Item 06 - Council 27 08 25 Minutes DRAFT
West Dunbartonshire Council · 29 October 2025
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 29 October 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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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, 27 August 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, Michelle McGinty, June McKay, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Lauren Oxley, Chris Pollock, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, Gordon Scanlan, Clare Steel* and Sophie Traynor. *Arrived later in the meeting. 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; Beth Culshaw, Chief Officer – Health & Social Care Partnership; Amanda Graham, Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture and Facilities; Gail Macfarlane, Chief Officer– Roads and Neighbourhood; Lesley James, Head of Children’s Health, Care and Justice Services (Chief Social Work Officer); Victoria Rogers, Chief Officer – People and Technology; Ailsa Dunwoodie, Lead Officer – The Promise; Lauren Crooks, Strategic Communication, Culture and Performance Manager; Michelle Lynn, Asset Manager; Carol Alderson, Finance Manager; Geroge Hawthorn, Manager of Democratic and Registration Services; and Carol-Ann Burns, Senior Democratic Services Officer. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Kevin Crawford and Hazel Sorrell. 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. ITEM 6
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Martin Rooney declared an interest in relation to the item under the heading ‘Motion by Councillor Lauren Oxley – Strathclyde Pension Fund - End Investments in Companies Linked to War Crimes in Palestine’ being a member of Strathclyde Pension Board and Committee and intimated that he would leave the meeting and not participate in its consideration. Councillor O’Neill made a transparency statement in relation to the same item, being a current beneficiary of the pension fund, and intimated that he would remain in the meeting and participate in its consideration. 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 18 June 2025 were submitted and approved as a correct record. Note: Councillor Steel entered the meeting at this point. MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF AUDIT COMMITTEE The Minutes of Meetings of the Audit Committee held on 19 February 2025 were submitted and all decisions contained therein were approved. REVIEW OF HYBRID MEETINGS OF COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration advising of the current issues relating to the provision of hybrid meetings of Council and its committees and setting out the various options available to the Council. After discussion and having heard the Manager of Democratic and Registration Services and Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Councillor Scanlan moved:-
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(1) to approve option 2, subject to a successful trial in August, as detailed in paragraph 5.5 of the report, which involves replacing the old hybrid unit with an up-to-date model at the cost of £4262.44; and (2) to approve the proposal to replace the 28 conference units and microphones, at a cost of £48,436.77. Councillor Bollan, having failed to find a seconder for a proposed amendment, asked for his dissent to be recorded in respect of this item. THE PROMISE A report was submitted by the Head of Children’s Health and Justice (Chief Social Work Officer) providing an overview of the work and ambition in relation to the implementation of The Promise in West Dumbartonshire between 2020-2025. After discussion and having heard the Head of Children’s Health Care and Justice and Lead Officer – The Promise in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note the extensive work taking place across West Dunbartonshire to improve life chances and opportunities for our Care Experienced Young People; (2) to Keep the Promise when involved in decision making, and thinking about changes to policy, asking “what would the impact of decisions be for children, young people and families with care experience?”; and (3) to note that Members would receive an annual update on the implementation of the Promise through an Elected Members’ Briefing. GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 30 JUNE 2025 (PERIOD 3) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources advising of the 2025/26 Revenue Budget position at 30 June 2025 and the forecast position of the General Fund Reserve as at 31 March 2025. At this point in the meeting copies of excerpts from the draft Minutes of Meeting of the Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee held on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 concerning the restoration of Greenspace services, was circulated to all those present. After discussion and having heard the Chief Executive and Chief Officers in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Councillor McBride moved:- Council notes that the IRED Committee agreed the reversal of planned savings to Greenspace.
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However, as it has budget implications for the General Services Budget, financial approval is required by Council. The Council therefore agrees:- One-Off Costs for the Current year 2025/26 to: • Apply a one-off £140,000 from the General services reserves to fund additional grass cutting capacity over the rest of 2025/26. Recuring costs for financial year 2026/27 to: • Increased grass cutting for 2026/2027 to fund grass cutting services at a cost of £150,000 from the General Fund. • Reinstate twice yearly weed-killer service at a cost of £50,000 to the General Fund. • Retain bedding plants in public parks at a cost of £50,000 to the General Fund. Having heard the Legal officer, the Council agreed to suspend Standing Order 20 in order to allow consideration of a decision of Council made within the last six months. ADJOURNMENT The Provost adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 5.09 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. As an amendment, Councillor Traynor moved:- Council notes with concern the Labour Administration’s Greenspace motion, which proposes to allocate £140,000 of grounds maintenance costs to the Housing Revenue Account in the current year and a further £150,000 in 2026/27. Council recognises that the Housing Revenue Account is already under severe financial pressure, with West Dunbartonshire Council having declared a Housing Emergency in 2024 as a result of the extreme pressures facing housing and homelessness services. Council believes that diverting money ringfenced for housing will only worsen these challenges and exacerbate the crisis, placing an unfair burden on council tenants who may face increased rents as a direct consequence. Council further notes that no consultation has taken place with tenants regarding the use of their rent contributions for general greenspace maintenance, and that the West Dunbartonshire Tenants and Residents Organisation (WDTRO) has expressed clear opposition to these proposals. In light of these concerns, Council does not support use of funds from the Housing Revenue Account for this purpose and agrees to apply a one-off £280,000 from the General Services budget. These funds should be used to
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restore additional grass cutting capacity over the rest of the year, and retention of ten seasonal workers to accommodate this. At the 2026/27 budget setting meeting in March 2026 council will have the full facts and figures and can address the green space maintenance for any future years. At this point in the meeting copies of excerpts from the draft Minutes of Meeting of the Housing and Communities Committee held on Wednesday, 20 August 2025 concerning the restoration of Greenspace services, was circulated to all those present. Councillor Singh Johal asked Councillor McBride if he would accept the following addendum to his motion:- Council notes that the Housing and Communities Committee agreed the reversal of the implemented reduction in Open Space Maintenance in Council Housing estates, which was presented in the officers draft HRA budget, that was agreed by Council in March. However, as it has budget implications for the Housing Revenue Account Budget, financial approval is required by Council. Council therefore agrees the following: One-Off Costs for the Current year 2025/26 to: • Apply a one-off £140,000 from the Housing Revenue Account to fund additional grass cutting capacity over the rest of 2025/26. Recuring costs for financial year 2026/27 to: • Increased grass cutting for 2026/2027 to fund grass cutting services at a cost of £150,000 from the Housing Revenue Account. Councillor McBride confirmed his acceptance of the addendum. ADJOURNMENT The Provost adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 6.01 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. Note: Councillor Docherty joined the meeting at this point. As a second amendment, Councillor McColl moved:- Council notes the decisions regarding greenspace services taken at recent IRED and Housing Committees and ratifies all matters requiring Council consent.
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A report should be brought at the earliest opportunity, but no later than the 2026/27 budget meeting, to allow elected members to make an informed decision on which budgets should be responsible for funding what work. Officers should also use this time to consult with WDTRO. Until Council has considered that report, Council agrees to fund all costs from the general services account as a temporary measure. Councillor Dickson asked Councillor Traynor if she would accept the following addendum to her amendment:- Amend final part of the sentence in the second last paragraph to include ‘and any other requirements identified by the Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood’ Councillor Traynor confirmed her acceptance of the addendum. Councillor Bollan then seconded Councillor McColl’s second amendment, Councillor Dickson seconded Councillor Traynor’s first amendment with addendum, and Councillor Singh Johal seconded Councillor McBride’s motion with addendum. After debate and having heard from the Chief Executive, Legal Officer and other relevant Officers, on a roll call vote being taken between the first amendment (Councillor Traynor) and the second amendment (Councillor McColl), 11 Members voted for the second amendment, namely Councillors Bollan, Hennebry, Singh Johal, McBride, McColl, McGinty, Millar, O’Neill, Martin Rooney, William Rooney and Steel and 9 Members voted for the first amendment, namely Provost Murray Conaghan and Councillors Dickson, Docherty, Lennie, McKay, Oxley, Pollock, Scanlan and Traynor. The second amendment from Councillor McColl was accordingly declared carried. On a further roll call vote being taken between the amendment (Councillor McColl) and the motion (Councillor McBride), 11 Members voted for the amendment, namely Provost Murray Conaghan and Councillors Bollan, Dickson, Docherty, Lennie, McColl, McKay, Oxley, Pollock, Scanlan and Traynor and 9 Members voted for the motion, namely Councillors Hennebry, Singh Johal, McBride, McGinty, Millar, O’Neill, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, and Steel. The amendment was accordingly declared carried GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT 2025/26 TO 30 JUNE 2025 (PERIOD 3) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources advising of the General Services Capital financial performance to 30 June 2025. After discussion and having heard the Business Partner, Finance in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:-
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(1) to note the current position of the 2025/26 General Services capital budget; (2) to approve the additional capital budget of £0.013m in respect of Vale of Leven Cemetery as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report; (3) to approve the revised completion dates in respect of 4 projects detailed in Appendix 2 to the report; (4) to approve the reprofiling of 7 projects in Appendix 3 to the report (£7.118m) over the project life; and (5) to approve £0.150m of additional capital budget for traffic signage and road markings (Para 4.8) to support the enforcement of decriminalised parking enforcement. HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 30 JUNE 2025 (PERIOD 3) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Housing advising on the 2025/2026 HRA revenue budget position on 30 June 2025 and the forecast position for HRA reserves on 31 March 2026. Councillor Lennie moved:- Council is concerned that after four week of being out of commission we have no plan nor timescale to reinstate the even numbered lift at crescent court in Dalmuir This situation leaves elderly and disabled residents unable to leave their homes and is unacceptable. Council therefore instructs officers to rectify this situation immediately, should our lift contractor be unable to reinstate the lift within a reasonable time period we need to find another firm to do so. I further ask that letters are sent out this week to every resident in Crescent Court explaining in full the situation as well as any contingency plans for a full breakdown of the lifts The safety of our tenants and residents is paramount and this situation cannot continue unaddressed. ADJOURNMENT The Provost adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 7.06 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. Councillor Singh Johal asked Councillor Lennie if he would accept the following addendum to his amendment:-
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Amend third paragraph of the sentence to ‘Council therefore instructs officers to rectify this situation quickly’ Councillor Lennie confirmed his acceptance of the addendum and thereafter the motion with addendum was agreed by the Council. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Housing further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council further agreed:- (1) to note the HRA revenue account was forecasting a deficit of £0.282m. If required, HRA reserves would be used to fund the adverse variance; (2) to note that the forecast deficit would reduce HRA reserves to £0.329m on 31 March 2026; (3) to note that forecast HRA revenue reserves were less than the HRA revenue prudential target for 31 March 2026 of £1.160m; and (4) to note that work would continue to explore opportunities to remove the in-year deficit and to rebuild reserves, including the targeting of efficiencies across all areas of the HRA revenue account budget. HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) CAPITAL BUDGETARYCONTROL REPORT TO 30 JUNE 2025 (PERIOD 3) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Housing providing an update on the HRA capital programme to 30 June 2025. After discussion and having heard the Business Partner, Finance in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note the current position of the 2025/26 HRA capital estimates and the HRA capital plan; (2) to note that in year financial performance would be monitored against a 2025/26 capital expenditure estimate of £55.547m, a 2025/26 capital income estimate of £6.290m, and a forecast borrowing requirement of £49.257m; (3) to note that project life performance will be monitored against a project life expenditure estimate of £345.311m, a project life income estimate of £80.378m, and a five-year borrowing requirement of £264.933m; and (4) to note that at this early stage all projects were on track regarding achieving their planned completion dates and delivering within the updated capital estimate.
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VARIATION IN ORDER OF BUSINESS After hearing Provost Murray Conaghan, the Council agreed to vary the order of business as hereinafter minuted. NOTICE OF MOTIONS (e) Motion by Councillor Chris Pollock – Remembering the Accused Witches of West Dunbartonshire Councillor Pollock moved:- Council recognises and commemorates the women and men of this authority area who were accused and persecuted as witches in the 17th century. Remembering the Accused Witches of Scotland is a charity that was established with the aim of promoting and honouring the memory of these individuals that once lived in Scotland. The charity aims to work with the council to teach the stories and history of the accused witches in schools and libraries and where possible a memorial be raised to commemorate the victims. In 2022 The Scottish Government and The Church of Scotland issued apologies over what had happened all those years before. In the 17th century, Dumbarton tolbooth stood near the entrance to the Artizan Centre, directly opposite Quay Street. The execution site is thought to be located behind Church Street in the present council office car park. This area was once where Dumbarton prison stood, with most of the building now long gone. Amateur historian and local resident Louise Wilson has been researching the subject, and her findings show that there were 31 accused of witchcraft in the area. Using accounts held by the library and researching the common good accounts, it was discovered that there were 27 women and 4 men that were persecuted for these supposed crimes. It is important to remember that these people were probably tortured and put through imprisonment before being executed in the majority of cases. There were many reasons a person could be accused of witchcraft including their religion or beliefs and the notion that certain people in the community were devil worshipping, and they had to be identified. Neighbours accusing each other of witchcraft over petty arguments. Missing a church service could have been enough to get the religious zealots to accuse you. The accused were often tied to a stake and strangled before being burned to death and their ashes swept away with no grave marker. The Scottish Witch Trials were a period of intense witch hunting and persecution in Scotland, lasting from the 16th to 18th centuries. They were particularly severe with Scotland executing more witches than most other parts of Europe. An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people were accused with around 2500 executed this was around five times the European average. Out
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of all those accused it thought that around 84% were women reflecting prevalent societal beliefs about women’s susceptibility to the Devil’s influence. Names of the 31 accused witches of West Dunbartonshire- 1624 Jonet MacKinley (executed) Marioun MacLintock (executed) Marioun Fallisdaill (executed) John Taylor (unknown outcome) 1628 Jonet Boyd (executed) Marioun MacLintock (unknown outcome) Janet Weill (unknown outcome) 1629 Janet Donald (executed) Jonet Neill (executed) Margaret Hunter (unknown outcome) 1630 Janet Mitchell (unknown outcome) 1632 Lord John Colquhoun (absconded) Thomas Carlipis (unknown outcome) 1643 Bessie Bargillie (executed) 1649 Margaret Corruith (executed) Jonet Davisonne (executed) Agnes McKen (executed) 1650 Jonet Patersone (executed) Margaret McMurich (executed) Jonet McClintock (unknown outcome) Jonet Colquhoun (executed) Margaret McInlay (executed) Jonet Ewing (executed) Jonet Stewart (unknown outcome) 1656 John McWilliam (executed) 1671 Jonet Howat (unknown outcome)
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1677 Margaret Wright (executed) Issobell Laing (executed) Jonet Munn (executed) Margaret Paterson (executed) 1697 Margaret McKillope (executed) The Council agreed the motion. (a) Motion by Councillor Sophie Traynor – Shameless Youth Councillor Traynor moved:- Council recognises the work of the Shameless Youth campaign run by West Dunbartonshire Youth Council (WDYC) in partnership with the NSPCC which looked at promoting useful information and productive conversations which supports young people to understand what healthy relationships and consent online looks like. Council congratulates the young people involved for their dedication to this project and notes the positive impact that they have made within the local community. The Council agreed the motion. (b) Motion by Councillor David McBride – Rename Athletics Facility at Posties Park in Honour of Lachie Stewart Councillor McBride moved:- Council notes with great sadness the recent passing of Lachie Stewart, a proud son of West Dunbartonshire and one of Scotland’s most celebrated athletes. Lachie Stewart rose to international prominence by winning the gold medal in the 10,000 metres at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, in what remains one of the most iconic moments in Scottish sporting history. He went on to represent Scotland and Great Britain with distinction in multiple major international competitions, including the 1972 Munich Olympics. Council further recognises Lachie’s lasting contribution to Scottish athletics, not only through his remarkable achievements in competition, but also through his continued advocacy for the sport following his retirement.
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His legacy continues to inspire new generations of athletes, both locally and nationally. In recognition of Lachie Stewart’s extraordinary sporting accomplishments and his lifelong connection to our community, this Council agrees to: • Formally commemorate Lachie Stewart and acknowledge his contribution to athletics and to West Dunbartonshire; • Agree to rename the recently opened athletics track and field facility at Posties Park in his honour; • Engage with Lachie’s family, local sports organisations, and the wider community to ensure the commemoration is respectful, meaningful, and reflective of his legacy. The Council will meet the small costs of signage from appropriate budgets and consider appropriate logos and the signage should meet the Scottish Parliament requirements of both English and Gaelic. The Council agreed the motion. (c) Motion by Councillor Lauren Oxley – Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Councillor Oxley moved:- Council notes that 1st to 7th August marked World Breastfeeding Week, an annual opportunity to raise awareness of and celebrate the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mothers, and families. Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of infections for infants, while also supporting the health of mothers. It offers additional advantages such as lower costs, convenience, and fostering a strong bond between the mother and child. Despite these benefits, many mothers continue to face barriers to breastfeeding, particularly in public spaces, due to outdated stigmas and attitudes. Council recognises important progress in promoting breastfeeding and reducing inequalities for mothers, including: • The 20th anniversary of the Breastfeeding (Scotland) Act 2005, which protects the right to feed an infant in public spaces.
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• The development of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) Scheme, a free national initiative enabling businesses to signal their premises offer of safe and welcoming environment for breastfeeding. However, Council notes that only 10 premises in Clydebank are currently registered with the BFS scheme, the majority being Council-managed facilities. Council therefore encourages local businesses and community organisations to take a small but significant step and sign up to the scheme, helping to make West Dunbartonshire a more welcoming and supportive place for mothers and families. The Council agreed the motion. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Having earlier declared an interest in the following item of business, Councillor Martin Rooney left the meeting at this point. (d) Motion by Councillor Lauren Oxley – Strathclyde Pension Fund - End Investments in Companies Linked to War Crimes in Palestine Councillor Oxley moved:- Council notes with deep concern the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, and the findings of the United Nations, Amnesty International, and other human rights organisations that Israel’s actions constitute war crimes and serious violations of international law. Since October 2023, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that over 58,500 Palestinians have been killed and more than 139,600 injured by Israeli forces. As of 16 July 2025, over 86% of the Gaza Strip falls within Israeli-militarised zones or has been subjected to displacement orders. Gaza now faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with over 80% of the population facing food insecurity, and experts warning the region is on the brink of famine, with conditions classified as ‘extreme starvation’. Council understands that the Strathclyde Pension Fund - one of Europe’s largest pension funds with over 277,000 members - continues to invest in companies that supply arms, military technology, or other support used in Israel’s war crimes and violations, including those operating in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Council believes pension funds should not be invested in companies complicit in breaches of international law, particularly amid this ongoing and escalating crisis. Our investments must reflect our commitment to justice, human rights, and ethical governance.
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Council therefore asks the Chief Executive to write to the Strathclyde Pension Fund Committee to express our strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, and to urge the Fund to review its investment portfolio and divest from companies linked to or complicit in Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law. The Council agreed the motion. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Members noted that the next ordinary meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 4.00 p.m. The meeting closed at 8.05 p.m.