Item 5 (a) Minutes of Council 21 12 22
West Dunbartonshire Council · 29 March 2023
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 29 March 2023 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, 21 December 2022 at 4.02 p.m. Present: Provost Douglas McAllister and Councillors Jim Bollan, Karen Conaghan, Ian Dickson, Craig Edward*, Gurpreet Singh Johal, Daniel Lennie, David McBride, Jonathan McColl, James McElhill, Michelle McGinty, June McKay, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Lauren Oxley, Chris Pollock, Martin Rooney, Gordon Scanlan, Hazel Sorrell, Clare Steel and Sophie Traynor. * arrived later in the meeting Attending: Peter Hessett, Chief Executive; Alan Douglas, Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration (Legal Officer); Laurence Slavin, Chief Officer – Resources and Section 95 Officer; Peter Barry, Chief Officer – Housing and Employability; Beth Culshaw, Chief Officer – West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Amanda Graham, Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture and Facilities; Gail Macfarlane, Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood; Laura Mason, Chief Education Officer; Victoria Rogers, Chief Officer – People and Technology; Angela Wilson, Chief Officer – Supply, Distribution and Property; Michelle Lynn, Assets Co-ordinator; George Hawthorn, Manager – Democratic and Registration Services and Christine McCaffary, Senior Democratic Services Officer. Also Attending: Christopher Gardner, Senior Audit Manager, Audit Scotland. Apologies: An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Councillor Diane Docherty. Provost Douglas McAllister in the Chair STATEMENT BY CHAIR Provost McAllister advised that the meeting was being audio streamed and broadcast live to the internet and would be available for playback. ITEM 5 (a)
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MINUTE OF SILENCE At the request of the Provost, the Council observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect following the recent passing of Richard Polanski, who was the last surviving crew member of the Polish Navy warship, ORP Piorun, that while docked in Clydebank during World War II had helped defend the town. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda at this point in the meeting. RECORDING OF VOTES The Council agreed that all votes taken during the meeting would be done by roll call vote to ensure an accurate record. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held on 26 October 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record. MINUTES OF AUDIT COMMITTEE The Minutes of Meeting of the Audit Committee held on 10 August 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record. OPEN FORUM The Provost advised that the undernoted Open Forum question had been received from Mr John Mooney. He then invited Mr Mooney to put his question to Council. Question from John Mooney – Flooding in Linnvale, Clydebank The Linnvale community is very concerned about the recurrent flooding of their streets. It is disappointing and demoralising to read the recriminations between the Council and Scottish Water about this in the local press. Can the Council provide an assurance today that it will do its utmost to work in partnership with Scottish Water and the Linnvale community to sort this out for good?
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Councillor McBride provided the following response:- The Clyde & Loch Lomond Local Flood Risk Management Plan sets out the actions that West Dunbartonshire Council has agreed to take forward to reduce the overall flood risk within the area. These actions have been discussed and agreed by the WDC, SEPA, Scottish Water and all other responsible authorities and public bodies involved in reducing Flood Risk. West Dunbartonshire Council will be the lead on the action for a Surface Water Management Plan for the Clydebank Area, this is a cycle 3 action under the Clyde & Loch Lomond Local Flood Risk Management Plan for West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Water due to the ongoing actions. At this time, there is no confirmation of when the funding will be made available from the Scottish Government to fund this piece of work as the flooding budget is currently oversubscribed. The flood study has identified a number of locations at high risk to the impact of surface water and the need for a detailed Surface Water Management plan to be developed to address current capacity issue of the existing drainage system. Whilst the responsibility for surface water lies with the local authority, the majority of drainage systems are owned and maintained by Scottish Water and as such any plans need to be developed in conjunction with them. Although the Council will be looking at methods to best manage the Surface Water within the area, there will still be a Flood Risk from the combined sewer systems where the capacity is not sufficient. Scottish Water have confirmed that there is a capacity issue within the existing systems at Linnvale which results in flooding experienced at street level. A budget allocation of £500k was made in the 2022/23 budget to accelerate flood prevention works. The 2nd November 2022 IRED Committee approved that £375k would be allocated to accelerate feasibility studies for a number of priority locations that are identified within the Surface Water Management Study. Linnvale has been identified as a priority location. As part of this investment the Council will liaise with Scottish Water to undertake a focused study to develop plans for water alleviation and system upgrades to reduce the impact of surface water within the area.
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Mr Mooney asked the following supplementary question:- Can residents in the area be provided with information on the process of gully cleaning, e.g. timescales and the priority areas? Councillor McBride advised that he would ask officers to issue this information in due course. GLASGOW CITY REGION CITY DEAL – UPDATE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration noting the progress with the implementation of the Glasgow City Region, City Deal. Having heard the Chief Officer in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed to note the progress of the Glasgow City Region programme. REVIEW OF THE COUNCIL’S CAPITAL PROGRAMME A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing the Council with the outcome of a review of the Council’s Capital Programme and presenting recommendations to reduce the capital programme in light of concerns about affordability. Note: Councillor Edward joined the meeting at this point. Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor O’Neill moved:- This Council agrees the recommendations in the report subject to the following changes: Supply Distribution & Property (SDP): New Sports Facility Dumbarton West (Old OLSP): To retain this planned spend within the current capital programme on the basis that it was a long term commitment to the local community following the relocation of the Secondary School. Supply Distribution & Property (SDP): New Westbridgend Community Centre: To ask officers to re-profile the spend and build programme over 2023/24 and 2024/25 to allow for a decision to be made on whether the group has been successful in its bid for Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) which will not be known until September 2023. As an amendment, Councillor Dickson seconded by Councillor Conaghan moved:- Council agrees the recommendations at 2.1 of the report with the following exceptions/caveats:
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P41, SDP New Sports Changing Facility Dumbarton West (Old OLSP) o No decision is taken on this until user groups and the local community are consulted. Feedback from this consultation can be fed back to the budget meeting next year with a final decision taken then. P41, New Westbridgend Community Centre o This will remain in the capital plan until the outcome of the RCGF bid is known. Council can make a decision on a way forward during the 2024/25 budget process. P41, Changing Places Toilet Provision o While removing the current provision from the capital plan, Council commits to providing these facilities within the Dumbarton Concord Centre and Alexandria Community Centre as part of the planned refurbishments as suggested in the report. P42, Footways/Cycle Path Upgrades ¦ Footway Resurfacing (RAMP) ¦ P 43, Roads Improvements ¦ Pavement Improvements ¦ P46, Infrastructure – Roads o There will be no removal or reduction of these capital budgets, which are a priority for our constituents and do not result in a significant revenue saving in the context of the projected budget gap; Council does not believe the 2023/24 cost saving benefit (£98k) outweighs the detriment of making this cut. P45, A813 Road Improvement Phase 1 o Council agrees that this project should remain in the capital programme for 2025/26. There is no revenue benefit to the 2023/24, 2024/25 or 2025/26 budgets according to the officer’s report. This is however an important planned upgrade to a piece of infrastructure needing investment. P45, Audio Visual Equipment o Any proposals to reduce capital funding must not have an adverse impact on teachers’ ability to provide a good learning experience for our children and young people. P53, Children and Families Team (Dumbarton/Vale of Leven) o Council agrees that funding WILL be available to deliver these premises as promised by Council. We cannot and will not renege on this commitment to our hard working Children and Families Social Work team and the families they support. On a roll call vote being taken 8 members voted for the amendment, namely Councillors Conaghan, Dickson, McColl, McElhill, Oxley, Pollock, Scanlan and Traynor, 11 members voted for the motion, namely Provost McAllister and Councillors Johal, Lennie, McBride, McGinty, McKay, Millar, O’Neill, Rooney, Sorrell and Steel. Two members abstained from voting, namely Councillors Bollan and Edward. The motion was declared carried.
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FINANCIAL UPDATE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the financial challenges facing the Council, the estimated 2023/24 – 2024/25 revenue budget gaps and presenting the first tranche of saving options for Members consideration to help the Council deliver a balanced 2023/24 budget. The Chief Officer provided a further verbal update and officers were heard in answer to Members questions. Councillor Rooney, seconded by Councillor McGinty moved:- Council thanks the Chief Officer of Resources for the detailed Financial Update in the report and for the verbal update following the Scottish Government setting out its budget proposals on 15th December. This is without doubt the greatest financial challenge in the history of West Dunbartonshire Council. We have increasing cost pressures, limited funding support from government and we were left with the additional financial burden as a result of the previous administrations failure to tackle the financial risks. Council notes that the Scottish Government Block Grant increased by £3.9 Billion for 2022/23. However, the Scottish Government chose to give councils a “flat cash” settlement which was a real terms cut of £100m. At the same time the Scottish Government indicated they would cut funding to Councils by a further 7% over four years. (1.75% average cut per year). As a result of underfunding and cost pressures, the West Dunbartonshire Council budget gap has grown to a massive £21m by December: We were left with a £13.8m Gap Council following the SNP Councils budget in March. By the summer it reached £18.3m due to a range of cost pressures. By December the gap increased to £21m. Unfortunately, as had been set out by the Chief Officer for Resources the early indications are that the reality of the 2023/24 Scottish Government budget is another “flat cash” settlement which, in a financial climate where inflation exceeds 10%, is a real terms cut in funding which will affect services and jobs. This is the Scottish Government forcing yet more austerity upon West Dunbartonshire Council. Given the above, the Council agrees the following: a) To reconfirm the October Council decision to the 72/28 split of residential care costs as per 2.1 serial of the report and agree to transfer a proportionate share of the 2022/23 budget.
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b) To retain the full £4.748 million of Scottish Government funding provided as a contribution to the 2022/23 pay award to focus on Council priorities. c) To note the estimated revenue budget gap from £14.309 million to £21.142 million. d) To approve the activation of the Service Concessionary Financial Flexibility to cover the life of the assets rather than the life of the contracts. e) To approve the earmarking of the one off benefit generated by the Service Concessionary Financial Flexibility: To establish a £15m voluntary redundancy / early retirement reserve. To establish a £6m smoothing fund to support a three year service transformation programme. To provide £1.75m to increase the Councils prudential target to 3% of expenditure (net of requisitions). To fund the Councils projected 2022/23 overspend of £1.5m. To provide £4.39m of funding for the impact of the 2022/23 pay award on 2022/23 and 2023/24. f) To approve £3.019m of the 2023/24, rising to £4.042m in 2024/25, saving options outlined at Appendix 1 with the following adjustments/clarification: Adjustment/ Clarification 2023/24 £000 2024/25 £000 Proposed Savings per Appendix 1 3,193 4,238 RN02 – Reduced Civic Waste Amenity Site Option supported is to retain two sites but with reduced opening hours and with a one day per closure at each site which retains a 7 day service across the Council area. This saves £63,000 in 2023/34 rising to £113,000 in 24/25 rather than £140,000 in 2023/24 and future years (77) (27) RR13 - Close Clydebank Registration Office and provide necessary services from Dumbarton Reject this option to remove registration services from Clydebank. Removes saving of £28,000 per annum (28) (28) EDU01 – Close out of school care services at Linnvale and St Eunan’s Primary Schools Reject this option. Removes saving of 25,000 in 2023/24 rising to £38,000 in future years (25) (38)
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CCF07 – Review funding for events programmes It should be noted that although the saving is agreed, the intention remains to secure external funding to support local events. 0 0 EDU08 - Reduce School Transport Provision Reduce School Transport towards statutory limits taking account of safe routes to school and increasing free bus pass update and work with bus companies to increase provision at busy times. 0 0 RES06 – Review of the Capital Programme Adjust the revenue savings to be generated by the review of the capital programme to reflect the decisions taken by Council in relation to Agenda Item 9 to this Council meeting. (44) (103) Approved Savings 3,019 4,042 g) To note the £899,000 of management adjustments at Appendix 2 which will contribute towards a balanced budget and future projected budget gaps. h) To approve the rescheduling of the budget setting meeting from 8th February to 1st March. i) Approve the use of the one off benefit associated with the Service Concessionary Financial Flexibility as a recovery plan to restore the council’s reserves to be in line with or above the Councils prudential target. These actions will help generate funds to help towards reducing the council budget gap. However, the bulk of the savings will be considered at a future budget setting meeting on 1st March 2023. This Council has given a public commitment to assist local residents with the Cost of Living Crisis. Therefore, Council agrees to earmark £1 million to provide a further £250,000 of cost of living support each year for the next four years. This is to be funded from the Council’s general reserves including the transfer of the balance of £0.99m from the Service Concessionary One Off benefit. As an amendment, Councillor Dickson seconded by Councillor Conaghan moved:- Council agrees the recommendations at 2.1 of the report with the following exceptions/caveats: b) Council does not have enough information at this time to determine whether it would be appropriate for a proportion of the £4.748m of Scottish Government funding provided as a contribution to the 2022/23 pay award to be passed through to the Health and Social Care
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Partnership (HSCP). Council is aware that the HSCP may be in a position to fund this pressure from reserves, which may be a better option given the extreme pressure on Council budgets. Officers should provide narrative and options around this to allow members to make an informed decision at the March 2023 budget meeting. e) Council does not agree that it is appropriate to increase the prudential reserve at a time when we must maximise spending on public services, therefor the £1.75m referred to will transfer to the general reserve for elected members to decide how best to make use of this money as part of the March 2023 budget meeting. f) Council does not agree any of the proposed saving options at this time and instead agrees that as the last public consultation feedback has expired, a new consultation be carried out during January & February on all savings options, or as was done previously, on public priorities for spending by service area, to allow elected members to deliver on the needs and wishes of the citizens we were elected to serve. i) Approve the use of the one off benefit associated with the Service Concessionary Financial Flexibility as a recovery plan to restore the Council’s reserves to be in line with, or above, the Council’s prudential target of 2%. On a roll call vote being taken 8 members voted for the amendment, namely Councillors Conaghan, Dickson, McColl, McElhill, Oxley, Pollock, Scanlan and Traynor and 12 Members voted for the motion, namely Provost McAllister and Councillors Edward, Johal, Lennie, McBride, McGinty, McKay, Millar, O’Neill, Rooney, Sorrell and Steel. One member abstained from voting, namely Councillor Bollan. The motion was declared carried. Councillor Bollan, having failed to find a seconder for a proposed second amendment asked for his dissent to be recorded in respect of this item. GENERAL SERVICES BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 31 OCTOBER 2022 (PERIOD 7) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the General Services revenue budget and the approved capital programme to 31 October 2022. The Council agreed:- (1) to note a current projected annual adverse variance on the revenue account of £1.447m (0.56% of total budget); and (2) to note that projected expenditure on the capital account was lower than the 2022/23 budget by £23.294m (34.18% of budget), made up of £22.073m
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(32.39% of budget) of project re-profiling, and an in-year net underspend of £1.221m (1.79% of budget). HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 31 OCTOBER 2022 (PERIOD 7) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the financial performance to 31 October 2022 (Period 7) of the HRA revenue and capital budgets for 2022/23. Having heard officers in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note that the revenue analysis showed projected adverse variances of £1.298m however this would be offset by reducing the contribution from revenue to capital (CFCR) therefore netting to a revenue break even position; and (2) to note that the net projected annual position in relation to the capital plan was highlighting an in-year adverse variance of £26.444m (40.31%) which was made up of re-profiling of £28.346m (43.21%) and overspend of £1.902m (2.9%) as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report. AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2021/22 A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing Members with the opportunity to scrutinise the Audited Annual Accounts 2021/22 for both the Council and the Charities administered by the Council, following approval at the Audit Committee on 9 November 2022. The Council agreed:- (1) to note the information provided within the Audited Annual Accounts 2021/2022 – covering the Council and the Charities administered by the Council and as appended to the report; and (2) to note that the Statements were approved by the Audit Committee on 9 November 2022. ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT TO MEMBERS AND CONTROLLER OF AUDIT 2021/22 A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing Members with the opportunity to consider the Annual Audit Report to Members and Controller of Audit for the Council and the Trusts administered by the Council, following consideration by the Audit Committee on 9 November 2022.
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The Council agreed:- (1) to note the information provided within the letter to the Audit Committee in relation to DR AK Glen and West Dunbartonshire Trust Fund - as appended to the report; (2) to note the Annual Audit Report to Members and Controller of Audit 2021/22 for the Council and the Charities administered by the Council - as appended to the report; and (3) to note that the Letter and the Annual Audit Report, together with the Financial Statements were reported to the Audit Committee on 9 November 2022. COMMITTEE TIMETABLE – AUGUST 2023 TO APRIL 2027 A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration proposing a timetable of Council and committee meetings for the period August 2023 to April 2027. The Council agreed:- (1) to approve the timetable of meetings for the period August 2023 to April 2027 shown as an appendix to the report; (2) that meetings of the Council and the four policy committees (Corporate Services, Educational Services, Housing and Communities and Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development) continue to be held in hybrid format in the Civic Space, Council Offices, Church Street, Dumbarton; (3) that meetings of regulatory committees, namely Planning and Licensing, continue to alternate between the Council Offices, Church Street, Dumbarton and Clydebank Town Hall; (4) that Appeals Committee meetings continue to be held in the Council Offices, Church Street, Dumbarton to ensure a sufficient number of rooms are available for the parties involved; (5) that meetings of the Audit Committee alternate between Dumbarton and Clydebank; and (6) that meetings of the remaining committees continue to be held in the Council Chamber, Clydebank Town Hall. EQUALITIES REVIEW OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – People and Technology seeking approval of proposed changes to terms and conditions of employment for local government and craft employees to further eradicate inequalities and to authorise
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the Chief Officer – People and Technology to engage with the Trade Unions for consultation with a view to seeking agreement on their implementation. Councillor Rooney, seconded by Councillor McGinty moved:- That the Council agrees the following proposals:- Align the core terms and conditions of employment for local government and all craft employees to further equality of offering. To replace current overtime enhanced rates, with a single overtime rate of time plus a quarter for any hours in excess of 37 per week, payable to grades 1 to 7. A review of contracts of employment across relevant service areas to remove contractual overtime. Replace the additional 4 public holidays for those employed on Craft Operative terms and conditions (i.e. last Friday and Monday in May, third Monday in July and last Friday in September), with additional days transferred to annual leave entitlement. Replace 2 public holidays for all employee groups, again transferring these days to annual leave entitlement. Removal or replacement of alternating shift allowance. Replace facility for incremental progression after 6 months for eligible employees, instead applying incremental progression annually on 1st April in line with existing employees. Remove the historical, now closed discretionary Group Life Assurance Scheme provision entirely. Introduce a provision whereby employees appointed to standalone business critical roles of below grade 8 will be contractually required to give a minimum of 8 weeks’ notice of their intention to terminate employment. As an amendment, Councillor McColl seconded by Councillor Conaghan moved:- During the previous 5 year term, the then SNP Administration consistently opposed and rejected proposals brought forward by management to reduce staff terms and conditions for the purpose of making budget savings. Any proposals to change terms and conditions will go through an appropriate consultation and negotiation process with the trades unions, BEFORE being debated by Council transparently, with uncensored feedback from trades unions provided as an appendix to any officer report. On a roll call vote being taken, 9 Members voted for the amendment namely Councillors Bollan, Conaghan, Dickson, McColl, McElhill, Oxley, Pollock, Scanlan and Traynor and 12 Members voted for the motion, namely Provost McAllister and Councillors Edward, Johal, Lennie, McBride, McGinty, McKay, Millar, O’Neill, Rooney, Sorrell and Steel. The motion was declared carried.
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NOTICE OF MOTIONS (a) Motion by Councillor Jim Bollan - STUC Campaign “Scotland Demands Better” Councillor Bollan moved:- Council agrees to support the STUC's campaign "Scotland Demands Better". The key points of which are noted below, which sets out a programme to help combat the effects of the Cost of Living Emergency. 1. A real pay rise for all public service workers 2. A social security system that loosens the grip of poverty 3. Warm homes, through municipal energy companies 4. Sustained action to tackle rent costs 5. Share the wealth, through income, wealth and business taxes 6. Universal free school meals 7. Cheap, publicly controlled public transport 8. More support for childcare 9. Enforcement of Fair Work Council further agrees to circulate the motion to all other Scottish Councils seeking their support for the motion. The motion was agreed by the Council. (b) Motion by Councillor Jim Bollan – Contingency Plans in the Event of Nuclear Incident at Faslane Councillor Bollan moved:- Council will be aware of the recent reports of the serious fire on the Vanguard Nuclear Submarine which was carrying Trident missiles, while it was in the North Atlantic. The fire was tackled by the crew, then the submarine had to surface to expel toxic fumes. The incident brings into sharp focus the absolute catastrophe that could have unfolded had the submarine been lost in the North Atlantic. This dangerous incident will be of great concern to many local people given the location of the incident and that the submarine is being taken back to Faslane Base. Given the gravity of the situation Council asks the CEO to bring a report to the next Council meeting detailing what contingency plans the Council has in the event of a serious nuclear incident at Faslane, or the surrounding waters, to support and protect the residents of West Dunbartonshire. The motion was agreed by the Council.
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(c) Motion by Councillor Clare Steel – Kilbowie St Andrew’s Church, Clydebank Councillor Steel moved:- This Council recognises the important part that Kilbowie St Andrew’s Church has played in the history of Clydebank and that local residents have a strong association with the church. This church has been a key focus of help and support over many decades and a key element of the Council and the community of Clydebank for commemorating the Clydebank Blitz. The church building endured the Clydebank Blitz and contains important artefacts such as the Blitz Chapel, a memorial stained glass window and a book was created with the names of all those who lost their lives in the Blitz. The church was also gifted a valuable triptych painting portraying images of the Blitz created by renowned local artist Tom McKendrick. In addition, it is regarded as a Chapel of Remembrance and Reflection in Clydebank. Given the above, this Council calls on the Clyde Presbytery to reconsider its plans to close Kilbowie St Andrew’s Church and instead to retain the church and preserve its historic story for the benefit of future generations. The motion was agreed by the Council. (d) Motion by Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal – Prioritising Repairs Related to Dampness and Mould Councillor Johal moved:- West Dunbartonshire Council notes the tragic death of two year old Awaab Ishak who passed away in December 2020 in Rochdale, having suffered prolonged exposure to mould as concluded by the coroner on Tuesday, 15 November 2022. This avoidable death should be a wake-up call for all social housing providers including West Dunbartonshire Council, and local, regional and national Housing Associations. Council therefore asks the Chief Officer of Supply, Distribution and Property and Chief Officer, Housing and Communities to: 1. Review our approach to dampness in Council properties and how best to prioritise associated repairs. 2. Introduce a process to ensure all dampness/mould repairs are checked and signed off by Maintenance Co-ordinator before the case is closed. This quality control check should ensure the action taken has fully resolved the complaint.
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3. Produce a briefing note setting out the outcome of the review to be sent to all elected members for information. Council further notes that we will take all appropriate actions to address any concerns tenants may have. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the loved ones of Awaab Ishak following this heart-breaking case. The motion was agreed by the Council. (e) Motion by Councillor Ian Dickson – People Make West Dunbartonshire Councillor Dickson moved:- Council recognises that we are fortunate within our communities to have a wealth of volunteers who give of their time and talents to enrich the lives of others. Bryan Warren from Bonhill is one of many volunteers our area is blessed with. Council applauds Captain Warren for his fundraising efforts over the years, especially those for the Erskine charity. To date he has raised over £7000 from donations as he plays his bagpipes locally. It is not only the Erskine charity that benefits from Bryan’s musical talent but visitors to our local area who are welcomed by such a friendly and positive ambassador for this area. We commend Bryan for his good works and wish him good health and happiness for the years ahead. The motion was agreed by the Council. Having heard Councillor Dickson further, the Provost advised that he would be delighted to present Captain Warren with a gift from his Civic stock. (f) Motion by Councillor James McElhill – The Stand, Our Holy Redeemer Primary School Councillor McElhill, seconded by Councillor Oxley moved:- This Council recognises that a degree of powers delegated to officers of the Council can be and is often conducive to the smooth day to day running of the Council.
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This Council further thanks officers for their continuing hard work and dedication in this regard. This Council does not believe, however, that, going forward, Council Officers should have delegated authority to close long-standing and firmly established public facilities without the agreement of this Council and without any consultation with affected community groups. It would appear that The Stand facility at Our Holy Redeemer Primary School in Clydebank has recently been boarded up in preparation of demolition despite a significant amount of money having been identified for its refurbishment. It is also the case that neither the school’s PTA nor the local Community Council, or any other community group, have been informed of the decision to demolish let alone being consulted on it. With the above in mind, this Council agrees that a full report is brought to Council concerning the status of “The Stand” at Our Holy Redeemer Primary School and the likely impact of any required change to the scheme of delegation around determination by officers that property is surplus to requirements. Council notes that this Motion is in the interests of openness, transparency, accountability and local democracy. As an amendment, Councillor Lennie seconded by Councillor McKay moved:- Council notes that there was no community demand for use of the Stand for the past four years. The last time it was used was for a sessional dance class in 2018/19 and there was only a single request for a let after 6pm in 2019. The building is a time limited facility and has been used by the school as an ancillary building but is not required for the core activities of the school. The building known as “The Stand” was previously located at St Andrew’s High School, Clydebank in 2005 but with the plans for a new Secondary School at St. Peter the Apostle, the Stand was moved to the Our Holy Redeemers site in 2013/14, where it served the local community for many years. The Council carried out an assessment of the condition of the building with a view to extending the life of the asset by the school and the wider community if required. Asset Management looked to commence work to the building in the summer of 2022 but survey works could not be carried out until the summer recess. The survey works identified serious rotting within the timber of the structure and the estimated cost was around £500,000. As a result Asset Management and Corporate Health & Safety and Building Services assessed the building to see if a reduced scope could allow the continued use of the building.
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Corporate Health & Safety advised that on the basis of the physical inspection of the interior of the building, that the use of the hall could be permitted but that the rest of the building such as the kitchen, toilets etc., cannot be used due to poor condition of timber frame and evidence of “soft” underfoot conditions in a variety of areas indicating potential collapse of floors. This meant that the areas out with the hall would need to be cordoned off to ensure there were no unauthorised entry to the other parts of the building and if similar structural damage is found around the main hall then it would be deemed not fit for use from a Health & Safety perspective. The findings were reviewed `by a special Learning Estate Project Board in August 2022. In light of health & safety issues and the fact it was not economically viable it was agreed that The Stand would be demolished. Given the above, the Council agrees that officers should continue with the plans to demolish the building. On a roll call vote being taken 11 Members voted for the amendment, namely Provost McAllister and Councillors Johal, Lennie, McBride, McGinty, McKay, Millar, O’Neill, Rooney, Sorrell and Steel and 9 Members voted for the motion, namely Councillors Bollan, Conaghan, Dickson, McColl, McElhill, Oxley, Pollock, Scanlan and Traynor. One Member abstained from voting, namely Councillor Edward. The amendment was declared carried. VALEDICTORY The Provost advised that this was the last meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council that Christine McCaffary, Senior Democratic Services Officer, would be attending before her retirement in January 2023, and thanked her for her outstanding service to Elected Members and West Dunbartonshire Council. The Council concurred. COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON Before closing the meeting, Provost McAllister wished everyone a very Merry Christmas. The meeting closed at 8.47 p.m.