Approved Minutes of Meeting
West Dunbartonshire Council · 18 June 2025
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 18 June 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL At a Hybrid Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held in the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 4.01 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, 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; Alan Douglas, Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration (Legal Officer); Peter Barry, Chief Officer – Housing and Employability; Amanda Graham, Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture and Facilities; Gail Macfarlane, Chief Officer– Roads and Neighbourhood; Laura Mason, Chief Education Officer; Lesley James, Head of Children’s Health, Care and Justice Services (Chief Social Work Officer); Victoria Rogers, Chief Officer – People and Technology; Michael Mulgrew, Planning, Building Standards and Environmental Health Manager; Alan Young, Housing Asset & Invest Manager; James Gallacher, Service Manager – ICT; Lauren Crooks, Strategic Communication, Culture and Performance Manager; Michelle Lynn, Asset Manager; Carol Alderson, Finance Manager; Elaine Troup, Economic Development Manager; Geroge Hawthorn, Manager of Democratic and Registration Services; and Carol-Ann Burns, Senior Democratic Services Officer. Also Attending: Caleb Oguche, External Auditor – Forvis Mazars. Apology: An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Councillor Michelle McGinty. 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.
Page 2
ADJOURNMENT The Provost adjourned the meeting due to technical difficulties. The meeting reconvened at 4.15 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. 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. OPEN FORUM The Council noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held on 23 April 2025 were submitted and approved as a correct record. MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF AUDIT COMMITTEE The Minutes of Meetings of the Audit Committee held on 4 September 2024 and 4 December 2024 were submitted and all decisions contained therein were approved. RESULTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT BY-ELECTION HELD ON 15 MAY 2025 A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration providing information on the result of the Local Government by-election held in the Clydebank Central Ward on 15 May 2025. The Chief Executive congratulated Councillor Kevin Crawford on his election and welcomed him to the meeting and West Dunbartonshire Council. In response, Councillor Crawford thanked officers and constituents and stated that he looked forward to representing the constituents in his ward. The Council agreed to note the result of the by-election held on 15 May as detailed in paragraph 4 of the report.
Page 3
REVIEW OF INTEGRATION SCHEME Members noted, that it had not been possible for a report on this matter to be provided in time for the present meeting and that the report would instead be submitted to the Meeting of Council being held on 27 August 2025. 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 matters being discussed by Glasgow City Region. 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. FINANCIAL UPDATE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the financial challenges and the estimated 2026/27 to 2029/30 revenue budget gaps. The Council agreed to note the updated position regarding projections for the Council’s estimated revenue budget gaps in 2026/27 to 2029/30, particularly the updated estimated mid-range 2025/26 budget gap of £8.274m. UNAUDITED 2024/25 WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL ACCOUNTS A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing a copy of the unaudited 2024/25 West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts and information regarding the 2024/25 outturn as set out in the draft accounts. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Resources in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note the unaudited 2024/25 Annual Accounts; (2) to note the information provided in relation to the financial performance of the Council’s services and capital plan for 2024/25; (3) to note the current position regarding the Council’s reserves; and (4) to delegate authority to the Audit Committee to formally approve the audited accounts.
Page 4
2023/24 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND 2023/24 ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing Members with the opportunity to scrutinise and approve the 2023/24 Audited Annual Accounts for the Charitable Trust Funds administered by the Council for the year ending 31 March 2024, and providing an update on the accompanying 2023/24 Annual Audit Report. The Council agreed:- (1) to approve the information provided within the Audited Annual Accounts 2023/2024 – Appendix 1 to the report; and (2) to note the Annual Audit Report – Appendix 2 to the report. FURTHER APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 42 TO NOT COMPLY WITH CONDITION 11 OF PLANNING PERMISSION DC21/115/FUL AT QUEENS QUAY FULL DEVELOPMENT SITE, CART STREET, CLYDEBANK BY CLYDESIDE REGENERATION LIMITED A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration seeking determination of the planning application for a national development, the application site of which sits within the Clyde Mission area as set out in National Planning Framework 4, under the terms of the approved Scheme of Delegation, and therefore requires to be determined by Full Council. After discussion and having heard the Planning, Building Standards and Environmental Health Manager in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed to approve the application. INTERIM REVIEW OF POLLING DISTRICTS AND POLLING PLACES 2025 A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration seeking approval to conduct an interim review of polling districts and polling places within the Council’s area and outlining the timetable and processes for carrying out this review. After discussion and having heard the Manager of Democratic and Registration Services in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to approve the Notice of Review and timetable as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report; and (2) to note that a report containing the final proposals and representations would be submitted for approval to the Meeting of Council in October 2025.
Page 5
VALEDICTORY LAURA MASON – CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER Provost Murray Conaghan informed the Council that this would be the last meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council that Laura Mason, Chief Education Officer, would attend as she would soon be retiring from Council service. Members passed on their best wishes and thanked Ms Mason for her dedication and lasting impact on education and wished her the very best in retirement. In response, Ms Mason thanked the Council for its kind words. NOTICE OF MOTIONS (a) Motion by Councillor Gordon Scanlan – Saint Peter the Apostle High School Councillor Scanlan moved:- Council congratulates Saint Peter the Apostle High School on their achievement of winning the Scottish Schools boys football shield at Hampden Park on May 8th. The Council notes that the players won a heroic penalty shootout victory following a 93rd minute equaliser. Furthermore the council also recognises the achievements of all of the players, head coach Mark Ferrier and all involved in the school football programme. The motion was agreed by the Council. (b) Motion by Councillor William Rooney – Better Buses for West Dunbartonshire Councillor William Rooney moved:- West Dunbartonshire Council notes that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has launched a consultation on the draft Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy. The draft strategy outlines improvements needed for the bus network to better serve existing passengers, attract new passengers, and ensure essential access for everyone who relies on it. SPT is aiming for a ‘cycle of growth’ with a bus network that delivers: · Buses where they are needed, when they are needed · Reliable and quicker bus journeys · Affordable and attractive fares and ticketing · Accessible and safer bus journeys · A trusted and recognisable bus network · A seamless and integrated bus network
Page 6
· A more environmentally sustainable, resilient and adaptable bus network fleet. An affordable and effective bus service is vital for the residents of West Dunbartonshire. · It ensures local residents can access public services like health centres, dentists and hospitals; · It can connect communities and reduce isolation This Council notes that the draft Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy was recently approved for consultation at SPT’s Strategy and Programmes Committee. Council also notes that once the public consultation is complete, SPT intends to take a final version of the strategy to the SPT committee later in 2025. Given the importance of bus services to local residents in West Dunbartonshire, this Council requests that when the final version of the Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy becomes available that a report is brought to future council or committee for consideration. The motion was agreed by the Council. (c) Motion by Councillor Jim Bollan – Bandstand at Clydebank Shopping Centre Councillor Bollan moved:- Council notes that Patriotic Alternative and associated groups have used the Bandstand at Clydebank Shopping Centre to display banners, posters, flags, flyers and photos publicising their beliefs. Council agrees to authorise Council officials to remove any such items attached to the Council-owned Bandstand in Clydebank Shopping Centre, that do not have prior written consent from West Dunbartonshire Council as soon as practical. ADJOURMENT The Provost adjourned the meeting due to disorder in the public gallery. The meeting reconvened at 5.10 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. The motion was unanimously agreed by the Council.
Page 7
(d) Motion by Councillor Martin Rooney – Call for a Review of Sold Property Block Building Insurance Councillor Martin Rooney moved:- Council notes that a condition of sale of Council housing in West Dunbartonshire included that the owner occupiers were required to take out building insurance arranged by the Council. The previous three year fixed rate contract came to an end this year and as a result of a number of factors, the owner occupiers received a significant increase in their annual Block Insurance bill. Council officers extended the deal as it was considered financially advantageous for owners to do so, giving them a degree of stability over the coming three years. The owner occupier annual bills are based on a number of different elements as follows: (i) Insurance Premium; (ii) Insurance Tax; and (iii) Factoring fees. Historically, the factoring fee makes up around a third of total annual bill and this would still have to be paid by owner occupiers even if the block building insurance arrangements were to end. Council agrees that it is vital that Councillors have the full facts made available to allow them to make an informed decision. Given the above, this Council agrees to carry out a review of the Block Building Insurance arrangements, and a report, including potential options and associated risks, should come to a future Council meeting for consideration. Councillor Lennie asked Councillor Martin Rooney if he would accept the following addendum to his motion:- Amend the final part of the final sentence to ‘should come to the first meeting of Council after the recess, on 27 August, if possible’. Councillor Martin Rooney confirmed his acceptance of the addendum and thereafter the motion with addendum, was then agreed by the Council. (e) Motion by Councillor Sophie Traynor – Clydebank Women’s Aid Councillor Traynor moved:-
Page 8
Council notes with concern the recent announcement indicating the closure of Clydebank Women’s Aid For over 40 years, Clydebank Women’s Aid have provided specialist support, refuge and advocacy to women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Council praises the work of the service and thanks the staff for their dedication to providing support to victims. Council acknowledges the high rates of domestic abuse within West Dunbartonshire and request that the funding current provided to this organisation by the council is ringfenced and protected to be used to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse within the Clydebank area going forward. The motion was unanimously agreed by the Council. (f) Motion by Councillor Michelle McGinty – Hospital Bus As Councillor McGinty was not present at the meeting, Councillor Millar moved, on her behalf:- This Council is extremely disappointed with the decision to withdraw funding for the vital 340 bus service, that links the Vale of Leven Hospital with the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. The bus service was put in place when a number of services that had been available at the Vale Hospital were transferred to the RAH in Paisley. At the time and in the face of real concerns from the local community the Health Board recognised that there was no direct transport links and introduced the hospital bus service to ensure that patients, staff and visitors had the means to attend appointment or visit loved ones at the RAH. Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board will now provide their own bus service for staff and patients with appointments only, leaving everyone else without a direct transport link. This means that many local people, will be left with the only option of an expensive journey, involving multiple changes and significantly longer travel times. It is clear that the Health Board has broken its promise to provide a direct transport link from the communities that accessed the Vale of Leven Hospital to access the services at the RAH. Council calls on the Health Board to reconsider its decision and to reinstate the funding and reintroduce the bus service that is vital to our community.
Page 9
The Council requests that the leader of the council writes to NHS greater Glasgow and Clyde outlining our concerns. The motion was unanimously agreed by the Council. (g) Motion by Councillor Clare Steel – Recognising Carers Week 2025 Councillor Steel moved:- West Dunbartonshire Council notes that Carers Week 2025 was observed from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th June this year. Carers Week allows for everyone to acknowledge and celebrate the essential contributions of unpaid carers in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland. Our unpaid carers, including young carers, provide critical care and support to family members, friends, and neighbours living with illness, disability, mental health conditions, or age-related needs—often at considerable personal, emotional, and financial cost. Council notes that the work of unpaid carers is fundamental to the sustainability of our health and social care systems, with estimates suggesting they save the Scottish Government and public services over £10 billion each year. This Council commends all of the unpaid carers in West Dunbartonshire, for their often unseen and undervalued efforts, which are essential to the wellbeing and dignity of many local residents. The Council also reaffirms its commitment to supporting carers through local services, including the work of Carers of West Dunbartonshire and other community-based organisations that provide vital information, advocacy, respite, and wellbeing support; Furthermore, this Council calls for continued recognition of carers' rights and needs in local and national policy-making, and supports efforts to secure sustainable funding for carer support services. Finally, Council agrees to raise awareness of Carers Week across Council platforms, engaging with local carers' organisations, and expressing our deep gratitude to all unpaid carers across West Dunbartonshire. 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, 27 August 2025 at 4.00 p.m.
Page 10
The meeting closed at 6.14 p.m.