Printed minutes
Argyll and Bute Council · 25 April 2024
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 25 April 2024 and its agenda
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MINUTES of MEETING of ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL held ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024 Present: Councillor Dougie Philand (Chair) Councillor John Armour Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Jan Brown Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess Councillor Garret Corner Councillor Maurice Corry Councillor Robin Currie Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor Kieron Green Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Daniel Hampsey Councillor Graham Hardie Councillor Fiona Howard Councillor Willie Hume Councillor Mark Irvine Councillor Andrew Kain Councillor Jennifer Kelly Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Tommy MacPherson Councillor Ian James MacQuire Councillor Liz McCabe Councillor Dougie McFadzean Councillor Julie McKenzie Councillor Yvonne McNeilly Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor Gary Mulvaney Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson Councillor Gemma Penfold Councillor Alastair Redman Councillor William Sinclair Councillor Andrew Vennard Councillor Peter Wallace Attending: Pippa Milne, Chief Executive Douglas Hendry, Executive Director Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director Evan Beswick, Interim Chief Officer, Argyll and Bute HSCP David Logan, Head of Legal and Regulatory Support Ross McLaughlin, Head of Commercial Services Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services Matt Mulderrig, Development Policy and Housing Manager Shona Barton, Governance Manager Tim Allison, Director of Public Health and Policy 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE There were no apologies for absence intimated. NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 14 The Head of Legal and Regulatory Support advised that the following Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 14 had been received as a matter of urgency to allow it to coincide with the launch of a campaign at the weekend led by Councillor Fiona Howard and involving Helensburgh Business Group and Helensburgh Community Council. Argyll and Bute Council deplores the announced closure of the Helensburgh branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland which will leave Helensburgh and Lomond with only one high street bank to serve the whole population and will have a seriously detrimental effect on the area’s many small businesses and retail outlets.
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and a) Agrees that the Leader of the Council should express the Council’s concerns to the bank Chief Executive - and b) Also ask bank owner NatWest to reconsider their decision while at the same time engaging with Cash Access UK and other banking providers to establish a banking hub in its Helensburgh premises as has been done in a number of other Scottish towns. Moved by Councillor Fiona Howard, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess. The Executive Director advised that he had received notification from the mover of the Motion that she wished to make an amendment to the Motion in its current form. He advised that as the Motion had now been circulated; assuming the amendment was non- material and the Council agreed to consider the Motion, that this amendment could be picked up at the appropriate point when the Motion was considered. The Provost ruled and the Council agreed to consider the Motion after item 20 of the agenda. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Maurice Corry declared a non-financial interest in item 12 of the agenda (UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Vibrant and Living Spaces Grant Fund – Allocation of Funding) due to his role as Chair of one of the organisations recommended to receive funding within the submitted report. He advised that he would leave the room and take no part in the consideration of this item of business. Councillor Audrey Forrest noted that in relation to item 12 of the agenda (UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Vibrant and Living Spaces Grant Fund – Allocation of Funding) that she had been a Council appointed Director of the Dunoon Community Development Trust and as this had been a Council appointment which had now ceased, she would remain in the room during the consideration of this item of business. 3. APPOINT DEPUTE PROVOST The Provost invited nominations for the position of Depute Provost. Decision The Council agreed to appoint Councillor Jan Brown to the position of Depute Provost of the Council. 4. APPOINT DEPUTE LEADER The Provost invited nominations for the position of Depute Leader. Decision The Council agreed to appoint Councillor Audrey Forrest and Councillor Robin Currie to the positions of Depute Leaders of the Council.
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5. MINUTES (a) Argyll and Bute Council held on 22 February 2024 The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 22 February 2024 were approved as a correct record. (b) Special Argyll and Bute Council held on 25 March 2024 The Minutes of the Special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 25 March 2024 were approved as a correct record. (c) Special Argyll and Bute Council held on 4 April 2024 The Minutes of the Special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 4 April 2024 were approved as a correct record. (d) Special Argyll and Bute Council held on 15 April 2024 The Minutes of the Special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 15 April 2024 were approved as a correct record. 6. MINUTES OF COMMITTEES (a) Community Services Committee held on 7 March 2024 The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 7 March 2024 were noted. (b) Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 21 March 2024 The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 21 March 2024 were noted. 7. POLITICAL MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS The Council gave consideration to a report inviting appointments to vacant positions as a result of the decision taken at the Special meeting of the Council held on 4 April 2024. Motion The Motion moved by the Administration is attached at Appendix 1 to this Minute. Moved by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest. Amendment To accept the Motion by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest subject to amending 7(c) and 7(k) as follows - In relation to 7(c) Area Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs -
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Table 7C Area Committee Chair Vice-Chair Bute and Cowal Cllr Liz McCabe Cllr Yvonne McNeilly Helensburgh and Lomond Cllr Gemma Penfold Cllr Maurice Corry Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Cllr Alastair Redman Cllr Garret Corner Oban, Lorn and the Isles Cllr Amanda Hampsey Cllr Andrew Vennard In relation to 7(k) to nominate Councillor Maurice Corry as Armed Forces Champion. Moved by Councillor Gary Mulvaney, seconded by Councillor Yvonne McNeilly. The Leader of the largest Opposition Group advised that their nominations for Members to sit on Council Committees and other bodies would be confirmed to the Leader of the Council and to the Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support. As the meeting was being held on a hybrid basis, the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows – Motion Amendment No Vote Cllr Armour Cllr Corner Cllr MacPherson Cllr Blair Cllr Corry Cllr Brown Cllr A Hampsey Cllr Campbell-Sturgess Cllr D Hampsey Cllr Currie Cllr McCabe Cllr Forrest Cllr McNeilly Cllr Green Cllr Mulvaney Cllr Hardie Cllr Penfold Cllr Howard Cllr Redman Cllr Hume Cllr Vennard Cllr Irvine Cllr Wallace Cllr Kain Cllr Kelly Cllr Kennedy Cllr Kennedy-Boyle Cllr Lynch Cllr Martin Cllr MacQuire Cllr McFadzean Cllr McKenzie Cllr Moreland Cllr Paterson Cllr Philand Cllr Sinclair Decision The Motion was carried by 24 votes to 11 votes, with one no vote, and the Council resolved accordingly. Full detail of all appointments are noted below (Opposition nominations are in italics) –
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7(a) - Policy Leads and Depute Policy Leads Portfolio Policy Lead Depute Policy Lead Economic Development, Islands and Rural Communities, Housing Cllr Robin Currie Cllr Jim Lynch Finance and Commercial Services Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Jim Lynch Planning and Regulatory Services Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Gordon Blair Care Services Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Kieron Green Roads, Transport and Amenity Services Cllr John Armour Cllr Willie Hume Climate Change, Renewables and Net Zero Cllr Luna Martin Cllr Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Education Cllr Audrey Forrest Cllr Fiona Howard Business Development Cllr Math Campbell- Sturgess Cllr Jan Brown Community Planning and Corporate Services Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson 7(b) - Appointments to Committees Policy and Resources Committee Community Services Committee Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee Cllr John Armour Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr John Armour (Chair) Cllr John Armour Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Jan Brown Cllr Robin Currie (Vice Chair) Cllr Gordon Blair (Vice Chair) Cllr Robin Currie Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Jan Brown Cllr Audrey Forrest (Vice Chair) Cllr Audrey Forrest (Chair) Cllr Willie Hume Cllr Audrey Forrest Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Jim Lynch Cllr Kieron Green (Chair) Cllr Math Campbell- Sturgess Cllr Paul Donald Kennedy Cllr Ian MacQuire Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Dougie McFadzean (Vice Chair) Cllr Luna Martin Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Mark Irvine
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Cllr Jim Lynch (Chair) Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson Cllr William Sinclair Cllr Andrew Kain Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Dougie Philand Cllr Andrew Kain Cllr Paul Donald Kennedy Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Jennifer Kelly Cllr Tommy Macpherson Cllr Dougie Philand Cllr Dougie Philand Cllr Yvonne McNeilly Cllr Gary Mulvaney Cllr Liz McCabe Cllr Gary Mulvaney Cllr Amanda Hampsey Cllr Alastair Redman Cllr Peter Wallace Cllr Yvonne McNeilly Cllr Gemma Penfold Cllr Liz McCabe Cllr Amanda Hampsey Cllr Amanda Hampsey Cllr Maurice Corry Cllr Peter Wallace Cllr Daniel Hampsey Cllr Liz McCabe Cllr Daniel Hampsey Cllr Andrew Vennard Audit and Scrutiny Committee Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Argyll Islands Sounding Board Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Robin Currie (Vice Chair) Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Cllr John Armour (Vice Chair) Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Ross Moreland (Chair) Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Cllr Gary Mulvaney (Vice Chair) Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Jim Lynch (Chair) Cllr Andrew Vennard Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Daniel Hampsey Cllr Liz McCabe Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Maurice Corry Cllr Willie Hume Cllr Andrew Vennard Cllr Liz McCabe Cllr Peter Wallace Cllr Alastair Redman
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7 (c) – Appointment of Area Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs Area Committee Chair Vice-Chair Bute and Cowal Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Helensburgh and Lomond Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Fiona Howard Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Cllr John Armour Cllr Dougie McFadzean Oban, Lorn and the Isles Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Andrew Kain 7(d) - Appointments to Statutory Boards and Joint Committees Organisation Representative Substitute (where appropriate) Scotland Excel Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Cllr William Sinclair Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Valuation Joint Board Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Ian MacQuire Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Peter Wallace Cllr Math Campbell- Sturgess Cllr Andrew Vennard 3 Vacancies HITRANS (Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership) Cllr John Armour Cllr Gordon Blair Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme Joint Committee Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson Cllr Maurice Corry Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson West of Scotland European Forum Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Mark Irvine Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Gary Mulvaney 7(e) - Appointments of the Licensing Board Argyll and Bute Licensing Board Cllr Jan Brown Cllr Audrey Forrest Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Paul Donald Kennedy Cllr Dougie Philand Cllr Liz McCabe Cllr Amanda Hampsey 1 Vacancy 7(f) – Appointments to COSLA COSLA Convention Cllr Jim Lynch Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Daniel Hampsey
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COSLA Leaders Cllr Jim Lynch COSLA’s Policy Boards: a) Environment and Economy Board – Cllr Kieron Green b) Health and Social Care Board – Cllr Dougie McFadzean c) Community Wellbeing Board – Cllr Robin Currie d) Children and Young People Board – Cllr Audrey Forrest COSLA Scottish Joint Council for Local Government Employees Cllr Robin Currie 7(g) - Appointments to Outside Bodies Organisation Representative/s Substitute/s as appropriate Age Scotland Older People’s Champion Cllr Fiona Howard Trustee to the Blindcraft Trust Fund Cllr Graham Hardie University of the Highlands and Islands Foundation Committee Cllr Audrey Forrest SOILLSE – National Network for Gaelic Research Consultative Committee Cllr Robin Currie Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile (Islay Gaelic Centre) Cllr Robin Currie PA23BID 1 Vacancy Isle of Bute BID Board Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Nadair Trust (Scottish Natural Heritage) Cllr Kieron Green Argyll and Bute Local Biodiversity Partnership Cllr Fiona Howard Argyll, Lomond and the Isles Energy Agency (ALIEnergy) Management Board Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Dougie McFadzean Argyll and Bute Renewables Alliance (ABRA) Cllr Robin Currie Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust Cllr Luna Martin Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson KIMO (Kommuners International Kiljorganisation) Cllr Luna Martin Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances Cllr Math Campbell Sturgess West of Scotland Archaeology Service Joint Cllr Jan Brown
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Committee Clyde Marine Planning Partnership Cllr Kieron Green Clyde and Lomond Local Plan Flood District Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Highland and Argyll Local Plan Flood District Cllr Jim Lynch Argyll and Bute Care and Repair Agency Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Graham Hardie Fyne Homes Management Committee Cllr Peter Wallace Argyll Community Housing Association Cllr William Sinclair Cllr Jan Brown Argyll and Bute Area Support Team Cllr Julie McKenzie Argyll and Bute Culture and Heritage Assembly (CHARTS) Cllr Luna Martin Live Argyll Board Cllr William Sinclair Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Maurice Corry Convention of the Highlands and Islands Cllr Jim Lynch Scottish Islands Federation Cllr Dougie McFadzean Islands Strategic Group Cllr Jim Lynch Scottish Government Forum Against Poverty Cllr Graham Hardie Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Cllr Gordon Blair A83 Taskforce Cllr John Armour Cllr Robin Currie Cllr Jim Lynch Cllr Jennifer Kelly Cllr Maurice Corry Clyde, Kintyre and the Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group Cllr John Armour Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Robin Currie Cllr Liz McCabe Argyll, Lochaber, Skye and Small Isles Ferry Stakeholder Group Cllr Willie Hume Cllr Julie McKenzie 1 Vacancy Northern Roads Collaboration Cllr John Armour Cllr Willie Hume Trustee to the Scottish National War Memorial Cllr Tommy Macpherson 7(h) – Appointments to Area Committee Outside Bodies Organisation Representative/s Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Cllr Gordon Blair
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Group Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Peter Wallace Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Gemma Penfold Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group Cllr John Armour Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Garret Corner Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Kieron Green Cllr A Hampsey * All other Area Committee Outside Bodies appointments deferred to the next appropriate meeting of each Area Committee 7(i) – Appointments to Employee Joint Consultative Committee • Leader of the Council – Cllr Jim Lynch • 8 Policy Lead Councillors – Cllrs Armour, Currie, Forrest, Green, Irvine, McFadzean, Martin and Moreland • Leader of Opposition Group – Cllr Gary Mulvaney 7(j) – Appointments to Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers • Policy Lead for Education – Cllr Audrey Forrest • Depute Policy Lead for Education – Cllr Fiona Howard • Policy Lead with responsibility for HR – Cllr Mark Irvine 7(k) – Appointments to other positions i) Armed Forces Champion – Cllr William Sinclair ii) Bute and Cowal Children’s Champion – Cllr Audrey Forrest iii) Helensburgh and Lomond Children’s Champion – Cllr Graham Hardie iv) Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Children’s Champion – Cllr Dougie McFadzean v) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Children’s Champion – 1 Vacancy vi) Representatives on the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee – Cllr Jim Lynch, Leader of the Council and Cllr Mark Irvine, Policy Lead for Community Planning vii) Representatives on Oban Common Good Fund – Cllr Jim Lynch, Cllr Julie McKenzie, Cllr Kieron Green, Cllr Amanda Hampsey 7(l) – Councillors Remuneration i) Noted that remuneration for the Provost and Leader, as set out by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2024, would be • Provost/Civic Head - £32,024 • Leader of the Council - £42,698 ii) Agreed that the annual remuneration for a Policy Lead Councillor and Area Committee Chair be set at £32,023 and £25,547 respectively in line with the
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approach taken in previous Council terms, and noted that, in the event that the same member holds more than one of these positions, that member would receive the higher amount only in respect of the relevant position; iii) Agreed that any future annual percentage increase in Policy Lead Councillor or Area Committee Chair remuneration shall be the same as that determined by regulations for the basic allowances; iv) Proposed that a salary of £25,547 be provided to the Leader of the largest Opposition Group. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 9 April 2024, submitted and Motion by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest, tabled) The Head of Legal and Regulatory Support advised that Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health and Policy, who had been invited to present the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2023 contained at item 8 of the Agenda, had given advance notice that he was to attend an urgent meeting. It was noted that he was not in attendance at this point but would join remotely as soon as he was available. The Provost ruled, and the Council agreed, to reorder the Business as appropriate until Dr Allison was in attendance to present his Director of Public Health Annual Report to the Council. 8. LEARNING ESTATE INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (LEIP): MULL CAMPUS UPDATE The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Council’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) to deliver a new Campus on Mull. The report followed on from previous updates to the Policy and Resources Committee on 15 February 2024 and the Council on 22 February 2024. Decision The Council – 1. noted the capital and revenue implications of the LEIP / Mull Campus project which were of a strategic financial nature; 2. considered the project to be affordable at this time, and agreed that up to £5m from the previously earmarked LEIP funding be used to commence the Business Case, undertake engagement exercises, commence the site selection process and establish governance arrangements; with updates being brought back to Members at appropriate gateway points; 3. noted the information provided in regard to the Economic, Community & Educational implications relative to the proposed Mull Campus as outlined in the bid and previous reports and that these would be considered further once the project proceeded to a full business case; and 4. noted that capital and revenue budget provision would require to be built into future budget estimates and approved as part of budget setting process. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services and Education; and Executive Director with responsibility for Finance / Section 95 Officer dated 16 April 2024, submitted)
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9. NHS HIGHLAND DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT 2023 The Director of Public Health and Policy presented the Council with the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health for 2023. The theme of the report was medication and public health. Decision The Council- 1. noted the Director of Public Health Annual Report; and 2. supported the recommendations as laid out within the submitted report. (Reference: Report by Director of Public Health and Policy dated 25 April 2024 and Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2023, submitted) Councillor Maurice Corry left the meeting at this point. 10. LEVELLING UP PARTNERSHIP PROCESS The Council gave consideration to a report advising that since the announcement by the UK Government in relation to The Levelling Up Partnership, relatively little information had been provided on the process of the fund or how the fund would operate. The report advised that there was up to £20M capital funding that would be available in 2025/26. Decision The Council – 1. noted the Levelling Up Partnership process as it was currently understood; and 2. noted the ongoing work and engagement with UK Government officials, and agreed to refer consideration of the prioritisation of the projects as identified within Table 1 within the submitted report to the Policy and Resources Committee at their next meeting. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated March 2024, submitted) The Provost ruled, and the Council agreed to adjourn the meeting for lunch at this point. The meeting reconvened at 1.30pm with all those present as per the sederunt with the exception of Councillor Garret Corner. 11. SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ADDRESSING DEPOPULATION ACTION PLAN The Council gave consideration to a report providing a high level overview of the content of the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Action Plan. Decision The Council –
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1. noted the publication of the Scottish Government’s Depopulation Action Plan and its content; and 2. approved that the Council continue to engage with the Scottish Government to focus on delivering further investment in communities facing depopulation with an increased focus on the key issues of affordable housing, digital and transport connectivity together with employment opportunity. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated February 2024, submitted) Councillor Maurice Corry, having declared an interest in the following item of business, left the room and took no part in the consideration of this item. 12. UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND - VIBRANT & LIVING SPACES GRANT FUND - ALLOCATION OF FUNDING The Council gave consideration to a report that sought approval of the projects recommended for funding from the Vibrant and Living Spaces Grant Fund. Decision The Council agreed that – 1. the recommended projects in paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report were taken forward to be offered a grant at the level of funding set out; 2. the remaining small surplus should be held to address any shortfalls in project budgets as they progress; and 3. delegated authority be given to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Leader and Depute Leaders in regard to any necessary future changes required between specific allocations subject to not exceeding the budget available. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 25 March 2024, submitted) Councillor Maurice Corry rejoined the meeting at this point. 13. PROPOSED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 3: DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME The Council gave consideration to a report which sought approval of the Development Plan Scheme (DPS) in relation to proposed Local Development Plan 3, including the associated Participation Statement and governance arrangements; and which sought authority to publish the approved Development Plan Scheme and submit it to Scottish Ministers. Decision The Council – 1. noted the content of the submitted report;
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2. approved the proposed governance arrangements; and 3. approved the Development Plan Scheme attached at Appendix A to the submitted report for publication and submission to Scottish Ministers. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 25 April 2024, submitted) 14. HOUSING EMERGENCY - STRATEGIC HOUSING FUND APPLICATION: ISLAND OF ULVA The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on progress in relation to housing on the island of Ulva since the community buy out of the island by the North West Community Woodland Company in 2018. The report requested a Strategic Housing Fund grant to upgrade the water and sewerage infrastructure to enable the capacity to deliver more affordable homes on the island. Decision The Council – 1. approved a grant of up to £80,000 from the Strategic Housing Fund to upgrade the water and sewerage infrastructure on the island of Ulva by constructing a new water treatment shed to facilitate the development of additional affordable houses; and 2. delegated to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, the terms and conditions to be attached to any grant required as a consequence of the submitted report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 25 April 2024, submitted) Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson left the meeting at this point. 15. HOUSING EMERGENCY - COLONSAY AFFORDABLE HOUSING UPDATE The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the housing project being delivered by Colonsay Community Development Company at Scalasaig, Colonsay. The report confirmed the continuing high level of housing need and demand on Colonsay and the requirement for a multi-tenure approach to address the need and demand on the island. Decision The Council – 1. authorised a grant to Colonsay Community Development Company of £100,000 to enable the successful delivery of the multi-tenure housing development at Scalasaig, Colonsay subject to match funding approval from Highland and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Government; and 2. delegated to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and
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Regulatory Support, the terms and conditions to be attached to any grant as a consequence of the submitted report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated April 2024, submitted) 16. CAPITAL CONTRACT INCREASES FUND - REQUEST FOR SPEND The Council gave consideration to a report setting out two instances where the Council had allocated budget for capital works, and had experienced a price increase to the works. The report sought funding to be approved from the Capital Contract Increases Fund in relation to road works as a result of a landslip at Auchmeanach Farm, Claonaig and a Road Marking Machine. Decision The Council agreed – 1. to fund £706k from the Capital Contract Increases Fund to contribute to the landslip works at Claonaig; 2. to fund £28k from the Capital Contract Increases Fund to contribute towards the purchase of the Road Marking Machine; and 3. that delegated authority be granted for the use of the Capital Contract Increases Fund to the Council’s Chief Executive and two Executive Directors in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leaders and Leader of the largest Opposition Group. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated April 2024, submitted) 17. PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR ISLANDS CONNECTIVITY PLAN The Council gave consideration to a draft response to the Scottish Government’s consultation titled ‘Public Consultation for Island Connectivity plan’. Decision The Council approved the consultation response to be returned to Transport Scotland subject to – 1. amending the response to question 12 to read yes instead of no; and 2. strengthening the response around capacity and demand to note the difficulty around residents ability to book ferries at short notice due to block bookings for freight. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated March 2024, submitted) 18. OCTOBER 2023 WEATHER EVENT - UPDATE The Council gave consideration to a report summarising the rain event that caused significant travel disruption and damage during the weekend of 7 October 2023. The
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report also summarised the extent of works that had been carried out to repair the damage and considered what the next steps should be. Decision The Council noted the content of the submitted report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated April 2024, submitted) 19. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN DESIGNATED PLACES BYELAWS The Council gave consideration to a recommendation from the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee in relation to a review of the Byelaw prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in designated places in Argyll and Bute, which was due in 2024. Decision The Council agreed that no change to the Byelaw was required at this time in the knowledge that should there be any changes in circumstances, that a formal review could take place at any point before the next period of review, subject to adherence to the Scottish Government Guidelines and their consequent approval and confirmation. (Reference: Extract of Minute of Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee held on 18 October 2023, and report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 18 October 2023, submitted) Councillor Tommy MacPherson left the meeting at this point. 20. NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 13 The following Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 13 was before the Council for consideration: Argyll and Bute Council recognises the huge contribution made by our farmers, crofters, growers and fishermen to our local economy, environment and wider rural communities. Consequently, Argyll and Bute Council commits to maintaining and where possible enhancing our working relationships with local arable, livestock, crofting, dairy farmers and fishermen by: (a) where possible, ensuring that food and drinks provided at Council organised events includes items sourced from local suppliers; to always include where possible meat, dairy and fish produce, alongside arable produce; (b) as part of tackling the environmental priorities for Argyll and Bute Council; The Council will consider ways to encourage residents, where possible, to shop locally taking advantage of our Love Local marketing work, and taking advantage of home-grown, affordable and nutritious produce, including meat, dairy, fish and arable options. Thus reducing food miles to our tables and boosting the local economy. (c) to continue to advocate to the Scottish and UK Governments the importance of supporting Argyll and Bute’s Food and Drink sector to our economy and way of life. Moved by Councillor Alastair Redman, seconded by Councillor Liz McCabe.
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Amendment Argyll and Bute Council recognises the huge contribution made by our farmers, crofters, growers and fishers to our local economy, environment and wider rural communities. Consequently, Argyll and Bute Council commits to maintaining and where possible enhancing our working relationships with our local growers, fishers, delis, independent shopkeepers and traders by- a) Where possible, ensuring that food and drinks provided at Council organised events includes items sourced from local suppliers. b) As part of tackling the environmental priorities for Argyll and Bute Council; The Council will consider ways to encourage residents, where possible, to shop locally taking advantage of our Love Local marketing work, farmers markets and craft fairs, taking advantage of home-grown, affordable and nutritious produce, and encourage where possible the retention of cash to help support our more remote and rural traders. c) To continue to advocate to the Scottish and UK Governments the importance of supporting Argyll and Bute’s Food and Drink sector to our economy and way of life. Moved by Councillor Mark Irvine, seconded by Councillor Dougie McFadzean. As the meeting was being held on a hybrid basis, the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows – Motion Amendment Councillor Corry Councillor Armour Councillor A Hampsey Councillor Blair Councillor D Hampsey Councillor Brown Councillor McCabe Councillor Campbell-Sturgess Councillor McNeilly Councillor Currie Councillor Mulvaney Councillor Forrest Councillor Penfold Councillor Green Councillor Redman Councillor Hardie Councillor Sinclair Councillor Howard Councillor Vennard Councillor Hume Councillor Wallace Councillor Irvine Councillor Kain Councillor Kelly Councillor Kennedy Councillor Kennedy-Boyle Councillor Lynch Councillor Martin Councillor MacQuire Councillor McFadzean Councillor McKenzie Councillor Moreland Councillor Philand
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Decision The Amendment was carried by 22 votes to 11 votes and the Council resolved accordingly. (Reference: Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 13 by Councillor Alastair Redman, seconded by Councillor Liz McCabe, submitted; and Amendment by Councillor Mark Irvine, seconded by Councillor Dougie McFadzean, tabled) 21. NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 14 Taking into account the amendment to the Motion referred to by the Executive Director at the start of the meeting, the following Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 14 was before the Council as a matter of urgency – Argyll and Bute Council deplores the announced closure of the Helensburgh branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland which will leave Helensburgh and Lomond with only one high street bank to serve the whole population and will have a seriously detrimental effect on the area’s many small businesses and retail outlets. and a) Agrees that the Leader of the Council should express the Council’s concerns to the bank Chief Executive - and b) Also ask bank owner NatWest to reconsider their decision while at the same time engaging with Cash Access UK and other banking providers to explore the possibility of establishing a banking hub in its Helensburgh premises as has been done in a number of other Scottish towns. Moved by Councillor Fiona Howard, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess. Decision The Council agreed the terms of the Motion and resolved accordingly. (Reference: Notice of Motion by Councillor Fiona Howard, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, tabled)
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Appendix 1 Administration Motions – Council 25th April 2023 Agenda Item 7 – Political Management Arrangements 7A – Appointment of Policy Leads: On the nomination of the Leader, the Council appoints the following Policy Lead and Depute Policy Lead roles as set out in Table 7A below: Table 7A – Policy Lead Appointments Portfolio Policy Lead Depute Policy Lead Economic Development, Islands and Rural Communities, Housing Cllr Robin Currie Cllr Jim Lynch Finance and Commercial Services Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Jim Lynch Planning and Regulatory Services Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Gordon Blair Care Services Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Kieron Green Roads, Transport and Amenity Services Cllr John Armour Cllr Willie Hume Climate Change, Renewables and Net Zero Cllr Luna Martin Cllr Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Education Cllr Audrey Forrest Cllr Fiona Howard Business Development Cllr Math Campbell-Sturgess Cllr Jan Brown Community Planning and Corporate Services Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson 7B – Appointments to Committees i) Appoints the Administration members, Chairs and Vice Chairs of the following committees, as set out in table 7B below: • Audit and Scrutiny – 3 Administration places • Community Services – 11 Administration places • Environment, Development and Infrastructure – 11 Administration places • Policy and Resources – 12 Administration places • Planning, Protective Services and Licensing – 11 Administration members nominated to Regulatory Cohort of 15 • Argyll and Bute Harbour Board – 5 Administration spaces • Argyll Islands Sounding Board – 7 Administration spaces ii) Invites the Leader of the Opposition Group to nominate members to sit on the following committees: • Audit and Scrutiny – 3 spaces in total, and invites nominations for the role of Vice-Chair to be notified to the Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support • Community Services – 5 spaces in total • Environment, Development and Infrastructure – 5 spaces in total • Policy and Resources – 4 spaces in total
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• Planning, Protective Services and Licensing – 4 spaces in total, appointed to the Regulatory Cohort of 15 • Argyll and Bute Harbour Board – 3 spaces in total • Argyll Islands Sounding Board – 3 spaces in total Table 7B – Committee Appointments Policy and Resources Committee Community Services Committee Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee Cllr John Armour Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr John Armour (Chair) Cllr John Armour Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Jan Brown Cllr Robin Currie (Vice Chair) Cllr Gordon Blair (Vice Chair) Cllr Robin Currie Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Jan Brown Cllr Audrey Forrest (Vice Chair) Cllr Audrey Forrest (Chair) Cllr Willie Hume Cllr Audrey Forrest Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Jim Lynch Cllr Kieron Green (Chair) Cllr Math Campbell- Sturgess Cllr Paul Donald Kennedy Cllr Ian MacQuire Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Dougie McFadzean (Vice Chair) Cllr Luna Martin Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Reeni Kennedy- Boyle Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Jim Lynch (Chair) Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson Cllr William Sinclair Cllr Andrew Kain Cllr Ross Moreland Cllr Dougie Philand Cllr Andrew Kain Cllr Paul Donald Kennedy Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Jennifer Kelly Cllr Tommy Macpherson Cllr Dougie Philand Cllr Dougie Philand Audit and Scrutiny Committee Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Argyll Islands Sounding Board Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Robin Currie (Vice Chair) Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Cllr John Armour (Vice Chair) Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Fiona Howard Cllr Ross Moreland (Chair) Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Jim Lynch (Chair) Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Willie Hume 7C – Appointment of Area Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs: The Council appoints the following members to the roles of Area Committee Chair and Vice-Chair as set out at Table 7C: Table 7C
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Area Committee Chair Vice-Chair Bute and Cowal Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Helensburgh and Lomond Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Fiona Howard Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Cllr John Armour Cllr Dougie McFadzean Oban, Lorn and the Isles Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Andrew Kain 7D – Appointments to Statutory Boards and Joint Committees: The Council i) Appoints the Council’s representatives to Statutory Boards and Joint Committees as set out in Table 7D: ii) Invites the Leader of the Opposition Group to nominate representatives for the following organisations: a) Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Valuation Join board – 1 representative, 3 substitutes b) Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme Joint Committee – 1 substitute c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board – 1 representative Table 7D Organisation Representative Substitute (where appropriate) Scotland Excel Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Cllr William Sinclair Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Valuation Joint Board Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Ian MacQuire Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Gordon Blair 1 Opposition councillor Cllr Math Campbell-Sturgess 3 Opposition councillors HITRANS (Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership) Cllr John Armour Cllr Gordon Blair Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme Joint Committee Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson 1 Opposition councillor Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson West of Scotland European Forum Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Mark Irvine Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Ross Moreland 1 Opposition Councillor 7E – Appointments to the Licensing Board: As set out in Table 7E, the Council appoints the following 7 Administration members of the Regulatory Cohort to Argyll and Bute Licensing Board, and invites the Leader of the Opposition Group to nominate 3 members to fill the remaining spaces, noting that any members appointed to the Regulatory Cohort will require to be suitably trained if this has not already been undertaken:
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Table 7E Argyll and Bute Licensing Board Cllr Jan Brown Cllr Audrey Forrest Cllr Kieron Green Cllr Graham Hardie Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Paul Donald Kennedy Cllr Dougie Philand 7F – Appointments to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA): The Council – i) Appoints Cllr Jim Lynch and Cllr Fiona Howard to COSLA Convention. ii) Invites the Leader of the Opposition Group to nominate one member in order to fulfil the Council’s allocation of three representatives, reflecting political balance in line with COSLA requirements, to COSLA Convention. iii) Notes that Cllr Jim Lynch will represent the Council at COSLA Leaders. iv) Appoints the following members to COSLA’s Policy Boards: e) Environment and Economy Board – Cllr Kieron Green f) Health and Social Care Board – Cllr Dougie McFadzean g) Community Wellbeing Board – Cllr Robin Currie h) Children and Young People Board – Cllr Audrey Forrest v) Appoints Cllr Robin Currie to the COSLA Scottish Joint Council for Local Government Employees 7G – Appointments to Outside Bodies: The Council – iii) Appoints the Council’s representatives to outside bodies as set out in Table 7G; iv) Invites the Leader of the Opposition Group to nominate representatives for the following organisations: a) A83 Taskforce – 1 representative b) Clyde, Kintyre and Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group – 1 representative c) Argyll, Lochaber, Skye and Small Isles Ferry Stakeholder Group – 1 representative d) Fyne Homes Management Committee – 1 representative e) Live Argyll Board – 1 representative Table 7G Organisation Representative/s Substitute/s as appropriate Age Scotland Older People’s Champion Cllr Fiona Howard Trustee to the Blindcraft Trust Fund Cllr Graham Hardie University of the Highlands and Islands Foundation Committee Cllr Audrey Forrest SOILLSE – National Network for Gaelic Research Consultative Committee Cllr Robin Currie Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile (Islay Gaelic Centre) Cllr Robin Currie PA23BID No appointment Isle of Bute BID Board Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle
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Nadair Trust (Scottish Natural Heritage) Cllr Kieron Green Argyll and Bute Local Biodiversity Partnership Cllr Fiona Howard Argyll, Lomond and the Isles Energy Agency (ALIEnergy) Management Board Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Dougie McFadzean Argyll and Bute Renewables Alliance (ABRA) Cllr Robin Currie Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust Cllr Luna Martin Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson KIMO (Kommuners International Kiljorganisation) Cllr Luna Martin Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances Cllr Math Campbell Sturgess West of Scotland Archaeology Service Joint Committee Cllr Jan Brown Clyde Marine Planning Partnership Cllr Kieron Green Clyde and Lomond Local Plan Flood District Cllr Reeni Kennedy Boyle Highland and Argyll Local Plan Flood District Cllr Jim Lynch Argyll and Bute Care and Repair Agency Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Graham Hardie Fyne Homes Management Committee 1 Opposition councillor Argyll Community Housing Association Cllr William Sinclair Cllr Jan Brown Argyll and Bute Area Support Team Cllr Julie McKenzie Argyll and Bute Culture and Heritage Assembly (CHARTS) Cllr Luna Martin Live Argyll Board Cllr William Sinclair Cllr Fiona Howard 1 Opposition councillor Convention of the Highlands and Islands Cllr Jim Lynch Scottish Islands Federation Cllr Dougie McFadzean Islands Strategic Group Cllr Jim Lynch Scottish Government Forum Against Poverty Cllr Graham Hardie Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Cllr Gordon Blair A83 Taskforce Cllr John Armour Cllr Robin Currie Cllr Jim Lynch Cllr Jennifer Kelly 1 Opposition councillor Clyde, Kintyre and the Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group Cllr John Armour Cllr Dougie McFadzean Cllr Robin Currie 1 Opposition councillor
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Argyll, Lochaber, Skye and Small Isles Ferry Stakeholder Group Cllr Willie Hume Cllr Julie McKenzie 1 Opposition councillor Northern Roads Collaboration Cllr John Armour Cllr Willie Hume Trustee to the Scottish National War Memorial Cllr Tommy Macpherson 7H – Appointments to Area Committee Outside Bodies: The Council: i) Appoints representatives to the four Area Community Planning Groups, as set out in Table 7H; ii) Invites the Leader of the Opposition Group to nominate representatives for the four Area Community Planning Groups as set out below: a) Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group – 1 member from Bute b) Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group – 1 member from Helensburgh and Lomond South c) Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group – 1 representative d) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group – 1 member iii) Agrees to defer all other Area Committee Outside Bodies appointments to the next appropriate meeting of each Area Committee. Table 7H Organisation Representative/s Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group Cllr Gordon Blair Cllr Ross Moreland 1 Opposition councillor from Ward 8, Isle of Bute Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Cllr Mark Irvine Cllr Fiona Howard 1 Opposition councillor from Ward 11, Helensburgh and Lomond South Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group Cllr John Armour Cllr Dougie McFadzean 1 Opposition councillor from Ward 3, Mid Argyll Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Cllr Julie McKenzie Cllr Kieron Green 1 Opposition councillor from Ward 4, Oban South and the Isles 7I – Appointments to Employee Joint Consultative Committee (EJCC): The Council: i) Notes the Constitution of the Employee Joint Consultative Committee as set out in Appendix I; ii) Confirms that the membership of the EJCC will comprise the following: • Leader of the Council • 8 Policy Lead Councillors – Cllrs Armour, Currie, Forrest, Green, Irvine, McFadzean, Martin and Moreland
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• Leader of Opposition Group 7J – Appointments to the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers (LNCT): The Council: i) Agrees to appoint the following elected members to the LNCT: • Policy Lead for Education – Cllr Audrey Forrest • Depute Policy Lead for Education – Cllr Fiona Howard • Policy Lead with responsibility for HR – Cllr Mark Irvine 7K – Appointments to other positions: The Council agrees the following appointments and invites the Leader of the Opposition Group to nominate 1 member as the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Children’s Champion, and one Oban, South and the Isles Councillor to the Oban Common Good Fund: viii) Armed Forces Champion – Cllr William Sinclair ix) Bute and Cowal Children’s Champion – Cllr Audrey Forrest x) Helensburgh and Lomond Children’s Champion – Cllr Graham Hardie xi) Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Children’s Champion – Cllr Dougie McFadzean xii) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Children’s Champion – 1 Opposition councillor as noted above xiii) Representatives on the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee – Cllr Jim Lynch, Leader of the Council and Cllr Mark Irvine, Policy Lead for Community Planning xiv) Representatives on Oban Common Good Fund – Cllr Jim Lynch, Cllr Julie McKenzie, Cllr Kieron Green, plus one Opposition councillor from Ward 4, Oban South and the Isles as noted above. 7L – Councillors’ Remuneration: The Council: v) Notes that remuneration for the Provost and Leader, as set out by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2024, will be • Provost/Civic Head - £32,024 • Leader of the Council - £42,698 vi) Agrees that the annual remuneration for a Policy Lead Councillor and Area Committee Chair be set at £32,023 and £25,547 respectively in line with the approach taken in previous Council terms, and notes that, in the event that the same member holds more than one of these positions, that member will receive the higher amount only in respect of the relevant position; vii) Agrees that any future annual percentage increase in Policy Lead Councillor or Area Committee Chair remuneration shall be the same as that determined by regulations for the basic allowances; viii) Proposes that a salary of £25,547 be provided to the Leader of the largest Opposition Group.