 5 Payments to Other Bodies 54 51 3 Under 5.56% 39 Payments to Contractors 18,480 18,490 (10) Over (0.05%) 12,351 c Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 44 49 (5) Over (11.36%) 5 Total Controllable Exp. 103,016 101,651 1,365 Under 1.33% 70,636 Total Controllable Inc. (21,523) (20,747) (776) Under (3.61%) (13,998) 6,f Net Controllable Exp. 81,493 80,904 589 Under 0.72% 56,638 Variance Explanations 1. The forecast underspend is due to vacancies and staff turnover and is partially offset by an overspend in overtime costs. 2. The forecast overspend is due to increased costs for cleaning and janitorial equipment within Facilities and for rates at the former Civic Amenity Site at Muttonhole Road. 3. The forecast underspend is mainly due to less spend on general supplies within Facilities which offsets increased food costs and higher than budgeted costs for domestic bins within Waste and costs for commemorative items within Bereavement services. 4. The forecast overspend relates mainly to increased costs for vehicle maintenance within Waste, Grounds and Streets, along with greater costs for leasing within Streets. 5. The forecast overspend relates to cost of medical referrals and printing. 6. The projected under recovery in income relates to less demand for additional service requests within Street Cleansing, a reduction in School meal income within Facilities, a decrease in uptake of the Care of Gardens service and no income recovered through adoptions within Grounds. These are partially offset by additional service requests for clearances within Waste services. Budget Virements a. Transfer between corporate items in relation to pay award, utilities and overtime saving 2024/2025. Net effect £3.148m: Employees £3.147m, Transport and Plant £0.001m. b. Removal of budget in respect of Procurement savings in 2024/2025. Net effect (£0.005m): Property (£0.005m). c. Transfer from reserves in respect of Strategic Waste Fund and Crematorium Sinking fund. Net effect £1.005m: Supplies and Services £0.185m, Transport and Plant £0.400m, Payment to Contractor £0.420m. d. Redetermination of General Revenue Grant in respect of School milk funding. Net effect £0.063m: Supplies and Services £0.063m. e. Transfer to Education in respect of Universal Free School Meal implementation. Net effect (£0.025m): Supplies and Services (£0.025m). f. Realignment and establishment of budget to reflect service provision. Net effect £0.000m: Employees (£0.983m), Property £0.050m, Supplies and Services £1.728m, Transport and Plant £0.570m, Income (£1.365m). 19
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Appendix D Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Community and Enterprise Resources Committee: Period Ended 27 December 2024 (No.10) Planning and Regulatory Services Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) Over / Under % YTD Actual (£000) Notes Employee Costs 7,359 7,078 281 Under 3.82% 5,057 1,a,c Property Costs 38 34 4 Under 10.53% 17 Supplies & Services 250 251 (1) Over (0.40%) 195 c Transport & Plant 127 96 31 Under 24.41% 78 2 Administration Costs 117 155 (38) Over (32.48%) 125 3,c Payments to Other Bodies 545 457 88 Under 16.15% 269 4,c Payments to Contractors 683 679 4 Under 0.59% 264 c Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 46 29 17 Under 39.96% 1 Total Controllable Exp. 9,165 8,779 386 Under 4.21% 6,006 Total Controllable Inc. (4,289) (4,069) (220) Under (5.13%) (2,933) 5,b,c Net Controllable Exp. 4,876 4,710 166 Under 3.40% 3,073 Variance Explanations 1. The forecast underspend is mainly due to staff vacancies and turnover. 2. The forecast underspend reflects pool car usage within Environmental Services. 3. The forecast overspend reflects unbudgeted legal costs for an ongoing Environmental Services case. 4. Less spend is predicted on Scientific Services within Environmental Services and spend associated with Local Plan. 5. A lower level of income from Planning applications and Building warrants is forecast due to lower application levels. Budget Virements a. Transfer between corporate items in relation to pay award. Net effect £0.267m: Employees £0.267m. b. Redetermination of General Revenue Grant in respect of Building Standards Hub. Net effect (£0.051m): Income (£0.051m). c. Realignment and establishment of budget for Air Quality Projects and increased demand for Clinical Waste & Pest Control Services. Net effect £0.000m: Employees £0.001m, Supplies and Services £0.085m, Administration £0.007m, Payment to Other Bodies £0.310m, Payment to Contractor £0.239m, Income (£0.642m). 20
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Appendix E SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Community and Enterprise Resources Committee: Period Ended 27 December 2024 (No.10) South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) Over / Under % YTD Actual (£000) Notes Employee Costs 4 4 0 - 0.00% 4 Property Costs 5,624 5,624 0 - 0.00% 3,086 Supplies & Services 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Transport & Plant 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Administration Costs 8 8 0 - 0.00% 8 Payments to Other Bodies 80 92 (12) Over (15.00%) 1 1 Payments to Contractors 16,031 16,031 0 - 0.00% 15,390 Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Total Controllable Exp. 21,747 21,759 (12) Over (0.06%) 18,489 Total Controllable Inc. 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Net Controllable Exp. 21,747 21,759 (12) Over (0.06%) 18,489 Variance Explanations 1. The forecast overspend relates to a predicted charge for the annual fireworks display at Strathclyde Park being greater than budget. 21
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Appendix F Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Community and Enterprise Resources Committee: Period Ended 27 December 2024 (No.10) Enterprise and Sustainable Development Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) Over / Under % YTD Actual (£000) Notes Employee Costs 8,828 8,548 280 Under 3.17% 6,183 1,a,d Property Costs 582 591 (9) Over (1.55%) 538 d Supplies & Services 144 124 20 Under 13.89% 43 d Transport & Plant 336 337 (1) Over (0.30%) 61 d Administration Costs 153 123 30 Under 19.61% 228 2,d Payments to Other Bodies 13,699 13,631 68 Under 0.50% 6,167 3,c,d Payments to Contractors 644 704 (60) Over (9.32%) 300 4,c,d Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 67 56 11 Under 16.42% 1 3,d Total Controllable Exp. 24,453 24,114 339 Under 1.39% 13,521 Total Controllable Inc. (17,536) (17,465) 28 Over 0.16% (4,950) b,c,d Net Controllable Exp. 6,917 6,550 367 Under 5.31% 8,571 Variance Explanations 1. The forecast underspend is mainly due to staff turnover within Economic Development and Support Administration. 2. A projected underspend is mainly due to less costs anticipated for telephones and membership fees. 3. The forecast underspend is mainly due to a predicted reduction in spend on Business Support Grants. 4. The overspend relates to the cost of repair works. Budget Virements a. Transfer between corporate items in relation to pay award, redetermination of General Revenue Grant in respect of No One Left Behind and transfer between Resources in relation to a staff post. Net effect £0.451m: Employees £0.451m. b. Removal of Internal employee recharge to Roads and Fleet. Net effect £0.331m: Income £0.331m. c. Drawdown from Investments in respect of Food Strategy and Climate change. Net effect £0.262m: Payment to Other Bodies £0.017m, Payment to Contractors £0.005m, Income £0.240m. d. Realignment and establishment of budget to reflect service provision within Employability and Shared Prosperity Funding. Net effect £0.000m: Employees £0.352m, Property £0.336m, Supplies and Services (£0.001m), Transport and Plant £0.157m, Administration £0.051m, Payment to Other Bodies £3.029m, Payment to Contractor £0.639m, Finance Charges £0.012m, Income (£4.575m). 22
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Appendix G Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Community and Enterprise Resources Committee: Period Ended 27 December 2024 (No.10) Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) Over / Under % YTD Actual (£000) Notes Employee Costs 21,141 19,582 1,559 Under 7.37% 13,608 1,a,c,d Property Costs 1,765 2,119 (354) Over (20.06%) 1,660 2,a Supplies & Services 9,943 9,956 (13) Over (0.13%) 4,973 a Transport & Plant 14,544 14,476 68 Under 0.47% 5,874 3,a,d Administration Costs 398 476 (78) Over (19.60%) 347 4 Payments to Other Bodies 5,874 5,965 (91) Over (1.55%) 4,734 5,d Payments to Contractors 4,038 4,808 (770) Over (19.07%) 3,363 6,b,c,d Transfer Payments 617 617 0 - 0.00% 459 Financing Charges 49 63 (14) Over (28.57%) 3 Total Controllable Exp. 58,369 58,062 307 Under 0.53% 35,021 Total Controllable Inc. (40,421) (39,044) (1,377) Under (3.41%) (28,326) 7,d Net Controllable Exp. 17,948 19,018 (1,070) Over (5.96%) 6,695 Transfer to Reserves - 40 (40) Position after Transfer to Reserves 17,948 19,058 (1,110) Over (6.18%) Variance Explanations 1. The forecast underspend is mainly due to vacancies and staff turnover. 2. The forecast overspend reflects higher than budgeted costs for water and repairs & maintenance for Roads’ depots and higher cost of electrical power for the charging of electrical vehicles. 3. The forecast underspend is due the net effect of less spend on vehicle hires partially offset by additional leasing costs within Roads and the Fleet workshop. 4. The forecast overspend relates to cost of medical referrals and training costs within Roads. 5. The forecasted overspend relates to payments for winter weather forecasts being greater than anticipated. 6. The forecasted overspend is mainly due to higher than budgeted costs for bridge repairs and statutory inspections and increased contractor costs for maintenance of traffic lights. In addition, there are greater costs predicted for payments for lighting for routine maintenance, partially offset by a reduced level of spend on the use of sub-contractors. 7. Income is forecasted to be under recovered due to lower than budgeted parking and electrical vehicle income, and from maintenance works within Roads. Within Fleet Services there is an under recovery in Leasing Management Fee. These are partially offset by over recovery of income due to permits, rechargeable street lighting works and Inspection Fees, taxi inspections and sale of vehicles. Budget Virements a. Transfer between corporate items in relation to pay award, utilities and overtime saving 24/25. Net effect £1.283m: Employees £0.729m, Transport and Plant £0.002m, Property £0.066m, Supplies and Services £0.486m. b. Drawdown from reserves in respect of Winter Maintenance. Net effect £0.404m: Payment to Contractors £0.404m. c. Removal of internal employee recharge from Support. Net effect (£0.331m): Employees (£0.181m), Payment to Contractors (£0.150m). d. Realignment to reflect anticipated reduction in rechargeable roads construction works and increased Fleet fuel budget to reflect anticipated usage. Net effect £0.000m: Employees (£0.824m), Transport and Plant £0.522m, Payment to Other Bodies £0.500m, Payment to Contractor £0.016m, Income (£0.214m). Transfer to Reserves (£0.040m): i. Fleet Sinking Fund contribution (£0.025m) ii. Year 3 of 4 of Electric Vehicle Payback (£0.015m) 23
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 25 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Community and Enterprise Resources - Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide information on the progress of the capital programme for Community and Enterprise Resources for the period 1 April to 30 December 2024 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Community and Enterprise Resources capital programme of £47.364 million, and forecast expenditure of £38.925 million, be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. This is the third capital monitoring report presented to the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee for the financial year 2024/2025. Further reports will follow throughout the year. 3.2. The revised budget of £47.364 million for Community and Enterprise Resources is based on the overall Capital Programme for 2024/2025 (June 2024), and includes updates approved by the Executive Committee on 11 December 2024 (a decrease of £6.315 million). 3.3. The report details the financial position for Community and Enterprise Resources in Appendix A. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications as a result of this report. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. 2024/2025 Budget As detailed in Section 3.2, the revised capital programme for Community and Enterprise Resources is £47.364 million and includes budget amendments, totalling a decrease of £6.315 million, which have been approved by the Executive Committee. The details of these amendments are shown in Appendix A. 4 25
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5.2. 2024/2025 Forecast Appendix A shows a forecast for the financial year of £38.925 million. This forecast underspend reflects the timing of spend across this year and into the new financial year, and results in budget required in 2025/2026 rather than 2024/2025. Funding for projects remaining underspent at the financial year end will be carried forward to allow the projects to be completed in 2025/2026. As at 30 December 2024, work continues to clarify the predicted spend position for the programme for the remainder of this financial year. Officers will continue to work to maximise spend in 2024/2025. 5.3. For information, actual expenditure to 30 December 2024 is £20.093 million. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s Capital Programme is that there is an overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed project management plans prepared and monitored for each project. The risk of overspend is managed through four weekly Investment Management Meetings. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 28 January 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Community and Enterprise Resources Committee of 26 November 2024 Executive Committee, 11 December 2024 List of Background Papers ▪ Financial ledger to 30 December 2024 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Graham Booth, Finance Manager (Strategy) Ext: 2699 (Tel: 01698 452699) E-mail: graham.booth@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 26
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Appendix A South Lanarkshire Council Capital Expenditure 2024-2025 Community and Enterprise Resources Programme For Period 1 April 2024 – 30 December 2024 Community & Enterprise Base Budget £000 Budget Adjustment s £000 Slippage/ Acceleration £000 Total Budget £000 Forecast Spend £000 Forecast Variance £000 Actual Expenditure £000 Facilities, Waste and Grounds 2,846 252 - 3,098 2,415 683 1,315 Enterprise and Sustainable Development 28,352 8,303 (13,886) 22,769 17,048 5,927 7,362 Roads, Transport and Fleet 19,170 4,181 (1,854) 21,497 19,462 2,035 11,416 TOTAL 50,368 12,736 (15,740) 47,364 38,925 8,645 20,093 For Information Only Budget Adjustments presented for approval by Executive Committee, 11 December 2024: Budget Adjustments Priory Changing Pavilion Lanark Library Langlands West Hamilton Junctions Upgrade Clyde Bridge Hairmyres Station Park and Ride Total Budget Adjustments (£0.236m) (£0.442m) (£0.450m) (£3.333m) (£0.192m) (£1.450m) (£6.315m) 27
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 25 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Community and Enterprise Resources – Workforce Monitoring – October to December 2024 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide employment information for October to December 2024 relating to Community and Enterprise Resources [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the following employment information for October to December 2024 relating to Community and Enterprise Resources be noted:- attendance statistics occupational health accident/incident statistics discipline, grievance and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. As part of the Council’s performance management arrangements, regular workforce monitoring reports are submitted to Committee. This report for Community and Enterprise Resources provides information on the position for October to December 2024. 4. Monitoring Statistics 4.1. Attendance Statistics (Appendix 1) Information on absence statistics is analysed for the month of December 2024 for Community and Enterprise Resources. The Resource absence figure for December 2024 was 7.4%, this figure has decreased by 0.2% when compared to the previous month and is 0.4% higher than the Council-wide figure. Compared to December 2023, the Resource absence figure has increased by 0.6%. Based on the absence figures at December 2024 and annual trends, the projected annual average absence for the Resource for 2024/2025 is 6.5%, compared to a Council-wide average figure of 5.8%. 5 29
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Managers follow the procedures outlined in the Maximising Attendance Policy to support employees to remain at work, or to return to work after a sickness absence. There are comprehensive employee supports in place and additionally, Personnel Services work in close partnership with line managers and Resource Management Teams on a case management basis to ensure that appropriate actions are taken. 4.2. Occupational Health (Appendix 2) In terms of referrals to occupational health, 301 referrals were made this period. This represents a decrease of 25 when compared with the same period last year. 4.3. Accident/Incident Statistics (Appendix 2) There were 26 accidents/incidents recorded within the Resource this period. 4.4. Discipline, Grievance and Dignity at Work (Appendix 2) During the period, 21 disciplinary hearings were held within the Resource, this is an increase of 9 when compared to the same period last year. No appeals were heard by the Appeals Panel, this figure has remained the same when compared to the same period last year and no appeals panels were pending. One grievance was raised within the Resource, this figure has increased by 1 when compared to the same period last year. Two Dignity at Work complaints were raised within the Resource, this figure has increased by 2 when compared to the same period last year. 4.5. Analysis of Leavers (Appendix 2a) There were a total of 34 leavers this period eligible for an exit interview. This figure has decreased by 7, when compared with the same period last year. Eight exit interviews were conducted in this period, this figure has decreased by 7 when compared to the same period last year. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no implications for employees arising from the information presented in this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. All financial implications are accommodated within existing budgets. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no implications for sustainability or risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. 30
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Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 27 January 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self aware and improving Excellent employer Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Previous References Community and Enterprise Resources – 26 November 2024 List of Background Papers Monitoring information provided by Finance and Corporate Resources Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Elaine Maxwell, HR Business Manager Ext: (Tel: 01698 454647) E-mail: Elaine.Maxwell@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 31
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2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 4.4 3.6 3.2 April 7.3 6.3 6.8 April 6.9 6.0 6.3 April 5.6 5.1 5.2 May 3.9 3.7 3.1 May 6.8 6.3 6.3 May 6.3 5.9 5.9 May 5.4 5.1 5.3 June 3.5 4.3 4.1 June 7.2 5.9 6.4 June 6.7 5.7 6.0 June 5.3 4.7 5.2 July 3.9 2.3 3.8 July 5.9 4.6 4.5 July 5.6 4.3 4.4 July 4.6 3.8 4.1 August 3.4 3.0 3.4 August 6.6 5.2 6.2 August 6.1 4.9 5.7 August 4.4 4.1 4.7 September 3.1 2.5 3.8 September 7.9 7.1 7.5 September 7.1 6.4 6.9 September 5.4 5.3 6.1 October 5.1 2.0 4.2 October 7.5 7.0 7.2 October 7.1 6.3 6.7 October 5.8 5.1 6.0 November 4.2 2.6 3.6 November 8.3 8.1 8.3 November 7.7 7.3 7.6 November 6.5 6.2 6.9 December 3.7 3.0 3.8 December 8.8 7.5 8.1 December 8.0 6.8 7.4 December 7.0 6.6 7.0 January 2.6 3.6 January 7.4 7.4 January 6.7 6.9 January 5.8 6.1 February 3.6 4.0 February 7.4 7.8 February 6.9 7.2 February 5.9 6.4 March 3.9 3.2 March 7.9 7.9 March 7.3 7.2 March 6.4 6.3 Annual Average 3.8 3.2 3.7 Annual Average 7.4 6.8 7.0 Annual Average 6.9 6.2 6.5 Annual Average 5.7 5.4 5.8 Average Apr-Dec 3.9 3.0 3.7 Average Apr-Dec 7.4 6.4 6.8 Average Apr-Dec 6.8 6.0 6.3 Average Apr-Dec 5.6 5.1 5.6 583 2822 3405 15698 Appendix 1 Absence Trends - 2022/2023, 2023/2024 & 2024/2025 Community and Enterprise Resources APT&C Council WideManual Workers Resource Total No of Employees at 31 December 2024 No of Employees at 31 December 2024 No of Employees at 31 December 2024 No of Employees at 31 December 2024 32
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Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2023 2024 MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS Number of Employees Attending EMPLOYEE COUNSELLING SERVICE Total Number of Referrals PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICE Total Number of Referrals REFERRALS TO EMPLOYEE SUPPORT OFFICER 100 105 REFERRALS TO COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY 0 0 TOTAL 326 301 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2023 2024 Specified Injuries* 2 0 Over 7 day absences 2 1 Over 3 day absences** 0 0 Minor 35 11 Near Miss *** 4 0 Violent Incident: Physical**** 3 13 Violent Incident: Verbal***** 3 1 Total Accidents/Incidents 49 26 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2023 2024 Total Number of Hearings 12 21 Total Number of Appeals 0 0 Appeals Pending 0 0 Time Taken to Convene Hearing October - Oct to Dec 2024 0-3 Weeks 4-6 Weeks Over 6 Weeks 5 12 4 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2023 2024 Number of Grievances 0 1 Still in Progress 0 1 Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2023 2024 Number of Incidents 0 2 Still in Process 0 2 RECORD OF DIGNITY AT WORK 128 108 CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS *A Specified Injury is any fracture (other than to the fingers, thumbs or toes), amputation, loss of sight, serious burns, crushing injury, scalping, loss of consciousness caused by asphyxiation/ head injury, a chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or penetrating injury as defined by the HSE. **Over 3 day / over 7day absence is an injury sustained outwith specified injury category that results in a period of absence of absence as defined by the HSE. ***Near Miss - Any unexpected, unplanned occurrence (except Dangerous Occurrences) that does not lead to injury of persons, damage to property, plant or equipment but may have done so in different ****Physical violent incidents are included in the "Specified" figures, where applicable, to provide the ****Physical violent incidents and ***** Verbal Violent Incidents are included in the "Over 3-day or Over 7- day" figures, where applicable, to provide the "Total Over 3-day or Over 7-day" figures. ****Physical Violent Incidents and ***** Verbal Violent Incidents are included in the "Minor" figures, where applicable, to provide the "Total Minor" figures. RECORD OF DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS RECORD OF GRIEVANCE HEARINGS 6 0 Appendix 2 COMMUNITY AND ENTERPRISE RESOURCES 92 88 33
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Oct - Dec Oct - Dec 2023 2024 Career Advancement 7 4 Disatisfaction with terms and conditions 1 0 Moving outwith area 2 0 Personal Reasons 0 2 Poor relationship with managers / colleagues 2 0 Other 3 2 Number of Exit Interviews conducted 15 8 Total Number of Leavers Eligible for Exit Interview 41 34 Percentage of interviews conducted 37% 24% ANALYSIS OF REASONS FOR LEAVING Appendix 2a COMMUNITY AND ENTERPRISE RESOURCES 34
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 25 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Community Benefit Funds – Renewable Energy Fund - Grant Applications 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to grant applications to the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) for:- [purpose] Braidwood Community Group Coalburn Bowling Club Friends of Stonehouse Park Lanark Community Development Trust Lesmahagow Community Football Club Sandford and Upper Avondale Community Council Welcome All Hub [1purp] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that a grant be awarded to Braidwood Community Group of up to £66,462.30 to upgrade a community play park within the Braidwood area; (2) that a grant be awarded to Coalburn Bowling Club of up to £33,136 to refurbish three toilets within the club; (3) that a grant be awarded to Friends of Stonehouse Park of up to £199,500 to refurbish the pavilion within Stonehouse Park; (4) that a grant be awarded to Lanark Community Development Trust of up to £41,136 to employ an Operations Officer; (5) that a grant be awarded to the Lesmahagow Community Football Club of up to £153,910.89 to refurbish McKirdy 3G Football Pitch; (6) that a grant be awarded to the Sandford and Upper Avondale Community Council of up to £54,041.76 to redesign the community car park; and (7) that a grant be awarded to the Welcome All Hub of up to £70,897 to employ a Development Officer. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Since 2004, the Council has collected and administered Community Benefit funding through the Enterprise and Sustainable Development Service. The Service is responsible for securing the contributions from windfarm developers, advising potential applicants, assessing applications and monitoring projects to ensure that the community benefits associated with each project are delivered. Processes are continuously reviewed to ensure best practice in grant provision and monitoring is undertaken to ensure the necessary support is delivered to eligible communities. 6 35
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3.2. Grant awards above £20,000 require approval from Committee. Awards below this level are approved by the Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development under delegated authority. All grants awarded are reported annually to the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee. 3.3. Several changes were made to the REF criteria at the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee of 6 February 2024 including supporting revenue funding, increases to intervention levels and aiming to deliver larger more strategically impactful projects. 4. Grant Recommendation 4.1. Application Number 1218 Braidwood Community Group – project value £109,997.50 Proposed Grant award £66,462.30 intervention rate of 60% The proposed grant of £66,462.30 will be funded from Black Law Windfarm which contributes into the Renewable Energy Fund 4.2. Braidwood Community Group (BCG) is a community group with its purpose being:- The aims of the group are to provide a focal point of discussion of issues relating to the village of Braidwood. To develop ideas and undertake projects aimed at enhancing and preserving the village to the benefit of all. To establish improved, inclusive and accessible play facilities within our village. To encourage healthy active lifestyles within our growing community. 4.3. BCG has a six-member management committee with six regular volunteers. A community consultation was carried out online, promoted around the village and surrounding area. 151 responses were provided which resulted in 99% of adults saying they would like to see improvement to the playpark and 89% were either very dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the current park. 100% of responses stated a need to improve the playpark equipment. 4.4. The grant will allow BCG to improve play facilities within the village to create a safe, inclusive and accessible local playpark. This will include a mulch bond surfacing which is suitable for wheelchair and children with a wide range of mobility issues, wheelchair accessible roundabout and a basket swing providing additional support for users of differing abilities is located within a swing combination unit encouraging children of all abilities to play together. To ensure that every child has the opportunity to play and have fun in a safe and welcoming environment. 4.5. The project requires capital funding to redevelop and enhance the existing play area. This will include demolition and removal of existing equipment, ground works, new play equipment installation, safe surfacing and ground reinstatement. The project will be managed by South Lanarkshire Council’s (SLC) Grounds Team. 4.6. The application has been assessed and scored an average of 36 out of 53 supporting a grant award of up to £66,462.30 totalling 60% of eligible costs. 36
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4.7. All Renewable Energy Fund awards are subject to suitable match funding being secured as set out below:- Funder Stage Value Levenseat Confirmed £15,000 Can Do Community Fund Confirmed £9,475.50 Arnold Clark Confirmed £1,000 Carluke Community Council Confirmed £960 Developer Contributions Confirmed £6,100 Braidwood Community Group Confirmed £11,000 SLC Renewable Energy Fund Grant (60%) Black Law. For approval £66,462 Total project value £109,997.50 4.8. The project is scheduled to commence in April 2025 and be complete by August 2025. Officers will work with the applicant to monitor progress and any impact on the timescales. 5. Grant Recommendation 5.1. Application Number 1220 Coalburn Bowling Club – project value £53,136 Proposed Grant award £33,136 intervention rate of 62% The proposed grant of £33,136 will be funded from Auchrobert Windfarm which contributed to the REF. 5.2. Coalburn Bowling Club (CBC) is an established community-led, asset-based organisation with its purpose being:- Bowling Club and Club House provides a safe space for Members of all ages and Guest to play Bowls. The Club House provide a space for Groups to hold activities, functions and private functions, funerals and family get-togethers. Bowling Green, Upkeep of this green to allow a playing surface. Competitions for players both members and visitors. Tuition for juniors and new members. The Club House if used by Members of the Club and Visitors. The Club House is used by all Community Groups and surrounding Villagers, hosting Meetings, events and Functions. 5.3. CBC management committee has eleven members, five regular volunteers and 38 members. 5.4. The grant will allow CBC to upgrade the three toilets, which have not been upgraded since the 1950s. They have a mix of members male and female; this upgrade would be beneficial to the community and encourage new members to join. This will also encourage surrounding clubs to join their competitions and encourage other local groups to use the club house. They had pupils attend from the local primary for tuition, but it was felt that facilities were not up to standard. Once this upgrade is completed, the tuition will start again. 5.5. The project requires capital funding to meet the costs to refurbish the three toilets within the club house. The Project will be managed by the Bowling Club Committee with support from Coalburn Miners Welfare Charitable Society Committee and the finance administrator. The preferred contractor as tendered by CBC will be Clydesdale Bathrooms. 37
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5.6. The project has been established in response to consultation with current members, users and Miners Welfare users. This refurbishment would allow a more improved recreational and leisure space as outlined within the Community Action Place. 5.7. The application has been assessed and scored an average of 29.5 out of 53 supporting a grant award of up to £33,136 totalling 62% of eligible costs. 5.8. All Renewable Energy Fund awards are subject to suitable match funding being secured as set out below:- Funder Stage Value Dalquandy Windfarm Trust To be confirmed £20,000 SLC Renewable Energy Fund Grant (62%) Auchrobert For approval £33,136 Total project value £53,136 5.9. The project is scheduled to commence in March 2025 and be complete by May 2025. Officers will work with the applicant to monitor progress and any impact on the timescales. 6. Grant Recommendation 6.1. Application Number 1165 Friends of Stonehouse Park – project value £229,500 Proposed Grant award £199,500 intervention rate of 87% The proposed grant of £199,500 will be funded from Bank End Rig which contributed to the REF. 6.2. Friends of Stonehouse Park (FOSP) is a community group with its purpose being:- FOSP is a charity who seek to conserve, enhance and improve the landscape, biodiversity and sustainable use of the park for the benefit of the community, landscape and wildlife. They aim to promote the site’s facilities, thereby encouraging increased use, leading to the improvement and development of community spirit in the site. 6.3. FOSP has a four-member management committee with 16 members and 16 regular volunteers 6.4. The grant will allow FOSP to complete the Community Asset Transfer with a 15-year lease of the pavilion building within the park; currently the space is derelict. They intend to renovate the space to make it into an event space/community hub. They intend to have a kitchen to allow them to provide food and drinks at events and functions, they will install toilet facilities making the park a more desirable space to attend. They intend to keep the space as open and multipurpose as possible as designed by the architect, this will allow the group to increase the number of events and functions that that will be available for the local community. Planning consent to be confirmed. 6.5. The project will be managed by the main contractor overseen by FOSP management committee. As volunteers they have already successfully renovated the bandstand within the park. They will have regular site meetings with the project manager to ensure a swift conclusion to the process of making the building safe and secure. They are planning to have the project complete and open for the centenary celebrations in May 2025. 38
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6.6. The project has been established as part of the local action plan produced by the community council, the park featured strongly in the most recent questionnaire and will be included within the new community action plan. 6.7. The application has been assessed and scored an average of 36.5 out of 53 supporting a grant award of up to £199,500 totalling 87% of eligible costs. 6.8. All Renewable Energy Fund awards are subject to suitable match funding being secured as set out below:- Funder Stage Value County Durham Community Fund To be confirmed £30,000 SLC Renewable Energy Fund Grant (87%) Bank End Rig For approval £199,500 Total project value £229,500 6.9. The project is scheduled to commence in March 2025 and be complete by May 2025. Officers will work with the applicant to monitor progress and any impact on the timescales and allow officers to confirm County Durham Community Fund has been secured. 7. Grant Recommendation 7.1. Application Number 1227 Lanark Community Development Trust – project value £64,000 Proposed grant award £41,136 intervention rate of 64% The proposed REF grant of £41,136 will be funded from Black Law windfarm which contributes into the Renewable Energy Fund 7.2. Lanark Community Development Trust (LCDT) is a Charity with its purpose being:- Lanark Community Development Trust (LCDT) is a forward-thinking organisation that works hard for the benefit of the Lanark community. They were founded in 2009 and have been successful in achieving funding and successfully delivering a wide range of both small and large-scale projects including the development of the Castlebank Horticultural & Educational Centre. 7.3. LCDT has a 13-member management committee, 23 regular volunteers, two full-time staff. 7.4. The grant will allow LCDT to retain an Operations and Development Officer from March 2025 through to February 2027. The post has previously been funded by the Scottish Government’s Investing in Communities Fund and combinations of funding from Discover Lanark and Lanark Development Trust income. The postholder has taken on the management of Castlebank Horticultural Centre and former ALVO buildings, organised events and secured external funding for projects such as the Clydesdale horse sculpture. The officer will manage projects that encourage outdoor activities, provide education, and create safe, accessible spaces for exercise and recreation in the community. This role is vital for enhancing the quality of life and well- being of community members. 39
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7.5. The project requires revenue funding to continue the employment of the Operations and Development Officer this position is crucial for maintaining and expanding the community engagement initiatives while liaising with consultants and the public. The officer will help sustain and grow projects that bring people together, promote volunteerism, and enhance community cohesion. An essential part of the role will be to secure funding to ensure continued support for the area's economic development and improving the area's prospects and assets. 7.6. The project has been established in response to community consultation events, including public meetings, focus groups, and surveys, to gather input and feedback from residents. These consultations have consistently shown strong support for LCDT initiatives and the need for a dedicated officer to manage ongoing and future projects. 7.7. The application has been assessed and scored an average of 32 out of 53 supporting a grant award of up to £41,136 totalling 64% of eligible costs. 7.8. All Renewable Energy Fund awards are subject to suitable match funding being secured as set out below:- Funder Stage Value Discover Lanark Confirmed £11,432 Lanark Community Development Trust Confirmed £11,432 SLC Renewable Energy Fund Grant (64%) Black Law For approval £41,136 Total project value £64,000 7.9. The officer post is scheduled to commence in March 2025 until February 2027. Officers will work with the applicant to monitor the associated activity. 8. Grant Recommendation 8.1. Application Number 1183 Lesmahagow Community Football – project value £153,910.89 Proposed Grant award £153,910.89 intervention rate of 100% The proposed grant of £153,910.89 will be funded from Auchrobert Windfarm which contributes into the Renewable Energy Fund 8.2. Lesmahagow Community Football Club (LCFC) is a community football team with its purpose being:- To provide a framework for young people regardless of gender aged 5 to 17 years old to play organised competitive games of association football and to help its members develop football skills, sporting attitude along with personal and physical wellbeing. To promote the sport of associated football in the community and beyond. To ensure a duty of care to all the members of the club and to enrich the lives of the participants and develop the social skills required in life. To promote sportsmanship and fair play among officials, players and their parents. To encourage further links and partnership projects with local schools, voluntary groups and other organisations as appropriate. 8.3. LCFC has an eighteen-member management committee, 42 regular volunteers and 150 members. 40
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8.4. The grant will allow LCFC to refurbish McKirdy Football Pitch Lesmahagow. Lesmahagow Community Council also secured Renewable Energy Funding (£100,689.48) to upgrade McKirdy Park community space, as approved at Community and Enterprise Resource Committee 23 April 2024. 8.5. The refurbishment works will include, access and boundary fence maintenance, site cleaning and preparation to install the new surface, patch existing tarmacadam, new membrane, shock pad, 3G synthetic grass carpet and a new roof net to create a new 7-a-side 3G pitch. 8.6. LCFC have been working with Council Officers to ensure the project can be completed to cause minimal disruption. SLC will manage and oversee all works relating to the project. 8.7. The project has been established as identified within the Lesmahagow Community Action Plan, McKirdy Park is a focal point within the village and hosts numerous community events and activities. 8.8. The application has been assessed and scored an average of 35.5 out of 53 supporting a grant award of up to £153,910.89 totalling 100% of eligible costs. Lesmahagow is one of the villages where through changes made at the February 2024 Community and Enterprise Resources Committee 100% grants can be approved where good projects have difficulty securing match funding. 8.9. Renewable Energy Fund award set out below:- Funder Stage Value SLC Renewable Energy Fund Grant (100%) Auchrobert For approval £153,910.89 Total project value £153,910.89 8.10. The project is scheduled to commence in March 2025 and be complete by May 2025. Officers will work with the applicant to monitor progress and any impact on the timescales. 9. Grant Recommendation 9.1. Application Number 1205 Sandford & Upper Avondale Community Council Sandford and Upper Avondale Community Council – project value £99,041.76 Proposed Grant award £54,041.76 intervention rate of 55%. The proposed grant of £54,041.76 will be funded from Bank End Rig windfarm which contributes into the Renewable Energy Fund 9.2. Sandford and Upper Avondale Community Council (SUACC) is a Charity with its purpose being: - To maintain the Hall for the benefit of local residents to further the public good, as well as leisure and recreation for the local community. To ensure that the Hall is maintained and upheld. To promote the health and wellbeing of residents of Sandford and surrounding area. 9.3. SUACC has a six-member management committee. 41
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9.4. The grant will allow SUACC to redesign the layout of the village car park to increase parking spaces from the current 4 to 11 spaces, include 2 EV charging points and provide a dedicated space for community transport. The works will include excavation, kerbing, trench and duct work to install EV charging points and resurfaced with Grasscrete. 9.5. SUACC have been working with Council officers to ensure the project specification comply and maintenance schedules will continue as previously agreed by SLC. The main contractor as procured by SUACC will manage all aspects of the works overseen by SUACC committee. 9.6. This project has been established from SUACC Community Action Plan. The car park is used by Sandford Community Hall which is a high priority within the community action plan. 9.7. The application has been assessed and scored an average of 36.5 out of 53 supporting a grant award of up to £54,041.76 totalling 55% of eligible costs. 9.8. All Renewable Energy Fund awards are subject to suitable match funding being secured. The REF grant sought is 55% of the project value with the match funding as set out below. Funder Stage Value Kype Muir Community Fund Confirmed £45,000 SLC Renewable Energy Fund Grant (55%) Bank End Rig For approval £54,041.76 Total project value £99,041.76 9.9. The project is scheduled to commence in March 2025 and be complete by May 2025. Officers will work with the applicant to monitor progress and any impact on the timescales. 10. Grant Recommendation 10.1. Application Number 1170 Welcome All Hub – project value £108,387 Proposed grant award £70,897 intervention rate of 65% The proposed REF grant of £70,897 will be funded from Muirhall Stallashaw Windfarm which contributes into the Renewable Energy Fund 10.2. Welcome All Hub (WAH) Carstairs Junction is a Charity with its purpose being:- Welcome All Hub (WAH) has the ethos of working towards reducing social isolation, supporting families and helping eradicate poverty, improving mental and physical wellbeing while working on improving social cohesion in a small rural village that experiences high levels of deprivation. 10.3. WAH has a five member management committee, five regular volunteers, one full-time staff. 10.4. The grant will allow WAH to employ a part time Development Officer from April 2025 through to November 2026. The officer will work on projects tackling specific issues such as poverty, social isolation, community activity and participation with groups such as homelessness, long term unemployed, families with young children, people with disabilities and mental health issues. 42
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10.5. The project requires revenue funding to employ a Development Officer for a three- year period. This position will develop ideas that will generate jobs and income for local community groups, consider a future financial sustainability plan for the Welcome All Hub via trading and contracts. The post holder will also set goals for improvement and respond to problems and needs through empowerment and active participation. 10.6. The project has been established in response to community consultation events and the development of a community action plan recently published with thematic areas covering community in control, better informed communities, improving community connections and an attractive accessible environment. 10.7. The application has been assessed and scored an average of 35 out of 53 supporting a grant award of up to £70,897 totalling 65% of eligible costs. 10.8. All Renewable Energy Fund awards are subject to suitable match funding being secured as set out below:- Funder Stage Value Henry Smith confirmed £10,000 Garfield Weston confirmed £ 7,500 Big Lottery Decision by March £20,000 SLC Renewable Energy Fund Grant (65%%) Muirhall Stallashaw For approval £70,897 Total project value £108,397 10.9. The officer post is scheduled to commence in April 2025 and be complete by November 2026. Officers will work with the applicant to monitor project progress. 11. Employee Implications 11.1. There are no employee implications arising from this report. 12. Financial Implications 12.1. The awards will come from Black Law, Auchrobert, Bank End Rig, Muirhall Stallashaw Windfarms which contributes to the Renewable Energy Fund. The Funds have sufficient resources to meet the proposed grant awards commitment detailed in this report. 12.2. REF funding awards are subject to all other funding being secured. 13. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 13.1. SUACC EV charging stations will help drivers reduce demand for non-renewable resources. 13.2. FOSP restoration and reinstatement of Stonehouse Pavilion will restore and maintain a community facility contributing to sustainability of assets in communities. 14. Other Implications 14.1. The risks associated with the project are focused on the potential for cost overruns, delays to the projects or match funding not being secured. Work will continue with the applicant to help ensure match funding is secured and that projects are delivered broadly on time and within budget. 43
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15. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 15.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 15.2. Community Consultation is a requirement for all REF grants, consultation can be referenced through community action plans, independent consultation and social media platforms. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 5 February 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References Community and Enterprise Resources Committee 6 Feb 2024 Renewable Energy Fund - Strengthening Links to Rural Priorities. List of Background Papers Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number 1218 Completed REF Grant Application Form for application number 1218 Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number 1220 Completed REF Grant Application Form for application number 1220 Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number 1165 Completed REF Grant Application Form for application number 1165 Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number 1227 Completed REF Grant Application Form for application number 1227 Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number 1183 Completed REF Grant Application Form for application number 1183 Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number 1205 Completed REF Grant Application Form for application number 1205 Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number 1170 Completed REF Appraisal Scoring Sheet for application number1170 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Colin McFarlane Project Development Officer Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services E-mail: - colin.mcfarlane@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 44
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 25 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: South Lanarkshire Inward Investment and Property Enquiries Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an update on work being undertaken to develop the Council’s approach to Inward Investment and review the range of enquiries received for business and industrial space within South Lanarkshire from April to December 2024 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the progress on development of the Council’s approach to Inward Investment be noted; and (2) that the range and number of enquiries for business space in the South Lanarkshire area be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Inward investment makes a distinct, positive and significant impact on our economy at both a national, regional and local level. The term ‘inward investment’ describes both foreign direct investment (FDI) and similar investment from the rest of the UK into Scotland, the Glasgow City Region and the local authority area. 3.2. Scotland’s Inward Investment Plan: Shaping Scotland’s Economy sets out the national approach to targeting and attracting inward investment. Scottish Development International (SDI) (part of Scottish Enterprise) engage with major businesses and investors from around the world to encourage them to do business in or with Scotland. Over the last 12 months the Council has sought to strengthen its relationship with SDI representatives and tap into the inward investment opportunities they can provide. 4. South Lanarkshire Inward Investment Strategy 4.1. The Strategy was considered and approved by the Committee on 6 February 2024 and consists of five workstreams:- establishment of a cross-resource in-house team to drive forward investment in South Lanarkshire creation of a cross-resource property enquiry database to track enquiries which can be monitored and analysed 7 45
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development of a stand-alone South Lanarkshire Inward Investment website to promote Council and key stakeholder sites development of a South Lanarkshire Inward Investment proposition document or ‘pitch book’ foster closer relationships with SDI, Scottish Enterprise (SE), property agents, developers and investors 4.2. Significant progress has been made across these five workstreams including:- a cross-resource in-house team of officers from Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services, Property Services and Corporate Communications now meet regularly to collaborate, develop the approach to inward investment and identify opportunities a co-ordinated property enquiries database has now been created and is monitored and analysed on a quarterly database to align with the requirements of occupiers and business seeking to expand or locate into our area a stand-alone South Lanarkshire Inward Investment website, www.investsouthlanarkshire.co.uk, to promote Council and key stakeholder sites has now been created with content being developed and added on a regular basis. A social media campaign will be commencing shortly to raise awareness of the Invest South Lanarkshire website engagement with City Region partners and InvestGlasgow to raise the profile of the City Region authorities, including South Lanarkshire, when opportunities arise to raise our profile and engage with partners and potential investors on the national and international stage continuing engagement with SDI, SE and the private sector to ensure opportunities are captured to showcase key development sites including development of property press articles and an e-newsletter to engage with agents and corporate market 5. Property Enquiry Activity 5.1. As outlined above, property enquiries to the Council are now recorded through a single database. From April 2024 through to December 2024, 76 enquiries were received. A breakdown of these enquiries is attached in Appendix 1:- over 85% of enquiries were seeking business / industrial space of up to 10,000 sq,ft in size with very little availability of suitable premises within South Lanarkshire the most sought-after business locations were Hamilton, East Kilbride and Blantyre 25% of all enquiries were from construction trades and engineering businesses 13% of all enquiries were from food and drink businesses inward investment opportunities accounted for almost 20% of enquiries, existing South Lanarkshire based companies accounted for almost 60% of the enquiries received with business startup enquiries making up the balance of 20% 6. Key Challenges 6.1. As previously reported to Committee on 26 November 2024, commercial property consultants Ryden were commissioned to undertake a review of the commercial and industrial property supply in a number of areas across South Lanarkshire including East Kilbride, Hamilton, Blantyre, Larkhall, Lesmahagow, Carluke, Biggar and Lanark. This information has informed our understanding of market capacity to satisfy requests from inward investors as well as assisting expanding local companies to source suitable accommodation. 46
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6.2. The reports identified a number of issues that constrain the ability of the area to satisfy inward investment enquiries including:- a lack of new industrial supply coming to the market vacancy rates are low and in some established industrial estates have no available supply older premises are becoming obsolete and have poor energy performance there is limited refurbishment of existing stock taking place by private asset management firms levels of industrial stock have fallen as a result of redevelopment of sites for residential use the supply of serviced development plots that would be attractive to inward investors is critically low – this echoes the views of SDI and SE 6.3. In the current situation it is difficult to accommodate inward investment enquiries, particularly for the type of businesses that provide high quality jobs in construction, high value manufacturing and IT/data centre infrastructure provision. 6.4. Whilst the creation of a South Lanarkshire inward investment offer will be important to accommodate new inward investment enquiries and meet the needs of expanding indigenous companies, there needs to be a supply of development ready sites. A range of sites are available and are in the ownership of the Council or its partners including Shawfield, Langlands West, Canderside and Caldwellside. Several projects are currently being developed to create industrial space at Cathcart Road, Rutherglen and at Shawfield. The privately owned site, Conexus at Poneil, is development ready and is already attracting occupiers associated with renewable energy and battery storage. 7. Employee Implications 7.1. The development and implementation of Inward Investment and Property Enquiries activity will be taken forward by officers within Enterprise and Sustainable Development Service. 8. Financial Implications 8.1. An initial budget allocation of £50,000 is being utilised for activity this financial year with more limited funding for future years activity (ongoing web site development, events etc) being met from existing revenue budgets. 9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. This project will be taken forward in line with the Council’s sustainability objectives. 10. Risk and Other Implications 10.1. The risks associated with not supporting the proposal is that South Lanarkshire will not have a co-ordinated and effective presence when inward investment opportunities, that will effectively grow the local economy, are on offer. The Council’s reputation may be damaged if it does not proactively support and encourage inward investment in the area. 11. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 11.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy, therefore, no Integrated Impact Assessment is required. 47
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11.2. Consultations have been co-ordinated by Economic and Sustainable Development Services with a range of other Council services who have an ongoing role in Inward Investment/Property Enquiries. This consultation and cooperation will continue throughout the duration of the activity. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 5 February 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities /Outcomes Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Previous References South Lanarkshire Inward Investment Strategy, Community and Enterprise Resources Committee 6 February 2024 List of Background Papers / Material www.investsouthlanarkshire.co.uk website Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Iain Ross, Project Manager Iain.ross@southlanarkshire.gov.uk. 48
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April-December 2024 Enquiries 76 Industry Charity 2 Child and Adult Care 3 Clothing, Fashion & Textiles 1 Construction, Trades & Engineering 19 Education, HR & Training 1 Energy & Environment 3 Financial & Business Services 6 Hair & Beauty Services 4 Health & Wellbeing 1 Food & Drink 10 Industrial & Manufacturing 5 IT (Data Centre) 1 Leisure & Sport 7 Retail & Wholesale 6 Vehicle & Motor Trade 5 Other 2 Total 76 Size No size specified 1 0-10,000 sq ft 66 10-20, 000 sq ft 2 20-50,000 sq ft 3 over 50,000 sq ft 4 Total 76 Area Blantyre 7 Bothwell 0 Biggar 1 Cambuslang 3 Carluke 1 East Kilbride 13 Hamilton 24 Lanark 3 Larkhall 2 Rutherglen 3 Strathaven 1 Uddingston 1 Other (Outwith SL) 17 Total 76 Business Start Up 16 Existing Lanarkshire Company 45 Inward Investment 15 Total 76 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Industry Industry Child and Adult Care Clothing, Fashion & Textiles Construction, Trades & Engineering Education, HR & Training Energy & Environment Financial & Business Services Hair & Beauty Services Health & Wellbeing Food & Drink Industrial & Manufacturing IT (Data Centre) Leisure & Sport Retail & Wholesale Vehicle & Motor Trade Other 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 No size specified 0-10,000 sq ft 10-20, 000 sq ft 20-50,000 sq ft over 50,000 sq ft Size Size No size specified 0-10,000 sq ft 10-20, 000 sq ft 20-50,000 sq ft over 50,000 sq ft 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Area Area Blantyre Bothwell Biggar Cambuslang Carluke East Kilbride Hamilton Lanark Larkhall Rutherglen Strathaven Uddingston Other (Outwith SL) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Business Start Up Existing Lanarkshire Company Inward Investment Who the query is from Who the qury is from Business Start Up Existing Lanarkshire Company Inward Investment 7 49
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 25 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Waste Policy Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an update on the latest developments in the waste sector, particularly around future policy and new legislation 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [] (1) that the latest developments within the waste sector regarding forthcoming policies and legislation be noted. 3. Background 3.1. Sustainable waste management practices are an integral part of the Scottish Government’s goal to move towards a more Circular Economy. In a Circular Economy, resources are conserved, and waste is minimised. Establishing a Circular Economy is vital to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the Government’s Net Zero ambitions. To facilitate the significant change required to meet the Circular Economy goals, the Scottish and UK Governments are in the process of implementing new policies and legislation aimed at driving improvements in waste management. The full extent of the reforms, which are recognised as being the most significant in a generation, is not yet fully known, but they will ultimately change how local authorities plan, design and deliver refuse collection services in the future. 4. Update on policy and legislative changes in waste sector 4.1. Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 4.1.1. The Circular Economy Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament in June 2023 and passed on 26 June 2024. The resulting legislation, the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, contains provisions for primary legislation aimed at underpinning the transition to a circular economy and modernising waste and recycling services. The principles of the Act are to reduce the use of goods and materials; increase the reuse of items and products; increase recycling; and to reduce the creation of waste. 4.1.2. The Act contains the following: a Circular Economy Strategy; Circular Economy targets; legislation aimed at reducing waste; increases in penalties for littering from vehicles; legislation to enhance duty of care responsibilities for households and businesses; and legislation to improve waste monitoring. These measures will underpin and complement the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map (Section 4.2). 8 51
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4.2. The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map (Waste Route Map) 4.2.1. The Waste Route Map was published by the Scottish Government in December 2024 and sets out the strategic direction for waste management until 2030. The measures in the Waste Route Map are grouped under four strategic arms: reduction and reuse; modernising recycling, decarbonising disposal and strengthening the circular economy. The Route Map sets out the priority actions for each strategic arm as well as further actions which the Scottish Government will seek to progress between now and 2030. 4.2.2. All priority actions identified in the Route Map will have implications for Waste Services, but the commitment to improving household recycling will have a significant impact on how the Council delivers household refuse collection services in the future. 4.2.3. The Council signed the Household Recycling Charter on a voluntary basis in 2016; however, South Lanarkshire’s kerbside collection services are currently non-compliant with the existing Code of Practice (CoP). The Route Map commits to introducing a new statutory CoP for household waste services, which means that compliance with the CoP will become mandatory in future. 4.2.4. The Scottish Government is working towards publishing the new CoP by end of March 2026 and it is likely that it will include a requirement to reduce the amount of residual (non-recyclable waste) provided to householders. This is because evidence suggests that reducing residual waste capacity improves recycling rates. 4.2.5. The Council currently provides a minimum of 120L of residual waste to each household per week, however recommendations in the existing non-statutory CoP are that the maximum capacity should not exceed 80L per household per week. It is probable that 80L per week will become the statutory maximum amount of residual waste capacity given to standard households going forward. 4.2.6. The Route Map also commits to introducing statutory recycling rates. Failure to meet the targets could lead to financial penalties in the future. 4.2.7. A review of rural food exemptions and a commitment to issue a consultation on separate textile collections is also included. 4.2.8. The Route Map recognises the importance of education, intervention and behaviour change in the drive towards sustainable waste management practices. 4.2.9. The Route Map supports the decarbonisation of waste disposal by renewing the Scottish Government’s commitment to the expansion of the Emissions Trading Scheme to include Energy from Waste facilities (Section 4.5 of this report). 4.3. The Deposit Return Scheme 4.3.1. Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was previously delayed until October 2025 to allow the development and implementation of UK-wide scheme. In November 2024, Wales withdrew from the 4-nation approach to DRS, but Scotland are still committed to a joint scheme which is now scheduled to be implemented on 1 October 2027. Unfortunately, it now looks likely that glass bottles will be excluded from the DRS. Glass makes up around 60% (by weight) of the material in light grey container recycling bins and diverting it from the residual and recycling bins (via the deposit return scheme) had the potential to deliver significant reductions in collection costs for the Council. 52
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4.4. Packaging Waste Reforms 4.4.1. The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 ‘the regulations’ aim to ensure that producers pay for the collection and disposal of all packaging waste they put on the market. It aligns with the ‘polluter pays principle’ and is designed to drive an increase in re-use, recycling and waste reduction. The scheme is being managed by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is being simultaneously rolled out across the whole of the UK. 4.4.2. In late November 2024, Defra issued estimates (provisional notice of assessment) of payments due to local authorities for the period 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026. The estimates were calculated using Defra’s LAPCAP (Local Authority Packaging Cost and Performance) model and are subject to change, but the initial estimate is that South Lanarkshire Council’s cost for collection and disposal of household packaging waste will be £7.779m in 2025/2026. 4.4.3. In response to the issue of notices of assessment, the Scottish Government confirmed in writing that, subject to approval from the Scottish Parliament, year 1 funding from the packaging waste scheme would be in addition to existing local authority funding but stated there was an expectation that the money would be used to improve recycling rates and reduce carbon emissions. Waste Services continue to liaise with other local authorities and COSLA (via the Waste Managers Network) to establish if there are restrictions on how this money can be spent. A further update will be provided when the position is more certain. 4.5. UK Emissions Trading Scheme (Decarbonising Disposal) 4.5.1. The single, UK-wide Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), modelled on phase IV of the European Union ETS, currently only applies to the power sector, power intensive industries and aviation. Participants in the scheme can purchase allowances at auction or through industry trading arrangements, which allows the market to fund the most cost-effective way to reduce emissions. 4.5.2. In June 2023, all four nations in the UK announced that the UK ETS would be expanded to include Energy from Waste (EfW) plants and Waste Incinerators from 2028 onwards. The additional cost associated with this would be passed on to customers by the sector. Although, no figure has been agreed, it is likely that implementation of the scheme will place a considerable additional financial burden on Councils throughout the UK. 4.5.3. To minimise the financial risk associated with the ETS, the Council could (i) reduce the amount of residual waste requiring to be treated at EfW; (ii) reduce the carbon content of the waste (e.g. increase capture and recycling rates for items such as plastic packaging); or (iii) work with contractors to invest in processes such as carbon capture, fossil fuel recovery etc. In practice options (i) and (ii) are linked: if we increase recycling, we reduce the amount of residual waste as well as reducing the amount of plastic in the residual waste. 4.5.4. It is well established that reducing residual waste capacity i.e. either reducing the bin size or the frequency of collection, increases recycling rates and leads to a reduction in the amount of residual waste that needs to be sent to EfW plants. This approach also ties in with the Household Recycling CoP and the likely performance requirements for DEFRA funding via the Packaging EPR. 53
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4.5.5. The Council’s current contractual arrangements for the treatment of municipal residual waste at EfW ends on 31 March 2027; however, there is an option to extend the contract by a further 5 years. Waste Services will review the market conditions during 2025/2026 to determine whether extending or re-tendering the contract would represent Best Value for the Council. During this time, the Service will consider any opportunities to work with the existing contractor in order to reduce future financial liability under the ETS. 4.5.6. A high-level timeline for the policy and legislative changes referred to in the paragraphs above can be found in the appendix to this report. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications arising from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. The current estimate for EPR funding for South Lanarkshire Council in 2025/2026 is £7.779m. This will be reviewed by the scheme administrator in the coming months and further updates will be provided to Committee. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. The policies and legislation referred to in this report are aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices, increasing recycling and reuse opportunities and reducing the amount of waste being treated in Energy from Waste facilities or disposed to in landfill. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no other significant implications associated with the content of this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 5 February 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs. Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Ambitious, self-aware, and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality. We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places. We will work to recover, progress, and improve. Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live. Caring, connected, sustainable communities. 54
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Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Kevin Carr Extension: 4708 (Phone: 01698 454708) E-mail: Kevin.Carr@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 55
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Appendix : Legislative and Policy Timelines Theme 2024-25 2025-26 2026 and beyond Strengthen the Circular Economy CE and Waste Route Map finalised and published Q3 2024/25 CE development, monitoring framework and new targets (including consultation) by end 2025/26 Reduce and Re-Use Ongoing prep for packaging EPR, WEEE and batteries consultation, prep for DRS (2027) Modernise Recycling Recycling co-design process Review of Waste and Recycling Charging Develop statutory Recycling Code (Household Recycling Charter) Develop Recycling and Reuse Targets (2030) Consult on rural food waste exemptions Consult on separate textile collections Decarbonise Disposal Develop Residual Waste Plan Emissions Trading Scheme (2028) Sector-led plan to minimise the impacts of Energy from Waste 56
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 25 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Waste Management Review Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- ] provide an update on the progress of the Waste Management Review and outline proposals and recommendations to date 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [] (1) that the progress of the Waste Management Review be noted. 3. Background 3.1. This report provides a detailed overview of progress to date on the review of the Waste Service. Elements of the review process have already been presented and approved at Council Committees. On 18 June 2024, Community and Enterprise Resources Committee approved the implementation of a new booking system for Household Waste Recycling Centres (section 4.5) and agreed to the operational changes required so that Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) could be collected and treated in accordance with new legal requirements. In addition, on 26 June 2024, the Council’s Executive Committee approved the introduction of a charge for the collection of garden waste; a service which will commence on 1 April 2025. 3.2. A further report has also been presented to this committee detailing upcoming legislative and policy changes, particularly those anticipated to affect Council budgets. These legislative and policy drivers have shaped the outcomes and recommendations of the review. 3.3. The Council is Scotland’s fifth largest authority with a population of 319,000 in 159,000 households. The main settlements are East Kilbride, Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Hamilton, Carluke, Lanark and Larkhall. Approximately 80% of the area is rural, mainly located in the south of the Council area. In 2021, South Lanarkshire Council managed the 5th largest amount of household waste per person in Scotland. The amount of waste generated per person per year (0.51 tonnes) was higher than the Scottish average of 0.45 tonnes per year. The Council empties over 12 million household waste bins each year. 9 57
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4. Household Waste and Recycling Centres (Workstreams 1, 2 and 3) 4.1. The Council has six Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) managing approximately 35,000 tonnes of household waste each year. Five of the sites are managed by an external contractor. Only Carluke HWRC is managed in-house. The sites are located in the northwest of the Council area, a reflection on population densities and legacy decision-making processes. 4.2. The review of HWRC provision was undertaken to determine the approach to future service delivery. It included high level assessments of existing built infrastructure and compared operational practices to industry best practice. Spatial and capacity assessments, drive time calculations, and reviews of visitor numbers and opening hours were carried out to determine sufficiency of provision. Recommendations from the review were considered when preparing the tender documents for the’ Management and Operation of HWRCs’ contract which was awarded, with a duration of 7 plus 3 years and a total value of £39m, to Biffa Ltd in January 2024. The contract commenced on 1 April 2024. 4.3. The contract contains several new provisions, based on the findings of the Review of HWRCs (‘the review’), designed to deliver benefits and maximise opportunities for the Council. 4.4. The review highlighted that HWRCs in South Lanarkshire provide excellent geographical coverage, with over 85% of residents living within a 10 min drive, and more than 96% of residents living within a 20 min drive, of an existing site. In terms of network contribution, Blantyre made the highest contribution to overall tonnage (30%) followed by Rutherglen (25%) and East Kilbride (23%). Strathaven made the lowest contribution, with only 6% of total waste deposited at the site. In terms of number and times of visits, it was noted that most residents visited in late morning and early afternoon, meaning the sites were busy at those times (with potential for lengthy queues to form) but underutilised at other times of the day. 4.5. With these findings in mind, clauses were included in the new contract to give the Council flexibility regarding adding or removing HWRC sites. The Specification also included the requirement for the Contractor to implement booking systems at the sites at the request of the Council. The benefit of introducing a booking system is that visitor numbers are spread throughout the day which significantly reduces the potential for queues. This has been demonstrated at Carluke HWRC, where the booking system has significantly improved turnaround times, reduced queues and increased customer satisfaction rates. A recommendation from the Waste Review was that the booking system was rolled out across all HWRCs, and this was approved by Community and Enterprise Resources Committee on 18 June 2024. This has standardised booking requirements across the Council area. 4.6. The average recycling rate across all HWRC sites was approximately 63.4% in 2023/2024. The review, which considered best industry practice, highlighted service areas that could be improved to achieve better recycling performance. This information helped develop a detailed Specification for inclusion in the tender documents. Biffa Ltd have now committed to achieving an average Guaranteed Recycling Percentage (GRP) of 70% across all sites. They will achieve this by providing a ‘meet and greet’ service for members of the public, investing in better signage for the sites, improving householder communications, and developing re-use hubs. A new payment mechanism, which rewards the contractor for exceeding the GRP, without negatively impacting on the Council’s budget, was developed as part of the process, and included in the contract. 58
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4.7. The new payment mechanism was also designed to give the Council visibility over actual operating costs. The review highlighted that the previous contracts did not facilitate the breakdown of invoices to show fixed, variable and semi-variable costs, meaning the Council was unable to forecast potential costs associated with changes in service models or service demand. The new payment mechanism was developed to increase cost granularity; it includes an open-book arrangement for waste types such as asbestos and WUDS; a ‘free of charge’ element for waste types collected under extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for waste streams such as batteries, electrical appliances, TVs and monitors; and includes a profit share mechanism relating to the sale of recyclable material. The income from the sale of recyclable material offsets the overall cost of the contract. 4.8. The new contract also includes a new Performance Management Framework designed to encourage high standards on matters ranging from customer service to compliance to recycling performance. 5. Waste Compositional Analysis (Workstream 5) 5.1. The waste compositional analysis project was undertaken in July 2023 to provide current waste data for the basis of the review process. The pie chart below shows the split of waste types found in the residual bin. Of the total amount, 66% of residual waste could have been recycled in a kerbside recycling bin. Thirty percent of the total waste (by weight) was attributed to food waste, with a further 7% being garden waste. Seventeen percent of waste in the residual bin could have been recycled in the light grey recycling bin (glass, cans and plastic containers) and 12% could have been recycled in the blue recycling bin (paper, card and cardboard). Only 28% of the waste in the black bin is currently not recyclable in either kerbside recycling bins or HWRCs in South Lanarkshire. 6. Kerbside Collections (Workstreams 6 and 7) 6.1. Flat Project (Redesignation of Recycling Bins at Flats) 6.1.1. The original project, approved by Community and Enterprise Resources Committee in October 2022, involved the redesignation of blue comingled (paper, card, cardboard, cans, tins and plastic containers) recycling bins at flats. The aim of the project, which was designed to coincide with the initial implementation date for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Scotland, was to standardise recycling collections across the Council area so that all blue bins would only be used to dispose of paper, card and cardboard. 17% 12% 37% 5%1% 28% Residual Bin Composition Light Grey Bin Blue Bin Burgundy Bin Textiles Electricals Residual 59
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6.1.2. Re-designating the bin for residents in flats, gives Waste Services the opportunity to undertake fresh engagement in areas where participation rates are historically low and contamination rates high. It also makes it easier to issue generic communications about recycling to all householders. As highlighted in the previous report to Committee, the DRS is now delayed until October 2027 but there are still benefits associated with this project. 6.1.3. Waste Services have now finished the detailed surveys of flats in South Lanarkshire which will identify if properties can also accommodate light grey bins for glass, cans, and plastics. This aspect of the project was not previously considered since the majority of waste in the light grey bin would have fallen under the remit of the, now delayed, DRS. If a development can accommodate a full recycling service, then light grey recycling bins will be provided to householders. 6.1.4. To date, the roll out of the new services has been completed in Cambuslang and Rutherglen and is underway in East Kilbride. The project is scheduled to be implemented in Hamilton in March 2025. 6.2. Communal Bins Pilot Project (RIF Funding) 6.2.1. In December 2023, Waste Services were notified that the application made for capital funding form the Recycling Infrastructure Project (RIF Fund) had been successful. The funding, which has facilitated the purchase of bespoke communal recycling bins for use in flats where participation in recycling schemes is low, is worth around £0.135m. 6.2.2. The communal bins have been utilised in a pilot project aimed at improving recycling rates in the Springhall area of Cambuslang. The communal bins have several unique features included to reduce deliberate contamination, including self-closing lids, restrictor plates, and clear Perspex panels at the side of the bin. The bins also benefit from being disability accessible (slots for recycling located on the back of the bin). The clear Perspex panels make it easy for crews to see and then report contamination via the vehicle in-cab system. Reports of contamination triggered intervention visits from the Waste Education Team. 6.2.3. The project is being managed by the Waste Improvement and Education Team, who have been providing enhanced advice and support to residents in the area throughout the project duration. A communication plan was developed in conjunction with Zero Waste Scotland and officers liaised with the local Housing Services Team. The project was rolled out on 31 May 2024 and has, to date, resulted in over 15 tonnes of material being sent for recycling. Whilst crews did report issues with contamination early in the project, there have been no reports of contamination since. This demonstrates the benefits of intervention by the Waste Education Team, since contamination was previously a significant problem which meant that no material from the area had previously been deemed suitable for recycling. 6.2.4. In December 2024, further funding was secured from RIF (£148k) to extend the project to other areas within South Lanarkshire. The Waste Improvement and Education Team will continue to manage and monitor this project going forward. 60
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6.3. Review of Collection Service (excluding flats) 6.3.1. Of the 159,000 households in South Lanarkshire, over 70% (mainly those residing in houses with gardens) have been provided with a full (4-bin) refuse collection service. Of the remaining properties, approximately 47,000 are flatted developments where space restrictions often mean that insufficient recycling capacity is available to residents. Approximately 1,500 households (mainly residing in traditional terraced properties) are unable to store or present wheeled bins and are provided with refuse sacks which are collected by crews on a weekly basis. The remaining properties have full bin infrastructure. 6.3.2. The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map (which was published in December 2024) contains the commitment to publish a new mandatory Code of Practice (CoP) on Household Recycling by end of March 2026 and to introduce statutory recycling targets; however, there remains uncertainty about what these will look like and what they will mean for the Council. Given this uncertainty, it is proposed to pause any further work on changing refuse collection frequencies or waste capacities, until the more details are known about the charter. 6.3.3. Although the recommendation is that the service does not make any changes to refuse collection frequencies at this time, a full refuse collection rerouting exercise is required to take account of new build properties, changes to tipping locations; and to improve efficiencies in the existing routes. 6.4. Garden Waste Collections 6.4.1. The review of non-statutory garden waste collections, led to the development of a proposal to introduce a charge for the collection of burgundy bins containing garden waste. The proposal was approved by the Council’s Executive Committee in June 2024, meaning that residents who wish to use their burgundy bin to present garden waste will be required to purchase a permit from 1 April 2025 onwards. Residents in South Lanarkshire, including those in rural areas who had not previously been eligible for a food waste collection, are still able to present separately collected food waste in the burgundy bin free of charge. 7. Collections Modelling and Routing 7.1. Waste Services have now completed the first two phases of the ‘In-Cab Project’. Phase 1 (in-cab reporting) was completed in 2022; and Phase 2 (modelling and routing install) was rolled out, despite issues with the software leading to delays in the project, to the Project Team in February 2024. 7.2. Phase 3 of the in-cab project, apart from the garden waste permitting functionality, has yet to be fully scoped but will be based around customer service improvements e.g. generation of UPRN (unique property reference number) level collection calendars or the reporting of missed bins. Having the ability to generate property level collection calendars (rather than the postcode level information the Council currently produces) is key to successfully managing routing changes to kerbside collection services, especially where there is a mixture of housing types in the same postcode This phase will also contribute to the Councils objective of ‘Channel Shift’, with customers able to access services online rather than via the Councils call centre. 61
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8. Depots and infrastructure 8.1. The Waste Service operates the refuse collection service from three locations; Forrest Street Depot, Blantyre; Sandy Road, Carluke; Castlehill Waste Transfer Station (WTS). Each location has been considered as part of the review process, with analysis undertaken on drive times, population density, asset condition, operational efficiency and health and safety. The analysis demonstrated that Forrest Street, Blantyre is in the optimum location for servicing the majority of the population of South Lanarkshire. 8.2. The analysis also shows that the optimum location for a satellite depot is in the Lanark area, rather than Carluke, where the current satellite depot is located. The Carluke depot and the road surfaces within the curtilage of the property are in a poor state of repair. There are ongoing maintenance challenges and limited opportunities to redesign the site. It is anticipated that the Carluke satellite depot will continue to be utilised in the short to medium term; however, as part of the council’s transformation programme, opportunities to rationalise and improve the council’s infrastructure for front line services will be explored. 8.3. In the meantime, it is proposed that the following interim operational changes will be implemented. refuse collection vehicles and crews servicing settlements including Larkhall, Stonehouse, and Lesmahagow, will operate out of Forrest Street, Blantyre rather than the Carluke (Sandy Road depot) as a consequence of the re-routing exercise referred to above, 5 refuse collection vehicles (and associated crews) will be relocated to Forrest Street, Blantyre. Although the Service will try to mitigate the impact on employees based at Sandy Road, Carluke by ensuring future posts are based at Forrest Street this proposal could affect up to 15 FTE employees Castlehill Waste Transfer Station (WTS), Carluke with the current collection system, the WTS is used to accept and bulk residual waste on 2.5 days per fortnight. The building is in poor condition and operation of the facility requires the hire of a material handler to bulk the waste. Given these challenges and inefficiencies, it is proposed to close the WTS from 1 April 2025. Residual waste will no longer be bulked at the WTS; instead, it will be direct delivered to the waste contractor (in Stonehouse) by refuse collection vehicles. This will affect two FTE posts who will be redeployed to existing vacancies within the service. Additional transport costs associated with the change in disposal arrangements will be offset by reductions in staffing and equipment costs of the WTS, meaning the proposal is cost neutral. This proposal does not impact on Carluke HWRC, which will remain operational after 1 April 2025. 9. Employee Implications 9.1. Operational changes outlined in section 8.2 will see up to 15 employees base location change from Sandy Rd, Carluke to Forrest St, Blantyre. The closure of the WTS will affect 2 employees who will be redeployed within the service. 62
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10. Financial Implications 10.1. The service received a grant from Zero Waste Scotland for £0.135m to deliver the communal bins pilot project. Further operational proposals outlined as part of the review process are cost neutral. 11. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 11.1. The Waste Review is aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices, increasing recycling and reuse opportunities and reducing the amount of waste being treated in Energy from Waste facilities or disposed to in landfill. 12. Other Implications 12.1. There are no other significant implications associate with the contents of this report. 13. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 13.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. Consultation has been undertaken with employees and the Trades Unions. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 5 February 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities /Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable Excellent employer We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References Operational and Financial Implications of Managing Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDs) Containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) – Community and Enterprise Committee – 18 June 2024 Introduction of Charge for Uplift of Household Garden Waste (Burgundy) Bin – Community and Enterprise Committee – 18 June 2024 Extension of the Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) Booking System – Community and Enterprise Committee – 18 June 2024 63
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List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Kevin Carr Extension: 4708 (Phone: 01698 454708) E-mail: Kevin.Carr@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 64