Item 14 Appendix 1
West Dunbartonshire Council · 12 November 2025
Back to Corporate Services Committee — 12 November 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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1 Appendix 1: Regulatory & Regeneration Delivery Plan 2025/26 - Mid-year Progress 1. Our communities Our residents’ health and wellbeing remain a priority H1 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Percentage of planned underage sales visits carried out by Trading Standards to premises registered on the Scottish Government tobacco and nicotine vapour product retailers register 40% 95% N/A as new PI for 2025/26 Target missed. Low staffing numbers and higher priority work have had an impact on our ability to meet this target. We have very little intelligence on the sale of tobacco to children. As we cannot commit our finite staffing resources to underage sales of tobacco without evidence that it is a problem, we have focused our limited resources to the underage sale of nicotine vapour products. Annemarie Clelland Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Implement the requirements of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 31-Mar- 2026 Completed as planned. All officers have attended training offered by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and we continue to attend working groups with colleagues to ensure our application of the legislation is consistent across the profession. Annemarie Clelland Support and advise businesses in relation to the new Tobacco & Vapes Bill 2024 31-Mar- 2026 Trading Standards Officers have contacted all traders registered with the Scottish Government to sell nicotine vapour products to advise of the upcoming display ban. We intended visiting premises with a low compliance history to provide further guidance but this has been challenging due to higher priority work. We will continue to monitor complaints to identify non-compliance and will act where required. Annemarie Clelland
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2 2. Our Environment Our resources are used in an environmentally sustainable way Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Co-ordinate, monitor and report the progress of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan for 2025/26 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. The Climate Change Action Group meets regularly to progress and monitor this work stream. To encourage wider engagement, service specific meetings have been arranged and are now underway. Elaine Troup Develop the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Delivery Plan 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. A draft of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Delivery Plan is complete and under review by colleagues before being taken forward for board approval. Elaine Troup Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Inability to reduce carbon footprint in line with targets The risk that the Council will be unable to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, both in relation to mitigating carbon emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Net zero refers to achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere. This target has been developed in a way that mirrors the emission reduction trajectory set by the Scottish Government in light of the Climate Emergency. 08-Oct-2025 The risk of non-delivery of carbon emissions targets remains significant to reflect the increasing gap between actual and target Co2 emissions. There has been a long-term vacancy within the Climate Change and Energy Team that continues to impact the progress of the Climate Change Action Plan. The Climate Change and Energy Team continue to work across the Council to promote active participation from all service areas and to support a reduction of emissions. Elaine Troup
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3 Our neighbourhoods are sustainable and attractive Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Promote the next phases of Queens Quay Housing 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. The Council continues to discuss the development of the site with the landowner. Part of the site is expected to be sold for housing within this reporting year. The Planning Service has also engaged with Scottish Government officials around the development of the site as part of the Housing Emergency workstreams. Michael Mulgrew; Elaine Troup 3. Our Economy Our area has the infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive growth where businesses can flourish Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Number of businesses given advice and assistance to start up through Business Gateway 53 45 53 45 Targets met in both Q1 and Q2. On track to meet year-end target of 180, with 106 business start-ups supported from 1 April until end of September 2025. Gillian Scholes Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Produce a planning focused delivery programme to support key regeneration sites and enable high quality development to be achieved on the ground 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We have scoped out the content of the programme with Economic Development and we are drafting a document setting out how key regeneration sites will be supported. Michael Mulgrew
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4 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Deliver key regeneration sites across West Dunbartonshire 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Work to support the regeneration of the Exxon and Scottish Marine Technology Park is progressing well. The Council hosted a successful Scottish Marine Technology Park workshop on 21 August 2025 with representatives from the Scottish and UK governments, Glasgow City Region, and Scottish Enterprise. Follow-on work includes the development of an action plan that will be circulated to all participants. The Council also submitted two funding applications for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (a Scottish Government fund which supports locally developed regeneration projects) with the Scottish Marine Technology Park progressing to the second stage. Work is also underway on the marketing of the Exxon site and further updates will be provided to the project board. Elaine Troup Explore commercial opportunities in our town centres and wider regeneration sites 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. The Artizan application for Planning Permission in Principle is progressing and is expected to be considered by the Council by the end of 2025 subject to a response from a statutory consultee SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) being provided in time. Discussions on how to progress the Queens Quay development in Clydebank are continuing with the landowners, Scottish Government, and potential housing developers. Magda Swider
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5 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Work on the development of a regeneration-led Tourism & Heritage Strategy is progressing albeit slowly due to resource issues. Deliver business support interventions through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025/26 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Business grants available through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund have been promoted through social media, the council website and directly to eligible businesses. The team are continuing to appraise and process applications. Gillian Scholes Support town centre revitalisation 31-Mar- 2026 Starting works on site at the Artizan in Dumbarton has been delayed to allow more time to complete additional site investigations. It is anticipated that the works will start in Autumn/Winter 2025, with the date yet to be confirmed. Projects in Alexandria are progressing well. A contractor for the Alexander Street works will be appointed in November. The Mitchell Way/Main Street project is progressing through RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Stage 2, the concept design stage, with consultations with local stakeholders and community ongoing. The designs will be finalised in November. Clydebank is part of the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods investment programme, providing up to £20 million for eligible areas over a 10-year period. The Neighbourhood Board in Clydebank is developing the Regeneration Plan which will be submitted to the UK Government by 28 November as part of the funding process. Magda Swider
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6 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Develop a monitoring and compliance framework for major and strategic regeneration sites to ensure compliance with approved consents 31-Mar- 2026 This action is due to commence in December as planned. Michael Mulgrew Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Failure to deliver Queens Quay Masterplan Following completion of Council investment there is a risk the housing plot sales do not materialise in the next 3-7 years, with implications for the return on investment and the business case for the District Heating Network. 01-Oct- 2025 Risk remains unchanged. Focus continues on landowner agreeing a housing proposal with a potential developer. Delivery embedded into workstreams to promote development at site. Michael Mulgrew; Elaine Troup Inability to meet demands of Council to progress regeneration projects within desired timescales The number and complexity of regeneration projects is putting considerable strain on the resources available which can be exacerbated by delays out with the control of the service and when pinch points on different projects occur at roughly the same time. 01-Oct- 2025 Risk remains unchanged. Individual projects continue to progress and are regularly reviewed, reducing the likelihood of undesirable outcomes. Embedded into workstreams to ensure sufficient resource to support delivery of projects within required timescales. Michael McDougall; Michael Mulgrew; Elaine Troup
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7 4. Our Council Our workforce is resilient and skilled where digital technology supports service delivery for our residents Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Develop and implement employee life cycle plans in line with the People First Strategy to attract and retain the workforce 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We have implemented revised structures in several teams following management reviews, including Legal Services, Planning, Building Standards and Environmental Health. These will be complete once a number of vacancies are filled. Legal Services - Completed in part with the posts of Licensing Assistant and Solicitor (Citizen & Regulator Team) filled and two other vacant posts advertised. Planning – Competed and fully staffed in current structure. Building Standards – A training post is going through Job Evaluation and a technical support officer is attending an HNC Architectural Technology course. Environmental Health - one of two Environmental Health Officer posts have been filled with one remaining vacancy. Alan Douglas Implement service review process including role design, use of new technology and new ways of working to add resilience, address gaps, and establish opportunities for efficiencies 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Work is ongoing to review the management structure in line with the Council’s Strategic Operating Model principles to identify and address areas of non- compliance, with new role profiles prepared. We continue to review the impact of saving options and management adjustments identified as part of Alan Douglas
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8 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner budget process for 2025/26 and implement any required changes. o Democratic Services - This has been completed for Democratic Services, with minimum impact on service delivery. o Planning, Building Standards & Environmental Health - Within Environmental Health, four saving options were identified: Savings for review of Environmental Health and Antonine Wall have been achieved with minimal impact on overall service delivery. Part of the Antonine Wall saving was to be achieved by an increase in fee income. Income looks to be on track but will not be known until year end. Planning savings will not be achieved as option was a backstop where a Lead Planner post was not able to be filled but the service was successful in recruitment. Combining Dog and Pest Control posts is ongoing through job evaluation and saving is expected to be achieved in line with target. Full operational impact will not be known until year end. o Legal Services & Trading Standards - While the Records Management Officer retired in late July, the impact will not be known until year-end. Work is ongoing to deliver Trading Standards saving option. Building Standards has developed a revised structure that supports career pathways. Further details are set out in the action below.
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9 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Develop and implement learning and development plans and development opportunities to improve capabilities and resilience within the workforce 31-Mar- 2026 Completed as planned. Relating specifically to Building Standards, we have identified learning opportunities that support the development of skills and knowledge required for hard to fill posts in the team. This has been achieved through a revised structure that supports career pathways. The new structure, agreed by the Strategic Resources & Recovery Group, is now being implemented in conjunction with Human Resources and Job Evaluation. Building Standards has also secured a funded place on an HNC Architectural Technology course for an officer from the technical support team. Alan Douglas Our Council is adaptable and focused on delivering best value for our residents H1 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Planning Applications (Major Developments - Without Processing Agreement): Average number of weeks to decision N/A N/A 16 N/A as new period for 2025/26 Michael Mulgrew Planning Applications (Major Developments – With Processing Agreements): Percentage decided within agreed target N/A N/A 80% N/A as new PI for 2025/26 No such applications were processed in this period. Michael Mulgrew
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10 H1 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Planning Applications (Locals - Householder): Average number of weeks to decision 7.84 8 N/A as new period for 2025/26 Target met. Michael Mulgrew Planning Applications (Locals – Householder): Percentage decided within statutory 8-week timescale 88.6% 80% N/A as new PI for 2025/26 Target met. Michael Mulgrew Planning Applications (Other Locals): Average number of weeks to decision 12.9 8 N/A as new period for 2025/26 Michael Mulgrew Planning Applications (Other Locals): Percentage decided within statutory 8- week timescale 43.8% 80% N/A as new PI for 2025/26 Planning has been impacted by both planned, and unplanned, back-office downtime that has impacted local performance. The service has also been working to clear a backlog of older applications as we continue to implement a project management approach. Michael Mulgrew Cash savings achieved from procurement activity £112,432 £200,000 Although the target was missed at mid-year, we expect to achieve the annual target of £400,000 as a higher proportion of contracts are due in the second half of the year. Iain Skene
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11 Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Percentage of building warrant applications responded to within 20 working days 69.31% 95% N/A Not yet available 95% N/A Building Standards is currently impacted by a severe resourcing issue. Performance is expected to recover by Q3 due to vacant posts being filled in September. Data for Q2 is not available until November 2025. Judi Ferguson Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Prepare a succession plan to recruit and replace the Manager of Democratic and Registration Services post 31-Jan- 2026 Progressing as planned. Job profile has been reviewed and submitted to job evaluation team. George Hawthorn Continue to develop the 20-minute mapping tool for use at both local and regional levels 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We continue to use the tool and explore ways it can be developed as part of the Geographic Information System and Local Development Plan workstreams. Michael Mulgrew Prepare a robust evidence report for the next Local Development Plan (LDP3) for submission for Gatecheck to Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We have reviewed the Local Development Plan work plan and revised timelines and the Planning Committee approved the new Development Plan Scheme in September. The Scheme has now been published on the Council's website. Michael Mulgrew Continue to promote and support communities in the preparation of Local Place Plans 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Officers continue to engage and support communities in preparing Local Place Plans. Michael Mulgrew
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12 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Develop a plan to ensure compliance with the new Building Standards Regulations is implemented 31-Mar- 2026 Local authorities are awaiting new guidance on Building Standards from the Scottish Government. This action will be taken forward once received. Michael Mulgrew Progress the introduction of a new document management system for Planning and Building Standards 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. The system has been procured and work is underway to establish a project board and develop an implementation plan for 2025/26 and 2026/27. Michael Mulgrew Provide procurement advice, guidance, and support on non- complex procurement for low contractual risk projects 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned with support provided to service areas as and when required. Iain Skene Continue to implement the key deliverables from the Procurement Improvement Plan focusing on reporting improvements within WeBuy purchase to pay system 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We have completed a number of reporting improvements in the WeBuy purchase to pay system. Iain Skene Provide legal services to the Council and West Dunbartonshire Energy LLP in relation to heat supply agreements and network supply contracts 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Legal services continue to provide advice to the Council and West Dunbartonshire Energy LLP in relation to connecting a new client to the network. Michael McDougall Continue to provide high quality and timely legal support across all Council services 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Legal Services continue to provide support to all Council services as well as the Health & Social Care Partnership and the Leisure Trust in relation to a number of matters that contribute towards the Council's strategic priorities and protect the Council's interests in a range of matters. For example: Michael McDougall
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13 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Issued Notice of confirmation of the proposed Gruggies Burn Flood Alleviation Scheme. Legal support on decriminalisation of car parking. Legal support on the development of Scottish Marine Technology Park. Review processes and procedures within Legal Services’ Commercial & Place and Citizen & Regulatory teams 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. However, due to vacancy, the Section Head of commercial & Place is continuing to assist with court work which will limit time to progress this in the second half of the year. Michael McDougall Review workstreams and procedures within Environmental Health 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We continue to review workstreams and procedures across Environmental Heath to improve efficiencies as well as staff and customer satisfaction. Michael Mulgrew Review the planning preapplication process 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Benchmarking has been carried out with other local authorities to inform our review with further analysis due be conducted in the coming months. It is anticipated that the revised process will be implemented in 2026/27. Michael Mulgrew Work with other Steering Group partners to support Historic Environment Scotland to finalise a new Antonine Wall Management Plan 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. We continue to work with our Steering Group partners on the Antonine Wall Management Plan. Michael Mulgrew
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14 Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Failure to monitor and enforce regulatory areas with public risk The Council fails to comply with statutory regulatory duties in respect of environmental health, trading standards and licensing laws 01-Oct-2025 The risk assessment remains unchanged and low due to mitigating actions. Licensing Standards Officers continue to engage in a pro-active programme of inspections. Reactive work is driven by complaints and applications received. They also engage with Scottish Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators, Licensing Forum, and other bodies to assist with horizon scanning to identify emerging issues. Within Trading Standards, low staffing numbers and a long-term absence, as well as competing priorities, continue to put pressure on the service. This will be exacerbated when a full-time Trading Standards Officer post is deleted from the structure. Where possible, our high-risk routine inspections continue as well as our reactive work into complaints and intelligence received but other areas of proactive work prove difficult to complete. Within Environmental Health low staffing numbers and competing priorities continue to put pressure on the service. All statutory work is being prioritised but continuing reduced resources, including one vacancy and a long- term absence, will likely impact this year. Annemarie Clelland; Michael McDougall; Eilidh Paton
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15 Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Failure to adequately respond to an emergency situation such as a multiple fatality workplace accident, outbreak of food borne communicable disease, a major public health incident or pandemic There is a national shortage of qualified staff in Environmental Health, across Scotland. This impacts on West Dunbartonshire Council. Vacancy levels at WDC might impact on our ability to respond to emergencies. 01-Oct-2025 The risk score is unchanged since year-end. Due to a reduction in staff resources as a result of budget savings and difficulty recruiting qualified Environment Health Officers, management and team responsibilities have significantly increased as a result of service restructure. We will continue monitor the impact. Eilidh Paton Inability to recruit successfully to enable performance to be maintained There is a current issue with recruitment of qualified staff in various parts of the service. 01-Oct-2025 Whilst there has been some successful recruitment within planning and environmental health there remains an overall risk due to the number of vacancies within Building Standards and Environmental Health. Michael Mulgrew; Eilidh Paton Failure to secure best value of procurement spend and ensure compliance with financial regulations Improved procurement management process, contract strategies, planning, monitoring, and reporting in collaboration with services will continue to mitigate against non-compliant procurement spend 01-Oct-2025 There are a number of actions and strategies in place to deliver best value in procurement. However, the transfer of low complexity procurement to service areas when utilising a framework agreement may be increasing the risk. The risk assessment therefore remains high but unchanged. Further training and guidance for services has been rolled out. Iain Skene
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16 Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Failure to continue to achieve increased savings from procurement activity As second or third generation revenue contracts seldom deliver the same cost savings as first generation, the contract strategies need to focus on governance, operating models, total cost of ownership, service quality and innovation 01-Oct-2025 Reduction in staff due to previous Council measures to address the budget gap and global supply chain issues that impact directly on price means that risks to savings will increase. There are also a number of market factors which are difficult to mitigate - increases to employers’ national insurance, high inflation, and the potential impact of climate change. As a result of these factors, the risk remains unchanged. Iain Skene Our residents are engaged and empowered Q1 2025/26 Q2 2025/26 Performance Indicator Status Value Target Status Value Target Short Trend Long Trend Note Owner Percentage of Council and Committee minutes produced within 3 clear working days of the meeting 100% 98% 100% 98% Q1 and Q2 targets both met with all Council and committee minutes produced within the timescale Carol-Ann Burns Percentage of committee agendas published within standing order timescales 100% 99% 100% 99% Q1 and Q2 targets both met with all committee agendas published within standing order timescales. Carol-Ann Burns
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17 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner Implement the various requirements of the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. The project plan has been updated to include new/additional actions arising from the new legislation. George Hawthorn Plan for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections for the Dumbarton and Clydebank and Milngavie Constituencies 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Project plan has been drafted to include changes to legislation. George Hawthorn Conduct an interim review of the Polling Scheme in West Dunbartonshire 31-Oct- 2025 Progressing as planned. Public consultation on Returning Officer's Representations is underway. George Hawthorn Continue the development of Community Planning 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. Work on the development of Community Planning has progressed well during 2025/26. A review of Delivery Improvement Groups is now complete and a recommendations paper will be submitted to the Management Board in November. This includes recommendations on partnership reporting. Elaine Troup Continue to contribute to the Community Learning and Development Plan 2024/27 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. The Communities Team continues to deliver community development support to groups across West Dunbartonshire to maximise their impact. This can be through support to secure external funding, promotion or by developing skills and improving governance arrangements. The team is represented on the Community Development Alliance and plays a key role in supporting communities through the development of Locality Plans. Colin Smith; Elaine Troup
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18 Action Status Progress Due Date Note Owner The Communities Team successfully delivered a programme of engagement for the Clydebank Neighbourhood Board in support of their Regeneration Plan due to be submitted to the UK Government by 28th November as part of their Plan for Neighbourhoods investment programme. Conclude the Cash First Project including evaluation 31-Mar- 2026 Progressing as planned. This test of change project has been delivered jointly by the Communities Team and Working 4U. It has been a very successful project with the available funding reaching those most in need through a network of trusted partner referrals. The demand for the project resulted in additional funding from the Scottish Government during 2024/25. All funds have now been exhausted and both teams will continue to liaise with the Scottish Government and their partners to conclude the evaluation process. Elaine Troup Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner Engaging positively with Residents, Communities & Partnerships The risk that the Council fails to adequately engage, establish and maintain positive relationships with local residents and communities in addition to partnership bodies. 08-Oct-2025 This risk has been reviewed and reduced to reflect the increase in community engagement being undertaken by the Community Planning Partnership, supported by the Communities Team and other partners. While the Communities Team continue to deliver community development work, this has had more of a focus on community planning related work through the delivery of a pilot project (on- going), early engagement with communities Colin Smith; Elaine Troup
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19 Risk Description Current Assessment Target Assessment Date Reviewed Note Owner regarding locality plans, and also the work to support the Clydebank Neighbourhood Board. With this approach continuing, the risk of not engaging with communities can be reduced. Action Status Not on track In Progress and on track Completed PI Status Target significantly missed Target met or exceeded Risk Status Warning OK Long Term Trends Improving No change Declining Short Term Trends Improving No change Declining