Agenda Document Pack - Executive Committee - 02/10/2024
South Lanarkshire Council · 2 October 2024
Back to Executive Committee — 2 October 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 24 September 2024 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, 02 October 2024 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, Lynsey Hamilton, Susan Kerr, Eileen Logan, Katy Loudon, Ian McAllan, Catherine McClymont, Kenny McCreary, 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, Ross Lambie, Hugh Macdonald, Elaine McDougall, Mark McGeever, Graham Scott, David Watson 1
Page 2
BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 4 September 2024 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 10 Monitoring Item(s) 3 Revenue Budget Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2024 to 9 August 2024 Report dated 4 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 11 - 16 4 Capital Budget 2024/2025 and Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2024 to 9 August 2024 Report dated 4 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 17 - 24 5 Update to Funding Report dated 4 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 25 - 28 Item(s) for Decision 6 Civic Engagement in Zeeland, Holland Report dated 8 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 29 - 30 7 Religious Representation on the Education Resources Committee Joint report dated 11 September 2024 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 31 - 32 8 Appointment of Trustee to South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Board Report dated 17 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 33 - 36 9 Amendments to Memberships of Committees etc. Report dated 23 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 37 - 38 Item(s) for Noting 10 Council’s Approach to Impact Assessments Report dated 5 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 39 - 68 Urgent Business 2
Page 3
11 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
Page 4
4
Page 5
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 4 September 2024 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 Andrea Cowan, Councillor Margaret Cowie (substitute for Councillor Eileen Logan), Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Gladys Ferguson- Miller, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Councillor Susan Kerr, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Ian McAllan, Councillor Catherine McClymont, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor Mo Razzaq, Councillor Kirsten Robb, Councillor John Ross, Councillor David Shearer, Councillor Margaret B Walker Councillors’ Apologies: Councillor Eileen Logan, Councillor Hugh Macdonald Attending: Chief Executive’s Service P Manning, Chief Executive; T Little, Head of Communications and Strategy Community and Enterprise Resources C Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services Education Resources A Donaldson, Head of Education (Inclusion); L Sherry, Head of Education (Support Service and School Estate) Finance and Corporate Resources J Taylor, Executive Director; T Ferguson, Learning, Organisational Development and Diversity Manager; 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 Gibson, Executive Director Health and Social Care/Social Work Resources S Sengupta, Director, Health and Social Care 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 7 August 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record. In relation to item 9 of the previous minutes:- the Chair advised that the report on this item submitted to the previous committee contained an error and that where the report referred to Highstonehall Road, this should have referred to Laighstonehall Road 2 5
Page 6
Councillor McLachlan requested clarification in relation to a right-turn storage/lane at Laighstonehall Road and the Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services undertook to contact the member outwith the meeting regarding the matter In relation to item 8 of the previous minutes, in response to a request by Councillor Loudon, an update was provided on the progress of collaboration with parents/carers and communities, meetings with the bus sector and community transport operators and the timescale for parents and carers receiving walking routes The Committee decided: (1) that the minutes be approved as a correct record; and (2) that the updates be noted. 3 Revenue Budget Monitoring for Period 4 - 1 April to 12 July 2024 A report dated 6 August 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing a forecast for the year to 31 March 2025 for the Council’s General Fund Revenue Account and Housing Revenue Account. The year-end forecast to 31 March 2025 for both the Council’s General Fund Revenue Account and Housing Revenue Account was a breakeven position, with the position at 12 July 2024 for both accounts also being a breakeven position. Details were provided in the appendices to the report. Information was provided on the following key budget areas:- teacher numbers employer’s pension contribution increase (teachers) loans fund review The Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the projected breakeven position on the General Fund Revenue Account for 2024/2025, and the actual spend as at 12 July 2024, as detailed in section 4 and Appendix 1 of the report, be noted; and (2) that the projected breakeven position on the Housing Revenue Account for 2024/2025, and the actual spend as at 12 July 2024, as detailed in section 5 and Appendix 2 of the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 7 August 2024 (Paragraph 3)] 4 Capital Budget 2024/2025 and Monitoring for Period 4 - 1 April to 12 July 2024 A report dated 8 August 2024 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 12 July 2024. 6
Page 7
The revised programme for the General Fund for 2024/2025 was £86.956 million which included previous adjustments approved by this Committee. The programme also included further proposed adjustments totalling an increase of £1.708 million, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. This reflected additional project funding awarded from the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Improvement Fund of £0.497 million and a direct award from Transport Scotland for projects that aligned with the Active Travel Framework of £0.261 million. It also included an increased funding package for the Hairmyres Park and Ride project of £0.950 million. The overall programme was summarised in Appendix 2 to the report, with the funding available to support the programme detailed in Appendix 3. Appendix 3 also showed a forecast for the financial year of £86.956 million. Actual spend incurred as at 12 July 2024 totalled £7.442 million. Actual funding received up to 12 July 2024 was £47.585 million. This was also detailed in Appendix 3. Relevant officers would continue to monitor the generation of all income. The revised Housing Capital Programme for 2024/2025 amounted to £77.248 million. Programmed funding for the year also totalled £77.248 million. The funding sources were detailed in Appendix 4 to the report. Budget for the period amounted to £11.647 million and, as at 12 July 2024, £11.647 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. Officers responded to members’ questions in relation to various aspects of the report. 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 12 July 2024, be noted; (2) that the adjustments to the General Fund Capital Programme, as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved; and (3) that the revised programmes be monitored by the Financial Resources Scrutiny Forum. [Reference: Minutes of 7 August 2024 (Paragraph 4)] 5 Additional Funding from Scottish Government and Other External Sources A report dated 10 August 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on additional funding, totalling £3.258 million, which had been made available to the Council by the Scottish Government and other external sources. The funding had been allocated as follows:- Capital Funding Resource 2024/2025 (£m) Community and Enterprise 3.258 Total 3.258 The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 7 August 2024 (Paragraph 5)] 7
Page 8
6 Glasgow City Region City Deal – Hairmyres Park and Ride - Full Business Case A report dated 9 August 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted setting out the Full Business Case (FBC) for the Hairmyres Park and Ride element of the East Kilbride Community Growth Area City Deal project. The Council was one of 8 local authorities who, with the UK and Scottish Governments, were signatories to the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal. The City Deal was made up of 20 key infrastructure projects that were intended to drive economic and inclusive growth across the Glasgow City Region area. Community Growth Areas was one of 4 South Lanarkshire projects, as outlined in the report. Information was provided on:- the governance arrangements for the City Deal initiative and the approval process for FBCs the proposal for the Hairmyres Park and Ride project, which would be a significant addition to East Kilbride’s transportation infrastructure and a sustainable solution that would help manage traffic congestion, enhance public transportation options and promote environmentally friendly commuting, ensuring accessibility for all the project cost and funding share between City Deal funding and Council funding The Committee decided: (1) that the Hairmyres Park and Ride Full Business Case be approved; and (2) that grant funding be sought in accordance with the City Deal Grant Distribution Process, outlined in the Assurance Framework in relation to the delivery of the project, with the precise arrangements to be agreed by the City Deal Chief Executives’ Group (CEG) and City Deal Cabinet. [Reference: Minutes of 15 August 2018 (Paragraph 13)] 7 Representation on Outside Organisations A report dated 27 August 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on member representation on Hamilton Sports Council and the Supplier Development Programme. Following notification of the intention of Councillor McGeever to step down from some positions, a request was received for:- Councillor Falconer to replace Councillor McGeever as the Council’s representative on Hamilton Sports Council Councillor Razzaq to replace Councillor McGeever as the Council’s representative on the Supplier Development Programme The Committee decided: (1) that Councillor Falconer replace Councillor McGeever as the Council’s representative on Hamilton Sports Council; and (2) that Councillor Razzaq replace Councillor McGeever as the Council’s representative on the Supplier Development Programme. [Reference: Minutes of 29 June 2022 (Paragraph 8)] 8
Page 9
8 Council Complaints Report: SPSO Annual Overview 2023/2024 A report dated 12 August 2024 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 2023 to 31 March 2024 against the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman’s (SPSO) national indicators customer feedback on complaints handling Information was provided on:- performance against the 4 SPSO indicators areas highlighted for improvement the process for the internal reporting of complaints information, including analysis of trends and the publication of information on outcomes and actions taken to resolve complaints and improve services The Committee decided: that the Council’s complaints handling performance for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and areas highlighted for improvement be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 13 September 2023 (Paragraph 8)] 9 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 9
Page 10
10
Page 11
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Revenue Budget Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2024 to 9 August 2024 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise Committee of the forecast for the year to 31 March 2025 for the Council’s General Fund Revenue Account and Housing Revenue Account, and the actual spend position for the period 1 April 2024 to 9 August 2024 [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 2024/2025, and the actual spend as at 9 August 2024 (section 4 and Appendix 1), be noted; and (2) that the projected break-even position on the Housing Revenue Account for 2024/2025, and the actual spend as at 9 August 2024 (section 5 and Appendix 2 of the report), be noted. 3. Background 3.1. This overview report will summarise the projected outturn for 2024/2025 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 9 August 2024. 4. General Services 2024/2025 Projected Outturn as at 9 August 2024 4.1. As at 9 August 2024, the projected outturn position for 2024/2025 on the General Services budget is break-even (Appendix 1). 4.2. Section 4.3 onwards provides detail on a number of key budget areas. 4.3. Teacher Numbers: As previously reported, in relation to 2024/2025, the Council has received notification that the allocation of funding for teacher numbers of £145.5 million for 2024/2025 will be distributed via Specific Resource Grants, and those grants will be conditional on councils agreeing at the outset to maintain teacher numbers. Our share of the £145.5 million funding is £9.379 million. The Scottish Government has indicated that it will consider mitigations presented by councils for reducing teacher numbers, but we will not know if mitigations will be acceptable until much later in the year. 3 11
Page 12
4.4. The Scottish Government have responded to communication from Council officers continuing to reiterate that any mitigations would be considered on a case-by-case basis, but they will not be in a position to agree any mitigations in advance of the teacher number census publication (December 2024). This position was reiterated by Scottish Government officials at a meeting with Council officers on 27 August 2024. At the meeting, officers explained the Council’s various mitigations in detail, and undertook to provide these in writing to the Scottish Government to provide context to the census information when this is complete. 4.5. Employers Pension Contribution Increase (Teachers): As advised previously, on 1 April 2024, the Council’s pension contribution for Teachers’ Pensions was increased from 23% to 26% of basic pay. The cost to the Council is an estimated £5.5 million however, the Council has not yet been notified of funding to support this increase. That said, the Scottish Government expect to receive funding for this from the UK Government and have committed to passing this on to councils. 5. Housing Revenue Account Projected Outturn Position as at 9 August 2024 5.1. As at 9 August 2024, Appendix 2 of the report shows a projected break-even position on the Housing Revenue Account for financial year 2024/2025. 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. 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. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 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. 12
Page 13
Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 4 September 2024 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 9 August 2024 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 13
Page 14
Note: While the Year to Date Actual at period 5 presents a net surplus position (£34.662m), this is timing only. The forecast outturn shows break-even for the year Appendix 1 Revised Projected Projected % Note Year to Date Annual Outturn Outturn Actual Budget Variance Resources: £m £m £m £m Community and Enterprise Resources 124.870 124.870 0.000 0.00% 42.870 Facilities Waste and Grounds 76.027 75.850 0.177 0.23% 27.071 Leisure and Culture 21.738 21.750 (0.012) (0.06%) 8.718 Planning and Regulatory Services 4.659 4.594 0.065 1.40% 1.316 Enterprise and Sustainable Development 5.860 5.806 0.054 0.92% 2.166 Roads, Transportation and Fleet 16.586 16.870 (0.284) (1.71%) 3.599 Education Resources 460.332 460.332 0.000 0.00% 155.587 Education 460.332 460.332 0.000 0.00% 155.587 Finance and Corporate Resources 38.732 38.732 0.000 0.00% 20.631 Finance Services - Strategy 1.851 1.767 0.084 4.54% 2.397 Finance Services - Transactions 16.775 16.804 (0.029) (0.17%) 5.041 Audit and Compliance Services 0.318 0.303 0.015 4.72% 0.189 Information Technology Services 6.852 6.852 0.000 0.00% 7.278 Communications and Strategy Services 2.560 2.584 (0.024) (0.94%) 1.381 Administration and Licensing Services 4.048 4.039 0.009 0.22% 1.958 Personnel Services 6.328 6.383 (0.055) (0.87%) 2.387 Housing & Technical Resources 13.541 13.541 0.000 0.00% 14.960 Housing Services 8.767 8.600 0.167 1.90% 2.109 Property Services 4.774 4.941 (0.167) (3.50%) 12.851 Social Work Resources 233.995 233.995 0.000 0.00% 79.631 Performance and Support Services 5.800 5.749 0.051 0.88% 1.629 Children and Families 46.985 47.318 (0.333) (0.71%) 14.993 Adults and Older People 180.475 180.475 0.000 0.00% 62.335 Justice and Substance Misuse 0.735 0.453 0.282 38.37% 0.674 Joint Boards 1.902 1.902 0.000 0.00% 0.732 873.372 873.372 0.000 0.00% 314.411 Revised Projected Projected Year to Date Annual Outturn Outturn Actual Budget Variance Summary: £m £m £m £m Resources Total 873.372 873.372 0.000 0.00% 314.411 CFCR 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Loan Charges 39.589 39.589 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Corporate Items 16.013 16.013 0.000 0.00% 0.313 Employers Contribution - T/f to Reserves 22.965 22.965 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Investments - 23-24 T/f to Reserves 0.325 0.325 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Total Expenditure 952.264 952.264 0.000 0.00% 314.724 Council Tax 181.587 181.587 0.000 0.00% 69.841 Less: Council Tax Reduction Scheme (23.544) (23.544) 0.000 0.00% (9.055) 158.043 158.043 0.000 0.00% 60.786 General Revenue Grant 385.450 385.450 0.000 0.00% 148.250 Non Domestic Rates 364.911 364.911 0.000 0.00% 140.350 Transfer from Reserves 43.860 43.860 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Total Income 952.264 952.264 0.000 0.00% 349.386 Net Expenditure 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00% (34.662) Period Ended 9 August 2024 (No.5) Revenue Budget Monitoring Report SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL 14
Page 15
Appendix 2 Revised Projected Projected Year to Date Annual Outturn Outturn % Note Actual Budget Variance Budget Category £m £m £m £m Employee Costs 13.782 13.782 0.000 0.00% 4.770 Property Costs 59.203 59.203 0.000 0.00% 11.700 Supplies and Services 1.543 1.543 0.000 0.00% 0.232 Transport and Plant 0.195 0.195 0.000 0.00% 0.040 Administration 5.594 5.594 0.000 0.00% 0.133 Payment to Other Bodies 2.975 2.975 0.000 0.00% 0.863 Payment to Contractors 0.100 0.100 0.000 0.00% 0.255 Transfer Payments 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Financing Charges 33.573 33.573 0.000 0.00% 12.890 Total Controllable Exp. 116.965 116.965 0.000 0.00% 30.883 Total Controllable Inc. (123.398) (123.398) 0.000 0.00% (35.010) Transfer to/(from) Balance Sheet (4.229) (4.229) 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Net Controllable Exp. (10.662) (10.662) 0.000 0.00% (4.127) Loan Charges 10.662 10.662 0.000 0.00% 4.127 Net Controllable Exp. 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00% 0.000 Variance Explanations No variances to note. Virements None. SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Period Ended 9 August 2024 (No.5) Housing Revenue Account 15
Page 16
16
Page 17
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Capital Budget 2024/2025 and Monitoring for Period 5 - 1 April 2024 to 9 August 2024 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 2024 to 9 August 2024 [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 9 August 2024, 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 9 August 2024 (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. 2024/2025 Budget: The revised programme for the General Fund is £87.007 million. 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 4 September 2024. 4.2. In addition, the total programme of £87.007 million also includes proposed adjustments totalling an increase of £0.051 million which are detailed in Appendix 1. This reflects additional project funding for the Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan (£0.100m) partially offset by a reduction in budget for Electric Vehicle Expansion (£0.040m). In addition, there are other minor adjustments to reflect revised timescales of works (£0.009m). The overall programme is summarised in Appendix 2. 4 17
Page 18
4.3. The funding available to support the programme is detailed in Appendix 3. 4.4. 2024/2025 Forecast: As noted in 4.1, the total capital spending programme for the year is £87.007 million. 4.5. Appendix 3 shows a forecast for the financial year of £87.007 million. 4.6. Secondary Schools: Once information is received from the contractor, Education and Housing and Technical Resources will provide a new timetable for works and the resultant spend profiles for the secondary school projects. This will be included as exception proposed to the November 2024 Executive Committee. That Committee will also be provided with a Change Control for consideration, to realign project budgets within the overall City Deal funding available. 4.7. 2024/2025 Actual Position: Actual spend incurred to the 9 August 2024 totals £11.296 million. 4.8. Actual funding received to 9 August 2024 is £51.662 million. This is shown in Appendix 3. Relevant officers will continue to closely monitor the generation of all income. 5. Housing Programme 5.1. 2024/25 Budget: Appendix 5 summarises the position on the Housing programme as at 9 August 2024. The revised capital programme for the year is £77.248 million, as approved by the Executive Committee on 4 September 2024. Programmed funding for the year also totals £77.248 million. The funding sources are also detailed in Appendix 4. 5.2. 2024/2024 Forecast: As noted in 5.1, the total capital spending programme for the year is £77.248 million. Current estimates from Housing and Technical Resources have identified an outturn of £77.248 million for the year, as projects are being considered by the Resource up to the level of budget available. 5.3. 2024/2025 Actual Position: Spend to 9 August 2024 on the Housing Capital Programme amounts to £15.503 million. 5.4. As at 9 August 2024, £15.503 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. 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. 18
Page 19
9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 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) 4 September 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Executive Committee, 4 September 2024 List of Background Papers Capital Ledger prints to 9 August 2024 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 19
Page 20
APPENDIX 1 Proposed Adjustments Community and Enterprise Resources Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan The Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, on 22 May 2024, approved a request for funding of £0.100 million from the Hamilton Common Good Fund towards the Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan. This will facilitate the initial stage of design works and have a project at the detailed design stage when funding applications are invited. Approval is sought to increase the 2024/2025 Capital Programme by £0.100 million. Electric Vehicle Expansion The Scottish Government have realigned the Electric Vehicle Expansion programme, with Glasgow City Council given lead authority. Approval is sought to reduce the 2024/2025 Capital Programme by £0.040 million to reflect the funding no longer being passed through the Council for this project. £0.100m (£0.040m) Minor Adjustments (£0.009m) TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS £0.051m 20
Page 21
APPENDIX 2 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2024/25 GENERAL FUND PROGRAMME FOR PERIOD 1 APRIL 2024 TO 9 AUGUST 2024 £m Total Base Budget (including carry forward from 2023/2024) 86.956 Proposed Adjustments – Period 5 0.051 Total Revised Budget 87.007 2024/25 Budget Period 5 Proposed Adjustments Revised 2024/25 Budget Resource £m £m £m Community & Enterprise 62.172 0.051 62.223 Education 9.042 - 9.042 Finance & Corporate 3.086 - 3.086 Housing & Technical 11.629 - 11.629 Social Work 1.027 - 1.027 TOTAL CAPITAL PROGRAMME 86.956 0.051 87.007 21
Page 22
APPENDIX 3 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2024/25 GENERAL FUND PROGRAMME FOR PERIOD 1 APRIL 2024 TO 9 AUGUST 2024 2024/25 Original Estimate inc C/F 2024/25 Revised Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 Forecast Variance 2024/25 Actual to 09/08/24 Expenditure £m £m £m £m £m General Fund Programme 73.850 87.007 87.007 - 11.296 Income 2024/25 Budget 2024/25 Revised Budget 2024/25 Actual To 09/08/24 £m £m £m Prudential Borrowing 32.564 34.355 34.355 Developers Contributions 8.800 8.835 0.000 Partners (Including Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisaton Fund, Cycling Scotland, Transport Scotland and REF / Wind Farms) 0.958 3.002 0.446 Scottish Government: - Capital Grant 20.156 22.278 9.106 - Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (now included in General Capital Grant) 1.440 0.000 0.000 - Road Safety Improvement 0.000 0.497 0.440 - Vacant and Derelict Land 1.793 1.793 1.368 - Regeneration Capital Grant 2.170 2.170 0.993 - Place Based Investment Programme 0.727 0.727 0.727 Shared Prosperity Fund 2.645 2.653 0.000 Levelling Up Fund 0.000 7.400 0.000 Capital Receipts 1.340 1.340 2.270 Specific Reserves 1.257 1.957 1.957 Revenue Contribution 0.000 0.000 0.000 TOTAL FUNDING 73.850 87.007 51.662 22
Page 23
APPENDIX 4 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2024/25 HOUSING PROGRAMME FOR PERIOD 1 APRIL 2024 TO 9 AUGUST 2024 2024/25 Annual Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 Forecast Variance 2024/25 Actual to 09/08/24 £m £m £m £m Expenditure 2024/25 Budget 77.248 77.248 - 15.503 2024/25 Annual Budget 2024/25 Actual to 09/08/24 £m £m Income Capital Receipts 0.000 0.265 Capital Receipts – Land Sales 0.000 0.000 Capital Funded from Current Revenue 33.506 11.873 Prudential Borrowing 23.677 0.000 Scottish Government Specific Grant: - New Build 16.945 3.072 - Open Market Purchase Scheme 3.000 0.000 - Mortgage to Rent 0.120 0.120 Other Income 0.000 0.173 77.248 15.503 23
Page 24
24
Page 25
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 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 (4 September 2024) [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the additional funding totalling £1.212 million, detailed in Appendix 1, 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 Appendix 1 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 £1.212 million has been identified for 2024/2025. This is detailed in Appendix 1. 5.2. The total additional funding is, therefore, £1.212 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 25
Page 26
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. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 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) 4 September 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Executive Committee, 4 September 2024 List of Background Papers Additional Funding Reports 12 August 2024 to 6 September 2024 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 26
Page 27
Appendix 1 Additional Revenue Funding Resource Description 2024/2025 £m Total £m Method Social Work Children’s Social Care Pay Uplift in Commissioned Services Scottish Government have now confirmed the Council’s funding for the Children’s Social Care pay uplift. This will enable the pay uplift for eligible children’s social care workers in private, voluntary and independent sectors delivering a minimum rate of £12 per hour for eligible staff. 1.212 1.212 Scottish Government – General Revenue Grant TOTAL REVENUE FUNDING 1.212 1.212 27
Page 28
28
Page 29
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Civic Engagement in Zeeland, Holland 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request approval for the Provost and Civic Officer to attend a civic event in Zeeland, Holland from 25 to 27 October 2024 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Provost and Civic Officer attend a civic event in Zeeland, Holland from 25 to 27 October 2024. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. On 25 July of this year the Liberation Museum Zeeland, in Holland, invited the Provost to attend activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt. The events are to take place from Friday 25 October to Sunday 27 October. 3.2. Lanarkshire regiment The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) played a significant part in the liberation of Holland in 1944, and the activities will include visits to a number of locations where the regiment was involved in active duty. The activities will also include the unveiling of the statue of Rifleman Khan, and attending the Field of Honor in Bergen op Zoom, where many liberators of the Battle of the Scheldt are buried. Approximately 50 veterans of The Cameronians are also understood to be attending the commemoration. 3.3. Rifleman Khan, the German Shepherd dog which saved its handler, L/Cpl Jimmy Muldoon, from drowning during the Battle of the Scheldt, has its own statue on Strathaven Common Green. 4. Proposal 4.1. Given the links to South Lanarkshire, it is proposed that the Provost accept this invitation, and attend the event in October 2024 to represent South Lanarkshire Council, accompanied by the Council’s Civic Officer. 4.2. Booked through Click Travel, the Council’s travel partner, the costs are estimated at £1,800. This includes return flights to Amsterdam, car hire and accommodation for 3 nights. 6 29
Page 30
4.3. The Chief Executive has delegated authority under the Scheme of Delegation to approve foreign travel for staff, such as the Civic Officer. However, foreign travel for Elected Members has traditionally been the subject of Committee approval. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. The Council’s Civic Officer would accompany the Provost on this trip, as is standard for such events including for security with the Provost’s chain of office. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. As noted above, the costs are estimated at £1,800. This would be met by the Civic Events budget. While in recent years there has been a general presumption against foreign travel by elected members or officers being funded by the Council, it is considered that in this case the costs involved are relatively small and can be justified by the goodwill the visit will generate and associated promotion of the Council and South Lanarkshire. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability and environmental Implications from this report. In the circumstances, it is more cost-effective for the travel be undertaken by flight than train and ferry. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no other implications form this report. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. There is no requirement for an Equality Impact Assessment. Jackie Taylor Executive Director ( Finance and Corporate Resources) 8 September 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self-aware and improving 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 Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Ext: 4516 (Tel: 01698 454658) Email: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uK 30
Page 31
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Executive Director (Education Resources) Subject: Religious Representation on the Education Resources Committee 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an update on religious representation on the Education Resources Committee [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that Ms Angela Milton be confirmed as the nominated religious representative from the Roman Catholic Church on the Education Resources Committee. 1recs] 3. Background 3.1. A local authority, when establishing an Education Resources Committee, is required to invite representatives from Church organisations to act as religious representatives on the Education Resources Committee. 4 Religious Representatives 4.1. In terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, an education authority is required to appoint:- a representative from the Church of Scotland a representative of the Roman Catholic Church a third religious representative having regard to:- representation from the churches referred to above the comparative strength within their area of all the churches and denominational bodies having duly constituted charges or other regularly appointed places of worship there 4.2. Following the local government elections in May 2022, the Committee, at its meeting on 29 June 2022, confirmed the appointment of Mr John Mulligan as the religious representative from the Roman Catholic Church on the Education Resources Committee. 7 31
Page 32
4.3. As Mr Mulligan had indicated that he would be stepping down from his position on the Education Resources Committee, a replacement nomination had been sought and the Roman Catholic Church has since nominated Ms Angela Milton. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications as a result of the information contained in this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications as a result of the information contained in this report. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications associated with this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no other implications associated with this report. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 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. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Carole McKenzie Executive Director (Education Resources) 11 September 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Previous References Executive Committee – 29 June 2022 Executive Committee - 11 October 2023 Executive Committee – 7 August 2024 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 32
Page 33
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Appointment of Trustees to South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Board 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request approval for the appointment of trustees to the South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) Board [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Council confirm its approval to the appointment of Dr Gordon Jack as a trustee to the South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Board; and (2) that nominations are sought to fill the vacant trustee positions for elected members or officers of the Council. 3. Background 3.1. Following a cross-party review of SLLC, a new modernised governance model was developed and approved by the Council and SLLC. The new governance arrangements included SLLC converting to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and, at its meeting on 15 June 2022, the Council approved a new constitution for SLLC. The constitution set out the membership of the SLLC Board which would include 14 charity trustees made up of 5 elected members or officers of the Council, 1 representative of the trade unions and 8 who were neither an elected member nor an officer of the Council. SLLC was officially incorporated as a SCIO on 3 April 2023. 3.2. The constitution also set out eligibility criteria and the appointment process for trustees. This process requires the Council to give written notice to SLLC for the appointment of a trustee, and to be guided by SLLC’s Nominations Committee in relation to the selection of appropriate trustees. The Nominations Committee comprises five trustees, including the Chair of SLLC and two elected member trustees. 8 33
Page 34
4. Appointment of Trustees 4.1. Following the recent retiral of a trustee, there was a vacancy for another trustee who is neither an elected member nor an officer of the Council, and neither a trade union representative. In line with the constitution, and existing SLLC governance arrangements, an open recruitment process was commenced, with a short-leeting in June and interviews held on 15 August. Following interview, the Committee unanimously agreed on a preferred applicant. Dr Gordon Jack, a business transformation specialist who has experience of providing services to the public sector and has previously been an active member of The Scouts is the preferred candidate, and recommended by the Nominations Committee for appointment. 4.2. Further to this recruitment process, and in line with the recommendation of the Noinations Committee, it is proposed that the Council confirm its approval to the appointment of Dr Gordon Jack as a trustee to the SLLC Board. 4.3. Notification has also been received of the resignation of Councillors John Anderson and Andrea Cowan as trustees of the SLLC Board and nominations are sought to fill those vacant positions from elected members or officers of the Council. 4.4. In the first instance, and in line with existing practice, it would be for the Council’s SNP Group to decide whether it wished to take up the vacant positions and, thereafter, other nominees. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. None. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications associated with this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. An elected member is not obliged to accept an appointment to an external organisation. However, if they do then they may find themselves taking on additional legal duties, e.g. as a trustee of a charity or a director of a company, where they will, in essence be obliged to act in the best interests of that organisation. The exact nature of these legal duties will depend upon the nature of the organisation in question and the role they are appointed to. There is also potential for future conflicts of interests between such a role and their role as an Elected Member. The Standards Commission has issued an Advice Note on such matters. There are no other implications arising from this report. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy, therefore, no impact assessment is required. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 17 September 2024 34
Page 35
Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council 15 June 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:- Iain Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Ext: 4658 (Tel: 01698 454658) E-mail: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 35
Page 36
36
Page 37
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Amendments to Membership of Committees etc 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request approval for a proposed change in the membership of the Planning Committee and the Planning Local Review Body [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey replace Councillor Elise Frame on the Planning Committee and the Planning Local Review Body. 3. Background 3.1. Following a request received from the Business Manager of the SNP Group on 23 September 2024, it is proposed that Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey replaces Councillor Elise Frame on the Planning Committee and the Planning Local Review Body. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications in terms of this report. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. There are no financial implications in terms of this report. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications in terms of this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. There are no implications in terms of risk. 8. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. There was no requirement to carry out an EIA or formal consultation process. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 23 September 2024 9 37
Page 38
Link(s) to Council Values/Outcomes/Priorities Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent 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:- Elizabeth-Anne McGonigle, Administration Adviser Tel: 07385 403101 E-mail: elizabeth-anne.mcgonigle@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 38
Page 39
Report Agenda Item Report to: Executive Committee Date of Meeting: 2 October 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Council’s Approach to Impact Assessments 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an overview of the various impact assessments that the Council is required to undertake, or has otherwise committed to undertaking provide the form of integrated impact assessment that is proposed to be used going forward, to assist the Council in maximising the benefits of impact assessments, and ensuring compliance with its legal duties [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Executive Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the content of this report is noted; and (2) that the proposed form of integrated impact assessment that the Council will use going forward is noted, as included in Appendix 2 to this report. 3. Background 3.1. As a public authority that delivers an extremely wide range of services to its communities, the Council is subject to a number of notable legal duties in delivering its services, including how it designs and plans for the same. Whilst many of these are specific to individual service areas, there are a number of such duties that apply to the entirety of the Council and its services. These include, for example, the duty to secure Best Value. 3.2. However, there are other notable statutory duties on the Council, that likewise potentially apply to all service areas, and which have become of greater importance in recent years. Specifically, these place duties on the Council to ensure that it meets its legal obligations in relation to equality, socio-economic disadvantage, children and young people, the Armed Forces community, human rights, climate change/the environment and consumers. 10 39
Page 40
3.3. Appendix 1 to this report provides a brief overview of the most notable of these duties where some form of impact assessment might be required. The Committee’s attention is drawn in particular to the new duty in respect of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which came into force on 16 July 2024. It is also to be noted that, in respect of sustainability, in September 2023, the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee endorsed the use of a Sustainability Impact Assessment for future capital and revenue budget processes. 3.4. The Council already has a well-established approach to ensuring these duties are met. This includes the completion of relevant impact assessments, including Equality Impact Assessments and Fairer Scotland Duty Assessments, information on which is included on the Council’s website. 3.5. As the Committee will be aware, decisions and actions taken by local authorities are at risk of legal challenge if they do not comply with their duties. Any such legal challenge exposes an authority to risk, including legal, financial and operational. 3.6. In a recent report on local authority budget setting in 2024, Audit Scotland reported that “at a time of financial pressure when difficult choices need to be made about budget allocations, and in some cases budget and service reductions, it is all the more important that councils consider what, if any, equality impacts their budget choices will have on different groups and communities, especially those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010”. In addition, in a separate recent report on council delivery, Audit Scotland reported that a common improvement action identified by auditors was “ensuring equality impact assessments are completed at an early stage to inform policy and strategy development and that equality impact assessment are published”. 3.7. Given the above, it is sensible for the Council to review its current approach, and consider if it can be enhanced. Further to this, on 7 August this year, the Executive Committee approved a report on the Consumer Duty, which sought agreement to the Council moving towards an integrated impact assessment. It was noted that a report would be brought back to members in the Autumn in relation to this. 4. Proposals 4.1. As noted above, the Council now needs to comply with an increasing number of similar, but different, rights-based statutory duties. Following a review of the Council’s current approach, and practice in other local authorities, it is considered that some changes can be made to enhance the Council’s existing processes. 4.2. As previously reported to the Committee, it has been agreed that the Council will adopt an integrated impact assessment approach. An integrated impact assessment approach is considered to be a more effective way of ensuring the Council carries out the necessary assessments, and in a consistent, but proportionate, manner. Such an approach could also be adapted as required, to reflect future legislative developments. 4.3. An integrated impact assessment (IIA) includes all relevant assessments within a single document. This means that all relevant legal duties will be considered, and importantly that these will all be assessed at the same time, which will enhance the overall assessment of the proposal in question, and the identification of any suitable mitigations to support implementation of a particular proposal. IIAs are already used by a number of other local authorities in Scotland. 40
Page 41
4.4. The proposed form of IIA that the Council will use going forward is included in Appendix 2 to this report. The IIA has been the subject of a peer review by an external law firm to ensure it is fit for purpose. Training will be arranged for elected members on the new IIA approach, to ensure they are familiar with it in advance of proposals coming forward for consideration and in respect of which an IIA has been used. It is expected that, over time, the form of IIA will be further refined, as greater use is made of it. 4.5. The Council’s Committee report template has a paragraph entitled “Equality Impact Assessments and Consultation Requirements”. With effect from the next committee cycle, this will be renamed “Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements”, and report authors will be required to confirm whether or not there has been a need to carry out an IIA, and if so if there were any notable impacts that should be briefly summarised in the report. 4.6. In addition, whilst information on impact assessments is available on the Council’s website they are not routinely made available to the public. Going forward, IIAs will be published on the Council’s website, and a link to the IIA included in the relevant Committee report at the time of publication. 4.7. This revised approach set out above could, at least initially, be slightly more involved than that currently undertaken. However, it is believed that this will help ensure a comprehensive and consistent organisational approach to compliance and reduce the risk of a successful challenge to relevant decisions made by the Council. In addition, this is only concerned with existing legal duties, and it is expected that any additional work required initially will reduce as this becomes a business as usual approach. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications directly arising from this report. There will be training requirements, and service areas will need to become familiar with completing the IIAs. However, as noted above, this is only concerned with existing legal duties, and it is expected that any additional work required initially will reduce as these become a business as usual approach. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications arising from this report, the proposals outlined in this report will be met within existing budgets. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications associated with this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no other implications directly arising from this report. However, the approach proposed in this report will assist in the Council meeting its legal obligations, and the rights of citizens and communities being suitably assessed in advance of major decisions being taken by the Council. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an equality impact assessment, or other impact assessment, in relation to the proposals within this report. 41
Page 42
Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 5 September 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open an sustainable Ambitious, self-aware and improving Previous References None List of Background Papers None List of Appendices Appendix 1 Summary of Impact Assessments Appendix 2 Draft Integrated Impact Assessment 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: 4516 (Tel: 01698 454658) Email: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uK 42
Page 43
APPENDIX 1 This appendix summarises the different types of impact assessments that the Council might need to undertake Duty Relevant Legislation Type of Assessment Comment Public Sector Equality Duty Equality Act 2010 Equality Impact Assessment - Fairer Scotland Duty Equality Act 2010 Fairer Scotland Duty Impact Assessment - Duty to act compatibly with UNCRC United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child (Incorporation)(Scotland) Act 2024 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, not specifically required but will assist in demonstrating compliance with the duty Act came into force on 16 July 2024, and statutory guidance has been issued. Duty to act compatibly with Human Rights Act 1998 Human Rights Act 1998 Impact assessment not specifically required, but will assist in demonstrating compliance with the duty - Duty to have regard to impact of strategic decisions on consumers and desirability to reduce harm to consumers Consumer Scotland Act 2020 Consumer Duty Impact Assessment, impact assessment not specifically required, but will assist in demonstrating compliance with the duty Duty came into force 1st April 2024, reported to Executive Committee on 7 August. 43
Page 44
Duty (the Armed Forces Covenant Duty) to have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when exercising certain statutory functions in the areas of healthcare, education and housing. Armed Forces Act 2021 Impact assessment not specifically required, but will assist in demonstrating compliance with the duty The Armed Forces Covenant Duty came into effect on 22 November 2022. Was the subject of report to Full Council on 31 January 2024. Duty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to impacts of climate change and incorporate principles of sustainability int decisions and actions Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Impact assessment not specifically required, but will assist in demonstrating compliance with the duty The Sustainability Impact Assessment already adopted by the Council assists in demonstrating compliance with this duty. 44
Page 45
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) Integrated Impact Assessment The purpose of South Lanarkshire Council is to protect the people and the place of South Lanarkshire from harm, enabling them to prosper and supporting them in case of harm happening. The purpose of an Integrated Impact Assessment is to evidence that South Lanarkshire Council is making decisions in an informed way, and that the impact of decisions made is understood and accepted. The Council is subject to a range of legal duties that govern its decision-making, and it is vital that these duties are complied with. This Integrated Impact Assessment considers the key legal duties. Other relevant duties are referenced in the guidance that accompanies this Integrated Impact Assessment, and will need to be considered as required by those undertaking the assessment. The legislation that is considered within this assessment are: - Section 2 Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics - Section 3 Socio-Economic - Section 4 Human Rights - Section 5 Children and Young People’s Rights - Section 6 Consumer Duty - Section 7 Sustainability - Section 8 Armed Forces Duty - Section 9 – Sign Off The term ‘policy’ is used throughout this document and applies to policies, proposals, strategies, provision, criteria, functions, practice, budget savings and activities that includes delivery of our services. 1. About the Policy 1.1 Title - Policy Title (include budget reference number if applicable) 1.2 What does this policy seek to achieve? 1.3 Is this a new or existing policy? • Appendix 2 10 45
Page 46
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) 1.4 Is this report going to a committee? 1.5 Committee name and date: 1.6 Resource and Service - Impacts This section shows the considerations that have been made in relation to the policy - and that the impact of proposals made is understood and accepted. 2: Equality Act 2010 - Protected Characteristics South Lanarkshire Council wants to ensure everyone is treated fairly. This section identifies the protected characteristics that the policy potentially affects and records the impact and mitigating steps. 2.1 What impact could this policy have on any of the groups below? What is the impact? Negative Neutral Positive Protected Characteristic High Medium Low Age Disability Gender Reassignment Marriage and Civil Partnership Pregnancy and Maternity Race Religion or Belief Sex Sexual Orientation 2.2 How will the policy impact people with these protected characteristics? 2.3 What considerations have been made in reaching the above assessment? What internal or external data has been considered? What does this data tell us? What consultation and engagement has been undertaken with officers and partner organisations? 46
Page 47
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) What consultation and engagement has been undertaken with people who may be impacted by this policy (e.g. citizens, community groups, or other people/groups)? • 2.4 What mitigations can be put in place? What mitigations are there against any negative impacts (if applicable)? With mitigations in place, what is the new overall rating of the negative impact(s)? High Medium Low Negative Impact Removed 47
Page 48
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24)
2.5 Public Sector Equality Duty
South Lanarkshire Council has a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to comply with the Public
Sector Equality Duty ("PSED"). This duty runs through every aspect of the Council's day-to-day
business, and the Council must have due regard to how it can promote equality and improve
outcome for those that have protected characteristics. To ensure that the Council complies
with the PSED, you should consider the following points:
Does this policy contribute towards the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment,
victimisation or any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010?
Does this policy advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a
relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it?
Does this policy foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected
characteristic and persons who do not share it?
3: Socio-Economic Impacts
This section is used to consider the impact of the policy on people who might be
unemployed, single parents, people with lower education or literacy, looked after
children, those with protected characteristics as examples.
Use this guide to understand more on socio-economic inequalities: The Fairer Scotland Duty:
Guidance for Public Bodies (www.gov.scot)
3.1 What impact could this policy have on any of the groups below?
Group
Negative Neutr
al
Positiv
e High Mediu
m
Low
Low income / income poverty – those who
cannot afford regular bills, food, clothing
payments.
Low and/or no wealth – those who can meet
basic living costs but have no savings for
unexpected spend or provision for the future
Material deprivation – those who cannot access
basic goods and services, unable to
repair/replace broken electrical goods, heat
their homes or access to leisure or hobbies
48Page 49
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) Area deprivation – consider where people live and where they work (accessibility and cost of transport) Socio-economic background – social class, parents’ education, employment, income. 3.2 In what way will the policy impact people in these groups? 3.3 What considerations have been made in reaching the above assessment? What internal or external data has been considered? What does this data tell us? What consultation and engagement and has been undertaken with officers and partner organisations? What consultation and engagement and has been undertaken with people who may be impacted by this policy? citizens, community groups, or other people/groups impacted by this policy? 3.4 What mitigations can be put in place? What mitigations are there against any negative impacts (if applicable)? With mitigations in place, what is the new overall rating of the negative impact(s)? High Medium Low Negative Impact Removed 4: Human Rights Impacts The Human Rights Act 1998 sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone in the UK is entitled to. It incorporates the rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into domestic British law. The Human Rights Act came into force in the UK in October 2000 The Act sets out our human rights in a series of ‘Articles’. Each Article deals with a different right. Use this guide to understand more about Human Rights. 49
Page 50
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) 4.1 What impact could this policy have on Human Rights? Human Rights Article Negative Neutral Positive Article 6: Right to a fair trial Article 7: No punishment without law Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence Article 9: Freedom of thought, belief and religion Article 10: Freedom of expression Article 11: Freedom of assembly and association Article 12: Right to marry and start a family Article 14: Protection from discrimination in respect of these rights and freedoms Article 1 of Protocol 1: Right to peaceful enjoyment of your property Article 2 of Protocol 1: Right to education Article 3 of Protocol 1: Right to participate in free elections 4.2 In what way will the policy impact Human Rights? 4.3 What mitigations can be put in place? What mitigations are there against any negative impacts (if applicable)? If mitigations are in place, does this remove the negative impact? No – negative impact remains Yes – negative impact reduced Yes - negative impact removed 50
Page 51
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) 5: Children and Young People’s Rights Impacts Assessing for impact on the UNCRC requirements Legislation to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law came into force in July 2024. This requires the Council to make proactive steps to ensure it is protecting children's rights when it is making decisions and delivering services, and to report on the progress it is making to do this. The UNCRC has 54 articles that cover all aspects of a child’s life and set out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all children everywhere are entitled to. It also explains how adults and governments must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights. Children’s rights apply to every child/young person under the age of 18 and to adults still eligible to receive a “children’s service” (e.g. care leavers aged 18 – 25 years old). The Conventions are also known as the “General Principles” and they help to interpret all the other articles and play a fundamental role in realising all the rights in the Convention for all children. They are: 1. Non-discrimination (Article 2) 2. Best interest of the child (Article 3) 3. Right to life survival and development (Article 6) 4. Right to be heard (Article 12) You can read the full UN Convention (pdf), or just a summary (pdf), to find out more about the rights that are included. 5.1 What impact could this policy have on the rights of Children and Young People? UNCRC and Optional Protocols Negative Neutral Positive Article 1: definition of the child Article 2: non-discrimination Article 3: best interests of the child Article 4: implementation of the convention Article 5: parental guidance and a child's evolving capacities Article 6: life, survival and development Article 7: birth registration, name, nationality, care Article 8: protection and preservation of identity Article 9: separation from parents Article 10: family reunification Article 11: abduction and non-return of children Article 12: respect for the views of the child Article 13: freedom of expression Article 14: freedom of thought, belief and religion Article 15: freedom of association 51
Page 52
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) Article 16: right to privacy Article 17: access to information from the media Article 18: parental responsibilities and state assistance Article 19: protection from violence, abuse and neglect Article 20: children unable to live with their family Article 21: adoption Article 22: refugee children Article 23: children with a disability Article 24: health and health services Article 25: review of treatment in care Article 26: social security Article 27: adequate standard of living Article 28: right to education Article 29: goals of education Article 30: children from minority or indigenous groups Article 31: leisure, play and culture Article 32: child labour Article 33: drug abuse Article 34: sexual exploitation Article 35: abduction, sale and trafficking Article 36: other forms of exploitation Article 37: inhumane treatment and detention Article 38: war and armed conflicts Article 39: recovery from trauma and reintegration Article 40: juvenile justice Article 41: respect for higher national standards Article 42: knowledge of rights Optional Protocol on a Communications Procedure 52
Page 53
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) Children’s Rights Wellbeing Impact Assessment Considerations 1.Which UNCRC Articles are relevant to the CRWIA? 2.What impact will the policy/measure will have on children’s rights? 3. Will there be different impacts on different groups of children and young people? 4. If a negative impact is assessed for any area of rights or any group of children and young people, what options have you considered to modify the proposal, or mitigate the impact? 5. How will the policy/measure contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland? 6. How will the plan give better or further effect to the implementation of the UNCRC in Scotland? 7. What evidence have you used to inform your assessment? 8. Have you consulted with relevant stakeholders? 9. How has the voice of children and young people informed this area of work and the CRWIA? 10. Have you involved children and young people in the development of the policy/measure? 11. Overall summary of changes made as a result of impact assessment. 53
Page 54
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) 12. If there are any remaining negative impacts after mitigation, what is the justification for why this policy should proceed. 13. How will the impact of the plan be monitored and reported on an ongoing basis? Section 6 Consumer Duty The Consumer Scotland Act 2020 created a legal duty, called the Consumer Duty. The Consumer Duty requires ‘relevant public authorities’ in Scotland, when they are making decisions of a strategic nature through the exercise of their functions, to have regard to: - The impact of those decisions on consumers in Scotland - The desirability of reducing harm to consumers in Scotland - Guidance produced by Consumer Scotland Links to Guidance: how-to-meet-the-consumer-duty-guidance-for-public-authorities-draft.pdf consumer-duty-guidance-carrying-out-an-impact-assessment-draft.pdf Consider this policy against the Consumer Duty Planning What Evidence do you have to support this decision? Assess and Improve the proposal Changes to the policy and finalisation 54
Page 55
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) Section 7 - Sustainability Impact Assessment Background Information Reducing the Council’s contribution to climate change and taking action to reduce the impacts of climate change is central to living and working sustainably. The Council has a statutory duty under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to: - reduce carbon emissions from its activities and influence the reduction of carbon emissions in the wider community; - take action to adapt to the impacts caused by the effects of climate change – in our local communities, on our buildings, infrastructure, service delivery and the natural environment; and; - to act sustainably in everything it does as a Council This legislation requires the Council to consider all the above within its decision-making processes. This template aims to ensure that factors related to carbon, climate change adaptation and sustainability are included within a proposal. Assessing the impact also supports the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020 which requires public bodies to include in their annual climate change reports “how the body will align its spending plans and use of resources with emissions targets”. Assessing this impact will help mitigate one of the Council’s top risks: ‘the failure to meet sustainable development and climate change objectives’ and supports a main objective of the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027: ‘to build a sustainable, climate resilient and net zero South Lanarkshire together in a fair and inclusive way’. Sustainability impact assessments aim to consider likely effects of proposals on South Lanarkshire’s people, infrastructure, natural and physical environment. They are not an in- depth expert assessment but rather a high-level assessment which helps consider impacts in terms of carbon emissions, adapting to the effects of climate change, social justice, economic wellbeing, and good environmental stewardship, as well as the steps taken (or planned) to mitigate any adverse impacts. 55
Page 56
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) SUSTAINABLITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE Ref No. Category Question(s) Yes/No/Unknown Description of Impact If Yes, How Significant is the Impact? 1 Energy (usage, demand and generation) Does the activity/proposal impact energy demand, use and provision? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 2 Water (quality, demand, use and disposal) Does the activity/proposal impact on the sustainable use, management and conservation of water? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 3 Environmental Good Stewardship (air and soil quality, noise and light pollution) Does the activity/proposal result in any emissions to air, soil and/or water? Does the activity/proposal impact air quality or noise and light pollution? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 4 Waste (total volume, end of life disposal and recycling, resource use and product consumption) Does the activity/proposal impact waste generation or disposal methods? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 56
Page 57
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) SUSTAINABLITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE Ref No. Category Question(s) Yes/No/Unknown Description of Impact If Yes, How Significant is the Impact? 5 Active Travel and Sustainable Transport (walking, wheeling, cycling) Does the activity/proposal impact the use of fossil fuelled vehicles and the provision of low carbon travel opportunities in communities? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 6 Transport (Fleet) Does the activity/proposal impact the use of Council- owned fleet/ staff travel? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 7 Communities (resilience, awareness, communication, skills) Does this activity help build awareness, willingness, and skills in our communities to address climate change? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 8 Reduced Inequalities and Social Justice (poverty, inclusion, cost of living, fair work) Does the proposal build capacity to identify and tackle poverty and exclusion? Does the proposal improve quality of life? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 57
Page 58
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) SUSTAINABLITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE Ref No. Category Question(s) Yes/No/Unknown Description of Impact If Yes, How Significant is the Impact? 9 Services (demand and use) Does the proposal or activity increase overall consumption of services or decreasing them? Select impact level. Select an assessment level.. 10 Procurement/ Supply Chain (e.g. purchased goods and services, contractor and sub-contractor activities, local supply chain, SMEs, community wealth building) Does the activity/proposal increase consumption of resources? Does the activity/proposal impact local supply chains and local spend? Are there opportunities for local employment? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 11 Land Use and Land Use Change Does the activity/proposal alter or change the function of land and/or impact on peatland or vacant and derelict land? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 58
Page 59
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) SUSTAINABLITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE Ref No. Category Question(s) Yes/No/Unknown Description of Impact If Yes, How Significant is the Impact? 12 Nature/ Biodiversity (protection, restoration and enhancement) Does the activity/proposal impact on the protection, enhancement and restoration of biodiversity and nature? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 13 Health and Wellbeing (physical, mental and social) Does the proposal promote and support improved social, physical and mental wellbeing? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 14 Extreme weather/ climate events (drought, flooding, heat, storms) Does the activity/proposal impact on resilience of both South Lanarkshire Council and communities to extreme weather events (flooding, drought, wildfires, storms)? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 59
Page 60
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) SUSTAINABLITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE Ref No. Category Question(s) Yes/No/Unknown Description of Impact If Yes, How Significant is the Impact? 15 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (increase or decrease in emissions) If assessment level is considered to be major or minor adverse (i.e.. There’s a significant or minor increase in greenhouse gas emissions),go to next section and complete the carbon impact assessment. Does the activity/proposal impact on greenhouse gas emissions? Select impact level. Select an assessment level. 60
Page 61
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) Sustainability Impact Assessment for Capital Project Submissions As an organisation the Council has a duty to understand the carbon impact of our activities. The council has a statutory responsibility to act in a sustainable way and contribute to emission reduction targets. The Council must where possible avoid increasing emissions through its daily activities, projects and policies. This section is only required for Capital Project proposals. If the assessment does not relate to a Capital Project proposal then it can be deleted. Step 1: Has the project been subject to a previous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)? Step 2: Now complete the table(s) below, considering whether any of the emission sources will be impacted by the proposed activity/project. EIA OR SEA Have the details of your report been directly subject to an Environmental or Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment previously? If yes, please add a short outline of the EIA/SEA below and continue with the following carbon impact assessment. If no, please complete the following impact assessment. 61
Page 62
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) CARBON IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE Please consider whether any of the following emissions sources will be impacted by proposed activity/project Emission Source(s) Is an Impact Expected? (Yes/No/Unknown) If Yes, How Significant is the Impact Positive impact = reduction in emissions Negative impact = increase in emissions Description (please provide an explanation of emissions, how you have taken actions to limit emissions, provide emission quantities or consumption data if known and describe how emissions will be monitored) Existing Buildings (electricity, gas, gas oil, water for heating, cooling and cooking) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. New Buildings (domestic and non- domestic) (electricity, gas, gas oil, water for heating, cooling and cooking) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Travel (staff commuting, business travel, working from home) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Transport (fleet) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Waste (recyclates, landfill, Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. 62
Page 63
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) CARBON IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE incineration/energy from waste) Renewables (air source/ground source heat pumps, wind, solar, water, geothermal use and generation) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Whole Lifecycle Carbon (Embodied Carbon) (material extraction, use, disposal) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Carbon offsetting/insetting (e.g tree planting, peatland restoration) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Procurement/ Supply Chain (e.g purchased goods and services, consider contractor, sub- contractor activities) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Land Use Changes (e.g deforestation, land degradation, conversion of land for agriculture or urbanisation) Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. Other emissions (e.g street lighting, refrigerants, fugitive Choose an impact level Choose an assessment level. 63
Page 64
Integrated Impact Assessment Version 1.0 (Sept 24) CARBON IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE emissions, air travel and shipping) Step 3: Consider the current and future changes in our weather and climate and how they may impact on the project/activity? Step 4: Provide a summary of the above assessment which can be included within the ‘Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications’ section of committee reports. FUTURE CLIMATE AND WEATHER SCENARIOS If appropriate, have you considered the current and future changes in our weather and climate? If yes, please provide a description (including any adaptation actions taken) below: SUMMARY (for inclusion in reports and project submission forms) Use the box below to summarise your responses for inclusion within the ‘Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications’ section of your report/project submission 64
Page 65
Section 8 – Armed Forces Covenant Duty The Armed Forces Act 2021 now places a legal duty (the Armed Forces Covenant Duty) on specified public bodies, including the Council and the IJB. This duty is to have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when exercising certain statutory functions in the areas of healthcare, education and housing. The Armed Forces Covenant Duty came into effect on 22 November 2022. The Covenant is, essentially, a promise that the armed forces community will be treated fairly and face no disadvantage when accessing public and commercial services, with special provision made in appropriate cases. 8.1 Consider what impact this proposal could have on the Armed Forces Community, is the Armed Forces Covenant Duty engaged? What is the impact? Negative Neutral Positive Armed Forces Covenant Duty High Medium Low Housing Education Healthcare 8.2 How will the policy impact the Armed Forces Community? 8.3 What considerations have been made in reaching the above assessment? What internal or external data has been considered? What does this data tell us? What consultation and engagement has been undertaken with officers and partner organisations? What consultation and engagement has been undertaken with people who may be impacted by this policy (e.g. citizens, community groups, or other people/groups)? 2.4 What mitigations can be put in place? What mitigations are there against any negative impacts (if applicable)? 65
Page 66
With mitigations in place, what is the new overall rating of the negative impact(s)? High Medium Low Negative Impact Removed 66
Page 67
9: Sign Off Any further positive or negative impacts on individuals or groups that have been considered? Overall summary of changes made as a result of impact assessment. Outline of how impact of policy will be monitored. If there are any remaining negative impacts after mitigation, what is the justification for why this policy should proceed. Assessment Author Version Date Other Officers/Partners involved in the assessment Lead Officer Was this IIA reviewed by the IIA Review Panel? Approved by Date 67
Page 68
68