Agenda Document Pack - South Lanarkshire Council - 27/05/2026
South Lanarkshire Council · 27 May 2026
Back to South Lanarkshire Council — 27 May 2026 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 19 May 2026 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, 27 May 2026 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 11 March 2026 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 10 3 Minutes of Meeting of Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee Minutes of the meeting of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee held on 9 December 2025 submitted for noting. (Copy attached) 11 - 16 Item(s) for Decision 4 Appointment to Vacant Position of Leader of the Council Report dated 19 May 2026 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 17 - 20 5 Interim Provost Arrangements Report dated 12 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 21 - 24 6 Appointment to Vacant Position of Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee Report dated 13 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 25 - 26 7 Notice of Motion - Larkhall Youth Pipes and Drums Motion received in terms of Standing Order No. 21 on 11 May 2026, proposed by Councillor Richard Nelson and seconded by Councillor Ross Clark. (Copy attached) 27 - 28 Item(s) for Noting 8 Local Government By-Election - Electoral Ward 20 (Larkhall) Report dated 18 May 2026 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 29 - 30 Urgent Business 9 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Provost decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Susan Somerville Clerk Telephone: 07557323097 Clerk Email: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 11 March 2026 Chair: Depute Provost Bert Thomson Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor John Anderson, 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 Ross Gowland, Councillor Geri Gray, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Mark Horsham, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Cal Johnston- Dempsey, Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Susan Kerr, 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 Mark McGeever, Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor Carol Nugent, Councillor Norman Rae, Councillor Mo Razzaq, Councillor John Ross, Councillor Graham Scott, Councillor David Shearer, Councillor Helen Toner, Councillor Margaret B Walker, Councillor David Watson, Councillor Kirsty Williams Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Margaret Cooper (Provost), Councillor Alistair Fulton, Councillor Hugh Macdonald, Councillor Kirsten Robb Attending: Chief Executive’s Service P Manning, Chief Executive Community and Enterprise Resources K Carr, Executive Director Education Resources L McRoberts, Executive Director Finance and Corporate Resources J Taylor, Executive Director; S Somerville, Administration Manager; I Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services; N Tollan, Administration Assistant Housing and Technical Resources S Gibson, Executive Director Social Work Resources/Health and Social Care S Sengupta, Director, Health and Social Care Depute Provost’s Opening Remarks The Depute Provost referred to the recent 4th anniversary of the war in Ukraine, when Russian forces began a full-scale destruction and killing that had continued ever since. This Council was one of the first councils to condemn the illegal invasion and, as a sign of support, agreed to fly the flag of Ukraine until the war ended. That support, including welcoming refugees, would continue. 2 3
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The Depute Provost concluded by saying that all our thoughts were with the people of Ukraine, as well as with those embroiled in other conflicts across the world, including the most recent violence in the Middle East. 1 Declaration of Interests The following interest was declared:- Councillor(s) Item(s) Nature of Interest(s) A Buchanan Touch a Life, Make a Difference Initiative - Update Chairs a Group which was granted funding Councillor Nelson made a transparency and connection statement in terms of Item 6, South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy – Annual Update, as he was Secretary on the Board of Who Dares Cares, an organisation which was a member of the Lanarkshire Armed Forces Community and Veterans Covenant Group. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of South Lanarkshire Council held on 10 December 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Council decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Minutes of Special Meeting The minutes of the special meeting of South Lanarkshire Council held on 25 February 2026 were submitted for approval as a correct record. 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 30 September 2025 were submitted for noting. The Council decided: that the minutes be noted. 5 Proposed Update to Terms of Reference of the Appeals Panel and Grievance and Disputes Panel A report dated 26 February 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted proposing an amendment to the Terms of Reference of the Appeals Panel and the Grievance and Disputes Panel. The current Terms of Reference for both Panels, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, included provision for one of the 3 members to be the Chair or one of the Depute Chairs of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee. 4
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To allow for more flexibility in terms of arranging appeals and finalising Panel arrangements, it was proposed that the current Terms of Reference of the Appeals Panel and Grievance and Disputes Panel be amended, as outlined in paragraph 4.1 of the report. A copy of the proposed and revised Terms of Reference for both Panels was attached at Appendix 2 to the report. The Council decided: that the membership section of the Terms of Reference of both the Appeals Panel and the Grievance and Disputes Panel be amended, as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the report and fully detailed in Appendix 2. [Reference: Minutes of 18 May 2022 (Paragraph 7)] 6 South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy – Annual Update A report dated 15 February 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on the work the Council had undertaken in progressing delivery of the South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy. At its meeting on 26 June 2024, the Executive Committee approved the South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy and associated action plan. 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. The Covenant Duty required organisations delivering local services to pay ‘due regard’ to the Covenant principles when exercising functions in the areas of housing, education and healthcare. An update on the work the Council had undertaken in progressing delivery of the Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy was last reported on 19 February 2025. An update on the Action Plan, including recent and planned activity in respect of each workstream, was included in Appendix 1 to the report. Councillor Horsham, as the Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, referred to the Council taking its Covenant responsibilities seriously, from strengthening awareness of the Covenant Duty across Resources, to ensuring fair access to housing, education and health support. This work had made a real difference to the lives of veterans, serving personnel and their families. He wished to thank fellow councillors and officers for their continued support and commitment to the Armed Forces community and highlighted that the Council had been recognised for its efforts by receiving the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Councillor Nelson welcomed the work undertaken to date by the Council in supporting the Armed Forces community and also acknowledged the work of many charities and voluntary organisations. He highlighted that many suffered from service-related trauma, such as PTSD, and how it was important that services recognised that lived experience when supporting individuals through rehabilitation. In response to his point that veterans’ unpaid work through the Justice Service, as well as the work of the Positive Future programme to assist in the veterans’ rehabilitation, should be more explicit in the Strategy and Action Plan going forward, the Director, Health and Social Care advised that he was happy to hear suggestions on ways to give the work greater visibility. Councillor Brown was heard in support of the ongoing work to support veterans, particularly highlighting the importance of the mental health aspect. 5
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The Council decided: (1) that the update on the work the Council had undertaken in progressing delivery of the South Lanarkshire Council Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategy be noted; (2) that the updates to the Action Plan for 2026, contained in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and (3) that it be noted that a further annual update would be provided to the Council at its meeting in January 2027. [Reference: Minutes of 19 February 2025 (Paragraph 9) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 26 June 2024 (Paragraph 10)] Councillor Rae entered the meeting during this item of business 7 Notice of Motion – International Women’s Day 2026 “Give to Gain” In terms of Standing Order No 21, a motion proposed by Councillor Donnelly, seconded by Councillor Cowan, was submitted as follows:- “Council notes: That International Women’s Day 2026 is marked under the theme “Give to Gain”, recognising that equality strengthens communities and that empowering women, children, and young people benefits all of South Lanarkshire. The essential work of our third sector partners including Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire (WASLER) in providing refuge, advocacy, crisis support, and long term assistance to women, children, and young people experiencing domestic abuse. The leadership of the South Lanarkshire Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Partnership, which delivers a coordinated, multiagency approach to prevention, early intervention, and cultural change. The progressive work being undertaken through South Lanarkshire Council’s Fund to Leave pilot exercise, which is providing vital financial support enabling women and families to safely exit abusive situations and rebuild their lives. That visibility, mentorship, and challenging bias are key to creating a fair, inclusive, and safe South Lanarkshire for all. Council believes: When women thrive, the whole of South Lanarkshire rises — socially, economically, and culturally. That preventing and responding to violence against women and girls requires sustained partnership working, trauma -informed practice, and adequate resourcing. Supporting women, children, and young people to leave abusive situations is a moral and social responsibility. Providing visibility, support, and opportunities to women and girls creates long-term gains for the entire community. Council resolves to: 1. Publicly support International Women ’s Day 2026 by promoting the theme “Give to Gain” across all Council communication channels. 2. Encourage donations to our third sector providers including WASLER, recognising their critical role in supporting women, children, and young people across South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. 6
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3. Strengthen the rollout of unconscious bias training for all Council employees to promote fairness, respect, and inclusive practice. 4. Work closely with the South Lanarkshire VAWG Partnership to increase awareness of all local supports available to help women, children and young people safely exit abusive situations. 5. Note the progressive work being undertaken through the Council’s ‘Fund to Leave’ pilot exercise, and await the feedback from the pilot. 6. Deliver an internal campaign through the Gender-Based Violence Unit, highlighting the achievements of female employees and raising awareness of the challenges women continue to face. 7. Promote mentorship opportunities across Council departments to support the development of future female leaders. 8. Commit to giving visibility to women’s contributions across South Lanarkshire, recognising that when women succeed, the whole community gains.” In moving her motion, Councillor Donnelly referred to how organisations, such as Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire (WASLER) and South Lanarkshire Violence Against Women and Girls (WAWG) Partnership, exemplified the leadership needed to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that allowed inequality and abuse to persist. She welcomed the Scottish Government’s expansion of the ‘Fund to Leave’ programme that would now be available to women in South Lanarkshire through WASLER, which she considered was a powerful example of ‘Give to Gain’ in action. Councillor Cowan, in seconding the motion, advised that, while International Women’s Day was officially recognised 50 years ago by the United Nations, it had actually been around for 115 years. She considered that, while circumstances had greatly improved for women in western society, for a huge number of women and girls around the world, nothing much had changed in all that time. She highlighted that International Women’s Day should encourage efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination and inequalities. The Council decided: that the terms of the motion be agreed and that the Council:- publicly support International Women’s Day 2026 by promoting the theme “Give to Gain” across all Council communication channels encourage donations to third sector providers, including Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire strengthen the rollout of unconscious bias training work closely with the South Lanarkshire Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership to increase awareness of all local supports available note the progressive work being undertaken through the Council’s ‘Fund to Leave’ pilot exercise deliver an internal campaign through the Gender- Based Violence Unit, highlighting the achievements of female employees and raising awareness of the challenges women continue to face promote mentorship opportunities across Council Resources to support the development of future female leaders commit to giving visibility to women’s contributions across South Lanarkshire 7
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8 Notice of Motion – After-School Provision in South Lanarkshire In terms of Standing Order No 21, a motion proposed by Councillor Fagan, seconded by Councillor Hamilton, was submitted as follows:- “The Council notes the range of after-school care provided across South Lanarkshire, including provision on the Council estate, and considers that good-quality after-school care can enhance communities, support families and improve outcomes for children and young people. The Council further notes the range of providers and models of provision available across Scotland, including not-for-profit provision. The Council commits to working with partners, including South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, to create a supportive environment for after-school provision to emerge across South Lanarkshire, subject to legal and commercial constraints, and requests that a report be brought forward to a future meeting of the Executive Committee addressing:- 1. The extent and mix of after school provision across South Lanarkshire. 2. Current and emerging issues in the development of after school provision. 3. Steps the Council can take to support the development of after school provision, including on the council-owned estate. 4. The potential for Community Wealth Building approaches to support new after- school provision.” In moving his motion, Councillor Fagan referred to the importance of good quality after-school care to communities, families and to improving outcomes for children and young people. He hoped that a future report on the issue would set out how the Council could create a supportive environment by agreeing a corporate approach. Councillor Hamilton seconded the motion. Councillor Loudon, seconded by Councillor Johnson-Dempsey, moved the following as an amendment:- Insert after point 2: “This should include consideration of the following: - A plan for engagement with our employability partners such as Routes to Work South for example, who offer “Making it Work for Parents”, to understand more about the barriers faced by parents, and how services can and do support them - Consideration of the work and research of agencies such as One Parent Families Scotland and Parenting Across Scotland, to understand more about the particular needs of one-parent families - Inclusion of the experiences of childminders, including our partnership childminders, to recognise their place in the after-school care landscape - Exploration of how any work in this area could tie into the wider Marmot Place work being carried out by the Council, both in terms of data-gathering and strategic planning, since research has shown that there are socioeconomic variations in the use of after-school provision.” 8
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Insert after point 4: “Any report which recommends engagement exercises to understand the after-school landscape in South Lanarkshire must clearly state how the views and lived experience of children and young people will be captured, to meet our obligations to include their voices in the Council’s planning and delivery of services.” In moving her amendment, Councillor Loudon highlighted that it did not fundamentally alter the motion but sought to enhance it. Councillor Johnston-Dempsey seconded the amendment. Councillor Fagan indicated that he was happy to accept the amendment, particularly the references to childminders and the Marmot work that was ongoing. Councillor McGeever spoke on the importance of providing support for working parents. He highlighted that high-quality after-school programmes complemented and enhanced formal education and helped young people to stay healthy and develop important social skills. Councillor Watson, while welcoming the motion and amendment, advised that he had slight concerns in terms of timing. He considered that consistency of approach across the Council’s estate was required. He referred to a particular issue in Jackton, a Community Growth Area, and how there were ongoing discussions with South Lanarkshire Leisure Limited (SLLC) in terms of the charging policy for profit and non-profit organisations and the intention of SLLC to have arrangements in place by August 2026. He highlighted that he would not wish that delayed and raised the possibility of the potential for ‘twin track’ reporting, whereby, prior to the summer recess, there could be a report on the Council’s estate and how it would be managed. A further report could then follow on the outcome of the particular actions outlined in the amendment. In response to his concerns, the Chief Executive highlighted that the specific interim arrangements being made in Jackton would not be affected by this. In terms of ‘twin track’ reporting, senior officers would need to consider the amendment and whether it represented any change in timing. He advised that a short update on the timing of this as an exercise would be provided to the next meeting of the Executive Committee. The Council decided: (1) that the terms of the motion, as amended, be agreed and that a report be brought to a future meeting of the Executive Committee addressing:- the extent and mix of after-school provision across South Lanarkshire current and emerging issues in the development of after-school provision. This should include consideration of the following:- a plan for engagement with the Council’s employability partners, such as Routes to Work South, to understand more about the barriers faced by parents, and how services could and did support them consideration of the work and research of agencies such as One Parent Families Scotland and Parenting Across Scotland, to understand more about the particular needs of one-parent families inclusion of the experiences of childminders, to recognise their place in the after- school landscape exploration of how any work in this area could tie into the wider Marmot Place work being carried out by the Council, both in terms of data-gathering and strategic planning, since research had shown that there were socio-economic variations in the use of after-school provisions steps the Council could take to support the development of after-school provision, including on the Council-owned estate the potential for Community Wealth Building approaches to support new after-school provision 9
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(2) that any report which recommended an engagement exercise to understand the after-school landscape in South Lanarkshire must clearly state how the views and lived experience of children and young people would be captured, to meet the Council’s obligations to include their voices in the planning and delivery of its services. 9 Touch a Life, Make a Difference Initiative - Update A report dated 2 February 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on the use of the donations generated by the Touch a Life, Make a Difference fundraising work in 2025. Following the completion of the fundraising work in 2025, the initiative had raised approximately £24,400. The £5,000 pledge to Sense Scotland, reported to the Council meeting in October 2025, had been paid out, enabling the charity to take advantage of the match funding which was available, meaning Sense Scotland received £10,000. Given this, and the previously approved donation of £500 to Unison’s Ukraine fundraising, there was a balance of £18,940 available to be shared between the remaining approved beneficiaries. Following consultation with the Provost and Group Leaders, the Chief Executive had used the delegated authority granted by the Council in February 2025 to decide on the approach for the sharing of the donations, as outlined in paragraph 4.4 of the report. The Depute Provost wished to record his thanks to the Provost for her dedication to the initiative. Councillor Watson echoed the sentiments expressed by the Depute Provost in terms of the Provost’s enthusiasm and efforts, and also wished to thank Members’ Services and other staff for their tremendous fundraising efforts. The Council decided: (1) that the update on the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative be noted; and (2) that the distribution of the donations generated by the initiative in 2025, as summarised in paragraph 4.4 of the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 1 October 2025 (Paragraph 5)] Councillor A Buchanan, having declared an interest in the above item, left the meeting during its consideration 10 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 10
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RISK AND AUDIT SCRUTINY COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 9 December 2025 Chair: Councillor Elaine McDougall Councillors Present: Councillor Mathew Buchanan, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Richard Lockhart, Councillor Julia Marrs (substitute for Councillor Mary Donnelly) Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Mary Donnelly (Depute), Councillor Alistair Fulton, Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Susan Kerr Attending: Chief Executive’s Service T Little, Head of Communications and Strategy Finance and Corporate Resources Y Douglas, Internal Audit Manager; E Maxwell, HR Business Manager; E-A McGonigle, Administration Adviser; A Norris, Administration Assistant; L O’Hagan, Head of Finance (Strategy); I Opatha, Administration Officer; I Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Also Attending: Audit Scotland A Barclay, External Auditor 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 30 September 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Internal Audit Activity Report A report dated 14 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on work completed by Internal Audit during the period 1 September to 14 November 2025. The Committee had approved the Internal Audit Plan for 2025/2026 in February 2025. Information was provided on the work undertaken since the last progress report, which was considered by the Committee on 30 September 2025. 3 11
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The report highlighted that, as of mid-November 2025, 86% of the 2025/2026 Audit Plan had commenced, and 29% of assignments had reached the draft report stage. This represented reasonable progress at that point in the year. Targets had been set for the remainder of the year to progress delivery of the Plan, as detailed in the table at paragraph 3.1 of the report. There had been no significant concerns regarding the overall deliverability of the Audit Plan at that stage. The risks had remained due to potential unforeseen service demands and the need for timely team upskilling, particularly in digital skills. Those risks had been managed through the use of contingency time, a continued focus on coaching and training, and by setting realistic expectations around the wider use of data analytics in audit work. Any risk of substantial amendments to the Plan, arising from changes in Council priorities or risks, had been controlled through regular reassessment of capacity and ongoing review of the Audit Plan, with incremental updates reported to the Committee as required. Performance indicators for the period to 31 October 2025 were detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, alongside targets and an overall assessment as to whether those would be met by 31 March 2026. All indicators had been included for completeness, but some would not be reported until the end of the financial year. There were currently 4 indicators assessed as amber, and a list of those, with planned corrective actions, was detailed in the table at paragraph 3.6 of the report. A summary of the audit output from assignments completed between 1 September and 14 November 2025 was detailed in Appendix 2 to the report. Four assignments from the 2025/2026 Plan had been completed during the period, as detailed in the table at paragraph 4.2 of the report. Two assignments had been concluded for external clients, as detailed at paragraph 4.6 of the report. The Audit Strategy had set out a structured, forward-looking approach designed to demonstrate compliance with Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) by showing how the Internal Audit function added value, used resources effectively, and supported continuous improvement in alignment with the Council’s governance and organisational goals. The Data Strategy outlined objectives for developing automation and data analysis within the audit process. The draft required further refinement and future alignment with the Council’s wider data approach as it continued to develop. In line with GIAS requirements, the Audit Plan had been reviewed in October 2025 to ensure it remained risk-based and aligned with organisational objectives. The review had identified 3 assignments for deferral. The reasons for deferral and the proposed course of action were detailed in the table at paragraph 4.7 of the report. The outline Audit Strategy and the draft Data Strategy were attached at appendices 3 and 4 to the report. A final Audit Strategy would be presented to the Committee in March 2026. Further updates were provided on:- key findings and recommendations, as detailed in section 5 of the report emerging risks and issues, as detailed in section 6 of the report a compliance and standards update, as detailed in section 7 of the report, which included:- a report that set out the requirements and responsibilities of the new GIAS, which were effective from 1 April 2025, that was presented to the Committee on 18 February 2025 a process to map current practice against all elements of the new GIAS that had been ongoing, and a summary assessment as at November 2025, which was attached in Appendix 5 to the report outline Audit and Data Strategies governance and Committee engagement, as detailed in section 8 of the report 12
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The Chair welcomed the ongoing work on the Data Strategy and the wider data landscape, highlighting that both would play a critical role for auditors and for the Council going forward. The Committee decided: (1) that progress with the delivery of the 2025/2026 Internal Audit Plan be noted; (2) that performance in the period to 31 October 2025, as detailed in Appendix 1, be noted; (3) that output from internal audit assignments completed in the period 1 September to 14 November 2025, as detailed in Appendix 2, be noted; (4) that the proposed amendments to the Audit Plan, as detailed in paragraph 4.7, be approved; (5) that the outline Audit Strategy and draft Data Strategy, as detailed in appendices 3 and 4, be noted; and (6) that the assessed level of compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), as detailed in Appendix 5, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 18 February 2025 (Paragraph 7) and 30 September 2025 (Paragraph 5)] 4 Accounts Commission 2025 – Scrutiny, Governance and Transparency of Decision-Making of Exit Packages of Senior Officers A report dated 3 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing:- an update on a letter recently issued by the Accounts Commission to all councils in relation to the scrutiny, governance and transparency of decision-making of exit packages of senior officers a summary of the Council’s position on the 5 recommendations the Accounts Commission had made in relation to exit packages relating to senior officers Since the late 1990s, a number of reports had been published by the Accounts Commission for Scotland and Audit Scotland on the management of early retirements, with a view to ensuring that public sector organisations had sufficiently robust frameworks in place for decision-making and scrutiny. Details were provided on the background to the Accounts Commission’s correspondence, including the publication of the Section 102 report on senior officer exit packages at Glasgow City Council (GCC), and the Commission’s expectation that councils reviewed their governance and decision-making arrangements in light of the issues identified. The report outlined the key messages from the Accounts Commission’s letter, including the importance of transparency, independent scrutiny, robust record-keeping and adherence to the Key Principles of Public Life. The Accounts Commission stated that, where decisions around restructuring and exit packages were being taken, councils should ensure there was clear evidence of effective governance, independent scrutiny, and value for money, as well as robust and transparent record-keeping. The lessons learned from GCC had been considered in light of the 5 key recommendations set out in a previous Audit Scotland report (2003), which had been adapted by the Accounts Commission for the current context, as outlined in paragraph 4.5 of the report. 13
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The Council’s current position against each of the Commission’s adapted recommendations was set out in section 5 of the report. Reports in relation to any structure changes which resulted in early retirement/voluntary severance of all Chief Officers/Statutory Officers would be presented to the Executive Committee for approval. Those reports would include information on the rationale for early release and any consequential implications, including financial implications, which would allow the Executive Committee to decide on the appropriateness of the proposals. The following proposed next steps were outlined in section 6 of the report:- the Council would continue to review any requirement to change existing policies, and any change would be reported to the Executive Committee for approval a personnel circular would be issued to all employees, reminding them of the Principles of Public Life the Principles of Public Life would be included in elected member and employee induction programmes and circulated on an annual basis with the Employee Code of Conduct. Those would be updated by January 2026 in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, all requests for early retirement/voluntary severance for Chief Officers and Statutory Officers must be presented to the Executive Committee for decision/approval any request for early release/early severance must demonstrate clear evidence of effective governance, independent scrutiny, and provide evidence of value for money a robust and transparent record-keeping process must be in place The Committee decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that the next steps, as detailed in section 6, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 12 September 2012 (Paragraph 23)] 5 Fraud Statistics 6 Monthly Update 2025/2026 A report dated 14 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted, providing:- a summary of the fraud statistics for the 6 months to 30 September 2025 and a comparison to the same period in 2024 an update on the progress of other fraud awareness activity and anti-fraud work Details were given on the number, types, outcomes and costs of fraud investigations, together with performance measures for the 6-month period to 30 September 2025. A comparison with the statistics for the same period in 2024 was also provided. The fraud statistics for the 6 months to 30 September 2025 highlighted that:- 11 investigations, with a total value of £49,000, had been reported in the period, representing a decrease in the number and an increase in value from the same period in 2024 of the 35 open cases, 15 cases, valued s at £1,000, had been closed in the period, compared to 13 cases valued at £14,000 in the same period in 2024 of the 15 closed cases, 3 were founded, all of which were external, with no internal or benefits-related cases founded concerns reported continued to relate primarily to suspected benefit fraud 14
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It was noted that 19 additional South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) investigations were being progressed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with a potential cumulative housing benefit overpayment/fraud value of around £7,000. On conclusion of investigations, the Council would seek repayment in line with standard recovery procedures. The following information was provided in section 5 of the report:- the wider fraud workload fraud awareness programme fraud alerts lessons learned exercises comparison of fraud risk arrangements to best practice Details on progress with the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) 2024 were provided in section 6 of the report. As of 30 September 2025, the Council had received 34,547 matches, of which 3,924 were target matches. Progress on investigations was summarised in Table 4 of the report. All target matches were expected to be completed by 31 March 2026. The investigation of fraud, participation in the NFI exercise, and the collection and reporting of fraud statistics had been carried out within existing resources. The 2025/2026 Internal Audit Plan had included 165 days to manage the NFI exercise, disseminate fraud alerts, update fraud risk registers, and undertake anti-fraud assignments and fraud investigations. Fraud was recognised as one of the top risks facing the Council, as detailed in paragraph 10.1 of the report. The Council’s Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Working Group progressed the delivery of various actions, which would be revised if new or emerging threats were identified through the pan-Lanarkshire Multi Agency SOC Group. Updates would be presented to the Committee periodically. The Committee decided: that the contents of the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 18 February 2025 (Paragraph 8), 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 7) and 30 September 2025 (Paragraph 9)] 6 Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum Annual Update A report dated 25 November 2025 by the Chief Executive was submitted on reports considered by the Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum in the period from January to December 2025. A report on the business considered by the Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum would continue to be submitted to the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee on an annual basis. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 18 February 2025 (Paragraph 9)] 7 Forward Programme for Future Meetings A report dated 19 November 2025 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 3 November 2026. As part of future arrangements, members were invited to suggest topics for inclusion in the Committee’s forward programme. 15
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The Committee decided: that the outline forward programme for the meetings of the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee to 3 November 2026 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 30 September 2025 (Paragraph 12)] 8 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 16
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 27 May 2026 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Appointment to Vacant Position of Leader of the Council 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] seek the appointment of an elected member as Leader of the Council [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that, following Councillor Fagan’s decision to step down from the position of Leader of the Council, nominations are sought to fill the vacancy; (2) to note that, as previously agreed at the statutory meeting of the Council and outlined at paragraph 3.2, the Leader of the Council is appointed as ex officio member:- with full voting rights, on the Executive Committee, all Resource Committees, Planning Committee, Licensing Committee and Climate Change and Sustainability Committee for the purposes of ‘signing off’ delegated contracts and for urgent items of business, all in accordance with the approved Standing Orders (3) to note that, in accordance with the relevant Terms of Reference, the Leader of the Council is appointed as Chair of the Executive Committee, Recruitment Committee, Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum, Standards and Procedures Advisory Forum, Community Wealth Building Commission and South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership; (4) to note that the Leader of the Council is appointed to COSLA Leaders’ Group and Glasgow City Region Cabinet; and (5) that, based on the Council’s decision, authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to update the necessary memberships and procedural documentation as appropriate. 3. Background 3.1. Following the Scottish Parliamentary Elections held on Thursday 7 May 2026 and his election as an MSP, Councillor Fagan has advised the Chief Executive of his intention to step down from his role as Leader of the Council. Nominations are, therefore, sought to fill the position. Councillor Fagan is remaining as a councillor. 4 17
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3.2. At the statutory meeting of the Council held on 18 May 2022, it was agreed that the Leader of the Council be appointed as ex officio member:- with full voting rights, on the Executive Committee, all Resource Committees, Planning Committee, Licensing Committee and Climate Change and Sustainability Committee for the purposes of ‘signing off’ delegated contracts and for urgent items of business, all in accordance with the approved Standing Orders 3.3. In accordance with the relevant Terms of Reference, the Leader of the Council is appointed as Chair of the Executive Committee, Recruitment Committee, Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum, Standards and Procedures Advisory Forum, Community Wealth Building Commission and South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership. 3.4. The Leader of the Council is also appointed to COSLA Leaders’ Group and Glasgow City Region Cabinet. 3.5. There are no issues in relation to connections and interests. Councillors may vote for themselves. 3.6. The Chair of a meeting has no casting vote when making councillor appointments. Tied votes are resolved by lot, using a method determined by the Clerk (Chief Executive). The voting procedure is as follows:- a mover and a seconder are required for each candidate any vote takes place amongst all candidates at the same time where one candidate has an absolute majority of the votes cast, that candidate is appointed if not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and another vote is taken amongst the remaining candidates. If required, that is repeated until one candidate has an absolute majority of the votes cast if, on the vote between the final candidates or between 2 or more candidates at the bottom of the list, there is an equal number of votes, the decision will be by lot. A copy of the procedure to be adopted in the event of a tie is attached as an appendix to the report 3.7. It is proposed that, based on the Council’s decision, authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to update the necessary memberships and procedural documentation as appropriate. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. Local Government remuneration levels are set by The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 (as amended, the 2007 Regulations), as updated annually by Statutory Instrument. The position carries remuneration set by the 2007 Regulations, the current salary for which is £62,797. 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. 18
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7. Other Implications 7.1. There are no risk implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There was no requirement for consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Paul Manning Chief Executive 19 May 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council of 18 May 2022 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Susan Somerville, Administration Manager Ext: 4197 (Tel: 01698 454197) E-mail: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 19
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Appendix 1 Procedure – Equality of Votes (Tie) for an Appointment to a Position In the case of equality of votes, the decision will be by lot and the following procedure will apply:- The decision will be determined by a pack of cards being cut; The principle is that the mover of a proposal whose cut of the cards reveals the highest value card will be successful; In the cards being cut, the Jokers will first be removed by the Committee Clerk and the pack shuffled. Aces will be treated as ‘high’ and all suits will have equal value; The cards will be cut by the movers of the proposals, as the case may be, where such movers are all physically present in the room in which the meeting is being held and wish to do so, failing which or otherwise, the cards will be cut by an appropriate person (who is physically present) nominated by the mover to do so on their behalf (eg the seconder, the Committee Clerk, the Monitoring Officer or the Chief Executive). Note: the Committee Clerk will need to ensure the camera is focused on the appropriate seat of whoever is cutting the cards, therefore, will activate the mic while the Committee Clerk’s Assistant will take the pack of cards to the appropriate person cutting the cards. The Committee Clerk’s Assistant will ensure the card, once cut, is shown to the camera. The Committee Clerk will call out the identity of the card and record it for the minutes. After the cards have been cut, the Committee Clerk will call out the highest card and the respective mover, and declare the decision of that vote. If, after the cards have been cut, both cards have the same value (ie equally high), then the above process will be repeated until such times as there is a single card which has a value higher than the other(s) cut at that time. The Provost, taking the advice of the Committee Clerk, the Monitoring Officer or the Chief Executive, will determine any matters of procedure not expressly provided for above. 20
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 27 May 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Interim Provost Arrangements 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- Seek approval to appoint Depute Provost Thomson as Interim Provost, to undertake the duties of the Provost on an interim basis during the absence of Provost Cooper. [purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that Provost Cooper be granted a period of absence from her elected member duties, including as the Provost; (2) that Depute Provost Thomson be appointed as Interim Provost to undertake and fulfil the duties of the Provost on a temporary basis during Provost Cooper’s absence; and (3) that Councillor Frame be appointed as one of the Council’s representatives on Strathaven Town Group during the absence of Provost Cooper. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Councillor remuneration is regulated by The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 (as amended). The 2007 Regulations have been the subject of a number of amendments, including the annual review of councillor remuneration levels, and The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2020 included provisions to the effect that (in Regulation 2(2)) for councillors who are granted a period of leave of absence by their local authority, the Regulations now disapply such councillors from the limits on the number of councillors who can receive certain types of remuneration. The effect is that if an authority agrees that a particular senior councillor can be absent from duties for a period the authority can continue to remunerate the councillor who has been granted leave, but also pay that type of remuneration to another councillor for undertaking the duties to which it relates. 3.2. Provost Cooper has advised the Council that she intends to take a period of absence, and alternative arrangements require to be put in place to cover her duties as Provost on an interim basis. 5 21
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4. Proposals 4.1. Given the importance of the role of Provost, both internally in terms of Council governance, but also the wider civic role across South Lanarkshire, it is proposed that Depute Provost Thomson be appointed to undertake and fulfil the duties of the Provost on an interim basis during the absence of Provost Cooper. Depute Provost Thomson would be designated as the Interim Provost during this period. 4.2. Duties that might require to be undertaken by the Interim Provost during this period, in addition to chairing meetings of the Council, include attendance at Citizenship Ceremonies, visits for Diamond Weddings and 100th Birthdays, civic duties related to Lanimer week, the civic reception for Rutherglen 900 and hosting Armed Forces Day. 4.3. Subject to the decision of the Council, Councillor Thomson would temporarily vacate the post of Depute Provost during his period as the Interim Provost. The Council may wish to consider whether an Interim Depute Provost is appointed to assist the Interim Provost with his civic duties. 4.4. The Council appoints two of the Ward 5 members to the Strathaven Town Group. The current appointees are the Provost and Councillor Kerr. It is proposed that, in the Provost’s absence, Councillor Frame be appointed to attend the Group. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications arising from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. The Provost, as the Council’s Civic Head, is a role recognised in statute as a senior councillor role, benefiting from an enhanced remuneration which recognises the important nature of the role and the duties the postholder performs. The remuneration for the current financial year is £47,099, as set out in The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2026. 6.2. In accordance with the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 (as amended), whilst on her period of absence, Provost Cooper would continue to receive her Civic Head allowance. In addition, and again in accordance with the 2007 Regulations, the Interim Provost would also receive an increment equivalent to that received by the Provost, whilst temporarily filling the position of Interim Provost, but he would not receive the Senior Councillor increment in respect of his role as Depute Provost. This additional cost would be funded from existing budgets. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no other implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 22
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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) 12 May 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Fair, Open and Sustainable Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Iain Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Ext: 4658 (Tel: 01698 454658) E-mail: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 23
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 27 May 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Appointment to Vacant Position of Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- seek approval to appoint an elected member as Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee [purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that, following the sad death of Councillor Lesley McDonald, nominations are sought to fill the vacancy of Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee; and (2) that, based on the Council’s decision, authority is delegated to the Chief Executive to update the necessary membership documentation. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Following the sad death of Councillor Lesley McDonald, it is proposed that the position of Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee is filled to ensure continuity of business. Nominations are, therefore, sought for the role. 3.2. In accordance with the relevant Terms of Reference, the Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee will be a member of the Executive Committee and will be given first option to Chair the Appeals Panel and Grievance and Disputes Panel. 3.3. There are no issues in relation to connections and interests. Councillors may vote for themselves. 3.4. The Chair of a meeting has no casting vote when making councillor appointments. Tied votes are resolved by lot, using a method determined by the Clerk (Chief Executive). The voting procedure is as follows:- a mover and a seconder are required for each candidate any vote takes place amongst all candidates at the same time where one candidate has an absolute majority of the votes cast, that candidate is appointed if not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and another vote is taken amongst the remaining candidates. If required, this is repeated until one candidate has an absolute majority of the votes cast 6 25
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if, on the vote between the final candidates or between 2 or more candidates at the bottom of the list, there is an equal number of votes, the decision will be by lot. A copy of the procedure to be adopted in the event of a tie is outlined in the appendix at Item 4 of the agenda 3.5. It is proposed that, based on the Council’s decision, authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to update the necessary membership documentation as appropriate. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications arising from this report. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. At the statutory meeting of the Council on 18 May 2022, it was agreed that the Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources is recognised as a senior councillor role, benefiting from an enhanced remuneration which recognises the important nature of the role and the duties the postholder performs. The remuneration for the current financial year is £39,492. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. There are no other implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There was also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 13 May 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Fair, Open and Sustainable Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire Council of 18 May 2022 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Iain Strachan, Head of Administration and Legal Services Ext: 4658 (Tel: 01698 454658) E-mail: iain.strachan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 26
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Agenda Item Larkhall Youth Pipes and Drums Notice of Motion Motion received in terms of Standing Order No 21 on 11 May 2026, proposed by Councillor Richard Nelson, seconded by Councillor Ross Clark, as follows:- “South Lanarkshire Council recognises and commends the outstanding contribution of Larkhall Youth Pipes and Drums to young people and the wider community in Larkhall. Founded in 2019 as a community-led initiative, the band provides free pipe and drum tuition to young people across the Larkhall primary school catchment area and Larkhall Academy, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation in traditional music education. Council notes that the programme now supports over 120 young people and provides far more than musical tuition alone, helping build confidence, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and pride within a safe and inclusive environment. Council further notes the success of former members who have progressed to study Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and now compete at high levels within the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Council congratulates the band on competing in this year’s Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships in Junior Grade B, where in their first competitive outing they achieved 7th place out of 11 bands, with two adjudicators ranking the piping section 3rd and 4th overall against several long-established independent and community bands. Council recognises the importance of support received through the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, which enables instruments, tuition, and essential resources to be provided free of charge, and acknowledges the ongoing need for sponsorship and funding to support the continued growth and sustainability of the band. Therefore, South Lanarkshire Council congratulates all instructors, volunteers, committee members, schools, parents, and especially the young people involved with Larkhall Youth Pipes and Drums and wishes them every success for the future and hope that other communities across Scotland may choose to follow this model from Larkhall Academy.” 7 27
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Report Agenda Item Report to: South Lanarkshire Council Date of Meeting: 27 May 2026 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Local Government By-Election - Electoral Ward 20 (Larkhall) 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise on arrangements for the by-election for Electoral Ward 20 (Larkhall) [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Council is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the arrangements being made to hold the by-election for Electoral Ward 20 (Larkhall) be noted. 3. Background 3.1. Following the recent sad death of Councillor Lesley McDonald, arrangements are being made to hold a by-election for Electoral Ward 20 (Larkhall) on Thursday 9 July 2026. 3.2. The Notice of Election will be published on Friday 22 May 2026, with nominations able to be lodged from Tuesday 26 May 2026. The last date and time for lodging nomination papers for the by-election will be Friday 5 June 2026 by 4.00pm. 3.3. Polling hours will be from 7.00am to 10.00pm. At close of poll, votes will be counted electronically in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. All costs associated with holding the by-election can be met from within existing resources. 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 risk implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 8 29
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8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 8.2. There is no requirement to carry out a consultation process in relation to this report. Paul Manning Chief Executive 18 May 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Susan Somerville, Administration Manager Ext: 4197 (Tel: 01698 454197) E-mail: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 30