Agenda Document Pack - Community Wealth Building Commission - 10/03/2026
South Lanarkshire Council · 10 March 2026
Back to Community Wealth Building Commission — 10 March 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Monday, 02 March 2026 Dear Member Community Wealth Building Commission The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Board to be held as follows:- Date: Tuesday, 10 March 2026 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive South Lanarkshire Council Councillor Alex Allison Councillor Robert Brown Councillor Maureen Chalmers Councillor Margaret Cooper Councillor Joe Fagan (Chair) Councillor Ross Lambie Councillor Kirsten Robb Councillor Margaret B Walker Paul Manning, Chief Executive Jackie Taylor, Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Soumen Sengupta, Director, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership Louise Long, Chief Executive, NHS Lanarkshire Josephine Pravinkumar, Director of Public Health, NHS Lanarkshire Hisashi Kuboyama, Development Manager, West of Scotland, Federation of Small Businesses Jimmy Wilson, Interim Chief Executive, VASLan Richard Gallacher, Head of Estates, University of the West of Scotland (UWS) 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Community Wealth Building Commission held on 2 December 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 6 Item(s) for Consideration 3 Employability and the Employment Pillar Report dated 28 January 2026 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 7 - 24 4 Marmot Place Progress Update Report dated 25 February 2026 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 25 - 36 5 South Lanarkshire Council’s Housing Market Purchase Scheme Report dated 20 February 2026 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources). (Copy attached) 37 - 42 6 Country Park Masterplans Report dated 13 February 2026 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 43 - 48 7 Supplier Development Programme Presentation by G Cameron, Programme Manager, Community and Enterprise Resources. 8 Meetings Timetable 2026/2027 Report dated 30 January 2026 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 49 - 50 9 Forward Programme for Future Meetings Report dated 25 February 2026 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 51 - 54 Any Other Competent Business 10 Any Other Competent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are competent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Laura Cunningham Clerk Telephone: 07385 370044 Clerk Email: laura.cunningham2@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING COMMISSION Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 2 December 2025 Chair: Councillor Joe Fagan Present: South Lanarkshire Council Councillors Robert Brown, Kirsten Robb, Margaret B Walker P Manning, Chief Executive; J Taylor, Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) NHS Lanarkshire J Pravinkumar, Director of Public Health Also Attending: South Lanarkshire Council Chief Executive’s Office J Kerr, Community Engagement Manager; T Little, Head of Communications and Strategy; N Reid, Research and Improvement Manager Finance and Corporate Resources L Cunningham, Administration Officer; C Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions); E McPake, HR Business Manager; S Somerville, Administration Manager; N Tollan, Administration Assistant Apologies: South Lanarkshire Council Councillors Alex Allison, Maureen Chalmers, Margaret Cooper, Ross Lambie; S Sengupta, Director, Health and Social Care NHS Lanarkshire L Long, Chief Executive VASLan J Wilson, Interim Chief Executive Federation of Small Businesses H Kuboyama, Development Manager, West of Scotland University of the West of Scotland R Gallacher, Head of Estates 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Community Wealth Building Commission held on 9 September 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Commission decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Community Wealth Building Action Plan – Quarter 2 Update A report dated 13 November 2025 by the Chief Executive, South Lanarkshire Council was submitted providing the Quarter 2 progress update on the Community Wealth Building (CWB) Action Plan. 2 3
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The CWB Action Plan had been approved by the Commission at its meeting on 9 September 2025. The report provided an update on the actions contained within the Action Plan for the 6- month period, April to September 2025. The Research and Improvement Manager advised that a number of updates for the Q2 report had become available since the papers had been issued. The figures were now as follows: Status Actions Number % Blue 0 0% Green 63 89% Amber 5 7% Red 0 0% Report later 3 4% Totals 71 100% A revised report would be circulated to members of the Commission. Officers responded to members’ questions on community benefits, community wish lists and the Modern Apprenticeship programme. In response to a question from J Pravinkumar, the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate) undertook to establish if information could be provided on a breakdown of the total number of Modern Apprentices and those from Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation areas. She also agreed to provide Councillor Robb with copies of recent reports to Area Committees on Participatory Budgeting. The Commission decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 9 September 2025 (Paragraph 4)] Councillor Brown joined the meeting during this item of business. 4 South Lanarkshire Council Annual Procurement Report 2024/2025 A report dated 17 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on the Annual Procurement Report for 2024/2025 for South Lanarkshire Council. The Procurement (Scotland) Reform Act 2014 required contracting authorities to prepare and publish an annual procurement report on its regulated procurement activity. The Act required that the annual report should include information on:- regulated procurement activity procurement strategy Community Wealth Building and community benefits sustainable procurement and support businesses future planning other relevant information The full annual report was provided at Appendix 1 to the Executive Director’s report. 4
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The Head of Finance (Transactions) responded to members’ questions and undertook to provide a full analysis of local spend to the Commission at a future meeting, which would include a breakdown of spend by sector. The Chief Executive referred to the recent Third Sector Review and partnership agreement and how the Council was working with VASLan to move things forward, The Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) spoke on the engagement with VASLan in terms of community benefits and procurement cash contributions. The Commission decided: that the Annual Procurement Report for 2024/2025 be noted. 5 Community Wish List - Update A report dated 19 November 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on the transition to the City Region Community Wish List commencing 1 April 2026. Community Wish Lists had been established across the public sector where communities were able to put forward requests for specific needs or benefits that would then be supported by selection by suppliers delivering contracts. The principal advantage of this approach was that it encouraged and enabled a more bottom-up method of delivering community benefits within the public sector procurement process, ensuring that community needs were directly identified by communities themselves and met by contractors. The Community Wish List had been operating for just over 2 years in South Lanarkshire and had answered over £140,000 worth of requests to community groups in the area. The wishes granted included small financial donations, goods and materials, IT equipment, food, and activity supplies. In September 2024, with the end of the Community Wish List Development Officer role, the Council commenced a process of transitioning the South Lanarkshire Wish List onto the regional platform. However, this had been paused while specifications of the new and developing regional system were fully functional and the reporting abilities would match the existing ones. The Glasgow City Region Community Benefits Hub was now ready and operating at a standard that would meet the minimum requirements for South Lanarkshire’s communities, suppliers, and officers. The existing platform would be fully closed at 31 March 2026 and the new platform would be used exclusively from the end of June 2026, with a manual system used during the transition period. The Commission decided: that the report be noted. 6 Community Wealth Building Strategy – Review Timetable and Context for Next Steps A report dated 12 November 2025 by the Chief Executive, South Lanarkshire Council was submitted on the review of the Community Wealth Building (CWB) Strategy. 5
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The Council approved its CWB Strategy in May 2021. Shortly after, the CWB Commission was established to bring key anchor organisations together to implement the strategy and to progress the CWB agenda in South Lanarkshire. The Commission held its first meeting on 31 August 2021 and had met quarterly since then. Given the changing context for CWB, both locally and nationally, it was considered appropriate to set out the process for a review of the Strategy As reported to the Commission on 10 June 2025, South Lanarkshire was well placed to meet the requirements of the forthcoming legislation and, in broad terms, was already compliant with the key features as understood from the draft bill. The legislation was on schedule to be passed by the end of April 2026, and statutory guidance would follow by autumn 2026. It was proposed that the review be deferred for one year, with the current Strategy continuing in the interim. Following discussion, it was agreed, that the review be deferred for one year and that, during that time, one of the scheduled meetings for the Commission be set aside to facilitate discussion areas such as governance, duplication, links to policy and initiatives like Marmot, with the aim to bring forward a paper which would give a structure to the review process. The Commission decided: (1) that the South Lanarkshire CWB Strategy be reviewed after the Scottish Government’s CWB legislation had been passed and associated guidance published; (2) that in the meantime, the current Strategy be rolled forward, using existing arrangements for annual action plan review, risk management, and progress reporting; and (3) that the evolving context for CWB in Scotland, which served to frame local discussions on the future of CWB in South Lanarkshire, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 10 June 2025 (Paragraph 5)] 7 Forward Programme for Future Meetings A report dated 13 November 2025 by the Chief Executive was submitted advising of the forward programme for meetings of the Commission and inviting members to suggest topics for inclusion in the Commission’s forward programme. The Commission decided: that the report be noted. 8 Any Other Competent Business There were no other items of competent business. 6
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community Wealth Building Commission Date of Meeting: 10 March 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Employability and the Employment Pillar 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] update the Commission on the performance of the Council’s Employability Service, South Lanarkshire Works and the South Lanarkshire Employability Partnership to address the Employment Pillar 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Commission is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the contents of the report be noted. 3. Background 3.1. South Lanarkshire Works, the Council’s employability service, delivers and funds a range of programmes designed to develop the work readiness skills of people and support them to progress to sustainable employment. 3.2. The service can be broadly split into 3 categories:- Senior-phase work-based learning programmes which are delivered to school pupils in S4-S6 as part of their curriculum. Keyworker based employability support delivered to key priority groups. Learning/training and skills development provision which is delivered to meet the needs of people engaging with keyworker services. 3.3. Case studies demonstrating the impact of the programme on individuals are included at Appendix 1. 4. Senior Phase Work Based Learning 4.1. South Lanarkshire Works delivers a range of work-based learning programmes on behalf of Education Resources. The programmes are delivered in partnership with local colleges and are timetabled to form part of a pupil’s senior phase curriculum. 4.2. Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are a national senior phase option, funded by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and designed to allow pupils in S5-S6 to gain valuable, real-world work experience and access to work-based learning while they are at school. Pupils attend college and work placements up to 2 days a week while at school and the qualification achieved is delivered at level 6 (equivalent to a Higher) of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). 3 7
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4.3. South Lanarkshire’s FA programme is delivered as a partnership between the Council, South Lanarkshire College and New College Lanarkshire with the colleges delivering the learning element and the Council managing the overall programme including pupil support, compliance and work placements. 4.3. During the 2024/2025 academic year, 106 young people completed FAs with 95 achieving the full qualification and a further 9 achieved a partial award. All young people completing an FA have moved into a positive post-school destination of employment or further learning. 4.4. For the 2025/2026 academic year, 114 pupils started the programme in August 2025 across 6 subject areas, with 38 returning for the second year of a 2-year programme. Table 1: South Lanarkshire FA starts 2025/2026 4.5. The GradU8 programme is a South Lanarkshire specific work-based learning option available to pupils in S4 to S6. Delivery takes place in local colleges where pupils attend one-day-per week to complete a vocational qualification at SCQF level 4 or 5. In 2025/2026, pupils have been able to pick one of 12 subject areas, all designed to offer progression in areas with employment progression opportunities. This partnership arrangement allows colleges to make a financial contribution in the form of Scottish Funding Council credits which pay for the learning and teaching element of the programme. Pupils are supported in college by South Lanarkshire Work’s Vocational Development Workers to engage effectively on the programme and to support transition planning for any leavers following completion of the course. 4.6. In addition to the college-based options, each school can also identify up to 5 young people to take part in a long-term work placement as part of the GradU8 programme. Young people attend their placement one day a week on the school’s GradU8 day and placements are sourced by the employability team across Council and partner workplaces and with local employers. 4.7. In 2025/2026, 705 pupils started GradU8 college programmes across 12 subjects at South Lanarkshire College, New College Lanarkshire and Glasgow Kelvin College. For the 2024/2025 academic year, 582 young people completed the programme in June 2025 and achieved accredited qualifications. Framework 1 year starts 2 year starts 2nd year returners Total Business Skills 10 0 10 Creative and Digital Media 8 12 5 25 Children and Young People 10 21 19 50 Engineering 0 16 0 16 Healthcare 12 14 14 40 IT Software 0 11 11 Total 40 74 38 152 8
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Table 2: GradU8 starts by subject GradU8 subject 2025/26 Starts Beauty 57 Childcare 98 Construction 128 Creative & Digital 32 Engineering 63 Hair & Barbering 78 Healthcare 49 Horticulture 7 Hospitality 52 Make-up Artistry 52 Sport & Recreation 29 Uniformed Services 60 Total 705 5. Keyworker-based Employability Services 5.1. The keyworker-based employability services delivered and funded by South Lanarkshire Works are designed to meet the needs of key priority groups experiencing barriers to employment. All participants are supported by a named keyworker who supports them to develop and complete an individualised action plan, which includes access to a range of training and employability provision. 5.2. The keyworker-based services are predominantly funded externally from Scottish Government’s No-one Left Behind programme and UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. These services, along with the learning and training provision set out at section 6, are agreed with the South Lanarkshire Local Employability Partnership and set out in an Annual Investment Plan which is returned to Scottish Government. 5.3. All programmes are delivered in line with the Scottish Government’s Scottish Approach to Employability which includes:- Dignity and respect, fairness equality and continuous improvement Provides flexible and person-centred support Is straightforward for people to navigate Integrated and aligned with other services Provides pathways into sustainable and fair work Driven by evidence including data and the experience of users Support more people to move into the right job at the right time Table 3: Key Priority Groups and Services Key priority group Keyworker Service Delivery Partner Young people in the last 6 months of school Aspire SLC Young people aged 16-19 AspireWorks SLC Adults with barriers to employment Gateway to Employment Routes to Work South 9
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People with long term health barriers Gateway (Intensive) Routes to Work South People with learning disabilities Supported Employment SLC Unemployed / Low waged parents from priority groups Supporting Families Making it Work SLC Routes to Work South 6. Employability Learning and Training Provision 6.1. All participants engaging on a keyworker-based programme have access to a range of provision. This provision may include activity funded by South Lanarkshire Works, including activity delivered by keyworker services and training or learning activity delivered on a procured basis by local partners. Provision can also include health and wellbeing supports, training allowances and access to waged training programmes. 6.2. The South Lanarkshire Local Employability Partnership’s operational sub-group meets regularly to identify emerging needs and agree provision to be funded as part of the Annual Investment Plan. Provision available in 2025/2026 includes: Table 4: Employability Learning and Training Provision 2025/2026 Programme Description Provider Supported Volunteering This VASLan programme provides tailored volunteering opportunities to employability participants within local third sector organisations VASLan Employability Academy Training and learning opportunities delivered by South Lanarkshire College in response to caseload requirements South Lanarkshire College Rise, Reach and Impact Employability groupwork programmes targeted at young people engaging with Aspire and AspireWorks Routes to Work South Winter/summer leaver programmes College based learning to support young people in their last 6 months of school South Lanarkshire College New College Lanarkshire QTS Rail Academy Rail sector-based training programme linked to the East Kilbride Enhancements Project QTS/Routes to Work South Vocational tasters / sector training Procured programmes to support participants to complete introductory training in sectors on a demand-led basis. Provision has included construction, hair and barbering and social care, HGV Various procured providers Routes to Work South 10
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Work tasters and placements Employability participants can access work placements as part of their action plan and training allowances of £25 per day are available to support engagement SLC/Local employers Project Search This programme supports young people with learning disabilities to take part in a programme of work placements, employability support and training delivered at University Hospital Hairmyres in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire and New College Lanarkshire, ASDA Toryglen and ISS SLC/Project Search NHS and SLC Demonstrator The programme provides 6 month waged part-time work placements to parental employability participants. Placements are based within NHS Lanarkshire, SLC Facilities Services, SLC Grounds Services, SLC Social Work ISS (Hairmyres Hospital) and the State Hospital Carstairs SLC/NHS Lanarkshire and ISS Hairmyers 6.3. Connect2 Renewables Employability Initiative provides enhanced support to complement the range of programmes offered. OnPath Energy provides the Community Benefit funding for Connect 2 Renewables and is available to participants that reside 10km from either Kype Muir Windfarm in Strathaven or Middle Muir Windfarm in Crawfordjohn. Support provided includes Employer Recruitment Incentives, Into Work Grants, Further Education Grants and Training. 7. Programme Performance 7.1. In 2024/2025, the Council’s employability programmes supported 2622 people from the key priority groups identified above. 787 people progressed to further education or training including participants undertaking certified learning as part of their engagement with the Gateway to Employment Programme. A total of 694 people progressed to employment during the year. 7.2. In 2025/2026, 1319 people have registered with employability services up to the end of November 2025 with 421 accessing or progressing to education or training and 495 moving into employment. 11
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Table 5: Employability performance by Key Priority Group 2024/2025 Registrations Progressions to training/education Progressions to employment Young people in last 6 months of school 741 407 54 Young people age 16-19 337 120 70 Adults with barriers to employment 704 132 348 People with long term health barriers 327 22 78 People with learning disabilities 65 18 19 Parents 448 88 125 Total 2622 787 694 Table 6: Employability performance by Key Priority Group 1 April to 30 November Registrations Progressions to further learning or training Progressions to employment Young people in last 6 months of school 179 121 14 Young people age 16-19 324 90 65 Adults with barriers to employment 390 90 272 People with long term health barriers 109 32 53 People with learning disabilities 50 15 13 Parents 267 73 78 Total 1319 421 495 8. School Leaver Destinations and Post-School Tracking 8.1. A key objective of the employability service is to improve the proportion of school leavers that progress to a positive destination of education training or employment. The service works closely with all secondary schools and Skills Development Scotland to identify those young people most at risk of becoming unemployed when they leave school and tracking their post-school destinations. 8.2. The most recent School Leaver Destination Report (SLDR) showed that 96.4% of those pupils who left school in academic year 2023/2024 entered a positive destination. This was a slight decrease from the previous year (96.9%) but maintained South Lanarkshire’s target to be above the national rate for the 9th year in a row and placed South Lanarkshire 10th highest of the Scottish local authorities. The AspireWorks keyworker employment service set out above at paragraph 5.3 is counted as a positive destination for SLDR purposes and recorded under ‘training’. 12
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Table 7: Positive School Leaver Destinations 2018/2019 – 2023/2024 Year Positive destination rate (South Lanarkshire) Positive destination rate (Scotland) 2023/2024 96.4% 95.7% 2022/2023 96.9% 95.9% 2021/2022 96.2% 95.7% 2020/2021 96.2% 95.5% 2019/2020 94.8% 93.3% 2018/2019 95.7% 95.0% Table 8: Destination breakdown 2023/2024 Destination South Lanarkshire Scotland Employment 19.7 23.1 Higher Education 45.8 40.8 Further Education 25.5 26.4 Training 5.1 3.9 Personal Skills Development - 0.9 Voluntary Work - 0.6 Unemployed seeking 1.8 2.2 Unemployed not seeking 1.4 1.9 Unknown 0.3 0.3 9. Participation Measure and Post-school tracking 9.1. Since 2016, Skills Development Scotland have published the Annual Participation Measure which reports on the economic and employment activity of 16- to 19-year- olds in Scotland and is the source of the Scottish Government’s National Performance indicator “Percentage of young adults (aged 16-19) participating in education, training or employment”. This measure has a wider focus than the school leaver destination and includes young people who are at school, in college, at university, at work or participating in employability support. The most recent report was published in August 2024 and showed 94% of young people aged 16 to 19 in South Lanarkshire were participating, this was higher than the Scottish rate of 93.3% and an increase from the previous year. Table 9: Annual Participation Measure 2019 to 2025 Year South Lanarkshire Scotland 2025 94.0% 93.3% 2024 93.8% 92.7% 2023 93.3% 92.6% 2022 92.3% 92.4% 2021 92.8% 92.2% 2020 92.7% 92.1% 2019 92.6% 91.6% 13
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9.2. Since 2022 the employability service has led a process of joint tracking between the Council and Skills Development Scotland to improve the participation measure by identifying young people, including through home visits, with an unconfirmed or unemployed status and offering appropriate support or confirming destinations. During 2024/2025 the service carried out 643 home visits to re-engage young people. 10. Employability Promise 10.1. In March 2025, the Council approved the development and implementation of an Employability Promise for care experienced young people. The Employability Promise was developed in recognition of the continuing challenges facing care experienced young people in progressing to sustainable employment with a particular focus on what more the Council could do as a corporate parent to provide employment opportunities as an employer. 10.2. The development of the Employability Promise was shaped by South Lanarkshire’s Champion’s Board, a group of care experienced young people who engage with partners to place the lived experiences of care experienced people at the heart of decision making and resource allocation. 10.3. The Employability Promise:- All care experienced young people will have a named keyworker from 6 months prior to school leaving date to age 24 (and beyond if required) who will be available to provide support as required, including to develop and complete an individual action plan to support their progression to a sustainable post-school destination The Council will track the destinations of all care experienced young people in partnership with SDS and regularly contact young people who are not participating in education, training or employment to offer support For those young people interested in pursuing a career with the Council we will provide work placements to give young people experience of Council workplaces / roles Where young people are interested in applying for Council vacancies, including MAs, we will provide pre-employment work placements that can be used to demonstrate their work readiness and competence. Placement evidence can be used in place of an interview to demonstrate competence Where young people move into employment with the Council through this route appropriate supports will be put in place to support sustainment and ensure a trauma informed experience of employment that takes account of the individual circumstances of care experienced young people is in place 10.4. The implementation of the promise has included carrying out awareness raising among young people, parents and carers, schools and partner agencies and with Council services. Young people from the Champions Board presented to the Council’s Extended Management Team in October 2025 to provide perspective on their lived experience as care experienced young people progressing to employment. 10.5 Since the launch of the Employability Promise, 3 care experienced young people have commenced employment with the Council with a further 4 progressing to employment with local employers. 7 young people are currently engaging on Council work placements with a further 19 engaging in one-to-one keyworker and pre-placement support through the AspireWorks programme. 14
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11. Employee Implications 11.1. There are no employee implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 12. Financial Implications 12.1. There are no financial implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 13. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 13.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained within this report. 14. Other Implications 14.1. The are no other implications arising from this report. 15. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 15.1. 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. 15.2. There is ongoing consultation with a number of resources including Education Resources and external partners. Kevin Carr Executive Director ( Community and Enterprise Resources) 28 January 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable Excellent employer We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work to recover, progress and improve Our children and young people thrive Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References None List of Background Papers None 15
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Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Douglas Hashagen – Employability Manager Tel; 0141 584 2915 Email; Douglas.Hashagen@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 16
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Appendix 1 Employability Case Studies Ahmed (AspireWorks) Ahmed was referred to Aspire Works by his work coach from DWP. Ahmed is a refugee and fled civil war in his home country, he has been affected by homelessness and housing exclusion in the past and when he came to the UK he was placed in a Children’s House, he is now in his own tenancy. When he arrived in Scotland, he was unable to speak any English but has since been attending ESOL classes and improving fluency and comprehension of English language. Support given by AspireWorks including setting long and short-term goals to improve employability skills, job applications, CV writing and interview techniques. Ahmed also received support on financial and housing advice and a referral to counselling was made. Ahmed has recently been offered employment at Angard Staffing, who work in partnership with Royal Mail recruitment, as a Mail Sorter. Ava (AspireWorks) Ava was referred to Aspire Works for support when she left school. She aspired to gain employment but lacked confidence and was anxious about the prospect of attending an interview. Ava engaged well with her Vocational Development Worker and was supported with job searching, creating a CV and interview techniques, these were all part of her action plan. During her support she was also helped to set up a bank account so that if she did gain employment, she had this in place. Ava became more confident and was successful at interview for Planet Play where she took up full time employment with them. Ava is enjoying the fast-paced nature of her job working in the kitchens and is thriving working in her new team. She is looking forward to being able to learn new skills and build on what she’s already learned in her short time with the company In addition to this Ava has a college place for August this year at South Lanarkshire College to sit Higher English and National 5 Maths. Quote from Ava “I have thoroughly appreciated my time with the Aspire Works team. Eddie and Josh have helped me in getting a job and gaining experience after leaving school. Since working with them, I've gotten a job that I'm really enjoying and I'm starting college this August with the help of them both.” Kaia (GradU8) Kaia was referred to the GradU8 programme by Uddingston Grammar as she wanted to pursue a career in childcare. Kaia has Autism and Dyslexia. She is a very determined individual, and she would not let this get in the way of achieving her goal. She dealt with all of the coursework and successfully completed the GradU8 Childcare course at South Lanarkshire College. Kaia enjoyed the GradU8 programme so much that she decided to apply for a place on the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Service Children & Young People. The experience and knowledge gained on the GradU8 programme helped her to gain an FA place. She will complete the 1-year programme at South Lanarkshire College, attending college every Thursday to complete her NPA as well as attending a work placement in a South Lanarkshire Nursery on Tuesdays to complete her SQA qualification. 17
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Cameron (Gradu8 Work Experience) Cameron was referred to Gradu8 by his pupil support teacher, he had a keen interest in working with tractors and was extremely motivated and driven to move into employment in this area when he left school. Before a work placement was identified for Cameron, he attended a 4-week pre-employment course to prepare. During this he gained his SQA Employability Award Level 4 along with increasing his confidence, skills and knowledge of being in a real work environment. Cameron was then placed with an employer; however, Cameron lives in Forth and his work placement was on the outskirts of Lanark, therefore he had a bus journey and a considerable walk to get to his placement. Cameron was happy to undertake this travel plan as he specifically requested this employer. During his work placement Cameron was supported by his Vocational Development Worker who provided him with PPE and regular reviews were carried out. Cameron impressed the company so much with his attitude, motivation and willingness to learn that they offered him a Modern Apprenticeship in mechanics, focused on tractor maintenance and repair. The workshop manager said of Cameron. “Cameron has always been on time; he has always been keen to learn and asks questions. He has lovely manners when speaking to customers. We are very keen to take Cameron as an apprentice.” Aidan (GradU8) Aiden was a school pupil, living with his gran due to difficult home circumstances. Aidan was caught up in some risk-taking behaviour both in school and in the community. Aidan became increasingly disengaged with school but welcomed the opportunity to join the GradU8 Construction programme at New College Lanarkshire where he would attend one day a week. In addition to this Aiden also started a summer leaver programme, 3 days per week (January to June 2025), while continuing with his GradU8 studies. Aiden also had the support of a Vocational Development Worker. Aidan thrived in the college environment. He demonstrated excellent commitment, never missing a single session, and quickly became a delight to teach. With the support of his VDW, he grew in confidence and ability, impressing college staff to the extent that they encouraged him to apply for a pre-apprenticeship course, which he has now successfully started. David (Aspire) David was referred to Aspire by his school; he had disengaged from school for a long period of time and suffered from anxiety. When his Vocational Development Worker first met him, he would not leave his home except to go to the gym. Over time his worker met with him twice a week and he gradually felt more able to meet in the community. His confidence continued to grow and as part of his Aspire support he attended the RISE programme, this was an enormous achievement for David and he made friends with some of the other young people on the programme. This led to him becoming more social and meeting with them outside his home. David was interested in sports and he was supported to apply for a college course in Sport and Fitness which he received an offer for. He is thoroughly enjoying this and has not looked back. In addition to this he started working at McDonalds. 18
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D (Supporting Families) D is Romanian but had been in Scotland for a few years, initially with her husband and two children. She was referred to Supporting Families when her daughter attended at an early years centre in Rutherglen. D was a lone parent and looking for support to gain employment. She had been at college but recently left due to financial restraints. D was living in temporary accommodation as she had fled domestic abuse. D was also looking for support with her health and wellbeing and current financial situation. Following completion of a holistic needs assessment we provided employability support, referral to One Parent Scotland Family for financial support, linked in with housing mediation and a referred to Smart Works for interview clothing and support. During her time with Supporting Families D also engaged with holistic therapies to improve her health and wellbeing. D was supported to access paid work experience through the Demonstrator programme where she took part in a placement with the Council’s Facilities Service and on completion she successfully and gained part time employment as a cleaner. Jack (Aspire) Jack was referred to Aspire as he had disengaged from school. When he first met his Vocational Development Worker, he aspired to gaining employment but lacked confidence. His VDW offered Jack a place on the RISE programme, this takes place over 12 weeks, 3 days per week with a focus on personal development, health and wellbeing and employability skills. Jack enjoyed his experience on RISE and continued to work with his VDW to looking at work placements. Jack lived in a remote area of Clydesdale and this was a challenge. Jack and his VDW identified a local garage for a work placement. At first the garage was a bit hesitant but agreed to take Jack on a work placement with the possibility of offering a Modern Apprenticeship at the end. Jack started the work placement and really enjoyed this, the employer were keen to take Jack on and we explored the possibility of funding an Employer Recruitment Initiative through Connect 2 Renewables which was agreed. Jack is now currently undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in Mechanics; he attends New College Lanarkshire as part of this and is delighted at his outcome. K (Supporting Families) K, was referred to the Supporting Families Programme from Cairns Primary. She was looking for support to increase her skills by going to college and ultimately gaining employment in a better paid job. K recently had another child and her family of 5 were living in a 2-bedroom council flat. She had been subject to ongoing noise from the upstairs flat. K was looking for help to move into better paid employment or further education. After returning to her former job when her maternity leave had ended, she had to resign as she could not afford childcare. She then decided to rethink her career path and aspired to become a primary teacher. K was also hoping for support to get rehoused in a larger council house within SLC housing and to address the anti-social behaviour in her current housing. K engaged well on the programme and was given a wraparound support package which included financial/money advice, housing support, foodbank and wellbeing packages, support to look into pathways to Primary Teaching, health and wellbeing interventions. K successfully applied to Glasgow Clyde College for Entry to Primary Education. On successful completion of the course, she is guaranteed an interview for PGDE at University of Strathclyde. The family had been on the SLC housing waiting list for over a year and an offer has now been made for a 3-bedroom house in East Kilbride. 19
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“Hazel has been very helpful towards all our situations we have been going through. She’s been a great listening ear as well as going out of her way to help. I really feel that South Lanarkshire should have more people like Hazel helping families because it takes a lot of the burden away. Sometimes, when I didn’t have anyone to talk to about the issues we were facing, I knew I could speak to her which gave me ease straight away. She’s gone above and beyond to be available to me when I needed her” Ewan (Supporting Families) Ewan was referred to by Routes to Work South. Ewan is a lone parent diagnosed with stress and psoriasis and has an 8-year-old child who also has health issues. Ewan was working as an HGV 2 driver through an agency on a zero-hour contract but was struggling to get shifts and some weeks would only be offered 1 to 2 shifts per week which was not enough for him to sustain an acceptable standard of living. Ewan frequently used food banks and was often faced with the choice of either eating or heating his home. Ewan was looking for support towards gaining an HGV1 licence which he felt would benefit him greatly to secure permanent full-time work which would allow him to lead a viable and consistent life and address his current issues. Ewan undertook HGV 1 training over a 2-week period and passed this. He immediately sourced temporary employment and commenced as an HGV 1 Driver with Craib Transport and has now secured permanent employment with Blue Arrow. Ewan was supported by weekly calls and meetings. Ewan was enthusiastic, keen, and determined and showed exceptional determination in his goals to achieve his HGV 1 Licence and subsequent employment. Andrea (Demonstrator) Andrea is a parent in a couple with 3 children, one of whom had health issues. Andrea was looking for permanent, term-time employment, to suit with childcare needs and a guarantee of regular income. Andrea was successful in gaining a 5-month placement as Facilities Assistant (school catering) on the Demonstrator Programme. Training was provided in Mental Health Awareness, Confidence Building and general SLC procedures. Support sessions were also provided to Andrea to facilitate her required e-learning for the post. Andreas long term goal was to move into employment as a school support assistant within SLC. We agreed that Andrea would build her knowledge of SLC and the school environment while working with Facilities, meanwhile, we would seek to apply for school support vacancies. During her time on the programme Andrea was referred to Smart Works for interview clothing and interview skills training, she was also referred to Money Matters for financial advice. During her placement a recruitment campaign for School Support Assistants was launched. We worked on Andrea’s application, researched possible interview questions and practiced interview techniques on. Andrea was successful at interview and now has secured, permanent employment that works around her childcare needs. She can drop off/collect her children from school while also being able to contribute to the household financially. Andrea’s confidence has improved and she’s feeling really positive about her next steps as a School Support Assistant. “The Demonstrator Programme has been a godsend to me. It has given me the self- confidence that I lacked when it came to getting the job that I wanted. With help from the 20
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team, I secured an interview for School Support Assistant and successfully get the job. Whenever I felt unsure of myself, Nicola was always there offering support.” Lara (Project Search) Lara was referred to Project Search by her Aspire Vocational Development Worker. Lara joined the programme not really knowing what she wanted to do for work or what the expectations of working were. She had many personal challenges to overcome, struggling with having appropriate conversations and oversharing personal information being the greatest. Lara participated in all classroom-based activities in the programme, asking questions and really taking on board the advice and guidance on offer from both the lecturer and job coach. This coupled with her enthusiasm and dedication to the work placements she completed saw Lara grow massively in confidence, communication, personal development and job readiness. Lara secured part time employment on completion of the course with the host employer ISS Facilities Management at Hairmyers Hospital as a kitchen assistant. Ben (Project Search) Ben applied for DFN Project Search via New College Lanarkshire’s website. Ben was extremely keen to move into employment however struggled with making friends and new environments. With help and support from his job coach, Ben completed three placements. He received great feedback from each placement, helping him grow in confidence. The daily classroom activities offered Ben peer support and social interaction, allowing him to form strong friendships and bonds with fellow participants, again adding to his confidence and self-esteem. Ben secured part time employment on completion of the course with host employer ISS Facilities Management as a hospital porter at Hairmyers. Ben (Supported Employment) Ben’s anxiety and additional support needs made it tough for him to return to school for his senior years, so he decided to leave and look for work instead. That’s when he was referred to the Supported Employment Team, who helped him create a personal action plan and set goals for his future. He met with his Vocational Development Worker weekly in the community to build his employability skills and joined our Rural Peer Group, where he connected with others and built confidence in a supportive environment. These experiences helped Ben grow in confidence, communication, and independence. With his worker’s support Ben applied for a Modern Apprenticeship in Welding with BHC, a local employer. He got help preparing for his interview—including vouchers for interview clothing—and his hard work paid off! Ben was offered a four-year apprenticeship and started in January. He says, “I’m only 16 and already have my dream job!!” Ben and his employer will continue to receive aftercare support to ensure he thrives in the workplace. Gateway to Employment - Jason Jason came to Routes to Work South after being unemployed for a year, struggling to secure work despite having completed admin qualifications at college. With no practical experience and repeated unsuccessful applications, he needed support with job search skills and interview techniques. By attending the weekly job club, Jason built confidence, got to know the RTWS team, and received tailored help with applications, cover letters, and interview preparation. Through one-to-one guidance, mock interviews, and participation in CV and interview skills workshops, Jason steadily improved his confidence and presentation. He also benefited from practical support, such as clothing and travel assistance for interviews. His determination paid off, and Jason secured an Admin and Customer Service role within the public sector — achieving the goal he had set for himself when first joining RTWS. 21
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Kiki – (Demonstrator Programme) Qi Shi (Kiki) was visiting a friend in Scotland when Covid struck, and she was forced to stay in the country. During her time here she met her partner and became pregnant, and by the time her son arrived she and her partner had parted ways. Kiki applied for refugee status as if she returned to China as a single parent, Kiki feared that her son would be taken away from her or that they would become homeless. Now almost four years on, Kiki was focused on providing a better future for her and her son, when she saw the Demonstrator programme advertised. The programme offers parents the opportunity to complete a 6- month paid work placement. She applied for the programme and was successful in gaining an HR administrator role at The State Hospital, Carstairs. Kiki began the programme in January 2025, where she worked 25 hours a week over 5 days which was the perfect balance for her family life. She received support from colleagues and management in The State Hospital as well as her key worker who helped her develop her written and spoken English skills as well as expanding her social skills and friendship circle. Kiki also successfully completed South Lanarkshire College Employability Academy’s Pre-NHS course which ran for two days a week over 6 weeks and covered several topics including IT skills, sign language and first aid. Kiki has since successfully gained a position with Morrisons Supermarkets as a customer support colleague, Kiki states ‘’This job has given me a chance and hope for the future. It has changed our lives and helped me build up a level of skill that I hope will transfer well in another role.’’ Djalia (Making it Work) Djalia, originally from Algeria and now living in Cambuslang with her family, presented to RTWS facing multiple barriers—including limited household income, childcare responsibilities, cultural and language differences, and low confidence.. Through building a strong relationship we supported her to identify her aspirations and take clear steps towards both personal development and employability. She has completed the SAFARI programme, gained an ILM qualification, and developed practical skills through the Cook & Learn programme, including Health & Safety, First Aid and Food Hygiene certifications. Djalia now attends job hub sessions regularly and continues to grow in confidence, strengthen her networks, and build the skills and experience that will help her achieve sustainable employment and a better future for her family. John (Gateway Intensive) John came to RTWS after being unemployed for two years. Having previously worked as a borer and machine operator for many years; he lost his job due to sickness and struggled to re-enter the labour market. With no CV, no interview experience, and little knowledge of how to apply for jobs, John needed tailored one-to-one support to rebuild his confidence and take the first steps back into employment. Through personalised job search sessions, mock interviews, and practical support such as interview clothing, RTWS helped John prepare effectively for opportunities. His CV was shared with employers in his specialist area, leading to an interview with a RTWS employer vacancy and subsequent job offer. With additional help to purchase tools and equipment, John was able to start work again after a long break, regaining both employment and a renewed sense of purpose. 22
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William (Foundation Apprenticeship) William was a Carluke High School pupil and attended the ASN base at St Andrews and St Brides High School. William applied to undertake a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare, which involved attending college and a work placement as part of his school curriculum. At first, he was very quiet but over the duration of the course he grew in confidence and mixed well with all the other students. William was supported by the Practice Education Facilitators during his placements at Lanark Lifestyles daycare and Wishaw General Hospital. He was also supported and encouraged by his healthcare lecturer the employability team to successfully complete his FA in Healthcare. Feedback from college and placement was that William was a good student who integrated himself into college life and work placement very well. William was a willing and very enthusiastic student while on placement and always participated in activities with the service users. On leaving school and completing his Foundation Apprenticeship William has secured a college place studying HNC Healthcare practice. “I enjoyed the insight into college life and getting a feel for what it’s like after school while also getting a feel for the job itself through the opportunity of 2 different placements which for me let me experience a load of new things and see what I like and dislike in the job. Additionally, it was really nice to meet and make new friends that have the same interest in career as you and being able to share experiences.” Adele (Reach) Adele joined the Reach programme after a period of being out of education, employment and training, facing challenges around her mental wellbeing, finances and limited support network. Despite these barriers, she was motivated to improve her circumstances and identified personal goals around mental and physical wellbeing and financial stability. Through the Reach programme, Adele engaged fully with STEPS training, developing confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. She went on to complete a 6-week work placement where she gained excellent feedback for her professionalism and reliability, although funding restrictions meant no permanent role was available. With support from her keyworker, Adele began actively applying for alternative opportunities. By the end of the programme, Adele reported significant improvements in confidence, wellbeing and optimism about her future. She credited the programme with helping her “find direction and believe in herself again.” Her perseverance led to securing a permanent full-time role as a Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, aligning with her interests in health, wellbeing and community engagement. Stuart (Supported Employment) Stuart was referred to Supported Employment via our employer Engagement team. He had been volunteering previously and felt that he now wanted to make moves to finding paid employment. Stuart had a wealth of academic and training skills. He had some employment in admin-based roles in the past and through volunteering in a café environment, discovered that he was a natural at face-to-face customer service and really enjoyed working front of house. He was happy to engage with the Supported Employment keyworker service to support him to further develop his skills and gain more work experience in this area. Stuart met with his keyworker and they agreed an action plan to help him to gain further practical skills and experience within the sector. With the help of his key worker, Stuart secured a 6-week paid work placement at a community café which helped to build on his confidence and experience. His Vocational Development Worker, kept in regular contact with both Stuart and the employer. Stuart received excellent feedback and was offered a permanent, part time contract as a café assistant at the end of his experience. 23
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‘Anne, my job coach, has helped arrange cafe work placements for me locally and I've found her to be really great. She keeps in touch, checking in with me regularly to see how things are going, as well as speaking to the managers to try sort out next steps for me. I'm now going to be starting work in the David Livingstone Cafe! Thank you, Anne !!’ 24
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community Wealth Building Commission Date of Meeting: 10 March 2026 Report by: Chief Executive, South Lanarkshire Council Subject: Marmot Place Programme Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1 The purpose of the report is to: provide an update on progress made on the Marmot Place programme, including the development of an Early Years Transformation Pilot. 1. Recommendation(s) 2.1 The Commission is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): (1) that the contents of the report be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) is participating in the Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES). A previous report on that work and the Marmot Principles that underpin it was provided to the Commission on 18 March 2025. 3.2. To recap, Marmot Place is an evidence-based, place approach where partners collaborate to reduce inequalities in a defined ‘place’. The ‘place’ could be a town, a neighbourhood or a whole authority. 3.3. South Lanarkshire is one of three Scottish areas participating in a national CHES pilot. CHES is a two-year partnership (2024 to 2026) between Public Health Scotland (PHS), University College London’s Institute of Health Equity (IHE), led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, and Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. 3.4. The Marmot approach is based on proportionate universalism, which in practice means maintaining strong universal services for all residents while targeting additional support and investment to communities and groups experiencing the greatest disadvantage, in order to reduce the gradient (difference) in people’s outcomes. 3.5. Health inequalities are the unfair and avoidable differences in health and life chances between communities, with those who live in the more deprived communities experiencing poorer outcomes. 3.6. The Marmot recognises that life outcomes and health inequalities are largely shaped by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, and that reducing inequalities requires action across all partner services, not only health services. The key goals for the programme are to reduce inequalities in life circumstances - and so, ultimately, inequalities in health - by improving outcomes for individuals and families with the greatest need, while maintaining support for all. This will create the conditions 4 25
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that allow individuals and communities to take meaningful control over their own lives, addressing the causes of inequality through prevention and early intervention. 3.7. The Community Wealth Building approach aims to harness the power of anchor organisations to make local and regional economies fairer and more beneficial to local communities. This includes generating fair work opportunities, supporting inclusive business models, and transferring more assets into the hands of local people and communities. The goal is to ensure that collective wealth serves people and the places they live in more effectively. As such, it is a key tool to reduce systemic inequalities in local areas by influencing how wealth is created, circulated, and distributed. 3.8. The CHES programme has three practical phases supported by shared learning throughout: Phase 1 (data and evidence analysis); Phase 2 (system analysis of the local health equity system); and Phase 3 (recommendations and action planning). The South Lanarkshire programme is currently building on Phase 1 outputs and has moved into Phase 2, where the evidence base is being applied to support decision-making and identify priorities for action. 4. Results of Phase 1: Data and Evidence Analysis 4.1. Data gathering and analysis has taken place at a national level, by IHE, and locally, by a multi-agency Data Working Group including representatives from various council services, partner organisations and data analysts from PHS and the IHE. The work of the local data group has included producing eight local data packs for internal management use which are aligned to the Marmot approach. 4.2. IHE has published two national CHES reports which provide the national context for local work and highlight why a stronger, locally usable evidence base is required. The first report confirms that although there are areas of improvement, health inequalities in Scotland are widening, with clear gradients by deprivation across life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, and a range of health outcomes. The report concludes that the gap in outcomes between communities is significant but that inequalities can be challenged, and that services and investment should be targeted and scaled to reflect need, both across council areas and within them. 4.3. The second report focuses on inequalities in the factors that shape health, compares patterns across Scotland and looks in more detail at the three participating Marmot Places. It shows that people in more deprived communities experience worse outcomes across all areas reviewed. The report highlights persistent inequalities in early years development, child poverty and educational attainment, and the impacts of poor-quality and unaffordable housing. 4.4. In South Lanarkshire the average proportion of children living in poverty (before housing costs) is 14.4%, which is slightly lower than the average in Scotland, 16.3%. Data from IHE’s second national report shows that nearly half, 38 of 82, of Intermediate Zones have a rate higher than the Scottish average. The highest rate of relative child poverty is in Burnbank Central and Udston, at 31.8%, with the lowest in Bothwell South, at 2.5%. 4.5. At a local level, to improve understanding of inequalities the Data Working Group has used Intermediate Zone (IZ) level data where it is available and appropriate to do so. This provides a consistent geography for exploring differences between communities and for comparing outcomes with deprivation measures. Some indicators are not available below local authority level, and in these cases the analysis is presented at the most appropriate published geography. The summary below sets 26
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out the key headline messages from the five data packs that have been completed so far. These provide a clear picture of inequalities at a local level. 4.6. Data Pack 1: Give every child the best start in life - Child poverty is the most pressing and cross-cutting issue affecting outcomes for children in South Lanarkshire. While South Lanarkshire performs close to, or above, the Scottish average across many Early Years indicators, council-wide figures conceal substantial variation between communities. Analysis at Intermediate Zone level shows a wide gap in child poverty rates, and clear social gradients (worse outcomes for people who are more deprived) across several Early Years outcomes, reinforcing the need for a targeted, data- informed approach alongside strong universal provision. Work has been undertaken with the IHE to develop a map which shows Child Poverty data at Intermediate Zone level visually, at the various junctions along the M74 South Lanarkshire junctions (see Appendix 1). Key messages from the analysis to date include:- Nearly one in five children in South Lanarkshire lives in poverty, with much higher rates in some communities. Child poverty rates vary widely across Intermediate Zones, with a 29.3 percentage point gap between the lowest area. with 2.5% of children living in poverty, and the highest area, with 31.8%, of children living in poverty. Clear social gradients are evident for several key indicators, including women smoking in pregnancy, maternal obesity, breastfeeding, child dental health, child healthy weight and developmental concerns at 27-30 months, with poorer outcomes in more deprived communities. Child dental health in P1 has improved considerably. However, rates vary widely across South Lanarkshire, with a 48.4 percentage points difference between the lowest and highest areas. The data shows that the highest area with children who have no evidence of dental decay is 100%, and the lowest area is 58.6%. Immunisation uptake of the 6 in 1 immunisation at 24 months remains generally high across South Lanarkshire, slightly above the Scottish average. There is a 10.2 percentage point variation between the highest and lowest areas. The data shows that there are four areas with highest uptake at 100%, while the area with the lowest uptake is 89.8%. In 2023, 43.9% of live births were to families living in the 40% Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) most deprived areas, underlining the importance of services being responsive to improving outcomes for those experiencing inequalities. 4.7. Data Pack 2: Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives. Key messages from the analysis to date include: Primary school attendance rates ranged from 91.1% in the most deprived areas to 95.7% in the least deprived areas. Attendance for secondary school pupils varied by deprivation level, from 83.9% in the most deprived areas to 92.3% in the least deprived areas. 96.9% of school leavers achieved at least one SCQF Level 4 qualification, with a 6.5 percentage point deprivation gap between the most and least deprived areas. 96.6% of school leavers progressed to an initial positive destination. The deprivation gap between the most and least deprived areas was 3.2 percentage points. 27
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4.8. Data Pack 3: Create fair employment and good work for all; Pack 4: Ensure a healthy standard of living for all; and Pack 5: Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities. These will be completed by the end of March 2026 and updates on key findings will be presented in a later report. 4.9 Data Pack 6: Strengthen the role and impact of ill health prevention. Key messages from the analysis to date include: Healthy Life expectancy for men has been declining in Scotland since 2014-2016. South Lanarkshire consistently sits below the Scottish rate. The gap between South Lanarkshire (58.4 years) and Scotland (59.6 years) in 2021-2023 was 1.2 years. Healthy Life expectancy in Scotland has also declined for women, South Lanarkshire consistently sits below the Scottish rate. The gap between South Lanarkshire (58.5 years) and Scotland (60 years) in 2021-2023 was 1.5 years. Male life expectancy in South Lanarkshire ranges from a low of 68.8 years in the most disadvantaged areas to a high of 84.9 years in the most advantaged, creating an inequality gap of over 16 years. Female life expectancy in South Lanarkshire ranges from a low of 73.2 years in the most disadvantaged areas to a high of 88.5 years in the most advantaged, creating an inequality gap of over 15.3 years. Between 2021-2023, the average bowel screening uptake in South Lanarkshire was 65.1%, slightly below the Scottish average of 66.4%. However, there is a wide variation between Intermediate Zones, with 52.4% in the lowest uptake area to 76.8% in the highest uptake area, a difference of 24.4 percentage points Work has been undertaken with the IHE to develop a map which shows life expectancy data at Intermediate Zone level visually, at the various junctions along the M74 in South Lanarkshire (see Appendix 2). 4.10. Data Pack 7: Tackle racism, discrimination and their outcomes. At present, there is limited routinely published data that can be reported at locality or lower level for South Lanarkshire on experiences of racism, discrimination, or their outcomes. The National CHES programme is seeking, where possible, to strengthen small-area analysis and improve the evidence base, but this is constrained by the availability of robust, publishable datasets. 4.11. The IHE CHES Second Report highlights that discrimination can occur across multiple dimensions, including ethnicity and disability, and that discrimination and structural racism damage health and are associated with poorer outcomes in key social determinants of health. The report draws on national survey evidence on adults’ experiences of discrimination and shows that reported discrimination varies across council areas, with only a weak association between experiences of discrimination and area deprivation at council level. 4.12. Data Pack 8: Pursue environmental sustainability and health equity together. At present, there is limited routinely published data that can be reported at locality or lower level for several environmental sustainability indicators. Some relevant datasets are only available at council level or are not consistently available for small-area public reporting. The National CHES programme is seeking, where possible, to strengthen 28
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small-area analysis and improve the evidence base, but this is constrained by the availability of robust, publishable datasets. 4.13. The IHE second national report highlights that tackling climate change and health inequalities together is essential, so that action to reduce health inequalities does not damage the environment, and action to improve the environment does not worsen health equity. The report notes that the health harms from climate change are expected to affect communities living in the most deprived areas most, and that equity should be considered when designing and implementing green policies so that the worst off do not bear proportionately greater costs. 4.14. In summary, the data packs show that South Lanarkshire now has a strong evidence base demonstrating that poverty influences almost every outcome for children, from health and development in early years to school readiness, including nutrition and access to support services as they grow. Furthermore, the strongest inequalities are evident before school age. 5. The South Lanarkshire Marmot Place Programme 5.1. A multi-partner Marmot Leadership Group was established to provide strategic oversight of the South Lanarkshire CHES programme. Having considered the results of the data phase, and applying the principles of this framework, the Leadership Group developed a range of actions that can be taken to enable local partners and stakeholders to work better together to close the gap in life expectancy caused by health inequalities in South Lanarkshire. Workstream 1: Data and intelligence: Develop and disseminate the evidence base for inequality in South Lanarkshire. Developing the local evidence base Producing local data tools and pack ensuring poverty information is available and accessible to all for use. Supporting all services and sectors to interrogate their own intelligence by deprivation. Online, open demographic data tool Learning and workshops for all partners staff and stakeholders. Workstream 2: Strategic Alignment: Ensure core policies supporting Children and families are working to reduce health inequalities based on the Marmot evidence and seek to improve healthy life expectancy. Community Planning Performance Outcomes Framework development Refresh of the Integrated Children’s Services Plan Review of Child Poverty Commitment and Action Plan to reflect learning Workstream 3: Action Early Years Transformation Pilot Neighbourhood Planning Review Prevention Spend and Budgeting Pilot 29
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5.2. The Data and Intelligence workstream is well progressed and the results are described earlier in this report. 5.3. The Strategic Alignment workstream will see the CPP develop its performance framework by integrating the Population Health Framework and the Marmot Principles into a theory of change for the Community Plan. The Community Plan outcomes will be aligned to the Marmot evidence of poorer outcomes, and the partnership will monitor the impact of actions and interventions. 5.4. This process will take place over three years and extend beyond the life of the CHES programme. However, given the importance of work to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes, an immediate first stage an Early Years Transformation Pilot has been approved. 5.5. The evidence from the data phase demonstrated that Burnbank and surrounding communities report the highest level of children living in low-income households who are experiencing deprivation-driven low outcomes . The focus of the Early Years Transformation Pilot therefore will be on Burnbank and neighbouring communities, to include Hillhouse, Whitehill and Udston, with further analysis to be carried out to identify other local communities which also utilises family support services in that area. 5.6. South Lanarkshire Council already has a Family Support Hub based in Burnbank, one of a network of four such hubs which provide an early intervention response for pregnant women, babies and young people. In 2025 the family hubs received national recognition through a COSLA Excellence Award in the Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health category. The Early Years Transformation pilot will have the advantage of previous experience and excellent community relationships that already exist in the Burnbank area. 6 The Early Years Transformation Pilot model 6.1. Research evidence in the area of prevention and early intervention consistently highlights the wide-ranging benefits of investment in the early years. The early years period (pre-birth to five) is a period where the foundations of all later learning, health and wellbeing are established. UNICEF highlights that early childhood investment is critical for improving life expectancy and reducing health inequalities. 6.2. Over the past thirty years there have been various programmes aiming to support investment in early years across the UK. Evidence from the Sure Start initiative highlighted that financial investment and co-location of services in communities with high concentrations of child poverty narrowed inequalities. Studies following the same subjects over longer periods of time indicate that a Sure Start model has the potential to improve health outcomes, child development, attainment and improve family functioning. 6.3. A Sure Start approach is based on focusing investment on neighbourhoods with the highest rates of child poverty and enables universal access to family support services for all families within a geographical area. The model brings together a team of services that often operate separately including early education, health, family support and employability. The integrated model aims to give children a strong start in life and reduce a fragmented service experience. 30
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6.4. In South Lanarkshire, the Marmot Place Programme provides a good opportunity to establish a Sure Start approach to support early years work. The data provided through the programme will enable decisions around areas of investment and support new working models for services supporting families. 6.5. A multi-agency steering group has been established that will consider the development of the early years family support approach and current models of early intervention and family support that currently operate through the successful South Lanarkshire Family Support Hub model. This will provide a framework for the development of a place-based approach for early years family support. The work will be centred around our early years settings and will involve the development of a multi-agency place- based approach involving services such as education, social work, health and employability. 6.6. The CHES partnership will support the early years work, hosting a partnership workshop which will analyse our local health equity system and develop actions to improve its outcomes. The workshop will help partners to understand both the enablers and barriers to improving health inequalities in our chosen place. 7. Summary and Next Steps 7.1. This report has set out plans to use the Marmot approach to deliver on the partners shared vision: Working to reduce health inequalities and to improve healthy life expectancy across South Lanarkshire. This involves use of data to target activities in communities with the greatest health inequalities, including use of proportionate universalism in service design. 7.2. Work will be taken forward through the three workstreams established by the Marmot Leadership Group and into the proposed Early Years Transformation Pilot in Burnbank and its surrounding communities. 7.3. Successful development and implementation of the approach within Burnbank and surrounding communities will inform the next phase of implementation in other communities across South Lanarkshire. Any developments will be taken forward with full discussion and consultation with affected local communities, including co-design of services. 7.4. In addition to the work to develop the programme into other communities, the pilot will inform how services will be developed to provide wider whole family support beyond early years provision. The Commission may wish to consider the implications of the Marmot approach and findings outlined in this report when reviewing the Community Wealth Building strategy later in the year. 8. Employee Implications 8.1. There are no employee implications associated with this report at this time. 9 Financial Implications 9.1. Funding has been approved by the governing bodies of partners who are involved in the project. 9.2 On 4 February 2026 the council’s Executive Committee approved that £1.000 million of underspend from the Revenue Budget 2025-2026 would be transferred to reserves to allow the Council to provide financial support to contribute towards the response to questions posed by the Marmot initiative. The report noted that this £1.000 million 31
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would allow the Council to contribute towards the cost of taking forwards activity to progress Marmot findings, including any required staffing and implementation costs. 9.3. In January 2026, NHS Lanarkshire Board agreed to contribute £2.000million over a three-year period to South Lanarkshire CPP to take forward population health actions specifically focused on early years and child poverty to provide practical, evidence- based and collaborative interventions. 9.4. In December 2025, South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board agreed to invest £2.000 million over three years to support collaborative action with Community Planning partners to focus on child poverty and improve early years outcomes. It is intended that this investment will be aligned to the principles of the South Lanarkshire Marmot Place programme and also the recently agreed Partnership Agreement with the local Third Sector. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1 It is expected there would be positive environmental impacts to a Marmot Place. It is one of the eight principles to address in the programme. 11. Other Implications 11.1. There are risks associated with this report because success depends on factors in a whole system that are outwith any single parter’s control. The shared ability to facilitate collaboration and be systems leaders mitigates this risk. 12. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 12.1. This report does not introduce a new policy or function, so no IIA or consultation arrangements are required at this time. Paul Manning Chief Executive 25 February 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values 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 Priorities We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress, and improve Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible 32
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Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like further information, please contact: Lyndsay McRoberts, Executive Director Education South Lanarkshire Council Email: Lyndsay.McRoberts@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Jen Kerr, Community Engagement Manager, South Lanarkshire Council Email: Jennifer.Kerr1@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 33
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community Wealth Building Commission Date of Meeting: 10 March 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) Subject: South Lanarkshire Council’s Housing Market Purchase Scheme 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide an overview of the council’s Market Purchase Scheme and its alignment with the Community Wealth Building approach in South Lanarkshire 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Commission is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the overview of the Council’s Market Purchase Scheme and its alignment with the Community Wealth Building approach in South Lanarkshire, be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The South Lanarkshire Local Housing Strategy 2022 to 2027 was approved by the Council’s Executive Committee on 30 November 2022 and sets out a range of priorities to improving the provision and quality of homes across South Lanarkshire. 3.2. Outcome 1 within the Strategy aims to ‘increase the supply of affordable homes’ and to contribute to achieving this Housing and Technical Resources deliver the Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme which increases the provision of Council homes across South Lanarkshire and assists in meeting increasing need and demand. 3.3. The Council’s current programme, running between 2022 and 2027, is currently on track to deliver over 1,000 additional Council homes across South Lanarkshire, with the Market Purchase Scheme making a significant contribution to this alongside new council homes being provided at 13 different sites. 4. Overview of the Market Purchase Scheme 4.1. Since 2015, a key aspect of the Council’s approach to increasing the supply of affordable homes is the Market Purchase Scheme (formally known as the Open Market Purchase Scheme). This enables the Council to acquire existing homes from the market, or directly from owners who are selling their property, and convert these into Council homes for social rent. 4.2. The scheme complements efforts to deliver new build homes, by offering an alternative solution to increasing supply in priority areas and in a quicker manner than the construction of new homes and where land suitable for development is limited. 5 37
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4.3. The Council’s scheme is one of the largest in Scotland, with over 700 properties acquired since its launch. Focused efforts in the last three years have also assisted with tackling the significant rise in homelessness and demand for affordable accommodation. The number of homes acquired each year is set out in the table below: Year Properties acquired 2015/2016 9 2016/2017 19 2017/2018 33 2018/2019 69 2019/2020 60 2020/2021 53 2021/2022 53 2022/2023 57 2023/2024 165 2024/2025 130 2025/2026 (to date) 94 4.4. The scheme has been continually reviewed and expanded, with the most recent update approved by Housing and Technical Resources Committee in December 2022and enabling the Council to:- engage directly with owners looking to sell their property, negating the need for the use of estate agents or be marketed engage with private landlords looking to leave the sector engage with owners of long-term empty homes with a view to bringing them back into use 5. Alignment with Community Wealth Building 5.1. Since its introduction in 2021, the South Lanarkshire Community Wealth Building Strategy and associated action plan has contained actions relating to the increase in the supply of affordable accommodation within the land and assets pillar. This recognises the significant impact high quality, affordable homes can have in providing stability and economic security to households across South Lanarkshire, as well as the wider economic benefits associated with long-term investment in new and existing properties. 5.2. In addition to the recognised socio-economic benefits stemming from the provision of affordable housing, the council’s Market Purchase Scheme has led to significant investment in the local property market, through:- Properties acquired by the council through the Market Purchase Scheme are eligible to attract national Affordable Housing Supply Programme subsidy, enabling the Council to draw down national funds directly into the local economy. Since 2015, over £35 million of Scottish Government funding has been utilised to acquire homes from the private sector by the council, accounting for over 50% of the total investment made. Subsidy levels are negotiated with the Scottish Government annually, with efforts made to maximise grant made available to the council to support this approach. Once acquired, the Council upgrades the properties to bring them up to the required letting standards for social housing. Works to do this are either completed by Council services or by locally based sub-contractors, with materials 38
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procured through supplier arrangements also subject to Community Wealth Building considerations. As of this year, these works are now also eligible for grant funding with a further £0.8 million in national funding forecasted to be drawn down for this. 5.3. Offers made to owners selling their properties are aligned with the assessed home report value, offering the opportunity for a fair, hassle free sale which allows them to move on quickly and helps to stimulate the local property market. 5.4. The Council also utilises the scheme to acquire long-term empty properties, aligning with national and local efforts to reduce the number of empty homes and release the nationally recognised economic benefits associated with bringing a property back into use. 5.5. In 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, following the declaration of a housing emergency in South Lanarkshire, the Council has been focusing the scheme on acquiring larger family homes, with the aim of reducing the number of households with children and young people in temporary or unsuitable accommodation. 5.6. Through this targeted approach within the scheme over the last 18 months, the Council has been able to provide 161 children and young people who were either homeless or living in housing that did not meet their needs permanent homes in areas they wish to live. 5.7. The socio-economic and health benefits stemming from this stability of a permanent home in a preferred location are considerable, with it also acting as a platform for households to seek employment, access education and attract benefits or support they may be entitled to. 6. Next Steps 6.1. Through its Local Housing Strategy 2022 to 2027, the Council is committed to working with housing and homelessness partners to increase the supply of affordable homes across South Lanarkshire, with the Market Purchase Scheme playing a key role in this. 6.2. Twice-yearly updates in relation to performance for actions within the Community Wealth Building action plan will continue to be provided through the established reporting structures, with year-end performance presented to the Commission in June 2026. 6.3. Further reporting will be provided to the Council’s Executive Committee in September 2026 as part of the annual review of the Local Housing Strategy, as well as agreed reporting structures provided through the Resource Plan and Community Plan. 7. Employee Implications 7.1. There are no employee implications associated with this report. 8. Financial Implications 8.1. There are no financial implications for the Council associated with this report. Capital and revenue costs in relation to the Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, of which the council’s Market Purchase Scheme is part of, are routinely reported to Housing and Technical Resources Committee. 39
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9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. This report does not currently introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no strategic environmental assessment is required. 10. Other Implications 10.1. The content of this report will contribute to the evidence to support the requirements of the Annual Assurance Statement. 11. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 11.1. The Market Purchase Scheme is a key aspect of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, updated on an annual basis in line with Scottish Government guidance. The latest version of the plan, covering the 2026 to 2031 period, was approved by Housing and Technical Resources Committee on 17 December 2025 and the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment can be found on the Council’s website at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk. 11.2. Annual consultation takes place with South Lanarkshire Council tenants to inform investment priorities for the Housing Revenue Account. Increasing the supply of and improving quality of council homes are noted as priorities for the council from this, in addition to regular consultation with tenant representatives of the Tenant Participation Co-ordination Group and associated sub-groups. Stephen Gibson Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) 20 February 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values 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. Excellent employer. Priorities We will work to recover, progress and improve. We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places. Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live. Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres. Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships. Previous References Housing and Technical Resources Committee 14 December 2022 Housing and Technical Resources Committee 17 December 2025 List of Background Papers South Lanarkshire Local Housing Strategy 2022 to 2027 40
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Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Jonathan Read, Strategy and Policy Advisor Housing and Technical Resources E-mail: jonathan.read@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 41
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community Wealth Building Commission Date of Meeting: 10 March 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Country Park Masterplans 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: - update the Commission on progress to date in developing the Chatelherault and Calderglen Country Parks Masterplans, including how the emerging proposals align with and support South Lanarkshire’s Community Wealth Building objectives 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Commission is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): - (1) that the contents of the report be noted. 3. Background 3.1. In 2024, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services appointed Turner and Townsend Project Management (TTPM) to assemble and lead a multidisciplinary design team to undertake a master planning exercise for Chatelherault and Calderglen Country Parks. 3.2. In consultation with the Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC), the design team were asked to develop a suite of bespoke strategic documents and supporting intelligence, including Masterplans, Green Book Business Cases and Woodland Management Plans, for both Chatelherault and Calderglen setting out the context for development and investment over the next 10 years. 3.3. The work to date is underpinned by the shared aspiration to maintain Chatelherault and Calderglen as regional destinations offering vibrant and welcoming facilities which are linked to, and contribute towards, the regeneration of surrounding communities. 4. Consultation and Engagement 4.1. TTPM facilitated workshops attended by colleagues from across the Council and SLLC on topics including but not limited to heritage, woodland management, branding, commercial opportunities, risk, location and access. The Council facilitated broad stakeholder engagement including targeted briefings and discussions with elected members, SLLC Board, Historic Environment Scotland, residents and sports clubs. Public consultation events took place at both parks during the summer of 2024 and again during the summer of 2025. 6 43
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4.2. The intelligence gathered from this wide-ranging consultation and stakeholder engagement, together with specialist input from the multidisciplinary design team, has informed the development of investment proposals for both Chatelherault and Calderglen Country Parks, set out in Section 5, which provide a strategic approach for development and investment in the parks over the next ten years. 5. Investment Proposals 5.1. The Masterplan, Outline Business Cases and supporting documents have been informed by the short list of investment proposals as detailed below. 5.2. Chatelherault Country Park Chatelherault Investment Proposals Architectural Interventions Visitor Experience Enhanced visitor centre including re-configuration of arrival space and transformation of the café, exhibition and conference area with new roof-top orangery Heritage Repairs and upgrades to Grade A Listed Hunting Lodge Landscape Interventions Access Enhance paths/landscape surrounding visitor centre and central facilities Play Expansion and upgrade of the existing adventure playground Parking Existing overflow car park formalised including integrated drainage and electric car charging infrastructure Infrastructure and Servicing Events Infrastructure Power/ water/Wi-Fi infrastructure distributed around the park for events. Infrastructure works include the addition of a new gatehouse building to service the play park and events, including sanitary facilities, community room and shop Paths Infrastructure Reinstating the White Bridge 44
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5.3. Calderglen Country Park Calderglen Investment Proposals Architectural Interventions Visitor Experience New Gateway Centre and walled garden transformation with arrival plaza Heritage Historic Courtyard buildings transformation Conservation New conservation and Animal Rehabilitation Centre Landscape Interventions Active Travel New active travel route into park including a pedestrian bridge from Colonsay Field Access Enhanced roads/wayfinding/lighting including partial surfacing of Colonsay Field Play Enhanced play opportunities with a new pump track near existing adventure play area Infrastructure and Servicing Infrastructure Power/water/ Wi-Fi infrastructure distributed around the park for events and new EV Charging points 5.4. The delivery of these investment proposals is contingent upon the availability of funding. The Council will use the proposals to actively explore and pursue external funding options as they become available. 5.5. As the proposals are implemented, it is anticipated that the overall sustainability of each park will improve supporting ongoing investment in other aspects over time. For example, future improvements may include: - Improved Signage Public Art Path Network Enhancing Biodiversity 6. Phase 1 Projects 6.1. The Chatelherault Country Park Phase 1 Project, The White Bridge, is still in the early stages of development with project scope, cost and viability being determined. There are a number of technical issues challenging this project including new regulations imposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which the team are working through. 45
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6.2. The Calderglen Country Park Phase 1 Project, The Pump Track, is underway with completion anticipated in Summer 2026. 7. Community Wealth Building Alignment 7.1. The Masterplans for Calderglen Country Park and Chatelherault Country Park provide a strategic framework through which South Lanarkshire’s Community Wealth Building (CWB) Strategy can be advanced. While external funding has not yet been secured, the Masterplans are intentionally designed to embed the five pillars of CWB across future investment, procurement and operational models. 7.2. Spending: Subject to funding, capital and operational activity would be structured to maximise local supply-chain participation, community benefit delivery and fair work standards. The intention is to increase opportunities for local Small and medium - sized enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises and supported businesses, helping to retain a greater proportion of expenditure in South Lanarkshire and contribute to the target of increasing the percentage of procurement spent on local enterprises. 7.3. Workforce: Phased delivery would create potential for employment, apprenticeships, volunteering and skills development across construction, environmental management, tourism and hospitality. The emphasis on green infrastructure, active travel and the visitor economy aligns with the development of future-facing skills and inclusive employment pathways. 7.4. Land and Property: As significant publicly owned assets, both parks offer the opportunity to leverage land and property for wider economic and social value. Proposed investment would enhance climate resilience and visitor infrastructure, strengthening their role as accessible local destinations, contributing to the creation of thriving places aligned with the “20-minute neighbourhood” ambition and supporting surrounding communities and town centres over the longer term. 7.5. Building the Generative Economy: The parks play a role in supporting the visitor economy, local supply chains and community-led activity. Through continued engagement with local businesses, third sector organisations and community groups, the Masterplans provide a framework through which small, locally rooted enterprises and social enterprises can participate in future delivery, contributing to a more diverse and resilient local economic base. 7.6. Finance: The Masterplans establish a phased, business case led approach which supports the attraction and recirculation of investment within the local economy. Subject to funding, this would provide opportunities to lever external capital while ensuring that financial and social returns are retained locally, in line with the Strategy’s emphasis on locking wealth into place. 7.7. In summary, the Country Parks Masterplans outline how publicly owned natural assets could be strategically mobilised to support inclusive economic growth, enhance health and wellbeing outcomes, and strengthen community resilience while aligning with South Lanarkshire’s Community Wealth Building ambitions, subject to securing the required investment. Continued community engagement, alongside the establishment of stakeholder groups, will ensure that local voices shape prioritisation and inform delivery as proposals progress. 8. Employee Implications 8.1. There are no employee implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 46
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9. Financial Implications 9.1. The completed Masterplans and supporting intelligence will be used to pursue significant external investment in Council assets and support external funding bids to a range of sources including UK Government, Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund etc. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1. The investment proposals have a strong net zero focus and will contribute towards the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. 11. Other Implications 11.1. The masterplans set the vision for investment in South Lanarkshire’s Country Parks over the next 10 years. The investment required is significant and will be reliant on the Council securing external funding. 12. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 12.1. Integrated Impact Assessment have been undertaken, and can be found on the Council’s website via Chatelherault Country Park Masterplan IIA and Calderglen Country Park Masterplan IIA 12.2. Consultation has been ongoing throughout the development of the Masterplan including two rounds of public engagement, in Summer 2024 and Summer 2025. As investment proposals are further developed, additional consultation including the establishment of stakeholder groups will be undertaken. Kevin Carr Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 13 February 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places People live the healthiest lives possible Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References Chatelherault and Calderglen Country Parks Masterplans and associated Phase 1 Projects, Community and Enterprise Committee, 7 October 2025 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Pauline Crisp, Team Leader Enterprise and Sustainable Development Services pauline.crisp@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 47
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community Wealth Building Commission Date of Meeting: 10 March 2026 Report by: Chief Executive, South Lanarkshire Council Subject: Meetings Timetable 2026/2027 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise members of the proposed timetable of meetings for the Commission to March 2027 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Commission is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): - (1) that the arrangements for future meetings of the Commission be approved. 3. Background 3.1. In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the Commission is required to meet 4 times each financial year with additional meetings held as and when required. 3.2. The proposed dates after 10 March 2026 are listed below:- Tuesday 9 June 2026 at 2.00pm Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 2.00pm Tuesday 8 December 2026 at 2.00pm Tuesday 9 March 2027 at 2.00pm 3.3. In addition, proposed dates for the CWB Progress Group meetings, which are scheduled to lead into Commission meetings and allow for post-Commission follow up, have been identified and, subject to approval of the Commission’s meeting dates, will be circulated to members of the Progress Group accordingly. 3.4. All Commission meetings will be held on a hybrid basis, in person at the Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton and by Confero. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no direct employee implications. 5 Financial Implications 5.1. There are no direct financial implications. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1 There are no climate change implications as a result of this report. A Strategic Environmental Assessment will be undertaken if required. 8 49
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7. Other Implications 7.1. There are no implications in terms of risk. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. Consultation on the development of the CWB approach will be integrated with planned consultation and engagement activities. Paul Manning Chief Executive South Lanarkshire Council 30 January 2026 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Tom Little, Head of Communications and Strategy Ext: 4904 (Tel: 01698 454904) Email: tom.little@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 50
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Community Wealth Building Commission Date of Meeting: 10 March 2026 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Forward Programme for Future Meetings 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: [purpose] advise members of the forward programme for the meetings of the Community Wealth Building Commission (CWB) invite members to suggest topics for inclusion in the Commission’s forward programme [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Commission is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the report and the outline forward programme for the meetings of the Commission, attached as an Appendix to the report, be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Members of the Commission have expressed an interest in bringing forward items to future meetings which would explore each of the 5 pillars in detail and allow constructive discussion on how collectively to progress the CWB agenda in South Lanarkshire. 3.2. To assist in shaping the future deliberations of the Commission, an outline forward programme is attached as an Appendix to the report. Members are invited to consider the programme and suggest topics that they would like to see addressed at future meetings. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. There are no financial implications. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Requirements 6.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. There are no risk implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 9 51
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8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. The 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 to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Paul Manning Chief Executive South Lanarkshire Council 25 February 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:- Tom Little, Head of Communications and Strategy Ext: 4904 (Tel: 01698.454904) E-mail: Tom.Little@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 52
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APPENDIX – CWB COMMISSION OUTLINE FORWARD PROGRAMME Meeting Date Item Responsibility Future Meetings Pillar-specific items SLC land and property link to renewable energy Good Food Nation update Scottish Government Climate Change Plan to 2040 and CWB links Planning for Place and CWB Shaping Places for Wellbeing Update on local data sets Case studies on CAT Transfers Anchor progress (year 2) Government Matrix Requirements General Items CWB Legislation and implications Progress Reports (Q2 and Q4) against CWB Action Plan CWB Annual Report Update report on next steps for CWB in South Lanarkshire SLC SLC SLC NHS(L)/SLC SLC SLC SLC NHS NHS SLC SLC SLC SLC 53
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