Approved Minutes of Meeting
West Dunbartonshire Council · 23 April 2025
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 23 April 2025 and its agenda
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL At a Hybrid Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held in the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton on Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 4.02 p.m. Present: Provost Karen Murray Conaghan and Councillors Jim Bollan, Ian Dickson, Diane Docherty, Fiona Hennebry, Gurpreet Singh Johal, Daniel Lennie, David McBride, Jonathan McColl, Michelle McGinty, June McKay, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Lauren Oxley, Chris Pollock, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, Gordon Scanlan, Hazel Sorrell, Clare Steel and Sophie Traynor. Attending: Peter Hessett, Chief Executive; Laurence Slavin, Chief Officer – Resources, and Section 95 Officer; Peter Barry, Chief Officer – Housing and Employability; Amanda Graham, Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture and Facilities; Lesley James, Head of Children’s Health, Care and Justice Services (Chief Social Work Officer); Victoria Rogers, Chief Officer – People and Technology; Michael McDougall, Manager of Legal Services (Legal Officer); James Gallacher, Service Manager – ICT; Lauren Crooks, Strategic Communication, Culture and Performance Manager; Michelle Lynn, Asset Manager; Elaine Troup, Economic Development Manager; and Carol-Ann Burns, Senior Democratic Services Officer. Provost Karen Murray Conaghan in the Chair STATEMENT BY CHAIR Provost Murray Conaghan advised that the meeting was being audio streamed and broadcast live to the internet and would be available for playback. MINUTE OF SILENCE Having heard Councillor O’Neill, the Council observed a minute of silence as a mark of respect for Pope Francis, who passed away earlier in the week. URGENT ITEM OF BUSINESS MOTION BY COUNCILLOR LAWRENCE O’NEILL – CLYDEBANK FOOTBALL CLUB The Provost advised that she had accepted a request from Councillor O’Neill for an motion concerning Clydebank football club. The Provost advised that this item would be considered at the end of the meeting.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda. RECORDING OF VOTES The Council agreed that all votes taken during the meeting would be carried out by roll call vote to ensure an accurate record. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held on 26 March 2025 were submitted and approved as a correct record. OPEN FORUM The Council noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. GLASGOW CITY REGION CITY DEAL – UPDATE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration providing an update on the Exxon Infrastructure Project, and reporting on matters being discussed by Glasgow City Region. After discussion and having heard the Chief Executive and relevant officers in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note the update on the Exxon Infrastructure Project; and (2) to note the progress of the Glasgow City Region programme. ADJOURNMENT The Provost adjourned the meeting for a recess. The meeting reconvened at 4.57 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. CLIMATE CHANGE DUTIES – DRAFT STATUTORY GUIDANCE FOR PUBLIC BODIES: CONSULTATION A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration providing an outline of key proposed changes set out in the draft statutory guidance to public bodies’ duties relating to climate change.
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After discussion and having heard the Economic Development Manager in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note the draft statutory guidance for public bodies; and (2) to note that an officer response to the consultation would be submitted on behalf of the Council before the closing date of 23rd May 2025. NOTICE OF MOTIONS (a) Motion by Councillor William Rooney – Clydesdale Harriers 140th Anniversary 4th May 2025 Councillor William Rooney moved:- Council congratulates Clydesdale Harriers on their 140th anniversary. Council recognises the remarkable legacy of Clydesdale Harriers in Scottish athletics. Founded on 4 May 1885, the club was Scotland's first "open" amateur athletics club, welcoming all members of the public. The pioneering spirit of the club is evident in its many firsts: the first to host a two-day event at Dunoon during the Glasgow Fair, and one of the first to establish both a ladies' section and a men's junior section. It also initiated the first annual race for youths under 17 and successfully proposed the Scottish cross-country championship for boys under 15. Council notes that the club boasted notable members such as Jock Semple, who ran in several Boston marathons and represented the USA at the first Pan-American Games in 1951. The club's influence extended beyond its members, contributing to the formation of the Scottish Cross-Country Association and achieving numerous successes in cross country, track, and field. Despite the setbacks of the World Wars, which saw a significant loss of members, the club persevered and rebuilt, forming a ladies' section in 1932 that went on to win Scottish titles. Council understands that from the 1960s to the present, Clydesdale Harriers continued to excel, with athletes representing Scotland in various endurance events and track and field. The 1970s were particularly successful, with the club winning the Maley Trophy and the West District Cross Country Championship multiple times. Council acknowledges that Clydesdale Harriers' legacy is not just in its achievements but in its resilience and dedication to the sport. It remains a symbol of excellence and community spirit in Scottish athletics. Given the above, the Council asks the Provost to organise a civic reception to honour and celebrate the club's achievements over its 140-year history.
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The motion was unanimously agreed by the Council. (b) Motion by Councillor Lauren Oxley – UK Government Cuts to Social Security Councillor Oxley moved:- Council notes with grave concern the contents of the Labour UK Government’s Spring Statement, which includes £5 billion worth of cuts to social security. This decision will have significant implications for the Scottish Government's budget and further exacerbate the financial hardship faced by residents in our communities. Council condemns these cuts, which will disproportionately affect low-income families, disabled people, and those already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. With inflation continuing to rise and essential household costs soaring, these measures will deepen child poverty and harm the most vulnerable. Council further acknowledges that foodbanks, charities, and frontline support organisations are under immense strain and are dealing with additional challenges, such as Labour’s increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions which is hitting Scotland’s public sector and third sector the hardest. The decision to cut social security will increase reliance on these services and only escalate the challenges they are facing. Therefore, Council: • Calls on the UK Government to urgently reconsider the social security cuts announced in the Spring Statement and instead introduce measures that provide adequate financial support to those most in need. • Officers are requested to prepare a report detailing the anticipated impact of these cuts on West Dunbartonshire residents. • Requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions expressing our opposition to the cuts and urging an immediate reversal. As an amendment, Councillor Martin Rooney, moved:- Council notes that both the UK Government and the Scottish Government make policy decisions that can impact on Local Government, individuals, families, business, and other organisations delivering services to citizens in West Dunbartonshire. In addition, Council notes that spending commitments made by the UK Parliament can result in Barnet consequentials for the Devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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The consequentials for Scotland from the UK Government resulted in the largest block grant in the history of devolution, totalling an additional £5.2bn for Scotland. • £1.5 billion for day-to-day spending in 2024/25 • £3.4 billion recurring revenue for 2025/26 • £300m of additional recurring revenue in 2025/26 to support the additional costs of employers NICs In addition, the settlement also meant an extra £600m of capital spending for 2025/26. It is of course a matter for the Scottish Parliament to decide its own policy priorities. However, it should be noted that as a result of devolution, the Scottish Government is now responsible for fifteen welfare payments. In addition, it should be noted that after the implementation of the Scotland Act 2016, the following areas of social security are devolved: • Adult Disability Payment (the equivalent of PIP). • Benefits for maternity, funeral and heating expenses. • Disability, industrial injuries and carers’ benefits. • Discretionary Housing Payments. • Discretionary payments and assistance. • Powers to top-up any benefit. In terms of protecting and supporting vulnerable people, the SNP is failing Scots: • 84,000 young people in Scotland are not in work, education, or training. • The SNP has cut employability schemes that help disabled people into work. • 1 in 6 Scots are languishing on an NHS waiting list, unable to get back to work By way of contrast, the UK Labour Government has acted by: • Delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. • 200,000 of the lowest paid Scottish workers are getting a direct pay rise due to increases in the National Living Wage. • Introducing a Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions to help low-income households and to benefit a Scottish family by over £420 a year on average. • Ensuring welfare reform is fair and protects the most vulnerable. In terms of the proposed welfare reforms, these are reductions in estimated projections. It is not a cut as the forecast spending continues to rise.
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The Labour Government believes in the dignity of secure employment. Everyone who can work should be supported to do so, and those who cannot work must be protected • The UK Government proposals will end the cruel work capability assessment. • In addition, for the first time ever they have introduced the right to try work guarantee, to encourage and support people on benefits back into work. • There will be an above inflation increase in the standard rate of universal credit for all those seeking work, adding up to £775 a year extra by 2029/30 As a country, the UK currently spend £50 billion on disability related benefits but this is projected to rise to about £70 billion by 2030 which is unsustainable. The Labour Government argues that supporting people back to work is good for their wellbeing, it boosts the economy and increases the money our governments have to spend on the public services we all rely on and helps ensure we have a sustainable social security system that’s fit for the future. Furthermore, Labour is supporting those who can work while protecting and continuing to support the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, too many Scots are being held back by broken welfare systems that often fail to protect them. Given the above, all councillors fully understand the concerns of our constituents, their families and anyone that could be affected by the proposals in the UK Government Green Paper: Reforming Benefits and Support to get Britain Working. Therefore, we ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions to highlight our concerns and we call on the UK Government to protect those vulnerable who are unable to work and protect and support those who require benefits to enable them to work. Councillor Scanlan then seconded Councillor Oxley’s motion and Councillor Singh Johal seconded Councillor Martin Rooney’s amendment. On a roll call vote being taken, 10 Members voted for the amendment, namely Councillors, Hennebry, Singh Johal, McBride, McGinty, Millar, O’Neill, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, Sorrell and Steel and 11 Members voted for the motion, namely Provost Murray Conaghan and Councillors Bollan, Docherty, Dickson, Lennie, McColl, McKay, Oxley, Pollock. Scanlan and Traynor. The motion was accordingly declared carried.
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(c) Motion by Councillor Chris Pollock – Wildfire Awareness Councillor Pollock moved:- Council recognises that recent dry and sunny weather along with irresponsible behaviour has led to significant wildfires in the hills above West Dunbartonshire. Council extends its thanks to our firefighters and emergency service workers who worked tirelessly to bring these fires under control. Climate change is playing a part in increasing incidents of wildfires in the Kilpatrick Hills and across many parts of Scotland. The period where we normally have these fires is now extending from spring into summer. Alongside weather and climate change people are the main cause of fires starting. Unattended flames and campfires, glass bottles, controlled burns gone wrong, deliberate fire setting and careless cigarette disposal are the most common causes. Council asks officers to liaise with schools and the fire service to explore if there is any literature, training or talks that can be delivered to our young people to educate them on the importance of wildfire awareness. Councillor O’Neill asked Councillor Pollock if he would accept the following addendum to his motion:- To extend the request to Forestry and Land Scotland to become involved in the process and to make better use of local resources. Councillor Pollock confirmed his acceptance of the addendum and thereafter the motion with addendum, was then agreed by the Council. (d) Motion by Councillor Clare Steel – Testicular Cancer Awareness Councillor Steel moved:- Council notes that Cahonas Scotland is a charity that helps to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Testicular Cancer. Research suggests that this the most common cancer in men but it is not talked about enough. Locally, there is a small but dedicated team of two who can provide help and support to those affected. Council also notes that, the month of April will be Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. This Council thanks Cahonas Scotland for all the work that they do and agrees to look at how we could support National Testicular Cancer Awareness month.
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The motion was agreed by the Council. URGENT ITEM OF BUSINESS MOTION BY COUNCILLOR LAWRENCE O’NEILL – CLYDEBANK FOOTBALL CLUB Councillor O’Neill moved:- Council congratulates Clydebank Football Club on recently winning the West of Scotland Premier Division (Tier 6 of Scottish Football) and securing their place in the Lowland League play-offs to challenge for a place in Tier 5 of Scottish Football. A Football Club, wholly owned by the fans, playing at Holm Park Community Football Academy, which was redeveloped due to capital funding allocated by this Council and has contributed to this remarkable achievement. Council also asks that, funding permitted, that the provost could host a Civic event to mark Clydebank Football Club on their success. The motion was unanimously agreed by the Council. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Members noted that the next ordinary meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 4pm. The meeting closed at 6.00 p.m.