Supplementary Pack 1
Argyll and Bute Council · 27 February 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 27 February 2025 and its agenda
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal Agus Bhòid Executive Director: Douglas Hendry Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 605522 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 20 February 2025 SUPPLEMENTARY PACK 1 ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL - ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2025 at 10:30 AM I enclose herewith item 4 (d) (Policy and Resources Minute of 20 February 2025) which was marked to follow, and item 7(a) (Budget Survey Findings) which is an additional report in relation to item 7 (Budget Pack) on the Agenda for the above meeting. Douglas Hendry Executive Director ITEM TO FOLLOW and ADDITIONAL ITEM 4. MINUTES OF COMMITTEES * (d) Policy and Resources Committee held on 20 February 2025 (Pages 3 - 10) 7. BUDGETING PACK 2025/26 Reports by Section 95 Officer (a) Budget Survey Findings (Pages 11 - 16) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services Argyll and Bute Council Councillor John Armour Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Jan Brown (Vice-Chair) Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess Councillor Garret Corner Councillor Maurice Corry Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor Kieron Green Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Daniel Hampsey Councillor Graham Hardie Councillor Anne Horn Public Document Pack
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Councillor Fiona Howard Councillor Willie Hume Councillor Mark Irvine Councillor Andrew Kain Councillor Jennifer Kean Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Tommy MacPherson Councillor Ian MacQuire Councillor Liz McCabe Councillor Dougie McFadzean Councillor Julie McKenzie Councillor Yvonne McNeilly Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor Gary Mulvaney Councillor Iain Paterson Councillor Gemma Penfold Councillor Dougie Philand (Chair) Councillor Alastair Redman Councillor William Sinclair Councillor Andrew Vennard Councillor Peter Wallace Contact: Hazel MacInnes, Senior Committee Officer Tel:01546 604269
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MINUTES of MEETING of POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2025 Present: Councillor Jim Lynch (Chair) Also present: Councillor John Armour Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor Kieron Green Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Jan Brown Councillor Fiona Howard Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Dougie McFadzean Councillor Yvonne McNeilly Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor Gary Mulvaney Councillor Tommy Macpherson Councillor Peter Wallace Attending: Pippa Milne, Chief Executive Douglas Hendry, Executive Director Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director Carolyn Earl, Interim Head of Financial Services Jane Fowler, Head of Customer and Support Services Ross McLaughlin, Head of Commercial Services Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth Suzanne Mason, Engagement and Communities Lead Shona Barton, Governance Manager Jonathan Welch, Transformational Projects and Regeneration Manager Fergus Walker, Revenues and Benefits Manager 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mark Irvine and Liz McCabe. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (IF ANY) There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 5 December 2024 were approved as a correct record. 4. FINANCIAL REPORTS MONITORING PACK - 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Committee gave consideration to a report providing a summary of the financial monitoring reports as at 31 December 2024. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee agreed to – 1. note the revenue budget monitoring report as at 31 December 2024; Page 3 Agenda Item 4d
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2. note the financial risks for 2024-25; 3. note the capital plan monitoring report as at 31 December 2024 and approve the proposed changes to the capital plan outlined in Appendix 4 of that report; and 4. note the reserves and balances report as at 31 December 2024. (Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 17 January 2025, submitted) Councillor Luna Martin left the meeting during consideration of the next item of business. * 5. BUDGETING PACK 2025-26 The Committee gave consideration to the full package of papers included in the budgeting pack in relation to the revenue and capital budgets for 2025-26. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee agreed to refer consideration of the Budgeting Pack 2025-26 to the Council meeting on 27 February 2025, without recommendation. (Reference: Budgeting Pack 2025-26 dated 13 February 2025, submitted) * 6. TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND ANNUAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025-26 The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting the draft Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2025-26, and the Prudential and Treasury Indicators for 2025-26 to 2027-28. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee – 1. noted the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2025-26, and the Prudential and Treasury Indicators for 2025-26 to 2027-28; and 2. agreed to refer the report to full Council for approval. (Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 10 February 2025, submitted) 7. ARGYLL AND BUTE UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND INVESTMENT PLAN, TRANSITION YEAR 2025/26 The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting the Argyll and Bute UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Transitional Year Investment Plan for 2025/26. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee – Page 4
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1. noted the content of the report; 2. approved the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Transitional Year Investment Plan for 2025/26; and 3. agreed that a progress report on the investment plan for 2025/26 would be presented at the Policy and Resources Committee in October 2025. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 6 February 2025, submitted) 8. FUTURE OF THE ARGYLL AND BUTE FLEXIBLE FOOD AND FUEL FUND The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting a contingency plan for funding the Argyll and Bute Flexible Food and Fuel Fund for 2025/26, leveraging a combination of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and earmarked reserves for Revenues and Benefits administration works. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee – 1. acknowledged the work done to date to directly support people to cope with food and fuel poverty and other cost of living pressures, with over £4.3m in financial benefits delivered and almost 2,000 households and 800 children receiving the help that they need; 2. recognised the importance of extending the fund so that people in Argyll and Bute who need help can continue to get support; 3. welcomed and agreed the plan to extend the Flexible Food and Fuel Fund to 31 March 2026, supported by the following funding sources: • UK Shared Prosperity Fund (60% of £204,000): £122,400 • Earmarked reserves: £189,600 • Total cost for 2025/26: £312,000 4. noted the recent correspondence to the Committee from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau and agreed that officers would continue to explore potential for any future additional partnership working that may be possible. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance dated 13 January 2025, submitted) 9. SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND 2025-26 The Committee gave consideration to a report detailing proposals for an improved process for the Supporting Communities Fund in 2025/26, adding to the outlined proposals approved by Policy & Resources Committee in December 2024. Decision Page 5
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The Policy and Resources Committee agreed – 1. a focus on digital first with promotion of an online application; 2. non-digital application available if needed to ensure fairness and equality; 3. a shorter application – one of the key asks from the community survey; 4. maximum funding which can be applied reduced from £2,500 to £1,500 - allowing more community groups to be awarded funding; 5. groups eligible to apply continue to be all third sector organisations in Argyll and Bute, with additional criteria of: ‘who have a turnover of £150,000 or less’; and 6. funding is to remain available for projects that come under one or more of the following criteria: Fairer, Resilient, Greener and Creative. (Report by Chief Executive dated 29 January 2025, submitted) * 10. SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY 2025/2028 - DRAFT DOCUMENT AND CONSULTATION The Committee gave consideration to a report seeking approval for the draft revised Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025/2028. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee – 1. noted the key changes to the Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025/2028, and the changes made to the strategy following the consultation period; and 2. recommended to the Council agreement of the revised final Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025/2028, and the publication on the council’s website in April 2025 (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 17 December 2024, submitted) 11. EQUALITY OUTCOMES 2025-2029 The Committee gave consideration to a report detailing work which has been undertaken to develop a new set of Equality Outcomes which will cover the period May 2025 to April 2029 as required to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee approved the following set of Equality Outcomes for the period 2025-2029 – 1. We make access to information and services easier for people with protected characteristics. Page 6
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2. Our communities are safe for, and welcoming to, people with protected characteristics. 3. We raise awareness of issues and challenges faced by people with protected characteristics along with ways to accommodate and support them. 4. Argyll and Bute welcomes New Scots and supports them. 5. We ensure people with protected characteristics are enabled to progress. 6. Our work relating to equalities and people with protected characteristics is coordinated across the organisation and its partners and is strategically aligned. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated 14 January 2025, submitted) 12. CONSERVATION AREA REGENERATION SCHEME (CARS) PROJECT 15-19 ARGYLL STREET, LOCHGILPHEAD The Committee gave consideration to a report seeking approval to award an additional Private Sector Housing Grant of £21,220, to help bridge the budget shortfall for external building works at 15-19 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee approved utilisation of the £21,220 balance of Private Sector Housing Grant allocated to the Lochgilphead CARS projects by Full Council on 21st February 2019 to bridge the funding shortfall at the 15-19 Argyll Street Lochgilphead CARS project. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 6 January 2025, submitted) 13. COMMUNITY REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP FUNDING The Committee gave consideration to a report detailing 5 priority projects to put forward for potential funding from the Community Regeneration Partnership. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee – 1. approved the updated list of priority projects included at Appendix 1 of the report, which will form the basis of further negotiations with the UK and Scottish Governments; and 2. noted that all funding requires to be committed by financial year 26/27 and would be subject to business case approvals by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Ministers. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated January 2025, submitted) Page 7
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14. CROWN ESTATES FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 The Committee gave consideration to a report setting out proposals for the allocation of the remaining Crown Estates budget allocated in the 2024/25 financial year. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee – 1. considered and approved the time sensitive proposals set out in Table 1 of the report for the remaining Crown Estates budget allocated in the 2024/25 financial year; and 2. noted that a further report would be brought back to the Policy and Resources Committee identifying priority projects for the 2025/26 Crown Estates funding allocation. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 16 January 2025, submitted) * 15. STRATEGIC EVENTS AND FESTIVALS FUND - ROUND 7 2025-26 The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on Round 7 (2025/26) of the Council’s Strategic Events and Festivals Fund (SEF) and details of the applications submitted and the applications recommended to receive funding. The report also sought agreement to allocate a minimum of £90,000 funding to allow for a SEF Round 8 in 2026/27. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee– 1. agreed to the award of eligible SEF Round 7 grants amounting to £106,036 as detailed in Table 1 of the report; 2. agreed that any SEF Round 7 grant offer be formally issued upon confirmation from the event organisation that the event is confirmed as going ahead, match funding is in place and the event still meets the SEF Round 7 criteria; 3. agreed to continue delegation of powers to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth to allow any subsequent amendment to existing grant requests due to changes to the event/event budget. Any amendment to a current grant request/offer would only be considered if the amendment related to either the same level or a reduction in the request and constitute up to 75% of legitimate and eligible expenditure. Similarly, if there was a reduction in the final event costs that would result in delivery of a profit more than £10,000 (all of which must be reinvested to future events) to the organisation and that this was sustained over a 3-year period, the final retention (10%) would not be paid out on the third year of the grant; 4. agreed to recommend to Council that as part of the budget in February 2025, that they agree a minimum of £90,000 base funding for Strategic Events and Festivals in order that the application process can commence for Round 8 (2026/27); and Page 8
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5. agreed and recommended to Council that any underspend from SEF Round 6 (2024/25) was earmarked and used to augment a future SEF round. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 6 December 2024, submitted) 16. ROYAL NATIONAL MOD 2028 The Committee gave consideration to a report seeking approval in principle on An Comunn’s offer for Argyll and Bute to host the Royal National Mòd (RNM) in 2028. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee – 1. agreed in principle to hosting the RNM in Dunoon or Oban in 2028 and for the requirement to enter into an agreement with An Comunn to provide a maximum of £200K financial support over a four year period with the final payment in financial year 2028-2029; 2. agreed to the Council working with Live Argyll to secure the use of the venues for the duration of the RNM at no cost to the RNM; and 3. noted that the An Comunn Board meet in March 2025 and had requested that the Council provide an in principle decision by this date. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 5 February 2025, submitted) 17. POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE WORK PLAN The Policy and Resources Committee Workplan was before the Committee for noting. Decision The Policy and Resources Committee noted the content of the Workplan as at 20 February 2025. (Reference: Policy and Resources Committee Workplan dated 20 February 2025, submitted) Page 9
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1 ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 27 February 2025 BUDGET SURVEY – FINDINGS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Argyll and Bute Council aims to work with, as well as for, the people of Argyll and Bute. 1.2 With budget gaps forecast to continue for Argyll and Bute Council services, we ran a high level survey seeking views of our citizens on priorities for the council. 1.3 This report outlines what our 871 respondents told us. Page 11 Agenda Item 7a
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2 ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 27 February 2025 BUDGET SURVEY – FINDINGS 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report outlines public feedback to the council’s high level budget survey. 2.2 We received replies from 871 respondents and nearly 2,000 comments. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that elected members consider the findings of this report in budget planning. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The council has run budget consultations of various kinds in recent years, and welcomed feedback from our communities on different aspects of the council’s work. 4.2 This year we ran a high level survey from January to February, asking people to tell us about their priorities for the services of Argyll and Bute Council. 4.3 It was promoted in a variety of ways, including through email subscriptions, social media and the council’s website which includes a tool for translating information into different languages and providing support for readers with visual impairment. Findings 4.4 We asked people which three council services they use the most: - Bins/waste, roads, and public transport services 4.5 We asked people which three council services they believe are most important for the area: - Roads, bins/waste, and education/early years 4.6 We asked for views on paying more for local services when council budget does not meet demands: Page 12
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3 - It depends (36%) - Yes (33%) - No (30%) - Don’t know (1%) 4.7 Where people indicated a level of support for paying more, comments on this indicated support on the basis that costs are affordable and fair, and take into account those in lower income households. We also received suggestions for raising income. These, and comments saying ‘no’ to paying more, fell into the same themes as responses received to question 5 and so are reported at 4.11. 4.8 Where the council budget does not meet demands, we also asked for views on stopping council services that are not a duty of a council. Overall respondents told us that: - It depends (40%) - No (33%) - Yes (24%) - Don’t know (3%) 4.9 In comments provided in response to this question overall respondents said that: - They would need more information about which services are duties of a council and which are not; on the impact that stopping a service would have; and that more consultation with communities would be needed about stopping specific services. - Many services are essential even if they are not a duty, with public toilets standing out for mention; and that what is essential for one person or one area might be different for others. - They questioned who would deliver services if the council did not. 4.10 We invited suggestions for protecting council services from budget cuts. Feedback to this question fell into three key themes: - Increase efficiency and productivity in the council - Raise income - Work with others for the area 4.11 Details of the suggestions behind these themes are listed in Appendix 1. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 Many people gave time and thought to this high level survey. This report and Appendix 1 set out findings for consideration by elected members. Page 13
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4 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy: None directly arising from this report 6.2 Financial: None directly arising from this report 6.3 Legal: None directly arising from this report 6.4 HR: None directly arising from this report 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: None directly arising from this report 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty 6.5.3 Islands 6.6 Climate Change: None directly arising from this report 6.7 Risk: None directly arising from this report 6.8 Customer Service: Providing information on how the findings of this report are used in the decision-making of the council will highlight the value of citizens taking the time to get involved in the council’s budget planning process. 6.9 The Rights of the None arising directly from this report. Child (UNCRC): Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services 18 February 2025 For further information contact: Jane Fowler, Head of Customer Support Services, jane.fowler@argyll-bute.gov.uk Jane Jarvie, Communications Manager, jane.jarvie@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 14
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5 Appendix 1 – Suggestions for protecting council services from future budget gaps The suggestions we received were based on these three main themes. Efficiency and productivity - Ensure robust financial project management of all council projects - Review expenditure of all council services for essential-only spend - Reduce staff and councillor costs for example through use of technology and on-line meetings only; focus spend on essential services and jobs; reduce spend on consultants. - Could council processes be improved to make getting things done more efficient? - Could you use AI (artificial intelligence) to get things done more efficiently? - Could you use data to be more efficient in delivering services? Raising income for council services - Lobby for more government funding and provide a way for residents to support this; highlight the impact our geography has on costs. - Be commercial eg charge for services you don’t have to deliver; make the most of your assets - Ensure best use of council buildings and land - sell unused schools and buildings - Council tax – views mixed with some in favour of an increase, others against and some voicing concern for lower income households. - Visitor levy – some voicing support for this; a smaller number voicing concern about negative impact on businesses. - Is sponsorship from big companies and option? Working with others - Share services with other organisations to make savings - Don’t deliver services that are the role of other organisations - Find out from communities if, with some support, there are things they would be interested in doing if the council cannot. - Could you work more with the private sector to get things done for the area? - Provide more information on what services cost to deliver to enable people to give suggestions on savings. - Encourage the public to recycle more. - Work with other councils eg could there be a collective public sector energy deal that would make savings? Page 15
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