Agenda
West Dunbartonshire Council · 23 April 2025
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 23 April 2025 and its agenda
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Agenda West Dunbartonshire Council Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 16:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Format: Hybrid meeting ___________________________________________________________________ Contact: Carol-Ann Burns, Senior Democratic Services Officer Email: carol-ann.burns@west-dunbarton.gov.uk committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member Please attend a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council as detailed above. Members will have the option to attend the meeting remotely or in person at the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton. The business is shown on the attached agenda. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive
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Distribution:- Provost Karen Murray Conaghan Councillor John Millar Councillor James Bollan Councillor Lawrence O’Neill Councillor Ian Dickson Councillor Lauren Oxley Councillor Diane Docherty Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Fiona Hennebry Councillor Martin Rooney Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal Councillor William Rooney Councillor Daniel Lennie Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor David McBride Councillor Hazel Sorrell Councillor Jonathan McColl Councillor Clare Steel Councillor Michelle McGinty Councillor Sophie Traynor Councillor June McKay Chief Executive Chief Officers Date of issue: 8 April 2025 Audio Streaming Audio recordings of the meeting (including the attendance or contribution of any party participating or making a contribution) will be published on the Council’s website and the Council’s host’s webcast/audio stream platform. You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the General Data Protection Regulation. Data collected during this audio stream will be retained in accordance with the Council’s Privacy Notice* and Retention Schedules including, but not limited to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available via the Council’s internet site.
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, 23 APRIL 2025 AGENDA 1 STATEMENT BY CHAIR – AUDIO STREAMING 2 APOLOGIES 3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are invited to declare if they have an interest in any of the items of business on the agenda and the reasons for such declarations. 4 RECORDING OF VOTES The Council is asked to agree that all votes taken during the meeting will be carried out by roll call vote to ensure an accurate record. 5 OPEN FORUM The Council is asked to note that no open forum questions have been submitted by members of the public. 6 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Submit, for approval as correct record, the Minutes of Meeting of 7 – 12 West Dunbartonshire Council held on 26 March 2025. 7 GLASGOW CITY REGION CITY DEAL – UPDATE 13 – 16 Submit report 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. 8/
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8 CLIMATE CHANGE DUTIES – DRAFT STATUTORY GUIDANCE 17 – 286 FOR PUBLIC BODIES: CONSULTATION Submit report 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 related to climate change. 9 NOTICE OF MOTIONS (a) Motion by Councillor William Rooney – Clydesdale Harriers 140th Anniversary 4th May 2025 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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(b) Motion by Councillor Lauren Oxley – UK Government Cuts to Social Security 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. (c) Motion by Councillor Chris Pollock – Wildfire Awareness 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.
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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. (d) Motion by Councillor Clare Steel – Testicular Cancer Awareness 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. 10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING Members are requested to note that the next ordinary meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 4pm.