Provost L Cameron, Convener, presided.

S Black, Chief Executive; S Quinn, Acting Director of Children’s Services; M Crearie, Director of Development & Housing Services; S MacDougall, Director of Environment & Communities; A Russell, Director of Finance & Resources; L McIntyre, Head of Policy & Commissioning (Chief Executive’s Service); D Hawthorn, Head of Child Care & Criminal Justice (Children’s Services); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager, L Belshaw, Democratic Services Manager and A McNaughton, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources); J McKellar, Chief Executive (Renfrewshire Leisure Limited); and D Leese, Chief Officer and I Beattie, Head of Health & Social Care (Paisley) (both Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership)

The Provost acknowledged the death of Alistair Nimmo, a former Renfrew District and Renfrewshire Councillor who for over 16 years had represented Lochwinnoch and Howwood, and after hearing tributes from members, extended sincere condolences to his family and friends on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.

The meeting adjourned at 10.50 and reconvened at 11.05.

The Provost referred to Shona MacDougall’s retirement from the Council.  The Provost and other members then paid tribute to her service to the Council and wished her a long and happy retirement.

Councillor Shaw declared a non-financial interest in item 17 of the agenda as his son was a musician in Johnstone Pipe Band and intimated that he would remain in the meeting.

Councillor Kerr declared a non-financial interest in item 10 of the agenda as he was a Trustee of the Board of Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and intimated that he would leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Montgomery declared a financial interest in item 10 of the agenda as he was an employee of Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and intimated that he would leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor J Cameron declared a non-financial interest in item 19 of the agenda as she was a member of the KAIROS group and intimated that she would remain in the meeting.

There were submitted the Minutes of the following meetings of the Council, Boards and Panel on the dates specified:

Council, 3 May 2018
Placing Requests and Exclusion Appeal Panel, 16 May 2018
Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, 22 May 2018
Renfrew and Gallowhill Local Area Committee, 22 May 2018
Regulatory Functions Board, 23 May 2018
Appointment Board, 23 May 2018
Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, 24 May 2018
Appointment Board, 24 May 2018
Paisley North Local Area Committee, 24 May 2018
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 29 May 2018
Paisley South Local Area Committee, 28 May 2018
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 30 May 2018
Johnstone and the Villages Local Area Committee, 31 May 2018
Petitions Board, 4 June 2018
Appointment Board, 6 June 2018
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 6 June 2018
Cross Party Sounding Board, 6 June 2018
Houston, Erskine, Riverside and Linwood Local Area Committee, 6 June 2018
Regulatory Functions Board, 7 June 2018
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeal Panel, 7 June 2018
Appointment Board, 12 June 2018
Local Review Body, 12 June 2018
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeal Panel, 13 June 2018
Local Review Body, 19 June 2018
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeal Panel, 20 June 2018
Leadership Board, 20 June 2018

Councillor Kennedy proposed that pages 398-401 of the Minute of the meeting of the Placing Requests and Exclusion Appeals Panel held on 7 June 2018, be amended to record her dissent in relation to the decisions taken at items 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the Minute.  This was agreed.

DECIDED:  That, subject to the amendment of items 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of pages 398-401 of the Minute of the meeting of the Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel held on 7 June 2018 to include a record of dissent by Councillor Kennedy, the Minutes be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s Annual Accounts and Group Accounts for 2017/18 which were appended to the report and would be submitted for audit by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2018.  The report intimated that the Auditor planned to complete the audit process by early September 2018 and that their report would be made available to all members and submitted to the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board to be held on 25 September 2018 for consideration.

 

It was noted that, in compliance with charity accounting requirements, the Council’s accounts did not incorporate statements relating to Common Good Funds and Charitable Trust Funds and separate accounts had been prepared to accord with these requirements.

 

DECIDED:

 

(a)  That, subject to audit, the Annual Accounts for 2017/18 be approved;

 

(b)  That it be noted that Audit Scotland planned to complete the audit of the Accounts by early September 2018 and that their report would be made available to all members and submitted to the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board to be held on 25 September 2018 for detailed consideration;

 

(c)  That the sums earmarked within the General fund reserves and Housing Revenue Account reserves as outlined in paragraph 3.3 of the report be approved;

 

(d)  That the transfer of resources as detailed below be approved:

 

 

 

Opening   Contributions  Reserves           Closing

          Balance   to Reserves    Used /                Balance

      Transferred

                                                              £ms           £ms           £ms                £ms

Insurance Fund                                  2.543              -                -                    2.543

Reservoir Repair Fund                       0.314         0.001           -                      0.315

Education Capital Items                     0.766         0.586         0.220                1.132

Investment Programme Capital        80.742        9.484         4.320              85.906

Fund

Total                                                84.365       10.071        4.540           89.896

 

(e)  That, subject to audit, the annual accounts for the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts, copies of which were attached, which under accounting regulations required to be prepared and audited separately from the Council’s accounts, be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the medium-term financial strategy published by the Scottish Government on 31 May 2018, a copy of which was appended to the report.

The publication set out the Scottish Government’s view of the public finances and its approach to using the financial powers available under the Scotland Acts 2012 and 2016 over the next five years.  The document addressed a key recommendation of the Scottish Parliament Budget Process Review Group and would inform a new annual budget cycle.  The document would be updated annually.

The strategy outlined key priorities for the Scottish Government and potential scenarios for funding and detailed other areas of public services (including local government) that were likely to face further reductions in funding over the period of the strategy.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the fiscal outlook published by the Scottish Government and the priority areas for funding outlined, be noted;

(b)  That the implications for the Council in terms of potential further reductions in grant funding and the potential scenarios for these which would be incorporated into the Council’s financial planning assumptions, be noted; and

(c)  That it be noted that an updated financial outlook for the Council would be presented to members in Autumn 2018.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Treasury Management Annual Report 2017/18 submitted in accordance with the Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010 and outlining treasury management activity over the year.

The report intimated that during 2017/18 all aspects of the Treasury Policy Statement were complied with and provided an overview of Treasury activities including the Treasury Portfolio Position as at 31 March 2018, reviews of borrowing and investment outturn, borrowing strategy and new borrowing, investment strategy and investment outturn.  Details of debt rescheduling and compliance with Treasury limits was also provided.

DECIDED:  That the Treasury Management Annual Report 2017/18 be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to proposed changes to the Council’s Scheme of Delegated Functions (the Scheme); the appointment of an elected member to the Board of PACE Theatre Company; and an update on the Council’s review of community-level governance arrangements.

The report detailed the proposed changes to the Scheme that were required to ensure that the delegation of specific functions remained relevant and up-to-date and intimated that PACE, a youth theatre group based in Paisley, had invited the Council to nominate an elected member to be a director of the Company.  The Chief Executive advised that further work to develop final proposals for community-level governance arrangements required to be carried out and a report would now be considered by the Cross Party Sounding Board prior to being submitted to the Council for consideration at its meeting on 27 September 2018.  It was anticipated that, subject to approval by the Council, new arrangements for community-level governance would be effective from October 2018.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved that Councillor Hughes be appointed as a Director of PACE.  This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

(a)  That Councillor Hughes be appointed to the Board of PACE Theatre Company, subject to confirmation from the Director of Finance & Resources that an appropriate insurance policy was in place, as detailed in the report;

(b)  That Section 4 (Statutory appointments of officers) of the Council’s Scheme of Delegated Functions be amended to include the statutory appointments of officers as Civic Licensing Standards Officers in terms of Section 45(G) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and the Head of Corporate Governance as Responsible Officer in terms of Section 7 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Scotland) Act 2000;

(c)  That Section 5 (Powers Delegated to Officers) of the Council’s Scheme of Delegated Functions be amended as follows:

   (i)  To add a new paragraph 16 to the delegations to the Director of Finance & Resources to read: ‘To have overall responsibility for information risk as Senior Information Risk Owner’ and to renumber the subsequent paragraphs accordingly;

  (ii)  To include new delegations to the Head of Marketing and Communications as detailed in paragraph 3.4 of the report and to make the consequent change to the delegations to the Head of Policy & Commissioning referred to in that paragraph;

(d)  That the Terms of Reference of the Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board be amended to add a new paragraph 52 to read: ‘To consider and where appropriate approve applications for funding from the Community Empowerment Fund’; and

(e)  That it be noted that a final report on the review of community-level governance would be submitted to the Cross Party Sounding Board and thereafter to the Council meeting to be held on 27 September 2018.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Community Protection Chief Officers Group Annual Report 2017/18, a copy of which was appended to the report, highlighting the key benefits of partnership working and providing an overview of the main elements of work that those involved in public protection had delivered during 2017/18 including: the joint inspection of adult health and social care services; exercise Agora Archway; the Children’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Conference; reassurance following the Grenfell Tower fire; resettlement of Syrian refugees; implementation of the national Naloxone Programme to prevent drug-related deaths; the Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference; the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry; and the appointment of the Chief Social Work Officer as Welfare Guardian for 117 adults with incapacity.  

The report also set out the range of priorities to be taken forward in partnership during 2018/19 and emphasised that the group would continue to seek to ensure that performance and practice were scrutinised at a strategic level, to identify good practice, to highlight areas for improvement, and to consider where further opportunities for early intervention and prevention activity would achieve improved outcomes for local people.

DECIDED:  That the key activities progressed by the Chief Officers Group during 2017/18 and the identified priorities to be taken forward in partnership during 2018/19 be noted.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sheridan and Sharkey in the following terms:

“That this council is gravely concerned by recent developments on the Israel-Gaza border and the killing and injuring of Palestinian protestors; affirms the right to peaceful protest and the right to freedom of expression; deplores the actions of those who seek to exploit peaceful protests to engage in violence; notes that Israel’s effective control of access into and out of the territory means Gaza remains under occupation, that the health system is on the verge of collapse and that the recent influx of casualties has put the health system under even more pressure, supports the calls by UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and EU Foreign Affairs representative Federica Mogherini for an independent and transparent investigation into the killing and injuring of Palestinians in Gaza during the protests; and urges the Government to call for and support an independent investigation, and, where breaches of international law and international humanitarian law are identified for those responsible to be held to account.”

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, then moved the motion.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor McCartin, moved as an amendment that a new paragraph be added to the motion as follows:

“Council believes that the only long term solution to breaches of human rights on the Israel-Gaza border is to encourage progressive opinion within Israel to promote peace and reconciliation, predicated on recognising the rights of national self determination for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”

In terms of Standing Order 27 Councillors Sheridan and Sharkey, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the amendment and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: 

(a)  That this Council is gravely concerned by recent developments on the Israel-Gaza border and the killing and injuring of Palestinian protestors; affirms the right to peaceful protest and the right to freedom of expression; deplores the actions of those who seek to exploit peaceful protests to engage in violence; note that Israel’s effective control of access into and out of the territory means Gaza remains under occupation, that the health system is on the verge of collapse and that the recent influx of casualties has put the health system under even more pressure, supports the calls by UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and EU Foreign Affairs representative Federica Mogherini for an independent and transparent investigation into the killing and injuring of Palestinians in Gaza during the protests; and urges the Government to call for and support an independent investigation, and, where breaches of international law and international humanitarian law are identified for those responsible to be held to account; and

(b)  That the Council believes that the only long term solution to breaches of human rights on the Israel-Gaza border is to encourage progressive opinion within Israel to promote peace and reconciliation, predicated on recognising the rights of national self-determination for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Hood and Kennedy in the following terms:

“The Council condemns the lack of action to prevent the fouling by birds of the pavements and carriageways, under many rail bridges in Renfrewshire.  The Council instructs the Chief Executive to meet Network Rail and other relevant bodies to resolve this as a matter of urgency.”

Councillor Hood, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, then moved the motion.

Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor Hughes, moved as an amendment that Council notes the longstanding issue of preventing fouling of birds on the footways under many rail bridges in Renfrewshire.  Council further notes that resolution of this issue is complicated by the outcome of the legal case Railtrack plc v Strathclyde Regional Council (1995).

In order that elected members be fully informed, Council agrees to instruct the Chief Executive to bring to the appropriate board a comprehensive report on the subject setting out both the legal position and all available options.

In terms of Standing Order 27 Councillors Hood and Kennedy, being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment and the amendment was approved unanimously.

DECIDED:  That Council notes the longstanding issues of preventing fouling of birds on the footways under many rail bridges in Renfrewshire.  Council further notes that resolution of this issue was complicated by the outcome of the legal case Railtrack plc v Strathclyde Regional Council (1995).  In order that elected members be fully informed, Council agrees to instruct the Chief Executive to bring to the appropriate Board a comprehensive report on the subject setting out both the legal position and all available options.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McCartin and Andy Doig in the following terms:

“Council requests that correspondence with members of the public is responded to timeously within the specified 10 working days period, with an initial holding acknowledgement sent as a matter of course.

Council also requires to examine response times to official Community Council correspondence, and to shorten the 10 working days period in acknowledgement of their role as part of the democratic representation of the people of their area.”

Councillor McCartin, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  Council requests that correspondence with members of the public is responded to timeously within the specified 10 working days period, with an initial holding acknowledgement sent as a matter of course.  Council also requires to examine response times to official Community Council correspondence, and to shorten the 10 working days period in acknowledgement of their role as part of the democratic representation of the people of their area.


Declarations of Interest

Councillors Montgomery and Kerr, having previously declared an interest in the undernoted item, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Steel also declared an interest during consideration of the undernoted item as he was a member of the Board of Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and remained in the meeting.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Dowling and Strang which Provost L Cameron ruled was not competent in terms of Standing Order 28 – rescinding of decisions -  as it was contrary to the decision which had been taken at item 14 of page 432 of the Minute of the meeting of the Leadership Board, held on 20 June 2018 and there had been no material change in circumstances justifying the matter being reconsidered.

Motion to Suspend Standing Orders

Councillor Dowling, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, moved in terms of Standing Order 44, that Standing Order 28 - rescinding of decisions - be suspended to allow the Council to consider the notice of motion by Councillors Dowling and Strang.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the motion to suspend Standing Order 28:  Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Mack, Mackay, J MacLaren, McCartin, McCulloch, McIntyre, Sharkey, Sheridan and Strang.

The following members voted against the motion to suspend Standing Order 28:  Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don, Hughes, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

22 members having voted for the motion to suspend Standing Order 28 and 19
members having voted against the motion to suspend Standing Order 28, the necessary two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting was not achieved as required for the suspension of Standing Orders and accordingly the motion to suspend Standing Order 28 was defeated.

SEDERUNT

Councillors Montgomery and Kerr re-entered the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Devine and Kennedy in the following terms:

"Contribution to the Arts - Urban Regeneration

This Council recognises the positive contribution that the arts can make to urban regeneration and welcomes initiatives like 'Baker Street' as a positive contribution to Paisley's future."

Councillor Devine, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, then moved the motion:

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Adam-McGregor, moved as an amendment to include that Council further notes that positive work continues with our partners on the 2021 legacy board and significant steps have been taken to maximise the potential economic benefits from the arts and culture agenda for the whole of Renfrewshire.

In terms of Standing Order 27 Councillors Devine and Kennedy being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Contribution to the Arts - Urban Regeneration - this Council recognises the positive contribution that the arts could make to urban regeneration and welcomes initiatives like 'Baker Street' as a positive contribution to Paisley's future; and Council further notes that positive work continues with our partners on the 2021 legacy board and significant steps have been taken to maximise the potential economic benefits from the arts and culture agenda for the whole of Renfrewshire.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Bibby which Provost L Cameron ruled was not competent in terms of Standing Order 28 – rescinding of decisions -  as it was contrary to the decision which had been taken at item 17 of page 339 of the Minute of the meeting of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, held on 30 May 2018 and there had been no material change in circumstances justifying the matter being reconsidered.

Motion to Suspend Standing Orders

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Bibby, moved in terms of Standing Order 44, that Standing Order 28 - rescinding of decisions - be suspended to allow the Council to consider the notice of motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Bibby.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the motion to suspend Standing Order 28:  Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, Mack, Mackay, J MacLaren, McCartin, McCulloch, McIntyre, Montgomery, Sharkey, Sheridan and Strang.

The following members voted against the motion to suspend Standing Order 28:  Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don, Hughes, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

24 members having voted for the motion to suspend Standing Order 28 and 19
members having voted against the motion to suspend Standing Order 28, the necessary two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting was not achieved as required for the suspension of Standing Orders and accordingly the motion to suspend Standing Order 28 was defeated.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Davidson and Kennedy in the following terms:

"Funding - RAH and Paisley Maternity Hospital - Repairs

That Council direct the Chief Executive to write to Shona Robison (SR), Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and Jean Grant (JG), Chief Executive of NHS GGC, to ask for a guarantee that the required funding will be invested in the infrastructure of the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) and the Paisley Maternity Hospital, to deal with outstanding repairs and essential upgrades as a matter of urgency.  Also, to request from both SR and JG that they will confirm the long-term future for all services currently provided in the RAH and the Paisley Maternity at the current site."

Councillors Davidson and Kennedy, as the mover and seconder of the motion, intimated that the motion should be amended to replace the reference to Shona Robison with Jeane Freeman.  

Councillor Davidson, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, then moved the motion, as amended.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Adam-McGregor, moved as an amendment that Council agrees that it would be a positive step to invite Ms Jane Grant, Chief Executive of NHS GGC to present to this council their recently approved ‘Moving Forward Together’ strategy for health and social care.  This will provide an opportunity for elected members to engage with the NHS GGC senior management directly and to raise specific queries and questions regarding the future of services and facilities in Renfrewshire including the RAH and Paisley Maternity.

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Davidson and Kennedy being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.

DECIDED:  Funding - RAH and Paisley Maternity Hospital – Repairs - That Council directs the Chief Executive to write to Jeane Freeman (JF), Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and Jane Grant (JG), Chief Executive of NHS GGC, to ask for a guarantee that the required funding will be invested in the infrastructure of the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) and the Paisley Maternity Hospital, to deal with outstanding repairs and essential upgrades as a matter of urgency.  Also, to request from both JF and JG that they will confirm the long-term future for all services currently provided in the RAH and the Paisley Maternity at the current site; and

Council agrees that it would be a positive step to invite Ms Jane Grant, Chief Executive of NHS GGC to present to this council their recently approved ‘Moving Forward Together’ strategy for health and social care.  This would provide an opportunity for elected members to engage with the NHS GGC senior management directly and to raise specific queries and questions regarding the future of services and facilities in Renfrewshire including the RAH and Paisley Maternity.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Kennedy and Hood in the following terms:

“Renfrewshire's ASN Children

Council believes that not enough is being done to support Renfrewshire's ASN kids during school holidays.  Council notes that despite having over a year to come up with suitable play schemes to support our children very little has been done leaving parents very frustrated.  Council also notes that ASN children in Renfrewshire are being disadvantaged in comparison to mainstream children, council resolves to correct this and make appropriate provisions in order that our ASN children are afforded the same opportunities as their peers."

Councillor Kennedy, seconded by Councillor Hood, then moved the motion.

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved as an amendment that Council recognises the difficulties in providing play scheme services to ASN children in Renfrewshire over the summer months since Capability Scotland withdrew.

Council also recognises the frustration of parents and notes that progress has been made to maintain the service and commits to continue working with parents.

Council agrees a continuance of the service and that a detailed report be brought to the full Council for further consideration.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment:  Councillors Adam-McGregor, Begg, Binks, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don, Graham, Hughes, Kerr, Mack, Mackay, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McIntyre, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw, Steel and Strang.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey and Sheridan.

29 members having voted for the amendment and 14 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:  That Council recognises the difficulties in providing play scheme services to ASN children in Renfrewshire over the summer months since Capability Scotland withdrew. Council also recognises the frustration of parents and notes that progress had been made to maintain the service and committed to continue working with parents.  Council agrees a continuance of the service and that a detailed report be brought to the full Council for further consideration.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McIntyre and Strang which was withdrawn in terms of Standing Order 27.  

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Burns and McEwan in the following terms:

"Council calls upon the Uk Government to consider introducing a levy on chewing gum manufacturers, the proceeds of which should be redistributed in full to local Authorities, in order to help the massive and costly problem of removing gum from our streets and pavements."

Councillor Burns, seconded by Councillor McEwan, then moved the motion.
Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Mackay, moved as an amendment that, in addition, "the Director of Environment & Communities is asked to bring back to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board a report on the various costs and options for removal of chewing gum from Renfrewshire pavements." 
In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Burns and McEwan, being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Council calls upon the UK Government to consider introducing a levy on chewing gum manufacturers, the proceeds of which should be redistributed in full to local authorities, in order to help the massive and costly problem of removing gum from our streets and  pavements; and that the Director of Environment & Communities is asked to bring back to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board a report on the various costs and options for removal of chewing gum from Renfrewshire pavements.


Declaration of Interest

Councillor Shaw having previously declared an interest in the undernoted item remained in the meeting.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood in the following terms:

"Congratulations to Johnstone Pipe Band 2018

Council congratulates Johnstone Pipe Band for securing the Grade 3B title at the recent Pipe Band Championships in Paisley, and further salutes all band members for their fantastic efforts in putting the town of Johnstone on the map of world piping."

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Hood, then moved the motion.

Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, moved as an amendment that Council congratulates Johnstone Pipe Band on securing both the Grade 3B title at the recent British Pipe Band Championship in Paisley and on achieving a runner-up position in the same class at the UK Championship in Belfast on July 16th.  Council further salutes all band members for their fantastic efforts in putting the town of Johnstone on the map of world piping and wishes the band good luck in the European Championships on 30th June. 

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Andy Doig and Hood, being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Council congratulates Johnstone Pipe Band on securing both the Grade 3B title at the recent British Pipe Band Championship in Paisley and on achieving a runner-up position in the same class at the UK Championship in Belfast on July 16th.  Council further salutes all band members for their fantastic efforts in putting the town of Johnstone on the map of world piping and wishes the band good luck in the European Championships on 30th June.  

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sheridan and Sharkey which Provost L Cameron ruled was not competent as it was contrary to the decision which had been taken at item 20 of page 365 of the Minute of the meeting of the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, held on 6 June 2018 and there had been no material change in circumstances justifying the matter being reconsidered. 

Motion to Suspend Standing Orders

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, moved in terms of Standing Order 44, that Standing Order 28 - rescinding of decisions - be suspended to allow the Council to consider the notice of motion by Councillors Sheridan and Sharkey.

On the roll being called the following members voted for the motion to suspend Standing Order 28: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey and Sheridan.

The following members voted against the motion to suspend Standing Order 28; Councillors Adam-McGregor, Begg, Binks, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Don, Graham, Hughes, Kerr, Mack, Mackay, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McIntyre, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw, Steel and Strang.

13 members having voted for the motion to suspend Standing Order 28 and 30 members having voted against the motion to suspend Standing Order 28, the necessary two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting was not achieved as required for the suspension of Standing Orders and accordingly the motion to suspend Standing Order 28 was defeated.

Declaration of Interest

Councillor J Cameron having previously declared an interest in the undernoted item remained in the meeting.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Hughes and Campbell in the following terms:

"Processions 2018

Council congratulates Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron and former MP Anne Mclaughin on their very successful coordination of the Scottish element of 14-18 Now's 'Processions', which took place on 10th June 2018 in Edinburgh.

Processions is a live artwork that recreated the marches of suffragettes, on the centenary year of their success in gaining votes for women over 30.  It took place Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London, and each Procession wore scarves in violet, white and green which created a moving Suffragette flag following an original march route.

Processions in Edinburgh was attended by thousands of women and girls from all over Scotland.  Renfrewshire was well represented, with the Feegie Wummin, the STAR Project and Active Communities' KAIROS group in attendance among others.  It was a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive event that celebrated radical women who made history."

Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor Campbell, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously. 

DECIDED: Processions 2018 - Council congratulates Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron and former MP Anne Mclaughin on their very successful coordination of the Scottish element of 14-18 Now's 'Processions', which took place on 10th June 2018 in Edinburgh.

Processions is a live artwork that recreated the marches of suffragettes, on the centenary year of their success in gaining votes for women over 30.  It took place [in] Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London, and each Procession wore scarves in violet, white and green which created a moving Suffragette flag following an original march route.

Processions in Edinburgh was attended by thousands of women and girls from all over Scotland.  Renfrewshire was well represented, with the Feegie Wummin, the STAR Project and Active Communities' KAIROS group in attendance among others.  It was a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive event that celebrated radical women who made history.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McNaughtan and Mylet in the following terms:

"This Council congratulates local groups and individuals who participated in Processions in Edinburgh to mark the centenary of women's suffrage and notes, with pleasure, the intention to name most of the streets in the new housing development at Hawkhead after notable Paisley women, many of whom were instrumental in the struggle for women's rights."

Councillor McNaughtan, seconded by Councillor Mylet, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: This Council congratulates local groups and individuals who participated in Processions in Edinburgh to mark the centenary of women's suffrage and notes, with pleasure, the intention to name most of the streets in the new housing development at Hawkhead after notable Paisley women, many of whom were instrumental in the struggle for women's rights.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Rodden and McGurk in the following terms:

"Council agrees to write to Network Rail and Scotrail to ask for a review of Parking Provisions at Lochwinnoch Train Station including disabled parked spaces.  Council will also request that the relevant authority request or make provision for disabled facilities at platform 2 at Lochwinnoch where no such facilities exist."
Councillor Rodden, seconded by Councillor McGurk, then moved the motion.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Bibby, moved as an amendment that a new paragraph be added "Council condemns the historic negligence of Scotrail/Network Rail in failing to provide suitable access for both able bodied and disabled commuters at Lochwinnoch Train Station, demands that local MSPs raise this matter with the Transport Secretary for resolution, Council further resolves to upgrade both the footpath at the bridge on the A761 adjacent to the Train Station, and provide a suitable crossing to the Train Station to ensure it is fully accessible."

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Rodden and McGurk, being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Council agrees to write to Network Rail and Scotrail to ask for a review of parking provisions at Lochwinnoch Train Station including disabled parking spaces.  Council will also request that the relevant authority request or make provision for disabled facilities at platform 2 at Lochwinnoch where no such facilities exist. 

Council condemns the historic negligence of Scotrail/Network Rail in failing to provide suitable access for both able bodied and disabled commuters at Lochwinnoch Train Station, demands that local MSPs raise this matter with the Transport Secretary for resolution, Council further resolves to upgrade both the footpath at the bridge on the A761 to the Train Station, and provide a suitable crossing to the Train Station to ensure it is fully accessible.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors J MacLaren and Strang in the following terms:

"Grass cutting

In many areas across the council, residents are disappointed at the lack of grass cutting or large time gaps between each cut.  In situations where it has been a while since the last cut, the grass is long and when left lying makes the open spaces look un-kept.  Many residents ask for the grass to be collected rather than left lying.  It is recognised that with some types of machinery it may not always be possible to fit grass collection boxes.  The Director of Environment & Communities is asked to bring back to the Infrastructure, land and Environment Policy Board a report on the cost of adding collection boxes to the grass cutting machinery and where possible collecting and disposing of the grass cuttings."

Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Strang, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Grass cutting - in many areas across the Council, residents are disappointed at the lack of grass cutting or large time gaps between each cut.  In situations where it has been a while since the last cut, the grass is long and when left lying makes open spaces look un-kept.  Many residents ask for the grass to be collected rather than left lying.  It is recognised that with some types of machinery it may not always be possible to fit grass collection boxes. The Director of Environment & Communities is asked to bring back to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board a report on the cost of adding collection boxes to the grass cutting machinery and where possible collecting and disposing of the grass cuttings.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors J MacLaren and Kerr in the following terms:

“Understanding of cyclists behaviour on the road.

This council agrees to the following:

That there is a lack of understanding by motorists on the way cyclists should behave on the roads.  Many drivers think that it is wrong for cyclists to cycle two abreast when this is sometimes actually encouraged by cycling organisations, or that cyclists should not be cycling in the gutter and should take up a more prominent position on the road to protect themselves.

That Council writes to the Secretary of State for Transport and ask that an understanding of the way cyclists should behave on the road should be incorporated into the driving test.

That Council also encourages more road safety training for cyclists (e.g. through Bikeability,) for both adults and children."

Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Kerr, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Understanding of cyclists’ behaviour on the road - this Council agrees to the following:

(a) That there is a lack of understanding by motorists on the way cyclists should behave on the roads.  Many drivers think that it is wrong for cyclists to cycle two abreast when this is sometimes actually encouraged by cycling organisations, or that cyclists should not be cycling in the gutter and should take up a more prominent position on the road to protect themselves;

(b) That Council writes to the Secretary of State for Transport and asks that an understanding of the way cyclists should behave on the road should be incorporated into the driving test; and

(c) That Council also encourages more road safety training for cyclists (eg through Bikeability) for both adults and children.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors J MacLaren and McIntyre in the following terms:

"Adoption of roads in new developments

Council does not agree with the current lottery of adoption of roads in new developments.  It is unfair to expect residents living in a cul-de-sac to pay a factor to maintain their road on top of their council tax, when the same house perhaps only 200 metres away could pay the same council tax and no factoring fee, because their road got adopted for no clear reason.

Council agrees that any developers building new roads in Renfrewshire are encouraged to build them to a standard that could enable the council to adopt them."

Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor McIntyre, then moved the motion.

Councillor McGurk, seconded by Councillor McNaughtan, moved as an amendment to replace the second paragraph of the motion with “That Council agrees that the next Renfrewshire Local Development Plan should stress the importance of quality in the finalised layout of any development and that any developers who propose building new roads and/or footways in Renfrewshire are encouraged to build them to a standard that could enable them to be put forward for adoption.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors J MacLaren and McIntyre, being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Adoption of roads in new developments - Council does not agree with the current lottery of adoption of roads in new developments.  It is unfair to expect residents living in a cul-de-sac to pay a factor to maintain their road on top of their council tax, when the same house perhaps only 200 metres away could pay the same council tax and no factoring fee, because their road got adopted for no clear reason.  Council agrees that the next Renfrewshire Local Development Plan should stress the importance of quality in the finalised layout of any development and that any developers who propose building new roads and/or footways in Renfrewshire are encouraged to build them to a standard that could enable them to be put forward for adoption.