Agenda Document Pack - Finance and Corporate Resources Committee - 19/11/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 19 November 2025
Back to Finance and Corporate Resources Committee — 19 November 2025 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 11 November 2025 Dear Councillor Finance and Corporate Resources Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Lesley McDonald (Chair), Walter Brogan (Depute Chair), Celine Handibode (Depute Chair), Joe Fagan (ex officio), Alex Allison, Mathew Buchanan, Andy Carmichael, Maureen Chalmers, Margaret Cooper, Andrea Cowan, Maureen Devlin, Mary Donnelly, Grant Ferguson, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Graeme Horne, Martin Hose, Ross Lambie, Katy Loudon, Hugh Macdonald, Catherine McClymont, Elaine McDougall, Mark McGeever, Mo Razzaq, John Ross, Graham Scott, Kirsty Williams Substitutes Archie Buchanan, Poppy Corbett, Colin Dewar, Ross Gowland, Gavin Keatt, Susan Kerr, Martin Lennon, Richard Lockhart, Richard Nelson, Carol Nugent, Norman Rae, Helen Toner, David Watson 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee held on 10 September 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 16 3 Minutes of Grievance and Disputes Panel Minutes of the meeting of the Grievance and Disputes Panel held on 22 October 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 17 - 18 Monitoring Item(s) 4 Finance and Corporate Resources - Revenue Budget Monitoring 2025/2026 Report dated 22 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 19 - 30 5 Finance and Corporate Resources - Capital Budget Monitoring 2025/2026 Report dated 5 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 31 - 34 6 Finance and Corporate Resources – Workforce Monitoring – 1 July to 30 September 2025 Report dated 8 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 35 - 40 7 Council-wide Workforce Monitoring - 1 July to 30 September 2025 Report dated 8 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 41 - 60 8 Finance and Corporate Resource Plan - Quarter 2 Progress Report 2025/2026 Report dated 21 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 61 - 78 9 Treasury Management Activity - 2025/2026 Second Quarter Review Report dated 11 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 79 - 86 Item(s) for Decision 10 Revenue Collection and Approval for Write Offs Report dated 28 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 87 - 92 11 Procurement Service – Establishment Posts Report dated 10 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 93 - 96 12 Consultation on Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2018 Report dated 29 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 97 - 106 2
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13 Common Good Update Report – Former Vogue Building Report dated 5 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 107 - 110 Item(s) for Noting 14 Early Retirement, Voluntary Severance and Switch 2 Report dated 22 September 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 111 - 116 15 Statutory Review of Community Council Scheme of Establishment Report dated 15 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 117 - 122 16 Response to Electoral Commission Consultation on Updated Guidance for Returning Officers Assistance with Voting for Disabled People Report dated 23 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 123 - 132 17 Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill: Call for Views Report dated 21 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 133 - 144 18 Annual Procurement Report – 2024/2025 Report dated 28 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 145 - 212 19 Finance and Corporate Resources' Risk Register and Risk Control Plan Report dated 22 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 213 - 228 20 Notification of Contracts Awarded - 1 April to 30 September 2025 Report dated 20 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 229 - 234 Urgent Business 21 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Carol Lyon Clerk Telephone: 07385370065 Clerk Email: carol.lyon@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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FINANCE AND CORPORATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 10 September 2025 Chair: Councillor Lesley McDonald Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor Walter Brogan (Depute), Councillor Mathew Buchanan, Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Andrea Cowan, Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Colin Dewar (substitute for Councillor Maureen Chalmers), Councillor Mary Donnelly, Councillor Grant Ferguson, Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Hugh Macdonald, Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Mark McGeever, Councillor John Ross, Councillor Graham Scott, Councillor Helen Toner (substitute for Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller), Councillor Kirsty Williams Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Margaret Cooper, Councillor Joe Fagan (ex officio), Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Ross Lambie, Councillor Catherine McClymont, Councillor Mo Razzaq Chief Executive’s Service J Davitt, Communications Adviser Finance and Corporate Resources J Taylor, Executive Director; C Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions); M Husband, Head of IT Services; S Jessup, Administration Assistant; C Lyon, Administration Officer; M Milne, Head of Personnel Services; L O’Hagan, Head of Finance (Strategy); I Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee held on 11 June 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Finance and Corporate Resources – Revenue Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 A report dated 12 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted comparing the actual expenditure for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 against budgeted expenditure for 2024/2025 for Finance and Corporate Resources. As at 31 March 2025, the actual outturn position was an underspend of £2.092 million before transfers to reserves. The underspend was mainly due to additional funding provided for the Scottish Welfare Fund. Due to the timing of the funding being awarded, the majority of this had been carried forward for use in the next financial year. In addition, there were underspends from vacant posts across the Services, on the Empty Property Relief (EPR) budget and on the Grants budget that had been carried forward to support the 2025/2026 saving. 2 5
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The position after approved transfers to reserves was a breakeven position, as detailed in Appendix A to the report. This position had been reported and approved as part of the overall Council final position for 2024/2025, as reported to the Executive Committee on 25 June 2025. Virements were proposed to realign budgets across budget categories and with other Resources, and those movements were detailed in the appendices to the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the position as at 31 March 2025 of a breakeven position after approved transfers to reserves, as detailed in Appendix A of the report, be noted; and (2) that the proposed budget virements, as detailed in the appendices to the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of 26 March 2025 (Paragraph 4) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 3)] 4 Finance and Corporate Resources – Revenue Budget Monitoring 2025/2026 A report dated 12 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted comparing the actual expenditure for the period 1 April to 11 July 2025 and providing a forecast for the year to 31 March 2026 for Finance and Corporate Resources. A Service Analysis Statement, which outlined the key highlights by Service for the Resource, was provided at Appendix A to the report. The detailed financial position, with variance explanations by budget category, was provided at Appendix B to the report. As at 11 July 2025, the projected outturn position for the Resource was a breakeven position. Virements were proposed to realign budgets and those movements were detailed in the appendices to the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the forecast to 31 March 2026 of a breakeven position, as detailed in Appendix B of the report, be noted; and (2) that the proposed budget virements, as detailed in the appendices to the report, be approved. 5 Finance and Corporate Resources – Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/2025 A report dated 11 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted advising of progress on Finance and Corporate Resources’ capital programme for 2024/2025 and summarising the expenditure at 31 March 2025. The budget for 2024/2025 was £3.086 million. Total expenditure to 31 March 2025 as £3.790 million. The final outturn position of £3.790 million was an overspend of £0.704 million in comparison to the programme of £3.086 million. The overspend reflected additional funded spend on IT infrastructure projects (spend and funding transferred from Revenue). An update on the 2025/2026 programme was detailed in a separate report to this Committee. 6
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The Committee decided: that the Finance and Corporate Resources’ capital programme of £3.086 million, and expenditure for the year of £3.790 million, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 26 March 2025 (Paragraph 5) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 5)] 6 Finance and Corporate Resources – Capital Budget Monitoring 2025/2026 A report dated 11 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted advising of progress on Finance and Corporate Resources’ capital programme for 2025/2026 and summarising the expenditure position at 11 July 2025. The revised capital programme for 2025/2026 was £0.545 million, as approved by the Executive Committee on 25 June 2025. The forecast for the financial year was £0.545 million and spend to date was £0.028 million. The Committee decided: that the Finance and Corporate Resources’ capital programme of £0.545 million, and expenditure to date of £0.028 million, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council (Special) of 26 February 2025 (Paragraph 3) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 25 June (Paragraph 6)] 7 Finance and Corporate Resources - Workforce Monitoring – April to June 2025 A report dated 4 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the following employee information for Finance and Corporate Resources for the period 1 April to 30 June 2025:- attendance statistics occupational health statistics accident/incident statistics disciplinary hearings, grievances and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews staffing watch as at 14 June 2025 The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 11 June 2025 (Paragraph 5)] 8 Council-wide Workforce Monitoring – April to June 2025 A report dated 4 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the following Council-wide employee information for the period 1 April to 30 June 2025:- attendance statistics occupational health statistics accident/incident statistics disciplinary hearings, grievances and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews 7
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recruitment monitoring staffing watch as at 14 June 2025 The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 11 June 2025 (Paragraph 6)] 9 Treasury Management Activity – 2025/2026 First Quarter Review A report dated 13 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the first quarter review of Treasury Management activity for 2025/2026. Details were given on:- market performance management of risk debt management and borrowing strategy next quarter investment plans investment activity treasury management indicators Officers responded to a member’s question on the report. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council (Special) of 26 February 2025 (Paragraph 4)] Councillor Carmichael, having experienced technical issues, joined the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 10 Finance and Corporate Resources’ Workforce Plan 2025 to 2027 A report dated 5 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on Finance and Corporate Resources’ Workforce Plan. The Council’s Workforce Strategy and Plans were aligned to current and future Council service needs and detailed the approach by the Council to ensure that the workforce required was in place to meet those needs. The Council Workforce Strategy and Plan was approved by the Executive Committee on 28 May 2025. The draft Finance and Corporate Resources’ Workforce Plan was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. The workforce planning process identified 5 key priority areas, each with associated challenges and actions, as detailed in paragraphs 5.2 to 5.6 of the report. Workforce Plans would be monitored through Resource Management Teams and updates provided to Committee annually. The Committee decided: [ (1) that the work to produce the Finance and Corporate Resources’ Workforce Plan be noted; and (2) that the Finance and Corporate Resources’ Workforce Plan 2025 to 2027, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 28 May 2025 (Paragraph 7)] 8
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11 Learning and Development Strategy 2025 to 2027 A report dated 7 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on the Learning and Development Strategy for 2025 to 2027. Work to refresh the Learning and Development Strategy had commenced in 2019, however, the impacts of COVID-19 on learning and development had been significant as the service had to adapt at pace to develop and enhance eLearning and other digital learning and development interventions. The Learning and Development Service had continued to prioritise digital learning and had reviewed the current learning and development plan as part of the development of the new Learning and Development Strategy. The Strategy would align with the key Council strategies and plans, including the objectives set out in the Council Plan 2022 to 2027; the Workforce Strategy 2025 to 2027; the Council’s Digital Strategy 2022 to 2027 and Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2024 to 2027. A review exercise had taken place between January and March 2025 and included an analysis of the internal learning and development policy documents and the work of the Learning and Development Workforce Planning Boards, together with the external documents detailed in paragraph 3.3. A review had also commenced on the management and leadership development activities across the Council. Aa terms of reference had been created and changes were planned to be implemented by December 2025. The Strategy set out the overarching vision for learning and development across the Council and introduced 6 strategic priorities that were proposed to be delivered during the life of the Strategy from 2025 to 2027 as follows:- governance mandatory training digital learning vocational development management and leadership development grow our own The priorities were detailed in full at section 6 of the Strategy and had been identified from research into the aims, objectives and actions set out in key Council strategies and plans that had connections with learning and development. The Strategy was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. The Committee decided: that the Learning and Development Strategy 2025 to 2027, attached at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved. 12 Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Activity and Annual Investment Report 2024/2025 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
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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. 13 Revenue Collection and Approval for Write-Offs A report dated 20 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on:- collection performance for the financial year 2025/2026 to 31 July 2025 on revenue income which comprised Council Tax, non-domestic rates (NDR), sundry debts and arrears performance in the Non Domestic Rates Incentivisation Scheme (NDRIS) the write-off of irrecoverable Council Tax, non-domestic rates, Business Improvement District (BID) levy, sundry debt and Housing Rent and associated charges Details were provided on current collection targets. The Council was ahead of both target and comparable performance from 2024/2025 in respect of Council Tax. In respect of sundry debt, the Council was behind both target and comparable performance from 2024/2025. In terms of arrears collection targets, the Council was ahead of target but behind comparable performance from 2024/2025 in respect of Council Tax. In respect of non-domestic rates, the Council was ahead of both target and comparable performance from 2024/2025. In respect of sundry debt, the Council was equal to target and ahead of comparable performance from 2024/2025. 10
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The Non Domestic Rates Incentivisation Scheme (NDRIS), formerly known as the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme (BRIS), was a Scottish Government initiative to incentivise growth of the local business tax base, with a view to increasing NDR income yields. The Scottish Government set annual targets for growth (buoyancy) and councils which achieved their target retained 50% of the additional income generated above the target. The provisional annual buoyancy target for South Lanarkshire Council in 2025/2026 had been set by the Scottish Government at 0.9%. Buoyancy to the end of June 2025 was 0.04%. The tax base must achieve growth of more than 0.86% during the remaining 3 quarters of the financial year to secure additional income under the scheme. It was proposed that the following debts be written off:- irrecoverable Council Tax accounts from 1993/1994 to 2025/2026 (including bulk write-off for 2002/2003) to the value of £1,753,617.19 relating primarily to prescribed debt, sequestrations and estates of the deceased irrecoverable non-domestic rates from 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 to the value of £582,799.00 relating primarily to debtors in liquidation, those who had ceased trading or had been sequestrated BID levies totalling £1,583.87 administered by the Council on behalf of Hamilton, Carluke and Lanark BID companies sundry debts to a value of £1,606,030.01 former tenant rent arrears totalling £385,884.19 (including bulk write offs for 2025/2026 Q1 for temporary accommodation) and housing benefit overpayments of £16,219.90 The Committee decided: (1) that the Council’s performance in the collection of revenues be noted; (2) that the current position in respect of the Non Domestic Rates Incentivisation Scheme be noted; and (3) that the write-off of the following irrecoverable debts be approved:- Council Tax debt from 1993/1994 to 2025/2026 to the value of £1,753,617.19 Non Domestic Rates from 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 totalling of £582,799.00 BID levies totalling £1,583.87 sundry debts to a value of £1,606,030.01 house rent and associated charges totalling £402,104.09 [Reference: Minutes of 11 June 2025 (Paragraph 9)] 14 Short Term Lets Licence Fees for New Application Types A report dated 4 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the fee structure in respect of new Short Term Lets application types. On 2 November 2022, the Executive Committee approved the Council’s Short Term Lets Policy, in implementation of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022, which introduced the Short Term Lets licensing regime. 11
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On 24 August 2024, the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 was enacted to include the following licence application types in the Short Term Lets licensing regime, along with other minor technical changes:- Provisional Short Term Let Licence Confirmation of Provisional Short Term Let Licence Transfer of Short Term Let Licence Minor changes to the Council’s Short Term Lets Policy to include the new application types were approved by the Licensing Committee on 24 June 2025, and the proposed fee structure for the new application types was endorsed. The new fee structure was detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report and reflected fees charged by the Council in respect of similar application types within the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and other licensing fees within South Lanarkshire. Going forward, the fees would be reviewed as part of the annual review of fees and charges that took place at the time of the Council’s annual budget setting. A report would be submitted to the Executive Committee later this year with any further changes proposed to the Policy following the 3 yearly review. A public consultation on the existing Policy, and any proposed changes, would be carried out as part of this review. The Committee decided: that the fees for the new Short Term Lets application types, as detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of the Licensing Committee held on 24 June 2025 (Paragraph 3)] 15 Reserves Strategy A report dated 14 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the Council’s Reserves Strategy. A Reserves Strategy had been presented to this Committee at its meeting on 30 October 2024 and detailed the Council's Reserves, as at 31 March 2024. A report to the Executive Committee on 25 June 2025 on the 2026/2027 to 2027/2028 Revenue Budget Strategy, noted that an annual review would be undertaken to consider the monies held in the Earmarked/Committed General Fund Reserve, alongside the Council’s Revenue Budget Strategy. Details of the Council’s Reserves and their balance at the end of 2024/2025 were provided in Section 4 of the report. Information on the Council’s Reserves, their purpose and their link to the Budget Strategy, was provided in Section 5 of the report and Section 6 of the report outlined the profiled use of Reserves across the coming years. The Council’s Reserves at the end of 2024/2025, and a profile of anticipated use across the coming years, was detailed in Appendix 1 of the report. The main movements reflected the use of Reserves in the Council’s Revenue Budget Strategy, relating to the use of Reserves established following the implementation of the Service Concession arrangements and from the reduced pension contributions. The table in Appendix 1 showed that all Reserves were committed, except the Unearmarked/Uncommitted General Fund balance of £13.043 million. 12
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The Committee decided: [ (1) that the detail on the Reserves and their balance at the end of 2024/2025, as detailed in Section 4 of the report, be noted; (2) that the Strategy proposed for each Reserve, as detailed in Section 5 of the report, be noted; and (3) that the planned use of Reserves across the coming years, as detailed in Section 6 and Appendix 1 of the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 30 October 2024 (Paragraph 11) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 8)] 16 Common Good Update Report A report dated 15 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the Common Good Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 the cyclical spend committed against the Common Good repairs and maintenance budgets for Lanark and Hamilton requests for funding from Lanark Common Good that could not be met from the repairs and maintenance budgets The Common Good funds held within South Lanarkshire Council were Lanark, Biggar, Hamilton and Rutherglen. Accounts were prepared on an annual basis, as part of the Council’s year end process. The position for the year was detailed in Section 4 of the report and the unaudited accounts attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Common Good accounts in Lanark and Hamilton held a number of properties. On 2 October 2013, this Committee had approved an annual cyclical maintenance plan of £15,000 for both Lanark and Hamilton Common good properties. If inspections highlighted requirements to undertake investment which would be beyond routine maintenance, this would be considered separately for approval and would be the subject of a report to this Committee. Cyclical spend committed against the Common Good repairs and maintenance budgets for Lanark and Hamilton was detailed in Sections 5 and 6 of the report. A number of requests for funding had been received for Lanark Common Good and Hamilton Common Good that were either not for repairs and maintenance or which could not be approved under delegated authority due to the expected costs, and those were detailed in Sections 7 and 8 the report respectively. The Committee decided: cs] (1) that the accounts for Common Good for the year ended 31 March 2025 be noted; (2) that the cyclical spend committed against the Common Good repairs and maintenance budgets for Lanark and Hamilton be noted; (3) that previously approved projects that would require funding from Lanark Common Good that could not be met from the repairs and maintenance budgets be noted; and 13
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(4) that future projects that would require funding from Hamilton Common Good that could not be met from the repairs and maintenance budgets be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 21 August 2024 (Paragraph 15)] 17 Council Tax Paperless Billing A report dated 7 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the planned introduction of the option for customer to access paperless Council Tax billing. South Lanarkshire Council had more than 160,000 domestic properties subject to a Council Tax charge. Billing took place annually in March of each year, as part of a bulk exercise, to notify all households of their Council Tax charge and payment terms for the forthcoming year. Billing also took place daily throughout the year as new properties became liable for Council Tax and changes in circumstances were processed for existing properties. Currently, all Council Tax bills were printed and enveloped by Adare SEC and posted via Royal Mail economy post. Around 160,000 annual bills and 110,000 daily bills were printed and posted each year. The costs associated with issuing 160,000 Council Tax bills in March 2025 totalled £0.128 million and equated to £0.80 per bill. The provision of paperless billing would build on the existing MyAccount services already available to customers who wished to view their Council Tax information online. Existing services included updating contact details, setting up a direct debit, change of address, applying/cancelling a single person discount and viewing the date and value of the last payment. The Council currently had over 18,000 registered MyAccount users who could view their Council Tax bill, however they currently received a paper bill each year. Customers who signed up for paperless billing would no longer receive a paper bill and any changes to their bill after signing up would be notified by email. Customers could contact the Council Tax team should they wish to revert to receiving paper bills. The intention was to adopt a ‘soft launch’ from October 2025 prior to annual billing in 2026. Details on the process for signing up for paperless billing were provided in paragraph 4.6 of the report. Savings generated from the implementation of the paperless billing would be dependent on uptake achieved, The Committee decided: that the introduction of optional paperless billing for Council Tax from October 2025 be noted. 18 Money Matters Advice Service Annual Report 2024/2025 A report dated 20 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the Money Matters Advice Service (MMAS) Annual Report for 2024/2025. MMAS was the Council’s dedicated, free and confidential advice service which supported residents with welfare right, money and debt advice, energy assistance and crisis intervention. 14
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In 2024/2025, the Service operated against the backdrop of:- continued cost of living pressures a declared housing emergency in June 2024 increased demand from residents experiencing financial hardship, housing instability and fuel poverty The MMAS was accredited to Type II and Type III under the Scottish National Standards for Advice and Information Providers (SNAIP) and demonstrated high quality casework specialist advice capability. Standard 2 of SNAIP required all services to regularly review their work against the aims and objectives for their service and make the results available in a publicly accessible format at least once a year. An annual report was considered the most appropriate format to do this. The Annual Report 2024/2025 provided the following information:- key outcomes team performance reports strategic themes client demographics customer feedback case studies outcomes by electoral ward The key outcomes of the Annual Report were detailed in Section 5 of the report, with the Annual Report 2024/2025 attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Annual Report 2024/2025 would be published on the Council’s website. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 21 August 2024 (Paragraph 14)] 19 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 15
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GRIEVANCE AND DISPUTES PANEL Minutes of meeting held in Committee Room 2, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 22 October 2025 Chair: Councillor Lesley McDonald Councillors Present: Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Kenny McCreary Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources L Cunningham, Administration Officer; G Robertson, Personnel Adviser; T Slater, Administration Adviser 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 3 Exclusion of Press and Public The Panel 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 next item of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 11 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 4 Grievance The Panel considered a grievance (Ref G/1/25) by UNISON. A representative from UNISON was present. The Council was represented by the Head of Personnel Services. All parties were heard in relation to the matter and then withdrew from the meeting. The Panel decided: (1) that the grounds of the grievance had not been substantiated and the grievance be not upheld; and (2) to recommend that both parties liaise to ensure that the Collective Agreement and Matching Process was updated to provide clarification on the issue 3 17
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 18 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Finance and Corporate Resources - Revenue Budget Monitoring 2025/2026 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [p provide information on the actual expenditure measured against the revenue budget for the period 1 April to 5 September 2025 for Finance and Corporate Resources provide a forecast for the year to 31 March 2026 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the projected breakeven position on the 2025/2026 revenue budget for Finance and Corporate Resources’, as detailed in Appendix B of the report, be noted; and (2) that the proposed budget virements be approved. 3. Background 3.1. This is the second revenue budget monitoring report presented to the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee for the financial year 2025/2026. 3.2. The report details the financial position for Finance and Corporate Resources. Appendix A provides the service analysis statement, outlining key highlights by Service for the Resource and Appendix B provides the detailed financial position with variance explanations by budget category. 3.3. This report reflects the actual spend to 5 September 2025 for the Resource budget and the expected outturn forecast on expenditure and income at this date. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. As at 5 September 2025, the Resource’s projected outturn position for 2025/2026 is a breakeven position. This is outlined in Appendix A which outlines the key projected outturn variances by Service for the Resource. 5.2. Virements are proposed to realign budgets across budget categories and with other Resources. These movements have been detailed in Appendices C-I, where relevant. 4 19
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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. The main risk associated with the Council’s Revenue Budget is that there is an overspend. There are inflationary and budget pressures which could increase the risk of overspend, however these are mitigated by additional funds being added to the budget. 7.2. The risk is managed through four weekly Budget Monitoring meetings at which any variance is analysed. In addition, the new forecasting within FUSION and work with the Resource and finance teams, ensures early warning for corrective action to be taken where appropriate. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 22 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee – 10 September 2025 List of Background Papers Financial Ledger and budget monitoring results to 5 September 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 20
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Appendix A SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Revenue Budget Monitoring Report – Service Analysis Service Analysis Revised Annual Budget (£000) Projected Outturn (£000) Projected Outturn Variance (£000) % YTD Actual (£000) Strategy 2,177 2,253 (76) (3.49%) 1,475 Transactions 18,020 17,709 311 1.73% 10,154 Audit 363 332 31 8.54% 199 Information Technology 8,012 8,228 (216) (2.70%) 7,747 Communications and Strategy 2,435 2,422 13 0.53% 1,639 Administration, Legal, Licensing and Registration 4,580 4,539 41 0.90% 2,486 Personnel 6,675 6,779 (104) (1.56%) 3,145 Net Controllable Exp. 42,262 42,262 0 0.00% 26,845 Service Heading Explanation for significant projected outturn variances Strategy The projected overspend is due to a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year. (Appendix C). Transactions The projected underspend is due to less than budgeted spend on Empty Property Relief (EPR) anticipated and an over recovery of income reflecting additional commission received from Scottish Water. (Appendix D). Audit The projected underspend is due to turnover within the Service. (Appendix E). Information Technology The projected overspend is due to a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year. In addition, there are greater than budgeted IT subscription, licensing and contract costs and costs of training. (Appendix F). Communications and Strategy No significant projected outturn variances to report. (Appendix G). Administration, Legal, Licensing and Registration The projected underspend is due to additional one-off licensing income partially offset by a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year. (Appendix H). Personnel The projected overspend is due to a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year and higher than budgeted IT equipment leasing costs. (Appendix I). 21
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Appendix B SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Finance & Corporate Resources Summary Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 35,174 35,605 (431) over (1.23%) 14,812 Property Costs 3,855 3,649 206 under 5.34% 610 Supplies & Services 8,140 8,278 (138) over (1.70%) 5,814 Transport & Plant 33 33 0 - 0.00% 13 Administration Costs 8,076 8,123 (47) over (0.58%) 3,401 Payments to Other Bodies 3,350 3,364 (14) over (0.42%) 1,829 Payments to Contractors 284 302 (18) over (6.34%) 98 Transfer Payments 65,925 65,925 0 - 0.00% 20,802 Financing Charges 1,416 1,462 (46) over (3.25%) 977 Total Controllable Exp. 126,253 126,741 (488) over (0.39%) 48,356 Total Controllable Inc. (83,991) (84,479) 488 - (0.58%) (21,511) Net Controllable Exp. 42,262 42,262 0 - 0.00% 26,845 Variance Explanations Variance explanations are shown in Appendices C to I as appropriate. Budget Virements Budget Virements are noted in Appendices C to I as appropriate. 22
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Appendix C South Lanarkshire Council Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Finance – Strategy Services Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual £000 £000 £000 £000 Note Employee Costs 3,019 3,093 (74) over (2.45%) 1,336 1, a, b Property Costs 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Supplies & Services 15 15 0 - 0.00% 3 Transport & Plant 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Administration Costs 115 122 (7) over (6.09%) 8 Payments to Other Bodies 665 677 (12) over (1.80%) 122 Payments to Contractors 23 23 0 - 0.00% 16 Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 20 20 0 - 0.00% 0 Total Controllable Exp. 3,857 3,950 (93) over (2.41%) 1,485 Total Controllable Inc. (1,680) (1,697) 17 under (1.01%) (10) Net Controllable Exp. 2,177 2,253 (76) over (3.49%) 1,475 Variance Explanations 1. The projected overspend is due to a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year. Budget Virements a. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 pay award: Net Effect £0.054m: Employee Costs £0.054m. b. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 National Insurance increase: Net Effect £0.108m: Employee Costs £0.108m. 23
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Appendix D South Lanarkshire Council Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Finance – Transactions Services Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 12,982 13,013 (31) over (0.24%) 5,419 a, b Property Costs 3,710 3,504 206 under 5.55% 594 1 Supplies & Services 776 821 (45) over (5.80%) 606 Transport & Plant 4 4 0 - 0.00% 0 Administration Costs 1,236 1,276 (40) over (3.24%) 684 Payments to Other Bodies 1,504 1,504 0 - 0.00% 865 Payments to Contractors 261 279 (18) over (6.90%) 82 Transfer Payments 65,925 65,925 0 - 0.00% 20,802 Financing Charges 105 105 0 - 0.00% 0 Total Controllable Exp. 86,503 86,431 72 under 0.08% 29,052 Total Controllable Inc. (68,483) (68,722) 239 under (0.35%) (18,898) 2 Net Controllable Exp. 18,020 17,709 311 under 1.73% 10,154 Variance Explanations 1. The projected underspend reflects less than budgeted spend on the Empty Property Relief (EPR) budget. 2. The projected over recovery of income reflects additional commission received from Scottish Water for the collection of water and sewage. Budget Virements a. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 pay award: Net Effect £0.489m: Employee Costs £0.489m. b. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 National Insurance increase: Net Effect £0.192m: Employee Costs £0.192m. 24
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Appendix E South Lanarkshire Council Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Audit Services Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 513 480 33 under 6.43% 199 1, a, b Property Costs 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Supplies & Services 6 6 0 - 0.00% 0 Transport & Plant 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Administration Costs 7 7 0 - 0.00% 0 Payments to Other Bodies 0 2 (2) over 0.00% 2 Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 4 4 0 - 0.00% 0 Total Controllable Exp. 530 499 31 under 5.85% 201 Total Controllable Inc. (167) (167) 0 - 0.00% (2) Net Controllable Exp. 363 332 31 under 8.54% 199 Variance Explanations 1. The projected underspend is due to the level of turnover being experienced during the year. Budget Virements a. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 pay award: Net Effect £0.018m: Employee Costs £0.018m. b. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 National Insurance increase: Net Effect £0.007m: Employee Costs £0.007m. 25
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Appendix F South Lanarkshire Council Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Information Technology Services Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 5,579 5,705 (126) over (2.26%) 2,370 1, a, b Property Costs 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Supplies & Services 6,429 6,484 (55) over (0.86%) 4,804 2 Transport & Plant 4 4 0 - 0.00% 1 Administration Costs 1,591 1,626 (35) over (2.20%) 547 3 Payments to Other Bodies 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 835 835 0 - 0.00% 792 Total Controllable Exp. 14,438 14,654 (216) over (1.50%) 8,514 Total Controllable Inc. (6,426) (6,426) 0 - 0.00% (767) Net Controllable Exp. 8,012 8,228 (216) over (2.70%) 7,747 Variance Explanations 1. The projected overspend is due to a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year. 2. The projected overspend is due to greater than budgeted IT subscription, licensing and contract costs. 3. The projected overspend is due to planned additional training costs in relation to system requirements. Budget Virements a. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 pay award: Net Effect £0.205m: Employee Costs £0.205m. b. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 National Insurance increase: Net Effect £0.081m: Employee Costs £0.081m. 26
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Appendix G South Lanarkshire Council Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Communications and Strategy Services Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 2,439 2,426 13 under 0.53% 984 a, b Property Costs 140 140 0 - 0.00% 14 Supplies & Services 506 506 0 - 0.00% 163 Transport & Plant 3 3 0 - 0.00% 1 Administration Costs 1,102 1,102 0 - 0.00% 539 Payments to Other Bodies 539 539 0 - 0.00% 441 Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 351 351 0 - 0.00% 185 Total Controllable Exp. 5,080 5,067 13 under 0.26% 2,327 Total Controllable Inc. (2,645) (2,645) 0 - 0.00% (688) Net Controllable Exp. 2,435 2,422 13 under 0.53% 1,639 Variance Explanations None. Budget Virements a. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 pay award: Net Effect £0.089m: Employee Costs £0.089m. b. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 National Insurance increase: Net Effect £0.051m: Employee Costs £0.051m. 27
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Appendix H South Lanarkshire Council Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Administration, Legal, Licensing and Registration Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 3,771 3,965 (194) over (5.14%) 1,629 1, a, b Property Costs 5 5 0 - 0.00% 2 Supplies & Services 287 317 (30) over (10.45%) 191 Transport & Plant 13 13 0 - 0.00% 10 Administration Costs 2,820 2,785 35 under 1.24% 1,234 c Payments to Other Bodies 408 408 0 - 0.00% 294 Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 65 67 (2) over (3.08%) 0 Total Controllable Exp. 7,369 7,560 (191) over (2.59%) 3,360 Total Controllable Inc. (2,789) (3,021) 232 over (8.32%) (874) 2 Net Controllable Exp. 4,580 4,539 41 under 0.90% 2,486 Variance Explanations 1. The projected overspend is due to a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year. 2. The projected over recovery relates to additional one-off licensing income from the triennial licensing renewals for Private Hire Operators / Drivers and Taxi Operators. Budget Virements a. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 pay award: Net Effect £0.136m: Employee Costs £0.136m. b. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 National Insurance increase: Net Effect £0.049m: Employee Costs £0.049m. c. Budget from Centre for Councillors remuneration: Net Effect £0.487m: Administration Costs £0.487m. . 28
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Appendix I South Lanarkshire Council Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Finance & Corporate Resources Committee: Period Ended 5 September 2025 (No. 6) Personnel Revised Projected Budget Category Annual Projected Outturn Over/ % YTD Budget Outturn Variance Under Variance Actual Note £000 £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 6,871 6,923 (52) over (0.76%) 2,875 1, a, b Property Costs 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Supplies & Services 121 129 (8) over (6.61%) 47 Transport & Plant 9 9 0 - 0.00% 1 Administration Costs 1,205 1,205 0 - 0.00% 389 Payments to Other Bodies 234 234 0 - 0.00% 105 Payments to Contractors 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Transfer Payments 0 0 0 - 0.00% 0 Financing Charges 36 80 (44) over (122.22%) 0 2 Total Controllable Exp. 8,476 8,580 (104) over (1.23%) 3,417 Total Controllable Inc. (1,801) (1,801) 0 - 0.00% (272) Net Controllable Exp. 6,675 6,779 (104) over (1.56%) 3,145 Variance Explanations 1. The projected overspend is due to a lower than budgeted level of turnover anticipated during the financial year. 2. The projected overspend is due to higher than budgeted IT equipment leasing costs. Budget Virements a. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 pay award: Net Effect £0.251m: Employee Costs £0.251m. b. Budget from Centre for 2025/2026 National Insurance increase: Net Effect £0.093m: Employee Costs £0.093m. 29
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Capital Budget Monitoring 2025/2026 - Finance and Corporate Resources 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide information on the progress of the capital programme for Finance and Corporate Resources for the period 1 April 2025 to 5 September 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Finance and Corporate Resources capital programme of £0.645 million, and forecast expenditure of £0.645 million, be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. This is the second capital monitoring report presented to the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee for the financial year 2025/2026. Further reports will follow throughout the year. 3.2. The budget of £0.645 million for Finance and Corporate Resources is based on the overall Capital Programme for 2025/2026 (June 2025) and includes an update approved by the Executive Committee on 5 November 2025. 3.3. The report details the financial position for Finance and Corporate Resources in Appendix A. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications as a result of this report. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. 2025/2026 Budget As detailed in Section 3.2, the revised capital programme for Finance and Corporate Resources for 2025/2026 is £0.645 million and includes a budget increase of £0.100 million presented to the Executive Committee on 5 November 2025. The detail of this adjustment is shown in Appendix A. 5.2. 2025/2026 Forecast Appendix A shows a forecast for the financial year of £0.645 million. For information, actual expenditure to 5 September is £0.088 million. 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. The main risk associated with the Council’s Capital Programme is that there is an overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed project management plans prepared and monitored for each project. The risk of overspend is managed through four weekly Investment Management Meetings. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 5 November 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Executive Committee, 25 June 2025 Executive Committee, 5 November 2025 List of Background Papers Financial ledger to 5 September 2025 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Graham Booth, Finance Manager (Strategy) Ext: 2699 (Tel: 01698 452699) E-mail: graham.booth@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 32
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Appendix A South Lanarkshire Council Capital Expenditure 2025/2026 Finance and Corporate Resources Programme For Period 1 April 2025 – 5 September 2025 Finance and Corporate Resources Total Original Budget £000 Budget Adjustments £000 Slippage £000 Total Budget £000 Forecast Spend £000 Forecast Variance £000 Actual Expenditure £000 Information Technology Services 545 150 (50) 645 645 - 88 TOTAL 545 150 (50) 645 645 - 88 For Information Only Budget Adjustments presented to Executive Committee, 5 November 2025: Budget Adjustments Upgrade of SLC Website (total project approved is £0.150m, with £0.100m profiled in 2025/2026) Total Budget Adjustments £0.100m £0.100m 33
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Finance and Corporate Resources – Workforce Monitoring – 1 July to 30 September 2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide employment information for 1 July to 30 September 2025 relating to Finance and Corporate Resources [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the following employment information for 1 July to 30 September 2025 relating to Finance and Corporate Resources be noted:- attendance statistics occupational health accident/incident statistics discipline, grievance and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. As part of the Council’s performance management arrangements, regular workforce monitoring reports are submitted to Committee. This report for Finance and Corporate Resources provides information on the position for 1 July to 30 September 2025. 4. Monitoring Statistics 4.1. Attendance Statistics (Appendix 1) Information on absence statistics is analysed for the month of September 2025 for Finance and Corporate Resources. The Resource absence figure for September 2025 was 4.0%, this figure has remained unchanged when compared to the previous month and is 2.1% lower than the Council-wide figure. Compared to September 2024, the Resource absence figure has increased by 0.8%. Based on the absence figures at September 2025 and annual trends, the annual average absence for the Resource for 2025/2026 is 3.6% compared to a Council- wide average figure of 6.0%. 6 35
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Managers follow the procedures outlined in the Maximising Attendance Policy to support employees to remain at work, or to return to work after a sickness absence. There are comprehensive employee supports in place and additionally, Personnel Services work in close partnership with line managers and Resource Management Teams on a case management basis to ensure that appropriate actions are taken. 4.2. Occupational Health (Appendix 2) In terms of referrals to occupational health overall, 69 referrals were made this period. This represents an increase of 31 when compared with the same period last year. 4.3. Accident/Incident Statistics There was one accident/incident recorded within the Resource this period. 4.4. Discipline, Grievance and Dignity at Work (Appendix 2) During the period, 1 disciplinary hearing was heard by the Resource. This represents an increase of 1 when compared with the same period last year. One appeal was heard by the Resource, and no appeals were pending. No Grievance or Dignity at Work complaints were raised within the Resource during the period, these figures are unchanged when compared with the same period last year. 4.5. Analysis of Leavers (Appendix 2a) There were 5 leavers this period who were eligible for an exit interview. This figure has increased by 1, when compared with the same period last year. 2 exit interviews were conducted in this period, this figure has increased by 2 when compared to the same period last year. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no implications for employees arising from the information presented in this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. All financial implications are accommodated within existing budgets. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no Climate Change, Sustainability or Environmental Implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 36
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8 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self aware and improving Excellent employer Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources – 10 September 2025 List of Background Papers Monitoring information provided by Finance and Corporate Resources Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Eileen McPake, HR Business Manager Ext: 4647 (Tel: 01698 454647) E-mail: Eileen.McPake@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 37
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2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 3.6 2.8 3.0 April 0.0 0.0 0.0 April 3.6 2.8 3.0 April 5.1 5.2 5.7 May 3.9 3.2 2.7 May 0.0 0.0 0.0 May 3.9 3.2 2.7 May 5.1 5.3 5.6 June 4.2 3.2 2.9 June 0.0 0.0 0.0 June 4.2 3.2 2.9 June 4.7 5.2 5.4 July 3.5 3.5 3.0 July 0.0 0.0 0.0 July 3.5 3.5 3.0 July 3.8 4.1 4.3 August 3.8 2.6 4.0 August 0.0 0.0 0.0 August 3.8 2.6 4.0 August 4.1 4.7 4.7 September 3.9 3.2 4.0 September 0.0 0.0 0.0 September 3.9 3.2 4.0 September 5.3 6.1 6.1 October 3.2 3.2 October 0.0 0.0 October 3.2 3.2 October 5.1 6.0 November 3.5 4.6 November 0.0 0.0 November 3.5 4.6 November 6.2 6.9 December 3.3 4.4 December 0.0 0.0 December 3.3 4.4 December 6.6 7.0 January 2.8 3.7 January 0.0 0.0 January 2.8 3.7 January 6.1 6.7 February 3.5 3.5 February 0.0 0.0 February 3.5 3.5 February 6.4 7.0 March 2.6 3.7 March 0.0 0.0 March 2.6 3.7 March 6.3 6.8 Annual Average 3.5 3.5 3.6 Annual Average 0.0 0.0 0.0 Annual Average 3.5 3.5 3.6 Annual Average 5.4 5.9 6.0 Average Apr-Sep 3.8 3.1 3.3 Average Apr-Sep 0.0 0.0 0.0 Average Apr-Sep 3.8 3.1 3.3 Average Apr-Sep 4.7 5.1 5.3 814 0 814 15628 Council WideManual Workers No of Employees at 30 September 2025 Resource Total No of Employees at 30 September 2025 Appendix 1 Absence Trends - 2023/2024, 2024/2025 & 2025/2026 Finance and Corporate Resources No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 APT&C 38
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Jul - Sep Jul - Sep 2024 2025 MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS Number of Employees Attending EMPLOYEE COUNSELLING SERVICE Total Number of Referrals PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICE Total Number of Referrals REFERRALS TO EMPLOYEE SUPPORT OFFICER 18 22 REFERRALS TO COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY 0 0 TOTAL 38 69 Jul - Sep Jul - Sep 2024 2025 Minor 0 1 Total Accidents/Incidents 0 1 Jul - Sep Jul - Sep 2024 2025 Total Number of Hearings 0 1 Total Number of Appeals 0 1 Time Taken to Convene Hearing October - Jul to Sep 2025 0-3 Weeks 4-6 Weeks Over 6 Weeks 0 1 0 Jul - Sep Jul - Sep 2024 2025 Number of Grievances 0 0 Jul - Sep Jul - Sep 2024 2025 Number of Incidents 0 0 RECORD OF DIGNITY AT WORK ****Physical violent incidents are included in the "Specified" figures, where applicable, to provide the ****Physical violent incidents and ***** Verbal Violent Incidents are included in the "Over 3-day or Over 7- day" figures, where applicable, to provide the "Total Over 3-day or Over 7-day" figures. ****Physical Violent Incidents and ***** Verbal Violent Incidents are included in the "Minor" figures, where applicable, to provide the "Total Minor" figures. RECORD OF DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS RECORD OF GRIEVANCE HEARINGS ***Near Miss - Any unexpected, unplanned occurrence (except Dangerous Occurrences) that does not lead to injury of persons, damage to property, plant or equipment but may have done so in different Appendix 2 FINANCE AND CORPORATE RESOURCES 9 15 1 3 10 29 CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS *A Specified Injury is any fracture (other than to the fingers, thumbs or toes), amputation, loss of sight, serious burns, crushing injury, scalping, loss of consciousness caused by asphyxiation/ head injury, a chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or penetrating injury as defined by the HSE. **Over 3 day / over 7day absence is an injury sustained outwith specified injury category that results in a period of absence of absence as defined by the HSE. 39
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Jul - Sep Jul - Sep 2024 2025 Career Advancement 0 1 Child Caring / Caring Responsibilities 0 1 Personal Reasons 0 2 Poor relationship with managers / colleagues 0 1 Other 4 0 Total Number of Leavers Eligible for Exit Interview 4 5 Number of Exit Interviews conducted 0 2 Percentage of interviews conducted 0% 40% ANALYSIS OF REASONS FOR LEAVING Appendix 2a FINANCE AND CORPORATE RESOURCES 40
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Council-wide Workforce Monitoring – 1 July to 30 September 2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide employment information relating to the Council for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the following employment information for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025 relating to the Council be noted:- attendance statistics occupational health accident/incident statistics discipline, grievance and Dignity at Work cases analysis of leavers and exit interviews recruitment monitoring [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. As part of the Council’s performance management arrangements, regular workforce monitoring reports are submitted to the Committee. This report for the Council provides information on the position for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025. 4. Attendance Statistics 4.1. Information on absence statistics for the Council and each Resource, as analysed for September 2025, is provided in Appendices 1 to 8. Points to note are:- The Council’s absence rate for September 2025, shown in Appendix 1, is 6.1% which represents an increase of 1.4% when compared to the previous month the figure remains unchanged at 6.1% when compared to September 2024. When compared to September 2024, the APT&C absence rate has decreased by 0.3%, the teachers’ figure has increased by 0.6% and the manual workers’ figure remains unchanged at 8.3%. Based on annual trends and the absence rate to September 2025, the annual average absence rate for the Council for 2025/2026 is 6.0%. 7 41
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In comparison to September 2024 (Appendix 8):- psychological and musculoskeletal conditions are the main reasons for absence total days lost due to psychological conditions have increased by 914 days total days lost due to musculoskeletal conditions have decreased by 103 days Managers follow the procedures outlined in the Maximising Attendance Policy to support employees to remain at work, or to return to work after a sickness absence. There are comprehensive employee supports in place and additionally, Personnel Services work in close partnership with line managers and Resource Management Teams on a case management basis to ensure that appropriate actions are taken. 5. Occupational Health 5.1. Information on Occupational Health for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025 is provided in Appendix 9. during the period there were 356 employees referred for a medical examination, which is an increase of 38 when compared to the same period last year. Both musculoskeletal and psychological conditions continue to be the main reason for medical referrals a total of 459 employees attended physiotherapy treatment, showing an increase of 46 when compared to the same period last year. Of the 459 employees referred, 71% remained at work whilst undertaking treatment during this period 522 employees were referred to the Employee Support Officer, showing an increase of 182 when compared with the same period last year. Of the referrals made this period, 54% related to personal reasons 147 employees were referred to the PAM Assist counselling service this period, showing a decrease of 11 when compared with the same period last year. All the referrals made this period were made directly by employees. Personal reasons accounted for 22% of the referrals made, 17% were for work related reasons and 61% was for other reasons 99 employees were referred for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy this period, an increase of 78 when compared to the same period last year 6. Accidents/Incidents 6.1. The accident/incident report for 1 July to 30 September 2025 is contained in Appendix 10. the number of accidents/incidents recorded was 529 of those, all 529 have been investigated of those investigated, no specified injuries were recorded of those investigated there were 528 minor accidents/incidents of those investigated there were no accidents that resulted in an absence lasting over 3 days of those investigated there was 1 accident that resulted in an absence lasting over 7 days 7. Discipline, Grievance, Dignity at Work Hearings and Mediation Referrals 7.1. Information on Disciplinary, Grievance Hearings, Dignity at Work and Mediation Referrals for 1 July to 30 September 2025 is contained in Appendices 11, 12a and 12b. 42
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During the period:- a total of 43 disciplinary hearings were held across Resources within the Council, this figure has increased by 11 when compared to the same period last year action was taken in 39 of these cases. One appeal was raised against the outcome and was not upheld our target is to convene disciplinary hearings within 6 weeks, 56% of hearings met this target 6 grievances were submitted, all of which are currently being investigated 7 Dignity at Work complaints were raised, all of which are currently being investigated 2 referrals for mediation were submitted 8. Analysis of Leavers and Exit Interviews 8.1. Information on the number of leavers and exit interviews for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025 is contained in Appendix 13. Exit interviews are conducted with employees who leave voluntarily. Labour Turnover Using information compiled from Resources and Staffing Watch information as at 14 June 2025, the Council’s turnover figure for 1 July to 30 September 2025 is as follows:- 156 leavers eligible for exit interviews/15,588 employees in post = Labour Turnover of 1.0%. Based on the figure at September 2025, the annual labour turnover figure for the financial year 2025/2026 for the Council is 3.4%. 8.2. Analysis of Leavers and Exit Interviews 156 employees left the Council that were eligible for an exit interview, this is a decrease of 63 when compared with the same period last year a total of 51 exit interviews were conducted which is an increase of 48 when compared with same period last year 9. Recruitment Monitoring 9.1. Information on Recruitment Monitoring for 1 July to September 30 2025 is contained within Appendix 14. From an analysis of Equal Opportunities Monitoring Forms, the main points to note are:- overall, 6,504 applications and 6,501 completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Forms were received of those applicants who declared themselves as disabled (494), 222 were shortleeted for interview and 23 were appointed of those applicants of a black/ethnic minority background (811), 221 were shortleeted for interview and 13 were appointed Of those applicants who are veterans (61), 28 was shortleeted for interview and 3 were appointed 43
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10. Employee Implications 10.1. There are no implications for employees arising from the information presented in this report. 11. Financial Implications 11.1. All financial implications are accommodated within existing budgets. 12. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 12.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications arising from the information presented in this report. 13. Other Implications 13.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 14. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 14.1. 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. 14.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 8 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self-aware and improving Excellent employer Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee – 10 September 2025 List of Background Papers Monitoring information provided by Resources Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Elaine Maxwell, HR Business Manager Ext: 4647 (Tel: 01698 454647) E-mail: Elaine.Maxwell@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 44
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2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 5.2 5.2 6.0 April 2.8 2.9 3.5 April 7.0 7.3 7.3 April 5.1 5.2 5.7 May 5.1 5.4 5.6 May 3.2 3.0 3.8 May 6.2 7.1 7.4 May 5.1 5.3 5.6 June 4.9 5.3 5.6 June 2.2 2.8 2.9 June 6.5 7.2 7.5 June 4.7 5.2 5.4 July 4.0 4.3 4.6 July 1.1 1.0 1.4 July 5.8 6.3 6.5 July 3.8 4.1 4.3 August 4.2 4.6 5.0 August 1.3 1.9 1.7 August 6.2 7.5 7.0 August 4.1 4.7 4.7 September 5.2 6.2 5.9 September 2.9 3.5 4.1 September 7.6 8.3 8.3 September 5.3 6.1 6.1 October 5.2 6.3 October 2.7 3.8 October 7.1 7.7 October 5.1 6.0 November 6.1 7.0 November 4.3 5.0 November 8.1 8.4 November 6.2 6.9 December 6.7 7.1 December 4.8 5.4 December 7.8 8.5 December 6.6 7.0 January 5.8 6.8 January 4.8 4.9 January 7.8 8.3 January 6.1 6.7 February 6.3 7.0 February 4.9 4.9 February 8.0 9.0 February 6.4 7.0 March 6.3 7.0 March 4.1 4.5 March 8.1 8.4 March 6.3 6.8 Annual Average 5.4 6.0 6.2 Annual Average 3.3 3.6 3.8 Annual Average 7.2 7.8 7.9 Annual Average 5.4 5.9 6.0 Average Apr-Sep 4.8 5.2 5.5 Average Apr-Sep 2.3 2.5 2.9 Average Apr-Sep 6.6 7.3 7.3 Average Apr-Sep 4.7 5.1 5.3 7196 4032 4400 15628 Council Wide No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 Appendix 1 Absence Trends - 2023/2024, 2024/2025 & 2025/2026 Council Wide APT&C Teachers No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 Manual Workers 45
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2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 3.6 3.2 3.5 April 6.3 6.8 7.2 April 6.0 6.3 6.6 April 5.1 5.2 5.7 May 3.7 3.1 2.6 May 6.3 6.3 7.4 May 5.9 5.9 6.6 May 5.1 5.3 5.6 June 4.3 4.1 3.6 June 5.9 6.4 7.4 June 5.7 6.0 6.8 June 4.7 5.2 5.4 July 2.3 3.8 3.6 July 4.6 4.5 5.9 July 4.3 4.4 5.5 July 3.8 4.1 4.3 August 3.0 3.4 2.5 August 5.2 6.2 6.7 August 4.9 5.7 6.1 August 4.1 4.7 4.7 September 2.5 3.8 3.5 September 7.1 7.5 8.2 September 6.4 6.9 7.4 September 5.3 6.1 6.1 October 2.0 4.2 October 7.0 7.2 October 6.3 6.7 October 5.1 6.0 November 2.6 3.6 November 8.1 8.3 November 7.3 7.6 November 6.2 6.9 December 3.0 3.8 December 7.5 8.1 December 6.8 7.4 December 6.6 7.0 January 3.6 3.9 January 7.4 7.8 January 6.9 7.2 January 6.1 6.7 February 4.0 4.0 February 7.8 8.7 February 7.2 7.9 February 6.4 7.0 March 3.2 3.5 March 7.9 8.2 March 7.2 7.4 March 6.3 6.8 Annual Average 3.2 3.7 3.5 Annual Average 6.8 7.2 7.6 Annual Average 6.2 6.6 6.9 Annual Average 5.4 5.9 6.0 Average Apr-Sep 3.2 3.6 3.2 Average Apr-Sep 5.9 6.3 7.1 Average Apr-Sep 5.5 5.9 6.5 Average Apr-Sep 4.7 5.1 5.3 577 2835 3412 15628 Manual Workers Resource Total No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 Appendix 2 Absence Trends - 2023/2024, 2024/2025 & 2025/2026 Community and Enterprise Resources APT&C Council Wide 46
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2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 5.0 5.4 6.8 April 2.8 2.9 3.5 April 3.8 4.0 4.9 April 5.1 5.2 5.7 May 5.4 6.0 6.6 May 3.2 3.0 3.8 May 4.2 4.4 5.0 May 5.1 5.3 5.6 June 4.8 5.5 6.3 June 2.2 2.8 2.9 June 3.4 4.1 4.4 June 4.7 5.2 5.4 July 3.4 3.2 3.8 July 1.1 1.0 1.4 July 2.2 2.0 2.4 July 3.8 4.1 4.3 August 4.0 3.9 4.4 August 1.3 1.9 1.7 August 2.5 2.8 2.8 August 4.1 4.7 4.7 September 5.9 6.6 5.8 September 2.9 3.5 4.1 September 4.3 4.9 4.8 September 5.3 6.1 6.1 October 5.5 6.5 October 2.7 3.8 October 4.0 5.0 October 5.1 6.0 November 7.1 7.8 November 4.3 5.0 November 5.6 6.2 November 6.2 6.9 December 8.1 8.6 December 4.8 5.4 December 6.3 6.8 December 6.6 7.0 January 6.6 8.0 January 4.8 4.9 January 5.6 6.3 January 6.1 6.7 February 7.2 8.4 February 4.9 4.9 February 6.0 6.5 February 6.4 7.0 March 7.5 8.3 March 4.1 4.5 March 5.7 6.2 March 6.3 6.8 Annual Average 5.9 6.5 6.8 Annual Average 3.3 3.6 3.8 Annual Average 4.5 4.9 5.1 Annual Average 5.4 5.9 6.0 Average Apr-Sep 4.8 5.1 5.6 Average Apr-Sep 2.3 2.5 2.9 Average Apr-Sep 3.4 3.7 4.1 Average Apr-Sep 4.7 5.1 5.3 3158 4032 7190 15628 Appendix 3 Absence Trends - 2023/2024, 2024/2025 & 2025/2026 Education Resources Council WideAPT&C Teachers Resource Total No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 47
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2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 3.6 2.8 3.0 April 0.0 0.0 0.0 April 3.6 2.8 3.0 April 5.1 5.2 5.7 May 3.9 3.2 2.7 May 0.0 0.0 0.0 May 3.9 3.2 2.7 May 5.1 5.3 5.6 June 4.2 3.2 2.9 June 0.0 0.0 0.0 June 4.2 3.2 2.9 June 4.7 5.2 5.4 July 3.5 3.5 3.0 July 0.0 0.0 0.0 July 3.5 3.5 3.0 July 3.8 4.1 4.3 August 3.8 2.6 4.0 August 0.0 0.0 0.0 August 3.8 2.6 4.0 August 4.1 4.7 4.7 September 3.9 3.2 4.0 September 0.0 0.0 0.0 September 3.9 3.2 4.0 September 5.3 6.1 6.1 October 3.2 3.2 October 0.0 0.0 October 3.2 3.2 October 5.1 6.0 November 3.5 4.6 November 0.0 0.0 November 3.5 4.6 November 6.2 6.9 December 3.3 4.4 December 0.0 0.0 December 3.3 4.4 December 6.6 7.0 January 2.8 3.7 January 0.0 0.0 January 2.8 3.7 January 6.1 6.7 February 3.5 3.5 February 0.0 0.0 February 3.5 3.5 February 6.4 7.0 March 2.6 3.7 March 0.0 0.0 March 2.6 3.7 March 6.3 6.8 Annual Average 3.5 3.5 3.6 Annual Average 0.0 0.0 0.0 Annual Average 3.5 3.5 3.6 Annual Average 5.4 5.9 6.0 Average Apr-Sep 3.8 3.1 3.3 Average Apr-Sep 0.0 0.0 0.0 Average Apr-Sep 3.8 3.1 3.3 Average Apr-Sep 4.7 5.1 5.3 814 0 814 15628 Council WideManual Workers No of Employees at 30 September 2025 Resource Total No of Employees at 30 September 2025 Appendix 4 Absence Trends - 2023/2024, 2024/2025 & 2025/2026 Finance and Corporate Resources No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 APT&C 48
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2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 5.7 5.3 5.6 April 6.9 7.2 4.8 April 6.2 6.1 5.3 April 5.1 5.2 5.7 May 4.9 5.2 4.5 May 6.1 8.1 5.7 May 5.4 6.4 5.0 May 5.1 5.3 5.6 June 5.4 5.7 5.1 June 6.8 8.4 6.0 June 6.0 6.8 5.5 June 4.7 5.2 5.4 July 5.0 5.3 5.2 July 8.1 8.6 6.4 July 6.2 6.7 5.7 July 3.8 4.1 4.3 August 5.1 5.5 5.4 August 8.5 8.8 6.0 August 6.4 6.9 5.7 August 4.1 4.7 4.7 September 4.7 7.5 5.9 September 7.8 7.4 6.7 September 6.0 7.5 6.2 September 5.3 6.1 6.1 October 4.9 7.3 October 5.2 6.0 October 5.0 6.8 October 5.1 6.0 November 4.8 6.8 November 6.7 6.2 November 5.6 6.5 November 6.2 6.9 December 5.1 6.4 December 7.4 5.8 December 6.0 6.2 December 6.6 7.0 January 4.4 7.0 January 6.0 6.2 January 5.0 6.7 January 6.1 6.7 February 5.2 7.0 February 6.3 7.1 February 5.6 7.0 February 6.4 7.0 March 5.3 6.8 March 7.2 5.9 March 6.1 6.4 March 6.3 6.8 Annual Average 5.0 6.3 6.1 Annual Average 6.9 7.1 6.1 Annual Average 5.8 6.7 6.1 Annual Average 5.4 5.9 6.0 Average Apr-Sep 5.1 5.8 5.3 Average Apr-Sep 7.4 8.1 5.9 Average Apr-Sep 6.0 6.7 5.6 Average Apr-Sep 4.7 5.1 5.3 867 548 1415 15628 Appendix 5 Housing & Technical Resources Resource Total Absence Trends - 2023/2024, 2024/2025 & 2025/2026 APT&C Manual Workers Council Wide No of Employees at 30 September 2025No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 49
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2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 2023 / 2024 2024 / 2025 2025 / 2026 % % % % % % % % % % % % April 6.5 6.5 7.0 April 9.4 8.8 9.4 April 7.4 7.3 7.8 April 5.1 5.2 5.7 May 5.8 5.8 6.6 May 8.4 9.5 8.6 May 6.6 7.0 7.2 May 5.1 5.3 5.6 June 5.5 6.0 6.6 June 8.6 9.2 8.7 June 6.5 7.0 7.3 June 4.7 5.2 5.4 July 5.4 6.5 6.8 July 8.8 11.2 9.0 July 6.5 8.0 7.5 July 3.8 4.1 4.3 August 4.8 6.9 7.1 August 8.6 11.4 8.7 August 6.0 8.4 7.7 August 4.1 4.7 4.7 September 5.6 7.2 7.7 September 9.3 12.0 10.0 September 6.8 8.8 8.5 September 5.3 6.1 6.1 October 6.5 7.5 October 8.5 11.0 October 7.1 8.6 October 5.1 6.0 November 7.3 8.1 November 9.0 10.0 November 7.8 8.7 November 6.2 6.9 December 7.4 7.0 December 9.5 11.6 December 8.1 8.5 December 6.6 7.0 January 7.0 6.7 January 10.3 11.3 January 8.1 8.2 January 6.1 6.7 February 7.0 7.0 February 9.9 11.6 February 7.9 8.5 February 6.4 7.0 March 7.1 7.5 March 9.4 10.7 March 7.9 8.6 March 6.3 6.8 Annual Average 6.3 6.9 7.1 Annual Average 9.1 10.7 10.1 Annual Average 7.2 8.1 8.1 Annual Average 5.4 5.9 6.0 Average Apr-Sep 5.6 6.5 7.0 Average Apr-Sep 8.9 10.4 9.1 Average Apr-Sep 6.6 7.8 7.7 Average Apr-Sep 4.7 5.1 5.3 1780 1017 2797 15628 Appendix 6 Absence Trends - 2023/2024, 2024/2025 & 2025/2026 Social Work Resources APT&C Council WideResource TotalManual Workers No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 No of Employees at 30 September 2025 50
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Appendix 7 Absence by long and short term From: 1 July to 30 September 2025 Community and Enterprise 3412 1.3 4.2 5.5 2.1 4.0 6.1 2.8 4.6 7.4 Education 7190 0.2 2.2 2.4 1.3 1.5 2.8 2.0 2.8 4.8 Finance and Corporate 814 0.7 2.3 3.0 1.6 2.4 4.0 1.1 2.9 4.0 Housing & Technical 1415 1.5 4.2 5.7 1.9 3.8 5.7 2.4 3.8 6.2 Social Work 2797 2.2 5.3 7.5 2.4 5.3 7.7 2.6 5.9 8.5 Council Overall for July to September 2025 15628 1.0 3.3 4.3 1.7 3.0 4.7 2.3 3.8 6.1 August 2025 Total Short Term % Total Long Term % Resource Total Absence % September 2025 Total Short Term % Total Long Term % Resource Total Absence % Resource No of employees Resource Total Absence % July 2025 Total Short Term % Total Long Term % 51
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From : 1 September 2025 to 30 September 2025 Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Musculoskeletal 1544 29 1134 17 65 11 490 29 806 20 4039 22 Psychological 1579 30 2439 36 356 58 502 30 1672 42 6548 36 Stomach, Bowel, Blood, Metabolic Disorders 485 9 818 12 26 4 97 6 376 9 1802 10 Respiratory 463 9 819 12 79 13 227 14 366 9 1954 11 Other Classification 1169 22 1492 22 88 14 365 22 780 20 3894 21 Total Days Lost By Resource 5240 100 6702 100 614 100 1681 100 4000 100 18237 100 Total Work Days Available From : 1 September 2024 - 30 September 2024 Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Total WDL % Musculoskeletal 1429 30 1122 17 66 14 626 32 899 21 4142 23 Psychological 1177 25 2222 33 147 31 590 30 1498 35 5634 31 Stomach, Bowel, Blood, Metabolic Disorders 543 11 677 10 39 8 220 11 526 12 2005 11 Respiratory 405 9 991 15 100 21 187 10 569 13 2252 12 Other Classification 1183 25 1718 26 122 26 331 17 743 18 4097 23 Total Days Lost By Resource 4737 100 6730 100 474 100 1954 100 4235 100 18130 100 Total Work Days Available Finance and Corporate Housing and Technical Resources 137247 70720 138985 15367 69051 14944 26089 Finance and Corporate 26901 47317 Appendix 8 Attendance Monitoring Absence Classification Reasons Community and Enterprise Resources Social Work Resources Total WDL By Reason 48396 Education Resources Percentage Housing and Technical Resources Education Resources Reasons Community and Enterprise Resources Social Work Resources Total WDL By Reason Percentage 52
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Appendix 9 Teachers Others 79 18 47 15 52 145 70 26 48 9 61 104 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 125 129 58 115 1 2 47 39 115 180 0 17 72 81 18 22 0 0 10 29 43 44 0 1 46 53 106 161 Social Work 2 12 113 128 340 522 Not Disclosed 18 67 413 459 Total 21 99 Reason Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Work Stress 34 25 Addicition 3 0 Personal 45 33 Anxiety/Depression 65 74 Bereavement 11 15 Total 158 147 Finance and Corporate Education Community and Enterprise Resource Housing and Technical Occupational Health Reports From: 1 July 2025 - 30 September 2025 comparison with 1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024 Medical Referrals Community and Enterprise Education Finance and Corporate Housing & Technical Social Work Totals Total (Jul-Sep 2025) 356 Total (Jul-Sep 2024) 318 No of Employees Referred For Physiotherapy No of Employees Referred To Employee Support Officer No of Employees Referred For Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Resource Resource Community and Enterprise Community and Enterprise Education (Teachers) Education Education (Others) Finance and Corporate Analysis of Counselling Referrals by Cause Total Finance and Corporate Housing and Technical Housing and Technical Social Work Social Work Total 53
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Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Jul-Sep 2024 Jul-Sep 2025 Specified Injury 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Specified Injury (Violence) 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 Total Specified Injury* 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 Over 7 Day 6 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 15 1 Over 7 Day (Violence) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Over 7 Day** 6 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 15 1 Over 3 Day 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 Over 3 Day (Violence) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Over 3 Day** 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 Minor Injury 24 28 38 34 0 1 7 1 8 19 77 83 Near Miss 4 6 3 17 0 0 0 0 2 4 9 27 Violence (Physical) 6 7 210 352 0 0 0 0 7 9 223 368 Violence (Verbal) 3 3 24 31 0 0 1 6 9 10 37 50 Total Minor*** 37 44 275 434 0 1 8 7 26 42 346 528 Total Finalised 46 44 278 434 0 1 12 8 32 42 368 529 Accident 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Incident 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Violence (Physical) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 Violence (Verbal) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Near Miss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total to be investigated**** 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 Total Events/Month 46 44 279 434 0 1 12 8 33 42 370 529 Appendix 10 Analysis of Accidents / Incidents From: 1 July 2025 - 30 September 2025 comparison with 1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024 Accidents by Month of Occurrence Community and Enterprise Education Finance and Corporate Housing & Tech Social Work TOTAL **Over 3 Day /Over 7 Day absence relates to events outwith the specified injury category that resulted in an absence or inability to do normal work for more than 3/7 days (not including day of injury) ***A minor injury is an injury not covered by Over 7 day, Over 3 day or Specified ****In process relates to records not yet investigated/defined by managers *Specified Injury is any fracture (other than fingers/toes), amputation, loss or sight, serious burns, crushing injury, scalping, loss of consciousness caused by asphyxiation/head injury, a chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or penetrating injury as defined by the HSE 54
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APT&C Manual / Craft Teachers Total APT&C Manual / Craft Teachers Total Community and Enterprise 0 13 N/A 13 0 0 N/A 0 0 13 N/A 13 4 5 4 69% 13.69 Education 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0% 1 Finance and Corporate 1 0 N/A 1 1 0 N/A 1 0 0 N/A 0 0 1 0 100% 1 Housing and Technical 0 4 N/A 4 0 0 N/A 0 0 4 N/A 4 2 1 1 75% 4 Social Work 2 22 N/A 24 1 2 N/A 3 1 20 N/A 21 8 3 13 46% 24 Total (Jul-Sep 2025) 4 39 0 43 2 2 0 4 2 37 0 39 14 10 19 56% 43 Total (Jul-Sep 2024) 15 13 4 32 3 0 0 3 12 13 4 29 5 12 15 53% 32 APT&C Manual/ Craft Teachers Total APT&C Manual/ Craft Teachers Total APT&C Manual/ Craft Teachers Total Total (Jul-Sep 2025) 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 Total (Jul-Sep 2024) 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 *Resources nil responses are not included in figures Appeal's Panel From: 1 July - 30 September 2025 Appeal's Panel Total 0 Not Upheld Total Appeals Pending 1 Withdrawn 1 Resource Resource Action Taken Upheld Upheld in Part Manual/ Craft Outcome of Disciplinary Hearings Manual/ Craft Upheld APT&C Upheld in Part Teachers % Held within 6 Weeks No of Appeals No Action APT&C 4-6 6+3Teachers Total No of Disciplinary Hearings 010 Appendix 11 Outcome of Appeals Not Upheld From: 1 July 2025 - 30 September 2025 comparison with 1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024 Appeals pending to date Record of Disciplinary Hearings No of weeks to convene Disciplinary Hearing Total 55
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Appendix 12a Record of Grievances From: 1 July 2025 - 30 September 2025 comparison with 1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024 Grievances No of Grievances No Resolved at Stage 1 No Resolved at Stage 2 No Resolved at Stage 3 Still in Process Total (Jul-Sep 2025) 6 0 0 0 6 Total (Jul-Sep 2024) 5 0 3 0 2 Dignity at Work From: 1 July 2025 - 30 September 2025 comparison with 1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024 Dignity at Work No of Incidents No Resolved at Informal Stage No Resolved at Formal Stage No of Appeals Appeals in Process Still in Process Total (Jul-Sep 2025) 7 0 0 0 0 7 Total (Jul-Sep 2024) 10 1 6 0 0 3 56
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Referrals for Workplace Mediation As at September 2025 Workplace Mediation Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 No of Referrals 2 0 0 *No of Successful Cases 0 1 1 *No of Unsuccessful Cases 0 0 0 No of cases unsuitable for mediation 1 2 0 Workplace Mediation Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 No of Referrals 0 1 0 *No of Successful Cases 0 0 0 *No of Unsuccessful Cases 0 0 0 No of cases unsuitable for mediation 0 0 1 *successful/unsuccessful case outcomes may be shown outwith the month they were referred. Appendix 12b 57
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Appendix 13 From 1 July 2025 - 30 September 2025 Reason for leaving Community and Enterprise Education Finance and Corporate Housing & Technical Social Work Total % Career Advancement 7 32 1 0 9 49 31% Personal Reasons 14 8 2 1 8 33 21% Further Education 1 6 0 3 0 10 6% Moving outwith area 1 4 0 0 4 9 6% Child Caring / Caring Responsibilities 2 2 1 0 1 6 4% Disatisfaction with terms and conditions 0 2 0 2 0 4 2% Poor relationship with managers / colleagues 0 0 1 0 0 1 1% Travelling difficulties 0 0 0 1 0 1 1% Other 9 22 0 3 9 43 28% Total no. of leavers per Resource eligible for an exit interview 34 76 5 10 31 156 100% Number of exit interviews conducted 10 26 2 2 11 51 % of leavers interviewed 29% 34% 40% 20% 35% 33% From 1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024 Total no. of leavers per Resource eligible for an exit interview 68 107 4 18 22 219 Number of exit interviews conducted 2 1 0 0 0 3 % of leavers interviewed 3% 1% 0% 0% 0% 1% * Note these totals include temporary employees Analysis of leavers and exit interviews 58
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Appendix 14 Applied Interviewed Appointed % of Applicants interviewed % of Applicants appointed % of Interviewees appointed 6501 2659 463 41% 7% 17% 2482 700 119 28% 5% 17% 4019 1956 345 49% 9% 18% 494 222 23 45% 5% 10% 5470 2187 394 40% 7% 18% 779 414 67 53% 9% 16% 811 221 13 27% 2% 6% 1057 314 22 30% 2% 7% 5038 2036 344 40% 7% 17% 61 28 3 46% 5% 11% Applied Interviewed Appointed % of Applicants interviewed % of Applicants appointed % of Interviewees appointed 2013 567 152 28% 8% 27% 826 201 39 24% 5% 19% 1182 352 103 30% 9% 29% 62 20 3 32% 5% 15% 1684 436 104 26% 6% 24% 317 120 37 38% 12% 31% 1754 512 139 29% 8% 27% 232 41 2 18% 1% 5% 18 4 1 22% 6% 25% Recruitment Monitoring Analysis of Gender, Disability, Ethnicity and Age From : 1 July 2025 - 30 September 2025 Total Number of applications received: 6504 Total Number of Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms received: 6501 Total Number of posts advertised: 234 Total Number of appointments: 467 Gender / Disability / Age Total EO Forms Received Total No of Male Applicants Total No of Female Applicants Total No of Disabled Applicants Total No of applicants aged under 50 Total No of applicants aged over 50 Total No of Minority Ethnic applicants* Total No of BME applicants Total No of White applicants** Total No of Veteran applicants *includes Mixed, Asian, Black, White (Irish, Polish, Gypsy/Traveller, Roma, Showman/Showwoman, other From : 1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024 Total Number of applications received: 2048 ** includes White Scottish and White Other British Total No of applicants aged under 50 Total Number of Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms received: 2013 Total Number of posts advertised: 268 Total Number of appointments: 167 Total No of applicants aged over 50 Total No of White applicants Total No of Black/Ethnic minority applicants* Total No of Veteran applicants *Black/Ethnic Minority applicants includes Mixed, Asian, Black and other backgrounds. Gender / Disability / Age Total EO Forms Received Total No of Male Applicants Total No of Female Applicants Total No of Disabled Applicants 59
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Finance and Corporate Resource Plan: Quarter 2 Progress Report 2025/2026 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide the Finance and Corporate Resource Plan Quarter 2 Progress Report 2025/2026, for the period 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Committee is asked to note the following recommendation(s):- [ (1) that the Finance and Corporate Resource Plan Quarter 2 Progress Report 2025/2026 as summarised in paragraph 5.2. and attached as Appendix 2 of this report, be noted; (2) that the key achievements made by the Resource for the year, as detailed in paragraph 5.3. of this report, be noted; and (3) that the areas of improvement as detailed in paragraph 5.4. of this report, be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The Finance and Corporate Resource Plan 2025/2026 was approved by this Committee on 11 June 2025 and sets out the outcomes, measures and actions to be managed and delivered by the Resource for the financial year 2025/2026. 3.2. The Resource Plan follows the agreed corporate structure and style. The Plan is a key element of the Council’s performance management arrangements and provides details of the context within which the Resource operates and establishes actions and measures for the year ahead based on the Outcomes set out in the Council Plan Connect 2022 to 2027. 4. Resource Outcomes 2025/2026 4.1. The Resource has established a number of outcomes to support the delivery of the Connect Outcomes in 2025/2026. These are detailed at Appendix 1. 5. Quarter 4 Progress Report 2025/2026 5.1. Progress against all Resource Plan measures is contained in the Quarter 4 Progress Report 2025/2026, attached as Appendix 2. This report has been produced from the Council’s performance management reporting system IMPROVe, and uses a traffic light format with the following definitions to give a status report on each measure:- 8 61
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Status Definition Blue Project complete Green The timescale or target has been met as per expectations Amber There has been minor slippage against timescale or minor shortfall against target Red There has been major slippage against timescale or major shortfall against target Report later The information is not yet available to allow us to say whether the target has been reached or not. This will be reported when available Contextual Included for ‘information only’, to set performance information in context 5.2. Measures which are classified as ‘red’ are considered in detail at section 5.4. of this report. To ensure adequate scrutiny of performance across all Resources, the council’s Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum may consider ‘red’ and/or ‘amber’ measures at a future meeting. The overall summary of progress to date is set out in the table below:- Status Measures Statistical Project Total % Blue N/A 2 2 5% Green 15 13 28 68% Amber 4 0 4 10% Red 2 2 4 10% Report later/Contextual 0 3 3 7% Totals 21 20 41 100% (Data correct as at 21 Oct 2025) 5.3. Key achievements for 2025/2026, to date, are noted below:- 5.3.1. Connect Outcome Communities and Environment Resource Outcome Achievement Individuals and communities in South Lanarkshire are engaged and able to participate in decision- making processes Nothing to report at this time Connect Outcome Education and Learning Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome 62
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Connect Outcome: Health and Wellbeing Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Connect Outcome: Children and Young People Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Connect Outcome: Housing and Land Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Connect Outcome Our Economy Resource Outcome Achievement No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome 5.3.2. In addition to working towards these Outcomes, we recognise that the council will continually aim to improve and ensure effective and efficient use of resources, and that business will be conducted with integrity and transparency and will operate to the highest standards. In order to monitor and report progress against these values, Resource outcomes have also been identified under the heading Delivering the Plan and achieving Best Value. Delivering the Plan and achieving Best Value Resource Outcome Achievement Customers experience high quality and improving council services Nothing to report at this time The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Nothing to report at this time The workforce has the skills, flexibility and capacity to deliver the council’s priorities. During the period 1 April 2025 – 30 September 2025, SLC employees completed 42,293 eLearning modules. In the same period 3,604 employees attended 380 classroom- based events, and 526 employees attended 52 virtual online events. 63
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Digital and ICT service meet the needs of the council and its customers The Digital Telecare Project has been formally signed off and closed. 5.4. Areas for improvement Measures that have been classified as ‘red’ (major slippage against timescale or shortfall against target) are noted below, together with the reason why, and the management action now being taken, where applicable. Delivering the plan and achieving Best Value Resource Outcome: Digital and ICT services meet the needs of the council and its customers Measure Comments/Progress Action by Manager Migrate to new Integrated Housing and Property Management system Project Review Board (PRB) considering revised timeline for new go live date Revised timeline and project plan re- alignment currently underway. Migrate to new Social Work Information system Project Review Board (PRB) considering revised timeline for new go live date Revised timeline and project plan re- alignment currently underway. Resource Outcome: The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Liquor licensing processing – target 97% Our monthly totals for Q2 are as follows:- July 2025 – 91.26% August 2025 – 97.54% September 2025 – 97% This gives a running total of 84.18%, and whilst the PI has not been met all statutory deadlines have been and shows an increase of 8.7% from Quarter 1 which were as follows: April 2025 – 81.32% May 2025 – 74.76% June 2025 – 71.67% (Running total for Quarter 1 was 75.48%) Quarter 2 was particularly challenging in the month of July for the Team due to preparation for annual fee invoices, and the increase in marriage registrations, as well as an increase in civic and liquor applications, alongside other ongoing business and summer annual leave. The months of August and September were improved and successful in meeting the targets. Team Leaders have been reminded to continue to allocate tasks depending on the nature of the business within performance targets where possible. Management team will continue to oversee this. 64
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We continue to work towards a sustained improvement in performance, including through planned staff training, recruitment to vacancies, active absence management, review of staff accommodation arrangements and more proactive allocation of tasks. Longer term it is anticipated that the planned introduction of an upgraded licensing case management system in 2026 will also assist Registration processing – target 97.5% Our monthly totals for Q2 are as follows:- July 2025 – 83.78% August 2025 – 99.78% September 2025 – 99.59% This gives a running total of 86.12% for the period, and whilst the PI has not been met all statutory deadlines have been and shows an increase of 10.31% from Quarter 1 which were as follows: April 2025 – 99.35% May 2025 – 84.61% June 2025 – 68.56% (Running total for Quarter 1 was 75.81%) Quarter 2 was particularly challenging in the month of July for the Team due to preparation for annual fee invoices, and the increase in marriage registrations, as well as an increase in civic and liquor applications, alongside other ongoing business and summer annual leave. The months of August and September were improved and successful in meeting the targets. We continue to work towards a sustained improvement in performance, including through planned staff training, recruitment to vacancies, active absence management, review of staff accommodation arrangements and more proactive allocation of tasks. Team Leaders have been reminded to allocate tasks depending on the nature of the business within performance targets where possible. Management team will continue to oversee this. 5.5. Report later Measures in the quarterly progress reports which are not blue, red, amber or green can be assigned a status of ‘report later’ or ‘contextual’. A further analysis introduced to aid scrutiny of performance, is to follow up the measures in these categories from the Quarter 4 2024-25 report. There were no measures identified as ‘report later’ or ‘contextual’ in that report so no further action or analysis is required. 65
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6. Employee Implications 6.1. The outcomes noted within the Resource Plan will inform the Service Action Plans, where applicable, and in turn the Performance Appraisal process for individual employees. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. The outcomes within the Resource Plan are reflected in the respective annual Resource Revenue and Capital budgets and, longer term, within the framework of the council’s approved Financial Strategy. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. There are no climate change or environmental implications as a result of this report. 8.2. The Council acknowledges the serious and immediate threat of climate change and is committed to accelerating the pace of action in response to the climate emergency and in Scotland’s transition to a net-zero and climate resilient society and economy. All Resource Plans have recognised sustainable development and climate change as a key area of focus for 2025/2026. 9. Other Implications 9.1. A significant element of the delivery of the outcomes in the Community Plan 2022 to 2032 will come through the achievement of the actions contained within Connect. 9.2. Resource Plan actions are assessed as part of the Resource’s risk management arrangements and relevant issues have been added to the Resource Risk Register. 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) 21 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes The Resource Plan has been structured upon the Vision, Values and Outcomes in the Council Plan Connect 2022 to 2027 Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Quarter 2 Progress Report 2024/2025, Finance and Corporate Resources Committee – 29 January 2025 66
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List of Background Papers Council Plan Connect 2022 to 2027 – approved by the full Council on 15 June 2022 Finance and Corporate Resource Plan 2025/2026 – approved by Finance and Corporate Resources Committee on 11 June 2025 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Tom Little (Head of Communications and Strategy) Ext: 4904 (Tel: 01698 454904) E-mail: tom.little@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 67
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Appendix 1 Finance and Corporate Resource Outcomes 2025-26 Connect Outcomes Resource Outcomes Communities and Environment • Individuals and communities in South Lanarkshire are engaged and able to participate in decision-making processes Education and Learning • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Health and Wellbeing • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Children and Young People • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Housing and Land • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Our Economy • No Resource Outcomes for this Connect Outcome Delivering the Plan and achieving Best Value • The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship • Customers experience high quality and improving council services • The workforce has the skills, flexibility and capacity to deliver the council’s priorities • Digital and ICT services meet the needs of the council and its customers 68
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on 27 Oct 10:44 Quarter 2 : April 2025 - September 2025 South Lanarkshire Council Finance and Corporate Resources Resource Plan (This represents the cumulative position to September 2025) Performance Report 2025-26 8 69
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on 27 Oct 10:44 Summary - number of measures green, amber and red under each Council Plan Outcome / Theme Council Outcome/ Theme Green Amber Red Report later / Contextual Total Communities and Environment 0 0 0 0 0 Education and Learning 0 0 0 0 0 Health and Wellbeing 0 0 0 0 0 Children and Young People 0 0 0 0 0 Housing and Land 0 0 0 0 0 Our Economy 0 0 0 0 0 Delivering the plan and achieving best value 15 4 2 0 21 Total 15 4 2 0 21 Page 1 70
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Delivering the plan and achieving best value The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2023/24 2024/252022/23Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Pay invoices within the target of 28 days Performance is ahead of target due to new system features, including invoice scanning which replaced manual processing. Green 92.5% 96.0% 91.7% 94.0% 93.0% Percentage of income due from Council Tax received by the end of the year - in year (incl water) The annual Council Tax collection target for 2025/2026 has been set at 95.6%. Council Tax collection rate is currently 60.31%, ahead of target by 0.05%. Green 95.60% 60.31% 96.77% 95.70% 95.69% % of Non Domestic rates income achieved To date, a collection rate of 48.0% has been achieved, 0.1% ahead of target. Green 97.6% 48.0% 97.8% 97.8% 98.4% Sundry Income collection There are currently a number of high value invoices outstanding, which have largely contributed to performance being slightly behind target. We are actively pursuing customers to secure payment, as well as liaising with colleagues across the council to resolve disputes and recommend appropriate cases for write-off and resolution to the non-payment of debt. Amber 97.5% 97.1% 98.3% 96.9% 98.2% Liquor licensing processing target - 97% within service targets Despite improvements in performance in Quarter 2 the annual result fell below the target. July was particularly challenging for the Team due to preparation for annual fee invoices, and the increase in marriage registrations, as well as an increase in civic and liquor applications, alongside other ongoing business and summer annual leave. The months of August and September were improved and successful in meeting the targets. Workload is prioritised depending on the nature of business and priority is given to urgent time critical service requests. Red 97.0% 84.2% 96.0% 94.0% 80.5% Registration processing target - 97.5% within service targets Despite improvements in performance in Quarter 2 the annual result fell below the target. July was particularly challenging for the Team due to preparation for annual fee invoices, and the increase in marriage registrations, as well as an increase in civic and liquor applications, alongside other ongoing business and summer annual leave. The months of August and September were improved and successful in meeting the targets. Workload is prioritised depending on the nature of business and priority is given to urgent time critical service requests. Red 97.5% 86.1% 99.0% 99.0% 95.0% Citizenship processing target - 97.5% within service targets Target has been achieved Green 97.5% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Page 2 71
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - 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Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Delivering the plan and achieving best value The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2023/24 2024/252022/23Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Complaints processing target - 97.5% within service targets Target has been achieved Green 97.5% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Respond to FOI/EIR Requests within the statutory timescale Target met. The figure given is combined for both FOI and EIR Requests. The Year to date figures for each element are as follows: FOI: 95.80 EIR: 96.73 Green 96.0% 96.3% ------ ------ ------ Respond to Data Protection Subject Access Requests within the statutory timescale Target exceeded Green 90.0% 100.0% ------ ------ ------ Customers experience high quality and improving council services Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2023/24 2024/252022/23Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Customer Service Centre - % of calls answered Due to a high staff turnover, training, absences and new systems this has had an impact on our performance for the 1st and 2nd quarters of the year. We continue to work with Personnel Services regarding recruitment and in the management of absences. We have also arranged additional training and support on new systems. As a result we are now seeing a steady increase in performance levels. Amber 90.00% 84.00% 94.00% 91.00% 94.00% Customer Service Centre – average queue time (in seconds) Due to a high staff turnover, training, absences and new systems this has had an impact on our performance for the 1st and 2nd quarters of the year. We continue to work with Personnel Services regarding recruitment and in the management of absences. We have also arranged additional training and support on new systems. As a result we are now seeing a steady increase in performance levels. . Amber 250 402 134 252 187 Page 3 72
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Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan Performance Indicators South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Delivering the plan and achieving best value Customers experience high quality and improving council services Performance Indicators Comments/ Progress Status 2023/24 2024/252022/23Target To Date -------- Last 3 Years ------------------- This Year ----------- Benefits administration – average processing times for new Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims Processing times for new claims is currently 13 days, 1 day under target with annual target of 14 days expected to be achieved. Green 14 days 13 days 12 days 11 days 11 days Benefits administration – average processing times for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction change in circumstances Processing times for change in circumstances is currently 4 days, equal to target. Green 4 days 4 days ------ 2 days 2 days Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction – accuracy of processing Accuracy performance is currently 97.1%, exceeding the target. Green 95.0% 97.1% 97.1% 95.8% 95.3% Scottish Welfare Fund – average processing times for Crisis Grants Processing times for Crisis Grants is currently equal to target. Green 2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days Scottish Welfare Fund – average processing times for Community Care grants Processing times for Community Care Grants is currently under target by 4 working days. Green 15 days 11 days 13 days 17 days 12 days Money Matters Advice – customer service - % cases responded to within 5 days of initial customer contact Target met Green 96.00% 97.00% ------ 98.00% 97.00% Money Matters Advice – 86% of all claims for benefits to be successful (New) Delays by SSS processing some claims – up to 7 months currently Amber 86.0% 83.0% ------ ------ 89.0% Complete food and fuel bank referrals within 24 hours of request Target met Green 97.0% 96.0% ------ ------ 98.0% Make Financial Wellbeing Support Fund (FWSF) Cash First payments within 24 hours of request Target met Green 95.0% 99.9% ------ ------ 97.0% Page 4 73
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Summary - number of measures complete, green, amber and red under each Council Plan Outcome / Theme Council Outcome/ Theme Complete Green Amber Red Report later Total Communities and Environment 0 5 0 0 0 5 Education and Learning 0 0 0 0 0 0 Health and Wellbeing 0 0 0 0 0 0 Children and Young People 0 0 0 0 0 0 Housing and Land 0 0 0 0 0 0 Our Economy 0 0 0 0 0 0 Delivering the plan and achieving best value 2 8 0 2 3 15 Total 2 13 0 2 3 20 Page 5 74
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IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Communities and Environment Individuals and communities in South Lanarkshire are engaged and able to participate in decision-making processes Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Increase routes for communities to participate in decision making and priority setting Increase participation in Stakeholder Groups and the delivery of Neighbourhood Plans Participatory Budgeting continues to be a key feature of neighbourhood planning. Funding is aligned to the delivery of the priority themes that form the basis of the neighbourhood plans for each area. PB along with capacity building support catalyses the interest of local people and empowers communities by promoting participation in local democratic decision making, including the allocation of funds, and the delivery of community led projects and activities. In August £160,000 was invested in PB across ten neighbourhood planning area, £120,000 from the UK governments Shared Prospertity Fund and £40,000 from SLC. In this round of PB 83 project proposals were received, 63 were fully funded, 8 were part funded and 10,975 votes were cast by people living in the ten neighbourhood planning areas. Green Develop new Community Engagement and Participation Strategy 2026-2031 The Community Engagement and Participation Strategy is in development Green Support local communities to work together to address issues that matter to them by growing their tools to do so: capacity, resources, assets. Increase Community Asset Transfer Support for Communities We continue to promote Community Asset Transfer as a means for community empowerment, providing pre-application support and guidance to interested parties. The ongoing workload is supporting over 50 groups in development of their applications. The majority of properties returned to SLC from SLLC have been transferred into community ownership via short term concessionary leases which will be converted to full Community Asset Transfers (CATs) in due course. Green Take forward IT strategic developments Complete procurement exercise to identify partner to meet SLC Digital Connectivity requirements, including improved availability and affordability of broadband and 4G/5G mobile services across the council area Revised business case developed and remains under consideration. Green Deliver action plan on Digital Inclusion as key stakeholder of the Digital Inclusion sub-group. Digital Inclusion subgroup proceeding with action plan and has now received funding. Development of services to be deployed underway. Green Page 6 75
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Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Delivering the plan and achieving best value The council demonstrates high standards of governance and sound financial stewardship Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Lead financial planning and reporting for the Financial Strategy to be agreed by June 2025 A report titled 2026/2027 to 2027/2028 Revenue Budget Strategy was presented to the Executive Committee in June 2025. Complete council Budget proposals to be considered by members by December 2025 Budget proposals will be presented to members for consideration in November 2025. Report Later Budget agreed by March 2026 The 2026/2027 revenue budget will be agreed by March 2026. Report Later Capital programme for 2026-27 to be agreed by March 2026 The 2026/2027 capital programme will be agreed by March 2026. Report Later Lead on strategic planning Develop a mid-term review of the Council Plan, Connect for consideration by Elected Members in April 2025. The mid-term review of Connect was approved at Executive Committee on 30 April 2025 and is available on the council website. Complete Take forward IT strategic developments To improve the availability and accessibility of local intelligence about South Lanarkshire and its communities, develop a dashboard of key facts aligned with Council Plan outcomes by March 2026. Work has been completed to define the set of indicators which will feature in the dashboard, and historical data is being migrated into the format required for the new dashboard. A prototype dashboard has been developed which covers key facts on across the 6 council plan outcomes. User feedback on this phase of work will be sought in the coming months, prior to a general release in 2026. Green Customers experience high quality and improving council services Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Provide effective and responsive customer services Continuous improvement in the provision and uptake of digital customer contact options The project is now well underway and the action plan accompanying this project is progressing as planned. Green Monitor the progress of transformation projects through reporting framework to CMT/PRSF Report progress of transformational projects regularly to Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum (PRSF) An update on the Transformational Review Programme was presented to the Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum in August 2025. Updates on the progress of reviews are provided on a regular basis, with a further update to the Forum due in November. Green Page 7 76
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Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources IMPROVe - SLC Performance Management System Report printed on Monday 27 October 2025 Resource Plan actions and measures South Lanarkshire Council - Finance and Corporate Resources Delivering the plan and achieving best value Digital and ICT services meet the needs of the council and its customers Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Take forward IT strategic developments Migrate to new Integrated Housing and Property Management system PRB considering proposed revised timeline for new go live date. Red Develop and deliver training plan to upskill IT staff in new technologies Training plan agreed and underway. Green Migrate to new Social Work Information system PRB considering proposed revised timeline for new go live date. Red Migrate all analogue telephony services to technology to align with Ofcom 2025 switch off Project remains on track. Green Develop and deliver proof of value business case for the use of artificial intelligence within the council Development of an AI accelerator approach is well underway and will be available to all Resources. Green Develop and support delivery of cross-resource Digital Transformation programme Programme well developed and underway. Key focus on website refresh and Microsoft Copilot. Green The workforce has the skills, flexibility, and capacity to deliver the council’s priorities Action Measures Comments/ Progress Status Monitor progress on actions associated with Strategic Workforce Plans Report progress on Strategic Workforce Plans to Committee on an annual basis The 'Council Workforce Strategy and Plan 2025 to 2027' was reported to Executive Committee on 28 May 2025. Resource Workforce Plans were reported to the respective Resource Committees in September and October 2025. Green Page 8 77
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Treasury Management Activity – 2025/2026 Second Quarter Review 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide a second quarter review of Treasury Management Activity for 2025/2026 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the contents of this report be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1 In order to provide members with information on the Council’s Treasury Management activities, a quarterly report is presented to this Committee. This report covers the period 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025. 4. Market Performance 4.1. At the time of writing the base rate was 4.00% and the Bank of England Asset Purchase Programme (commonly referred to as its policy of quantitative easing) was £555bn. The Council’s Treasury Management Advisers are forecasting that the base rate is likely to be cut to 3.75% in February 2026. 5. Debt Management and Borrowing Strategy 5.1. The Council began the year with debt of £1,030.762 million with fixed rate loans from the Public Works Loans Board (PWLB) making up 94.32% of the debt. 5.2. Table 1 shows the movement in borrowing from 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025. Table 1 – Movement in Borrowing to 30 September 2025 Balance as at 01/04/2025 £m New Borrowing £m Debt Maturing £m Debt Repaid £m Balance as at 30/09/2025 £m Increase/ Decrease in Borrowing £m Short Term Borrowing 170.153 87.500 (196.436) 0.00 61.217 (108.936) Long Term Borrowing 860.609 0.000 0.00 0.00 860.609 0.000 TOTAL BORROWING 1,030.762 87.500 (196.436) 0.00 921.826 (108.936) 9 79
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5.3. Short term borrowing reflects borrowing which will mature in the coming year, or where the debt can be recalled in the coming year. 5.4. In 2012/2013, HM Treasury introduced a “certainty rate” to enable eligible local authorities to access cheaper PWLB funding, with a 20-basis point (0.20%) reduction on the standard rate. South Lanarkshire Council has access to this reduced rate. 5.5. The Council has an expected borrowing requirement of £400.567 million for 2025/2026 including £237.667 million carried over from 2024/2025. It is expected that only £232.325 million of borrowing will actually need to be taken in 2025/2026. 5.6. The Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), under delegated powers, will continue to take the most appropriate form of borrowing depending on the prevailing interest rates at the time, taking into consideration the differential between investment earnings and debt costs that remains high. 5.7. No borrowing has been taken so far in the current financial year. Instead, cash balances have been used to fund capital spend. Borrowing to replace these balances will be required going forward. 6. Investment Activity 6.1. On a daily basis, the Treasury Management section within Finance and Corporate Resources manages the Council’s cash balances. These balances can result from day-to-day cash flow situations where income has been received before expenditure has taken place, and from the balances held in earmarked reserves for use at a later date. It is the responsibility of the section to manage these funds. The primary consideration when making deposits is the security of funds. Secondary to this, consideration is given to ensuring we have access to funds when necessary, and that these funds are working as well as they can for the Council. 6.2. The Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy Report for 2025/2026 was approved by South Lanarkshire Council on 26 February 2025. This included details of permitted investments for the Council. 6.3. Prior to depositing funds with any bank or building society, checks are made with the Council’s treasury adviser, Link Asset Services, that the institution is considered safe and that any deposit conforms to their recommended time duration as determined by their Rating Methodology. This methodology uses credit ratings, rating watches and outlooks and credit default swap (CDS) prices to establish a suggested time duration for deposits. 6.4. Deposits made in the period 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025 totalled £1,045.184 million. This is the cumulative deposits placed over this period. This is broken down per sector and institution in Table 2. 92.56% of these deposits were made with the UK Government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) deposit facility. 6.5. In order to manage their cash flow over the short term, local authorities, as part of normal treasury management activity, will place money on deposit with other local authorities. Deposits placed with other local authorities account for 6.09% of deposits. The remaining 1.35% was placed in instant access call accounts with Bank of Scotland. 80
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Table 2 – Investment Activity 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025 Counterparty Deposit Totals (£m) % of Total Deposits Average Interest Rate Deposits in UK Government Debt Management Account Deposit Facility 967.390 92.56% 4.20% Total Deposits in UK Government 967.390 92.56% 4.20% Deposits in UK Local Authorities 63.700 6.09% 4.13% Deposits in UK Banks and Building Societies: Bank of Scotland 14.094 1.35% 4.26% Total Deposits in UK Banks and Building Societies 14.094 1.35% 4.26% Total Deposits 01/04/2025 to 30/09/2025 1,045.184 100.00% 4.20% 6.6. The average interest rates achieved from the deposits are also shown in Table 2. Interest rates achievable for deposits have been falling since the Bank of England began a series of interest rate cuts. 6.7. Actual deposits as at 30 September 2025 totalled £61.846 million. 7. Management of Risk 7.1. It is recognised that no Treasury Management activity is without risk and practices are put in place in order to limit risk. As noted in section 6.2, the Treasury Management Strategy was approved in February 2025 and set a framework for Treasury Management activities in 2025/2026. It also set limits on debt and investments in order to mitigate risks. 7.2. The Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/2026, also approved in February 2025, included details on how risk would be managed for all permitted investments. This included criteria for placing deposits with the Debt Management Office (DMO), UK Local Authorities, Banks and Building Societies and Money Market Funds. 7.3. Part of the criteria for counterparties is meeting minimum credit ratings with the three main rating agencies. A credit rating evaluates the credit worthiness of an organisation. It is an evaluation made by a credit rating agency of the organisation’s ability to pay back the debt and the likelihood of default. 7.4. Tables 3 to 5 show a breakdown of deposits with details of the credit ratings of banks and building societies used from 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025. Deposits with the DMO are with the UK Government and so have a rating equivalent to the UK’s sovereign rating. Deposits with local authorities are considered to be of very high credit quality. 81
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Table 3 – Fitch Ratings Long Term Rating Short Term Rating Deposits Totals Percentage of Total Deposits Deposits with DMO / UK Government (AA-) 967.390m 92.56% Deposits with Local Authorities 63.700m 6.09% AA- F1+ 14.094m 1.35% Total 1,045.184m 100.00% Table 4 – Moody’s Ratings Long Term Rating Short Term Rating Deposits Totals Percentage of Total Deposits Deposits with DMO / UK Government (Aa3) 967.390m 92.56% Deposits with Local Authorities 63.700m 6.09% A1 P-1 14.094m 1.35% Total 1,045.184m 100.00% Table 5 – Standard and Poor’s Ratings Long Term Rating Short Term Rating Deposits Totals Percentage of Total Deposits Deposits with DMO / UK Government (AA) 967.390m 92.56% Deposits with Local Authorities 63.700m 6.09% A+ A-1 14.094m 1.35% Total 1,045.184m 100.00% 7.5. The tables above show that 98.65% of deposits were made with counterparties of very high credit quality (DMO/UK Government and other local authorities). The remaining 1.35% were deposits in instant access accounts with Bank of Scotland. 7.6. The graph at Appendix 1 shows the duration of deposits made from 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025. The graph shows that, since 1 April 2025, all deposits have been made for 1 year or less. The maximum maturity period of 61 days was for a deposit of £15.000 million to a local authority. 8. Next Quarter Investment Plans 8.1. The current investment framework will be continued in the next quarter. Deposits will continue to be placed with the institutions where their ratings are consistent with the Council’s approved criteria. Deposits will also continue to be placed with the DMO and UK local authorities. 8.2. Treasury Bills will be used when they return a higher yield than deposits in the DMO for the same, very low risk. 8.3. We will continue to work with our Treasury Management Advisers, Link, to ensure we gain all information available on counterparties before any deposits are made. 82
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9. Treasury Management Indicators 9.1. The purpose of these indicators is to contain the activity of the treasury function within certain limits, thereby managing risk and reducing the impact of an adverse movement in interest rates. However, if these are set to restrictive limits, they will impair the opportunities to reduce costs/improve performance. The indicators are detailed in sections 9.2 to 9.5. 9.2. Limits for External Debt: The operational and authorised limits for external debt for 2025/2026 were set in the Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy 2025/2026 approved by South Lanarkshire Council on 24 February 2025. These are shown in Table 6, along with a column showing the difference between the actual debt level and the limits (headroom). Table 6 – Limits for External Debt Estimate as per 2025/26 Strategy Minimum Headroom to Limits in period Headroom as at 30/09/2025 £m £m £m Operational Limit for external debt 1,570.000 451.738 648.174 Authorised Limit for external debt 1,590.000 471.738 668.174 9.3. The indicator shows that we have not breached the operational and authorised limits to 30 September 2025. There has been a minimum level of headroom of £471.738 million between actual and authorised level for external debt in the period to 30 September 2025. 9.4. Limits on Maturity Structure: By setting limits on the maturity structure of borrowing, the exposure to large concentrations of debt needing to be replaced at the same time in the future at currently unknown rates can be limited. This effectively places a limit on exposure to longer term interest rate movement. This is shown in Table 7. Table 7 – Limits on Maturity Structure Maturity Structure of Borrowing Upper Limit Lower Limit Maximum for period to 30/09/25 Actuals as at 30/09/25 Under 12 months 30% 0% 23.04% 9.90% 12 months and 24 months 40% 0% 7.12% 4.35% 24 months and 5 years 50% 0% 23.16% 23.16% 5 years and 10 years 60% 0% 22.06% 22.06% 10 years and 20 years 60% 0% 3.57% 3.57% 20 years and 30 years 70% 0% 26.19% 26.19% 30 years and 40 years 80% 0% 10.77% 10.77% 40 years and 50 years 90% 0% 0.00% 0.00% 50 years and above 90% 0% 0.00% 0.00% 9.5. The indicator shows that the upper limits for all maturity profiles have not been breached to 30 September 2025. 83
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10. Employee Implications 10.1. There are no employee implications. 11. Financial Implications 11.1. The current rate of interest receivable remains relatively low but has increased over recent months. Any deposit interest received offsets Loan Charges made to the Council’s Revenue budget. 11.2. The costs of borrowing for capital expenditure have been built into the long-term Revenue Budget Strategy. 12. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 12.1. There are no implications for climate change or sustainability in terms of the information contained in this report. 12.2. There is also no requirement to carry out an environmental impact assessment in terms of the information contained within this report. 13. Other Implications (Including Environmental and Risk Issues) 13.1. Section 7 of this report provides details of how investment risk is managed. 14. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 14.1. 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. 14.2. There is no requirement to carry out any consultation in terms of the information provided in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 11 November 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy 2025/2026, South Lanarkshire Council, 26 February 2025 Treasury Management Activity – 2025/2026 First Quarter Review, Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 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: Lorraine O’Hagan, Head of Finance Ext: 2601 (Tel: 01698 452601) E-mail: lorraine.o’hagan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 84
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Revenue Collection and Approval for Write Offs 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- advise Committee of revenue collection performance for financial year 2025/2026 to 30 September 2025 advise Committee of the position regarding the Non-Domestic Rates Incentivisation Scheme (NDRIS) for financial year 2025/2026 seek approval for write offs 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that performance in the collection of revenue be noted; (2) that the current position in respect of NDRIS be noted; and (3) that write offs for the following be approved:- Council Tax £1,858,035.42 Non-Domestic Rates £436,650.78 BID Levy £1,592.16 Sundry Debt £290,966.05 Housing Rent and associated charges £388,880.60 3. Background 3.1. Responsibility for the collection of Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) and Sundry Debt is the responsibility of Finance and Corporate Resources. This report and the attached appendix provide information on collection performance and proposals for write off. 4. Current Collection Performance 4.1. The first table in Appendix 1 presents the collection performance for Council Tax, NDR and Sundry Debts for financial year 2025/2026. 4.2. The annual Council Tax collection target for 2025/2026 has been set at 95.6%. Council Tax collection is currently 60.31%, ahead of target by 0.05% and ahead of comparable performance in 2024/2025 by 0.12%. 4.3. A Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) collection target of 97.6% has been set for 2025/2026. NDR collection is currently 48.0%, ahead of target by 0.1% and behind comparable performance in 2024/2025 by 0.7%. The reduction in comparable performance is due to the profile of payments received in comparison with the same period last year. 10 87
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4.4. The 2025/2026 annual target for Sundry Debt collection has been set at 97.5%. Sundry Debt collection to 30 September 2025 was 97.1%, behind target by 0.4% and behind comparable performance in 2024/25 by 0.4%. 5. Arrears Collection Performance 5.1. Arrears collection performance for Council Tax, NDR and Sundry Debt is presented in the second table of Appendix 1. 5.2. The 2025/2026 arrears annual target for Council Tax has been set at £3.000 million, with collection to 30 September 2025 of £2.016 million, ahead of target by £0.123 million (4.1%) and behind comparable performance in 2024/2025 by £0.198 million. 5.3. The 2025/2026 arrears target for NDR has been set at £2.000 million, with collection to 30 September 2025 of £1.739 million, ahead of target by £0.141 million (7.1%) and behind comparable performance in 2024/2025 by £1.198 million. 5.4. The 2025/2026 arrears target for Sundry Debt was set at £14.076 million, with collection to 30 September 2025 of £11.673 million, equal to target and ahead of comparable performance in 2024/2025 by £5.622 million. 6. Non-Domestic Rates Incentivisation Scheme 6.1. The Non-Domestic Rates Incentivisation Scheme (NDRIS), formally known as the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme is a Scottish Government initiative to incentivise growth of the local business tax base, with a view to increasing NDR income yields. 6.2. The Scottish Government sets annual targets for growth (buoyancy) and Councils who achieve their target retain 50% of the additional income generated above the target. The buoyancy target is a measure of the increase in the total rateable value of the non-domestic properties on the Valuation Roll (including certain categories of public undertakings). 6.3. The provisional buoyancy target for South Lanarkshire Council in 2025/2026 has been set by the Scottish Government at 0.9%. This is a measure of the increase in the total rateable value of the non-domestic properties on the Valuation Roll (including certain categories of public undertakings). 6.4. Performance against the NDRIS target will be reported to Committee on a quarterly basis. Buoyancy to the end of September 2025, was -0.17%. 6.5. The tax base must achieve growth of more than 1.07% during the remaining two quarters of the financial year to secure additional income under the scheme. 7. Proposals for Write Off 7.1. Approval for write off of the following irrecoverable debts is requested from Committee. The Council has the power to write off accounts where the debtor is deceased, sequestrated, in liquidation or the debt is prescribed or where the debt is deemed uneconomical to pursue. 7.2. The proposed write off of Council Tax accounts dating from 1993/1994 to 2025/2026 totals £1,858,035.42 relating mainly to prescribed debt, sequestrations and estates of the deceased. This includes the bulk write off of prescribed debt for financial year 2003/2004. 88
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7.3. The value of accounts currently marked for write off in the Non-Domestic Rates system from rating years 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 totals £436,650.78. These debts are deemed to be irrecoverable because the debtor is in liquidation, has ceased trading or has been sequestrated. 7.4. Approval is sought for the write off of Business Improvement District (BID) Levies totalling £1,592.16, administered by the Council on behalf of the Hamilton, Carluke and Lanark BID companies. There is no financial impact on the Council for these write offs. 7.5. Following consultation and agreement with Resources, the proposed write off of Sundry Debt totals £290,966.05. Appendix 2 provides a breakdown of the proposed write-off over categories. 7.6. Approval is sought for the write off of former tenant rent arrears of £385,709.99 (including bulk write offs for financial year 2025/2026 Q2 for temporary accommodation) and Housing Benefit Overpayments of £3,170.61. 7.7. A full list of all debts proposed for write off is held by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). 8. Employee Implications 8.1. None. 9. Financial Implications 9.1. Provision has been made for the financial impact of all write offs. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1. There are no direct climate change, sustainability and natural environment implications arising from this report. 11. Other Implications 11.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s revenue collection is a failure to monitor collection rates and take effective corrective action where required, resulting in a significant reduction in collection performance and Council funding. The risk is managed through monthly performance reporting and review of performance at monthly Senior Management Meetings. 11.2. There are no implications for sustainability in terms of the information contained in this report. 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 impact assessment is required. 12.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 28 October 2025 89
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Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee – 10 September 2025 List of Background Papers System Reports from Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates, Sundry Debt and Academy Housing Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Craig Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions) Ext: 4951 (Tel: 01698 454951) E-mail: craig.fergusson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 90
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Appendix 1 SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL REVENUES COLLECTION FOR PERIOD ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Annual Budget Cash Target Actual Variance % Variance Budget to 30/09/25 to 30/09/25 to 30/09/25 to Notes £000's £000's £000's £000's annual budget FINANCIAL YEAR 2025/2026 Council Tax 168,413 106,157 106,245 88 over 0.05% Non-Domestic Rates 392,293 192,529 192,920 391 over 0.1% Sundry Debt 122,016 122,016 121,497 (519) under -0.4% ARREARS Council Tax 3,000 1,893 2,016 123 over 4.1% Non-Domestic Rates 2,000 1,598 1,739 141 over 7.1% Sundry Debt 14,076 11,669 11,673 4 over 0.0% 91
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Appendix 2 BREAKDOWN OF PROPOSED SUNDRY DEBT WRITE-OFF Resource Service No. of Accounts Value (£) Housing & Technical Property Services / H&T General / Estates (Commercial Rent) 53 37,204.72 Rechargeable Repairs / Capital Repairs 471 164,083.37 Community and Enterprise / Education Bereavement / Care of Gardens / Waste / Education General 27 51,290.54 Finance & Corporate Housing Benefit Overpayments / IT 4 2,514.87 Social Work Alert Community Alarm Service / Non-Residential 338 35,872.55 Total 893 290,966.05 92
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date: 19 November 2025 Prepared by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Procurement Service – Establishment Posts 1. Purpose of the report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- update Committee on the current workload in the Procurement service seek approval to be add 2 additional trainee procurement officer posts to the establishment on a permanent basis and 1 trainee procurement officer post on a temporary basis to help address workload demands 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the need to permanently increase the resources available to support procurement activity be noted; (2) that the proposal to increase the procurement establishment by 2 FTE trainee procurement officer posts, be approved;and (3) that the proposal to add 1 FTE temporary procurement officer post, be approved. 3. Background 3.1. The Council operates a largely centralised procurement service delivering the following core functions:- management of the procurement workplan, including contract renewals, extensions and responding to new requirements assisting Resources with scoping procurement requirement and identification of appropriate routes to market managing the delivery of tenders covering initial publication, responding to clarifications from potential bidders, evaluation and contract award ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and standing orders on contracts delivery of the Council’s procurement strategy and reporting requirements, including the Annual Procurement Report and reporting to committee on contract awards 3.2. The workload of the Procurement team continues to increase. In 2024/2025, a total of 232 awards over £50,000 were made, in comparison to 207 in 2023/2024 and 175 in 2022/2023, representing a cumulative increase of 33%. Total awards in 2024/2025, including non-regulated contracts under £50,000, totalled 473 contracts. 11 93
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3.3. The increased demand for tendering activity arises from Resource procurement requirements to meet the Council’s strategic objectives, including investment programmes, regeneration and external funding and ongoing efforts to improve contractual compliance. The complexity of procurement projects, particularly in respect of externally funded projects, has also increased. 4. Procurement Staffing Support 4.1. Due to wider recruitment pressures in the procurement market, the Council has invested in an extensive trainee procurement programme, and as a result the current structure of the team is heavily weighted towards trainee procurement officers. This programme has been successful in attracting staff with broad experience and assisting with workforce planning; however, the retention of officers can be challenging. 4.2. Trainee procurement officers provide a critical role in supporting Resource procurement priorities, both conducting competitive processes and ensuring compliance with Council Standing Orders on Contracts. 4.3. Trainees quickly take on responsibility for lower value procurement projects as a platform for supporting more complex work. A key component of the trainee programme is the provision of professional training to allow trainees to qualify with the Certified Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). 4.4. There are currently 13 trainee procurement officers in post (excluding the 2 temporary positions) as part of an overall procurement team establishment of 23 FTEs. 4.5. 2 temporary positions were added to the structure in 2024 for a period of 18 months. The 2 temporary members of staff have made good progress within their training cohort in progressing lower value procurements, including mini competitions and direct awards and will, in time, progress towards more complex open tenders and framework arrangements. 5. Proposal 5.1. It is proposed the 2 temporary trainee procurement officer posts (Grade 2) are converted to permanent posts within the Procurement structure to secure longer term capacity and 1 trainee procurement officer post is added on a temporary basis for a period of 18 months to provide additional workload capacity over the short term. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. It is proposed that the following posts are added to the establishment of the Procurement team on a permanent basis as detailed below:- Post title Number of posts Grade / SCP Hourly Rate Annual salary (excluding on-costs) Gross salary (including on-costs 30.3%) Total Trainee Procurement Officer 2 G2, Level 2- 4 £16.54 - £20.53 £30,183.85 - £37,465.20 £39,329.56 – £48,817.16 £78,659.12 - £97,634,32 Thes These posts have been evaluated using the Council’s grading scheme. 94
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6.2. The 1 FTE temporary post will be graded at the same level as the permanent posts. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. The cost of the two temporary posts is currently being met from existing resources in Finance and Corporate Resources, therefore there are no direct financial implications. 7.2. The cost of the new temporary post will be met by a contribution from Housing and Technical Resources given the volume of procurement work that is undertaken and planned with the Resource. 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. There is a risk that the delivery of the council’s strategic priorities is significantly impacted by the increasing levels of procurement activity. The adding of two trainee procurement officer posts to the establishment on a permanent basis will safeguard the capacity of the service allowing it to continue to support the delivery of the strategic priorities of the Council. This will be further enhanced by an additional temporary trainee post. 10. Integrated 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 not a requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 10 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes 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:- Craig Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions) Ext: 4951 (Tel: 01698 454951) E-mail: craig.fergusson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 95
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Consultation on Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2018 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of this report is to:- provide an update on the Scottish Public Pensions Authority consultation on the proposal to change the local government pension scheme (Scotland) regulations (2018) provide an update on the approach to responding to the consultation 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the contents of the report be noted; and (2) that the proposed response be approved for submission to the Scottish Public Pensions Authority by the deadline of 25 November 2025. 3. Background 3.1. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) continues to be an integral part of the remuneration package for local government and chief officers in Scotland. The Scheme offers the security of a guaranteed income in every year of retirement for all its members, on some of the most generous terms available from a pension scheme. 3.2. Membership of the scheme is provided for individuals who are employed by a participating employer, where they are between the ages of 16 and 75. By law, all employees joining the council are contractually enrolled from their first day of employment and can opt out of the scheme if they wish. A 50:50 scheme is also available for employees who wish to save for their retirement, but in a reduced capacity. 4. Consultation on the changes to the local government pension scheme (Scotland) regulations (2018) 4.1. The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on changes to the local government pension scheme (Scotland) regulations (2018) which are intended to bring the Scottish scheme in line with the LGPS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland. The amendments also cover a number of proposals in relation to pension benefits for scheme members and technical amendments to the regulations. 12 97
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4.2. This consultation seeks views on the proposed changes and runs from 2 September to 25 November 2025. The consultation questions are detailed in Appendix 1. 4.3. The consultation proposals and questions are published on SPPA’s website. There are a number of proposals which impact upon the Council, and it’s LGPS members, and the key proposals are noted below:- Death grants - remove the upper age limit of 75 for death grants from the regulations backdated to 6 April 2011. Gender pension gap - A number of proposals have been made in recognition that information on the gender pension and pension saving gap is not routinely gathered, however it is acknowledged that membership of the LGPS (Scotland) is around 69% female and in general women accrue a lower pension than their male counterparts. To this end, a number of proposed amendments have been made as follows (1) all authorised unpaid absences over 30 days should be automatically pensionable (2) the time limit for buying back unpaid leave pension absences increases from 30 days to 1 year or when the employment ends (3) gender pay gap reporting should be mandatory for employers with over 100 employees. Child related leave: pensions during additional maternity and adoption leave - the definition of child related leave is changed to include periods of additional maternity, adoption and shared parental leave when on reduced pay with the contribution cost being met by LGPS employers. bereaved paternity leave and neonatal care leave - an update to the regulations is proposed to take account of recent legislation changes in regard to these statutory leave types. Opt outs/participation rates - to mandate the collection and reporting of opt-out data including opt-out reason in addition to details of profession type, working hours, salary, gender, age, ethnicity, marital status and dependants. Forfeiture - removing the 3-month timescale for an employer to make a forfeiture application to bring it in line with other public sector pension scheme regulations. Employment relating to the provision of education - transitional regulations relating to certain postholders in Education who can now remain in the LGPS until they leave their post (in light of recent amendments to the STPS regulations regarding posts where eligibility for STPS membership was unclear.) 4.4. Additional proposals to tidy up or re-align the regulations from a technical perspective cover the areas below:- McCloud Remedy Survivor benefits Club transfers and transfers from other public service scheme for members over 65 years old Lifetime allowance Children’s pensions 98
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Removal of references to EU law Consolidation of civilian Scottish Fire and Rescue pension members from regional schemes into Strathclyde Pension Fund Concurrent membership aggregation. 5. Proposed South Lanarkshire Council Response 5.1. In relation to the points highlighted in section 4.3, the Council is supportive of the proposals which are intended to address, in practical terms, the fairness and equality issues linked to known pensions gaps linked to gender and other demographic characteristics of scheme members. The Council also welcomes the steps being taken to gather information on opt-outs, participation rates, and the amendments designed to address inequalities and ensure fairer outcomes for all members It is likely that some of these measures will have the potential to bring an additional financial impact on the Council. The consultation document does not, however, provide sufficient technical detail on a number of the consultation points to draw distinct conclusions in relation to the financial implications. These points will be highlighted in the Council’s consultation response and further clarification requested. 5.2. The proposed measures listed at section 4.4, to simplify scheme administration and reduce complexity by aligning the Scottish scheme with UK-wide standards, are also viewed by the Council as sensible and advantageous. 5.3. The biggest area of financial impact relates to the proposals linked to child-related leave. Currently the employer and employee pension contributions are paid on occupational and statutory maternity pay, however no contributions are made in respect of the periods of no pay. The Scottish Government is proposing that employers automatically pay contributions (at the member’s normal rate of pay immediately before the additional leave began) in respect of the final 26 weeks maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, resulting in reduced or no pay. Under the current regulations, employers do not pay contributions on the final 13 weeks of no pay during this period. 6. Next Steps 6.1. The Council’s consultation response will be submitted before the deadline of 25 November 2025. 7. Employee implications 7.1. There are employee implications associated with this consultation, as the proposals are intended to have a positive impact on the pension benefits of members by addressing recognised gender pay gap inequalities and simplifying the regulations. 8. Financial implications 8.1. Some of the proposals are high-level and therefore do not contain the required technical detail to allow robust conclusions to be drawn on the full financial implications; particularly relating to the gender pensions gap and family leave (maternity and adoption). 8.2. In terms of the proposal that all authorised unpaid absences over 30 days should be automatically pensionable; based on an analysis of information for the period August 2024 to September 2025 less than 10 local government employees were granted special leave of over 30 days in duration; based on these numbers the estimated cost of this change would be in the region of £980 per year. However, it should be 99
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noted that the employer pension contribution rate is expected to increase at the next pension scheme triennial revaluation in 2026, therefore this projected employer cost would be likely to increase. 8.3. It should also be noted that this proposal does not state whether career breaks, which meet the definition of authorised unpaid leave as stated in the consultation document, would fall into this classification. If this were the intention, the proposal would incur a more significant financial consequence for the Council, as 98 local government career breaks were granted and took effect in the period August 2024 to September 2025. The Council would not agree to the inclusion of career breaks under this proposal. 8.4. The financial implications of making employer pension contributions linked to periods of reduced or no pay linked to additional maternity, adoption or shared parental leave are expected to be more significant for the Council. 8.5. Based on an analysis of information for the period August 20204 to September 2025 the additional employer costs are estimated to be in the region of £70,013 per year. Again, it should be noted that the expected increase to the employer pension contribution rates in 2026 would be likely to result in an increase to this estimated cost. 8.6. The overall estimated additional annual costs of these changes are approximately £71,000, however an increase in the number of leave requests or pension contribution rates would result in increased costs. When more information has been shared on these proposals, a further assessment of the financial impact can be undertaken, in the event that the proposals are accepted by the Scottish Government. 9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environment implications arising from this report. 10. Other Implications 10.1. There are no other implications as a result of this report 11. Integrated Impact Assessments and Consultation Requirements 11.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, and therefore no impact assessment is required. 11.2. The trade unions have been advised of this consultation. Jackie Taylor Executive Director 29 October 2025 100
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Links to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Excellent employer Previous Reference 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:- Michelle Milne, Head of Personnel Services Ext:4330 (Tel: 01698 454330) E-mail: michelle.milne@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 101
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Appendix 1 Council’s response to the Scottish Government Consultation Changes to the LGPS (Scotland) (2018) regulations Q1. Do you have any comments on Scottish Ministers’ proposals to remove the upper age limit of 75 for death grants from the LGPS Regulations, backdated to 6 April 2011? • The council is supportive of this proposal. Q2. Do you agree that all authorised unpaid absences over 30 days should be automatically pensionable? • The council is supportive of this proposal in part, but does not agree that all categories of authorised unpaid absences over 30 days should be automatically pensionable. The Council is of the view that only certain categories of unpaid leave over 30 days should be pensionable including family, caring, health related leave. However, authorised paid leave in respect of national, public and community, country and overseas service and other events extending over 30 days should not be pensionable as these are voluntary and decisions are made on a personal choice. The Council does not agree that these categories of leave should be pensionable. Furthermore, it is not clear whether the intention of the proposal is for Career Breaks to be covered by this proposal. The Council is of the view that Career Breaks should not be covered by this proposal and should remain unpensionable as they are voluntary and decisions are made on a personal choice. Should this be the case, significant additional costs will be incurred by employers and currently there is no financial provision for this. Further clarification of this point is required in terms of the proposal. Q3. Do you agree with the proposal to change the time-limit for buying back unpaid leave pension absences from 30 days to 1 year, or when the employment ends? • The council is supportive of this proposal in principle, but clarity is needed on the position regarding interest on pension that is bought back. Under the current regulations this is not incurred, and confirmation would be helpful on whether this arrangement will continue. Notwithstanding this point, if addressing the gender pay gap properly it would make sense for employees to have until their employment ends to decide whether to buy back any lost pension contributions rather than a one year time limit. It is possible that, in the first year after a period of no pay, the employee’s financial circumstances are relatively unchanged thus they are unable to benefit from this option. They may be in an improved financial position at a later point in their career and therefore be in a better financial position to take advantage of this and begin to make contributions in respect of the previous period of lost contributions. Q4. Do you agree with updating the definition of child-related leave to include all periods of additional maternity, additional adoption and shared parental leave when on reduced or no pay? • The council is supportive of this proposal in principle, however clarification is required on how this would work in practice. Is this proposed change an extension to the current arrangements for Assumed Pensionable Pay (as cited in section 11 of the LGPS 2015 HR guidance) in that it will now include the 13 week period of unpaid leave? Or would the new proposal introduce the requirement for employers 102
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to pay both the lost employee and employer contributions associated with the period of no pay? Further clarification of the proposed arrangements should be made clear, in terms of both of these clarification points, so that the full financial impact can be properly assessed and provision made. Q5. Do you agree that the contribution cost of this should be met by LGPS employers? • Whilst this proposal is likely to bring significant financial implications for employers, the Council is supportive of this proposal in principle. Further clarification is needed on whether the intention of this change is that employers will also be required to pay the employee contributions in addition to the employer contributions in respect of this leave. Q6. Do you agree that gender pension gap reporting should be mandatory in the LGPS? • The council is supportive of this proposal as it brings this matter into line with other employer statutory reporting requirements. Q7. Do you agree with the threshold of 100 LGPS members for defining which employers must report on their gender pension gap? • The council is of the view that this data should be provided by all employers. Q8. Do you agree with the definition of ‘gender pension gap’ and ‘gender pensions savings gap’? • The council agrees with the definitions provided. Q9. Do you agree that the annual report is the best method for reporting on participation and opt out data? • The Council agrees with this proposal as it provides a sensible year end approach to gathering and publishing the data. Time should be allowed for system and reporting changes to be implemented (depending on the final requirements) should this proposal proceed. Q10. Do you foresee any issues with Administering Authorities’ ability to gather data on opt-outs? • Yes, it is likely to be problematic to gather the information on protected characteristics. Employees do not routinely provide this information to their employer and from experience do not actively keep this up to date when their circumstances change. Therefore, it is possible that the information held by employers has gaps and is not necessarily current. Asking members to provide this information when completing the opt out form will only result in comprehensive accurate details being gathered if the fields are made mandatory or a full explanation for the reason for gathering the information is provided. Clarification is also requested as to whether the intention is for this data to be returned via iconnect during the end of year return. If so, system development time and costs may be incurred for employers linked to the creation of additional fields, and reports. 103
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Q11. When updating the annual report guidance to reflect opt-out data collection, what information would be most useful to include? • Information on all protected characteristics should be gathered: gender, age, job title, pay range, disability, ethnicity, working hours, marital status, length of service with employer/local government, caring responsibilities, reason for leaving the scheme. Q12. Do you have any comments on the collection of additional information? • As stated at question 10, employers may have the ability to provide some of the employment related information in respect of this monitoring duty and they may also be able to provide some other categories of equalities monitoring information depending on what data they hold (this is often gathered by employers during the recruitment process). It is the council’s view that it would be prudent to request some information from the member on the opt out form to ensure that information provided is accurate and current. From experience employees do not always provide information unless it is mandatory therefore this option should be considered. This proposal may be problematic for employers and may result in additional costs in terms of system and report development and testing. Q13. Do you agree that the three-month time limit for an LGPS employer to make an application for a forfeiture certificate should be removed? • Yes, the council agrees with this proposal that aligns these arrangements with other public pension schemes. Q14. Do you agree with or have any comments on these technical remedy amendments? • The Council agrees with the proposals in relation to the technical amendments. Q15. Do you agree with these changes to allow those who left the scheme prior to 1 April 2015 to commute small pensions? • The council agrees with this proposal. Q16. Do you agree with the changes proposed to the Lifetime allowance regulations? • The Council agrees with these proposed changes. Q17. Do you agree with the proposed amendments to the Regulations? • The Council agrees with the proposal to pay refund of contributions after a 5 year period or before the members 75 birthday. Q18. Do you agree with adding the definition of ‘local government service’ to Schedule 1? • The Council agrees with the proposal to reinstate the term into the regulations. Q.19 Do you agree with the change to part 2 of schedule 4 transferring all SFRS staff to Glasgow City Council? • The council agrees with this proposal. Q20. Do you agree to the addition of Neo-natal care to the definition of child related leave? • The Council agrees with this proposal. 104
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Q21. Do you agree with the proposed amendment to Regulation 10(8) • The Council agrees with the proposal to amend regulation 10(8) to align it with current practise. 105
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Common Good Update Report – Former Vogue Building 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise members of requests for funding from Hamilton Common Good that cannot be met from the Repairs and Maintenance budget [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the demolition of the former Vogue building, 11 Keith Street, Hamilton at a cost of up to £0.150 million, be funded from Hamilton Common Good (Section 4.4), be approved. 3. Background 3.1. The Common Good is a fund of money/assets and is administered by a Scottish local authority in respect of each former burgh within the area of the local authority. 3.2. Common Good property is administered separately from other local authority assets for accounting purposes. What the authority can do with the assets is subject to a system of statutory control. This control has the potential to limit the extent to which the authority can dispose of or deal with the asset and on what terms. 3.3. The Common Good funds held within South Lanarkshire Council are Lanark, Biggar, Hamilton and Rutherglen. 3.4. The last Common Good report to this Committee in September 2025 provided information on status of the former Vogue building which is an asset classified as Hamilton Common Good. The report noted that an update would be provided to this Committee once demolition costs are identified, for approval. Section 4 provides an update on this project. 4. Former Vogue Building 4.1. As noted in the previous report in September 2025, following the serving of a Dangerous Building Notice, Listed Building Consent has been sought for the demolition of the remaining part of the building. This was subject to a consultation period which closed on 7 November 2025. 4.2. No relevant objections have been received and at the time of writing, the Listed Building application is currently being considered. 13 107
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4.3. Alongside this statutory process, a demolition contractor has been selected through an appropriate procurement process with budgeted costs estimated at £0.150 million. 4.4. It is proposed that demolition works up to the value of £0.150 million be funded from the Hamilton Common Good Fund, and that the building is demolished after all the required approvals are in place. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. At the end of 2024/2025, Hamilton Common Good Fund had a cash balance of £0.775 million held by the Council, and which is readily available to meet expenditure. Excluding £0.015 million set aside for planned maintenance and £0.100 million for the Hamilton Town Square project, there is a balance of £0.660 million available. This is available to cover the costs of the demolition of the former Vogue building. 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. There are no other implications. 9. Integrated 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. 9.2. The proposed demolition has been subject to a consultation period as required as part of a Listed Building application. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 3 November 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References Common Good Update Report, 21 August 2024 Common Good Update Report, 11 September 2025 List of Background Papers None 108
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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 Ext: 2601 (Tel: 01698 452601) E-mail: lorraine.ohagan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 109
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Early Retirement, Voluntary Severance and Switch 2 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise on activity related to early retirements, voluntary severances, re- employment of early retirees and re-deployments with an effective date during the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that early retirements, voluntary severances, re-employment of early retirees and redeployment of employees on the Switch 2 register with an effective date during the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Council analyses the number and associated costs of employees being released through early retirement and voluntary severance. This report provides information on the Council’s position for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. 4. Early Retirements (Efficiency of the Service/Voluntary Redundancy) and Voluntary Severance 4.1. During the period, no early retirements on the grounds of efficiency of the service; voluntary redundancy or voluntary severance were granted. This represents no change compared to the previous 6-month period. 4.2. The re-employment of those who have been granted early retirement or voluntary severance is monitored and approved centrally within Personnel Services. During the 6-month period, no requests for re-employment were made and this represents no change when compared to the previous 6-month period. 5. Early Retirements – Ill Health 5.1. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations allow for 2 tiers of ill- health retirement in situations where the member’s ill-health or infirmity of mind or body renders them permanently incapable of discharging efficiently the duties of their current employment. Tier 1 relates to members with no reasonable prospect of obtaining gainful employment before their state pension age. Tier 2 relates to members with a reasonable prospect of obtaining gainful employment before their state pension age. 14 111
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5.2. The Scottish Teachers Pension Scheme (STPS) similarly has 2 levels of ill-health retirement: total incapacity benefits and partial incapacity benefits. Total incapacity benefit relates to members who are permanently unable to teach and assessed as having their ability to carry out any work impaired by more than 90% and this is likely to be permanent in the future. Partial incapacity benefit relates to members who are permanently unable to teach but able to undertake other employment. 5.3. During the 6-month period, of the 48 ill-health retirement requests made, 33 were granted under these provisions as shown below and 15 applications resulted in no award being granted. Capitalisation costs are not incurred as a result of early retirement on ill- health grounds. Resource No. of Early Retirements on ill health grounds Community and Enterprise 9 Education/ Finance and Corporate/ Housing and Technical 13 Social Work 11 Total 33 5.4. During the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the number of ill health retirements granted decreased by 6 when compared to the previous year. This decrease is due to a reduction in the number of employees with medical conditions that met the criteria for ill health retirement. 5.5. Annual Trend Analysis Annual Period 1/4/20- 31/3/21 1/4/21- 31/3/22 1/4/22- 31/3/23 1/4/2023- 31/3/24 1/4/2024- 31/03/25 No. of ill-health retirements 43 46 69 66 60 6. Switch 2 6.1. Switch 2 is monitored and approved centrally within Personnel Services. During the 6-month period, 36 employees were redeployed to suitable alternative posts within the Council as follows:- Resource Employees Modern apprentices Total Council Wide 3 0 3 Housing and Technical 2 7 9 Social Work 24 0 24 TOTALS 29 7 36 6.2. This is an increase of 23 when compared to the same period last year. Of the employees matched during the period, 35 were placed in permanent roles and 1 into a fixed term role. In line with the Switch 2 policy, employees placed on a fixed term basis will be matched to a suitable, permanent post when available. 112
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6.3. Annual Trend Analysis Annual Period 1/4/20– 31/3/21 1/4/21– 31/3/22 1/4/22– 31/3/23 1/4/23- 31/3/24 1/4/24- 31/3/25 No. of Switch 2 matches 43 90 28 30 111 6.4. During the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the number of employees re- deployed increased by 81 compared to the previous year. This increase primarily relates to the decommissioning of residential units within Social Work Resources, Adults and Older People Services. 7. Flexible Retirement 7.1. Both the local government and teachers’ pension scheme regulations allow employees to access their pension benefits whilst continuing to work in a reduced capacity with their employer’s consent. In line with the council’s flexible retirement policy, requests that result in a strain on the fund cost to the Council will not be granted. 7.2. In line with this policy, flexible retirement, phased retirement, and winding down applications (from local government employees and teachers respectively) are approved and monitored centrally within Personnel Services. During the 6-month period, 41 requests were approved as detailed below:- Resource Flexible Retirements (local government employees) Phased Retirements/ Winding Down (teachers) Community and Enterprise 8 Education 7 2 Finance and Corporate 2 Housing and Technical 8 Social Work 14 Total 41 7.3. The average age of the flexible retirements that were granted during the 6-month period was 62 years and this is unchanged when compared with the same period last year. 7.4. Annual Trend Analysis Annual Period 1/4/20 - 31/3/21 1/4/21- 31/3/22 1/4/22- 31/3/23 1/4/23- 31/3/24 1/4/24- 31/3/25 No. of Flexible Retirements 125 126 128 156 112 7.5. During the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the number of flexible retirements decreased by 44 compared to the previous year. This is due in part to an increase in flexible retirement applications which were not granted due to strain on the fund costs. It is anticipated that this trend will continue in future periods. 113
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7.6. Flexible retirement refusals are monitored within Personnel Services and 4 requests with effective dates during the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025, were declined on a cost basis. This is an increase of 4 compared to the previous year. 8. Employee Implications 8.1. Incapability dismissals may have been considered in respect of employees who were refused ill-health retirement. 8.2. Due to the implementation of Strathclyde Pension Fund’s revised strain on the fund calculation on 1 October 2024, early retirements requiring employer consent, such as flexible retirement applications, are more likely to incur a cost. In line with the flexible retirement policy, only applications which are zero cost will be approved and as a consequence the number of rejections and subsequent appeals is anticipated to increase. 9. Financial Implications 9.1. No early exit packages relating to early retirement or voluntary severance were granted within the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 therefore no costs were incurred. 9.2. During this period, costs of £35,853 were incurred in relation to 24 flexible retirement applications which were granted or in progress before changes to the strain on the fund factors took effect on 1 October 2024. These costs were agreed as part of the Council’s transitionary arrangements. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications. 11. Other Implications 11.1. The early release of employees across the Council must be properly managed to minimise the risk of adversely impacting service levels through the loss of vital skills and experience. In accordance with agreed policies, the redeployment of employees through the Switch 2 process continues to be considered. 11.2. Employees have the right to invoke the internal dispute resolution process if their application for retirement has not been granted. Stage 1 appeals which are not upheld by the Council can be submitted to the Scottish Public Pensions Agency at stage 2 and the Pensions Ombudsman as the final appeal stage. Should an appeal be upheld at a later stage in the process, the Council’s original decision may be overturned and compensation awarded to the employee thus incurring additional costs and potential reputational damage. 12. Integrated Impact Assessments 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 impact assessment is required. 114
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12.2. All releases were in line with agreed policies and procedures. Consultation took place with the Trades Unions in respect of Strathclyde Pension Fund’s revised strain on the fund calculations and Council’s agreed transitionary arrangements. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 22 September 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Excellent Employer Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References Finance and Corporate Resources Committee 29 January 2025 Finance and Corporate Resources Committee 22 May 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:- Danielle Lang, HR Business Manager (Operations) Ext: 4132 (Tel: 01698 454132) E-mail: Danielle.Lang@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 115
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Statutory Review of Community Council Scheme of Establishment 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide the Committee with a proposal for the timing of the next statutory review of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the contents of this report be noted; (2) that it be noted that the next statutory review of the Scheme be commenced in autumn 2027, following the 2027 Local Government elections; and (3) that it be noted that this report, and the decision of the Committee, will be shared with all local elected representatives and all Community Councils. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Council currently has arrangements in place for 57 Community Councils. At the present time, only 32 are active. A breakdown of those which are active/inactive is given in Appendix 1 to this report. 3.2. The arrangements for Community Councils are regulated by the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. The Council’s Scheme dates from July 2014 when it was last formally reviewed, albeit minor changes were made in both September 2018 (voting age lowered from 18 to 16) and December 2020 (scheme amended to permit exclusion of public and press from Community Council meetings and remove the need for physical attendance). In terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (the 1973 Act) the Council shall “from time to time” and “having regard to changing circumstances and to any representations made to them” review its Scheme, where it considers that the Scheme ought to be amended. The Scheme also states that the Council shall review it “from time to time”. 3.3. The procedure for reviewing the Scheme is laid down in the 1973 Act, and can be quite involved, and take around a year to complete, from the time it is commenced to the time when the new community councils are formed and elections to them held. 3.4. All decisions on the review of the Scheme must, in terms of the 1973 Act, be taken by special meetings of the Full Council, with decisions requiring the support of two thirds of those members present and voting. In practical terms, special meetings would be convened on the same date as scheduled Full Council meetings and held immediately before or after the scheduled meeting. 15 117
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4. Proposals 4.1. A review of the Scheme will consider both the current Community Council areas, including the number of Community Councils, and the terms of the Scheme itself which, amongst other things, contains provisions on:- maximum and minimum memberships co-option and limits on co-option minimum meeting requirements elections model Standing Orders and Constitution 4.2. The Improvement Service has produced a Good Practice Guidance for Community Councils which covers the process for such a review. There is also a model scheme on which the current Scheme is to be based, and which will form the basis for the review. 4.3. A possible review timeline, taken from the Best Practice Guidance referred to above, is included in Appendix 2. This should be seen as indicative only, as the time taken for review will vary depending on, among other things, the level of consultation responses received, and the nature of any changes proposed. 4.4. Whilst a Scheme review is not, of itself, a complicated exercise, it involves a high degree of public engagement, that will likely generate a large amount of community interest. At the same time, the Council will want to stimulate interest in those parts of South Lanarkshire that do not at this time have an established Community Council. As noted above, there is no fixed period after which a Scheme should be reviewed. The Scheme has not been formally reviewed since 2014, albeit minor changes were made in September 2018 and December 2020. In addition, given the work involved in a statutory review and the elections that would follow it and considering the scheduled Scottish Parliament and Local Government elections which will be taking place in May 2026 and May 2027 respectively, there is a need to consider the potential timings of such a review. 4.5. Given the above, it is proposed that the next statutory review of the Scheme is commenced in autumn 2027, following the 2027 Local Government elections. This would enable the new Council to shape the review, and see it concluded during a year in which there are no scheduled electoral events. 4.6. The Scheme currently provides for 4 yearly elections. The last set was held in October 2022, and it is intended that a further set would be held in October 2026, which would help support the current arrangements continuing until the proposed review is completed. 4.7. It is proposed that the details from this report will be shared with all local elected representatives, including all elected members, and all Community Councils. 4.8. In advance of a proposal being brought forward to Full Council on how the review is undertaken, feedback will be sought from Community Councils and local elected representatives on their views around this, and areas that the review should specifically consider. A report will be brought back to this Committee in advance of that feedback being sought. 118
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5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications from this report. 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. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. There is no need for an integrated impact assessment (IIA) or formal consultation to be undertaken at this time. However, an IIA will be undertaken as part of the review of the Scheme, and there will also be extensive public consultation undertaken. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 15 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Fair, open and sustainable Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council of 16 December 2020 and 9 July 2014 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 119
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Appendix 1 – List of Community Councils No. Name Active at October 2025 1 Royal Burgh of Lanark Yes 2 New Lanark No 3 Lesmahagow Yes 4 Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill No 5 Black Mount Yes 6 Symington Yes 7 Biggar Yes 8 Leadhills Yes 9 Crawford and Elvanfoot No 10 Duneaton Yes 11 Carmichael Yes 12 Pettinain Yes 13 Quothquan and Thankerton Yes 14 Carstairs Yes 15 Carnwath Yes 16 Douglas Yes 17 Rigside and Douglas Water Yes 18 Coalburn Yes 19 Carluke Yes 20 Forth No 21 Tarbrax, Woolfords, Auchengray and District Yes 22 Calderwood No 23 St Leonards Yes 24 East Mains Yes 25 West Mains No 26 Westwood No 27 Murray No 28 Greenhills and Lindsayfield No 29 Whitehills No 30 Hairmyres No 31 Jackton and Thorntonhall Yes 32 Stewartfield No 33 Auldhouse and Chapelton Yes 34 Strathaven and Glassford Yes 35 Sandford and Upper Avondale Yes 36 Blantyre Yes 37 Burnbank No 38 Hamilton Centre No 39 Whitehill No 40 Bothwell Yes 41 Uddingston Yes 42 Hillhouse No 43 Udston No 44 Wellhall No 120
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45 Earnock No 46 Meikle Earnock No 47 Hamilton Centre and Ferniegair No 48 Low Waters No 49 Silvertonhill No 50 Quarter and Cadzow No 51 Lower Clyde Valley No 52 Larkhall Yes 53 Stonehouse Yes 54 Rutherglen Yes 55 Burnside Yes 56 Cambuslang Yes 57 Halfway Yes 121
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Appendix 2 – Indicative Review Timetable As indicated in the foregoing note, this timeline will vary depending on level of community response and any changes ultimately proposed. Date Event Description 1. Month 0 Special Council Meeting. Both areas and composition and draft Amended Scheme and associated documentation. As part of a report on the current Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils, Council to consider a recommendation to amend the existing Scheme and make a new Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2. Month 0 Publish Public Notice. Areas/Composition. Give public notice of the Council’s intention to amend the existing Scheme and make a new Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. Period of 8 weeks 3. Month 3 Special Council Meeting. Areas/Composition. Council to consider suggestions from the first consultation period and agree a Draft Amended Scheme for consultation. 4. Month 3 Publish Public Notice. Draft Amended Scheme and associated documentation. Give public notice of the Council’s Draft Amended Scheme. Period of 8 weeks 5. Month 6 Special Council Meeting Draft Amended Scheme and associated documentation. Council to consider suggestions to the Draft Amended Scheme and agree a final Draft Amended Scheme for consultation. 6. Month 6 Publish Public Notice. Both. Give public notice of the Council’s final Draft Amended Scheme for the establishment of Community Councils. Period of 4 weeks 7. Month 9 Special Council Meeting. Both. Council to consider suggestions to the final Draft Amended Scheme; alter if required; and formally approve the Amended Scheme. 8. Month 10 Publish Public Notice. Establishment Process/Notice for currently non-established Community Council areas. Give public notice of the Council’s Amended Scheme; and invitation to electors to apply for establishment (where there is no Community Council currently in existence). 122
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Response to Electoral Commission Consultation on Updated Guidance for Returning Officers: Assistance with Voting for Disabled People 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise members of the recent consultation launched by the Electoral Commission: Updated Guidance for Returning Officers – Assistance with voting for disabled voters set out the steps the Returning Officer and his team will take to comply with this guidance, including current ongoing work to improve accessibility for voters with disabilities [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) to note the contents of this report and the consultation response at Appendix 1 which was submitted before the consultation closed on 26 October 2025; and (2) to note the ongoing work being undertaken by the Returning Officer and his team as set out in Section 5 of the report. [1recs] 3. Background and Legislation 3.1. On 4 August 2025, the Electoral Commission (“the Commission”) launched a consultation seeking responses from Returning Officers (RO) and their teams, on their updated guidance on assistance with voting for disabled voters. 3.2. To help inform the proposed amendments to the current guidance, the Commission engaged with a range of stakeholders including charity and third-sector organisations across the whole of the UK. These organisations represent people with physical and learning disabilities, mental health conditions and invisible disabilities. 3.3. The consultation was open until 26 October, and it is intended that responses will inform further developments of the guidance. Updated guidance will be published towards the end of 2025, alongside a full response to the consultation, details of feedback received and how it has been addressed. 16 123
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3.4. Under the Equality Act 2010, ROs have a duty to anticipate the needs of disabled voters and make reasonable adjustments to remove substantial disadvantage for those voters. This means they must take steps to understand and anticipate, on an ongoing basis, the needs of disabled voters – with different types of disability, support and access requirements within their area so that they can make informed decisions about how best to meet these needs by making reasonable adjustments, including providing appropriate equipment and support. This includes the selection of polling venues to ensure accessibility. 3.5. Under the provisions of the Elections Act 2022, for UK Parliamentary elections, ROs are required to provide such equipment as is reasonable to enable or make it easier for disabled people to vote independently and in secret. The Commission is also required to provide guidance to support ROs in delivering these changes, which they must have regard to. 3.6. Ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May 2026, the Scottish Government is introducing legislation via the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025 to align the accessibility provisions for Scottish Parliamentary elections with the changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022. Legislation will follow covering local government elections in Scotland. 4. Consultation and Updated Guidance 4.1. As part of the pre-consultation engagement, organisations and stakeholders were asked about:- the experiences of disabled voters anything they would like to see covered by the guidance or any areas that can be strengthened any amendments to the list of equipment for polling stations that should be considered any examples of good practice 4.2. The Commission also considered the evidence gathered as part of their monitoring and evaluation of the four sets of elections which have taken place across the UK since the changes were first introduced by the Elections Act 2022. 4.3. The following themes emerged from the pre-consultation engagement:- 4.3.1. Support for ROs to understand their equality duties Support is needed to improve RO understanding of their duties under the Equality Act, including the anticipatory duty. There also requires to be more proactive work to understand the needs of voters and the barriers they face when voting in polling stations. 4.3.2. Equipment provided in polling stations Although the list of equipment currently provided was agreed to be helpful to disabled voters, suggestions were made for additional equipment and support that could be considered. For example, further help for blind or partially sighted people so they can vote independently and in secret with the use of different audio solutions, and additional guidance for supporting clinically vulnerable voters. 124
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4.3.3. Polling station staff support Polling station staff are not confident nor consistently able to support disabled voters or voters with health conditions to cast their vote independently and in secret. Improved support and training are needed to help polling station staff understand their role in making voting accessible for disabled voters. 4.3.4. Communications Improved communication strategies and approaches are needed to raise awareness of accessibility support available in polling stations. Communications to disabled electors need to be consistently accessible and the approach to engaging and sharing information with different voters needs to be more inclusive. 4.4. Changes to Guidance To address the feedback received, the Commission made a number of changes to the existing guidance, which forms the basis of the consultation: 4.4.1. Returning Officer duties This section covers the new legislative provisions so that the guidance is applicable to all polls across the UK. The wording around the duties of the RO has also been strengthened, to draw out links to the Public Sector Equality Duty. The importance of ROs considering the wide range of equality responsibilities when making decisions and of being proactive in contacting electors and local groups to support making informed decisions about the provision of appropriate equipment has also been highlighted. 4.4.2. Equipment and support in the polling station There have been no changes to the list of equipment that should, as a minimum, be provided in the polling station, as the evidence from previous polls does not suggest that changes are needed. However, in response to feedback received after the 2024 UK General Election and in the pre-consultation engagement work, the list of equipment and support that ROs may also provide to reference the range of audio solutions available to blind and partially sighted electors has been updated. This now includes:- the provision of a combined audio tactile device the provision of recordings of ballot paper details accessed by a QR code or telephone helpline, either accessed in the polling station or beforehand, used in conjunction with the tactile voting device, or other equipment Specific reference has also been made to the provision of face masks and additional support that can be provided to clinically vulnerable people when managing any voter ID requirements in the polling station. 4.4.3. Staff training The guidance has been updated to emphasise the importance of staff being approachable and professional for voters, and that training needs to specifically cover what support they can provide to disabled voters, how to use the equipment that has been provided, and making sure the equipment is readily available for voters when they come to vote. 125
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4.4.4. Public awareness The importance of ROs providing information about what help is available in polling stations has been emphasised, making sure that communications are accessible and inclusive. The need for communications plans to be part of both early planning and post-election review, with a view to continuous improvement, has also been stressed. 4.4.5. Resources Links to resources to support voters in accessible formats has also been included. The Commission have endorsed a range of voter-facing resources by disability charities including United Response, RNID and RNIB. These include information on how to register to vote, the voter ID requirement (where applicable), what to expect at the polling station, and what support is available to disabled voters throughout the voting process. This suite of resources will continue to be updated to support ROs. 4.5. Consultation Survey The consultation survey posed a series of yes/no questions to ROs, with the opportunity to add additional comment should the selected answer be no. The final question asked for any other comments on the guidance. Whilst brief, it provided an opportunity for ROs to provide any constructive feedback or raise any issues where compliance would be problematic. 4.6. The RO team at South Lanarkshire Council took the opportunity to review the proposed guidance against our existing guidance, and ongoing work, and whilst the Council’s consultation response was brief, we believe the refreshed guidance is reasonable, thorough and we do not anticipate any issues in achieving compliance. The Council’s response to the consultation can be found at Appendix 1. 5. Ongoing work to improve voter accessibility 5.1. In advance of the May 2026 elections and following feedback from voters and staff at the recent Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, there are a number of ongoing initiatives within the Elections Office to improve voter accessibility for disabled voters, and to ensure compliance with the updated guidance. 5.2. To support the Council’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity during the election period, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will be booked to attend in person both the pre and post nomination candidate and agent briefing sessions. Recordings will be available for future reference. This will help ensure that information is accessible to all prospective candidates and agents, promote equal participation in the democratic process and demonstrate good practice in meeting the diverse needs of our communities. 5.3. In terms of staff training, there is an ongoing re-write to the training programme which elections staff undertake, particularly for those who are working at polling stations. This new training programme will be delivered face-to-face, to allow staff to familiarise themselves with the equipment available for disabled voters on polling day; this can be a concern amongst polling staff themselves, where they do not feel confident assisting disabled voters. The polling day guidance will also be updated to mandate that the equipment should be clearly visible, and not in the polling day bag, to allow voters or those assisting voters to ask for support should they require it. 126
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5.4. A review of the Council’s BSL videos on elections has also been undertaken, to ensure the content remains fit for purpose. This review was undertaken in conjunction with colleagues in the Council’s equality policy team. Engagement will continue with this team in the run up to the election to ensure that any other needs of disabled voters are taken into account. 5.5. Dialogue is ongoing on a national level, managed by the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, to develop additional accessibility support for voters. This includes a tactile overlay which will provide braille and embossed numbering for ballot papers, allowing visually impaired voters to vote independently with more confidence. The overlay has been trialled successfully by visually impaired users and refined based on their feedback. A national telephone support line is also proposed which will provide audio files for each ballot paper and constituency, with a dedicated public awareness campaign to promote it, once developed. 5.6. An interim review of the Council’s Polling Scheme is currently ongoing, the closing date for consultation responses being 31 October 2025. As part of this review, feedback was sought from interested parties, including organisations representing the disabled, on how accessible the Council’s current polling places are, and whether there are any barriers to our existing polling places. A report detailing the outcome of this review is intended to be presented to Full Council on 10 December 2025. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. None. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. There are no financial implications directly arising from this report. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability and the environment directly arising from this report. 9. Other Implications 9.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within 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. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 23 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References None 127
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List of Background Papers Guidance for Returning Officers – Assistance with voting for disabled voters Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Nikki Jarvie, Elections Manager and Depute Returning Officer Ext : 4872 (Tel : 01698 454872) E-mail : nikki.jarvie@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 128
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Appendix 1 – Response to Consultation Questions Q1. Disabled people face barriers when voting in elections. Does the guidance help Returning Officers to understand these barriers? Yes No Don’t know Q1a. Is there anything we could add or change in the guidance to improve this? No – the guidance is comprehensive and clearly explains the barriers disabled people face. Q2. Does the guidance support Returning Officers to understand what their legal responsibilities are in relation to supporting disabled people to vote at a polling station, and how to meet them? Yes No Don’t know Q2a. Is there anything we could add or change in the guidance to improve this? No – the guidance clearly sets out the legal responsibilities of the Returning Officer. Q3. The guidance sets out a minimum list of equipment that should be provided in all polling stations, and further equipment that Returning Officers could provide if appropriate. Do you think that the information in the guidance on equipment and support is appropriate? Yes No Don’t know Q3a. Is there anything we could add or change in the guidance to improve this? No – the minimum requirements are clear, and the suggested additional equipment is also appropriate. 16 129
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Q4. Does the guidance help Returning Officers to raise public awareness of the support available for disabled people voting at polling stations, and how they can request additional equipment and support? Yes No Don’t know Q4a. Is there anything we could add or change in the guidance to improve this? No – the guidance fully explains how Returning Officers and their teams can raise public awareness and also signposts to other areas of support. Q5. Does the guidance provide Returning Officers with the information they need to assess their current accessibility measures and identify ways to improve them for future elections? Yes No Don’t know Q5a. Is there anything we could add or change in the guidance to improve this? No – overall the guidance is clear, easily understood and helpful. Q6. Do you have any other comments you would like to make on the guidance? Firstly, thank you for this guidance. It is clear, constructive and supports our ongoing work to improve accessibility in elections for disabled voters. We are committed to removing barriers and this guidance has allowed us to reflect on what further steps we must take. The guidance strikes the right balance by providing sufficient direction to inform practice while avoiding an overly prescriptive approach, allowing for local flexibility, innovation and allowing us to adapt to feedback from both voters and polling staff. Background Who we are The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity. We provide comprehensive guidance for ROs, which covers information about what they should be doing to help support disabled voters to participate. It includes specific resources to help and support disabled voters at polling stations. For example, we produce a polling station accessibility checklist to highlight practical accessibility 130
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considerations, and a handbook for polling station staff with information on how to ensure voting at the polling station is accessible. We have also worked with RNIB and Mencap to create videos for use during polling station staff training, to help staff better understand the challenges disabled voters may face when going to a polling station. You can find out more about our role and responsibilities on our website. Legislation The UK Elections Act 2022 included provisions relating to assisting disabled people to vote whether they are blind, partially sighted, or have another disability, and these provisions have been in effect for reserved elections since 2023. We published the first version of the guidance in 2023. We undertook an initial six-week public consultation in September 2022 on the draft guidance followed by a further six- week statutory consultation in December 2022 (Opens in new window via links). Governments in both Scotland and Wales have now legislated to introduce the same provisions for Scottish Parliamentary elections and Senedd elections respectively. These provisions will require ROs to provide such equipment as is reasonable for the purposes of enabling, or making it easier for, relevant persons to vote independently and in secret. Relevant persons are defined in the legislation as those who find it difficult or impossible to vote due to blindness, partial sight or another disability. Independently refers to voting without assistance from another person, not without any form of assistive device. These provisions will apply to: • Scottish Parliament elections • Senedd elections In future, it is the intention that the provisions will also apply to local government elections in Scotland and Wales, once the legislation for those elections is in place. For Senedd and local government elections in Wales, equivalent provisions were introduced by the rule 37(14) of the Senedd Cymru election rules in Schedule 5 of the draft Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025 and article 14 of the draft Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025 which are due to enter into force this year. 131
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 9 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill: Call for Views 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide the Committee with an update on the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill (the Bill) currently being considered by the Scottish Parliamentary Scrutiny Committee and to note 2 responses on behalf of the Council submitted prior to the deadlines of 22 October and 6 November 2025, on the Bill and the associated Financial Memorandum 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the contents of this report be noted; and (2) that the responses issued on behalf of the Council in advance of the Call for Views deadline of 22 October 2025, and the separate response issued on the Financial Memorandum on the Bill in advance of the deadline of 6 November 2025, as set out in Appendix 1 and 2 to this report be noted. 3. Background – Current Freedom of Information Legislation 3.1. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) gives a general right to information held by Scottish public authorities. It operates within a wider legislative landscape on access to information which includes the Environmental Information Regulations (Scotland) 2004 (EIRs), and regulation of access to and disclosure of personal information under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. A wide range of public bodies (listed in the Schedule 1 to FOISA) including the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament, local authorities, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Registered Social Landlords are subject to FOISA. The Scottish Government has the power to designate further organisations as public bodies under FOISA with approval of the Scottish Parliament. This has led to organisations including housing associations (RSLs), privately run prisons, sports and cultural trusts created by public authorities and grant aided and special schools coming under the scope of FOISA. 17 133
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3.2. Public authorities are required to respond to requests for information “promptly” and within twenty working days and are required to publish information under the “publication scheme duty”. This scheme outlines the information already published, where it can be found, and the costs (if any) a public authority charges to provide it. A link to the Council’s Publication Scheme is available in the list of background papers below. 3.3. Requests for information can be refused if:- the authority does not hold the information requested the information is already available not enough detail has been provided by the requester to enable the authority to respond to the request, which may result in the authority asking for “reasonable” clarification, with the effect that the ‘clock’ is reset once clarification has been provided it would cost the authority more than £600 to provide the information (based on a capped rate of £15 per hour of time incurred in doing so) the request is recorded as “vexatious” because it disrupts the authority’s work in an unreasonable way the requester has asked for information in a format the authority cannot reasonably provide the information requested is exempt from disclosure by reason of a provision in FOISA/EIRs e.g. confidentiality 3.4. Requesters can request an internal review if they are dissatisfied with the response they have received. The Council has procedures in place to deal with such internal reviews. If the requester is unhappy with the authority’s handling of the review, they may appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC). A requester may also appeal to the Court of Session if they believe that a decision of the Commissioner is based on an incorrect understanding of a point of law. The First Minister may also overturn a decision notice issued by the Commissioner by issuing a “ministerial certificate”. 3.5. In addition to the legislation, there are two codes of practices that Scottish Ministers have produced and maintain under FOISA, and which public authorities should follow: the Code of Practice on the Discharge of Functions by Scottish Public Authorities and the Code of Practice on Records Management by Scottish Public Authorities. 3.6. By way of context, in 2024/25 the Council received approximately 1,600 information requests under FOISA and 300 under the EIRs. According to the information published with the Bill, in the same period NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde received approximately 1,400 requests under FOISA. 4. The Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, Context and “Call for Views” 4.1. On 1 November 2022, Katy Clark MSP produced a draft proposal for a Member’s Bill which aimed to “reform Freedom of Information legislation in Scotland”. Consultation on the Bill was carried out between 2022 and 2023, and a public awareness research exercise was then carried out by the SIC in 2024 into attitudes towards freedom of information law and rights. Responses and outcomes in relation to both are included in the list of background papers. 134
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4.2. The Bill was introduced on 2 June 2025 and proposes to make a number of key changes to FOISA. The stated aim of the Bill is to enhance the public’s right to information and improve transparency among public authorities. In summary it includes the following changes:- Presumption in favour of disclosure: A new general presumption that information should be disclosed unless an “absolute exemption” applies Extension of FOI: The Scottish Parliament would have powers to designate additional bodies as being subject to FOISA, including contractors delivering services on behalf of public authorities Changing Response Times: A "clock pause" mechanism for response ▪ periods while clarification is awaited No More Publication Schemes: The requirement to maintain a publication scheme would be replaced by a proactive publication duty supported by a new publication code of practice Appointment of Freedom of Information Officers, being a new statutory post: The reasoning for this is to help improve compliance with FOISA and includes public authority obligations and prescribes FOI Officer “tasks” Strengthened Enforcement Powers: The Scottish Information Commissioner's powers would be enhanced, allowing referrals to the Court of Session for non- compliance with timescales and the Codes of Practice 4.3. The Bill is currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament. The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments (SPPA) Committee of the Scottish Parliament sought views by 22 October 2025 to inform the Committee’s scrutiny of the Bill and to help the Committee understand if the stated aims outlined above are likely to be achieved. In summary, having considered the Bill, the Council’s position is that a number of the proposals would create further pressure on the Council both financially and from a resourcing perspective. Given the timescales for responding to the Call for Views a response was issued on behalf of the Council in advance of the 22 October deadline, a copy of that response being included in Appendix 1 to this report. 4.4. There was a separate Call for Views on the Financial Memorandum which was also issued in respect of the Bill. The deadline for responses to that was 6 November 2025. Again, given these timescales a response was issued on behalf of the Council in advance of the deadline, a copy of that response being included in Appendix 2 to this report. 4.5. Following consideration of responses received, the SPPA will then publish a Stage 1 report before the debate on the general principles of the Bill takes place. It is not clear whether all the requisite stages of this Bill will progress in a manner which will result in the Bill becoming law by the Scottish Parliamentary Elections cut-off which is likely to be mid-March 2026. If enacted in its current form, the legislation would significantly broaden the scope of freedom of information law in Scotland, potentially bringing a wider range of service providers under its remit and increasing internal administrative responsibilities related to FOISA compliance. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications directly arising from this report. 135
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6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications directly arising from this report. The Council has concerns over the potential financial implications of the Bill, were it to become law, and these are covered in the consultation responses. 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. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. There is no need for an integrated impact assessment or formal consultation to be undertaken at this time. Members of the Council’s Corporate Management Team and the cross-service Information Governance Board were made aware of this call for views, and feedback sought on the Council’s response on the Bill in advance of it being submitted. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 21 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Fair, open and sustainable Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References None List of Background Papers Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill as introduced Guide to the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme - South Lanarkshire Council FOI/EIR: section 60 code of practice - gov.scot Section 61 code of practice on records management - gov.scot Consultation Results Summary: https://www.parliament.scot/- /media/files/legislation/proposed-members-bills/final-version--foi-consultation- summary.pdf SIC 2024 Poll Report https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2024- 05/Public%20Awareness%20Research%20Report%202024.pdf 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 136
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APPENDIX 1 – Response Issued to Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill: Call for views Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill: Call for views Q Page 1 1. To what extent do you believe the proposals in the Bill will help achieve its primary aim of improving transparency in Scotland by strengthening the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002? South Lanarkshire Council supports the aim of improving transparency and people’s access to information rights subject to measured exemptions and restrictions but is concerned that some of the proposals in the Bill will not do so in a proportionate manner, given the duties local authorities are already under and the current resource challenges facing the sector. The Council would question the necessity of the legislation, without additional resources being made available to assist organisations with implementation and ongoing future compliance. The Council is particularly concerned about the risk of deterring private organisations from bidding for public sector contracts, and the likely additional costs which would be passed on to the public sector, should companies providing services to public authorities be included within the scope of the Freedom of Information regime. 2. Do you support the proposal that when a public authority is deciding whether to withhold information under a qualified exemption, it must begin from the position that the information should be disclosed? This is unlikely to have any significant impact on public authorities and is a familiar concept in that there is a similar provision in Regulation 10(2)(b) of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. It is noted that this proposal does not apply to information where an absolute exemption applies. It would, however, assist were the Bill to be clear in what instances the presumption can be rebutted. 3. Do you agree with the repeal of the current provisions in relation to publication schemes and the introduction of a proactive publication duty and code of practice? South Lanarkshire Council would, in principle, welcome a general obligation to take reasonable steps to organise the information it holds in relation to its functions (where it is relevant to the public interest) and make that information available to the public in an accessible form and manner. However, it is satisfied that the current arrangements in place are sufficient for these purposes, when the volume and breadth of information held by the authority is considered and the ongoing maintenance that the publication would then require. However, a broad statutory duty to publish information is not supported by South Lanarkshire Council as it believes this is not proportionate, both in terms of cost and resourcing, unless additional resources are made available to assist local authorities with implementation and ongoing future compliance), and could result in resources being diverted from elsewhere in order to meet this further statutory duty. This proposal, as currently drafted, is quite high-level, and more details setting out what such a duty would involve, how this would be reflected in any new code of practice issued by the Commissioner under section 60B and how this would be enforced is crucial to understand the full extent and impact of this provision. As matters stand, the current position is considered sufficient, while also providing authorities with discretion to proactively publish more information, where that is felt appropriate. 137
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Q Page 2 1. Do you support the proposal that the 20-day period for a response to be provided should be paused rather than reset in relation to requests on which the public body seeks clarification from the requester? Excluding from the calculation of the 20- day response period any time between the authority requesting more information and receiving that information will place further pressures on local authorities and is not supported. While South Lanarkshire Council makes every effort to seek clarification at the earliest opportunity as required by the section 60 code of practice, it is not always possible to do so, and, as there is no provision permitting an extension of time to respond to complex or large volume requests (as there is in the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004) this would add further resourcing pressures on local authorities in such cases. In addition, it is understood that local authorities are experiencing more complex requests and more often (possibly generated by AI). These take more time and invariably involve more resources to gather the information for a response and to identify whether clarification is required. This proposal would place an additional burden on resources and could lead to an increase in late responses and potentially more reviews requests and, as a result, is unlikely to enhance the requester’s rights in a meaningful way. 2. Do you think that the provisions of the Bill in relation to the reporting by Scottish Ministers of the use of ‘section 5’ powers to designate new public authorities would, as the Policy Memorandum contends, “incentivise Scottish Ministers to regularly use their section 5 powers and at a pace which enables the system of independent regulation to operate effectively”? South Lanarkshire Council is not in a position to comment on this question. However, as noted above, the Council is concerned in respect of the proposals around the designation of new public authorities. We comment more on this in the final section of this submission. 3. Do you support the requirement for all public authorities subject to the Act to designate a Freedom of Information officer? South Lanarkshire Council does not support a new statutory Freedom of Information Officer and regards this as unnecessary. The introduction of this new role as outlined in the proposed section 61B and the prescriptive nature of the tasks outlined in section 61C would be a disproportionate response and a further significant burden on resources. Like many other local authorities, South Lanarkshire Council has a clear and robust framework for Freedom of Information requests overseen by an internal cross-service Information Governance Board, chaired by the Council’s Monitoring Officer, and would suggest that a more flexible and proportionate approach would be to allow each public authority to decide - based on its own requirements, size and structure - the most appropriate way to comply with FOISA, rather than this being prescribed in the manner proposed. In addition, decentralisation of FOISA responsibilities in large public authorities is not uncommon, and this proposal would add further difficulties in relation to who would be designated in such a role, particularly given the specific requirements imposed in terms of section 61B and C. While such organisations, including the Council, already have a designated Data Protection Officer (DPO), in respect of which there are analogous and linked duties around information governance and information requests, it is submitted that it would be inappropriate to assume that this role could be taken on by existing DPOs as this would simply add further significant duties without due regard for the operational and resource challenges and further cost implications which would inevitably be caused for public authorities of all sizes. 138
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The provisions in section 61B(3) are of particular concern and South Lanarkshire Council does not support a statutory obligation on public authorities to provide the Freedom of Information Officer with the “necessary resources” to enable them to perform the prescribed statutory “tasks” and to maintain their “expert knowledge”. The tasks set out in section 61C are overly prescriptive and create further obligations for public authorities. Given the nature of the Freedom of Information regime, the rights and duties already in place, and in the absence of any substantiated need for such a role and additional resources to support the creation of the role on a sustainable basis, It should be for individual authorities to determine how they should direct their limited resources to deliver their services and discharge their duties. Q Page 3 1. The Bill proposes the introduction of an offence to prevent destruction of information with the intent to prevent disclosure, even when no information request has been made. Do you support this proposal? South Lanarkshire Council does not support this proposal and sees it as unnecessary and very likely to create significant confusion. From a practical point of view, it is not clear how this offence (the intention) would be evidenced or how the offence would be enforced. There is a risk that routine disposal of information at a time when no information request has been made could later be said to be an offence, just because such a request might have been later made. This could also risk authorities having to ensure they had ability to store more information that might otherwise have been destroyed, physical and electronic, with the associated cost and no additional funding being provided to meet this South Lanarkshire Council would suggest that this is already dealt with sufficiently in the Scottish Public Records Act and the sections 60 and 61 codes of practice and appropriate updates to the new codes of practice could sufficiently deal with this matter. 2. Do you support the proposal to remove the power of the First Minister to ‘veto’ certain decision of the Scottish Information Commissioner in relation to information deemed to be of “exceptional sensitivity”? South Lanarkshire Council has no comment to make in response to this question. 3. Do you support the proposals to strengthen the general functions and enforcement powers of the Scottish Information Commissioner, and to introduce an exemption for information provided to the Commissioner during the investigation of appeals? South Lanarkshire Council is generally supportive of an appropriately resourced regulator with reasonable powers to discharge the functions conferred upon it. Comments on some of the specific proposals are as follows: Section 12 – Enforcement notices The power to issue enforcement notices in respect of a failure by a Scottish public authority to comply with a provision of a code of practice is noted. While the Scottish Information Commissioner is understood to currently issue many fewer enforcement notices than decision notices, this could add further pressure on public authorities should there be a trend towards increasing the use of such notices for this purpose, and could be excessive. The Council is also not clear that the necessity of the proposed changes have been demonstrated. If used, timescales for complying should be reasonable and proportionate to the nature and severity of the failure to comply. Consulting with the Keeper of the Records of Scotland before issuing enforcement notices under the section 61 code of practice 139
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appears to be reasonable and is consistent with the current requirement to consult the Keeper before issuing a practice recommendation. Section 14 – Failure to comply with notice Referring a public authority’s failure to comply with a deadline in a decision notice issued by Commissioner to the Court of Session and dealing with the failure as if this is a contempt of Court is not inconsistent with other sanctions available to more serious failures to comply with enforcement action. South Lanarkshire Council is concerned, however, that such a new power (or the threat of using it) could be used in a manner which would place further and unreasonable pressures on local authorities. It is suggested that the necessity for this should be explored further and at the same time other options should be considered, such as publishing a failure to comply with such a deadline and naming the public authority concerned. Q Page 4 1. Do you have any views on the estimated costs and savings associated with the proposed changes set out in the Bill? There is significant concern around the apparent lack of appreciation and understanding about the current cost and resource implications of FOISA and the Council is of the view that further consideration should be given to the operational requirements to meet these obligations and the additional costs of the proposals in the Bill. In particular, the Financial Memorandum notes that “This Bill will lead to savings for bodies who are currently designated by greater use of proactive publication with streamlined processes.” The Council, however, is not clear the basis upon which this has been substantiated, given the additional resources that would be required to comply with the additional requirements as currently set in the Bill, and other associated impacts. There is also a lack of clarity around how many of the proposals in the Bill would work in practice, such as the proactive publication proposal. This is of real concern given the demanding operational issues and financial challenges facing local authorities which are likely to be more difficult in the coming years. As such, and for the reasons set out in this response, the Council is very concerned that the Bill, were it to become law, would result in significant additional unbudgeted resource pressures for the Council, unless additional resources are made available to assist local authorities with implementation and ongoing future compliance 2. Please use the text box below to set out any further comments you wish to make about the Bill. The Council suggests that further consideration should be given to the necessity for and the proportionality of some of the proposals within the Bill, particularly given the resource constraints faced by local authorities. The Council is concerned in respect of the proposals around the designation of new public authorities, in the context of a local authority setting, that there is a risk of deterring private bodies from bidding for public sector contracts, if there is the potential they could come within the scope of the Freedom of Information regime. It is also likely that such obligations would incur additional costs which would be passed on to the public sector. There is also a risk this could place Scottish-based companies at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to companies based outwith Scotland as the Scottish company would need to factor in FOI compliance costs which their non-Scottish counterparts would not need to include. It is also unclear from the draft Bill how far down the supply chain these provisions 140
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are intended to apply. The Council is concerned as to how this fits with other priorities for local government such as Community Wealth Building. In addition, it is not clear how would this approach work in practice, is it for contract length only or retrospective and is it also intended to apply to third sector providers? The Council has nothing further to add. 141
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APPENDIX 2 – Response Issued to Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill: Call for views Financial Memorandum: Call for views 1. Did you take part in any consultation exercise preceding the Bill and, if so, did you comment on the financial assumptions made? No, the Council did not. 2. If applicable, do you believe your comments on the financial assumptions have been accurately reflected in the FM? Not applicable. 3. Did you have sufficient time to contribute to the consultation exercise? Not applicable, but we had sufficient time to respond to the Call for Views on the Bill, although more time would have been helpful. 4. If the Bill has any financial implications for you or your organisation, do you believe that they have been accurately reflected in the FM? If not, please provide details. The Council supports the aim of improving transparency and people’s access to information rights subject to measured exemptions and restrictions but is concerned that some of the proposals in the Bill will not do so in a proportionate manner, given the duties local authorities are already under and the current resource challenges facing the sector. The Council also appreciates the Bill’s intention to deliver cultural change. However, the Bill would have potentially significant financial implications for the Council. As reflected in the Council’s separate response to the Call for Views on the Bill, the Council does not believe these have been accurately reflected in the Financial Memorandum. There is significant concern around the apparent lack of appreciation and understanding about the current cost and resource implications of FOISA and the Council is of the view that further consideration should be given to the operational requirements to meet these obligations and the additional costs of the proposals in the Bill. In particular, the Financial Memorandum notes that “This Bill will lead to savings for bodies who are currently designated by greater use of proactive publication with streamlined processes.” The Council, however, is not clear the basis upon which this has been substantiated, given the additional resources that would be required to comply with the additional requirements as currently set in the Bill, and other associated impacts. The Council is neither clear that it should “make savings from the S3 designations as they should no longer require to administer those organisations FOI applications for them”, and is again not clear the basis upon which this has been substantiated, i.e. where bodies are wholly owned by Scottish public authorities the FOI regime would also apply to them as public owned companies through the Bill. 142
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There neither appears to have been a consideration of the additional cost that might be incurred by private sector companies bidding for Council contracts, should they become subject to the FOI regime, and look to pass such cost onto the Council, or else not bid resulting in reduced competitive tension in such procurement exercises and higher pricing. There is also a lack of clarity around how many of the proposals in the Bill would work in practice, such as the proactive publication proposal. This is of real concern given the demanding operational issues and financial challenges facing local authorities which are likely to be more difficult in the coming years. It is noted that the Financial Memorandum estimated an annual ongoing cost of employing an FOI Officer as between £39,480 and £78,171 b for each body. Even if that costs is correct for the Council that would present a further unbudgeted cost that would need delivered and require a cost saving elsewhere in the Council, and potentially the loss of another post. As such, and for the reasons set out in this response, the Council is very concerned that the Bill, were it to become law, would result in significant additional unbudgeted resource pressures for the Council, unless additional resources are made available to assist local authorities with implementation and ongoing future compliance 5. Do you consider that the estimated costs and savings set out in the FM are reasonable and accurate? For the reasons set out above, the Council does not believe they are in assessing the potential implications of the Bill as a whole. 6. If applicable, are you content that your organisation can meet any financial costs that it might incur as a result of the Bill? If not, how do you think these costs should be met? For the reasons set out above, the Council is not content that it can meet any financial costs that might be so incurred, unless additional resources are made available to assist local authorities with implementation and ongoing future compliance. 7. Does the FM accurately reflect the margins of uncertainty associated with the Bill’s estimated costs and with the timescales over which they would be expected to arise? Given our comments above, the Council does not believe it does. 143
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Annual Procurement Report – 2024/2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] present the Annual Procurement Report for 2024/2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Annual Procurement Report for 2024/2025 be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Procurement (Scotland) Reform Act 2014 requires contracting authorities to prepare and publish an annual procurement report on its regulated procurement activities. 3.2. This report to Committee provides an overview of the annual report highlighting key content from each of the sections. The full annual report is provided as Appendix 1. 4. Annual reporting requirements 4.1. The Act states that the annual report must include:- Regulated procurement activity Procurement strategy Community Wealth Building and Community Benefits Sustainable Procurement and Supported Businesses Future planning Other information 4.2. Section 2: Regulated Procurement Activity 4.2.1. Regulated procurement is defined by the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 as any procurement with an estimated value of over £50,000 for supplies or services or £2 million for works contracts. The Council includes all awards over £50,000 in the Annual Report for transparency. 4.2.2. The Council’s contract awards in 2024/2025, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the annual report, totalled 213 contracts (over £50,000) with a total value of £250 million. This compares to 196 contracts for the same period in 2023/2024. 18 145
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4.3. Section 3: Regulated Procurement Compliance 4.3.1. This section sets out how procurements carried out demonstrated compliance with the Council’s Procurement Strategy and Procurement regulations. 4.3.2. The Procurement Strategy 2023 to 2028 was endorsed by Finance and Corporate Resources Committee on 3 May 2023 and approved by the Executive Committee on 17 May 2023. The Strategy is subject to annual review, including an action plan to ensure continuous improvement across procurement activity and an update on the Procurement Strategy for 2024/2025 was reported to this Committee on 22 May 2024. The Annual Report highlights actions completed during 2024/2025, including improved levels of local spend, efficiencies delivered by the procured spend review and improvements in Community Benefit monitoring. 4.3.3. The Annual Report also outlines the Council’s arrangements to ensure compliance, transparency and Value for Money. 4.4. Section 4: Community Wealth Building and Community Benefits 4.4.1. This section of the annual report has been developed to focus on procurement outcomes from the Community Wealth Building Strategy, including levels of local spend. Local spend improved from 19% in 2023/2024 to 25% in 2024/2025, representing £108 million of spend with local enterprises. There are a number of local enterprises with positive improved spend positions in comparison to last year, including social care providers, vehicle purchases, transport contractors and construction companies. In addition, data cleansing and improved definition of local companies with the National Observatory data analytics has contributed to the improved position. 4.4.2. The Council’s approach to secure Community Benefits is outlined in the Annual Report. In 2024/2025, 339 Community Benefit commitments from 109 contracts are detailed, in comparison to 131 Community Benefits secured in 2023/2024 from 31 contracts. Case studies of appropriate projects are included, including contracts with Findel Education and Wellwood Communications. The delivery status of Community Benefits is also included. 4.5. Section 5: Sustainable Procurement and Supported Businesses 4.5.1. This section of the report provides an update on the Council’s progress in embedding the Scottish Government’s sustainable procurement tools and examples of sustainable outcomes. Positive sustainable outcomes in procurement include compliance with Fair Work First guidance, provision of guidance to Resources for sustainability questions to support the mandated 30% sustainability score in tenders and use of the sustainability test to embed sustainability measures in the Passenger Transport, Boiler and New Build Housing tenders. 4.5.2. The Council’s responsibility to facilitate the involvement of supported businesses in procurement is also outlined in this section. Supported businesses are enterprises whose main aim is to integrate disabled or disadvantaged people socially and professionally. Their workforce must be at least 30% disabled or disadvantaged, as specified in EU Directive 2014/24/EU. The Council’s contractual activity with supported businesses and social enterprises is noted, including Haven Products, Hey Girls and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. 146
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4.6. Section 6: Future Planning 4.6.1. A summary of the regulated procurements the authority expects to award in the next 2 years, including renewals and new contracts, is included in Appendix 3 of the report, which has been developed following procurement service planning consultation with Resources. 4.6.2. The procurement programme for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 contains a significant volume of projects, including high value construction, IT and economic development projects and continuing phases of the various Education and Social Care long-term Procured Service Arrangements. 4.7. Section 7: Further information 4.7.1. Information to be included in this section is not prescribed, however, the Council has highlighted several areas, including local and SME spend analysis and invoicing and e-invoicing performance information for 2024/2025. 4.7.2. As referenced at 4.4.1, spend in the South Lanarkshire area (for all contractors, including SMEs) increased to 25%. 4.7.3. A geographical analysis of spend is included in the annual procurement report and quantifies spend for the wider Lanarkshire area (35%), Glasgow City Region (51%) and across Scotland (63%): positively, spend retained within the Glasgow City Region increased by 6% in 2024/2025. 4.7.4. The Procurement Service continue to work in partnership with the Economic Development Service and the Supplier Development Programme to improve the participation of local SMEs in Council contracts, an area of focus in the spend pillar of the Council’s Community Wealth Building strategy. 4.7.5. An analysis of the impact on local spend through collaborative arrangements is also included in the annual report, noting that £5.8 million (13%) of South Lanarkshire Council spend via Scotland Excel frameworks is with local enterprises, a decrease from £6.7 million in 2023/2024. In 2024/2025, £69 million of spend was directed to South Lanarkshire companies from Scotland Excel in total (spend via all local authorities), a slight decrease from £70 million in 2023/2024. 4.7.6. Council spend with Hub South West reduced to £1.9m in 2024/2025 (of which no spend was with local enterprises), compared to £10.6 million in 2023/2024 (£2.7 million of local spend). However, Hub South West’s total sub-contracted spend in South Lanarkshire increased from £4.1 million to £33.8 million, confirming the wider economic benefits from collaboration. 4.7.7. The Annual Procurement Report 2024/2025 is attached as an Appendix for noting and publication thereafter. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. The forward programme presents a significant number of projects for delivery by the Procurement Team, at a time when the recruitment of experienced procurement staff continues to be extremely challenging. The recruitment programme of procurement graduates supports the capacity of the team. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. The financial implications of procured spend is accounted for within Resource budgets. 147
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7. Other Implications 7.1. Given the large volume of projects identified in the forward programme there is a risk that some procurement activity may be affected due to resourcing challenges. Projects will therefore continue to be prioritised and assessed to minimise the risk of disruption. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 28 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Previous References Annual Procurement Report 2023/2024, Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 30 October 2024 Procurement Strategy 2023-2028, Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 3 May 2023 Procurement Strategy review 2024/2025, Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 22 May 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:- Craig Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions) Ext: 4951 (Tel: 01698 454951) E-mail: craig.fergusson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 148
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Finance and Corporate Resources Executive Director Jackie Taylor Annual Procurement Report 2024/2025 If you need this information in another language or format, please contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs. Phone 0303 123 1015 or email equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.UK 18 149
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Contents 1. Introduction 2. Regulated Procurement Activity 3. Regulated Procurement Compliance 4. Community Wealth Building and Community Benefits 5. Sustainable Procurement and Supported Business 6. Future Regulated Procurements 7. Further Information Appendix 1: Contracts Awarded Appendix 2: Procurement Strategy Action Plan Appendix 3: Future Regulated Procurements 150
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1. Introduction South Lanarkshire Council’s Procurement Service supports the delivery of works, supplies and services across the Council and has a vital role in ensuring services operate efficiently and effectively. The report details the Council’s regulated procurement activity for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, as required by the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. During this period, the Council’s total procured spend was £476m. Our annual report will publish the Council’s performance in procurement activity by providing the following information: • a summary of regulated procurements, including all procurements over £50,000. • a review of whether those procurements complied with our published Procurement Strategy and where they did not, a statement on how we intend to achieve compliance. • a review of Community Wealth Building activity and summary of Community Benefits achieved. • a summary of progress in facilitating the involvement of Supported Businesses. • a summary of future regulated procurement, including all procurements over £50,000 expected to commence in the next two financial years. The Procurement Service continued to support Council services through challenging financial conditions while continuing to focus on the seven objectives of the Council’s Procurement Strategy: Compliance Value for Money Collaborate Contract and Supplier Management Fair Work First Sustainable and Ethical Community Wealth Building 151
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2. Regulated Procurement Activity A regulated procurement is defined by the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 as any procurement with an estimated value of over £50,000 for supplies or services or over £2m for works contracts. A regulated procurement is complete when the contract award notice is published and can include new contracts and framework agreements. In addition, regulated procurements will be subject to the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 where they meet the appropriate thresholds. The Council must follow the relevant procurement rules in respect of planning through to contract award, as detailed in Section 3: Regulated Procurement Compliance. In total, the Council awarded 213 contracts over £50,000 in 2024/2025, with a total award value of £250m, as listed in Appendix 1 (excluding the value of long term frameworks, Dynamic Purchasing Systems and Procured Spend Arrangements). This includes both regulated and non-regulated contracts, with the Council publishing all awards over £50,000 in this Annual Procurement Report for transparency. All live contracts are published in the Council’s online contract register regardless of value. 152
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3. Regulated Procurement Compliance The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 requires all contracting authorities to publish a Procurement Strategy. 2024/2025 was the second year of our Procurement Strategy 2023-2028, which aims to promote best practice across all procurement activity, while supporting the Council’s priorities set out in the strategic plan “Connect”. The strategy is supported by an Action Plan to ensure compliance for all procurement activity, including regulated procurements, and is subject to annual review to reflect new legislative requirements, innovation and updated priorities. A summary of the Council’s strategic procurement objectives is included in Appendix 2. Progress in achieving our Procurement Strategy action plan is monitored by the Council’s Corporate Management Team and Finance and Corporate Resources Committee. Key achievements in 2024/2025 included: • Continuation of the Council’s Procured Spend Review project, with efficiencies of over £2.5m achieved since 2021. • Increased level of spend with local enterprises from 19% to 25% in 2024/2025, representing £108m spent locally, of which £86m was with SMEs. • Implementation of the Council’s new financial management system “Oracle Fu- sion” from April 2024. The new system contributes to improved procurement compliance through an integrated Contract Register with workflow authorisation for contract awards, with spend linked to contract value. • Continued delivery of payment of Living Wage in all Social Care and Early Learn- ing contracts, uplifted in April 2024. • Improved monitoring the Community Benefits delivery through our new software “Cenefits”. Procurement Compliance and Transparency The Council’s procurement activity, including regulated procurements, is undertaken in accordance with a legal and procedural framework to ensure compliance with the procurement regulations. Legal requirements are underpinned by the Council’s Standing Orders on Contracts and procedural arrangements are as set out in the Scottish Government’s Procurement Journey. Additional governance and monitoring arrangements for regulated procurements ensure a robust structure is in place to ensure compliance. At a practical level this consists of the preparation and authorisation of sourcing strategies and tender documentation through to robust arrangements for authorisation of awards. To maintain the highest standards of transparency, the Council’s Standing Orders on Contracts mandate that all contract awards over £50,000 are reported to Committee, with all reports available in the public domain. The Council also maintains a publicly accessible online contracts register with access to all contract awards of all values and we continue to publish our register monthly to ensure transparency. 153
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The Council also has a scrutiny review structure in place to review tendering and award arrangements for high-risk procurements. These arrangements provide assurance that all regulated procurements were materially compliant with the strategy. The Council monitors contractual compliance, with 96% of 2024/2025 spend over £50,000 with contracted suppliers. Arrangements to monitor and control spend compliance to contracts have been improved following the implementation of Oracle Fusion and a quarterly review process is in place to identify and resolve spend with non-contracted suppliers. Value for Money Value for Money in contractual arrangements is a key strategic objective of the Procurement Service and a review of procured spend is one of the Council’s key efficiency review areas led by the Corporate Management Team. The review set ambitious targets to review procured spend across all Council areas and seek deliverable revenue efficiencies: either through review of existing contractual arrangements or by putting new contracts or collaborative agreements in place. In the previous three-year period, total efficiencies of £2.5m have been identified. 154
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4. Community Wealth Building and Community Benefits Community Wealth Building The Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy was approved by the Council in 2021 and sets out five strategic pillars to develop resilient local economies. The “spend” pillar seeks to use the purchasing power of the Council and other local anchor institutions to improve local spending and deliver positive impacts on employment opportunities: the Procurement Service and our colleagues in Economic Development are responsible for delivering the actions for this pillar. Key achievements for the Procurement Service in 2024/2025 included: • £108m spent in the local South Lanarkshire economy, an increase from £67m in 2023/2024 and improving spend levels with local enterprises to 25% of core trade spend. • Continuing to focus on the use of Quick Quote for Works up to £2m to improve the engagement of local enterprises in Council tenders, with 9 local awards totalling £1.7m through this route. • Engagement with local suppliers with the Supplier Development Programme including participation in Meet the Buyer events, Build Lanarkshire and pre- tender opportunity events. • Promotion of subcontracting opportunities for local enterprises with Scotland Excel framework opportunities and HubSW projects. Community Benefits Community Benefit clauses require contactors to deliver long term sustainable social and economic benefits to the South Lanarkshire community, while demonstrating Best Value in contract awards. The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 requires the Council to consider Community Benefits for contract values over £4m, however, the Council will consider inclusion of Community Benefits in all regulated tenders (over £50,000), regardless of value, where appropriate to the supplier, value and duration of the contract. Consideration of Community Benefits is embedded in the Council’s Sourcing Strategy and clearly stated in the tender documents to ensure transparency and fairness in the evaluation process. The Council has a points-based system to target Community Benefits, with the number of points based on the value and duration of the contract. Suppliers select appropriate community benefits from the Council’s menu of deliverables, including employability through apprenticeships, work placements, local employment and engagement with local and SME subcontractors in the supply chain. Since 2023, the Council’s Community Benefit points menu has included scope for commitments from the Community Wish List. In April 2024, the Council went live with a new monitoring system for Community Benefits called “Cenefits” which enables delivery of Community Benefit commitments to be monitored with contracted suppliers. A series of engagement events with Council suppliers were held with the Supplier Development Programme to launch the 155
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Cenefits system and the successful implementation has enabled significant improvements in the Council’s monitoring and delivery of Community Benefits. Of the contracts awarded in 2024/2025, 109 had specific Community Benefit outcomes, with the benefits committed detailed below. Also included in Community Benefit delivery this year was fulfilment of 51 wishes from the Council’s Community Wish List. Community Benefit 2024/2025 2023/2024 Targeted recruitment and training, including apprenticeships and work placements 100 47 Supply Chain Initiatives 25 3 Use of local SME 32 11 Use of social enterprise or supported business 1 - Community consultation 7 4 Young Person engagement 14 2 Educational Career Development support 44 9 Community Endowment 15 8 Local Events 13 6 Physical infrastructure 1 - Local sponsorship 17 5 Mentoring 8 3 Financial donation 35 25 Environmental support in Education 7 2 Environmental improvements 12 2 Other, including public art projects 8 4 Total 339 131 Community Benefits from Scotland Excel frameworks 59 28 Community Benefit status Of the 339 Community Benefits committed in 2024/2025, the following diagram summarises the delivery status of each contract: noting that Community Benefits are delivered over the term of the contract. Community Benefit Delivery 2024/2025 Delivered In Progress Due later in contract Overdue 156
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Community Benefit case studies Supplier: Findel Education Contract: Education Materials Contract duration: 3 years Community Benefit points: 100 Findel Education provide Educational Materials to South Lanarkshire Council schools from the Scotland Excel Education Materials Framework. In June 2024 Findel Education met their annual commitment to deliver Community Benefits via the Community Wish List. Findel made five donations to Community Projects across South Lanarkshire, with a total value of £3,200. Donations included: • Agape Wellbeing Centre in East Kilbride had donations including tables, splash mats, paints and five wheeled storage boxes. • The Village Centre in East Kilbride received 12 new chairs • Friends of Stonehouse Park received 3 outdoor storage boxes, 5 large indoor storage boxes and 5 wheeled storage boxes. • The Creative Crafters Lego group in Rutherglen received a donation of four large packs of Building Plates and a 1000-piece Creative Lego bricks box. • High Blantyre Primary School Parent Council received messy play trays, texture blocks, sensory toys, a floor cushion and a chair. These donations from Findel have been invaluable contributions to these groups, supporting each of them to continue to provide services and activities with their communities. Supplier: Wellwood Communication Ltd Contract: Telephony and Communications Services Contract duration: 2 years Community Benefit points: 165 Wellwood Communications Ltd were awarded a two-year contract via a Scottish Government Dynamic Purchasing System to provide Telephony and Communications Services to the Council. 165 Community Benefits points were attributed to the contract. A range of commitments were made under the Councils Community Benefit Menu which included: • Recruitment of an employee • 1 work experience opportunity • Supporting Supplier Chain Initiatives • Use of Local SMEs • Educational Career development opportunities to local Secondary Schools • Mentoring a South Lanarkshire SME • Financial Donations to Community Projects across South Lanarkshire. 157
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Delivery of Community Benefits are underway, with Wellwood Communications having already undertaken mentoring of a local SME, Crawford Decoration, for four months. Wellwood shared expertise and guidance to the SME in their ambition to develop and grow their business. This included providing support in professional and personal development to the business and its staff team. The mentorship included guidance on planning for the future, managing money, leadership and personal growth, solving problems creatively and building community connections. Crawford Decoration have found the support “invaluable, with mentorship and guidance…over the past months…the support we received from Drew at Wellwood has significantly enhanced both my business operations and personal growth.” In addition to this mentorship, Wellwood Communications have also engaged with three other local SMEs in their supply chain and have made their supply chain requirements known locally to increase opportunities across South Lanarkshire. SMEs in East Kilbride, Lanark and Hamilton have been engaged in their supply chain as a result. Wellwood Communications have also reached out to local schools and have provided opportunities to high school pupils for mock interview opportunities. Wellwood Communications developed a mock interview session, taking pupils through the process as well as providing valuable feedback from the session to support pupils to continue to develop their interview skills. The Council continues to work with Wellwood Communications to progress the remaining Community Benefits committed and will continue to ensure the delivery of meaningful and impactful community benefits across South Lanarkshire. 158
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5. Sustainable Procurement and Supported Business Summary Sustainable Procurement One of the Council’s key strategic objectives is “Sustainable and Ethical” in recognition of our responsibility to secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits through contracts, as set out in the Sustainable Procurement Duty. The Council uses the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Flexible Framework to measure organisational progress in embedding sustainable outcomes: the framework measures performance across the following areas: • People: training on sustainable procurement tools is progressing across the organisation (level 4 achieved) • Objective, Strategy and Communications: sustainable procurement duty embedded in Procurement Strategy (level 4 achieved) • Process: using prioritisation and sustainable toolkits to focus on outcomes at category and contract level and sustainability scoring improved (level 3 achieved) • Stakeholders: improved engagement for stakeholders (level 3 achieved) • Monitoring and Reporting: on sustainable procurement outcomes through procurement strategy and annual report (level 3 achieved) Prioritisation Tool The outcome from the Council’s Prioritisation analysis is detailed below: this identifies the categories of spend where the Council has scope to improve sustainable outcomes and influence in the market to achieve this. This analysis will guide future procurement strategies, focusing on areas of climate impact such as Construction and Waste Management and those areas with social and economic impacts, including Social Care and Early Learning. • Risk: relevance of overall sustainability risk/relevance (environmental, socio-economic and reputational) to procure- ment category 159
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• Scope: How much scope is there to improve the sustainability of procurement of this category • Influence: level of influence your organisation might have over the market to improve sustainability outcomes Examples of good sustainable practice this year include: • Continued focus on Fair Work First principles, complying with the seven key priorities set out by Scottish Government • Ensuring Real Living Wage paid in social care and early learning contracts, which accounts for £151m (35%) of council spend. • Continuing to embed the Sustainable Procurement Tools, focusing on the publication of guidance for sustainability questions to support our mandatory 30% sustainability score. • Completion of sustainability test to identify key sustainability measures in Passenger Transport, Boiler and New Build Housing tenders. • Rollout of sustainability tender training to 70 contract managers across the Council. Supported Business Engagement The involvement of Supported Businesses and Social Enterprises is included in the strategic objective of “Sustainable and Ethical” and engagement is considered in the Council’s Sourcing Strategy for new tenders. In 2024/2025, the Council’s spend with registered charities totalled £52m, representing 12% of core spend, an increase from 10% in 2023/2024. We continued to support Supported Business and Social Enterprises, including: Haven Products: Supported Business The Council has a contract with Haven Products until December 2025 for production of Homecare uniforms, with an estimated value of £0.180m. Haven Products is a supported business, providing employment opportunities to disabled people. Royal British Legion: Supported Business The Council has a four-year contract in place with Scotland’s Bravest for signage manufacture until March 2026, with an estimated value of £0.160m. Scotland’s Bravest are a supported business supporting veterans with disabilities to develop new skills, regain independence and earn in a supportive commercial environment. Hey Girls Social Enterprise Hey Girls are based in Dunbar, founded by a mother and her two daughters to address period poverty through a “Buy One, Give One” social enterprise model. The Council has four-year contract in place with Hey Girls through the Scotland Excel Washrooms and Sanitary Framework. Hey Girls continue to be a key supplier in achieving the Scottish Government’s period poverty targets and the Council’s spend in 2024/2025 was £0.130m. 160
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6. Future Regulated Procurements The Council’s activity over the next two years in regulated procurement will include existing contracts which are due to be extended or re-let and new tenders. Appendix 3 provides a list of anticipated future procurements over £50,000 in value. The Council continues to develop the use of our long-term flexible framework model of Procured Service Arrangements for light touch services, including Social Care and Education. The Council is also extending the use of Dynamic Purchasing Systems and working closely with the Scottish Procurement Alliance, Procurement for Housing and Scotland Excel to identify future collaborative opportunities. The following provides some examples from the wide range of projects detailed in Appendix 3 that illustrate the diverse range of commodities and services being procured by the Council, including: • Adult and Children’s social care services • Early Learning and childcare • Construction and maintenance contracts for property and roads • Purchase and maintenance of fleet and vehicles • Waste recycling and disposal 161
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7. Further Information Procurement Performance information The Council reports on a range of performance indicators, including the level of procurement spend with local companies (based within the South Lanarkshire area) and SMEs (small and medium enterprises). The Council’s spend with South Lanarkshire enterprises (including both SME and larger companies) increased from 19% in 2023/2024 to 25% in 2024/2025, representing £108m of spend in the local area. Spend with South Lanarkshire based SMEs at £86m increased from 17% to 20% and spend with SMEs generally (including those outwith South Lanarkshire) increased by 1%. The Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy continues to target further improvements in local spend levels. Indicator 2022/2023 2023/2024 2024/2025 Core Trade spend £351m £346m £433m Core spend in South Lanarkshire area 18% 19% 25% Core spend with South Lanarkshire SMEs 17% 17% 20% Core spend with SMEs 49% 50% 51% (Source: National Observatory) In addition to our direct spend with suppliers in the local area, we are also working towards identification of subcontracted local spend with our tier one contractors, particularly in major construction projects. Although the Council’s spend with Hub South West in 2024/2025 reduced to £1.9m, Hub South West’s sub-contracted spend to South Lanarkshire enterprise from all Hub projects totalled £33.8m: confirming the importance of encouraging our local enterprises to engage with wider sub-contracting opportunities across the public sector. Where we spend A geographical analysis of the Council’s core spend by area is provided below: 25% of our spend is within South Lanarkshire and 35% of spend was within the wider Lanarkshire area, including North Lanarkshire. 51% of our spend was with companies based in the Glasgow City Region: an increase from 45% in 2023/2024. 63% of our total spend is retained in Scotland. 162
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Collaborative contracts The Council continues to focus on a collaborative approach to procurement wherever possible and collaborative contracts accounted for 25% of Council spend in 2024/2025. This year, the Council’s spend through Scotland Excel frameworks totalled £44.6m, of which £5.8m (13%) was spent with local suppliers, a reduction of 1% in comparison to last year. However, these collaborative frameworks generated £69m of spend with South Lanarkshire based suppliers in total, including spend from other local authorities, of which 98% was with SMEs. Supplier payment performance and e-invoicing The Council continues to exceed the national target of 85% of invoices paid within 30 days of receipt, with 93% of invoices meeting this standard in 2024/2025. This represented a slight decrease of 1% in comparison to 2023/2024 which is attributable to the implementation of the Council’s new financial management system Oracle Fusion, in April 2024, with improvements anticipated from 2025/2026. E-invoicing, which enables automated payment of invoices where they can be electronically matched to a purchase order, has been in place for the Council since 2017. During 2024/2025, 43% of invoices were paid using e-invoicing, a significant increase in comparison to 19% in 2023/2024 due to new processes implemented through Oracle Fusion. 163
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7.1. Appendix 1: Contracts Awarded over £50,000 (including Regulated) 2024/2025 Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 01/04/2024 Various Suppliers Secure Care Services Call-off from SXL 0219 Secure Care Services Framework 01/04/2024 31/03/2027 - 3,500,000.00 01/04/2024 Children 1st Family Group Decision Making 01/04/2024 31/03/2027 - 471,000.00 02/04/2024 John McGeady Ltd NEC3 ECSC for Cunningar Loop Phase 3 (Allotments and Car Park) 08/04/2024 29/07/2024 - 637,105.17 04/04/2024 Allstar Business Solutions Ltd Direct Award for the provision of Fuel Cards and Associated Services 11/04/2024 - 4,680,000.00 04/04/2024 Ayrshire Tree Surgeons Ltd Tree Surgeon - Works for Trees af- fected by Ash Dieback Disease – Lots 1, 2 and 3 04/04/2024 03/05/2024 - 80,569.44 08/04/2024 Various Suppliers Framework for Removals, Storage and Disposals 23/04/2024 22/04/2028 - 667,500.00 08/04/2024 J C Peacock & Co Ltd Supply and Delivery of Bagged Salt for Winter Road Maintenance 01/04/2024 31/03/2028 - 160,800.00 12/04/2024 Brakes Direct Award for the Supply and Deliv- ery of Groceries and Provisions 01/05/2024 30/04/2025 - 1,000,000.00 15/04/2024 Blantyre Park Services Ltd TACT Community Hall – H&V Installa- tion 15/04/2024 07/06/2024 - 129,360.30 16/04/2024 Hugh L S McConnell Ltd Stonefield/ Burnbrae/ Kelvin Gardens Veranda Refurbishment 01/04/2024 30/11/2024 - 572,369.76 164
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 16/04/2024 SACRO Alcohol and Drug Problem Solving Court Peer Mentor(s) 22/04/2024 21/04/2026 21/04/2028 400,000.00 16/04/2024 The Miracle Foundation SCIO Parent and Child Dyadic Therapy 15/08/2024 14/08/2025 - 75,000.00 18/04/2024 Sportsafe UK Ltd Inspection and Maintenance of PE Equipment 01/01/2024 31/12/2026 31/12/2027 160,209.76 19/04/2024 Ringgo Limited Cashless Parking 31/05/2024 30/05/2027 30/05/2028 55,000.00 22/04/2024 Various Suppliers Supply and Delivery of Audio-Visual Equipment 03/04/2024 02/04/2027 - 345,000.00 24/04/2024 Fast Fixx Catering Engineers Ltd Repair, Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Catering Equipment 01/05/2024 30/04/2028 - 979,000.00 24/04/2024 HP Inc UK Limited Desktop Client Devices 01/09/2023 31/08/2027 - 700,000.00 24/04/2024 J H Civil Engineering Ltd Mini Comp - SLC NEC3 ECC Option B – Tollbooth Lanark, Streetscape 22/06/2024 13/09/2024 - 294,800.60 25/04/2024 BCA Insulation Ltd Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation Meas- ured Term Contract 27/05/2024 26/05/2026 26/05/2027 552,449.12 25/04/2024 Oracle Corporation UK Ltd Oracle Fusion Implementation 25/04/2024 24/10/2024 - 73,657.54 26/04/2024 Tarmac Building Products Ltd Supply and Delivery of Cold Permanent Pothole Repair - Viafix 29/04/2024 28/04/2026 28/04/2027 125,000.00 08/05/2024 Tenants Information Service Provision of Independent Advice and Development Support to customers in South Lanarkshire 01/06/2024 30/11/2024 30/05/2025 90,000.00 165
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 09/05/2024 Sense Scotland Daycare provision – Touchbase and Springfield 01/04/2024 31/03/2027 31/03/2028 1,088,287.62 09/05/2024 Power Distribution Contract- ing Ltd Electromagnetic repairs to Non-Hous- ing General Service Properties 03/06/2024 02/06/2026 02/06/2028 746,500.00 13/05/2024 Various Suppliers Direct Award from the Framework Agreement for the Provision of Passen- ger Transport Services 14/08/2024 26/06/2025 - 74,100.00 14/05/2024 J H Civil Engineering Ltd Wellhall Rd / Woodfoot Rd / Hillhouse Rd, A723 Strathaven Rd / B755 Mill Rd, Woodfoot Rd / Laighstonehall Rd/ Gateside Street Junction Improvements 26/08/2024 29/09/2025 - 2,018,965.84 14/05/2024 A C Whyte & Co Ltd Mill Court, Rutherglen External Fabric Upgrade 03/06/2024 07/04/2025 - 1,908,898.60 15/05/2024 Chubb Fire & Security Ltd Provision of a Shared Digital ARC Technology Solution 17/05/2024 16/05/2028 16/05/2029 492,448.80 15/05/2024 Joseph Leckie & Sons Con- tracts Ltd Nursery Soft Pore Replacement 01/05/2024 31/10/2024 - 159,845.50 17/05/2024 Computacenter (UK) Ltd Technology Peripherals and Infrastruc- ture 10/06/2024 09/06/2026 09/06/2027 558,000.00 20/05/2024 Holeside Training Ltd, Ringlink Services Ltd, Sib- bald Ltd, Speedy Asset Ser- vices Ltd Provision of Access, Hand, Mobile and Small Plant Operators Training 17/06/2024 16/06/2028 - 480,000.00 166
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 21/05/2024 BJMCA Ltd t/a Bluebird Care (South Lanarkshire), Cera Care Operations Ltd, Con- stance Care, Enable Scot- land, JKL Care Services, The Richmond Fellowship Scotland Ltd, All New Begin- nings Ltd, Angels Home Care Lanarkshire Ltd, Be- spoke Care Services Ltd, Call-In Homecare Ltd, GMD Community Service, HRM Homecare Services Ltd, ION Care and Support Services Ltd, Keane Premier Support Services, Precious Care Ser- vices Ltd t/a My Homecare Glasgow, SRS Care Solu- tions (Central) Ltd. Care at Home and Housing Support Services Procured Services Arrange- ment (PSA) – Phase 1 01/07/2024 30/06/2034 30/06/2039 714,300,000.00* 21/05/2024 Care Solutions Homecare Ltd, Medd Care Services Ltd, Adigo Care, Care1 Profes- sional Services Ltd, Oncall Care Services ltd, Trust Community Care Limited Care at Home and Housing Support Services Procured Services Arrange- ment (PSA) – Phase 3 08/11/2024 30/06/2034 30/06/2039 714,300,000.00* 21/05/2024 Lanes Group Plc Provision of Water Infrastructure Ser- vices 03/06/2024 02/06/2028 - 883,000.00 24/05/2024 GMG Contractors Ltd External Fabric Works 03/06/2024 02/06/2026 02/06/2028 20,000,000.00 167
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 28/05/2024 Insight Direct (UK) Ltd Microsoft Enterprise Licensing Agree- ment 01/07/2024 30/06/2027 - 5,000,000.00 30/05/2024 EDF Energy Customers Ltd Scottish Procurement Supply of Elec- tricity Framework Call-off from Scottish Procurement Electricity Framework, SP-21-052 01/04/2024 31/03/2026 31/03/2027 41,255,118.41 30/05/2024 Lifeways Community Care Ltd Adult Supported Living for Supported Person 17/06/2024 16/06/2034 17/06/2039 10,968,739.61 30/05/2024 Various Suppliers Printing and Associated Services 15/05/2024 31/07/2027 31/07/2028 241,666.00 30/05/2024 Kiwa Ltd T/A Kiwa CMT Structural Specialist Investigation of Transmission Lighting Columns 05/06/2024 04/06/2028 - 60,000.00 31/05/2024 Framework Suppliers Passenger Transport Mini Competition 1 14/08/2024 25/06/2025 25/06/2026 2,583,369.96 31/05/2024 Elliott Baxter & Company Ltd Supply and Delivery of Specialist Digi- tal Paper 10/06/2024 09/06/2027 09/06/2028 280,000.00 07/06/2024 Rainbow International Environmental Cleaning & Decontami- nation Works 10/06/2024 30/11/2024 - 50,000.00 10/06/2024 Various Suppliers Hire of Vehicles and Plant 14/06/2024 20/02/2026 - 3,600,000.00 11/06/2024 Covanburn Contracts Ltd NEC3 ECSC for Scottish Government Play Investment Programme - Ruther- glen and Cambuslang 22/07/2024 27/09/2024 - 326,284.24 11/06/2024 P F Cusack (Tools Supplies) Ltd Supply and Delivery of Temporary Signs and Associated Products 20/06/2024 19/06/2028 - 115,240.00 168
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 14/06/2024 Various Suppliers Supply and Delivery of Vehicle Parts 14/06/2024 31/03/2025 - 1,500,000.00 14/06/2024 Blantyre Park Services Ltd Castlefield Gardens SH – Ventilation Upgrade 12/08/2024 29/11/2024 - 148,645.79 14/06/2024 Framework Suppliers Passenger Transport Mini Competition 1/2 14/08/2024 25/06/2025 - 55,079.10 17/06/2024 Affiniti Response Ltd Hamilton Towers Structural Repairs 08/07/2024 16/08/2024 - 184,444.42 19/06/2024 Joinery & Timber Creations (65) Ltd Supply and Delivery of Kitchens includ- ing Surveys 01/07/2024 30/06/2026 30/06/2028 8,000,000.00 19/06/2024 Central Demolition Ltd Demolition of Lindsay House East Kil- bride 01/08/2024 30/01/2025 - 176,351.00 21/06/2024 Framework Suppliers Passenger Transport Mini Competition 2 14/08/2024 25/06/2025 25/06/2026 2,408,977.13 25/06/2024 Hugh L S McConnell Ltd Refurbishment Works / Aids and Adap- tations 08/07/2024 07/07/2027 07/07/2028 4,800,000.00 26/06/2024 Chubb Fire & Security Ltd Warden Call System Upgrades 08/07/2024 31/12/2026 - 781,866.68 26/06/2024 Jadu Creative Ltd SLC Website Hosting 01/04/2024 31/03/2026 31/03/2027 311,247.62 26/06/2024 Swarco Smart Charging Ltd Direct Award – EV Charging Infrastruc- ture Service Contract Renewal 01/03/2024 31/12/2025 - 74,258.32 27/06/2024 Mastek Systems Company Ltd Support Services for Oracle Fusion 09/07/2024 08/07/2026 08/07/2027 600,000.00 169
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 28/06/2024 Softcat Plc Provision of Microsoft Support Services 01/07/2024 30/06/2027 - 121,974.00 03/07/2024 Flexible Healthcare One So- lution Ltd, Invercare Services Ltd, Lica Homecare Ltd, Love@Care Ltd Care at Home and Housing Support Services Procured Services Arrange- ment (PSA) – Phase 2 01/07/2024 30/06/2034 30/06/2039 714,300,000.00* 04/07/2024 Clearview Intelligence Ltd Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Traffic Counting Equipment 02/08/2024 01/08/2029 01/08/2031 958,754.47 04/07/2024 Framework Suppliers Passenger Transport Mini Competition 5 14/08/2024 25/06/2025 25/06/2026 409,378.18 04/07/2024 Framework Suppliers Passenger Transport Mini Competition 3 14/08/2024 25/06/2025 25/06/2026 349,923.00 04/07/2024 Framework Suppliers Passenger Transport Mini Competition 4 14/08/2024 25/06/2025 25/06/2026 133,098.80 05/07/2024 Under the Trees Limited Education Services Procured Service Arrangement: phase 4 20/12/2021 19/12/2026 19/12/2031 42,500,000.00* 05/07/2024 GMG Contractors Ltd External Wall Installations Fabric Works 15/07/2024 14/07/2026 14/07/2028 20,000,000.00 05/07/2024 Actian Europe Limited Licences for Academy Housing System 01/12/2023 30/11/2026 - 630,000.00 10/07/2024 Joseph Leckie & Sons Con- tracts Ltd Hawbank Depot- 1 No 6 Man Carriage- way Patching Squad 15/07/2024 30/08/2024 - 80,890.00 16/07/2024 Prime Build Solutions Ltd Mote Hill Retaining Walls Phase 2 HGF011492.001 26/08/2024 01/11/2024 - 74,987.00 170
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 17/07/2024 Various Suppliers Supply and Delivery, Maintenance and Repairs of Cleaning Equipment 22/07/2024 21/07/2028 - 320,000.00 18/07/2024 Michelle's Childminding, Hay's Childminding, Karen McCue, Cright Sparks Childminding, Dawn's Childminding, Linsay Scott, Marie's Childminding Service Early Learning and Child Care PSA phase 10 01/04/2020 31/07/2030 - 143,500,000.00 18/07/2024 John McGeady Ltd Planer and Paver Hire and Works with Operator including Supplementary Plant 22/07/2024 21/07/2027 21/07/2030 4,430,957.80 22/07/2024 Velocity UK Limited Application of Rhinophalt Preservative Road Treatment 29/07/2024 06/09/2024 - 105,299.44 25/07/2024 Various Suppliers Supply, Delivery & Installation of Com- mercial Catering Equipment 09/08/2024 31/05/2027 - 1,030,050.00 25/07/2024 Elveden Farms Ltd Supply and Delivery of Christmas Trees 08/08/2024 31/12/2026 31/12/2028 277,955.90 25/07/2024 Gl Education Group Ltd Provision of Literacy, Numeracy, Health and Wellbeing Educational Assessment Resources 01/08/2024 31/07/2025 01/08/2026 215,250.00 30/07/2024 Therapeutic Counselling Ser- vices Ltd Play Therapy 12/08/2024 11/08/2025 - 80,000.00 01/08/2024 Framework Suppliers Passenger Transport Mini Competition 6 14/08/2024 25/06/2025 25/06/2026 383,874.10 06/08/2024 Econ Engineering Ltd Hire of 12, 18 and 26 Tonne Gritters for Winter Maintenance 01/10/2024 01/04/2025 - 220,584.00 171
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 06/08/2024 Land Use Consultants Ltd Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism 12/08/2024 31/01/2025 - 65,462.96 07/08/2024 Valtech Ltd Blue Badge Central Record and Badge Ordering Services 05/08/2024 04/08/2027 04/08/2029 64,915.68 08/08/2024 Veolia CHP UK Ltd Maintenance of Combined Heat and Power Unit (CHP) at Dollan Aqua 19/08/2024 18/08/2029 18/08/2034 260,206.80 08/08/2024 Joseph Leckie & Sons Con- tracts Ltd NEC3 ECSC for Donaldson Street, Hamilton 16/08/2024 31/10/2024 - 109,584.75 09/08/2024 Computacenter (UK) Ltd Online Benefits Calculator 01/08/2024 31/07/2026 31/07/2027 66,476.92 14/08/2024 Computacenter (UK) Ltd Safety Management System including Auditing and Inspection Software 19/08/2024 30/09/2029 - 141,654.32 14/08/2024 Computacenter (UK) Ltd Web Security Gateway Licences 02/10/2024 01/10/2025 - 78,982.43 15/08/2024 Careium UK Ltd Telecare Peripheral Equipment 15/08/2024 14/08/2026 14/08/2027 711,656.00 21/08/2024 Computacenter (UK) Ltd Software Solution for Grounds, Street Cleansing & Waste Services 01/10/2024 30/09/2028 30/09/2029 370,146.85 22/08/2024 Civica UK Ltd Provision of a Sundry Debtors System 04/08/2024 03/08/2029 03/08/2034 172,870.72 23/08/2024 Routes To Work South 2024/2025 employability services 01/04/2024 31/03/2025 - 2,263,000.00 23/08/2024 The Lilias Graham Trust Parenting Capacity Assessment 02/09/2024 24/01/2025 - 148,121.20 172
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 28/08/2024 Oxed & Assessment Ltd Nuffield Early Language Intervention 16/08/2024 15/08/2025 15/08/2026 243,560.00 28/08/2024 Covanburn Contracts Ltd Maintenance of 4 No. Structures on EK Main Line 24/02/2025 28/03/2025 - 174,085.00 02/09/2024 TURNER & TOWNSEND PROJECT Project Management Team Centre West 10/09/2024 31/08/2028 - 614,622.74 03/09/2024 Landcare Solutions (Scot- land) Ltd NEC3 Engineering and Construction Short Contract for McKirdy Park Play Area, Community Garden and Outdoor Gym 02/09/2024 30/11/2024 - 251,705.30 04/09/2024 Advance Construction (Scot- land) Ltd Hairmyres Park and Ride 05/09/2024 27/06/2025 - 5,054,488.79 05/09/2024 Leaseplan UK Ltd Contract Hire/Lease of Light Vehicles 01/08/2024 31/07/2025 - 384,025.03 10/09/2024 Civica UK Ltd Income Management System / Online Cashless Payments 14/09/2024 13/09/2029 13/09/2031 1,284,663.56 10/09/2024 Stepford Contracts Ltd Telford Road Lock Ups – Resurfacing & Lighting 14/10/2024 25/11/2024 - 196,908.00 11/09/2024 Blantyre Park Services Ltd Mill Street & Parker Place Boiler 01/10/2024 04/02/2025 - 245,160.12 12/09/2024 Penna Plc Recruitment Advertising and Public In- formation Notices 23/09/2024 22/09/2028 22/09/2029 102,357.72 12/09/2024 Kentallen Mechanical Ser- vices Ltd Clydeford View – Suspended Ceiling 30/09/2024 25/11/2024 - 97,003.30 173
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 17/09/2024 Advanced Case Manage- ment Solutions Advice Pro Case Management Soft- ware - Money Matters 01/10/2023 30/09/2026 30/09/2027 112,257.82 18/09/2024 Zap Entertainment Ltd Christmas Lights Switch on Events 02/10/2024 01/10/2027 01/10/2029 348,000.00 18/09/2024 The Salvation Army Trustee Company Homelessness Out of Hours Service 01/10/2024 31/03/2025 30/09/2025 122,914.00 19/09/2024 First Steps Future Training Ltd Mini Competition for YES Construction Tasters South Lan Wide 2024 31/10/2024 30/10/2025 - 132,796.80 23/09/2024 THE RICHMOND FELLOW- SHIP SCOTLAND Care Home Service for Adults with Learning Disabilities – Cherry Tree Court 01/04/2024 31/03/2029 31/03/2031 22,817,154.43 23/09/2024 Various Suppliers Provision of Winter Assistance (Snow Ploughing & Gritting) 01/10/2024 30/09/2029 29/09/2032 132,522.00 24/09/2024 Covanburn Contracts Ltd 103 Strathaven Road – Retaining Wall – Retender 14/10/2024 09/12/2024 - 63,971.37 25/09/2024 Blossom with Nurture, Clydesdale Community Initi- atives, Fare Scotland Ltd, Kooth Digital Health, MacLaughter, Outlet Play Resource, Royal Bilnd, Ven- ture Trust, Field Studies Council, ACER International UK Ltd., Mathermatices Re- covery Council UK and Ire- land, UTeach Ltd Scottish Online Lessons Education Services Procured Service Arrangement: phase 5 20/12/2021 19/12/2026 19/12/2031 42,500,000.00* 174
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 26/09/2024 South Lanarkshire College Employability Academy 01/10/2024 30/09/2025 30/09/2026 420,000.00 26/09/2024 Civica Uk Ltd Legal Case Management System 30/09/2024 29/09/2029 29/09/2031 179,972.55 01/10/2024 Cromwell Polythene Ltd Supply and Delivery of Refuse Sacks 08/10/2024 07/10/2028 - 461,727.02 01/10/2024 RACAM Security & Commu- nications Ltd Fault Finding and Repair of Property Based CCTV Systems and New Instal- lations 08/10/2024 07/10/2026 07/10/2028 400,000.00 03/10/2024 Stantec Uk Ltd 2024-25 - Principal Inspection of Struc- tures with Difficult Access 14/10/2024 14/03/2025 - 219,314.00 03/10/2024 Robert Potter And Partners Ltd Professional Services for Cathcart Road Net Zero 21/10/2024 31/10/2025 - 84,265.00 03/10/2024 M Squared (Scotland) Ltd Roads & Infrastructure Works on Cam- nethan Street, Stonehouse 14/10/2024 21/12/2024 - 80,337.33 10/10/2024 St Philips Care Caledonia Ltd Care Home for Adults with Mental Health Difficulties, Neurodiverse and Learning Difficulties – Catalina House 01/10/2024 30/09/2027 30/09/2028 333,331.45 12/10/2024 Advanced Case Manage- ment Solutions Advice Pro Case Management System Licenses Software and Support (Em- ployability) 01/05/2023 30/04/2026 30/04/2028 117,249.41 17/10/2024 Mental Health Care (Uk) Specialist Residential Care- Pine Cot- tages 01/11/2024 31/10/2027 - 870,368.60 17/10/2024 NHS Lanarkshire Provision of Moving and Assisting Training 28/10/2024 27/10/2027 27/10/2029 332,611.44 175
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 17/10/2024 The Disabilities Trust Specialist Residential Care for CM- 7199061 at Graham Anderson House 15/10/2024 14/04/2025 14/10/2025 258,311.64 17/10/2024 South Lanarkshire Leisure & Cul Ltd Provision of Outdoor Learning Activities for Family Support Hubs, Children and Young People 04/11/2024 03/11/2027 03/11/2029 125,000.00 28/10/2024 MGM Timber ( Scotland) Ltd Supply and Delivery of Wall Panels 04/11/2024 03/11/2027 03/11/2028 80,569.44 31/10/2024 Voluntary Action South Lan- arkshire Volunteering for Employability 01/04/2024 31/03/2025 31/03/2026 180,000.00 01/11/2024 Catch Scotland Accommodation and Intensive Support for Young People 01/11/2024 31/10/2026 31/10/2028 1,119,195.36 04/11/2024 Various Suppliers Provision and Delivery of Washroom Solutions and Sanitary Products 11/11/2024 10/11/2028 - 1,935,129.00 04/11/2024 Covanburn Contracts Ltd Coalburn Recreation Area Tennis Court Redevelopment 11/11/2024 27/01/2025 - 295,295.45 08/11/2024 Saltire Facilities Manage- ment Ltd Fixed Electrical Testing Programme and Remedials 25/11/2024 24/11/2025 24/11/2026 184,444.42 11/11/2024 Covanburn Contracts Ltd Hamilton BU Woodstore 25/11/2024 20/12/2024 - 51,843.00 13/11/2024 TD Tree & Land Services Ltd Tree Surgeon Works for Trees affected by Ash Dieback Disease 18/11/2024 31/01/2025 - 87,870.00 14/11/2024 Therapeutic Counselling Ser- vices Ltd Primary School Counselling 01/12/2024 30/11/2026 - 120,000.00 14/11/2024 Oracle Corporation Uk Ltd Oracle CRM Support 01/09/2024 31/08/2026 - 65,713.52 176
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 18/11/2024 Vivedia Limited Crematorium AV Equipment 18/11/2024 17/11/2029 - 286,000.00 21/11/2024 King Communications & Security Ltd Maintenance of Fire and Intruder Alarms 09/12/2024 08/12/2027 08/12/2028 1,200,000.00 22/11/2024 Tenants Information Service Provision of Independent Advice and Development Support to Customers in South Lanarkshire 01/12/2024 30/11/2026 30/11/2027 159,845.50 25/11/2024 Ailsa Building Contractors Ltd Lockups Refurbishment Works 03/03/2025 18/08/2025 - 380,997.26 25/11/2024 Landscapes & Contracts Ltd Galloway Drive – Retaining Wall 13/01/2025 21/02/2025 - 68,794.79 26/11/2024 W I & A Gilbert Ltd Elvanfoot Bridge Refurbishment 03/03/2025 28/03/2025 - 58,895.03 27/11/2024 South Lanarkshire College Delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships 27/08/2024 28/05/2026 - 256,179.00 27/11/2024 New College Lanarkshire GradU8 Programme 26/08/2024 04/04/2025 - 80,000.00 27/11/2024 South Lanarkshire College GradU8 Programme 26/08/2024 04/04/2025 - 80,000.00 28/11/2024 Motus Commercials Supply and delivery of Heavy Vehicles 02/12/2024 31/01/2025 - 594,860.00 29/11/2024 James Scott & Sons Kitchen Equipment Ltd Kirktonholme Primary School (Supply & Installation of Kitchen Equipment) 06/01/2025 28/03/2025 - 55,477.00 04/12/2024 Computacenter (Uk) Ltd Mobile Device Management - Omnissa Workspace ONE 29/01/2025 28/01/2026 - 130,200.00 177
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 06/12/2024 Helen Kane HCM Limited HR Support – HCM Hypercare and Redwood Implementation 01/11/2024 31/05/2025 31/08/2025 86,100.00 12/12/2024 Various Suppliers Adult Supported Living: phases 5 & 6 01/03/2020 14/09/2035 - 242,837,766.00 12/12/2024 Maxi Construction Ltd Lanark Library Roof & Window Re- placement 10/02/2025 05/07/2025 - 574,733.37 13/12/2024 Ochil Tower School Residential Placement (AS) at Ochil Tower School 01/08/2024 31/07/2025 - 222,450.40 16/12/2024 Bentley Systems (Uk) Ltd Exor Roads Management Support 25/01/2025 31/12/2025 - 197,314.70 17/12/2024 The Spark (Scotland) 1 to 1 Counselling Services for Second- ary School pupils 14/08/2024 13/08/2026 13/08/2027 388,800.00 23/12/2024 Action For Children Services Ltd Intensive Family Support Service 06/01/2025 05/04/2028 05/04/2030 4,335,526.00 24/12/2024 Sense Scotland Short Break and Respite Service for Adults with Learning Disabilities 01/04/2025 31/03/2027 31/03/2028 2,940,196.76 27/12/2024 Motus Commercials Supply and delivery of Heavy Vehicles 27/12/2024 31/01/2025 - 360,350.00 27/12/2024 Landscapes & Contracts Ltd Woodside PS Kitchen Alterations & Ex- tension Work – Groundworks Including Pilling 09/12/2024 31/03/2025 - 74,476.95 07/01/2025 Civica Uk Ltd Civica Tranman Fleet Management System 01/08/2023 30/09/2028 30/09/2029 165,340.00 15/01/2025 SSI Schaefer Plastics Uk Ltd Supply and Delivery of 2 Wheeled Bins 15/01/2025 14/07/2025 - 257,000.00 178
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 15/01/2025 Covanburn Contracts Ltd Wooddean Park Wetland and Path In- frastructure Works, Phase 2 03/03/2025 02/05/2025 - 99,445.91 16/01/2025 Storm Environmental Ltd Direct Award for Supply and Delivery of Communal Recycling Bins 20/01/2025 31/01/2025 - 148,888.80 21/01/2025 Ailsa Building Contractors Ltd Forrest Place, Crossford, Carluke – RAAC Removal 03/03/2025 28/03/2025 - 120,672.87 23/01/2025 Aspect Contracts Ltd Removal of Asbestos and Remedial Works 23/01/2025 22/01/2026 - 4,400,000.00 23/01/2025 Renfrewshire Council Procured Spend Review 27/01/2025 26/01/2027 - 200,000.00 28/01/2025 B Squared Ltd Tracking and Monitoring ASN Individual Milestones 05/02/2025 04/02/2027 04/02/2028 53,826.00 29/01/2025 Storm Environmental Ltd Supply and Delivery of 1100 L & 1280 L - 4 Wheeled Bins 29/01/2025 08/12/2025 - 60,000.00 03/02/2025 Rm Education Ltd Educational Digital Futures – Education ICT Managed Service 01/10/2025 30/09/2032 30/09/2037 53,500,000.00 03/02/2025 Broxap Ltd Supply and Delivery of Litter Bins 06/02/2025 31/03/2025 - 65,800.00 05/02/2025 Enva Organics Recycling Ltd The Receipt and Treatment of Organic Waste 01/04/2025 31/03/2027 - 400,345.16 06/02/2025 The Salvation Army Trustee Company Ukrainian Displaced Persons Accom- modation Service 01/04/2025 30/09/2025 31/03/2026 196,908.00 179
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 07/02/2025 Racam Security & Communi- cations Ltd South Lanarkshire Council CCTV Infra- structure Upgrade Phase 2 - Installa- tion Works for Cameras and Network Upgrade 17/02/2025 31/03/2027 31/03/2029 251,594.68 12/02/2025 Park's Of Hamilton (Town- head Garage) Ltd Supply and Delivery of Light Vehicles for the 2024 – 2025 financial year 12/02/2025 30/05/2025 - 1,841,559.40 12/02/2025 Motus Commercials Supply and delivery of Heavy Vehicles 12/02/2025 30/05/2025 - 714,669.00 12/02/2025 Industrial Floor Treatments Ltd Blantyre Fleet Depot 06/05/2025 19/08/2025 - 226,626.66 13/02/2025 GMG Contractors Ltd Emergency Roofing Repairs 24/02/2025 23/02/2026 23/02/2027 97,003.30 18/02/2025 Greenhill Outdoors Ltd Early Learning and Child Care PSA: phase 11 01/04/2020 31/07/2030 - 143,500,000.00 19/02/2025 Jobling Purser Ltd Supply and Delivery of Bitumen Prod- ucts 24/02/2025 23/02/2027 23/02/2029 80,891.60 20/02/2025 Oracle Corporation UK Ltd Oracle - Technical Support Services 06/04/2025 05/04/2026 - 189,260.93 25/02/2025 Pulse Fitness Ltd Supply & delivery of SLLC Fitness Equipment – Lot 1 Gym Equipment Cardiovascular and Resistance 28/02/2025 27/02/2030 - 1,080,148.76 25/02/2025 Pulse Fitness Ltd Supply & delivery of SLLC Fitness Equipment – Lot 2 Cycling 28/02/2025 27/02/2030 - 190,165.13 25/02/2025 Engage Process Ltd Cloud Hosted Process Mapping Soft- ware 01/03/2025 29/02/2028 - 92,432.50 180
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 25/02/2025 Pulse Fitness Ltd Supply & delivery of SLLC Fitness Equipment – Lot 3 Free Weights 28/02/2025 27/02/2030 - 76,194.07 26/02/2025 Swarco Smart Charging Ltd Direct Award – Contactless Compli- ance Grant 28/02/2025 31/03/2025 - 123,049.80 27/02/2025 Marvtech Limited Hire, Service and Maintenance of Elec- tric Hot Boxes 01/04/2025 31/03/2035 31/03/2040 408,000.00 27/02/2025 A M Phillip Trucktech Ltd Supply and delivery of Heavy Vehicles 27/02/2025 30/05/2025 - 394,121.05 03/03/2025 Highland Fuels Ltd The Supply and Delivery of Liquid Fuels 01/04/2025 31/03/2027 - 5,200,000.00 03/03/2025 Ailsa Building Contractors Ltd Emergency Roofing Repairs 10/03/2025 09/09/2025 09/03/2026 1,000,000.00 03/03/2025 Certas Energy Uk Ltd The Supply and Delivery of Liquid Fuels 01/04/2025 31/03/2027 - 800,000.00 03/03/2025 Scottish Sports Council Trust Company School Residential Trips to Inverclyde 12/08/2024 25/06/2026 - 147,307.65 04/03/2025 Blue Triangle (Glasgow) Housing Family First Stop – Charles Brownlee 01/12/2024 30/11/2025 30/11/2026 1,104,833.02 04/03/2025 Blue Triangle (Glasgow) Housing First Stop Supported Accommodation - Wide Close 01/12/2024 30/11/2025 30/11/2026 602,347.71 04/03/2025 Blue Triangle (Glasgow) Housing Supported Accommodation - Clydes- dale Street 01/12/2024 30/11/2025 30/11/2026 448,780.95 04/03/2025 Securigroup Services Ltd Security for Council Offices 01/04/2025 30/09/2025 31/03/2026 169,284.10 181
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension
Date Value
05/03/2025 Sportex Group Ltd Design and Construction of 1 x 3rd
Generation Pitch at McKirdy Park 01/05/2025 24/07/2025 - 117,813.96
06/03/2025 Turner & Townsend Project Design and Delivery of the Clydesdale
Way Project 17/03/2025 23/07/2027 - 702,762.00
06/03/2025 Savills (UK) Ltd South Lanarkshire Data Centre Site
Analysis and Land Sale 14/03/2025 13/03/2026 - 95,000.00
07/03/2025 George Carruthers & Sons
Ltd
Supply and Delivery of Fresh Fruit and
Vegetables 01/04/2025 31/03/2028 31/03/2029 4,773,744.75
07/03/2025 Censis Technology Solutions
Ltd
Provision of Amazon Healthcare De-
vices & Support 01/04/2025 31/03/2026 - 160,000.00
10/03/2025
Community Volunteers Ena-
bling You Ltd, Dobe Ltd,
Maths Circle Ltd, Renais-
sance Learning UK Ltd,
Scripture Union Scotland,
SOEC, SU Scotland
Lendrick Muir, Synergy
Training Services Ltd, The
Verdancy Group Ltd, Ven-
ture Trust
Education Services Procured Service
Arrangement: phase 6 20/12/2021 19/12/2026 19/12/2031 42,500,000.00*
11/03/2025 Centrica Business Solutions
Uk Ltd
Maintenance of the Combined Heat
and Power Unit ("CHP") Unit at Lanark
Leisure Centre
17/03/2025 31/03/2035 - 195,284.93
12/03/2025 Sibcas Ltd Supply, Delivery and Hire of Secure
Site Containers and Welfare Units 17/03/2025 16/03/2026 16/03/2027 207,867.60
13/03/2025 Portakabin (Scotland) Ltd Modular Works at Priory Parks Pavillion 28/04/2025 29/08/2025 - 409,546.41
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 13/03/2025 Softcat Plc Lease Accounting and Portfolio Man- agement System 19/03/2025 25/05/2028 25/05/2029 68,617.60 14/03/2025 Turner & Townsend Project Country Parks Master Plan Phase 1 (White Bridge & Pump Track) 17/03/2025 16/03/2026 - 193,700.00 17/03/2025 IFS Uk Ltd IT Service Management System 01/03/2025 28/02/2027 - 160,000.00 18/03/2025 Enhance Living Support Ser- vices Ltd Adult Supported Living for Individual Supported Person 17/03/2025 31/03/2026 31/03/2027 448,818.02 18/03/2025 Action For Children Services Ltd The Blues Programme 01/04/2025 31/03/2026 31/03/2027 253,657.44 18/03/2025 The Salvation Army Trustee Company Homelessness Out of Hours Service 01/04/2025 30/11/2025 31/07/2026 99,559.53 20/03/2025 Dawn Homes Limited Development and New Build Housing at Dale Avenue, Cambuslang 28/04/2025 12/10/2026 - 3,500,000.00 21/03/2025 Adl Lift Services Ltd Modernisation of Passenger Lifts at Brandon Gate 31/03/2025 24/11/2025 - 195,000.00 24/03/2025 Various Suppliers Passenger Transport Services Dy- namic Purchasing System: phase 1 & 2 28/03/2025 27/03/2030 27/03/2033 99,531,097.00 24/03/2025 Lowmac Alloys Ltd Mini Competition for the Receipt and Processing of Recyclate Waste - Con- tainer Mix 01/04/2025 31/03/2028 31/03/2030 931,095.00 24/03/2025 Fujitsu Services ConSol Annual Maintenance and Tech- nical Support 01/04/2025 31/03/2026 - 224,029.83 26/03/2025 IPL Plastics (Uk) Ltd T/A IPL Hull Supply and Delivery of 2 Wheeled Bins 01/04/2025 31/07/2025 - 64,982.40 183
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Award Date Supplier Description Start Date End Date Extension Date Value 26/03/2025 Covanburn Contracts Ltd Scottish Play Area Investment Pro- gramme Bothwell & Uddingston 14/04/2025 02/06/2025 - 60,123.51 *represents the contract value over the life of the long term Procured Service Arrangement for all suppliers 184
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7.2. Appendix 2: Procurement Strategy 2023-2028 Strategic Objectives update Objective Aim Outcome Progress Compliance Ensure compliance with Procurement Regulations and the Council’s Standing Orders on Contracts Improve compliance and mitigate risk of contract challenge. Procurement continues to monitor compliance with regulations and Standing Orders on Contracts across the Council, as evidenced by • Implementation of new procurement and purchasing arrangements under Oracle Fusion, including elec- tronic authorisation of contracts. • Action plan to address compliance issues across specific targeted areas Value for Money To secure Best Value, balancing cost and quality of service and support the Council in achieving budget savings Improved Value for Money in support of the Council's Financial Strategy We continue to work with Resources in recognising demand and cost drivers and identifying opportunities for efficiencies, as evidenced by: • Procured Spend review under Council’s Transforma- tional Review Programme achieving savings of £2.5m to date • Management of price increase requests given inflation- ary and eNIC pressures. Collaborative Identify and influence collaborative opportunities to work with public partners and drive value through the power of public sector procurement. Improved levels of collaborative activity and delivery of efficiencies We continue to engage with procurement partners to identify collaborative opportunities and influence development of collaborative working, as evidenced by: • 90% participation in Scotland Excel frameworks • Positive engagement with Scottish Procurement Alli- ance, Procurement for Housing and Hub Southwest 185
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Contract and Supplier Management Support Resources to take a proactive approach to contract and supplier management to achieve innovation and value in contract delivery. Ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations, drive improvements in supplier performance and achieve efficiency improvements. We can demonstrate an improved approach to contract and supplier management, as evidenced by: • Improved levels of engagement with Social Care providers • Development of new electronic performance appraisal arrangements in Oracle Fusion. • Increased engagement to drive value in contracts through Procured Spend Review Fair Work First Work with suppliers to implement Fair Work First standards, including payment of the Living Wage and compliance with Council Charters Improved Fair Work and Living Wage arrangements for those involved in delivery of Council contracts We continue to promote Fair Work First and payment of the Living Wage, as evidenced by: • Annual confirmation of payment of Living Wage in all Social Care contracts • Continued focus on Fair Work First recommendations from Scottish Government included in all appropriate tenders. Sustainable and Ethical Secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits through contracts as set out in the Sustainable Procurement Duty Meet the Sustainable Procurement Duty Procurement continues to self-assess progress using the Scottish Government’s Flexible Framework to assess the organisational approach to sustainable procurement. • Rollout of sustainable procurement training to Resource contract managers. • Training for procurement team on Whole Life Costing. Community Wealth Building Support and encourage the local economy to grow sustainably through the effective use of procurement to develop local communities and maximise use of Community Benefits Ensure the spending power of the Council and Community Benefits contribute towards Community Wealth and achieve National Outcomes Procurement contributes to the local spend pillar under the Community Wealth Building Strategy, as evidenced by: • Demonstrating increased levels of local spend in 2024/2025. • Improving performance in commitment and delivery of Community Benefits, including Community wishes. 186
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7.3. Appendix 3: Planned Future Regulated Procurements 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Servicing and Maintenance - Laundry Equipment 01/04/2025 £100,000 Provision of Security for Offices 01/04/2025 £100,000 Residential Trips for Education 01/04/2025 £150,000 Supply of Grounds Equipment 01/04/2025 £300,000 Supply and Delivery of 4 Wheeled Bins 01/04/2025 £400,000 Legal Services Providers 01/04/2025 £670,000 Installation Street Lighting Columns 01/04/2025 £2,000,000 Langlands Moss Path Access Route Upgrade 04/04/2025 £80,000 End User Services 05/04/2025 £2,400,000 Care Homes for Adults with Learning Disabilities including Autism 06/04/2025 £700,000 187
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Supply and Delivery of Catering Sundries (Disposables) 06/04/2025 £1,000,000 Supply and Delivery of Street Lighting Materials (TRT Lanterns) 08/04/2025 £50,000 Supply and Delivery of Grounds and Plant Equipment 09/04/2025 £100,000 Utilities - Natural Gas Framework 09/04/2025 £50,000,000 Burial and cremation software system 14/04/2025 £300,000 Employee salary sacrifice, additional voluntary contributions 15/04/2025 £200,000 Counselling, Support and Advice Services 15/04/2025 £1,800,000 Supply and Delivery of Domestic Furniture and Furnishings 17/04/2025 £18,000,000 Land Led Development and New Build Housing (Dale Avenue) 30/04/2025 £3,500,000 Kirkmuirhill Play Area Play Investment Upgrades 30/04/2025 £112,000 Glespin Play Area Redevelopment Play Investment Upgrades 30/04/2025 £160,000 188
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) East Kilbride Area Play Investment Upgrades 30/04/2025 £900,000 Ground Investigation Framework 30/04/2025 £1,600,000 Supply and Delivery of 2 Wheeled Bins 12/05/2025 £390,000 Respite Support Service 12/05/2025 £600,000 Hamilton Town Square 15/05/2025 £200,000 Supply & Delivery of Library Books / Textbooks / Multimedia supplies 22/05/2025 £100,000 Early Learning Unit Demolition 30/05/2025 £100,000 PCS Digital Care System 02/06/2025 £250,000 Supply & delivery of SLLC Fitness Equipment 03/06/2025 £200,000 Boilers, Radiators and Associated Products 04/06/2025 £2,000,000 Blantyre Library Refurbishment 05/06/2025 £200,000 189
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Supply and Delivery of Ceramic Tiles and Accessories 05/06/2025 £200,000 Philipshill Cemetery Path Renovation Works 07/06/2025 £50,000 Metal Roofing 17/06/2025 £2,000,000 Maintenance of Sewage Treatment Systems 20/06/2025 £600,000 Electrical Safety Management Audits 20/06/2025 £50,000 Gas Safety Management Audits 20/06/2025 £50,000 Primary School Paint Works 23/06/2025 £50,000 Microsoft Office 365 Backup and Recovery Solutions 23/06/2025 £300,000 Hire of Gritters for Winter Maintenance. 23/06/2025 £300,000 Supply and Delivery of Catering Sundries 27/06/2025 £770,000 Septic Tank Replacement: Auldhouse PS 30/06/2025 £100,000 190
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Law Primary School refurbishment 30/06/2025 £100,000 Millheugh Bridge refurbishment 30/06/2025 £200,000 Supply and Delivery of Catering Sundries 30/06/2025 £775,900 Disabled Adaptation Materials 30/06/2025 £1,500,000 Timber Materials 30/06/2025 £2,500,000 Housing support for individuals in Extra Sheltered Housing 01/07/2025 £4,000,000 Supply, Delivery and Installation of Furniture for Challenging Environments 03/07/2025 £2,450,000 Supply and Delivery of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (Fresh and pre-prepared) 03/07/2025 £5,000,000 Land Sensitivity Study 03/07/2025 £100,000 Fencing Works Measured Term Contract 2025-2027 04/07/2025 £800,000 Installation and Testing of Roof Safety Systems 07/07/2025 £50,000 191
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) The Supply & Delivery of Body Storage Trays 09/07/2025 £50,000 Supply of Swimming Pool Chemicals 09/07/2025 £276,618 Customer Feedback Services 11/07/2025 £50,000 Digital Mental Health 17/07/2025 £298,076 Supply and Delivery of Groceries and Provisions 22/07/2025 £1,000,000 Braidwood Park Play Area Redevelopment 23/07/2025 £120,000 Installation and Maintenance of Vending Machines 28/07/2025 £70,000 Electronic Payment Services 28/07/2025 £550,000 Supply and Delivery of Road Marking Materials (Screed) 29/07/2025 £242,000 Quick Quote for Supply and Delivery of Street Lighting Materials 29/7/2025 £50,000 Energy and Retrofit One Stop Shop - All Council areas 31/07/2025 £200,000 192
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Country Parks Master Planning - Bike Pump Track 31/07/2025 £100,000 Country Parks Master Planning - White Bridge 31/07/2025 £200,000 St Hilary's Primary School MUGA 31/07/2025 £200,000 Supply and Delivery Street Lighting materials 31/07/2025 £200,000 SLLC Front of House IT Solution 31/07/2025 £500,000 Scottish Government Play Investment Programme 31/07/2025 £1,000,000 Supply and Delivery of Composite/UPVC Doors and UPVC Windows 31/07/2025 £2,000,000 Secondary School Counselling Services 01/08/2025 £388,000 Groundworks Harriet Street site 01/08/2025 £1,000,000 Mini competitions Passenger Transport for 25/26 school year 01/08/2025 £5,000,000 Education Materials 01/08/2025 £7,000,000 193
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Educational Materials - all Lots 11/08/2025 £4,000,000 Supply, Delivery, Servicing and Maintenance of Fire Safety Products 14/08/2025 £600,000 Provision of Asbestos Consultancy 17/08/2025 £450,000 Homelessness - Supported Accommodation (Social Bite) 27/08/2025 £2,000,000 South Vennel roof replacement 30/08/2025 £100,000 Civil and Structural Engineering Services 30/08/2025 £250,000 Mechanical Engineering Services 30/08/2025 £350,000 Maintenance of Lightning and Surge Protection Systems 31/08/2025 £194,000 MFD Corporate Network 31/08/2025 £3,000,000 Council HQ door replacement 01/09/2025 £100,000 Hire of Waste Disposal Skips 12/09/2025 £2,705,000 194
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Units 24/09/2025 £100,000 Overtoun Bandstand Restoration Works 30/09/2025 £400,000 Supply and Delivery of Cleaning Equipment & Accessories 30/09/2025 £200,000 St Leonards Heat Network - Servicing and Billing 30/09/2025 £250,000 Double Glazed Units Supply and Delivery 30/09/2025 £384,921 General Roofing Works 30/09/2025 £500,000 Concrete Repairs 30/09/2025 £500,000 Supply and Delivery of Vehicle Parts 30/09/2025 £750,000 Purchase of Heavy Vehicles 30/09/2025 £1,300,000 SLC Phase 4 Demolition 30/09/2025 £1,275,000 Mini Competition for the Receipt, Treatment and Processing of Bulky Waste 30/09/2025 £10,785,912 195
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Web Security Gateway Licences 01/10/2025 £78,982 Supply and Delivery of School Dining Tables 01/10/2025 £80,000 Supply and Delivery of Vehicle Parts 01/10/2025 £600,000 Postal Services - Physical and Hybrid Mail 04/10/2025 £1,000,000 Kitchen Flooring 06/10/2025 £2,000,000 Supply and Delivery of Industrial Gases 21/10/2025 £50,000 Country Park - Calderglen Pump Track Works 30/10/2025 £700,000 Supply, Delivery and Installation of Education and Office Furniture 31/10/2025 £1,000,000 Land Led Development and New Build Housing (Backmuir Road) 31/10/2025 £6,000,000 Land Led Development and New Build Housing (Reid Street) 31/10/2025 £6,000,000 Feasibility study for a heat network comprising public sector anchor load 01/11/2025 £55,000 196
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Professional Services - Produce 12 Urban Woodland Management Plans (UWMP) within South Lanarkshire 01/11/2025 £140,000 Supply of Cleaning Equipment - Scrubber Dryers 01/11/2025 £230,000 John Cumming 3G Pitch Refurbishment 01/11/2025 £449,000 Lanark Interchange Project 01/11/2025 £1,100,000 New Build Housing Project at former Lindsay House, East Kilbride 02/11/2025 £3,000,000 New Build Housing at Former Ballgreen Hall, Strathaven 03/11/2025 £3,000,000 Cashless Catering Solution 06/11/2025 £550,000 Design, Supply, and Installation of Gas Central Heating Systems 14/11/2025 £80,000 Mobile Client Devices 15/11/2025 £2,400,000 Supply and Delivery of Bollards and Verge Markers 30/11/2025 £279,980 Assistive Technology Installation 30/11/2025 £296,340 197
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Hamilton Vogue Demolition 30/11/2025 £150,000 Quick Quote for Works: Groundworks Measured Term Contract 2025 -2027 01/12/2025 £2,000,000 Law Primary School Nursery Alterations 02/12/2025 £100,000 Physiotherapy Services for Employees 06/12/2025 £420,000 New Build Housing Developments at Main Street Blantyre & Raploch Street, Larkhall 06/12/2025 £7,000,000 Calderwood Ground Source Heat Pump Heat Network Project 20/12/2025 £12,000,000 Maintenance of Honeywell Gent Alarms 31/12/2025 £50,000 Roadtrace Application Software Licence 31/12/2025 £70,000 EV Charging Infrastructure Service Contract Renewal 31/12/2025 £100,000 Street Lighting Supplies 31/12/2025 £150,000 Arboriculture Works (Ash Dieback - Various Sites) 31/12/2025 £220,000 198
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Supply of Homecare Uniforms - Tunics & Trousers 31/12/2025 £270,000 Blantyre/Hamilton Area Play Investment Upgrades 31/12/2025 £300,000 Landfilling of Residual Waste (unsuitable for processing via Thermal Treatment Facilities) 31/12/2025 £500,000 Provision of Managed Print Service 31/12/2025 £670,000 Framework for Mechanical and Electrical Vehicle Repairs 31/12/2025 £2,000,000 East Kilbride Centre West Demolition / Deconstruction 31/12/2025 £6,600,000 Cathcart Road Phase 2 Construction 01/01/2026 £1,900,000 Mobile Welding 12/01/2026 £600,000 Structural Testing and Visual Inspection of Lighting Columns 15/01/2026 £400,000 Payment Acceptance 31/01/2026 £557,500 The Supply and Fitting of Tyres for Vehicles and Plant 31/01/2026 £2,200,000 199
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Crosshall Construction St Leonards East Kilbride 31/01/2026 £5,000,000 Blue Badge Digital Service Blue Badge Printing and Fulfilment Services 04/02/2026 £75,000 Hire of Vehicles and Plant 20/02/2026 £3,600,000 Sheriff Officer Services 28/02/2026 £200,000 Supply, Installation and Maintenance of a Corporate Telematics Solution 28/02/2026 £1,000,000 Supply and Delivery of Milk 28/02/2026 £1,950,000 Supply and Delivery of Ratchets and Straps 13/03/2026 £50,000 Secure Site Containers and Welfare Units 18/03/2026 £250,000 Video Conferencing Solution for schools 20/03/2026 £153,600 SLLC Audit Services 21/03/2026 £73,500 Foundation Apprenticeship in Automotive 31/03/2026 £50,000 200
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Service and Maintenance of UPS Systems: various properties 31/03/2026 £50,000 Carluke Skate Park Refurbishment Works 31/03/2026 £50,000 Blacksmiths Materials 31/03/2026 £50,000 Provision of an ICT Research and Advisory Service 31/03/2026 £50,000 Maintenance and Servicing of Weighbridges 31/03/2026 £50,000 Specialist water treatment contract at Headquarters 31/03/2026 £50,000 Legal Online Research Package - Annual Subscription 31/03/2026 £64,103 Provision of Solar Powered CCTV (Fly Tipping) 31/03/2026 £70,000 Signage for Local Nature Reserves 31/03/2026 £70,000 Parent and Child Counselling 31/03/2026 £75,000 Disabled Ramps 31/03/2026 £78,000 201
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Water Quality Sampling and Risk Assesments (Including Legionella) 31/03/2026 £100,000 Day time transport for school pupils - Taxis and Buses 31/03/2026 £100,000 Supply and Delivery of UPVC Materials 31/03/2026 £100,000 Project Management Team Hamilton Town Centre 31/03/2026 £100,000 Mental health and wellbeing Children and Young People 31/03/2026 £100,000 Street Lighting Materials- Aluminium Colums 31/03/2026 £100,000 The provision of Council wide PAT Testing at Council Properties 31/03/2026 £100,000 Tree Surgeon Works for Trees affected by Ash Back Disease 31/03/2026 £100,000 Ventiliation Works 31/03/2026 £100,000 Decoration Works 31/03/2026 £100,000 Interpretation Services including British Sign Language 31/03/2026 £100,000 202
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Supply, Delivery and Installation of specialist Refrigeration Equipment 31/03/2026 £100,000 IT Service Management System 31/03/2026 £100,000 Dampness Works 31/03/2026 £103,000 Hamilton Masterplan – New Cross Demolition 31/03/2026 £125,000 Repair of Brick/Stone Cemetery Walls 31/03/2026 £150,000 Lone Working Solution 31/03/2026 £160,000 Payment Processing Software - Subscription Services 31/03/2026 £200,000 Play Equipment 31/03/2026 £200,000 Supply and Delivery of Trees, Plants, Shrubs and Associated Products 31/03/2026 £250,000 Heating Spares 31/03/2026 £400,000 Debt Management & Diligence Services 31/03/2026 £400,000 203
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Roughcasting 31/03/2026 £400,000 Supply and Delivery of Plumbing Materials 31/03/2026 £500,000 Supply and Delivery of Trade Materials 31/03/2026 £600,000 Advocacy Services 31/03/2026 £700,000 Supply & Delivery of Library Books / Textbooks / Multimedia supplies 31/03/2026 £750,000 Provision, Support and Maintenance of eLearning and Development Platform 31/03/2026 £750,000 Supply & Installation of E Gates for SLLC 31/03/2026 £800,000 Supply and Delivery of Electrical Materials 31/03/2026 £1,000,000 Supply, Delivery and Installation of Non-Housing Flooring 31/03/2026 £1,000,000 Removal of Asbestos with Reinstatement Works and Remedials 31/03/2026 £1,000,000 Synthetic Football Pitch Upgrades - Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds 31/03/2026 £1,000,000 204
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Telecare equipment - personal alarms (SW) 31/03/2026 £1,200,000 City Deal - M74 Junction Improvements 31/03/2026 £1,300,000 Rigside Primary School Fire Damage Reinstatement New Build 31/03/2026 £1,500,000 Plumbing Supplies 31/03/2026 £1,500,000 Secure Care Provision 31/03/2026 £3,500,000 Homelessness Provision all areas 31/03/2026 £5,000,000 Digital Connectivity Multi-Lot 31/03/2026 £18,000,000 City Deal - Stewartfield Way 31/03/2026 £25,000,000 Care at Home and Housing Support PSA: applicants to Procured Spend Arrangement during 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 31/03/2026 £714,300,000 New Build Housing - Sheildaig Drive, Rutherglen 31/03/2026 £4,500,000 New Build - Priory Avenue, Lesmahagow 31/03/2026 £5,400,000 205
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) GCR – Professional Services - Enabling Commercial Space 31/03/2026 £100,000 Langlands Site Improvement Works 31/03/2026 £250,000 Retread Contract 31/03/2026 £1,600,000 GCR – Enabling Commercial Space Works Contract 31/03/2026 £1,900,000 Rhinophalt Contract 31/03/2026 £100,000 Hamilton Masterplan – Procurement of Project Management Team 31/03/2026 £100,000 Clydesdale Way - paths and infrastructure (multiple works projects) 31/03/2026 £7,000,000 Educational Services PSA: applicants to Procured Spend Arrangement during 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 31/03/2026 £42,141,617 Passenger Transport Services DPS: Applications during 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 31/03/2026 £100,000,000 Early Learning and Childcare PSA: applicants to Procured Spend Arrangement during 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 31/03/2026 £143,500,000 Adult Supported Living: applicants to Procured Spend Arrangement during 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 31/03/2026 £229,000,000 206
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Preparation of Management Plans for 7 of South Lanarkshire's Local Nature Reserves - Prepara- tion and Associated Work 01/04/2026 £56,000 Supply and Delivery of 2 Wheeled Bins 01/04/2026 £2,500,000 Supply and Delivery of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 10/04/2026 £2,700,000 Traffic Order Management system 30/04/2026 £50,000 Clyde Walkway Repairs - Works 30/04/2026 £540,000 Supply and Delivery of Lubricant Oils, Greases and Anti-Freeze 08/05/2026 £156,000 Calibration and Repair of Mechanical Testing Equipment 15/05/2026 £100,000 Delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships 28/05/2026 £235,000 SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF FROZEN FOODS UNDER SCOTLAND EXCEL FRAMEWORK FROZEN FOODS 11-20 29/05/2026 £4,859,078 Arboriculture Works Framework (Ash Dieback/Emergency works) 30/05/2026 £500,000 Technical Managed Service 31/05/2026 £175,000 207
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Adult and Young Peoples Carer Service 31/05/2026 £4,500,000 Employability Services PSA - all service users 31/05/2026 £10,000,000 Void Property Protection 05/06/2026 £400,000 Supply and Delivery of Miscellaneous Roads Products 12/06/2026 £120,000 Non-Housing Planned Decorating Maintenance and Repairs 22/06/2026 £50,000 Supply and Delivery of Ultracrete 26/06/2026 £230,000 Installation of Door and Door Entry Systems 26/06/2026 £358,559 Chimney Works 30/06/2026 £100,000 Provision of ICT Managed Security 30/06/2026 £300,000 Scientific Testing Services (including chemical analytical, bacteriological examination) 30/06/2026 £350,000 Adult and Young Peoples Carer Service - Adults & Young People 30/06/2026 £4,500,000 208
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Design, Supply, and Installation of Fire Doors - Towers 23/07/2026 £8,406,000 Supply and Delivery of Drainage Products 31/07/2026 £560,000 Provision and Maintenance of Watercourse Remote Monitoring Equipment 18/08/2026 £50,000 Maintenance of Lifts 29/08/2026 £1,947,002 Replacement for CRM System 31/08/2026 £65,713 The Provision of Vehicle Breakdown Recovery Services 31/08/2026 £325,000 Tenants Contents Insurance 30/09/2026 £400,000 Double Glazed Units 30/09/2026 £500,000 Printing and Issue of Postal Votes, Printing of Ballot Papers and Postal Vote Management System (PVMS) 30/09/2026 £880,000 Christie Place Fabric including RAAC Removal 30/09/2026 £2,400,000 Employee Travel Services 31/10/2026 £60,000 209
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Independent Adult Advocacy Services 31/10/2026 £2,282,274 Supply and Delivery of Small Tools 30/11/2026 £80,610 Primary School Counselling 30/11/2026 £120,000 Uplift, Storage and Disposal of Abandoned Vehicles 13/12/2026 £50,000 Provision of Secure Cash Collection Services 31/12/2026 £300,000 Fostering and Continuing Care 31/12/2026 £9,700,000 Anti-Skid Road Surfacing and Reflective Studs Contract 20/01/2027 £2,250,000 Supply and Delivery of Kerbs and Associated Products 02/03/2027 £240,000 Supply of Coffee and Associated Products 23/03/2027 £65,000 Supply and Delivery of Permanent Road Signage & Associated Products 27/03/2027 £162,000 Automated External Defibrillators 31/03/2027 £50,000 210
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) SLC Website, Intranet and Galaxy 31/03/2027 £50,000 The Repair and Maintenance of VAS Signs 31/03/2027 £50,000 Window Cleaning - Various Locations 31/03/2027 £200,000 Grounds Machinery Parts and Associated Products 31/03/2027 £200,000 First Aid Materials 31/03/2027 £227,000 Direct Award for the Supply and Distribution of Fresh Meats, Cooked Meats and Fresh Fish 31/03/2027 £2,000,000 Various works associated with Country Park Masterplanning 31/03/2027 £20,000,000 The Supply & Delivery of Liquid Fuels 01/04/2027 £6,000,000 Receipt and Processing of Organic Waste 01/04/2027 £8,200,000 Supply and Delivery of Audio-Visual Equipment 02/04/2027 £345,000 Supply and Delivery of Cold Permanent Pothole Repair 28/04/2027 £125,000 211
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Contract Description Expected Award Date Estimated Value (£) Service, Maintenance and Repair of Closed Protocol Fire and Intruder Alarms 01/05/2027 £300,000 Road Materials Testing Contract 12/05/2027 £430,000 Supply and Delivery of Commercial Catering Equipment 01/06/2027 £1,500,000 Supply and Delivery of Ad Blue Fuel Additive 08/06/2027 £160,000 Framework for the Provision of Vehicle Body Repairs 18/06/2027 £980,000 Maintenance of Lighting Columns (Sports Pitches Floodlighting) 26/06/2027 £640,000 Provision of Volume Mailing and Associated Services (for outbound mail and digital communica- tions) 30/06/2027 £3,700,000 Supply, Implementation and Support of an EDRMS Corporate Solution 31/07/2027 £750,000 212
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Finance and Corporate Resources' Risk Register and Risk Control Plan 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:-[purpose] present an update on the Risk Register and Risk Control actions for Finance and Corporate Resources [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [ (1) that the content of the Resource Risk Register following review, attached at Appendix 1, be noted; (2) that it be noted that the outstanding Risk Control actions will be progressed by relevant officers. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Council’s Risk Management Strategy promotes consideration of risk in service delivery, planning and decision-making processes. The strategy requires Resources to record and review risks and control actions regularly. Finance and Corporate Resources follow the guidance in developing, monitoring, and updating the Risk Register on an ongoing basis. 3.2. The Council’s updated Risk Management Strategy was rolled out via a Management Bulletin with an effective date of 1 April 2025. 3.3. The purpose of the risk register is to ensure that the Resource is fully aware of its top risks; that these risks are prioritised; and that controls are in place to eliminate or minimise the impact of the risks. 3.4. The Resource scores the risks in accordance with the Council scoring mechanism, based on likelihood and impact. This results in risks being scored between 1 and 25 (low – very high). 3.5. Risks are scored on their inherent score (risk if we do nothing) and their residual risk (risk after applying controls). 3.6. The last update of the Finance and Corporate Resources Risk Register was reported to the Committee on 30 October 2024. 19 213
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3.7. The Resource’s top Risk Register and Risk Control Plan has been reviewed. This work was completed in September 2025. 3.8. The Central Risk Management team annually review Resource compliance with the Risk Management Strategy. The outcome of the 2024/2025 review identified that Finance and Corporate Resources achieved 100 per cent compliance, scoring 45 out of a possible 45. 4. Resource Risk Management 4.1. Each Resource has a Resource Risk Management Group which has responsibility for the promotion and management of risk. 4.2. The Finance and Corporate Resources Risk Management Group continues to consult on a regular basis. 4.3. The work of the group over the last year has focused on the review and update of the Resource Risk Register and ensuring that the register reflected the Council Plan and individual Service Plans. 5. Risk Register 5.1. Work has been completed by the Resource Risk Group to finalise the review of the Resource Risk Register. The update considered risks at a Service level, as well as strategic council risks. 5.2. The Resource Risk Register will be monitored on an ongoing basis to allow new risks to be added and for the control measures and scores of the existing risks to be reviewed considering new information. 5.3. Risks can result from internal or external influences, with examples being the impact of projected funding cuts, legislative changes, or the impact of internal service changes. 5.4. The development process for the Resource Plan requires a risk assessment process to be undertaken as appropriate resulting in some actions within the Resource Plan having a corresponding risk identified within the risk register. 5.5. The main changes to the register are summarised below:- Risks removed “The Council is materially affected by the implications arising from the National Care Service (NCS) Bill” On 23 January the Government published amendments which delete the entirety of Part 1 of the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill. This means that all the structural reforms in the original NCS bill (and the government’s proposed draft Stage 2 amendments) have been dropped. This is therefore no longer considered a Council Top risk. 214
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“The Council inherits commercially unviable shopping centres due to the financial failure of existing owner/management companies resulting in significant financial and operational liabilities transferring to the Council.” This risk has been removed following the recent sale of the Regent Shopping Centre in Hamilton and agreement to demolish Centre West in East Kilbride. There are no other shopping centres where ownership may transfer back to the Council due to Council ownership of land. Risks consolidated Table 1 details risks that have been consolidated this year, given they are closely related. The new risk wording is intended to cover all types of civil emergency rather than a specific pandemic/endemic event. Table 1 – Consolidated Risks 2024 Risks 2025 Risk Failure to fulfil emergency response commitments befitting the Council’s status as a Category One (emergency) responder The Council does not have the appropriate emergency / business continuity plans; contingency arrangements or partnerships in place to respond to/or recover from a pandemic/endemic event The Council does not have the appropriate resilience measures, emergency or business continuity plans in place to respond efficiently as a Category 1 Responder to a civil emergency. Changes to residual risk scores Table 2 provides a summary of changes to risk scores. Table 2 – Amendments to Risk Scores Risk Residual Risk Score 2024 Residual Risk Score 2025 Change in residual score Reason/comments The Council fails to comply with or meet the expected standards of scrutiny and deliver the improvement actions identified by regulatory bodies 20 16 As a result of the Council receiving positive inspection reports the residual risk score has been reduced Information governance not subject to adequate control 12 16 Information governance has been added as a new area in the annual governance statement for 2024/25 due to an awareness of the impact of security 215
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Risk Residual Risk Score 2024 Residual Risk Score 2025 Change in residual score Reason/comments information incidents. The perception of this risk is increased with the introduction of new IT systems planned for 2025/26. Inability to ensure public protection and safety 16 12 The overall risk score has reduced given that the Council is compliant with legislation and has sound governance processes in place. Following the move from analogue to digital telephone networks, there has been periods of disruption experienced with the community alarm system. There are well established business continuity plans in place to mitigate against such risks, with a focus on communication with service users and next of kin. The provision of Council services is disrupted because of industrial action 16 12 The residual risk has been reduced due to the recent agreement of a two year pay deal for all staff members, with exception to teaching staff. 216
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Risk Residual Risk Score 2024 Residual Risk Score 2025 Change in residual score Reason/comments Failure to provide an effective legal service 6 12 This risk has increased due to a lack of capacity and qualified officers to meet service demands 5.6. As part of the review of the Risk Management Strategy, risk categories were realigned, and some scores have been revised as part of the review of the risk register. This has resulted in a number of previously high/very high categorised risks now being categorised as medium level risks, and therefore no longer feature as part of the Resource’s top risks. 5.7. Risks scored 20 to 25 are considered to be very high risks and risks scored 10 to 16 are considered to be high risks. Very high and high risks are monitored closely. The top risks identified for the Resource, that is those that are residually scored as being very high and high, are attached at Appendix 1. 5.8. Appendix 2 provides a comparison of risk scores for 2024 and 2025. This appendix also details changes in risk descriptions. 5.9. Risks evaluated residually as being medium or low risk will be monitored to ensure that they continue to be adequately managed. 6. Insurance hotspots and claim mitigation 6.1. An analysis of all claims has been undertaken by the Risk Management team. This highlights the main cause of claims and areas of concern within each Resource. Resources have been asked to feedback on controls that are currently in place and any further planned actions to mitigate against any hotspot areas identified. No areas of concern were identified for Finance and Corporate Resources. 7. Horizon scanning 7.1. Through wider analysis and discussion, areas that could pose potential threats and risks are emerging issues and opportunities that could affect the Resource were identified. Areas identified are listed below:- Transformational Change The Council has embarked upon a transformational change programme which includes a series of cross-cutting reviews, with a view to transforming services and meeting savings targets over the next three years. The level of change will require the Council to take on new levels of risk in managing and delivering service change. Progress with the transformational reviews is being monitored and as part of review the top risks for 2026/2027, updates will be sought from review leads to assess progress and consider the need for a standalone risk. 217
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The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act The Act, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been named as the national regulator, and it estimates that establishing the new regulatory capability will take at least 24 months during which time they will work with the Home Office to engage and inform stakeholders as preparation work progresses. The Act will require certain public premises and events to be prepared to keep people safe in the event of an attack. Premises within scope of the legislation will include locations used for entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds (with controlled entry), the public areas of buildings, visitor attractions and temporary event spaces where entry to a defined space is ticketed (with or without a fee), as well as places of worship, health, and education settings. Existing Council-wide activities related to health and safety, risk management, property maintenance, resilience and security generally all contribute to creating safe environments for our staff, service users, visitors, and pupils. Martyn’s Law will add a new reference point for these activities. The Resilience Adviser, on behalf of the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources), will convene a working group comprising representation from Risk Management, Personnel, Licensing, Property Services, Facilities, Health and Safety, Education, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, HSCP and Police Counter Terrorism Liaison Officers to:- Raise awareness of Martyn’s Law within this group Identify premises anticipated to fall within the respective tiers Identify key issues and make recommendations on changes to policy and/or procedure for managing the implementation of Martyn’s Law and ongoing compliance The Care Reform (Scotland) Bill The Care Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed on 10 June 2025 and will introduce changes to social care procurement and a new right to breaks for unpaid carers. The legal right to breaks for unpaid carers means that Councils will have a duty to decide whether a carer is able to take sufficient breaks from their caring role. If they are not, then the local authority will provide support to enable this, such as providing funding for short respite breaks. This policy, given Scotland has around 700,000 unpaid carers, will cost between £196 million and £315 million by 2035/2036, according to the Bill's financial memorandum. Scotland’s Census 2022 estimated that there are 42,375 carers in South Lanarkshire, equating to approximately 13% of its population. This is likely to have significant financial implications for the Council. A watching brief will be maintained, as “sufficient” has not yet been defined. 218
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Scotland Excel Supply Chain Intelligence Report The Scotland Excel Supply Chain Intelligence 2025 report highlights a significant number of national and global issues that present supply chain challenges. The main areas covered in the 2025 Intelligence Report are:- The Economic Outlook Inflation and price fluctuations Interest rates Global Market Security International trade tariffs US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal The Labour Market National Insurance Contributions Changes for international workers in care Policy and Funding Local Government Funding Landscape Proposed policy and legislation changes (Housing, Social Care) Environmental Change Avian bird flu Climate change adaptation Technological Change Artificial intelligence in supply chains This report has been circulated throughout the Council and Resources are being encouraged to prepare and where possible put plans in place to react to the challenges that arise. 7.2. These areas will continue to be monitored to ensure that the Resource is adequately prepared to respond where required. 8. Scope and appetite for risk 8.1. The Resource aims to be risk embracing, that is it will accept a tolerable level of risk in seeking service efficiencies and in agreeing control measures. 8.2. The level of risk facing the Resource is measured both before (inherent risk) and after (residual risk) consideration of controls. The Resource should never carry a very high residual risk exposure as this would indicate instability, but a low residual risk exposure should also be avoided as this indicates lack of innovation. 8.3. The Council’s universal risk tolerance levels were updated as part of the review of the Risk Management Strategy last year, with the ideal risk profile now defined as:- no more than 20 per cent of risks at a very high level no more than 25 per cent of risks at a high level around 40 to 50 per cent of risks at a medium level no more than 25 per cent of risks at a low level 8.4. Table 3 below shows the Finance and Corporate Resources risk heat map, i.e. it details the total number of risks for each individual risk score. Table 4 below notes the overall risk profile for the Finance and Corporate Resources risks. 219
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Table 3 – Top risks heat map Likelihood 5 Almost certain 2 4 Likely 3 2 1 3 Possible 2 11 5 2 Unlikely 1 12 15 5 1 Rare 3 7 7 1 Negligible 2 Minor 3 Moderate 4 Major 5 Catastrophic Impact Table 4 – Top risks risk profile Risk category Risk rating Number of risks Percentage of risks 1 Very high (20-25) 3 3.9% 2 High (10-16) 10 13.2% 3 Medium (5-9) 33 43.4% 4 Low (1-4) 30 39.5% 76 100.0% 8.5. The main changes to the Resource risk profile, as a result of the realignment of risk categories, and changes to risk scores noted in Section 5.5, are:- Number of very high risks has reduced from 8 to 3 Number of high risks has reduced from 31 to 10 33 risks are now recorded as being medium risks; with a further 30 recorded as low risks. 8.6. The risk profile detailed in Table 4 is now largely in line with the ideal universal risk exposure defined by the Risk Management Strategy, as there has been a reduction in the number of very high and high risks. This is in part due to the revision to risk bandings and tolerance levels within the strategy. 9. Risk Control Actions 9.1. 71.4 per cent (10/14) of control actions due for completion during 2024/2025 were completed on time against an overall Resource target of 90 per cent. 9.2. The actions that are on hold or where slippage has occurred relate to Community Planning and IT forecasting. These actions have been carried forward to the 2025/2026 risk control plan. 9.3. Details of the completion of risk control actions during 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 to date are contained in Table 5 below. 220
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Table 5 – Completion of risk control actions 2024/2025 2025/26 (as at 30 September 2025) Completed on time 10 0 Slippage/On Hold 4 (c/f to 25/26) 1 To be completed at a later date 0 4 Total number of actions due 14 5 9.4. Progress with completion of Resource Risk Control Actions is monitored by the Central Risk Management team. This is also reviewed by the Resource Risk Group. 9.5. There are currently 5 risk control actions due for completion during the remainder of 2025/2026. The Committee is asked to note that the outstanding actions to mitigate risks within the Risk Control Plan will be progressed by the relevant officers. 10. Three lines model 10.1. The ‘three lines’ model was developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors. When using this model, risk controls are categorised under three lines of defence. This aims to provide assurance around the adequacy of control measures that are in place to mitigate strategic risks, identify control descriptions that need amendment to clearly link these to the mitigation of the risk and to highlight any residual gaps in controls that require to be addressed. 10.2. Internal Audit work on the three lines model for the top risks has been concluded, with Resources provided with individual analysis and guidance to support them in developing further controls to close any gaps identified from the three lines approach for the Council top risks that they lead on. Work is now ongoing to review and refine risk controls. This is scheduled to be completed by 31 March 2026. 11. Major projects, partnerships or change 11.1. Within Finance and Corporate Resources 2 partnerships have been identified. 1 of these is considered to be high risk, the Community Planning Partnership. The remaining partnership (Clyde Valley Learning and Development Project) has been assessed as being low risk. 11.2. Appropriate risk management arrangements are in place for the CPP with regular reviews and reports on their risk register and action plan presented to the CPP Board. 12. Next steps 12.1. The Resource Risk Management Group will continue to consult on a regular basis. The risk register will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the group to ensure that risks remain valid for the appropriate Service areas and to identify new areas of risk that affect the Resource. An update report will be provided to the Committee on an annual basis. 13. Employee Implications 13.1. Time will be required by the Resource Risk Management Group in the management of the Resource Risk Register and Risk Control Plan. 221
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14. Financial Implications 14.1. There are no direct financial implications associated with the Resource’s top risks. There are a number of proposed risks which are classified under the heading of financial. Where this is the case, the appropriate controls and actions have been included in the risk control cards and progress will be monitored. 15. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 15.1. Sustainable development issues are included within the Council’s top risk register through being linked directly to the Council plan objective ‘make communities safer, stronger and sustainable’ 16. Other Implications 16.1. Failure to demonstrate that risk is actively considered and managed cannot only lead to avoidable financial loss but could also affect delivery of services and could affect the Resources’ reputation. 17. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 17.1. 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. 17.2. Consultation on the content of this report has been undertaken with the Resource Management Team. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 22 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective and efficient Previous References Report to Finance and Corporate Resources Committee – 30 October 2024 – Update of Finance and Corporate Resources Risk Register and Risk Control Plan List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Craig Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions) Ext: 4951 (Tel: 01698 454951) E-mail: craig.fergusson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 222
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Appendix 1 Finance and Corporate Resources Risk Register (as at September 2025) Extract of risks with residual score category of Very High and High Risk Category Key risk Inherent Risk Score Sample of Controls Residual Risk Score 1 Very High (20-25) The Budget Gap that the council faces across the medium term continues to be the biggest risk faced by the Council. The Budget Gap is the result of the cumulative real terms reductions in Government funding as well as the ongoing impact of increased demand, increased cost of services due to inflation, and increased staff costs resulting from pay awards. The potential of reduced fees/income being received by the Council would further add to budget pressures across Services Council Top Risk 25 • An embedded and systematic approach to savings identification • Robust processes in place to report annual budget and Council Tax proposals to Elected Members • Council’s approved long term financial strategy 20 Failure to prevent or mitigate against fraud, theft, organised crime and cyber attacks which impact upon the council’s operations Council Top Risk 25 • Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy • Whistle-blowing procedures • Cyber security and information security training • Dissemination of fraud alerts 20 The council, in conjunction with its partners, is unable to provide the required support to reduce the overall impact of the cost-of-living crisis on households in South Lanarkshire, resulting in increasing levels of poverty, debt, and poorer outcomes for people Council Top Risk 25 • Debt and money advice from the Money Matters Advice Service • Provision of crisis and community care grants from the Scottish Welfare Fund 20 223
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2 High (10-16) Information governance not subject to adequate control Council Top Risk 20 • Awareness raising • Information Governance Group in place • Information Governance Strategy 16 The council fails to comply with or meet the expected standards of scrutiny and deliver the improvement actions identified by regulatory bodies Council Top Risk 25 • Regular communication with regulatory bodies • Improvement plans developed and progressed 16 Inability to ensure public protection and safety Council Top Risk 25 • Resilience response plans to respond to disruption to community alarm service 12 The council does not have the appropriate resilience measures, emergency or business continuity plans in place to respond efficiently as a Category 1 Responder to a civil emergency Council Top Risk 25 • Media response policy • IT business continuity plans • Emergency Management Team 12 Procurement activity is affected by supply chain issues; a lack of resources; non-compliance or legal challenge Council Top Risk 25 • Procurement Strategy and action plan • Contracts register in place • Procurement Network Group 12 The provision of council services is disrupted because of industrial action Council Top Risk 20 • Two-year deal agreed provides degree of certainty around service provision (except for Education) • Strong local Trade Union relations to manage any issues arising 12 Lack of capacity and skills to meet increased service demands Council Top Risk 20 • Workforce Strategy • Performance Appraisal Process • Learning and Development Strategy 12 224
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Historic childhood abuse Council Top Risk 16 • Regular actuarial reviews of post insurance fund exposures undertaken to establish potential liability for the council 12 Gap in data analytical skills within Internal Audit impacting on development of the function or failure to maximise new AI opportunities. 16 • Formal strategy being developed (including a training plan) • Time within the Internal Audit Plan to develop data analytical skills • Attendance at cross-Local Authority Data Analytical groups 12 Failure to provide an effective legal service 16 • Outsourcing via Approved Providers list including new Legal Services Framework • Succession planning and staff development to develop skills in areas where there are gaps in knowledge or resources 12 225
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Appendix 2: Comparison between 2025 and 2024 Finance and Corporate Resources risk register Risk Category Key risk 2024 Residual risk score 2025 Residual risk score Change in residual risk scores Other changes 1 Very High (20-25) The Budget Gap that the council faces across the medium term continues to be the biggest risk faced by the Council. The Budget Gap is the result of the cumulative real terms reductions in Government funding as well as the ongoing impact of increased demand, increased cost of services due to inflation, and increased staff costs resulting from pay awards. The potential of reduced fees/income being received by the Council would further add to budget pressures across Services Council Top Risk 20 20 = Amended wording Failure to prevent or mitigate against fraud, theft, organised crime and cyber attacks which impact upon the council’s operations Council Top Risk 20 20 = The council, in conjunction with its partners, is unable to provide the required support to reduce the overall impact of the cost-of- living crisis on households in South Lanarkshire, resulting in increasing levels of poverty, debt, and poorer outcomes for people Council Top Risk 20 20 = 2 High (10-16) Information governance not subject to adequate control Council Top Risk 12 16 The council fails to comply with or meet the expected standards of scrutiny and deliver the improvement actions identified by regulatory bodies Council Top Risk 20 16 Inability to ensure public protection and safety Council Top Risk 16 12 226
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Risk Category Key risk 2024 Residual risk score 2025 Residual risk score Change in residual risk scores Other changes The council does not have the appropriate resilience measures, emergency or business continuity plans in place to respond efficiently as a Category 1 Responder to a civil emergency Council Top Risk 12 12 = Consolidated: Failure to fulfil emergency response commitments befitting the council’s status as a Category One (emergency) responder And The council does not have the appropriate emergency / business continuity plans; contingency arrangements or partnerships in place to respond to/or recover from a pandemic/ endemic event. Procurement activity is affected by supply chain issues; a lack of resources; non-compliance or legal challenge Council Top Risk 12 12 = The provision of council services is disrupted because of industrial action Council Top Risk 16 12 Lack of capacity and skills to meet increased service demands Council Top Risk 12 12 = Historic childhood abuse Council Top Risk 12 12 = 227
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Risk Category Key risk 2024 Residual risk score 2025 Residual risk score Change in residual risk scores Other changes Gap in data analytical skills within Internal Audit impacting on development of the function or failure to maximise new AI opportunities. 9 12 Amended wording to include AI opportunities Failure to provide an effective legal service 6 12 228
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Date of Meeting: 19 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Notification of Contracts Awarded: 1 April to 30 September 2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide notification to Committee, in accordance with Standing Orders on Contracts, of contracts awarded by Finance and Corporate Resources during the period 1 April to 30 September 2025 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that details of the contracts awarded be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. It is a requirement of Clauses 21.8 and 22.5 of the Standing Orders on Contracts that details of the acceptance of all tenders above £50,000 be reported retrospectively to the relevant Committee for noting, other than those under Clause 21.3 where the award is not the lowest in a price only tender, or costs exceed the approved financial provision. In these instances, a report is submitted to the appropriate Committee and subsequent authority to award is granted by that Committee. 4. Contract Awards 4.1. The details of contracts awarded for the period 1 April to 30 September 2025, on the basis of lowest offer and/or most economically advantageous offer submitted, is provided at Appendix 1. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications arising from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. Appropriate budget provision is in place for all contracts awarded. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications arising from the information presented in this report. 20 229
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8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no direct risks or implications for sustainability in terms of the information contained in this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy nor 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. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 20 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Value: Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous Reference Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 11 June 2025 List of Background Papers Standing Orders on Contracts Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Emma Smith, Corporate Procurement and Transactions Manager Ext: 5329 (Tel: 01698 455329) E-mail: emma.smith@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 230
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Appendix 1 Contracts Awarded by Finance and Corporate Resources over £50,000 in value Contract Reference Number Contract Description Contractor Name Estimated Value Start Date End Date Extension Date Award date SLC/FC/24/046 Provision of Postal Services - Physical and Hybrid Mail (for outbound mail physical mail) Royal Mail Group Ltd 1,000,000.00 31-Mar-2025 30-Mar-2027 30-Mar-2029 01-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/24/012 Provision of Civica Digital 360EDM and Workflow Software (EDRMS for Benefits and Revenue) Civica UK Ltd 456,352.61 01-Apr-2025 31-Mar-2030 31-Mar-2031 01-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/24/001 End User Services Computacenter (UK) Ltd 3,673,009.23 01-Jul-2025 30-Jun-2030 05-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/24/099 Utilities – Supply of Gas for SLC and SLLC - April 2025 onwards TotalEnergies Gas & Power Ltd 49,892,976.04 01-Apr-2025 31-Mar-2027 31-Mar-2028 08-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/25/031 Annual Renewal of CMER AutoDesk AutoCAD Licences Computacenter (UK) Ltd 76,074.52 14-Apr-2025 13-Apr-2026 14-Apr-2027 10-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/24/003 ArcGIS Licences and Maintenance Esri (UK) Ltd 162,985.25 01-Apr-2025 31-Mar-2026 31-Mar-2027 11-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/24/024 Burial and Cremation Software System GSS (NI) Ltd T/A Plotbox 229,180.00 14-Apr-2025 13-Apr-2028 13-Apr-2029 12-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/23/087 Employee Salary Sacrifice, Additional Voluntary Contributions AVC Wise Ltd T/A My Money Matters 201,118.48 01-Jun-2025 31-May-2029 14-Apr-2025 SLC/FC/24/059 Licensing Identification Products VIP System Ltd 159,274.07 01-May-2025 30-Apr-2028 30-Apr-2030 14-May-2025 SLC/FC/23/066 Digital Care Plan Computacenter (UK) Ltd 252,512.10 31-May-2025 30-May-2030 31-May-2025 SLC/FC/25/019 Provision of Employee Physiotherapy Services Physicare 189,339.95 08-Jun-2025 07-Dec-2025 07-Jun-2026 02-Jun-2025 SLC/FC/24/004 Cashless Catering Solutions CRB Cunninghams 421,643.40 01-Jul-2025 30-Jun-2028 30-Jun-2030 10-Jun-2025 SLC/FC/23/054 Legal Services Providers CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, Harper Macleod LLP, Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, Clyde & Co (Scotland) LLP, Anderson Strathern Sols, Shepherd & Wedderburn LLP, DWF LLP, Brodies, Olswang LLP 666,667.00 01-Apr-2024 20-Dec-2025 20-Dec-2026 15-Jun-2025 SLC/FC/25/030 Microsoft Office 365 Backup and Recovery Solutions Softcat Plc 270,579.69 01-Aug-2025 31-Jul-2028 23-Jun-2025 SLC/FC/25/025 Building Standards Regulations (CIS) Licenses Allium UK Holding Ltd 85,990.49 17-Apr-2025 16-Apr-2026 16-Apr-2027 30-Jun-2025 231
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Contract Reference Number Contract Description Contractor Name Estimated Value Start Date End Date Extension Date Award date SLC/FC/24/094 Provision, Support and Maintenance of Tessello Software eLearning and Development Platform Capita Business Services Ltd 261,805.50 01-Aug-2025 31-Jul-2026 31-Jul-2027 29-Jul-2025 SLC/FC/25/036 Oracle Fusion Implementation Measure For Measure Limited 60,200.00 01-Jul-2025 31-Dec-2025 30-Jun-2026 07-Aug-2025 SLC/FC/25/011 Provision of Road Operative Modern Apprenticeship Training R.C.R Safety & Training Ltd 88,870.52 23-Jun-2025 31-Oct-2028 31-Oct-2029 16-Aug-2025 SLC/FC/25/055 Oracle Fusion Workforce Scheduling Implementation Mastek Systems Company Ltd 85,958.00 18-Aug-2025 31-Mar-2026 20-Aug-2025 SLC/FC/24/081 Electronic Payment Services Allpay.Net Ltd 386,080.00 01-Sep-2025 31-Aug-2027 31-Aug-2028 04-Sep-2025 SLC/FC/24/043 Supply, Delivery, Installation and Maintenance of Multi-Functional Device (MFD) Hardware incorporating maintenance and Secure Print Management Software Canon UK Ltd 3,000,000.00 10-Sep-2025 09-Sep-2030 08-Sep-2025 SLC/FC/25/071 Web Security Gateway Licences Computacenter (UK) Ltd 112,255.00 02-Oct-2025 01-Oct-2026 26-Sep-2025 232
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Contract Extensions for contracts over £50,000 in value Contract Reference Number Contract Description Contractor Name Estimated Value (£) Extension Value (£) Start Date End Date Extension date SLC/PS/FINCOR/18/183 Cloud Migration and Hosting Services Datavita Ltd 10,232,942.54 3,000,000 01-Oct-2020 30-Sep-2027 14-Apr-2025 SLC//PS/FINCOR/23/013 Provision of Volume Mailing and Associated Services (for outbound mail and digital communications) Critiqom Ltd 3,643,014.00 2,013,502 01-Jun-2023 30-Jun-2027 27-Jun-2025 SLC/FC/23/128 Desktop Client Devices HP Inc UK Limited 700,000.00 175,000 01-Sep-2023 31-Aug-2026 27-Aug-2025 SLC/FC/24/015 Security for Council Offices Securigroup Services Ltd 169,284.10 82,115 01-Apr-2025 31-Mar-2026 25-Sep-2025 233
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