Agenda Document Pack - South Lanarkshire Council - 19/02/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 19 February 2025
Back to South Lanarkshire Council — 19 February 2025 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 11 February 2025 Dear Councillor South Lanarkshire Council The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the Council to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 19 February 2025 Time: 10:00 Venue: Hybrid - Council Chamber, 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 Margaret Cooper (Provost), Bert Thomson (Depute Provost), Alex Allison, John Anderson, Ralph Barker, John Bradley, Walter Brogan, Robert Brown, Archie Buchanan, Mathew Buchanan, Janine Calikes, Andy Carmichael, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Gerry Convery, Poppy Corbett, Andrea Cowan, Margaret Cowie, Maureen Devlin, Colin Dewar, Mary Donnelly, Monique Equi, Joe Fagan, Allan Falconer, Grant Ferguson, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Elise Frame, Alistair Fulton, Ross Gowland, Geri Gray, Lynsey Hamilton, Celine Handibode, Graeme Horne, Mark Horsham, Martin Hose, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Gavin Keatt, Susan Kerr, Ross Lambie, Martin Lennon, Richard Lockhart, Eileen Logan, Katy Loudon, Hugh Macdonald, Julia Marrs, Ian McAllan, Catherine McClymont, Kenny McCreary, Lesley McDonald, Elaine McDougall, Mark McGeever, Davie McLachlan, Richard Nelson, Carol Nugent, Norman Rae, Mo Razzaq, Kirsten Robb, John Ross, Graham Scott, David Shearer, Helen Toner, Margaret B Walker, David Watson, Kirsty Williams 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of South Lanarkshire Council held on 20 November 2024 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 22 3 Minutes of Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee Minutes of the meeting of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee held on 24 September 2024 submitted for noting. (Copy attached) 23 - 34 Item(s) for Decision 4 Recommendations Referred by Executive Committee - Housing Revenue and Capital Account Budget 2025/2026 Report by the Chief Executive. (Copy to follow) 5 Family Leave for Elected Members - Councillor Hamilton Report dated 21 January 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 35 - 36 6 Notice of Motion - Council to Withdraw from the use of X (formerly Twitter) Motion received in terms of Standing Order No. 21 on 22 January 2025, proposed by Councillor Mark McGeever and seconded by Councillor Robert Brown. (Copy attached) 37 - 38 7 Touch a Life, Make a Difference Initiative Update Report dated 29 January 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 39 - 42 Item(s) for Noting 8 Boundaries Scotland - Additional Proposals for Constituencies and Revised Proposals for Regions for the Scottish Parliament Report dated 5 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 43 - 46 9 South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy – Annual Update Report dated 30 January 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 47 - 62 Urgent Business 10 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Provost decides are urgent. 2
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For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Susan Somerville Clerk Telephone: 07557323097 Clerk Email: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Minutes of the meeting held via Confero and in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 20 November 2024 Chair: Provost Margaret Cooper Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor Ralph Barker, Councillor John Bradley, Councillor Walter Brogan, Councillor Robert Brown, Councillor Archie Buchanan, Councillor Mathew Buchanan, Councillor Janine Calikes, Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Gerry Convery, Councillor Poppy Corbett, Councillor Andrea Cowan, Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Mary Donnelly, Councillor Monique Equi, Councillor Joe Fagan, Councillor Allan Falconer, Councillor Grant Ferguson, Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Councillor Elise Frame, Councillor Alistair Fulton, Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Geri Gray, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Ross Lambie, Councillor Martin Lennon, Councillor Richard Lockhart, Councillor Eileen Logan, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Ian McAllan, Councillor Catherine McClymont, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor Carol Nugent, Councillor Norman Rae, Councillor Mo Razzaq, Councillor Kirsten Robb, Councillor John Ross, Councillor Graham Scott, Councillor David Shearer, Councillor Bert Thomson (Depute), Councillor Helen Toner, Councillor Margaret B Walker, Councillor David Watson, Councillor Kirsty Williams Councillors’ Apologies: Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Mark Horsham, Councillor Susan Kerr, Councillor Hugh Macdonald, Councillor Mark McGeever Chief Executive’s Service P Manning, Chief Executive Community and Enterprise Resources D Booth, Executive Director Education Resources A Donaldson, Depute Executive Director Finance and Corporate Resources J Taylor, Executive Director, A Norris, Administration Assistant; S Somerville, Administration Manager; I Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Housing and Technical Resources C Jardine, Head of Property Services Social Work Resources/Health and Social Care S Sengupta, Director, Health and Social Care Order of Business The Committee decided: that the items of business be dealt with in the order minuted below. 2 5
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1 Declaration of Interests The following interest was declared:- Councillor(s) Item(s) Nature of Interest(s) Cooper Touch a Life, Make a Difference Initiative Update Board member – Sense Scotland 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of South Lanarkshire Council held on 11 September 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Council decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Minutes of Petitions Committee The minutes of the meeting of the Petitions Committee held on 19 April 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record. In response to Councillor Robb’s question, the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) advised that the West of Scotland Roads Safety Forum could be considered as part of a planned review. The Council decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 4 Minutes of Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee The minutes of the meeting of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee held on 25 June 2024 were submitted for noting. The Council decided: that the minutes be noted. 5 Amendments to Memberships of Committees etc A report dated 5 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted seeking approval of proposed amendments to memberships of committees and forums. The Council decided: (1) that a member of the Labour Group replace Councillor Equi on the following:- Licensing Division 2 (East Kilbride) Licensing Committee Planning Committee Planning Local Review Body (as a substitute member) (2) that Councillor Dewar replace Councillor Johnston-Dempsey on the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee, with Councillor Marrs replacing Councillor Dewar as a substitute member; (3) that Councillor Dewar replace Councillor Bradley as a full member on the Social Work Resources Committee, with Councillor Bradley becoming a substitute member; 6
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(4) that Councillor Toner replace Councillor Bradley as a substitute member on the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee; (5) that Councillor Frame replace Councillor Bradley as a substitute member on the Housing and Technical Resources Committee; (6) that Councillor Ross replace Councillor Marrs as a full member on the South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership, with Councillor Marrs becoming a substitute member; and (7) that Councillor Lockhart replace Councillor Nelson as a member on the Joint Consultative Forum. 6 Mid-Term Review of Political Management Arrangements Supporting Documentation – Standing Orders on Procedures A report dated 18 October 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on proposed revisions to the Council’s Standing Orders on Procedures. Proposed amendments had been submitted to the Standards and Procedures Advisory Forum (SPAF) on 24 June 2024 for its consideration. A summary of proposed changes was provided in Appendix 1 to the report, with marked up changes reflected in Appendix 1a to the report. In the main, the proposals reflected changes in working practices post COVID, particularly in terms of hybrid meetings. Since the meeting of the SPAF in June 2024, officers considered that, in order to provide clarity for those members participating remotely in meetings, it would be beneficial for an additional Standing Order provision to be added to existing Standing Order No 23, details of which were outlined in paragraph 4.3 of the report. As reported to the Executive Committee on 13 November 2024, the Scottish Government had issued a consultation on a proposal to allow proxy voting by councillors. The Scottish Government proposed to amend the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 in this respect. If such an amendment was brought forward and became law, officers would, in turn, bring forward a proposal for any changes to the Standing Orders on Procedures. It was highlighted by the Head of Administration and Legal Services that any changes to Standing Orders on Procedures required the agreement of at least two thirds of those members present. In response to a point made by Councillor Clark on the deletion of the phrase ‘details on how to access the meeting will be included on the Council’s website’ within existing Standing Order No 4a, the Head of Administration and Legal Services advised that there was nothing intentional in terms of its removal and details of Council meetings were available on the Council’s website. Councillor Fagan referred to the lengthy discussions that had taken place at the meetings of the SPAF and how some processes happened on a voluntary basis by Groups, with the co-operation and guidance of officers, and that he was content to move the recommendations contained within the report. Councillor Convery seconded this. Both members indicated they were content to reinstate the phrase at existing Standing Order No 4a, as outlined by Councillor Clark. Councillor Robb, seconded by Councillor Watson, moved as an amendment that, at the end of Standing Order No 51g after ‘by noon at least 3 days in advance of the budget meeting’, a sentence be added to read as ‘This would allow all Group budget proposals to be shared publicly by 5pm 2 days before the meeting’. In response to concerns raised by Councillor Allison on this potentially compromising Group’s positions in terms of late amendments, the Head of Administration and Legal Services advised that the officer wording had been proposed on the basis that it was not mandatory that budget motions were submitted by a set date and time, however, Groups were asked to share 7
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amendments with the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) so they could be reviewed in terms of competency. While those could potentially be shared in advance, Council would need to be clear on the basis agreed to ensure equitable arrangements were in place for all Groups as not all might share proposals by that time. Councillor Robb considered that the sharing of proposals would enable collaboration and be beneficial in terms of the public aspect. Councillor Watson advised that, while not relevant to the budget, he wished to request that a paper be submitted to a future meeting of the Council on Council/committee hybrid meetings and member attendance at those. In response to a Point of Order by Councillor Loudon on the technicalities of Councillor Watson’s proposals, the Provost advised that Councillor Watson was not looking to change Standing Orders on Procedures but simply requesting that a paper be brought to a future meeting of the Council. At the invite of the Provost, the Head of Administration and Legal Services spoke and concurred with what the Provost had advised. In response to a further Point of Order by Councillor Clark, at the invite of the Provost, the Head of Administration and Legal Services confirmed that the proposal made by Councillor Watson was a discrete point in that it was not proposing a change to the Standing Orders but asking that a paper be brought by officers to a future meeting, at which point members could then take a decision. The Leader of the Council referred to recent technical issues and the fact that the Council was considering arrangements for the workforce going forward, therefore, it was appropriate that meeting arrangements for elected members could also be looked at by officers, with a report being brought back. Any decision-making would be taken at an appropriate point in the future and not at this meeting. The Chief Executive referred to the potential of a paper being brought to a meeting of the SPAF prior to consideration by the Council. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 34 members voted for the motion, as proposed by Councillors Fagan and Convery, and 25 for the amendment, as proposed by Councillors Robb and Watson. As there was consensus for the officer’s recommendations in the report, subject to the reinstatement of the phrase ‘details on how to access the meeting will be included on the Council’s website’ within existing Standing Order No 4a, the recommendations were approved. The Council decided: (1) that, subsequent to consideration by the Standards and Procedures Advisory Forum (SPAF), the revisions to the Standing Orders on Procedures, as detailed in appendices 1 (summary) and 1a (marked changes) to the report, subject to the reinstatement of the phrase ‘details on how to access the meeting will be included on the Council’s website’ within existing Standing Order No 4a, be approved; (2) that a further addition to existing Standing Order No 23 in terms of remote participation and voting, as detailed in paragraph 4.3 of the report, be approved; (3) to note that, once approved, arrangements would be made for the revised Standing Orders on Procedures to be made available on the Council’s website; and (4) that it be noted that officers would prepare a report on Council/committee hybrid meetings and member attendance at those for future consideration by elected members, in the first instance, at a meeting of the Standards and Procedures Advisory Forum. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 13 November 2024 (Paragraph 14)] 8
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7 Recommendation Referred by Executive Committee – Annual Investment Report 2023/2024 A report dated 13 November 2024 by the Chief Executive was submitted on the recommendation which had been referred to the Council by the Executive Committee of 13 November 2024 in relation to the Council’s Annual Investment Report 2023/2024. The recommendation was that the Council’s Annual Investment Report 2023/2024 be approved. The Council decided: that the recommendation of the Executive Committee of 13 November 2024 in relation to the Council’s Annual Investment Report 2023/2024 be approved. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 13 November 2024 (Paragraph 12)] In terms of Standing Order No 14, the Provost adjourned the meeting following this item of business at 10.56am. The meeting reconvened at 11.08am 8 Notice of Motion – Full Funding from Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor McGeever, seconded by Councillor Rae, was submitted as follows:- “South Lanarkshire Council welcomes the forthcoming introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) throughout the United Kingdom. In accordance with the Polluter Pays principle, EPR will relieve local councils and taxpayers from significant costs of dealing with packaging from household goods. Instead, producers will be responsible for meeting the costs of disposing of their packaging. Businesses, public sector bodies and voluntary organisations all produce packing, and will clearly benefit from there being one system consistent across the UK. Council therefore welcomes the decision of the Scottish Government to work with the United Kingdom Government, the Welsh Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive to establish a uniform scheme from 2025. Council notes that the administrator of the scheme will distribute income from packaging producers to local authorities, in order to compensate them for the cost of collecting, processing, recycling, and disposing of waste packaging. It is right that for the purpose of calculating payments to local authorities, they will be grouped according to their particular characteristics rather than their location within the UK. The EPR principle obviously requires that producers’ payments go entirely to the councils dealing with the waste: They cannot be a source of general revenue for the Scottish, UK, Welsh or Northern Irish governments. Accordingly, South Lanarkshire Council is concerned by suggestions the Scottish Government may not pass-on the full payments allocated by the scheme administrator to local authorities within Scotland. South Lanarkshire Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the UK Government Secretary of State for the Environment and to the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance, to seek guarantees that all funds allocated by the EPR scheme Administrator to councils in Scotland will go directly and fully to them.” In the absence of Councillor McGeever, Councillor Brown moved the motion. Councillor Rae seconded it. 9
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Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Shearer, moved the following as an amendment:- “Delete final sentence of fifth paragraph and replace with: South Lanarkshire Council notes the role of the scheme administrator and welcomes the commitment from the Scottish Government that fees raised from producers will fund the full net costs of efficient and effective local authority household packaging waste collection and disposal services but would like further assurances on payments being passed to councils.” Councillor Robb proposed the following as an addendum:- “At the end of the motion, add: Officers to report back to committee estimates of how much funding the council can expect through EPR payments and how these funds could both offset Council’s cost of processing packaging and facilitate spending to support community-based waste and / or carbon reduction projects, in line with our community wealth building strategy.” Councillor Brown indicated that he was willing to accept the addendum by Councillor Robb but was not willing to accept the amendment by Councillor Clark. Councillor Clark indicated that he was willing to incorporate Councillor Robb’s addendum into his amendment. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 36 members voted for the motion, as amended with the inclusion of the addendum, and 23 for the amendment, again with the inclusion of the addendum. The motion was declared carried. The Council decided: (1) that the terms of the motion, as amended with the inclusion of the addendum, be approved; (2) that the Chief Executive write to the UK Government Secretary of State for the Environment and to the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance to seek guarantees that all funds allocated by the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme Administrator to councils in Scotland would go directly and fully to them; and (3) that officers report back to committee in terms of estimating how much funding the Council might expect through EPR payments and how those funds could both offset the Council’s cost of processing packaging and facilitate spending to support community-based waste and/or carbon reduction projects, in line with its community wealth building strategy. 9 Notice of Motion – The Voluntary Sector and Disclosure Scotland Fees In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Brown, seconded by Councillor McGeever, was submitted as follows:- “South Lanarkshire Council welcomes:- 1. the huge contribution made by the voluntary sector in Scotland to civic society and the welfare of our citizens, often in areas in which formal Government structures do not deliver. 10
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Council notes with concern:- a. the proposals by Disclosure Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government for removal of the current fee waiver for volunteers meaning an end to free PVGs for volunteers; and b. the decision to replace lifetime Qualified Voluntary Organisations (QVO) certification by a requirement to renew every 5 years from April 2026. Council is clear that these changes amount to the damaging imposition on the voluntary sector or on volunteers of considerable additional costs which will undermine the voluntary sector, deter volunteers or both. Council calls on Disclosure Scotland and the Scottish Government to withdraw these proposals.” Councillor Brown moved the motion and, in the absence of Councillor McGeever, Councillor Rae seconded it. Councillor Loudon, seconded by Councillor Chalmers, moved the following as an amendment:- “Delete after “do not deliver” Insert: Council understands that Disclosure Scotland held a public consultation on PVG fee discounts and waivers earlier this year, which received over 1,200 responses, and that they spoke to 175 organisations to gather their views. Council further understands that a consultation report is due to be published by Disclosure Scotland, the results of which will be fed into their wider policy development, and options provided to Scottish Government Ministers. Council notes, that although the final consultation report is still to be published, various organisations such as the SCVO have previously publicly stated their concerns that a move away from a fees waiver to discounted fees could impose additional costs on the voluntary sector, and create issues around the recruitment and retention of volunteers. Council further notes with concern that these changes are being proposed during what are extremely challenging financial times for the voluntary sector - particularly in the light of SCVO’s recent estimate that the changes to Employer’s National Insurance Contributions [eNICs] announced in the recent UK budget will cost the sector £75 million. Council is clear that it recognises and shares the concerns of voluntary organisation on these issues, and requests: - that appropriate officers make specific and focussed contact with our third-sector interface, VASLAN, to ask for their input on Disclosure Scotland’s consultation questions - that appropriate officers write to Disclosure Scotland to relate the Council’s concerns about potential additional costs to the voluntary sector and the recruitment and retention of volunteers - as well as any concerns related to officers from VASLAN - and ask that these views are considered as they are preparing their consultation report, next steps, and options to present to Scottish Ministers. 11
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- that appropriate officers follow the SCVO’s lead in writing to the UK Chancellor to express the Council’s concerns regarding the uncertainty around exemption or relief for changes to eNICs, forecast to cost the voluntary sector £75 million, which has the potential to significantly impair their ability to support our communities.” In response to a Point of Order by Councillor Nelson, the Provost advised that she would ensure that the time constraints within the Standing Orders on Procedures would be enforced. Following discussion, Councillor Brown, with the agreement of Councillor Rae, confirmed that he was willing to withdraw point b from his motion. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 35 members voted for the motion and 24 for the amendment. The motion was declared carried. The Council decided: (1) that the terms of the motion, as amended to delete point b, be approved; (2) to note with concern the proposals by Disclosure Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government, for removal of the current fee waiver for volunteers, meaning an end to free PVGs for volunteers; and (3) to call on Disclosure Scotland and the Scottish Government to withdraw those proposals. 10 Notice of Motion – Abolition of the Requirement for Panel Approval of Bus Franchising In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Devlin, was submitted as follows:- “The Council notes that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has identified bus franchising as its preferred option for reform to advance the aims of its Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy. The Council reiterates its support for reform of Strathclyde’s bus market and welcomes progress made by SPT to date. The Council notes that the Scottish Parliament chose not to annul a Scottish Statutory Instrument relating to the establishment of an unelected panel, appointed by the Traffic Commissioner, to decide on whether to approve bus franchising proposals. The Council further notes that this decision was made against the recommendation of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. The Council considers that the requirement for a democratically accountable public transport authority, such as SPT, to gain the approval of an unelected panel to progress bus franchising is fundamentally undemocratic, increasingly out of step with developments elsewhere in the UK and represents a weakness in the Transport Act (Scotland) 2019. The Council therefore considers that this requirement should be abolished and that the Scottish Government should timeously establish an alternative, more democratic approach to the implementation of bus franchising.” Councillor Fagan moved the motion and it was seconded by Councillor Devlin. 12
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Councillor Ross, seconded by Councillor Chalmers, moved the following as an amendment:- “Use the first part of original motion as follows “The Council notes that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has identified bus franchising as its preferred option for reform to advance the aims of its Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy. The Council reiterates its support for reform of Strathclyde’s bus market and welcomes progress made by SPT to date. The Council notes that the Scottish Parliament chose not to annul a Scottish Statutory Instrument relating to the establishment of an unelected panel, appointed by the Traffic Commissioner, to decide on whether to approve bus franchising proposals. Delete all after franchising proposals and insert the following The Council welcomes this decision as it would have delayed progress on franchising beyond this current Parliament. The Council notes that to abolish this now statutory provision would require a new bill and there will not be a suitable one before the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026. This council acknowledges that in order not to delay franchising further, but to recognise this council’s priorities, which are to maintain and improve bus services for people in South Lanarkshire. That this Council therefore agrees to continue supporting SPT work to progress franchising under the current statutory arrangements.” Councillor Fagan indicated that he was willing to accept the following addendum by Councillor Robb:- “Add in at the end of the motion: Council supports similar calls from the Better Buses for Strathclyde campaign urging the Scottish Government to improve the process for implementing the bus franchising powers contained in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, additionally requesting the publication of, without delay, the regulations and statutory guidance required to give bus franchising powers full effect; and providing additional funding to help support Regional Transport Partnerships in preparing franchising frameworks and assisting them with initial set-up costs once frameworks are approved. Finally, Council asks the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish Government urging action to achieve this franchising as soon as possible.” On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 36 members voted for the motion, as amended with the addendum, and 23 for the amendment. The motion was declared carried. The Council decided: (1) that the terms of the motion, as amended with the inclusion of the addendum, be approved; and (2) that the Chief Executive write to the Scottish Government urging action to achieve bus franchising as soon as possible. 13
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11 Notice of Motion – Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Nugent, seconded by Councillor Calikes, was submitted as follows:- “Council notes the findings from the UK Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) final report into the women’s State Pension age and associated issues, published on 21 March 2024. Council acknowledges the PHSO has confirmed that women affected are owed compensation on the grounds of maladministration by the DWP, as the state pension age changes were not adequately communicated to the women affected. Council notes that the report finds that many 1950s-born women have experienced financial loss and a negative impact on their health, and emotional wellbeing. Here in South Lanarkshire, it is estimated that over 14,000 women have been affected by this injustice. PHSO, Chief Executive Rebecca Hilsenrath has shared her “significant concerns” that the DWP will fail to act on its findings and in turn the PHSO has asked the UK Parliament to intervene and to identify a way to provide appropriate remedy. The ruling by the PHSO is vindication of the tireless efforts of the WASPI campaigners including groups here in South Lanarkshire and the injustice that has been served by successive UK Governments, this has not only had a profound effect on the individuals but also on the wider community in South Lanarkshire. Council fully supports the WASPI campaign and calls for a swift resolution to this ongoing injustice. Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to reiterate the need for the UK Government and Parliament to act swiftly and to set up a fair compensation scheme in order to resolve this injustice.” Councillor Nugent moved the motion and it was seconded by Councillor Calikes. The Council decided: (1) that the terms of the motion be unanimously agreed; and (2) that the Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to reiterate the need for the UK Government and Parliament to act swiftly and to set up a fair compensation scheme in order to resolve this injustice. 12 Notice of Motion – Taking Action on Vape Sales to Children In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Frame, seconded by Councillor Johnston-Dempsey, was submitted as follows:- “Council notes the recent publication of an article on our South Lanarkshire View website regarding the sale of disposable vape products to those under the age of 18. Council expresses disappointment that more than one third of retailers we tested were found to have sold vapes to people under the age of 18. Council further notes, and condemns, the fact that, when these retailers were re-tested, a quarter were found to still be breaking the law. 14
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Council notes that our Trading Standards Officers have fined those retailers breaking this law £200 (£150 if paid within 14 days) but is discouraged that a quarter of retails continued to sell disposable vapes to children and young people. Council believes that this indicates that rogue retailers are factoring the fine risk into the cost of doing business. Council welcomes the potential complete ban of disposable vape products, which is being discussed at a UK level, and notes a previous motion passed in this chamber calling on such a ban. Until this national ban comes into effect, Council recognises that more must be done on a local level. Council agrees: 1. That Trading Standards will continue to test retailers and, where practicable, will increase how many outlets are tested. 2. That existing confidential processes for members of the public to report retailers selling nicotine products to minors – via phone, web form and email – will be better promoted and publicised through the council’s various communications channels. 3. Where a premises is found to have sold nicotine products to people under the age of 18, Trading Standards will continue to liaise with the Licensing Team to consider where further action might be appropriate, including; a. The possibility of seeking an order in the Sheriff Court prohibiting the sale of nicotine products by that vendor. b. The possibility of reviewing a relevant licence held by the seller, issued by this Council/the Licensing Board for the provision of age-restricted goods or services, for example; the sale of alcohol, skin piercing, tattooing, fireworks, gaming, knife dealer, sex shop, cinema, sunbed, and the like. Council thanks Trading Standards, and their youth volunteers, for the work they have already carried out on this issue.” Councillor Frame moved the motion and it was seconded by Councillor Johnston-Dempsey. Councillor Brown and the Provost were heard in support of the motion. The Council decided: that the terms of the motion be unanimously agreed. 13 Notice of Motion – Cessation of Arms Sales to Israel and Publication of Legal Advice In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Cowan, seconded by Councillor Johnston-Dempsey, was submitted as follows:- “Council call upon the new Westminster Government to immediately cease approval of all licences for the export of weapons and weapon parts to Israel. It is now highly likely that the continuation of these exports breaches international humanitarian law and makes the UK Government complicit in the potential war crimes that continue to be committed in Gaza. The resignation in August 2024, of senior civil servant, Mark Smith, who served as Second Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has thrown new light on previous claims of there being one of the most ‘robust and transparent’ arms export licensing regimes in the world in place, into serious doubt. 15
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The civil service union, the PCS has also previously warned of its concerns and warned of potential legal action over the possible illegality of the UK Government permitting ongoing arms exports in potential contravention of international law. The council believes that this action would send a powerful message to Netanyahu’s government as well as ensuring that the UK Government does not cause the UK to break international law. The council further asks the UK Government to publish the legal advice on this matter as requested by them previously of the former Government. Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to both the Scottish First Minister and the UK Prime Minister outlining the details of this motion, as agreed.” Councillor Cowan moved the motion and it was seconded by Councillor Johnston-Dempsey. Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved the following as an amendment:- “The Council is asked to agree that the text of the Motion be replaced with the following: South Lanarkshire Council expresses profound concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the spread of conflict in the Middle East; urges world leaders to immediately consider the findings of the Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, and reaffirms the position adopted unanimously by the Council in March 2024, including calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the ongoing review of arms exports and efforts to build a lasting peace.” Councillor Allison intimated that he considered that this was a matter for Westminster to consider and that he was disappointed to see it being brought before Council again as any discussion would not contribute to a solution on the matter. Councillor Cowan considered that it did affect people in South Lanarkshire and Councillor Johnston-Dempsey advised that it was relevant due to the fact that arms were produced in Scotland. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 24 members voted for the motion, 29 for the amendment and 6 abstained. The amendment was declared carried. The Council decided: that the terms of the amendment, as outlined above, be approved. In terms of Standing Order No 14, the Provost adjourned the meeting following this item of business at 12.22pm. The meeting reconvened at 1.30pm without the attendance of Councillors Barker, A Buchanan, Cowie and McLachlan Following the adjournment, Councillor Ferguson raised concerns in relation to an earlier request for an eye break and the length of the lunch break due to difficulties in securing the interpreters’ services. The Provost noted Councillor Ferguson’s concerns and advised that this would form part of the paper on hybrid meetings to be brought to a future meeting 16
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14 Notice of Motion – Exploration of a New Waste Management System In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Calikes, seconded by Councillor Cowan, was submitted as follows:- “Council notes that litter is an ongoing issue throughout the authority, especially in areas where there are commercial/retail units, making our town centres/high streets look run down and uninviting. Council recognises that South Lanarkshire Council does not operate a commercial waste service and that these services are the responsibility of individual businesses to arrange and manage. However, Council also agrees that the existing arrangements for commercial waste uplift, particularly around our town centres, is failing. Council instructs officers to investigate the existing commercial waste management arrangements and explore options for a new system, reporting to a meeting of the Community and Enterprise Committee in advance of the 2025 summer recess on options and associated implications. Council asks officers to explore and report on the feasibility of the following options in addition to any other methods considered as part of its exploration: - • Options and implications of a system of allocated time slots for commercial waste to minimise the time waste is placed on streets. • Proposals for consulting with businesses and their service providers on any new arrangements. • Options and implications of supporting businesses to adjust to any changes. • Options and implications of compliance, including the use of Fixed Penalty Notices.“ Councillor Calikes moved the motion and it was seconded by Councillor Cowan. Councillor Brown indicated that, as Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, he welcomed the motion as Burnside and Cambuslang, in particular, suffered from unsightly, overflowing waste bins. He advised that there was no single solution, with a need to examine all options. He highlighted that businesses had a responsibility under legislation in terms of disposing of their waste, however, it was worthwhile for the Council to consider further as a waste review had recently been undertaken. Councillors Nelson, Cowan, Walker and Robb, in turn, were heard on the matter. The Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) advised that officers were engaging with the community council, residents and businesses in terms of the streetscape. He highlighted that some of the difficulties experienced were due to the design of the shops and streets and often space was tight. He said his officers could consider enforcement activity and bring a paper to a future committee meeting. The Provost highlighted that the problem also affected small, rural towns. The Council decided: (1) that the terms of the motion be unanimously approved; and 17
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(2) that officers explore and report to a meeting of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee in advance of the 2025 summer recess on the feasibility of the following options in addition to any other methods considered as part of its exploration:- options and implications of a system of allocated time slots for commercial waste to minimise the time waste was placed on streets proposals for consulting with businesses and their service providers on any new arrangements options and implications of supporting businesses to adjust to any changes options and implications of compliance, including the use of Fixed Penalty Notices 15 Notice of Motion – Hamilton Academical Football Club 150th Anniversary In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Dewar, seconded by Councillor Donnelly, was submitted as follows:- “Council acknowledges that Hamilton Academical Football Club marks it’s 150th anniversary this year; having been formed in late 1874 by the rector James Blacklock and pupils of Hamilton Academy. Council notes that Accies are one of the oldest senior football clubs in Scotland and the only professional club in the UK to have originated from a school team; that whilst the exact date of formation isn’t known the first documented match of the club was played on the 12th December 1874; that the club joined the Scottish Football League in November 1897 and has since competed across all 4 divisions of the league. Council notes that Accies played at various venues across Hamilton initially; thereafter taking up residence at Douglas Park from 1888-1994 and then returning to the town in 2001 after seven years with the opening of New Douglas Park. Council agrees that Hamilton Academical Football Club is an asset to the local community; congratulates the club on this significant milestone in it’s history, all of the numerous achievements over the past 150 years and sends the club, staff and supporters best wishes for season 24/25 and for many future years to come.” Councillor Dewar, in moving the motion, spoke on the achievements of the club, including achieving 3 promotions in 8 seasons. Councillor Donnelly, on seconding the motion, spoke of her pride in the club and how she had worked to encourage the uptake of season tickets. The Council decided: that the terms of the motion be unanimously agreed. 16 Notice of Motion – Marking 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence In terms of Standing Order No 20, a motion proposed by Councillor Calikes, seconded by Councillor Donnelly, was submitted as follows:- “Council welcomes the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence 2024 which begins on 25th November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and continues until 10th December, International Human Rights Day. 16 Days includes significant dates; November 29th, Human Rights Defenders Day; December 1st, World AIDS Day; December 3rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities; December 5th, Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development – all important dates, marking issues that hugely intersect with women’s rights and underlining the work still required towards equality for all across the world. 18
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Council notes that 25th November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will be a significant day of action across Lanarkshire with South Lanarkshire Council once again lighting up Hamilton Town House in orange to signify its support for a future free from violence against women and girls. Additionally, Rape Crisis Lanarkshire, will be marking the occasion of its’ 20th anniversary by holding what is thought to be Lanarkshire’s first ever ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk, setting off from Castle Street in Hamilton at 6pm. South Lanarkshire Council congratulates Rape Crisis Lanarkshire on this much needed initiative, wishes the organisation well on its 20th anniversary and looks forward to a day when such organisations are not needed. However, as we know, around the world, millions of women and girls suffer physical or sexual violence every day. In the UK, a woman is killed every three days by a partner or ex-partner. In the year 2021/22, 64,807 domestic abuse incidents were recorded by Police Scotland – 81% of these cases recorded a woman being abused by a man. Across Europe 95% of people trafficked for sexual exploitation are women and girls. It is because of shocking statistics such as these that South Lanarkshire Council continues to support initiatives such as 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and organisations like Rape Crisis Lanarkshire.” Councillor Calikes, in moving the motion, spoke on women’s rights and safety and advised that 40% of people who were transgender had experienced a hate crime, with only 11% of those crimes reported. Councillor Donnelly, in seconding the motion, referred to this year’s theme being to imagine a Scotland without violence against women and girls. She asked that people join in the walk on 25 November 2024 to call out misogyny and support events by the gender-based violence team. She highlighted that domestic abuse cost over £2 billion per year. The Provost agreed to a request from Councillor Donnelly, following which the Council observed a minute’s silence for all women and girls who had lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. The Council decided: that the terms of the motion be unanimously agreed. Councillor Lesley McDonald left the meeting during this item of business. Councillors Calikes and Loudon left the meeting following this item of business 17 Touch a Life, Make a Difference Initiative Update A report dated 1 November 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted:- providing an update on the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative, including the successful fundraising work undertaken in 2024 seeking approval for the primary beneficiaries of the initiative’s fundraising work in 2025, and the process by which 4 other local beneficiaries would be chosen At its meeting on 31 January 2024, the Council had approved the launch of the “Touch a Life, Make a Difference” initiative to encourage local organisations, community groups, local people and schoolchildren to raise money for good causes within their own and the wider South Lanarkshire area for the benefit of the people. The Council had approved Kilbryde Hospice as the beneficiary of fundraising initiatives in 2024. As at the start of November 2024, the total funds collected to date were over £58,000. 19
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The Head of Administration and Legal Services advised that there was a typographical error at paragraph 4.2 of the report in that the date of the Awards Dinner should have read as 29 November 2024. This would be hosted by the Lord Lieutenant, where the local fundraisers would be honoured and the Provost’s Annual Fundraising Award presented. To build on the success of the initiative in 2024, it was proposed that, for 2025, the Council select 2 primary beneficiaries and, in addition, select 4 smaller local beneficiaries. It was proposed that Sense Scotland and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association be the 2 primary beneficiaries as, while both were national charities, they had a significant local presence in South Lanarkshire. It was further proposed that nominations be sought from elected members for the 4 local beneficiaries, one from each of the geographical areas of South Lanarkshire. Nominations would be sought through the political groups and considered, as outlined in the report, with a report being brought back to the Council meeting in February 2025. The Depute Provost wished to record his personal thanks to the Provost on the tremendous success of the initiative. The Council decided: (1) that the update on the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative be noted; (2) that Sense Scotland and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association be agreed as the primary beneficiaries of the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative for 2025; (3) that the approach for the selection of 4 further local beneficiaries be agreed, as set out at paragraphs 4.6 and 4.7 of the report; and (4) that it be noted that a report would be submitted to the Council meeting on 19 February 2025 seeking approval of the identity of those 4 smaller local beneficiaries. [Reference: Minutes of 31 January 2024 (Paragraph 7)] The Provost, having declared an interest in the above item, left the meeting during its consideration. The Depute Provost took the Chair for this item only. On her return to the meeting, the Provost advised that £1,535 had been raised by Members’ Services at their lunchtime event today and all other recent events had raised £10,000 18 External Auditor’s Annual Report to South Lanarkshire Council A report dated 25 October 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the External Auditor’s, Audit Scotland, Annual Report to the Council for 2023/2024. The Council decided: that the External Auditor’s Annual Report 2023/2024 to the Council be noted. [Reference: Minutes of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee of 24 September 2024 (Paragraphs 3a and 3b)] Councillor Nelson left the meeting during this item of business 20
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19 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. Provost’s Closing Remarks The Provost thanked everyone for their fundraising efforts for the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative. She advised that she would get primary schoolchildren involved in choosing names for the guide dogs as part of the links with one of next year’s chosen beneficiaries. 21
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RISK AND AUDIT SCRUTINY COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via MS Teams and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 24 September 2024 Chair: Councillor Elaine McDougall Councillors Present: Councillor Colin Dewar (substitute for Councillor Alistair Fulton), Councillor Mary Donnelly (Depute), Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Councillor Susan Kerr, Councillor Richard Lockhart Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Mathew Buchanan, Councillor Alistair Fulton, Councillor Celine Handibode Councillor Also Present: Councillor Gerry Convery (for items 3 and 4) Attending: Chief Executive’s Service P Manning, Chief Executive (for items 3 and 4) Finance and Corporate Resources J Taylor, Executive Director; Y Douglas, Audit and Compliance Manager; S Dunsmore, Insurance and Risk Management Adviser; E-A McGonigle, Administration Adviser; A Norris, Administration Assistant; L O’Hagan, Head of Finance (Strategy); I Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Also Attending: Audit Scotland J Boyd, A Barclay and M Ferris, External Auditors 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee held on 25 June 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3a External Auditors’ Annual Report to South Lanarkshire Council 2023/2024 The following documents were submitted by Audit Scotland, the Council’s external auditors:- letter and appendices relating to the 2023/2024 Annual Audit report on South Lanarkshire Council 2023/2024 South Lanarkshire Council proposed Annual Audit report to members of the Council and the Controller of Audit 3 23
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The Audit Director, Audit Scotland, spoke on the Annual Audit report and highlighted the following:- the audit of the 2023/2024 Annual Accounts financial management financial sustainability best value vision, leadership and governance use of resources to improve outcomes key messages significant findings and key audit matters:- Council house evaluations significant risks of material misstatement in the annual accounts identified during planning of the audit:- risk of material misstatement due to fraud caused by management override of controls estimation in the valuation of land and buildings 2023/2024 action plan on recommendations for improvement summary of corrected misstatements The external auditors’ opinion on the Council’s Annual Accounts 2023/2024 and those of the 3 charities administered by the Council was unmodified, that is, the financial statements and related reports were free from material misstatement. Due to the interaction of section 106 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 1973 with the charities legislation, a separate independent auditor’s report was required for the statement of accounts of each registered charity where members of the Council were sole trustees and this was irrespective of the size of the charity. The Council had made good progress in reducing or removing the number of charitable trusts where it was the sole trustee. Officers responded to members’ questions in relation to:- the performance against indicators in the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) the issue around the percentage of reports being submitted to the Children’s Reporter within the agreed timescale not meeting the target ongoing training support to elected members and when the results of the training needs analysis exercise, which had been carried out earlier in the year, would be implemented The Audit Director, Audit Scotland extended thanks to the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), the Head of Finance (Strategy) and the wider team for their help and support during the course of the audit. The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, echoed those remarks. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 3b External Auditors’ Annual Report to South Lanarkshire Council 2023/2024: South Lanarkshire Council Charitable Trusts Summary letters, proposed independent auditor’s reports and letters of representation (ISA 580) were submitted by Audit Scotland, the Council’s external auditors for South Lanarkshire Council Charitable Trusts. 24
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The Senior Auditor, Audit Scotland advised that there were no unadjusted misstatements to be corrected for the Charitable Trusts administered by the Council. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 4 Audited Annual Accounts 2023/2024 A report dated 10 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the:- Council’s Certified Annual Accounts and Charitable Trusts’ Accounts for 2023/2024, which had received a clean audit certificate from the Council’s external auditors, Audit Scotland requirement to approve the Annual Accounts 2023/2024 for signature in terms of both the Council’s accounts and related charitable trusts The accounts covered the Council as well as 3 Charitable Trusts managed by the Council, namely South Lanarkshire Council Educational Trust, South Lanarkshire Council Charitable Trust and the East Kilbride Information Technology Trust. A clean audit certificate had been received for each with no qualifications on the Council’s accounts. An agreed action plan had been included in the external auditor’s report and officers would work to ensure those were implemented in 2023/2024. The Annual Accounts would be advertised as being available for public inspection on the Council’s website and on request from Finance Services. The Committee decided: (1) that it be noted that the South Lanarkshire Council Annual Accounts 2023/2024 and the Charitable Trusts’ Accounts had each received a clean audit certificate from the Council’s external auditors, Audit Scotland; (2) that the audited South Lanarkshire Council Accounts 2023/2024 and the Charitable Trusts’ Accounts be approved for signature; (3) that it be noted that the external auditor’s report would be referred to a future meeting of South Lanarkshire Council for information; and (4) that it be noted that, as detailed at section 3.6 of the report, the Audited Accounts 2023/2024 would be available on the Council’s website. [Reference: Minutes of 25 June 2024 (Paragraph 5)] 5 2022 National Fraud Initiative Exercise A report dated 6 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted:- advising of the outcome of investigations undertaken as part of the 2022 National Fraud Initiative (NFI) exercise providing a summary of Audit Scotland’s report ‘The National Fraud Initiative in Scotland 2022’ which was published in August 2024 25
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The NFI matched similar data across public sector systems and identified possible inconsistencies. Those inconsistencies, known as matches, required to be investigated by participating public bodies with a view to detecting fraud. The Council had taken part in NFI exercises since 2004/2005. Those exercises were undertaken every 2 years and included data from benefits, payroll, creditors and blue badge holders along with a match of the electoral register to council tax records to detect where single person discount (SPD) had been claimed despite there being more than one person over 18 in the household. The 2022 NFI had been a full exercise and involved Council wide comparisons including:- housing benefits blue badge holders Council Tax Reduction Scheme payroll housing tenants waiting lists procurement creditors Council tax SPD Records had also been matched to the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) deceased persons’ record. The 2022 NFI results were detailed at section 4 of the report and highlighted that for the Council:- at June 2023, a total of 26,026 matches had been identified. Following further data refreshes and a subsequent release of additional matches, the final number of matches was 28,090. Of those, it was intended to investigate a target of 10,676 which had been agreed by External Audit. A further 74 matches had been investigated outwith the target number and included responding to enquiries from other authorities/organisations separate to the NFI exercise, Benefits and Revenue used an external contractor, Datatank, to undertake rolling reviews around SPD eligibility. Due to a gap in the contract, which had now been addressed, there were a higher number of SPD NFI outcomes than the previous exercise the Housing Benefit Fraud team had transferred to the DWP Fraud and Error Service (FES), although initial NFI investigations were undertaken by the Council. If this indicated a potential benefit fraud, the case was passed to FES. Matches were closed on the NFI website as “passed to DWP” 317 recoverable fraud and errors had been detected through the current NFI exercise, with an amount to be recovered of £107,116 The following information was provided in appendices 1 to 5 to the report respectively:- a list of the matched areas in the 2022 exercise an update on matches previously reported a breakdown of target investigations and actual outcomes in relation to the 317 recoverable fraud and errors a comparison of outcomes to the 2020 NFI exercise a timetable for the 2024 NFI exercise At the conclusion of each NFI exercise, Audit Scotland published an overview report that set out NFI outcomes across Scotland which drew conclusions from the results and made recommendations for consideration ahead of the next NFI exercise. Detailed information was provided in section 5 of the report. Audit Scotland had reported that although governance and follow-up arrangements remained sound for most of the bodies in Scotland that participated in the 2022 exercise, several had struggled with the delivery and there remained scope for improvement. The Auditor had ranked the delivery as ‘satisfactory’, ‘mostly adequate’ and ‘unsatisfactory’ and reported that good delivery required leadership, knowledge and resources. The Council was ranked as ‘satisfactory’ by Audit Scotland in managing the 2022 NFI exercise. 26
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Within the Audit Scotland report, 3 recommendations were made for participating bodies as follows:- ensuring that an appropriate level of resource was available to deliver NFI follow-up activities in an efficient and effective manner, in line with local priorities using the NFI Self-Appraisal Checklist as part of the 2024/2025 exercise putting in place arrangements for monitoring follow-up activity, and where it was necessary, seeking to understand reasons for low or nil outcomes All 3 recommendations had been acknowledged by the Council and were already implemented. The following information was provided in appendices 6 to 8 to the report respectively:- a summary of methodologies in calculations applied to NFI datasets in relation to overall outcomes from the 2022 NFI exercise the NFI Self-Appraisal Checklist for the 2024 exercise Audit Scotland’s suggestions for improving efficiencies and effectiveness and associated checklist One of the suggestions from Audit Scotland, as detailed in Appendix 8 to the report, required action from the Council. This was in relation to ensuring that staff involved in the NFI were kept up to date with new features of the web application and good practice, by reading the guidance notes and watching the online training modules before work commenced on matches. It was proposed that all NFI users would be directed to complete refresher training where required ahead of the 2024 NFI exercise. The Audit and Compliance Manager responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report and, where information was not readily available, undertook to provide this to relevant members. The Committee decided: (1) that South Lanarkshire Council’s outcomes from the 2022 National Fraud Initiative (NFI) exercise be noted; (2) that the summary of Audit Scotland’s NFI exercise report be noted; and (3) that the action highlighted in Appendix 8 to the report be agreed. [Reference: Minutes of 23 June 2023 (Paragraph 7)] 6 Financial Resilience and Sustainability A report dated 2 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on:- the Council’s financial outlook, financial resilience and sustainability how risks posed by the financial challenges would be responded to A report had been presented to the Executive Committee on 26 June 2024 which detailed the 2025/2026 to 2027/2028 Revenue Budget Strategy. The report to the Executive Committee had highlighted that the Chartered Institute of Finance and Public Accountancy (CIPFA) had introduced a Financial Management Code (the FM Code) for implementation by 31 March 2021. The FM Code provided guidance for good and sustainable financial management in local authorities. 27
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Compliance with the principles and standards within the Code would enable local authorities to demonstrate financial sustainability. A key goal of the FM Code was to improve and evidence the financial resilience of organisations by embedding enhanced standards of financial management. In the Annual Audit report for 2023/2024, which was presented earlier on the agenda, it was acknowledged that given the scale of the financial challenges, there was an opportunity to enhance focus on financial resilience, which included:- greater emphasis on reserves clear financial resilience indicators and measures alignment to risks, ensuring there was a clear financial strategy to support a resilient council The Revenue Budget Strategy report to the Executive Committee on 26 June 2024 had detailed that a further report would be presented to the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee which would provide further information on the Council’s resilience. Detailed information was provided on:- the financial position and plan for 2025/2026 to 2027/2028 at section 4 of the report financial resilience and a summary of the Financial Resilience Framework at section 5 and Appendix 1 to the report The review of financial resilience was key to understanding the financial risks to the Council. The Financial Strategy was the way in which the Council managed a number of those key risks which directly impacted on the money available to deliver Council outcomes. Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the Financial Position and Plan for 2025/2026 to 2027/2028, as detailed in section 4 of the report, be noted; and (2) that the Financial Resilience Framework, as detailed in section 5 and Appendix 1 of the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 26 June 2024 (Paragraph 9) and Minutes of the Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum of 27 August 2024 (Paragraph 6)] 7 Internal Audit Activity as at 30 August 2024 A report dated 6 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on work completed by Internal Audit during the period 1 June to 30 August 2024. Findings from internal audit assignments were reported to this Committee throughout the year and the last progress report was considered by this Committee on 25 June 2024. Information was provided for Internal Audit work completed during the period 1 June to 30 August 2024. As at 30 August 2024, 72% of the 2024/2025 Audit Plan was in progress. Assignments completed in the period 1 June to 30 August 2024, together with a summary of overall assurances, were detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Key performance indicators for the period to August 2024 were included in Appendix 2 to the report. 28
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The Council formed part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal which funded a range of capital projects within South Lanarkshire. At the August 2024 meeting of the Cabinet, audit reports had been presented on:- Internal Audit Review Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), Assurance Framework Compliance 2023/2024 Internal Audit Report and Annual Governance Statement Links to those reports were provided at paragraph 5.1 of the report. The audit of SPF, Assurance Framework Compliance sought to obtain assurance that member authorities were complying with the requirements outlined in the SPF Assurance Framework and that an adequate audit trail was being maintained. Further details were provided in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the report. The 2023/2024 Internal Audit Report and Annual Governance Statement had provided a positive audit opinion for the year ended 31 March 2024. An update was also provided on progress against the Audit Strategy which was a requirement of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS). Delivery of the 2024/2025 Strategy would be evidenced by the completion of the Internal Audit Plan in year, and monitored during the year by performance indicators which were regularly reported to the Committee The Committee decided: that progress on Internal Audit activity be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 25 June 2024 (Paragraph 7)] 8 Fraud Statistics Annual Report 2023/2024 A report dated 6 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on fraud statistics for the year to 31 March 2024 and comparing those figures with the previous year’s statistics. The number, types, outcomes and costs of fraud investigations, together with performance measures for the year to 31 March 2024, were detailed in the report. A comparison to the statistics for the same period in the previous year was also provided. Those statistics highlighted that:- 101 fraud investigations, with a total value of £32,000, had been reported in the period, representing an increase in both number and value from the previous year 66 cases were closed in the period of which:- 19 were founded 28 had insufficient information 19 were unfounded of the 19 founded allegations, 18 were external and one was internal On conclusion of all internal investigations, an assessment would be made on whether improvement actions were necessary. If required, an improvement plan would be issued with recommended actions. The plan would be agreed with the relevant Heads of Service and the actions followed up by Internal Audit to ensure implementation and that gaps had been addressed. Outcomes for concluded investigations would be reported to this Committee as part of Internal Audit’s annual assurance report. The Committee decided: that the contents of the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 30 January 2024 (Paragraph 4)] 29
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9 Year End Insured Risk Report 2023/2024 A report dated 2 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the Council’s insurance claims for the year to 31 March 2024 for the following main classes of insurance:- combined liability (covering both public liability and employer’s liability) motor insurance property insurance and other miscellaneous risks Appendix 1 to the report provided annual comparisons of the numbers and values of claims by Resources for the years 2019/2020 to 2023/2024. Claims costs had fluctuated over the last 5 years. On average, over that period, the self-insured cost of claims per annum was £2.444 million, however, the costs for 2023/2024 were above average at £3.548 million. The figures for 2023/2024 had been impacted by a number of significant storm events, with the self-insured estimated cost of those 4 losses being £0.801 million. Inflation, increased costs of materials, car parts and repair charges had also impacted on claim values. Appendix 2 to the report compared claim numbers and costs for 2023/2024, at 31 March 2024, with the equivalent position for 2022/2023. This showed an increase of 7 claims (1%) on the numbers reported in 2022/2023 and an increase in the cost of claims from £2.475 million in 2022/2023 to £3.548 million in 2023/2024. This represented an increase of £1.073 million (43%) which was a result of the damage to council properties from 4 significant storm events that occurred over the winter period. Appendix 3 to the report provided a further breakdown of public liability claims and costs specifically for Roads and other services within Community and Enterprise Resources. Information was also provided in sections 7 to 9 of the report on:- motor claims property claims the areas of work which had been progressed over the last year to mitigate insurance hotspots The Insurance and Risk Management Adviser responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report and undertook to respond to relevant members on specific claim enquiries. The Committee decided: that the Insured Risks Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 22 August 2023 (Paragraph 5)] 10 Year End Risk Management Report (2023/2024) and Review of Council’s Top Risks (2024/2025) A report dated 5 September 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on:- progress with risk management activity undertaken during 2023/2024 the Council’s top risk register following the review and consultation process the Risk Management Strategy following a review process 30
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Annual reviews of the Council’s top risks were undertaken, with the findings of the last review reported to the Committee on 31 October 2023. This year’s full review commenced in April 2024 and the consultation had sought views from Heads of Service, elected members and trades unions on new areas of risk. Risk Sponsors were required on an annual basis to assess their Resource’s compliance with the Risk Management Strategy and provide supporting evidence. The information for 2023/2024 was summarised in the end of year compliance statement, which was detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Resources continued to demonstrate full compliance with the Strategy, having scored 45 out of 45. The progress made in delivering actions to control the Council’s top risks was detailed in section 5 of the report. As at 31 March 2024, the percentage of actions completed on the 2023/2024 risk control plan was 94.4% against an overall target of 90%. One action, in relation to developing neighbourhood plans in East Kilbride and Hamilton, had been delayed and carried forward to the 2024/2025 risk control plan. The annual review, in line with previous years, did not result in wholesale changes to the top risk register. The risks from the previous year’s review, as detailed in the report to this Committee on 31 October 2023, were still deemed to be valid. The results of the review of the Council’s top risks 2024/2025 were detailed in section 6 of the report. The main changes to the risk profile from the previous year were:- 2 new risks had been added to the top risk register:- the Council inherited 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 the Council failed to comply with its statutory duties by not conducting sufficiently robust impact assessments where the same were required, including in respect of budget/service redesign proposals, leading to potential legal and financial challenges, which could result in failure to deliver those proposals some key risk wordings had been updated to reflect the current status of risks and/or to provide more straightforward and understandable risk descriptions the risk score for ‘Inability of the Council to effectively provide accommodation and support to households who were homeless and people who arrived in South Lanarkshire as part of refugee resettlement and the asylum seeker dispersal programmes, (including those for unaccompanied children)’ had increased from 16 to 20. This was consistent with the difficulties faced managing the risk, reflected in the Council’s recent declaration of a housing emergency the risk score for ‘Inability to take the necessary action due to funding constraints, to combat climate change, and work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045, thereby contributing to negative and irreversible environmental, social and economic impacts on the Council and its residents’ had increased from 16 to 20, reflecting funding constraints and difficulties faced by the Council in meeting climate change targets the risk score for ‘Fraud, theft, organised crime and cyber attacks’ had increased from 12 to 20. Whilst controls in this area had been assessed as adequate, the threat landscape was very active at the moment and showed no signs of easing the residual score for ‘The Council does not fully deliver the strategic outcomes required of the Integration Joint Board (IJB) as outlined in their Strategic Commissioning Plan’ had increased from 16 to 20, due to the requirement to implement significant savings to address budget shortfalls alongside significant demand pressures the residual risk score in respect of ‘Lack of capacity and skills to meet increased service demands’ had increased from 9 to12 in light of a shift in supply/demand of officers and recruitment difficulties 31
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the risk score for ‘Increasing levels of adverse weather’ had gone up from 9 to 16. This reflected more frequent issues being encountered by the Council as a result of weather- related events, including significant damage to council properties over recent years as a result of storms and burst pipes. Weather events were also impacting upon the Council’s property insurance premiums and level of uninsured excesses carried the risk score had reduced from 16 to 9 in relation to the ‘Implications of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Policy within the Council's non-domestic estate’ risk the ‘Community Wealth Building Strategy’ risk score had reduced from 16 to 9 which aligned this risk with the risks for the Council’s other plans and strategies the ‘IT development/functionality’ risk description had been widened to encompass implementation of new systems. This reflected the 3 significant IT projects which continued to be progressed at present for the Integrated Housing Management System, the SWIS+ replacement (Liquidlogic) and Oracle Fusion The Council’s top risk register was monitored on an ongoing basis and updates were reported annually to this Committee. Risk scores and rankings would be amended if new information came to light that allowed the position to be reassessed. The top Risk Register for 2024/2025 was attached as Appendix 2 to the report. Details were provided at section 7 of the report on a benchmarking exercise that had been conducted by the Scottish Local Authority Chief Internal Auditors Group (SLACIAG) in December 2023. A total of 28 public sector organisations, including South Lanarkshire Council, had taken part in the exercise. Details were also provided at paragraphs 7.2 to 7.5 of the report on the AON Global Risk Management Survey, which was published within ALARM Stronger Journal in April 2024. Horizon scanning was used to identify several areas that could pose potential threats and risks or emerging issues and opportunities that could affect the Council. Areas identified, as detailed in section 8 of the report, included Transformational Change, Scotland Excel Supply Chain Intelligence Report and Artificial Intelligence. Those areas would continue to be monitored to ensure the Council was adequately prepared to respond where required. Details were also provided in sections 9 and 10 of the report on the following areas:- the ‘Three Lines Model’ work being undertaken by Internal Audit. This was now concluding and Resource Risk Sponsors would be provided with individual analysis and guidance to support in developing further controls and in closing gaps for the Council top risks the scope and appetite for risk which included the top risks heat map and the top risks profile To comply with best practice, and to ensure it was fit for purpose, a review of the Risk Management Strategy had been undertaken, as detailed in section 11 of the report. There were no fundamental changes to the Strategy, however, the main revisions were summarised in paragraph 11.2 of the report. The updated Risk Management Strategy was attached at Appendix 3 to the report. The Committee decided: (1) that Resource compliance with the requirements of the Risk Management Strategy be noted; (2) that the progress being made in delivering actions to mitigate top Council risks be noted; (3) that the updated Council’s top risks, as detailed in section 6 of the report, be noted; and 32
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(4) that the updated Risk Management Strategy be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 31 October 2023 (Paragraph 8)] 11 Forward Programme for Future Meetings A report dated 26 August 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the outline forward programme for the meetings of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee to 30 September 2025. As part of future arrangements, members were invited to suggest topics for inclusion in the Committee’s forward programme. The Committee decided: that the outline forward programme for the meetings of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee to 30 September 2025 be noted. [Reference: Minutes 25 June 2024 (Paragraph 10)] 12 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 33
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 19 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Family Leave for Elected Members - Councillor Hamilton 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- advise of arrangements in terms of family leave for Councillor Hamilton. [purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that it be noted that Councillor Hamilton will commence her maternity leave from 28 April 2025; (2) that, on a temporary basis until her return on or around 12 January 2026, her place on the various committees, outside bodies and the like, be filled, as deemed necessary, by a member of the Labour Group; (3) that Councillor Keatt, being the Depute Chair, fill the position of Chair of Education Resources Committee on a temporary basis for the duration of the period of Councillor Hamilton’s family leave; (4) that Councillor Kerr fill the position of Depute Chair of Education Resources Committee on a temporary basis for the duration of the period of Councillor Hamilton’s family leave; and (5) that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Business Manager of the Labour Group, to finalise those temporary memberships, with a note to be circulated to all elected members confirming those arrangements once finalised; and (6) that it be noted the dates referred to above might change, where intimated by Councillor Hamilton to the Chief Executive. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Council, at its meeting on 26 February 2020, approved, for implementation, the Elected Members’ Family Leave Guidance produced by COSLA. 3.2. Councillor Hamilton has advised the Council that she intends to take maternity leave from 28 April 2025 and arrangements require to be put in place on a temporary basis, where deemed necessary, to fill the various places she currently holds until her return on or around 12 January 2026. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications arising from this report. 5 35
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5. Financial Implications 5.1. The Chair of the Education Resources Committee is one of the previously agreed Senior Councillor roles, decided by the meeting of South Lanarkshire Council held on 18 May 2022. A Senior Councillor is a councillor who holds a significant position of responsibility in the Council’s political management structure. The remuneration for the current financial year is £31,413. 5.2. In accordance with the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 (as amended), and the above-mentioned Elected Members’ Family Leave Guidance, whilst on maternity leave Councillor Hamilton would continue to receive her Senior Responsibility Allowance as Chair of the Education Resources Committee. In addition, and again in accordance with the 2007 Regulations, Councillor Keatt would also receive a Senior Responsibility Allowance whilst temporarily filling the position of Chair of the Education Resources Committee. This additional cost would be funded from existing budgets. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. There are no other implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There was also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 21 January 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Fair, Open and Sustainable Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council of 26 February 2020 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Susan Somerville, Administration Manager Ext: 4197 (Tel: 01698 45454197) E-mail: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 36
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Agenda Item Council to Withdraw from the use of X (formerly Twitter) Notice of Motion Motion received in terms of Standing Order No 21 on 22 January 2025, proposed by Councillor Mark McGeever, seconded by Councillor Robert Brown, as follows:- “South Lanarkshire Council shares widespread public concerns that X (formerly Twitter) now allows the promotion and dissemination of harmful and extremist content, including content that is unlawful, abusive or false. This council emphasises its full and unwavering support for the right to free expression, as protected by Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The council also emphasises its responsibility to foster a safe environment for everyone in South Lanarkshire, and its determination to oppose extremist and hateful ideologies that cause untold harm and suffering. Council shares public concerns that X has consistently failed to address the spread of hate speech and misinformation on its platform, with such content now appearing to be amplified, seemingly pushed to users who do not seek material of this nature. Council notes many reputable organisations are considering their continued use of X, and that Renfrewshire and Devon have recently withdrawn from it. Council further notes that alternative social media platforms are widely used by the public, providing other means of sharing information and engaging with residents. South Lanarkshire Council recognises that our legitimate use of X now carries risks. It is now more likely that content published on this platform by reputable and responsible organisations will appear alongside extremist and hateful text, video or images published by others. Council believes its use of the platform in such circumstances must be reconsidered. Therefore, South Lanarkshire Council resolves to cease the use of X as a platform for general engagement with the public. Instead, use of X will be restricted to the broadcast of alerts that provide information that local residents need to know immediately, such as school or road closures, extreme weather events or other issues that impact on council services. Council further agrees that it aspires to complete withdrawal from the platform as soon as possible, but recognises that 59,000 people currently follow the South Lanarkshire Council corporate X account and rely on this platform, at least in part, for their information. Council further resolves to review its use of all social media, including all X accounts, and work to build its audience on alternative platforms, to widen access to information and awareness of local democracy. 6 37
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Council also notes that professional regulatory bodies, codes of conduct, age classification, and statutes exist with regards to content on television, radio, newspapers, films, and computer games - but not with regards to social media platforms. South Lanarkshire Council therefore calls on Government to address this discrepancy and pursue similar means to help ensure social media platforms operate in a responsible way.” 38
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 19 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Touch a Life, Make a Difference Initiative Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] seek approval for the six local beneficiaries which will share, with the two previously approved primary beneficiaries, the donations generated by the Touch a Life, Make a Difference fundraising work in 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the update on the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative is noted; (2) that the six local beneficiaries listed at section 4.2 of this report are agreed as the further local beneficiaries of the Touch a Life, Make Difference initiative for 2025; (3) that a decision on the approach for the sharing of the donations generated by the initiative in 2025 is delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Provost and Group Leaders; and (4) to note that an annual update on the work of the initiative be submitted to the 10 December 2025 meeting of the Council. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. At its meeting on 31 January 2024, South Lanarkshire Council approved the launch of the “Touch a Life, Make a Difference” initiative to encourage local organisations, community groups, local people and schoolchildren to raise money for good causes within their own and the wider South Lanarkshire area for the benefit of people. The Council also approved Kilbryde Hospice as the beneficiary of fundraising initiatives in 2024. 3.2. An update on the work of the initiative, and the funds raised for Kilbryde Hospice, was reported to the Council on 20 November 2024. At that meeting, the Council agreed that Sense Scotland and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association would be the primary beneficiaries of the Touch a Life, Make Difference initiative for 2025. Council also agreed that four further local beneficiaries would be chosen to share in the donations generated by the initiative, with a report submitted to this meeting of the Council to seek approval to those four beneficiaries. In addition, the report in November noted that a proposal for how the fundraising was to be shared between the beneficiaries would also be brought to this meeting of the Council. 3.3. Council agreed that nominations would be sought from Elected Members for the four further local beneficiaries, one beneficiary from each area (Clydesdale, Hamilton, East Kilbride and Cambuslang/Rutherglen). Nominations were to be sought through the 7 39
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political groups, with each group (or individual member not being part of a group) being asked to nominate one local beneficiary from each area. 3.4. This report proposes that the Council approves six further local beneficiaries, not four as agreed in November 2024. If the Council was minded to agree to this proposal then, in terms of Standing Order No 19 of the Standing Orders on Procedures, the chairperson would need to rule that there has been a material change of circumstances. 4. Proposal 4.1. Elected Members nominated five local beneficiaries by the deadline of 20 December 2024. In addition, a sixth local beneficiary was nominated after the deadline by Councillor Brown. As reported to the Council in November, the nominees were all assessed by a Panel chaired by the Provost. The Panel was not to be decision-making but would agree a recommendation on the identity of the local beneficiaries to be brought back to this meeting of the Council. 4.2. The Panel agreed that all the nominated beneficiaries were equally deserving and should be recommended to the Council, as follows:- Hamilton Churches Drop In Centre – nominated by Councillor Keatt Bothwell Futures – nominated by Councillor Devlin The Haven Centre, Forth – nominated by Councillor McClymont East Kilbride and District Dementia Carers Group – nominated by Councillor Watson Who Dares Cares – nominated by Councillor Hose Rutherglen Community Carers - nominated by Councillor Brown 4.3. As referred to at Section 3.2, the report in November noted that a proposal for how the fundraising was to be shared between the beneficiaries would also be brought to this meeting of the Council. Given the additional local beneficiaries now being recommended to the Council, it is proposed that the sharing of the fundraising is not fixed until there is a better sense of how much might be raised and how it might best be apportioned. This will enable a more informed decision, rather than that being set now. As such, it is proposed that a decision on the approach for the sharing of the donations generated by the initiative in 2025 is delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Provost and Group Leaders. The Council’s Finance Team will assist with the holding and distribution of funds that have been raised. 4.4. The first fund raising event for 2025 was a Burns Supper held in the Banqueting Hall of the Council Headquarters in Hamilton on 6 February 2025. This event was attended by over 150 people, and raised £20,000. 4.5. In the usual way, the Provost will be hosting the Provost’s Community Awards on 4 April 2025, and each Elected Member has had the opportunity to nominate two of their constituents for these Awards. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. The are no employee implications directly arising from this report, and the work on this initiative would be met from existing resources. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. The are no financial implications directly arising from this report, and the work on this initiative would be met from existing resources. 40
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7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability and environmental Implications from this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no other implications from this report. 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 existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There was also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 29 January 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self-aware and improving Previous References South Lanarkshire Council 31 January 2024 - Touch a Life, Make a Difference Initiative South Lanarkshire Council 20 November 2024 - Touch a Life, Make a Difference Update List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Iain Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Ext: 4516 (Tel: 01698 454658) Email: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uK 41
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 19 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Services) Subject: Boundaries Scotland - Additional Proposals for Constituencies and Revised Proposals for Regions for the Scottish Parliament 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide an update on Boundaries Scotland’s Additional Proposals for constituencies and Revised Proposals for regions for the Scottish Parliament 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that Boundaries Scotland published its Additional Proposals for constituencies and Revised Proposals for regions for the Scottish Parliament on 23 January 2025, be noted (2) that these proposals are displayed at the Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, and detailed on the Council’s website, be noted (3) that the public consultation on the proposals which runs until 24 February 2025 be noted; and (4) that the comments on the proposals can be made to Boundaries Scotland’s consultation via its consultation website, by email or in writing be noted. 3. Background 3.1. Boundaries Scotland is an independent advisory non-political public body responsible for carrying out reviews of Scottish Parliament boundaries and to make recommendations for constituencies and regions for the Scottish Parliament. More information on its work can be found on the Boundaries Scotland website. 3.2. There are 73 constituencies for the Scottish Parliament. Each constituency returns a single member (MSP) to the Scottish Parliament. In addition, there are 8 regions which each elect 7 List MSPs. The Boundaries Scotland Review cannot change the number of constituencies and regions nor the number of MSPs. 3.3. The Boundary Commission for Scotland conducted the First Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries, reporting in 2010. Under the Scotland Act 2016, responsibility for reviews of Scottish Parliament boundaries passed from The Boundary Commission for Scotland to Boundaries Scotland in 2017. The First Review reported in 2010 and the current boundaries have been used in the Scottish Parliament elections of 2011, 2016 and 2021. 8 43
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3.4. The electorate for the Second Review consists of the persons on the register of electors in force on the start of the Review. The Second Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries commenced on 1 September 2022 and the electorate data was taken from the electoral register on that date. Boundaries Scotland calculated the electoral quota for the Second Review of the Scottish Parliament Boundaries, i.e. for all constituencies, as 59,902. For regions the average electorate is 531,320. The Scotland Act 1998 requires that the electorate of constituencies must be as close to the electoral quota as practicable, and that Boundaries Scotland creates constituencies and regions that have broadly the same number of electors. In addition, Boundaries Scotland is also required to follow a number of other rules, including that it takes account of local authority area boundaries, special geographical considerations, maintenance of local ties and any inconveniences caused by the alteration of the existing boundaries. 3.5. Elected members were provided with details of this further consultation on 27 January 2025. 4. Current Position 4.1. Boundaries Scotland has undertaken 3 rounds of consultation on its proposals for constituencies. Further to that, and to the Paisley and Whitburn Local Inquiries, it has now produced Additional Proposals for consultation. There are no proposals in respect of constituencies within the South Lanarkshire Council area. 4.2. Boundaries Scotland has advised that for constituencies that are unchanged from the Further Proposals stage, it has agreed to adopt those as its Final Recommendations, subject to satisfactory constituencies being designed in neighbouring areas. There will be no consultation on these constituencies at this stage. 4.3. Boundaries Scotland has also published Revised Proposals for region boundaries for the Scottish Parliament. This follows a consultation on its Provisional Proposals for regions, which took place between September and October 2024. Following that consultation, and the above mentioned local inquiries, it has made some changes to its proposals. 4.4. Provisional Proposal for regions which include the South Lanarkshire Council area are as follows:- Glasgow Region – boundary amended to now include East Kilbride, rather than Erksine, Renfrew and Cardonald constituency South Scotland Region – boundary amended to no longer include East Kilbride or Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency. The published information advises that special geographical circumstances have been applied due to its rurality and low population density Central Scotland Region – new proposal to change both its boundary and name. Name change proposed from Central Scotland to Central Scotland and Lothians West, the published information advising that this is to better reflect the fact that the entire Lothian area is too large to sit within a single region. This region would also now include Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency 4.5. The proposals, including those summarised above, are open to consultation for a statutory period of one month from 24 January 2025 to 24 February 2025. 44
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4.6. Boundaries Scotland must submit a report on this review to Scottish Ministers by 1 May 2025. If subsequently approved by the Scottish Parliament, the new boundaries will take effect at the next Scottish Parliament election, expected in May 2026. 4.7. The report and poster displaying information on the proposals are displayed at the main entrance to the Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA and detailed on the Council's website. 4.8. Comments on the proposals can be made on the Boundaries Scotland’s consultation website, or by email (boundaries.scot@scottishboundaries.gov.uk) or letter to its offices at Thistle House, 91 Haymarket, Edinburgh EH12 5HD. Boundaries Scotland can also be contacted for more information. 5. Employee Implications 5.1 There are no employee implications arising directly from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications arising directly from this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1 There are no implications arising directly from this report in relation to risk or sustainability. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1 This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 8.2 As part of the review, Boundaries Scotland is undertaking a consultation on its further proposals. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 5 February 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self-aware and improving Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Iain Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Ext: 4658 (Tel: 01698 454658) Email: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 45
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 19 February 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Services) Subject: South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy – Annual Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an update on the work the Council has undertaken in progressing delivery of the South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the update on the work the Council has undertaken in progressing delivery of the South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy be noted; and (2) that a further annual update will be provided to the Council at its meeting in March 2026 be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. At its meeting on 26 June 2024, the Council’s Executive Committee approved the South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy, and associated action plan. In doing so, the Committee also noted that an annual report on the Council’s work in promoting the Armed Forces Community Covenant would be presented to South Lanarkshire Council in early 2025. The Strategy is now on the Council's website. 3.2 The Council has previously considered reports on its support to the Armed Forces Community, including Support for Veterans on 26 June 2019 and the Armed Forces Community Covenant Duty on 31 January 2024. 3.3 The Council signed up to the Armed Forces Community Covenant with a range of partners from the NHS, the Military and voluntary and charity sectors on 5 March 2012, this document was signed by the then Leader and Chief Executive on behalf of the Council. To underline and raise awareness of the Covenant, the Council recommitted to the Armed Forces Community Covenant by signing an updated version of the Covenant document at the Council’s Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Event on 23 June 2018. 3.4 As reported to the Council on 31 January 2024, the Armed Forces Act 2021 further established the commitments in the Covenant, with the creation of the statutory Armed Forces Covenant Duty. As reported to Council, the Covenant duty requires organisations delivering local services to pay ‘due regard’ to the Covenant principles 9 47
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when exercising functions in the areas of housing, education, and healthcare. ‘Due regard’ means informed decision making and means that the Council should think about and place appropriate weight on the principles of the Covenant when it considers factors relevant to how it conducts functions which fall within the scope of the 2021 Act, the principles that need to be considered being:- the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces the principle that it is desirable to remove disadvantages arising for service personnel from membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces the principle that special provision for service personnel may be justified by the effects on such people of membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces 4. Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy Update 4.1. In the period since the Strategy was adopted, officers have been taking forward the delivery of it and the associated action plan. 4.2. The Strategy has 5 workstreams, as follows:- promote the Covenant to our staff and external stakeholders provide employment support to members of the Armed Forces Community engage and work with Lanarkshire Armed Forces Community and Veterans Covenant Group provide the Armed Forces Community with fair access to our services, in particular housing, education, and health and social care promote and support local Armed Forces events and military heritage sites 4.3. An update on the Action Plan, including recent and planned activity in respect of each workstream, is included in Appendix 1 to this report. 4.4. Work on the Strategy will continue, and a further update will be reported to the Council in March 2026. 4.5. This report, which has been prepared in consultation with Cllr Horsham, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, also discharges the Champion’s remit to report annually to the Council on the Council’s activities and achievements in respect of its obligations under the Covenant. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no implications for employees arising from the information presented in this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications arising from this report, and ongoing work continues to be accommodated within existing budgets. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications arising from the information contained within this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no implications for sustainability or risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 48
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9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. An impact assessment is not required in respect of this report. 9.2 The Strategy and Action Plan highlight the steps that when taken forward will help the Council meet the requirements of the Armed Forces Community Covenant and the statutory Armed Forces Covenant Duty. 9.3 Council Officers have consulted with the Council’s Armed Forces Champion on the content of this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 30 January 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Fair, open and sustainable Ambitious, self aware and improving Excellent employer Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Previous References South Lanarkshire Council – 29 June 2019 South Lanarkshire Council – 31 January 2024 Executive Committee – 26 June 2024 List of Background Papers Armed Forces Covenant Duty Statutory Guidance on the Armed Forces Covenant Duty South Lanarkshire Armed Forces Community Covenant Duty Report 31 January 2024 Local Authority Armed Forces and Veterans Champion Role Description 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 Michelle Milne, Head of Personnel Services Ext: 4330 (Tel: 01698 454658) E-mail: michelle.milne@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 49
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Appendix 1 – Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy Action Plan Updates – 19 February 2025 Workstream 1 – Promote the Covenant to our staff and external stakeholders Action Service Lead Timescale Update RAG Status February 2024 Review of Veterans pages on Council’s website Head of Personnel Services and Head of Administration and Legal Services Revised to February 2025, from September 2024 The pages have been reviewed and updated. Complete. Annual Report on Strategy and Covenant to Full Council Head of Administration and Legal Services January 2025 Completed for 2024 by submission of this report. Complete. Creation of Lanarkshire Armed Forces Covenant Guide Head of Administration and Legal Services December 2025 On track. Supplier has been appointed, at no cost to the Council. Joint letter from CEXs of the Council and North Lanarkshire Council been issued to potential sponsors, with content for guide being worked on. Will be hard copy and on-line version available. Green, ongoing. Delivery of training on Armed Forces Covenant Duty to relevant Council services Head of Administration and Legal Services December 2024 Have been updates on the Duty given to relevant staff/managers within Housing and Technical and Education Resources. Has also been included as part of training and roll out of new Integrated Impact Assessment to staff in both the Council and the Health and Social Care Partnership, the Duty being one of the elements now the subject of a specific impact assessment. An eLearning course on the Duty was also launched in January 2025, cascaded to managers and staff, with a separate training session for relevant managers and staff also being held in January. Green, ongoing. 9 51
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Creation of Armed Forces Covenant Cross Service Working Group Head of Administration and Legal Services, Resource Champions and Head of Personnel Services June 2024 Formed, and meeting monthly, includes staff from Finance and Corporate Resources, Education Resources, Housing and Technical Resources and the Health and Social Care Partnership. Complete. 52
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Notes South Lanarkshire Council offers a guaranteed interview to Veterans who meet the essential criteria requirements for the post. This status is identified through screening questions. The guaranteed interview approach is monitored within the Council at application, shortleet, interview and appointment stage. In 2024 there were 56 Veterans interviewed for posts within the Council with 6 being appointed (11%). This is an improvement on 2023 when 74 Veterans were interviewed for posts within the Council with 3 being appointed (4%). The Council also provides special leave of up to 15 days with pay, subject to deduction of service pay, to members of the reserve forces. Workstream 2 – Provide employment support to members of the Armed Forces Community Action Update for SLC February 2024 Timescale Comment Update for SLC February 2024 Maintain Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award Head of Personnel Services March 2025 The Council was awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in March 2023 for the second time. In achieving this award, the Council met the criteria for the award as it has demonstrated support for Defence, by employing at least one Reservist, actively communicating and upholding a positive stance to employees via established HR policies and procedures. Silver Award holders support Reservists by showing flexibility to allow them to plan for and fulfil their annual training and mobilisation requirements. Further information provided in notes below. Green, ongoing. Silver Award will be maintained through business as usual work. Work towards achieving Defence Recognition Gold Award Head of Personnel Services March 2025 Process for Gold Award does not open until March 2025. Work is being undertake between Personnel and Lowlands Regional Employer Engagement Director to establish readiness for the Gold award, which will include ability to demonstrate being an advocate for others to also sign up. Green, ongoing. 53
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Workstream 3 – Engage and work with Lanarkshire Armed Forces Community and Veterans Covenant Group Action Service Lead Timescale Update RAG Status February 2024 Meetings to be co- chaired by Armed Forces Champion Head of Administration and Legal Services September 2024 - Quarterly Ongoing, meetings are held regularly co-chaired by Cllr Horsham. Further information on the work of the Group included in the notes below. Green, ongoing. Meetings to be attended by Armed Forces Champion Head of Administration and Legal Services September 2024 - Quarterly Ongoing, meetings are held regularly co-chaired by Cllr Horsham. Green, ongoing. Minutes of meeting to be shared internally with relevant Council officers Head of Administration and Legal Services September 2024 - Quarterly Ongoing, Head of Administration and Legal Services shares minutes with Armed Forces Covenant Cross Service Working Group. Green, ongoing. Notes Lanarkshire Armed Forces Community and Veterans Covenant Group, which is jointly chaired by the Armed Forces and Veterans Champions of both North and South Lanarkshire, met 3 times during 2024. Membership of the group also includes Legal, Personnel, Housing, Education and Corporate Communications representatives of both councils together with representatives of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Forces Employment Charity, Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP), Skills Development Scotland, BLESMA, Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), REMPLOY, Office of the Lieutenancy, Veterans Scotland, the Veterans Champion, NHS Lanarkshire, CPT, Veterans Welfare Service, Who Dares Cares, Project Nova, DWP, Lowlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Assoc, Veterans 1st Point, MOD, C Company (6 SCOTS), Fares4Free and Alcoholics Anonymous. Matters considered by the Group in 2024 included Veterans Housing, the Lanarkshire Armed Forces Covenant Guide, presentation from Poppy Scotland, Restorative Justice, Roues to Work, Armed Services Advice Project and Census Data Veterans Scotland. 54
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Workstream 4 – Provide the Armed Forces Community with fair access to our services, in particular housing, education, and health and social care Action Service Lead Timescale Update RAG Status February 2024 Creation of Armed Forces Covenant Working Group Head of Administration and Legal Services June 2024 As above, formed, and meeting monthly, includes staff from Finance and Corporate Resources, Education Resources, Housing and Technical Resources and the Health and Social Care Partnership. Complete. Establish tracker to monitor housing enquiries Strategy and Policy Adviser, Housing and Technical Resources March 2024 Complete Tracker has been established that enables individual cases to be escalated and monitored to resolution. Since the tracker was introduced, 8 housing related enquiries have been received directly from or on behalf of veterans (mainly via the Council’s Armed Forces Champion). In general, the nature of the enquiries relate to being housed in South Lanarkshire. In terms of the 7 veterans whose enquiry related to being housed, 5 were housed within South Lanarkshire and one out with the area with the remaining applicant in discussions regarding housing options. Further information on relevant action taken by Housing provided in notes below. Green, ongoing. Use will continue to be monitored, to help improve outcomes for members of the Armed Forces Community. Undertake review of housing allocation policy Strategy and Policy Adviser, Housing and Technical Resources 2025/2026 Since August 2010, South Lanarkshire Council’s Housing Allocation Policy has given members of the Armed Forces who meet certain criteria the highest priority for housing, along with homeless applicants and those with an urgent medical need. A key aim of the Council’s approach being to prevent homelessness. Green, ongoing. Housing Allocation Policy to be subject to review in 2025/26. Maintain accurate SEEMIS data as required by the Partnership Planning Manager, Education Resources October 2024 (and annually) Data from the most recent capture (3rd October 2024) shows that there are 602 children from Armed Forces families being educate in South Green, ongoing. 55
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ADES annual census Lanarkshire schools, 367 in Primary Schools and 235 in Secondary Schools. This is an increase on the 487 recorded as at September 2023. These statistics help provide a more accurate understanding of scope and scale of Armed Forces Families pupils in our schools and establishments. Engage with the Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement, Edinburgh Napier University and ADES and pupils in South Lanarkshire to identify lived experience and better understand needs Partnership Planning Manager, Education Resources March 2025 The second Educators Sharing Good Practice event took place on 26th November at Edinburgh Napier University (The Centre for Military Research, Education, and Public Engagement). Data gathered by Highland Council regarding Armed Forces Families pupils, especially focussing on behaviours, needs and wellbeing was showcased. This data has been shared with South Lanarkshire colleagues planning the forthcoming children and young people’s health and wellbeing census activity. Discussions are ongoing regarding how best to ensure the voice of Armed Forces Families pupils is gathered and used to inform planning and practice. Green, ongoing Provide support and advice regarding education related issues Partnership Planning Manager, Education Resources As and when required Regular articles are included in Education Resources SWAY newsletter to all staff regarding the availability of support and other information for Armed Forces families, e.g. funding opportunities and education related events. The Education Resources actively participates in the ADES led national network to share information, practice and identify issues and solutions to education related barriers. Green, ongoing. 56
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The Education Resource also undertook engagement with children and young people regarding Council budget setting process for 2025-26. The task group worked to ensure priority groups were clearly visible in the process including children and young people from Armed Forces families. Provide support and advice regarding health and social care issues, including mental health, substance use and justice support services HSCP Champion As and when required The Veterans Champion for Social Work services is also the Armed Forces and Veterans’ Champion for NHS Lanarkshire. This assists in ensuring an integrated approach for any veterans requiring support for social care issues. The justice support service also has specific support arrangements in place for veterans and this was recently the subject of a positive visit by the Scottish Veterans’ Commissioner. Support for veterans with social care issues across all areas can often entail work across a number of services – including bespoke third sector services – to provide tailored support packages for the person involved and often their family/carer as well. Further information on relevant action taken by HandSCP provided in notes below. Green, ongoing. Notes Housing Housing Allocation Policy The Council’s Housing Allocation Policy was last reviewed in 2019 and, as part of the consultation process, the draft policy was issued to a number of Armed Forces charities and support organisations, including Haig Housing, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association (SAFFA) and The Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP), for their views and comments, to help shape the finalised policy and ensure that it best served the local Armed Forces and veterans’ community. The Housing Allocation Policy awards ‘Urgent Forces’ priority to HM Forces personnel who have completed a minimum of three years’ service or have been injured in combat or discharged on medical grounds and who meet one of the following requirements:- the applicant must have lived in South Lanarkshire prior to the start of service; or 57
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the applicant’s partner must live in South Lanarkshire or previously lived here immediately before the start of service, or marriage/relationship; or the applicant’s parents or kinship care are permanently resident in South Lanarkshire; or the applicant has an offer of full-time employment in South Lanarkshire. Urgent Forces priority can be awarded up to six months before date of discharge and up to six months following the date of discharge and are queued on the Urgent Housing Need list, where applicants with the highest priority for housing are queued. The approach taken in South Lanarkshire has been recognised as an example of good practice within the Scottish Government’s Social Housing Allocation in Scotland, practice guide. Housing Options and Housing Support Housing and Technical Resources provide advice and assistance to veterans and current members of the Armed Forces through the Home Options service which provides access to information and advice on a range of housing and related options. This information ensures that there is help and support for veterans to make informed choices about their housing options. When an application for housing is received from a veteran or current member of the Armed Forces, Housing Officers will work with them to understand their needs and provide information and advice on housing options suitable to their circumstances. Housing Support can be provided to veterans or members of the Armed Forces who may need help to prepare for, or manage and sustain their tenancy, by assisting them with developing the skills and confidence for moving into and managing a new home. Where appropriate, referrals may also be made to specialist support services such as Scottish Veterans Housing Association, SAFFA, ASAP as well as Citizens Advice and NHS services and the like. 58
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Performance Information – List and Lets The table below sets out the number of applications assessed as having Urgent Forces priority (as at the end of each financial year) and the number of lets made to applicants between 2019/20 and 2024/25 (to date). The table also highlights the average number of days taken to provide housing, from date of application to the tenancy start date. Urgent Forces New Applications Received South Lanarkshire Council Lets to Urgent Forces List Ave days to rehouse 2019-2020 4 3 99 2020-2021 2 3 60 2021-2022 0 1 6 2022 -2023 5 3 66 2023 -2024 7 5 69 2024 -2025 YTD 16th Dec 2 6 134 59
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National support and advice The Scottish Government has a dedicated area on its website for veterans and has also published a document for Veterans called ‘Scottish Housing guide for people leaving the Armed Forces and ex-service personnel’ which is also referenced on the South Lanarkshire Council website. South Lanarkshire has been recognised as a good practice case study for veterans on the Scottish Government website for prioritising veterans within its Allocation Policy. In addition, the Scottish Government has also acknowledged South Lanarkshire’s Housing Allocation Policy within the document which accompanies the third annual update to the Scottish Parliament in 2019 on the support for our veterans and the Armed Forces community in Scotland. Customer Engagement We recognise that the best way to ensure that customers are involved in shaping our housing services is to work in partnership and build on existing relationships. This approach is also in line with the council values outlined in Connect 2022-2027:- focused on people and their needs working with and respecting others accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent ambitious, self-aware, and improving fair, open, and sustainable More recently, Military Matters, part of Housing Options Scotland, contributed to the development of the Local Housing Strategy 2022-27 and, we contacted a number of armed forced and veterans’ organisations to help inform our Customer Involvement Strategy 2024-29. This is the fifth strategy prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. This strategy aims to build upon the achievements of our previous Customer Involvement Strategy and sets out our continued commitment to engaging and involving customers in shaping housing services. Health and Social Care Partnership (HandSCP) V1P (Veterans’ First Point) has provided a bespoke mental health support service for veterans (and their families where eligible) to assist the individuals in managing their service-related mental health issues. The service also benefits from a peer support worker network. The peer support workers will help everyone as necessary, linking them with suitable voluntary/support services in the community as well as ensuring the person gets to the necessary appointments and able to access any follow up treatment plans. The HandSCP also works with the Defence Medical Welfare Service (MDWS) which aims to provide support to older veterans and their families. This can assist in the provision of equipment to assist in daily life; financial support to undertake house alterations; holidays/respite breaks and things to support the veterans in later life. They also undertook a specific exercise which seeks to improve the visibility of digital solutions in being able to support older people in their own homes. The ‘Armed Forces and Veterans’ Champion’ for NHS Lanarkshire assists in facilitating priority access to services where eligible to ensure that NHSL (and the HandSCP) is complying with the Armed Forces Covenant Duty. As well as specific access issues, this can also often involve working across services and different agencies such that the individual – and/or their families – receive a ‘joined–up’ approach to service delivery. 60
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NHSL is also a recipient of the Gold Award for supporting Armed Forces personnel and Veterans in the workplace. As well as supporting former services personnel into employment, this also provides dedicated Terms and Conditions for those in the ‘Reserves.’ As noted above, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner also visited South Lanarkshire and gave positive feedback on some of the Council’s criminal justice services, as can be seen in the Commissioner’s recent October 2024 report, noting (on page 20) that “South Lanarkshire Council is a commendable example of a Local Authority putting the Armed Forces Covenant into effect across their policies, guidance, and practice.” Recent NHS data also confirms that South Lanarkshire has a Veteran population of 8,364 which reflects 3.1% of the over 16 year old population; this is below the Scottish Average of 3.87%. As noted above, HandSCP has established 5 Veteran’s Representatives within Justice Social Work to promote awareness of veteran related issues and to support up to date information on services available to veterans and their families. Workers will be able to contact their representative for advice and guidance on working with any veterans and their families they have on their caseload. It is envisaged this will help inform future planning around veteran support services across our workforce. Money Matters The Council’s Money Matters service provides support, advice and representation regarding Benefits and Welfare Rights, Energy Efficiency and Debt Management as well as Budgeting Support. All advice is provided to an accredited National Standards Level. Since July 2024 (when veteran status started being checked) Monay Matters has assisted 181 people who were either current (5%) or former (84%) members of the Armed Forces, or the family (11%) of one. 61
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Workstream 5 – Promote and support local Armed Forces events and military heritage sites Action Service Lead Timescale Update RAG Status February 2024 Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony Members’ Services Officer June every year Held in June 2024. Attended by Veterans from the British Legion and Cameronians. Air and Army Cadets in attendance. Civic Hospitality was provided following the ceremony and was attended by approximately 70 guests. Green, ongoing, complete for 2024 Festival of Remembrance Members’ Services Officer November every year Held in November 2024, in tandem with the British Legion. A Drumhead Service and Remembrance performances from local schools was held in the Hamilton Townhouse. The Air, Army and Sea Cadets were in attendance along with Veterans and Miliary Officers. Around 150 members of the public also purchased tickets to attend. Green, ongoing, complete for 2024 Larkhall Remembrance Sunday Members’ Services Officer November every year Held in November 2024. Parade and Remembrance Service followed by wreath laying. Green, ongoing, complete for 2024 East Kilbride Remembrance Sunday Members’ Services Officer November every year Held in November 2024. Parade and Remembrance Service followed by a Church Service. Green, ongoing, complete for 2024 Hamilton Remembrance Sunday Members’ Services Officer November every year Held in November 2024. Parade followed by Remembrance Service and Wreath laying attended by Provost and Vice Lord Lieutenant. Hospitality following the service in the Banqueting Hall for 250 Cadets/Veterans and 50 VIPS in Committee Room 1 Green, ongoing, complete for 2024 Armistice Day Service Members’ Services Officer November every year Held in November 2024. Service at the VC Memorial attended by the Depute Provost and Lieutenancy. Green, ongoing, complete for 2024 Provost attendance at commemoration of 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt, in Zeeland Members’ Services Officer Undertaken in October 2024, additional one off event for 2024. Held in October 2024. Provost attended at invitation of the Liberation Museum Zeeland. Lanarkshire regiment The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) played a significant part in the liberation of Holland in 1944, and the activities will included visits to a number of locations where the regiment was involved in active duty. The activities also included the unveiling of the statue of Rifleman Khan. Complete. 62