Agenda Document Pack - Executive Committee - 24/09/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 24 September 2025
Back to Executive Committee — 24 September 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 16 September 2025 Dear Councillor Executive Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 Time: 10:00 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 Joe Fagan (Chair/ex officio), Gerry Convery (Depute Chair), Alex Allison, John Anderson, Robert Brown, Andy Carmichael, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Margaret Cooper, Andrea Cowan, Maureen Devlin, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Elise Frame, Gavin Keatt, Susan Kerr, Ross Lambie, Eileen Logan, Katy Loudon, Ian McAllan, Catherine McClymont, Lesley McDonald, Davie McLachlan, Richard Nelson, Norman Rae, Mo Razzaq, Kirsten Robb, John Ross, David Shearer, Margaret B Walker Substitutes Walter Brogan, Poppy Corbett, Margaret Cowie, Celine Handibode, Graeme Horne, Martin Hose, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Hugh Macdonald, Kenny McCreary, Elaine McDougall, Mark McGeever, Graham Scott, David Watson 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 27 August 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 16 Monitoring Item(s) 3 Revenue Budget Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2025 to 8 August 2025 Report dated 29 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 17 - 22 4 Capital Budget 2025/2026 and Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2025 – 8 August 2025 Report dated 3 September 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 23 - 30 5 Update to Funding Report dated 29 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 31 - 34 Item(s) for Decision 6 Local Action Fund - Further Spend Proposals Report dated 10 September 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 35 - 40 7 Visitor Levy Report dated 9 September 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 41 - 46 8 Glasgow City Region Investment Zone – Proposed Creation of Non- Domestic Rates Retention Sites Report dated 9 September 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 47 - 52 9 Recommendations Referred by the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Report dated 11 September 2025 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 53 - 56 10 Recruitment Committee - Proposed Amendment to Membership Report dated 8 September 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 57 - 58 Item(s) for Noting 11 Annual Review of the South Lanarkshire Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029 Report dated 11 September 2025 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources). (Copy attached) 59 - 66 2
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Urgent Business 12 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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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 27 August 2025 Chair: Councillor Joe Fagan (ex officio) Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Robert Brown, Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Gerry Convery (Depute), Councillor Margaret Cooper, Councillor Margaret Cowie (substitute for Councillor Mo Razzaq), Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Elise Frame, Councillor Celine Handibode (substitute for Councillor Margaret B Walker), Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey (substitute for Councillor Andrea Cowan), Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Susan Kerr, Councillor Eileen Logan, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Ian McAllan, Councillor Catherine McClymont, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Elaine McDougall (substitute for Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller), Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor Norman Rae, Councillor Kirsten Robb, Councillor John Ross, Councillor David Shearer Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Andrea Cowan, Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Councillor Ross Lambie, Councillor Mo Razzaq, Councillor Margaret B Walker Attending: Chief Executive’s Service P Manning, Chief Executive; T Little, Head of Communications and Strategy Community and Enterprise Resources A Brown, Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development; K Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services Education Resources L McRoberts, Executive Director Finance and Corporate Resources J Taylor, Executive Director; K McLeod, Administration Assistant; M Milne, Head of Personnel Services; T Slater, Administration Adviser; I Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Housing and Technical Resources S Egan, Interim Executive Director; C Jardine, Head of Property Services; J Read, Interim Strategy and Support Manager Health and Social Care/Social Work Resources S Sengupta, Director, Health and Social Care Chair’s Opening Remarks The Chair welcomed:- Lyndsay McRoberts, newly appointed Executive Director (Education Resources), to her first meeting of the Committee Councillors Chalmers and Clark in their new roles as Leader and Depute Leader, respectively of the main Opposition Group 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 5
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2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 25 June 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. In response to a member’s question, the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) advised that the costs of the recent storms were still being collated and, as soon as this information was available, it would be included in a future Revenue Budget Monitoring report. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Revenue Budget Monitoring for Period 4 - 1 April 2025 to 11 July 2025 A report dated 30 July 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the overall financial position of the Council’s General Fund Revenue Account and Housing Revenue Account for the period 1 April to 11 July 2025 and a forecast for the year to 31 March 2026. As at 11 July 2025, the projected outturn position on the General Fund Revenue Account and Housing Revenue Account was a breakeven position, as detailed in appendices 1 and 2 to the report respectively. Actual spend to 11 July 2025 was also provided in the appendices to the report. Information was provided on the following key budget areas:- pay award Teacher Numbers/Reduced Class Contact Time Additional Support for Learning Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved the recommendations in the report, however, due to additional clarification being required from the Scottish Government on the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) funding, proposed the following wording to replace recommendation (4):- “that the anticipated underspend of £7.106 million in core Council budget, as detailed in section 4.9, be noted and that consideration of its use be taken forward to a future meeting of the Executive Committee”. Councillor Robb, seconded by Councillor Clark, moved the following amendment:- Add to section 4.9:- “This will result in an underspend of £7.106 million anticipated in the current financial year and as noted above, given the pressures arising from the higher than budgeted pay award, it is recommended that £5.006 million be transferred to Reserves, and consideration given to its use to support the Budget Strategy – with a view to setting this aside for the cost of the 2025 Pay Award in future years, “retaining £2.100 million in the Community and Enterprise budget to establish a “Cleaning up South Lanarkshire Fund” containing the following investments: £1.750m for additional staffing and vehicle resources across Waste and Grounds Services to provide resilience and tackle litter and fly tipping £0.050m for the purchase of more larger, lidded street bins to boost the bin replacement programme £0.250m for environmental enforcement to tackle litter and fly-tipping £0.050m to assist communication, including in partnership with 3rd sector organisations, to increase awareness of opportunities to reuse and recycle 6
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The above investments will prioritise but not be limited to town and village centres as guided by service requirements." On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 17 members voted for the motion and 11 for the amendment. The motion was declared carried. As part of the discussion, the Chair advised that clarity would be sought from the Scottish Government in relation to the pEPR funding with a view to holding cross-party discussions to seek consensus prior to further consideration by Committee. The Committee decided: (1) that the projected breakeven position on the General Fund Revenue Account for 2025/2026, as detailed in section 4.1, and the actual spend as at 11 July 2025, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, be noted; (2) that the available budget of £4.2 million in 2025/2026, as detailed in section 4.5, be transferred to Reserves, and consideration given to its use to support the Budget Strategy; (3) to note that the proposals for the use of £1.8 million Additional Support for Learning (ASL) funding would be presented to the September meeting of the Committee, as detailed in section 4.7 of the report; (4) that the anticipated underspend of £7.106 million in core Council budget, as detailed in section 4.9 of the report, be noted and that consideration of its use be taken forward to a future meeting of the Executive Committee; and (5) that the projected breakeven position on the Housing Revenue Account for 2025/2026, and actual spend as at 11 July 2025, as detailed in section 5 and Appendix 2 of the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 4) and Minutes of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee of 12 August 2025 (Paragraph 10)] Councillor Cooper joined the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 4 Capital Budget 2025/2026 and Monitoring for Period 4 - 1 April to 11 July 2025 A report dated 30 July 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on the progress of the General Fund Capital Programme and Housing Capital Programme for the period 1 April to 11 July 2025. The revised programme for the General Fund for 2025/2026 was £73.834 million which included previous adjustments approved by this Committee. The revised budget was detailed in Appendix 1 to the report and also included proposed adjustments totalling an overall increase of £5.736 million. The forecast for the financial year was £73.834 million and actual spend incurred as at 11 July 2025 totalled £5.276 million. Actual funding received up to 11 July 2025 was £8.566 million. Updates were provided on the:- Delivering and Enabling Commercial Space Programme Vacant and Derelict Land Fund 7
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The revised Housing Capital Programme for 2025/2026 amounted to £87.700 million. Programme funding for the year also totalled £87.700 million. The funding sources were detailed in Appendix 4 to the report. Budget for the period amounted to £14.380 million and, as at 11 July 2025, £14.380 million had been spent. The position on the General Fund Capital Programme and the Housing Capital Programme would be monitored by the Financial Resources Scrutiny Forum. The Committee decided: (1) that the position of the General Fund Capital Programme, as detailed in appendices 1 to 3 of the report, and the Housing Capital Programme, as detailed in Appendix 4 of the report, as at 11 July 2025, be noted; (2) that the adjustments to the General Fund programme, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved; and (3) that the revised programmes be monitored by the Financial Resources Scrutiny Forum. [Reference: Minutes of 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 6) and 28 May 2025 (Paragraph 6) and Minutes of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee of 12 August 2025 (Paragraph 12)] 5 Update to Funding A report dated 30 July 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on additional funding, totalling £3.272 million, which had been made available to the Council by the Scottish Government and other external sources. The funding had been allocated as follows:- Revenue Funding Resource 2025/2026 (£m) Education 1.222 Social Work 0.587 Total 1.809 Capital Funding Resource 2025/2026 (£m) Community and Enterprise 1.463 Total 1.463 Overall Total 3.272 The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 28 May 2025 (Paragraph 3)] 6 Local Action Fund - Further Spend Proposals A report dated 30 July 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on further spend proposals for the Local Action Fund (LAF). 8
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The allocation of £50,000 to each of the Council’s 20 geographical wards had been approved by the Council at its meeting on 26 February 2025. Members had been issued with guidance to assist in the process of considering how the monies could be spent and were encouraged to discuss possible suggestions with their fellow ward councillors. Proposals for Ward 13 (Cambuslang West), Ward 16 (Bothwell and Uddingston) and Ward 20 (Larkhall) had reached agreement and were attached as Appendix 1 to the report. Costings for the proposals on the balance of £23,200 for Ward 11 (Rutherglen South) were being finalised, and to avoid a decision having to wait until the next meeting of the Committee, it was proposed that authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the ward members and Chair and Depute Chair of this Committee, to finalise those proposals. Members of Ward 3 (Clydesdale East) were still considering spend options and it was proposed that their proposal be brought back to a future meeting of the Committee for consideration. There were 5 wards where there was more than 1 proposal from ward members. The Chair proposed that recommendations 1 to 3 be approved and that for recommendation 4, each ward be taken individually. This was accepted by the Committee. For Ward 2 (Clydesdale North), Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved that the 1st proposal be approved. Councillor Chalmers, seconded by Councillor Clark, moved as an amendment that the 2nd proposal be approved. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 16 members voted for the 1st proposal and 12 for the 2nd proposal. The 1st proposal, that £50,000 be used for play park improvements within the ward, was approved. For Ward 4 (Clydesdale South), Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved that the 2nd proposal be approved. This was agreed unanimously. The 2nd proposal, that £50,000 be allocated as a grant to Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Resilience Group to support local youth development, was approved. For Ward 5 (Avondale and Stonehouse), the Chair advised that he had received a request from Councillor Cooper that this be continued to the next meeting. Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved that the proposals for this ward be continued to the next meeting as it was understood that there was potential for consensus. Councillor Frame, having initially advised that she would want the issue to be considered at this meeting, agreed for it to be continued on the basis that a meeting of all ward councillors be arranged to try to reach a conclusion. It was, therefore, agreed that the proposals for Ward 5 (Avondale and Stonehouse) be continued to a future meeting, with a meeting of all ward councillors to be arranged prior to coming back to committee. For Ward 9 (East Kilbride West), Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved that the 1st proposal be approved. Councillor Robb proposed that the 2nd proposal be approved, however, failed to find a seconder, therefore, the 1st proposal that £50,000 be used for accessible play park improvements within the ward was approved. At this point in the meeting, Councillors Brown and Cowie, having advised that they would not be voting on the Ward 12 proposals due to their involvement with Rutherglen 900, left the meeting during consideration of the Ward 12 proposals. 9
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For Ward 12 (Rutherglen Central and North), the Chair advised that he had received a request from Councillor Lennon that this be continued to the next meeting. Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved that the proposals for this ward be continued to the next meeting as there had been progress on the proposals. Councillor Loudon, seconded by Councillor Clark, moved as an amendment that the 2nd proposal be approved. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 13 members voted for the motion to continue the matter and 13 voted for the amendment that the 2nd proposal be approved. On the casting vote of the Chair, the motion was declared carried. The Committee decided: (1) that the proposals for the agreed Local Action Fund (LAF) submissions in respect of Ward 13 (Cambuslang West), Ward 16 (Bothwell and Uddingston) and Ward 20 (Larkhall), as detailed in Appendix 1 to this report, be approved; (2) that authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the ward members and Chair and Depute Chair of this Committee, to finalise how the LAF would be spent in Ward 11 (Rutherglen South); (3) to note that the proposals for Ward 3 (Clydesdale East) would be brought back to a future meeting; and (4) that the following proposals be approved:- (a) Ward 2 (Clydesdale North) - £50,000 to be used for play park improvements within the ward (b) Ward 4 (Clydesdale South) - £50,000 to be allocated as a grant to Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Resilience Group to support local youth development (c) Ward 5 (Avondale and Stonehouse) - consideration of the proposals for this ward to be continued to the next meeting of the Committee (d) Ward 9 (East Kilbride West) - £50,000 to be used for accessible play park improvements within the ward (e) Ward 12 (Rutherglen Central and North) - consideration of the proposals for this ward to be continued to the next meeting of the Committee [Reference: Minutes of 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 9)] In terms of Standing Order No 14, the Chair adjourned the meeting following this item of business at 11:15am and reconvened at 11:20am without the attendance of Councillor Frame 7 Administration and Approval of Firework Control Zones in South Lanarkshire A report dated 28 July 2025 by the Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) was submitted:- providing an update on the requirements of Firework Control Zones from the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 seeking approval for the proposed approval processes relating to Firework Control Zones The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 introduced a range of restrictions and requirements on the use of fireworks across Scotland. This included stricter criteria on who could buy and sell fireworks, and how and when they could be used. 10
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A key aspect of the legislation was the introduction of discretionary powers for local authorities to designate Firework Control Zones (FCZs). This was followed up by local authority guidance published in 2024. Information was provided on the proposed approval processes for FCZs in South Lanarkshire, which included how they could be applied for, public consultation and approval through the Council’s area committees. If approved, area committees’ Terms of Reference would require to be updated and approved by Council. The Interim Strategy and Support Manager, Housing and Technical Resources responded to members’ questions and undertook to provide members with information on:- what constituted an established community group any restrictions on the sale of fireworks within FCZs The Committee decided: (1) that the overview of the requirements of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 be noted; and (2) that the proposed approval processes for Firework Control Zones in South Lanarkshire, as detailed in Section 6 of the report, be approved. 8 Consultation on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Service Delivery Review A report dated 7 August 2025 by the Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) was submitted:- providing an update on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s public consultation on the strategic review of its Service seeking approval for the Council’s proposed response to the consultation Information was provided on:- the background to the consultation which followed a national Service Delivery Review and previous consultation exercise the current operating arrangements in Lanarkshire the conclusions from the Service Delivery Review specific to Lanarkshire which resulted in 2 options The response to the consultation, which was attached as Appendix 1 to the report and informed by a members’ awareness session held on 6 August 2025, chose option 2 as the preferred mode of service delivery for Lanarkshire. The Committee decided: (1) that the overview of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services’ Service Delivery Review be noted; and (2) that the proposed response to the consultation, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. 9 Land and Property Transfers and Disposals A report dated 30 July 2025 by the Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) was submitted on proposed actions in respect of land and property transactions. 11
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The recommendations had been made in terms of agreed procedures for dealing with surplus land and property. The Committee decided: that the land detailed in Appendix A, which would be the subject of negotiated transactions, be declared surplus to Council requirements. 10 South Lanarkshire Local Housing Strategy Annual Review 2024/2025 A report dated 6 August 2025 by the Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) was submitted providing an update on the progress made during 2024/2025 against the agreed outcomes set out in the Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2022 to 2027. A summary of significant changes, which had taken place both nationally and locally since the last review of the LHS, was provided in the report. The LHS was structured around 5 chapters and 8 priority outcomes and was monitored through 106 indicators, comprising 71 actions and 35 measures, which showed that:- 2 indicators had been completed in full 80 indicators were categorised as green and were on course to achieve with no issues anticipated 10 indicators were categorised as amber with some minor slippage against targets 1 indicator was categorised as red with below anticipated performance 13 indicators would be reported at a later date Actions to address the red and amber indicators were outlined in the report together with highlights in areas where good progress had been identified. In line with trends across Scotland, South Lanarkshire continued to experience a Housing Emergency with sustained demand for homelessness services. As well as providing the opportunity to assess and report on the progress made against each of the actions and measures contained in the Strategy, the annual review also allowed for a general re-examination to ensure that the objectives, actions and measures identified remained appropriate, relevant and measurable. During the annual review, 5 proposed revised actions had been identified, as detailed in the report. Those would be incorporated in the LHS action plan for 2025/2026. The Committee decided: that the progress on actions for delivering the agreed LHS priority outcomes across the 5 chapters be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 26 June 2024 (Paragraph 15)] 11 South Lanarkshire Council Response to Pre-budget Scrutiny Call for Views on Responding to Long-Term Fiscal Pressures A report dated 5 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the Council’s response to the call for views issued by the Finance and Public Administration Committee of the Scottish Parliament as part of the pre-budget scrutiny process. The call for evidence had been issued on the topic of ‘Responding to Long-Term Fiscal Pressures’ and information was provided on the focus of this year’s pre-budget scrutiny. The Council’s response, which had been due for submission by 11 August 2025, was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. 12
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The Committee decided: that the Council's response to the call for views, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be noted. 12 Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 – Update A report dated 15 August 2025 by the Director, Health and Social Care was submitted providing an update on the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 22 July 2025. Information was provided on the background to the establishment of the Act which had initially been put forward as The National Care Service (Scotland) Bill. Following amendments at Stage 2 of the approval process for legislation, the name of the Bill had been changed as it was no longer establishing a National Care Service. In summary the Act:- enshrined Anne’s Law into legislation to uphold the rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and identify an essential care supporter strengthened support for unpaid carers by establishing a legal right to breaks empowered people to access information on their care and improved the flow of information across care settings improved access to independent advocacy to guarantee people were heard and involved in decisions about their own care created a National Chief Social Work Adviser role to provide professional leadership and champion the sector, as part of plans for a new National Social Work Agency A non-statutory advisory board would be established to drive progress and scrutinise reform. The Committee decided: that the update on the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 21 February 2024 (Paragraph 11)] 13 Good Food Nation Plan and Call for Evidence A report dated 30 July 2025 by the Chief Executive was submitted providing:- an update on the upcoming Scottish Government guidance on the development of a Good Food Nation Plan (GFNP) and current progress the Council’s response to the Scottish Parliament’s call for evidence on the Good Food Nation Plan, which was submitted to meet the deadline of 15 August 2025 The Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022 placed a legislative duty on Scottish Ministers, local authorities and territorial health boards to create GFNPs. The Scottish Government was in the process of preparing a national GFNP, which would be finalised during 2025. Information was provided on the key dates and considerations for the development of GFNPs, together with preparatory actions being taken by the Council. A call for evidence was issued by the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee and Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, with a deadline for responses of 15 August 2025. The Council’s response was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. 13
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The Committee decided: (1) that the content of the report be noted; and (2) that the Council’s response to the call for evidence, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be noted. 14 Council Complaints Report: SPSO Annual Overview 2024/2025 A report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing details on:- the Council’s performance in handling complaints received during the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 against the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman’s (SPSO) national indicators customer feedback on complaints handling The Committee decided: that the Council’s complaints handling performance for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 4 September 2024 (Paragraph 8)] 15 Membership Changes A report dated 13 August 2025 by the Chief Executive was submitted advising of a change to the membership of the Community Wealth Building Commission and the Conference Allocation Committee. Following recent changes to the office bearers in the SNP Group and to comply with the associated Terms of Reference, Councillor Chalmers, as Leader of the Group, had replaced Councillor Ross on the Community Wealth Building Commission and Councillor Clark, as Depute Leader of the Group, had replaced Councillor Chalmers on the Conference Allocation Committee. The Committee decided: (1) that the replacement of Councillor Ross by Councillor Chalmers as a member of the Community Wealth Building Commission be noted; and (2) that the replacement of Councillor Chalmers by Councillor Clark as a member of the Conference Allocation Committee be noted. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council of 18 May 2022 (Paragraph 7)] 16 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 14
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17 Exclusion of Press and Public The Committee decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 18 Langlands West – Marketing for AI/Data Centre Opportunity A report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on:- the Data Centre/AI market a marketing exercise carried out in relation to the Council owned site at Langlands West and the steps taken to market it as a Data/AI Centre opportunity The Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development responded to members’ questions in relation to various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: (1) that work to conclude an offer to purchase the Langlands West Site continue, as outlined in section 6 of the report; and (2) that authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources), in consultation with Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) and the Head of Administration and Legal Services, to progress matters and conclude a sale contract on terms that were in the best interests of the Council. Councillor Nelson left the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 15
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Revenue Budget Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2025 to 8 August 2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise the Committee of the forecast for the year to 31 March 2026 for the Council’s General Fund Revenue Account and Housing Revenue Account, and the actual spend position for the period 1 April 2025 to 8 August 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Executive Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the projected break-even position on the General Fund Revenue Account for 2025/2026 (section 4.1) and the actual spend as at 8 August 2025 (Appendix 1), be noted; (2) that the update on the use of the Additional Support for Learning funding (section 4.4), be noted; and (3) that the projected break-even position on the Housing Revenue Account for 2025/2026, and the actual spend as at 8 August 2025 (section 5 and Appendix 2), be noted. 3. Background 3.1. This overview report will summarise the projected outturn for 2025/2026 for both the Council’s General Fund (section 4) and for the Housing Revenue Account (section 5). It will also provide the actual spend as at 8 August 2025. 4. General Services 2025/2026 Projected Outturn as at 8 August 2025 4.1. As at 8 August 2025, the projected outturn position for 2025/2026 on the General Services budget is break-even (Appendix 1). The actual spend to date is shown in Appendix 1. 4.2. Section 4.3 onwards provides detail on a number of key budget areas. 3 17
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4.3. Reduced Class Contract Time: As reported previously, if implemented, there is still a risk in relation to Reducing Class Contact Time (RCCT) for teachers, and national discussions on this are ongoing. Reducing the amount of time that a teacher is in the classroom would mean a requirement for additional teachers to be brought into the system. This would have financial implications for councils including South Lanarkshire Council. Cosla and local government are engaged with the Scottish Government on this matter, and local government have made it clear that funding would have to be provided by the Scottish Government. If the Scottish Government do not fully fund the cost of RCCT, then this shortfall will be added to the Council’s Budget Gap and further savings would be required to balance the Council’s Budget. Updates will be provided as this matter progresses. 4.4. Additional Support for Learning (ASL): As previously advised, Education Resources has considered spend areas for the use of the Additional Support for Learning funding allocation of £1.834 million in 2025/2026. In line with identified need across schools and establishments, proposed spend areas include a Pedagogy Team, Data Officer, Pathfinders, Marmot Early Years Support, Early Years Language and Communication Project, and Speech and Language provision. A separate report will be presented to the Education Resources Committee in November outlining the full details of the proposals and the additional posts required. 4.5. Pay Award: National agreement has now been reached on the pay award for Scottish Joint Council (SJC), Craft Operatives and Chief Officials on the basis of a 4% uplift in 2025/2026 and 3.5% in 2026/2027. The 2025/2026 uplift was paid in August 2025 and the budget allocation to Resources is included in the position reflected in Appendix 1. 4.6. Discussions on the pay offer for Teachers are ongoing and being considered by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) Teachers Panel. Updates will be provided as further information becomes available. 4.7. Transfers from Capital: The Budget in Appendix 1 includes a £5.300 million transfer from the Capital Programme for the Private Housing Scheme of Assistance (£1.000 million) and Planned Maintenance (£4.300 million) programmes. Following a review of the spend, it has been identified that it cannot be classed as Capital. Therefore, it is proposed that budget of £5.300 million will be transferred to Housing and Technical Resource’s Revenue budget. This is an accounting transaction only. The total overall budget for the projects remains the same. 5. Housing Revenue Account Position 5.1. As at 8 August 2025, Appendix 2 of the report shows a break-even position on the Housing Revenue Account. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. None. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. As detailed in sections 4 to 5 of the report. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 18
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9. Other Implications 9.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s Revenue Budget is that there is an overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed budget management applied across the Resources. The risk is managed through four weekly Budget Monitoring Meetings at which any variance is analysed. In addition, the probable outturn exercise ensures early warning for corrective action to be taken where appropriate. 9.2. There are no implications for sustainability in terms of the information contained in this report. 10. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 10.1. 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. 10.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 29 August 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 8 August 2025 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Lorraine O'Hagan, Head of Finance (Strategy) Ext: 5637 (Tel: 01698 455637) E-mail: lorraine.o'hagan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 19
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Note: While the Year to Date Actual at period presents a net surplus position (£40.802m), this is timing only. The forecast outturn shows a breakeven position (sections 4.1). Appendix 1 Revised Projected Projected % Note Year to Date Annual Outturn Outturn Actual Budget Variance Resources: £m £m £m £m Community and Enterprise Resources 136.550 136.550 0.000 0.00% 39.935 Facilities Waste and Grounds 85.378 85.112 0.266 0.31% 21.764 Leisure and Culture 20.090 20.090 0.000 0.00% 8.464 Planning and Regulatory Services 5.223 5.100 0.123 2.35% 1.412 Enterprise and Sustainable Development 6.556 6.394 0.162 2.47% 2.656 Roads, Transportation and Fleet 19.303 19.854 (0.551) (2.85%) 5.639 Education Resources 495.033 495.033 0.000 0.00% 165.477 Education 495.033 495.033 0.000 0.00% 165.477 Finance and Corporate Resources 41.678 41.678 0.000 0.00% 22.690 Finance Services - Strategy 2.177 2.268 (0.091) (4.18%) 1.232 Finance Services - Transactions 17.920 17.715 0.205 1.14% 8.394 Audit and Compliance Services 0.363 0.332 0.031 8.54% 0.163 Information Technology Services 8.055 8.142 (0.087) (1.08%) 6.957 Communications and Strategy Services 2.395 2.378 0.017 0.71% 1.099 Administration and Licensing Services 4.093 4.068 0.025 0.61% 2.280 Personnel Services 6.675 6.775 (0.100) (1.50%) 2.565 Housing & Technical Resources 19.239 19.239 0.000 0.00% 10.053 Housing Services 8.967 9.003 (0.036) (0.40%) 4.496 Property Services 10.272 10.236 0.036 0.35% 5.557 Social Work Resources 251.772 251.772 0.000 0.00% 103.303 Performance and Support Services 6.197 6.173 0.024 0.39% 2.069 Children and Families 51.786 52.034 (0.248) (0.48%) 17.481 Adults and Older People 192.908 192.908 0.000 0.00% 83.317 Justice and Substance Misuse 0.881 0.657 0.224 25.43% 0.436 Joint Boards 1.629 1.629 0.000 0.00% 0.627 945.901 945.901 0.000 0.00% 342.085 Revised Projected Projected Year to Date Annual Outturn Outturn Actual Budget Variance Summary: £m £m £m £m Resources Total 945.901 945.901 0.000 0.00% 342.085 CFCR 1.310 1.310 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Loan Charges 37.249 37.249 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Corporate Items 6.476 6.476 0.000 0.00% 0.220 Loans Fund Review - T/f to Reserves 13.349 13.349 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Teacher Numbers - T/f to Reserves 4.200 4.200 0.000 0.00% 0.000 2025/2026 Investments - T/f to Reserves 13.859 13.859 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Total Expenditure 1,022.344 1,022.344 0.000 0.00% 342.305 Council Tax 196.599 196.599 0.000 0.00% 75.615 Less: Council Tax Reduction Scheme (24.776) (24.776) 0.000 0.00% (9.529) 171.823 171.823 0.000 0.00% 66.086 General Revenue Grant 453.144 453.144 0.000 0.00% 174.286 Non Domestic Rates 371.110 371.110 0.000 0.00% 142.735 Transfer from Reserves 26.267 26.267 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Total Income 1,022.344 1,022.344 0.000 0.00% 383.107 Net Expenditure 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00% (40.802) Period Ended 8 August 2025 (No.5) Revenue Budget Monitoring Report SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL 20
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Appendix 2 Revised Projected Projected Year to Date Annual Outturn Outturn % Note Actual Budget Variance Budget Category £m £m £m £m Employee Costs 15.360 15.171 0.189 1.23% 1 5.220 Property Costs 59.585 59.597 (0.012) (0.02%) 16.339 Supplies and Services 2.369 2.382 (0.013) (0.55%) 0.199 Transport and Plant 0.195 0.195 0.000 0.00% 0.035 Administration 5.594 5.649 (0.055) (0.98%) 0.213 Payment to Other Bodies 3.271 3.323 (0.052) (1.59%) 0.849 Payment to Contractors 0.100 0.100 0.000 0.00% 0.054 Transfer Payments 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Financing Charges 34.875 34.875 0.000 0.00% 10.246 Total Controllable Exp. 121.349 121.292 0.057 0.05% 33.155 Total Controllable Inc. (133.968) (133.968) 0.000 0.00% (39.546) Transfer to/(from) Balance Sheet (4.001) (3.944) (0.057) 1.42% 0.000 Net Controllable Exp. (16.620) (16.620) 0.000 0.00% (6.391) Loan Charges 16.620 16.620 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Net Controllable Exp. 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00% (6.391) Variance Explanations 1. Employee Costs The underspend in employee costs is due to vacancies within the service that continue to be actively recruited. SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Period Ended 8 August 2025 (No.5) Housing Revenue Account 21
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Capital Budget 2025/2026 and Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2025 – 8 August 2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] update the Executive Committee of progress on the General Fund Capital Programme and the Housing Capital Programme for the period 1 April 2025 to 8 August 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [r (1) that the position of the General Fund Capital Programme (Appendices 1 to 3) and the Housing Capital Programme (Appendix 4), as at 8 August 2025, be noted; (2) that the adjustments to the General Fund programme, listed at Appendix 1, be approved; and (3) that the revised programmes be monitored by the Financial Resources Scrutiny Forum. 3. Background 3.1. The attached statements to this report provide a summarised monitoring position as at 8 August 2025 (period 5). Spending has been split into two separate sections below: General Fund Capital Programme inc. Education, Social Work, Roads and General Services (Section 4) Housing Capital Programme (Section 5) 4. General Fund Capital Programme 4.1. 2025/2026 Budget: The revised programme for the General Fund is £69.932 million (summarised in Appendix 2). This revised programme consists of the base budget plus carry forward projects and adjustments which have been agreed by the Executive Committee up to and including its meeting on 27 August 2025. 4.2. The programme of £69.932 million also includes proposed adjustments totalling an increase of £1.398 million. These are detailed in Appendix 1. 4 23
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4.3. Transfers to Revenue: In addition to the adjustments noted at Section 4.2, the revised programme of £69.932 million also reflects a £1.000 million transfer to the Revenue Budget for the Private Housing Scheme of Assistance project and £4.300 million for Planned Maintenance. To reflect Accounting Regulations, this spend cannot be classed as Capital. Therefore, it is proposed that budget of £5.300 million will be transferred to Housing and Technical Resource’s Revenue budget. 4.4. Capital expenditure can be funded by Revenue monies, however, Revenue spend cannot be paid for from Capital funding. The Council’s Capital programme includes funding that can be used for Revenue spend. We are, therefore, able to move funding between the Capital and Revenue Programmes and deliver the project as planned. This is an accounting transaction only. 4.5. The funding available of £69.932 million to support the programme is detailed in Appendix 3. 4.6. 2025/2026 Forecast: As noted in 4.1, the total capital spending programme for the year is £69.932 million. 4.7. Appendix 3 also shows a forecast for the financial year of £69.884 million. 4.8. 2025/2026 Actual Position: Actual spend incurred to the 8 August 2025 totals £8.041 million. 4.9. Actual funding received to 8 August 2025 is £10.824 million. This is shown in Appendix 3. Relevant officers will continue to closely monitor the generation of all income including receipts. 5. Housing Programme 5.1. 2025/2026 Budget: Appendix 4 summarises the position on the Housing programme as at 8 August 2025. As reported previously, the total Housing Capital programme for the year is £87.700 million. 5.2. 2025/2026 Forecast: As noted in 5.1, the total capital spending programme for the year is £87.700 million. Current estimates from Resources have identified an outturn of £87.700 million for the year. 5.3. 2025/2026 Actual Position: Spend to 8 August 2025 on the Housing Capital Programme amounts to £19.032 million. 5.4. As at 8 August 2025, £19.032 million of funding had been received. 5.5. Regular monitoring of both the General Fund Programme and the Housing Programme will be carried out in detail by the Financial Resources Scrutiny Forum and reported on a regular basis to the Executive Committee. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. None 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 24
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8. Other Implications 8.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s Capital Programme 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. 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 existing policy, function, or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. 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) 3 September 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council, 26 February 2025 Executive Committee, 27 August 2025 List of Background Papers Capital Ledger prints to 8 August 2025 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Lorraine O’Hagan, Head of Finance (Strategy) Ext: 2601(Tel: 01698 452601) E-mail: lorraine.o’hagan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 25
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APPENDIX 1 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2025/26 GENERAL FUND PROGRAMME FOR PERIOD 1 APRIL 2025 TO 8 AUGUST 2025 Proposed Adjustments Community and Enterprise Resource Bus Infrastructure Fund Transport Scotland have agreed the 2025/2026 distribution of £10 million funding for the design, development and delivery of bus infrastructure measures. This will be used for equipment installation in buses and traffic signals to improve bus prioritisation and Roads are in communication with bus companies to identify problem locations. The grant is payable directly via the General Capital Grant. Approval is sought to increase the capital programme by £0.648 million Road Safety Improvement Fund Transport Scotland have awarded South Lanarkshire Council £0.737 million in connection with the Road Safety Improvement Fund for 2025/2026. Roads have identified the below listed projects, based upon casualty reduction priorities as reported to the Road Safety Forum in May 2025. • A721 Newbigging to Elsrickle • B743 Strathaven to Council boundary • Road Trace Software • A70 Rigside to Hyndford • A730 Mill Street at Main Street/ Burnhill Street signalised junction, Rutherglen • A724 Main Street at/near Bridge Street, Cambuslang • B764 Eaglesham Road at Westwood Road roundabout, East Kilbride • SLC Road Safety Vehicle Pilot Approval is sought to increase the capital programme by £0.737 million. Of this, £0.550 million is profiled to spend in 2025/2026 with the remaining £0.187 million slipped into 2026/2027. Cycling Scotland Grant Award Additional funding has been awarded to the Council by Cycling Scotland for new cycle storage and shelter repairs at schools. Approval is sought to increase the capital programme by £0.123 million. Of this £0.100 million is profiled to spend in 2025/2026 with the remaining £0.023 million slipped into 2026/2027. £0.648m £0.737m (£0.187m) £0.123m (£0.023m) 26
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APPENDIX 1 (cont) Leisure and Culture Transformation Fund Chatelherault Country Park: The Executive Committee (13 November 2024) approved an allocation of £0.3 million of the Leisure and Culture Transformation Fund to upgrade the toilets and / or the café at Chatelherault Country Park. As there are plans to relocate the café via a franchise at a later date (within the Country Park Masterplan), the café refurbishment works will not be undertaken within the Transformation Programme, and instead the work will be focussed on the toilet refurbishment. It is anticipated that there will be a potential underspend of £0.070 million on the toilets project, and when confirmed, will be added to the contingency for the overall programme. Hamilton Water Palace: The Hamilton Water Palace Passenger Lift has required ongoing repairs, and it is recommended that the lift be replaced. Surveys have been undertaken and the cost to replace the lift is £0.087 million, and it is proposed that this could be funded from the remaining contingency for the overall programme. Approval is therefore sought to reallocate £0.087 million from the Leisure and Culture Transformation Fund contingency budget in 2025/2026. Education Resources Calderside Academy Improvements The programme of works includes the demolition of a derelict building to improve external teaching facilities, creating room for future building expansion, improved ICT facilities within the library, provision of a dedicated ASN garden and practical workshops for the Calderside Learning Community. Approval is sought to increase the capital programme by £0.280 million funded through Developers Contributions. Of this, £0.100 million is required in 2025/2026 in line with profiled spend and the remaining £0.180 million will therefore be slipped into 2026/2027. £0.000m £0.000m £0.280m (£0.180m) TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS £1.398m 27
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APPENDIX 2 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2025/26 GENERAL FUND PROGRAMME FOR PERIOD 1 APRIL 2025 TO 8 AUGUST 2025 £m Total Base Budget (including carry forward from 2024/2025) 68.534 Proposed Adjustments – Period 5 1.398 Total Revised Budget 69.932 2025/26 Budget Period 5 Proposed Adjustments Revised 2025/26 Budget Resource £m £m £m Community & Enterprise 56.168 1.298 57.466 Education 5.970 0.100 6.070 Finance & Corporate 0.545 - 0.545 Housing & Technical 5.514 - 5.514 Social Work 0.337 - 0.337 TOTAL CAPITAL PROGRAMME 68.534 1.398 69.932 28
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APPENDIX 3 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2025/26 GENERAL FUND PROGRAMME FOR PERIOD 1 APRIL 2025 TO 8 AUGUST 2025 2025/26 Original Estimate inc C/F 2025/26 Revised Budget 2025/26 Forecast Spend 2025/26 Forecast Variance 2025/26 Actual to 08/08/25 Expenditure £m £m £m £m £m General Fund Programme 64.188 69.932 69.884 - 8.041 Income 2025/26 Budget 2025/26 Revised Budget 2025/26 Actual To 08/08/25 £m £m £m Prudential Borrowing 17.192 21.602 0.000 Developers Contributions 1.965 4.818 0.000 Partners 0.450 2.872 0.155 Scottish Government: - Capital Grant 27.467 28.115 9.156 - Vacant & Derelict Land 1.477 1.502 0.994 - Place Based Investment 0.589 0.589 0.014 Levelling Up Fund 7.700 7.700 0.004 Capital Receipts 0.700 0.700 0.501 Specific Reserves 0.038 0.724 0.000 Revenue Contribution 6.610 1.310 0.000 TOTAL FUNDING 64.188 69.932 10.824 29
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APPENDIX 4 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2025/26 HOUSING PROGRAMME FOR PERIOD 1 APRIL 2025 TO 8 AUGUST 2025 2025/26 Annual Budget 2025/26 Forecast Spend 2025/26 Forecast Variance 2025/26 Actual to 08/08/25 £m £m £m £m Expenditure 2025/26 Budget 87.700 87.700 - 19.032 2025/26 Annual Budget 2025/26 Actual to 08/08/25 £m £m Income Capital Funded from Current Revenue 35.633 10.246 Prudential Borrowing 26.948 3.963 Scottish Government Specific Grant: - New Build 18.839 3.628 - Open Market Purchase Scheme 6.000 1.068 - Mortgage to Rent 0.120 0.000 Climate Emergency Fund 0.160 0.000 Other Income 0.000 0.127 87.700 19.032 30
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Update to Funding 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise Members of additional funding that has been made available to the Council by the Scottish Government and other external sources since the last report to this Committee (27 August 2025) [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the additional funding totalling £1.654 million, detailed in appendices1 and 2, be noted. 3. Background 3.1. In year funding can change, and this can be in relation to funding for specific purposes or funding expected and already included in our budget planning. 3.2. Additional funding may either be paid through the General Revenue/Capital Grant mechanism or by the completion of appropriate grant claims. 3.3. Details of the additional funding is attached in appendices 1 and 2 of the report. The report details additional funding that has been reported by Resources as part of the additional resources’ notification process, as well as any additional funding that has increased the Council’s budget by more than £0.100 million. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. Additional Revenue funding of £0.146 million has been identified for 2025/2026. This is detailed in Appendix 1. 5.2. Additional Capital funding of £1.508 million has been identified for 2025/2026. This is detailed in Appendix 2. 5.3. The total additional funding is therefore, £1.654 million and Resource budgets will be updated to reflect this additional funding as required. Where appropriate, details of spending plans will be presented to Resource Committees for approval. 5 31
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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. There are no other implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 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 existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no 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) 29 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References None List of Background Papers Additional Funding Grant Awards Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Lorraine O’Hagan, Head of Finance (Strategy) Ext: 5637 (Tel: 01698 455637) E-mail: lorraine.o’hagan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 32
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Appendix 1 Additional Revenue Funding Resource Description 2025/2026 £m Total £m Method Community & Enterprise Free School Meals – Test of change to those in receipt of Scottish Child Payments in S1 to S3 To support the delivery of free school meals to those in receipt of Scottish Child Payment in S1 to S3 in Scotland. This Test of Change Phase is to be delivered in 4 Secondary schools: Calderglen High School, Trinity High School, Lesmahagow High School and Larkhall Academy. 0.146 0.146 Scottish Government TOTAL REVENUE FUNDING 0.146 0.146 33
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Appendix 2 Additional Capital Funding Resource Description 2025/2026 £m Total £m Method Community & Enterprise Bus Infrastructure Fund Transport Scotland have agreed the 2025/2026 distribution of £10 million funding for the design, development and delivery of bus infrastructure measures. This will be used for equipment installation in buses and traffic signals to improve bus prioritisation and Roads are in communication with bus companies to identify problem locations. 0.648 0.648 Transport Scotland - General Capital Grant Community & Enterprise Road Safety Improvement Fund Transport Scotland have awarded South Lanarkshire Council £0.737 million in connection with the Road Safety Improvement Fund for 2025/2026. Roads have identified projects, based upon casualty reduction priorities, as reported to the Road Safety Forum in May 2025. 0.737 0.737 Transport Scotland Community & Enterprise Cycling Scotland Grant Award Cycling Scotland have awarded the Council funding of £0.123 million in 2025/2026 for new cycle storage and shelter repairs at schools. 0.123 0.123 Cycling Scotland TOTAL CAPITAL FUNDING 1.508 1.508 34
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Local Action Fund – Further Spend Proposals 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise, and seek the approval of the Committee in respect of, the proposals in relation to the Local Action Fund spend of £50,000 in each of the Council’s 20 geographical Wards which have not yet been approved by the Committee [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Executive Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the proposals for the agreed Local Action Fund (LAF) submissions in respect of Ward 5 (Avondale and Stonehouse), as detailed in Appendix 1 to this report, be approved; and (2) that as there is more than one proposal for two Wards, as detailed in Appendix 2 to this report, consideration be given and a decision taken to approve a proposal for each of the following Council Wards: (a) Clydesdale East (Ward 3); and (b) Rutherglen Central and North (Ward 12). 3. Background 3.1. As part of the Budget Amendment approved by Council on 26 February 2025, it was agreed that £50,000 would be provided for each of South Lanarkshire’s 20 Wards to be approved by the Executive Committee, following input from local councillors. 3.2. As previously reported to this Committee on 25 June 2025 and 27 August 2025, Members were issued with guidance to assist in their process of considering how to spend the monies in their local ward. Councillors were encouraged to discuss possible suggestions with their fellow ward councillors and, if able, agree a single suggestion for their ward. A form was also issued to Members to complete with their spend proposals, and a timeline was set for these proposals to be submitted, to allow time for officer consideration/input to ensure the project was deliverable, before collating them into a summary for consideration by this Committee. 3.3. On 25 June, the Committee approved Local Action Fund proposals for 13 Council Wards, and on 27 August approved proposals for a further 4 Wards. This report now provides an update on the proposals for the remaining 3 Wards. 6 35
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4. Ward Specific Proposals for Approval 4.1. There is one Ward where there is an agreed proposal from the Ward Members. This is detailed in Appendix 1, and relates to Avondale and Stonehouse (Ward 5). 4.2. The Committee is asked to approve the agreed proposals in Appendix 1. 4.3. There are two wards where there is more than one proposal from Ward Members for the use of the Local Action Fund. These are detailed in Appendix 2. The Committee is asked to consider the submissions and approve a proposal for each Ward. 4.4. Members’ attention is drawn to one proposal for Ward 12, Rutherglen Central and North. One of the proposals is that the Local Action Fund be used towards the provision of a public toilet at Overtoun Park. As reported to the Committee in August, discussions are still ongoing in respect of a local comfort scheme being established in the vicinity, supported by a local community group. Such a scheme would not require the full £50,000 available to Ward 12, but as those discussions are ongoing, the cost has not yet been finalised. A verbal update will be provided at the Committee meeting. 4.5. Where proposals have been agreed by Committee, they have been added to the programme of spend for the current year, to be taken forward for implementation by officers in the normal way. Where grants to third party organisations have been agreed they have likewise been taken forward by officers, in line with existing procedures for the issuing of grants. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. As detailed in section 4 of the report, each Ward has been allocated £50,000, a total of £1.0 million for all 20 Wards. 6.2. As part of this paper, an agreed proposal has been identified for 1 Ward totalling £50,000. This is included in Appendix 1 for approval. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. Any implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment from the proposals included in Appendix 1 are anticipated to be minimal. 8. Other Implications 8.1. A risk associated with spend on the Ward proposals is that there is an overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed budget management applied across the Resources and projects. The risk is managed through financial monitoring arrangements at which any variance is analysed. 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 is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. 36
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Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 10 September 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council – 26 February 2025 Executive Committee - 25 June 2025 Executive Committee - 27 August 2025 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Iain Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Ext: 4658 (Tel: 01698 454658) E-mail: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 37
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Appendix 1 Agreed Local Action Fund Submissions Ward No Ward Name Proposed use of Local Action Fund 5 Avondale and Stonehouse All members have agreed the proposal that the £50,000 be shared as follows:- • Friends of Stonehouse Park - £12,000 to purchase a generator to be used for community events; • Strathaven Rugby Club - £20,000 towards the renewable energy system to form part of the new multi-sports facility proposed by the club; • Targeted improvements to public spaces across the ward, which might include renovation/purchase of benches and installation of bird proof litter bins - £8,000; • Play Park Improvements - £10k towards play park improvements in the ward, including accessible play park equipment, with Ward members to be consulted on where this additional funding is to be spent. 38
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Appendix 2 Wards with more than one Local Action Fund Proposal Ward No Ward Name Proposed use of Local Action Fund 3 Clydesdale East There are two proposals. The first proposal is that £50,000 be used to award a grant of £5,000 to each of the following 10 active Community Councils within the Ward • Blackmount • Carnwath • Carstairs • Pettinain • Quothquan & Thankerton • Biggar • Carmichael • Symington • Duneaton • Leadhills The second proposal is that £50,000 be used to award a grant of £5,000 to each of • Sustainable Pettinain SCIO (Petttinain Hall) • Soul of the Junction SCIO (Carstairs Junction Hall) • Carstairs Community Centre (Carstairs Village) • Ravenstruther &Cleghorn Hall Association • Quothquan Village Hall • Wiston Village Hall • Dolphinton Hall Community Association • Crawfordjohn Public Hall Association • Elsrickle Community Hub • Biggar Youth Project 12 Rutherglen Central and North There are two proposals. The first proposal is for the funding to be used towards the provision of an accessible toilet facility in Overtoun Park (£50,000). The second proposal is to split the funds between the following recipients: • Universal Connections (£12,000), • The High Backs (£7,000 to the men’s group and £4,000 to the after- school club. Total of £11,000), • Rutherglen 900 for community projects (£10,000), • £5,000 for each of the three primary schools, Bankhead, Burgh and St Columbkille’s (£15,000), and • Rutherglen Community Carers (£2,000). 39
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Visitor Levy 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of this report is to:- provide an update on the current opportunities and implications of introducing a visitor levy in South Lanarkshire 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the potential implications and opportunities a visitor levy could present for South Lanarkshire be noted, and (2) that the next steps, as set out in Section 8, be approved. 3. Background 3.1. The Scottish Government has granted local authorities the power to introduce a visitor levy, aiming to generate additional revenue for local authorities to reinvest in tourism- related services and infrastructure. As a result, an expert group has been formed made up of stakeholders reflecting tourism, business, and local government, to deliver statutory guidance for all local authorities on the visitor levy. 3.2. It will be for each local authority to decide, after consultation, whether or not to introduce a visitor levy scheme. If a levy is introduced, it will be charged on the purchase of overnight accommodation at a percentage rate. Accommodation providers will be responsible for collecting and remitting a levy and local authorities can determine elements such as the percentage rate, geographical area and local exemptions, however, there are also some mandatory exemptions listed within the official guidance. Some examples of those who would be exempt from paying a levy are those who use overnight accommodation as their only primary residence or those in receipt of specific disability benefits, payments or allowances. 3.3. The commencement of a visitor levy scheme must be at least 18-months from the date a local authority formally decides to proceed to introduce a visitor levy in their area. 3.4. Some local authorities have expressed interest in implementing a visitor levy, citing its potential to support sustainable tourism and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, others remain cautious, focusing on industry concerns and the administrative burden. 7 41
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4. Approach by Local Authorities Across Scotland 4.1. Several local authorities have agreed to proceed with the introduction of a visitor levy, including Edinburgh and Glasgow City Councils. Other local authorities are undertaking formal consultation, with reports being presented to relevant committees later this year. 4.2. North Lanarkshire Council has established a Visitor Levy Working Group and is proposing to hold an industry information session this Autumn. 4.3. As part of the consultation process, councils are giving consideration to how funds may be spent, including: operations and infrastructure culture, heritage and events, and destination and visitor management 5. South Lanarkshire Council’s Potential Revenue 5.1. Glasgow City Region Intelligence Hub was instructed to conduct research on the impact a visitor levy would have on the region using CoStar as the primary source of accommodation revenue and occupancy estimates. 5.2. Based on a range of levy scenarios between 2.5%-7.5% it has been projected that the levy could generate between £0.8m to £2.5m per annum in South Lanarkshire. 5.3. It is, however, considered that this is a conservative estimate as these figures are based on the number of accommodation providers registered with the CoStar platform only and, therefore, does not capture smaller accommodation providers. This has been acknowledged by the Intelligence Hub. 5.4. In order to provide a more accurate picture of the potential income the following data will require to be provided from smaller providers: name of all accommodation providers number of beds and rooms in each property occupancy rate per month in 2024 5.5. This is a cumbersome and time-consuming process which involves contacting all providers. Carrying out this work would require additional resources. Argyll and Bute Council have appointed external advisors to provide resource and expertise in the preparations of their programme. It is recommended that a similar approach be considered to for South Lanarkshire. Subject to approval, funding could be made available from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Again, in common with Argyll and Bute Council, this could run in parallel to an informal consultation process. An updated Tourism Strategy would also be required to be prepared which officers would seek from consultants to develop. 5.6. All costs incurred by the Council that are associated with the collection and management of the visitor levy scheme must be covered by the levy income. 42
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5.7. Consideration needs to be given to the nature of the projects and initiatives the levy would support as noted above. The larger city authorities, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh are proposing to use significant proportions of their income to support the maintenance of their city centres which are significant tourist attractions in their own right. Alongside this, there are proposals for promotional and marketing campaigns. 5.8. The visitor market in South Lanarkshire is very different from that in these cities and consideration need to be given to what projects and initiatives would best support the sector, be aligned to the conditions of the levy and benefit the wider communities to which the visitors come. 5.9. Promotion and marketing will form part of these proposals, however the nature of visitor attractions in South Lanarkshire means that the ability to target spending in specific locations differs greatly from the large cities. 5.10. It is also common for people to stay in South Lanarkshire accommodation to visit venues elsewhere in the City Region, e.g. Glasgow attractions or to attend national sporting events e.g. Ravenscraig, Hampden etc. 6. Collections Platform 6.1. The Improvement Service is working on developing a single digital platform for local authorities to manage the levy, but with local flexibility. The platform will be customisable for all local authority areas, and payments and reminders will be able to be processed through the system. 6.2. The platform will allow reports to be run on returns, payments, fines and charges and there will be a technical support team in place to assist when required, although final enforcement will fall on local authorities who will also be required to undertake their own audits on returns. The introduction of the levy would also introduce a new range of enforcement powers for local authorities. 6.3. The platform is being funded by early adopters of the visitor levy scheme, and there will be a fee to onboard which will in part offset some of the set-up cost. An annual fee will be necessary with costs reducing as more local authorities come on board. The impact of the platform is not fully known as yet and further dialogue is required with the Improvement Service, but it’s believed that the Improvement Service will manage and maintain the platform and provide IT and specific customer service support whilst directing relevant enquiries to the local authority. Those who are early adopters of the system will share their learnings in due course. 7. Use of Funds 7.1. The Act requires a local authority operating a visitor levy scheme to use the net proceeds of a scheme for certain specified purposes. Those purposes are that the funds must facilitate the achievement of a scheme’s objectives and that they should develop, support and sustain facilities and services for or used by visitors to a local authority area for leisure or business purposes. 43
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7.2. Some potential areas for expenditure could be: infrastructure improvements street cleaning grass cutting tourism business support cultural and events programme destination marketing and management 7.3. The guidance states that aligning the use of funds with an agreed tourism strategy will assist local authorities in making funding decisions that will add value to the local visitor economy, and benefit communities and residents. This approach will allow local authorities flexibility to shape their spending to align with the delivery of those strategies which have already been consulted on and agreed by relevant stakeholders. 8. Next Steps 8.1. The following next steps are proposed: approval to move to informal consultation and appoint consultants to carry out comprehensive research into the accommodation sector in South Lanarkshire, assist with obtaining updated income estimates, host informal consultations/workshops and produce an updated tourism strategy findings of the informal consultations and further data gathering along with approval of an updated tourism strategy will be presented to Executive Committee in Summer 2026 with the view of seeking approval to move to a formal consultation stage 9. Employee Implications 9.1. Due to the specialist nature of this work, it is proposed to appoint external consultants to lead on the additional data gathering and assist with the informal consultation and refreshed tourism strategy as set out in Section 8. This is estimated to be in the region of £20,000 and can be funded from the UK Shared Prosperity Funding for 2025/2026. 9.2. Should it be agreed that the Council progresses with the implementation of a visitor levy scheme, consideration will require to be given to how this is resourced across the Council. Any new posts could be funded directly from the visitor levy revenue. 10. Financial Implications 10.1. As outlined in paragraph 5.2., a visitor levy could generate between an estimated £0.8m to £2.5m per annum in South Lanarkshire. This is considered to be a conservative estimate due to known data gaps. Subject to agreement of the next steps, a more accurate estimate would be available by Summer 2026. 10.2. It is considered that a levy would be set to ensure full cost recovery for the implementation of the scheme. 11. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 11.1. Implementation will be consistent with South Lanarkshire Council’s sustainability objectives, ensuring funds support environmentally responsible projects. 44
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12. Other Implications 12.1. It is worth noting that with South Lanarkshire’s mix of urban and rural attractions, including popular tourist destinations, any decision to implement a visitor levy could have financial and reputational implications for the area, as well as its competitiveness compared with other authorities within Glasgow City Region. 13. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 13.1. Integrated Impact Assessments will be undertaken as the project is developed. 13.2. Officers in both Finance and Corporate Resources and Community and Enterprise Resources have been working collaboratively and have been engaging with other stakeholders across the Glasgow City Region including VisitScotland, North Lanarkshire Council and other local authorities, to ensure a well-informed approach to the visitor levy. 13.3. Subject to approval, an informal consultation will be undertaken with businesses, industry partners and local communities to provide input, ensuring the levy is fair, transparent and aligned with local and national priorities. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 9 September 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to recover, progress and improve We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References None List of Background Papers Visitor Levy Guidance – October 2024 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Laura Sprowl, Economic Development Officer (Tourism) Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services E-mail: laura.sprowl@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 45
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Glasgow City Region Investment Zone – Proposed Creation of Non-Domestic Rates Retention Sites 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of this report is to:- advise on the ongoing development of the Glasgow City Region Investment Zone (GCR IZ) programme, specifically the proposal of Non-Domestic Rates Retention sites 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the proposal to establish a Non-Domestic Rates Retention site within the Clyde Gateway area of South Lanarkshire be noted; (2) that any Non-Domestic Rates growth retained, as a result of the Non-Domestic Rates Retention sites, be pooled at a Glasgow City Region level and re-invested back into the Glasgow City Region Investment Zone programme in line with overall Investment Zone objectives and this re-investment should be determined by Glasgow City Region Cabinet, as set out in Sections 6 and 7; and (3) to note that South Lanarkshire Council will continue to be responsible for collecting Non-Domestic Rates locally. 3. Background 3.1. GCR IZ is progressing through the Government’s five-stage Gateway Process for approval of the Investment Zone programme. This process was instigated following announcement in the summer of 2023 that GCR would receive £160m grant allocation and be the location of one of two investment zones in Scotland and one of 12 across the UK. The other Scottish IZ is located in the north-east Scotland region. 3.2. Following an extensive analysis and engagement process, led by the GCR Programme Management Office (GCR PMO), the sectoral focus of the GCR IZ was confirmed by GCR Cabinet (11 June 2024) as Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Engineering. Following the recommendation of a dedicated Strategic Investment Plan, a sub-set of the Regional Economic Partnership, Cabinet agreed (25 February 2025) six short-listed projects and a tax-site. Table 1 provides an overview of the projects. 8 47
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Sector Project Grant Request Space Skyrora £3.7m Project PRISM £33.2m Semi-Conductors Laser Supply Chain £25.5m NCASP £35.3m Neuranics £5.1m Maritime Malin Group £20m* Tax Site N/A £30m* Sectoral Support Investment Fund £30.7m Business Support / Skills £10m Capacity Funding N/A £6.4m Total £200m Table 1: Overview of Projects 4. Non-Domestic Rates Retention Proposed Locations 4.1. As part of the IZ programme, Regional Economic Partnerships (REPs) were able to propose three sites of 200 hectares each, to a total of 600 hectares that could be considered as potential sites for Non-Domestic Rates Retention (NDRR) over a 25- year period. As per the agreement of the GCR Chief Executives’ Group (14 May 2025), the GCR PMO engaged with the Member Authorities (MAs) to understand the potential opportunities. 4.2. The GCR PMO developed a high-level application and evaluation process and asked MAs to submit proposals by 30 May 2025. 4.3. Six of the eight MAs submitted proposals to be considered by the PMO. Based on these submissions, a number of options have been taken forward and further refined following feedback from the Scottish Government. Advice and guidance on the options has been provided by KPMG, through their original GCR IZ commission with Renfrewshire Council. The proposed locations are considered to present the best link to the IZ objectives, together with the most viable development timeline. 4.4. Table 2 provides details of the NDRR locations that are being proposed as part of the Gateway process. Location Member Authority Potential Size AMIDS / Airport Renfrewshire Council 146 Hectares Eurocentral North Lanarkshire Council 195.5 Hectares Glasgow Clyde Corridor Glasgow City Council / South Lanarkshire Council 209 Hectares Table 2: List of proposed NDRR locations 4.5. Scottish Government guidance is clear that, GCR must make a robust argument for the rationale for any proposed NDRR location. Any location must meet the ‘but-for’ test, where this is defined as; ‘retention of non-domestic rates is a direct consequence of Investment Zone status’. It is incumbent on GCR to provide a clear narrative for the locations that are proposed. 48
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4.6. The PMO has continued to work with Renfrewshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company (URC) to further refine the locations in advance of the final formal submission of Gateway 4 at the end of September 2025. 4.7. GCR PMO is confident there is a clear rationale for the three areas that have been proposed and initial feedback from the Scottish Government supports this. The NDRR site at the Airport / AMIDS has a clear link to the GCR IZ and the Advanced Manufacturing sector via the proposed tax-site. Meanwhile there are already a significant number of Advanced Manufacturing companies located within the Eurocentral boundary. The proposal that covers Glasgow City Council and South Lanarkshire Council is centred on existing Advanced Manufacturing activity through the Innovation Districts at both Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities and clearly links with the ongoing development at the Clyde Gateway URC. In addition, there were a number of strong bids for the original GCR IZ ‘open-call’ based in each of the potential locations for NDRR. 5. Non-Domestic Rates Retention - Principles and Purpose 5.1. The revenue generated from the NDRR is over and above the GCR IZ £160m grant allocation and is the devolved responsibility of the Scottish Government. The retention of rates is on the basis of any uplift in NDR, within the ‘red-line’ boundary, from an agreed baseline with Scottish Government. 5.2. As part of the Gateway process, GCR need to demonstrate that any uplift in NDR would not have been possible without the Investment Zone programme. In the absence of the NDRR process, all rates collected by a local authority are transferred to the Scottish Government, as normal. Establishing NDRR sites as part of the programme will enable any uplift in NDR, above an agreed baseline, to be retained and reinvested to support the GCR Investment Zone objectives. 5.3. Following Scottish Government guidance, any NDR retained should be pooled at the GCR level and their re-investment supporting the objectives of the IZ Programme, should be determined by GCR Cabinet. 5.4. Retained non-domestic rates must be used to promote the Investment Zone’s objectives and for activity that: would not otherwise occur; demonstrably requires public funding; and is most appropriately funded from retained non-domestic rates, rather than other public funding pots. 5.5. Noted below are the GCR IZ Objectives, agreed by both GCR Cabinet and UK / Scottish Governments: build on strengths of the Region’s current and emerging cluster specialisms grow new and existing Research and Development focused firms which are geared to take advantage of local academic expertise create a significant number of mid to high skilled ‘good’ jobs generate short and longer-term private sector investment in the Region’s cluster specialisms – both through existing firms and wider supply chain development align with existing investment within the Region e.g. City Deal, Innovation Districts / Innovation Accelerator, UK Shared Prosperity Fund maximise the impacts through enhancing connections to existing clusters facilitate the development / regeneration of under-developed land and assets within the Region extends the benefit to the whole Region including developing options for a IZ skills programme for local residents and a regional investment fund 49
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5.6. GCR PMO will work with partners to develop a re-investment strategy for any NDR retained rates to support GCR IZ objectives across the GCR geography. The Investment Zone Technical Guidance provides clarity on the activity the income from retained non-domestic rates growth should primarily be used to fund: Investment Zone operating costs physical and/or digital infrastructure that will facilitate investment in the Investment Zone area land assembly and/or site remediation works that will facilitate investment in the Investment Zone area skills and workforce development innovation initiatives mitigating any displacement and/or negative externalities associated with the Investment Zone activity in support of the Investment Zone Net Zero ambitions the delivery of Investment Zone -specific planning measures 6. NDRR Governance 6.1. It is expected that a formal legal agreement will be developed between Glasgow City Council, on behalf of Glasgow City Region, and the four Member Authorities to agree the approach for the collection and retention of NDR within the Investment Zone programme. 6.2. Reports have been approved by the Chief Executives’ Group (14 May 2025) and City Region Cabinet (27 May 2025) that make reference to the pooling of the NDR at a regional level, with their redistribution and use being agreed by Cabinet. 7. Next Steps 7.1. During September, Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council will all seek committee approval for the collection and retention of Non-Domestic Rates. 7.2. A final draft of Gateway 3 and 4 will be submitted by GCR PMO to UK and Scottish Governments by 30 September 2025. Failure to meet this deadline may result in GCR IZ losing year one grant of £16m. If local authority approval for the collection and retention of NDR cannot be secured, before the submission deadline of 30 September 2025, the NDRR site will need to be removed from the GCR IZ programme. 8. Employee Implications 8.1. There are no employee implications as a result of the content of this report. 9. Financial Implications 9.1. As noted above the collection of non-domestic rates is a function the Council carries out with the rates collected passed to the Scottish Government. This arrangement will not change with the exception of the rates uplift associated with the Investment Zone being passed to the City Region in line with the proposed governance arrangements. These proposals, therefore, have no financial impact on the Council. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1. The aims and objectives of the Investment Zone as set out in paragraph 5.6 of this report and are fully compatible with the Council’s climate change policy and procedures. 50
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11. Other Implications 11.1. The risks associated with not supporting the report recommendations is that South Lanarkshire and the city region will not be able to benefit from the major investment, job creation and supply chain opportunities. The performance of this sector has a significant impact on the local economy and quality of life for South Lanarkshire citizens and the Council’s reputation could also be damaged if it is not seen to actively support the sector. 12. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 12.1. 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. 12.2. Consultations have been co-ordinated by Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services with a range of other Council Services who have an ongoing role in employment land and property within South Lanarkshire and with partners across the City Region. This consultation and co-operation will continue throughout the duration of the initiative. Consultation has also taken place with Clyde Gateway. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 9 September 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to recover, progress and improve We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities 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:- Iain Ross, Economic Development Manager, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services E-mail: Iain.ross@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 51
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Recommendations Referred by the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request approval of the following recommendations referred to this Committee by the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee of 10 September 2025:- that the Treasury Management Activity Report for 2024/2025 and the 2024/2025 Treasury Management and Prudential Code Indicators be noted that the 2024/2025 Annual Investment Report be endorsed and referred to the Council for formal approval in line with The Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Treasury Management Activity Report for 2024/2025 and the 2024/2025 Treasury Management and Prudential Code Indicators be noted, as referred by the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee of 10 September 2025; and (2) that the 2024/2025 Annual Investment Report be endorsed and referred to the Council for formal approval, in line with The Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010, as referred by the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee of 10 September 2025. 3. Recommendations Referred by Finance and Corporate Resources Committee of 10 September 2025 – Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Activity and Annual Investment Report 2024/2025 – Extract of Minute 3.1. A report dated 20 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the:- Treasury Management Activity and Prudential Code indicators for 2024/2025 proposed Annual Investment Report for 2024/2025 The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice for Treasury Management required the Council to prepare an annual report on its Treasury Management activities. The CIPFA Prudential Code required councils to prepare a series of financial indicators that demonstrated affordability, prudence and sustainability with regard to capital financing decisions. 9 53
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The Council’s Capital Programme included, within its funding package, planned borrowing. The Prudential Code provided a framework to assist the management of the financial implications and helped to demonstrate that borrowing was both affordable and prudent. The Council’s Treasury Management Activity Report for 2024/2025 and the Treasury Management and Prudential Code Indicators for 2024/2025 were attached as appendices 1 and 2, respectively, to the report. In terms of the Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010, the Council was required to prepare an Annual Investment Strategy prior to the start of each financial year and an Annual Investment Report after the financial year end. Both documents required to be approved by the Council. The Annual Investment Strategy for 2024/2025 had covered the following areas:- permitted investments risk management borrowing in advance The Annual Investment Report, attached as Appendix 3 to the report, detailed the Council’s activity in each of those 3 areas for 2024/2025 and Appendix 4 detailed the permitted investments that the Council had approved for the financial year 2024/2025. No borrowing in advance was taken during 2024/2025. The Committee decided: (1) that the Treasury Management Activity Report for 2024/2025 and the 2024/2025 Treasury Management and Prudential Code Indicators be noted and referred to the Executive Committee for noting; and (2) that the 2024/2025 Annual Investment Report be endorsed and referred to the Executive Committee for endorsement prior to submission to the Council for formal approval in line with The Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010. 3.2 A link to the report submitted to the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee of 10 September 2025 is provided for information. Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Activity and Annual Investment Report 2024/2025 4. Employee Implications 4.1. All employee implications were highlighted as part of the original report to the Resource Committee. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. All financial implications were highlighted as part of the original report to the Resource Committee. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. All climate change, sustainability and environmental implications were highlighted as part of the original report to the Resource Committee. 54
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7. Other Implications 7.1. Any risks or other implications were highlighted as part of the original report to the Resource Committee. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. There is no requirement to carry out an Integrated Impact Assessment or consultation in terms of the proposals contained in this report. Paul Manning Chief Executive 11 September 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References ♦ Finance and Corporate Resources Committee of 10 September 2025 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Tracy Slater, Administration Adviser Tel: 07385 370089 E-mail: tracy.slater@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 55
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Recruitment Committee – Proposed Amendment to Membership 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] propose a membership change to the Recruitment Committee [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that Councillor Clark replace Councillor Ross as a member of the Recruitment Committee. 2. Background 2.1. Following a request from the SNP Group Leader, it is proposed that Councillor Clark replace Councillor Ross as a member of the Recruitment Committee. 3. Employee Implications 3.1. None. 4. Financial Implications 4.1. None. 5. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 5.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment from the proposals contained in this report. 6. Other Implications 6.1. There are no risks associated with the proposals contained in this report. 7. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 7.1. 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. 7.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 8 September 2025 10 57
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Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council – 18 May 2022 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Susan Somerville, Administration Manager Ext: 4197 (Tel: 01698 454197) E-mail: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 58
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 24 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) Subject: Annual Review of the South Lanarkshire Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report to:- provide the Executive Committee with an update on the progress made during 2024/2025 against delivering the agreed outcomes set out in the Anti-social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029 [purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Executive Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the progress made against delivering the agreed Anti-social Behaviour Strategy actions and measures be noted. [purpose] 3. Background 3.1. The Anti-social Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 requires local authorities to prepare, publish, and review a strategy for dealing with anti-social behaviour within the local authority area, in conjunction with Police Scotland. 3.2. The current South Lanarkshire Anti-social Behaviour Strategy was approved by Executive Committee on 20 March 2024 and implemented from 1 April 2024. 3.3. The Strategy covers a five-year period with the first annual review outlining progress achieved during 2024/2025. 3.4. The Strategy is constructed around six strategic objectives with a series of indicators (actions or measures) contained within each to be delivered by the Council and its partners. These are: - people behave responsibly in their attitude to alcohol and are educated in relation to the impact of drugs people behave responsibly in relation to fire safety the impact of domestic noise is reduced illegally discarded litter and household waste is reduced, improving the safety and attractiveness of communities 11 59
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levels of disorder are reduced, including graffiti and vandalism, improving safety within communities partners engage with residents to promote and improve the availability of and access to services for those affected by anti-social behaviour 3.5. The Anti-social Behaviour Strategy Implementation Group (ASBIG) is responsible for overseeing the ongoing implementation and monitoring of the Strategy. This partnership group considers progress against outcomes achieved and the effective reporting of progress through the Safer South Lanarkshire Board and wider community planning structures. 3.6. In addition, the ASBIG is responsible for identifying issues to be reflected in the annual review of the Strategy, including any additions to or removals from the action plan. 4. Context and Wider Policy Changes 4.1. A small number of changes in policy context have taken place nationally since the Strategy was approved in March 2024, including:- the Scottish Government published ‘Reviewing Scotland’s Approach to Anti- social Behaviour’ to inform future reviews on best practice for preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour. This review led to recommendations on ensuring that approaches to tackling anti-social behaviour are long-term and recognise societal change the establishment of the ‘Independent Working Group on Anti-social Behaviour’ to develop a holistic, long-term, strategic approach to improving the lives of communities across Scotland. In February 2025, the group published the report ‘Anti-social Behaviour – Whose Responsibility? Towards a more effective response to antisocial behaviour in Scotland’. The report sets out a series of recommendations and actions which are currently being considered by the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Scottish Police Authority. Any actions or implications stemming from this locally will be considered by partners in the Anti- social Behaviour Implementation Group 5. Anti-social Behaviour Strategy Annual Review 5.1. The Anti-social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029 is structured around 6 strategic outcomes. There are 36 indicators against which the Council monitors progress, including 22 actions and 14 measures. In line with wider reporting arrangements across the Council, these indicators can be categorised into ‘green’, ‘amber’ and ‘red’ depending on the progress made against them. Actions can also be recorded as ‘completed’ where appropriate, or ‘to be reported later’ if they are planned for delivery in a future year of the Strategy. 5.2. At the end of 2024/2025, 91% of indicators were in line with projected targets. Table 1 outlines the 2024/2025 categorisation of the 36 indicators. Table 1: Overview of indicators Blue Green Amber Red To be reported later Total 0 33 3 0 0 36 Table 1: Categorisation of ASB Strategy indicators 2024/25 60
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5.3. Key highlights across the six strategic outcomes achieved during 2024/2025 are provided below:- Strategic Outcome 1 – People behave responsibly in their attitude to alcohol and the impact of drug misuse is reduced From June to August 2024, a joint initiative to tackle alcohol associated anti-social behaviour was undertaken with British Transport Police, Scotrail and Police Scotland. As a result of this initiative, 47 stop searches were carried out and 13 searches leading to 11 people under the age of 18 having alcohol confiscated and 3 people arrested. During the three-month operation, there was a 95% reduction in youth disorder calls at Hamilton Bus/Train Station at the weekends during the school summer holidays. A range of activities were delivered throughout the year to promote positive behaviours in relation to alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol-related anti- social behaviour among young people. This included 18 Water and Road Safety presentations delivered by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the effect that alcohol can have on risk taking and judgement. In response to an increase in the number of instances of public drinking by people under 18 years of age across Hamilton, Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Carluke and Lanark, Police Scotland put in place weekend disorder plans, targeted patrols and daytime and evening surgeries. Joint visits to the young people were carried out by Police Scotland and the Anti-social Investigation Team to discuss the impact of alcohol and under-age drinking. Police Scotland reached 1,580 young people through the delivery of drug education workshops in schools across South Lanarkshire, compared to the baseline figure of 697 (2022/2023). Strategic Outcome 2 – People behave responsibly in relation to fire safety The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responded to 379 deliberate secondary refuse fires during 2024/2025, which represents a 25% reduction during the first year of the Strategy. 87 fire related education programmes were delivered by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in schools across South Lanarkshire, an increase of 30% during the first year of the Strategy. During the year, Community Safety Hubs discussed the young people identified as being responsible for secondary fires, referring them to the Joint Problem Solving Unit Anti-Social Investigation Team for appropriate action. Interventions progressed to prevent further fire raising included: referrals to Fire Reach courses, Fire Safety Support and Education, and the issuing of Behaviour Contracts. Following a series of fires in Bothwell, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local Community Wardens conducted a door-to-door exercise, speaking to residents, with a specific focus on young people, about fire safety. This resulted in an immediate ceasing of fires in the area. 61
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Strategic Outcome 3 – The impact of domestic noise is reduced During 2024/2025 the number of domestic noise complaints reduced by 16% to 2,323, and the number of complaints requiring attendance by an officer to assess noise levels reduced by 19% to 915. Housing and Technical Resources promoted mediation where there are issues of domestic noise, which can be useful in uncovering unintentional noise where neighbours have not realised the impact on each other. During 2024/2025 the Noise Team made 74 referrals for mediation which has been successful in reaching agreements and mutually agreeable improvements for residents, particularly in relation to domestic living noise in four in a block and flatted properties. The Council’s Noise Team are now a partner at Community Safety Hubs to ensure early intervention where partners highlight a domestic noise issue. As a result of this partnership working, the Noise Team have now carried out awareness and promotional training sessions with Housing Officers to enhance their skills when working with residents responsible for domestic noise. Strategic Outcome 4: Illegally discarded litter and household waste is reduced, improving the safety and attractiveness of communities In response to issues with bin stores at flatted properties, the Council’s Grounds Services worked alongside Housing Officers to trial solutions, including introducing additional bin areas and making bin storage areas more accessible to encourage bins to be returned after emptying. 22 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued during the year for the inappropriate disposal of litter and household waste. Fly tipping signage has been installed in hotspot locations to encourage residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and report fly tipping. To increase awareness, the Council’s Waste Education officers have also been leafleting areas where general waste and recycling is not being undertaken. Strategic Outcome 5: Levels of disorder are reduced, improving safety within communities The number of anti-social behaviour offences recorded by Police Scotland during 2024/2025 decreased by 26% to 2,763. During 2024/2025, the number of incidents of Anti-social Behaviour Vandalism reported to Police Scotland reduced by 27% to 1,225. A range of diversionary activities were delivered during the year to tackle disorder including: The Blueprint Programme delivered by Youth, Family and Community Learning to engage young people in a range of sports and centre-based activities drug education workshops for S2 and S3 pupils delivered by Universal Connections and U-Turn outreach work within local schools to provide a safe alternative to high-risk behaviour 62
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Strategic Outcome 6: Partners engage with residents to promote and improve the availability of and access to services for those affected by anti-social behaviour Victim Support Scotland (VSS) have been liaising with partners to increase awareness of the service’s support of victims of anti-social behaviour in South Lanarkshire. This includes continuing to source community locations to enable victims to have the choice to meet VSS officers face-to-face at a convenient venue in the community. During 2024/2025 VSS received 138 referrals from South Lanarkshire Council for anti-social behaviour compared to the baseline figure (2022/2023) of 81. The Anti-social Behaviour Communications Team delivered an annual programme of information on the impact that anti-social behaviour has on local communities and the range of services available to offer support. Monthly articles are posted on social media or published in the South Lanarkshire View, including a video on ‘a day in the life of a community warden’ to highlight the work they do to tackle anti-social behaviour. The Council also shared posts on social media from partners such as Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 5.4. Three ‘amber’ measures were partially achieved with minor slippage:- Tte number of fly-tipping occurrences within the Council area increased from the baseline figure of 2,994 to 3,074 during 2024/2025, representing a 2% increase. The Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources continues to investigate and implement preventative interventions to reduce occurrences and change behaviour the number of referrals made to the Council’s Mediation Services for community mediation decreased from the baseline figure of 418 to 374 during 2024/2025, an 11% decrease. Despite this slight decrease there has been a year-on-year increase in positive sustainable outcomes for residents, with the Mediation Service achieving success rates of 87% in 2022/2023, 97.6% in 2023/2024 and 98% in 2024/2025 the number of reported crimes of wilful fire-raising rose from the baseline figure of 153 to 165 during 2024/2025, representing a 7% increase. The increase is due mostly to the increase in vehicle fires and incidents in relation to fire setting of bins and rubbish. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues to focus on reducing instances of deliberate fire setting through partnership working and delivering anti-social behaviour presentations to young people across South Lanarkshire 5.5. There were no red indicators identified during the review and performance across the outcomes will continue to be monitored by ASBIG in 2025/2026. 6. Proposed Revisions to the Strategy 6.1. As well as providing an opportunity to assess and report on progress, the annual review process allows for a general re-examination of the Anti-social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029 by partners to ensure that the strategic objectives, actions and measures remain appropriate, relevant and measurable. 6.2. Following the completion of the review, no revisions are proposed to the performance framework at this stage, with all objectives and indicators remaining relevant. 63
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7. Next Steps 7.1. The annual review will also be presented to the Safer South Lanarkshire Board on 17 November 2025 for noting. 7.2. The Council will continue to work strategically with Police Scotland and a range of community safety partners to tackle anti-social behaviour through ASBIG and other forums across South Lanarkshire throughout 2025/2026. 7.3. The second annual review will be presented to the Executive Committee in autumn 2026. 8. Employee Implications 8.1 There are no employee implications as a result of this report. 9. Financial Implications 9.1 There are no financial implications as a result of this report. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1. There are no climate change, sustainability, or environmental implications as a result of this report. 10.2. The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) pre-screening determination reached during the development of the strategy concluded that a full SEA was not required. 11. Other Implications 11.1. There are no other implications as a result of this report. 11.2. Undertaking an annual review of the Anti-social Behaviour Strategy is a statutory requirement. 12. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 12.1. Whilst the Anti-social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029 was introduced prior to the implementation of Integrated Impact Assessments, both an Equality Impact Assessment and a Fairer Scotland Duty assessment were conducted. Stephen Gibson Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) 11 September 2025 Links 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 64
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Previous References Executive Committee Report ‘Anti-social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029’, 20 March 2024. List of Background Papers South Lanarkshire Anti-social Behaviour Strategy 2024 to 2029 Contact for Further Information If you would like further information, please contact: - Lorrainne Meek, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager, Housing and Technical Resources E-mail: lorrainne.meek@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 65
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