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Meeting Details

Council
28 Feb 2019 - 09:30 to 13:00
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests
  • Webcast

Documents

Agenda

Agenda
Notification
Standard Items
Further Information

This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. 

A copy of the agenda and reports for this meeting will be available for inspection prior to the meeting at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and online at http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx

For further information, please either email
democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk or telephone 0141 618 7112.

Members of the Press and Public
Members of the press and public wishing to attend the meeting should report to the customer service centre where they will be met and directed to the meeting.
Webcasting of Meeting
This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Provost will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed.  Generally the public seating areas will not be filmed.  The cameras focus on the main participants.  If you have any queries regarding this please contact Committee Services on 0141 618 7112.  To find the webcast please navigate to http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/meetings.aspx and select the meeting from the calendar.
Members’ attention is drawn to the enclosed statement regarding declarations in terms of Section 112 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.
Copies of the notes of the procedures to be followed in respect of consideration of (i) the Revenue Estimates and Council Tax; and (ii) the Housing Revenue Account Budgets, Rent Levels and Capital Investment Plans are attached to the relevant reports. 
Chair
Provost Cameron presided.
In Attendance
S Black, Chief Executive; S Quinn, Acting Director of Children’s Services; M Crearie, Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services; G McNeil, Director of Environment & Infrastructure; A Russell, Director of Finance & Resources; L McIntyre, Head of Policy & Commissioning and L Mahon, Head of Marketing and Communications(both Chief Executive’s); J Trainer, Head of Child Care and Criminal Justice (Children’s Services); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, A MacArthur, Head of Finance, J Lynch, Head of Property Services, M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager and L Belshaw and D Low, Democratic Services Managers (all Finance & Resources); D Leese, Chief Officer (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership); and V Hollows, Chief Executive (Renfrewshire Leisure Limited).
Also in Attendance
Mr Jonathan Best, Chief Operating Officer, Acute Services, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde for items 1 and 2 only.
Declaration of Interest
Councillor Campbell having previously declared an interest in the following item of business remained in the meeting. 
Declaration of Interest
Councillor Montgomery declared a financial interest in the following item of business as he was an employee of Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau which was referred to in the amendment to the motion and intimated that he would leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or voting thereon.
Sederunt
Councillor Mackay left the meeting during consideration of the following item of business and prior to the vote being taken.
Adjournment
The meeting then adjourned at 11.35 am and reconvened at 11.45 am.
Sederunt
Councillors Mackay and Montgomery returned to the meeting.  Councillor Dowling was not in attendance when the meeting reconvened.
Sederunt
Councillor J MacLaren left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.
Declaration of Interest
Councillor Kennedy having previously declared an interest in the following item of business remained  in the meeting.
Sederunt
Councillor J MacLaren returned to the meeting and Councillors Davidson and Mack left the meeting during consideration of the following item of business.
Declaration of Interest
Councillor Hughes having previously declared an interest in the following item of business remained in the meeting.
Sederunt
Councillors Harte, Montgomery and Shaw left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.
Sederunt
Councillors Harte, Montgomery and Shaw returned to the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.
Sederunt
Councillor Mack returned to the meeting during consideration of the following item of business but left prior to the vote being taken and Councillor Steel left the meeting prior to the vote being taken.
Sederunt
Councillor Steel returned to the meeting during consideration of the following item of business. Councillor Mack returned to the meeting during consideration of the following item of business but left prior to the vote being taken.  
Items Of Business
Apologies
Apologies from members.
Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare an interest in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest.

Councillor Kennedy declared a non-financial interest in item 13 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 - as her child was a pupil at a local school. She intimated that she would remain in the meeting and take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Campbell declared a non-financial interest in item 2 of the agenda as she was an employee with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde but not within the Council area. However, she intimated that as her interest was insignificant in terms of the Councillors' Code of Conduct she would remain in the meeting and take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Hughes declared a non-financial interest in item 14 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 5 -  as she was the Council’s representative on the board of PACE Theatre Company. However, she intimated that as her interest was insignificant in terms of the Councillors' Code of Conduct she would remain in the meeting and take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Minutes attached separately

 

Council, 13 December 2018, pages 308-329

Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, 15 January 2019, pages 330-341

Regulatory Functions Board, 16 January 2018, pages 342-347

Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 17 January 2019, pages 348-353

Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 21 January 2019, pages 354-361

Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 23 January 2019, pages 362-369

Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 30 January 2019, pages 370-393

Regulatory Functions Board, 31 January 2019, pages 394-402

Leadership Board, 20 February 2019, pages 403-410

1

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

Council, 13 December 2018
Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, 15 January 2019
Regulatory Functions Board, 16 January 2018
Education and Children's Services Policy Board
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 21 January 2019
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 23 January 2019
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 30 January 2019 
Regulatory Functions Board, 31 January 2019 
Leadership Board, 20 February 2019.

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.

 

 

Presentation by Johnathan Best, Chief Operating Officer, NHSGGC
2

Under reference to item 13 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 28 June 2018  in relation to funding for RAH and Paisley Maternity Hospital repairs when it had been agreed that a representative of NHS GGC be invited to a meeting of the the Council relative to their recently-approved strategy for health and social care, Jonathan Best, Chief Operating Officer, Acute Services, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde gave a presentation on Moving Forward Together, an initiative aimed at transforming health and social care services across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area by maximising available resources and making best use of innovation and technology.

The Provost thanked Mr Best for his presentation.

DECIDED: That the presentation be noted.

 

Prior to consideration of the following item the Provost drew Members’ attention to the provisions of Section 112 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 which restricted the voting rights of Members on certain issues if they were in arrears with Council Tax payments.

Report by Director of Finance and Resources
3

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2019/20, together with appendices detailing revenue estimates for 2019/20; estimates of expenditure and income for the year ended 31 March 2020; and the General Fund probable outturn for 2018/19.

The report provided Councillors with an overview of the Council’s projected financial position on the General Fund revenue budget and detailed the information required for the Council to set its budget and Council Tax for 2019/20. The report also recommended that Councillors considered the medium-term financial context for the Council and the ongoing financial pressures and challenges facing the public sector more generally, as detailed within the report.

The report intimated that the Scottish Government had not provided any material details of spending plans beyond 2019/20 but had published its first Medium-term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and had committed to providing three-year local government settlements from 2020/21 onwards. The MTFS set out the detail of the Government’s financial assessment of the funding required to deliver on its key policy priorities over the course of this parliamentary period covering for example its policy commitments to spending on Health, Police and Education as well as the commitment to the expansion of free Early Learning and Childcare provision across Scotland. A report on the MTFS was presented to the meeting of the Council held on 26 June 2018, which outlined the clear commitment the Scottish Government had made to the delivery of each of these policy priorities and also confirmed that all other areas of the public sector, which would include the core local government budget, would require to be accommodated within the overall envelope of resources remaining each year after meeting the funding commitments to the stated policy priorities.

The Scottish Government had allocated £315.487 million grant funding to Renfrewshire Council for 2019/20 subject to compliance with a number of associated conditions.  This included maintaining, at a national level, the overall pupil teacher ratio of 13.7 and providing places for all probationers who required one; the continued prioritisation of financial support for social care including the use of £160 million funding provided nationally to support cost and demand pressures, the ongoing implementation of the Carers Act, school mental health services and care for the under-65s; and the continuation of the Council Tax cap of 4.79%.  The Scottish Government had indicated that should the conditions not be met, the funding allocation would be reduced, however the scale of any reduction had not been confirmed.  

Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved:

1. That this Administration’s second budget will continue to deliver on its commitments set out in its manifesto to the citizens of Renfrewshire to invest in inclusive economic growth, the environment, local communities and support the most vulnerable in Renfrewshire.

2. That as recommended by the Director, these budget proposals take a holistic view of resources available and include the use of the £4.200 million of available capital resources outlined in Agenda item 4.

3. Further and in line with the recommendations of the Director, that unallocated General Fund balances are budgeted to be maintained at £7.094 million moving into 2019/20 and that on the closure of the 2018/19 accounts, any unallocated balances in excess of this amount be transferred to the Investment Programme Capital Fund to provide additional capacity in future years to the debt smoothing strategy.

4. Ring fence the additional 1.79% Council Tax flexibility made available by the Scottish Government as covered in point 26 below, to provide £1.300 million to support prudential borrowing which unlocks the following strategic investment commitment across Renfrewshire:-

£40.289 million medium term investment programme in Renfrewshire’s road, cycling and pathway network, as summarised in the table below. This investment programme, which will see over £37 million invested in the network in just 4 years, represents the biggest ever sustained investment programme in the network and will be focused on delivering a stepped change in the condition of those key routes that keep the Renfrewshire economy moving. This investment is in addition to the strategic transport infrastructure investment that will be delivered as part of the City Deal projects across Renfrewshire. The annual charges arising from the £12.000 million of new prudential borrowing will be funded by £0.4 million of revenue resources funded by Council tax income with the balance funded by consequential revenue efficiencies that will be achievable due directly to the improved network condition delivered by the investment programme.

   2019/20 2020/21  2021/22  2022/23  2023/24  Total 
  £m  £m  £m  £m  £m  £m

Existing Annual Prudential Borrowing

 0.400 0.400 0.400 0.400   0.400  2.00
Capital Grant Commitment**  5.600  5.600  5.600  5.600  2.600  25.000
New Prudential Borrowing  1.800  2.000  4.000  4.200    12.000
CWSS Specific Grant**  0.289  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.250  1.289
 Total  8.089  8.250  10.250  10.450  3.250  40.289


** This programme commits £3 million of the unallocated capital resources referred to in Item 4 and forward commits £5.6 million of available general capital grant each year beyond 2019/20 and up to and including 2022/23 and assumes a continuation of the CWSS specific grant at similar levels in future years.

£27m Schools Investment Fund to support the priorities that emerge from the ongoing review of the School Estate Management Plan and to provide match funding capacity against opportunities for Renfrewshire to secure funding from the Scottish Government’s £1bn schools investment fund, ensuring the overall investment in our School Estate has the ability to grow beyond this initial commitment. This £27m fund will be delivered through £20.650m of predominantly prudential borrowing capacity serviced by £0.9m of Council Tax resources, in addition to a £6.350m revenue contribution in 2019/20. Should the funding subsequently announced to support increases in Teacher Pension costs be more or less than the assumed £3.3 million outlined in the Directors report, that this £6.350 million revenue contribution to the schools investment fund be adjusted either up or down by a corresponding amount to maintain a balanced budget position in 2019/20.

5. Redirect £2 million from the £7.5 million regeneration resources referred to in paragraph 3.3 of the Director’s report at agenda item 4 to support investment in Paisley Grammar, St Anthony’s, Kirklandneuk and Bishopton primary schools. The detailed programme will be the subject of a report to a subsequent Education and Children’s Service Policy Board. This leaves £5.5 million of approved capital resources which will be directed to support regeneration in the area to the south of the Glasgow Airport Investment Area. This will be targeted at providing development proposals which will both complement the high quality AMIDS / NMIS development being delivered as part of the GAIA project and providing greater economic connectivity between these key growth areas and Paisley Town Centre.

6. Commit a further £1.330 million, being £1.050 million of capital resources and £0.280 million of revenue resources to augment the existing £1 million investment in community halls. This investment programme will be subject to a future detailed report to the Leadership Board but in the first instance will be directed to support full refurbishment projects for the McKillop Institute, Elderslie Village Hall and South End Action Centre and in addition provide initial investment in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan.

7. Commit £0.500 million of revenue resources to be directed flexibly over the period 2019/20 - 2022/23 to provide funding support to the programme of music participation and tuition across Renfrewshire School pupils. In line with the investment made by this Administration last year, a report on the ongoing delivery of this programme will be presented to a future meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board.

8. Invest £0.360 million of revenue resources to deliver the following interventions as part of this Administration’s commitment towards inclusive economic growth across Renfrewshire:

£0.150 million revenue resources to improve priority markings across Renfrewshire’s road network, including specifically markings in and around our schools.

£0.100 million revenue resources to augment the existing Retail Improvement Fund directed to support local businesses improve shop fronts.

£0.110 million of recurring revenue resources to enhance warden provision across Paisley Town Centre as part of supporting its ongoing economic development and vibrant heritage led activity programme.

9. Invest £0.150 million of revenue resources to support a programme of tree works across Renfrewshire’s key urban conurbations.

10. Commit £0.010 million of revenue resources to install Defibrillators across Renfrewshire’s secondary schools.

11. Commit £0.100 million of capital resources to support improvements to Barshaw Park pond.

12. Commit £0.115 million of recurring revenue resources to support increasing Foster Carer and Kinship Carer fees and maintenance allowance by 3%, recognising the invaluable contribution these individuals make to ensuring some of the most vulnerable children across Renfrewshire are safely cared for and looked after.

13. Commit £0.050 million of recurring revenue resources to support Renfrewshire Leisure to develop and deliver a library outreach service ensuring those less able to access mainstream services have the opportunity to enjoy access to books and other library materials.

14. Commit £0.030 million of revenue resources to establish a Provost’s School Exchange Fund that will be targeted at supporting our schools and pupils to develop their relationships with peers across the international spectrum.

15. Commit £0.030 million of revenue resources and £0.050 million of capital resources to support the re-provision of existing dog fouling bins with multi-purpose litter and dog fouling bins.

16. Invest £0.010 million of revenue resources to provide staff training in the provision of support to victims of domestic abuse.

17. Commit £0.050 million of revenue resources to support the development of proposals for the delivery of an inclusive adventure playpark for children of families with disabilities within Renfrewshire aimed at ensuring the opportunity to play within a safe, inclusive and high quality adventure playground facility is made available to all children across Renfrewshire.

18. Invest £0.100 million of recurring revenue resources to support the development and implementation of a safety initiative team aimed at tackling irresponsible parking and making our roads safer in and around our schools.

19. To protect services to the most vulnerable in Renfrewshire, and in line with the conditions set out in the 2019/20 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in the Director’s report to make available £1.424 million of additional recurring resources to manage the net impact of new service and cost pressures within Adult Social Care Services, and continue the implementation of the Carers Act. These additional resources will be made available under delegation to the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP) from 1 April 2019. In addition, as part of this delegation process, agree to continue to work in pro-active partnership with the RHSCP and social care providers to secure payment of the living wage to all care staff providing services to Renfrewshire residents in addition to those directly employed by the Council. Further, agree that any required draw from flexibility/risk resources earmarked to support adult social care be managed as per the process outlined in paragraph 4.7 of the Director’s report.

20. To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2019/20 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources, and subject to agreement of item 19 above, agree a 2019/20 base budget of £395.740 million. 

21. To agree to make provision of £7.231 million in 2019/20 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.1 of the Directors report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources.

22. To agree to a general 2% inflationary increase in charges for services, subject to the note at paragraph 25 below and in addition to agree the proposals outlined at paragraph 5.3 of the report to adjust the current rates in relation to cemetery charges by 5% in addition to the general inflationary uplift. 

23. To agree that for the term of this administration, the Council commits to: -

Not introduce any form of new charging for the collection of household waste, outwith existing special uplift arrangements, and 

Not introduce a workforce parking levy in Renfrewshire should the Scottish Government successfully introduce legislation to provide local authorities with the discretionary power to do so.

24. To agree the resource allocations for 2019/20 for all services, as amended by these proposals.

25. To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.

26. Subject to agreement of the above, to agree that the council tax for 2019/20 be set at £1,257.09 for Band D subjects, representing a 4.79% increase on the 2018/19 level, and for all bandings to be set at:

     Core  Investment  
Band  2018/19   Increase  Increase 2019/20 
     3%  1.79%  
 A  799.75  23.99  14.32  838.06
 B  933.05  27.99  16.70  977.74
 C  1,066.34  31.99  19.09  1,117.42
 D  1,199.63  35.99  21.47  1,257.09
 E  1,576.18  47.29  28.21  1,651.68
 F  1,949.40  58.48  34.88  2,042.77
 G  2,349.28  70.48  42.05  2,461.81
 H  2,939.09  88.17  52.62  3,079.88


Note that of the above increase, the resources linked to the use of the additional flexibility of 1.79% provided by the Scottish Government has been directed to unlock the strategic investment proposals outlined at point 4 above.

27. Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is underpinned by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.

28. To agree to increase other charges for services by 2% (as detailed in paragraph 22 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised

(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and 

(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.

To note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increase they will recommend this to the appropriate Board.  The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 2% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.

Councillor Harte, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, moved as an amendment:

1. That as recommended by the Director, these budget proposals take a holistic view of resources available and include the use of the £4.200 million of available capital resources outlined in Agenda item 4.

2. Further and in line with the recommendations of the Director, that unallocated General Fund balances are budgeted to be maintained at £7.094 million moving into 2019/20 and that on the closure of the 2018/19 accounts, any unallocated balances in excess of this amount be transferred to the Investment Programme Capital Fund to provide additional capacity in future years to the debt smoothing strategy.

3. To invest £2.350 million, being £1.750 million of capital resources and £0.600 million of revenue resources, to lift the investment in roads and footpath network to £5.639 million in 2019/20.  

4. To invest £2.625 million, being £2.250 million of capital resources and £0.375 million of revenue resources to support investment in parks and recreational green space across Renfrewshire, prioritising Erskine and the villages, recognising the important and positive role such spaces make to the healthy and active lives of our communities.

5. Invest £0.200 million of capital resources to provide a high quality refurbishment of Gryffe High School football pitch, providing a 3G surface to be enjoyed by the pupils and community alike.

6. To support investment in our school communities and closing the attainment gap commit £2.610 million of revenue resources to the following investment priorities:

£1.560 million to provide over a three year period additional teacher capacity across our secondary school establishments to support the provision of a wider curriculum choice for our S5 and S6 pupils.

£0.600 million to provide mental health support to our Primary Schools over the next three years and for a future report to be provided by the Director to the Children and Education Policy Board to outline in detail the plans for the delivery of this service.

£0.300 million to provide £0.100 million per annum support to increase the provision of Breakfast Clubs across Renfrewshire’s schools, in recognition of the positive impact such clubs have had to supporting our young people in some of the most deprived areas be ready and prepared to learn each day in school.

£0.100 million to ensure that over the next three years every primary 5 to 7 pupil in Renfrewshire schools has access to a credit union account with a £10 starter balance.

£0.050 million to provide a one off contribution to Paisley Grammar School for gym equipment

7. In recognition of the highly positive impact tackling poverty and inequality has made in Renfrewshire, commit additional revenue resources of £2.242 million to invest in the following key priorities: -

Invest £ 0.300 million to provide a £ 0.100 million per annum top up over three years to the Scottish Welfare Fund in recognition of the ongoing pressure that this fund experiences and the increased requirement that will emerge as Universal Credit is rolled out across Renfrewshire.

Invest £ 0.450 million to provide a £ 0.150 million per annum top up over three years to the Discretionary Housing Payment fund, again in recognition of the increased pressure that will be experienced from hardship applications arising from citizens impacted by their transition to Universal Credit.

Invest £ 0.150 million to provide £ 0.050 million per annum over three years to provide home starter packs for new tenants in Renfrewshire, providing much needed support for key items for citizens setting up their new council home.

Invest £ 0.300 million to provide a £0.100 million per annum programme over three years to provide vocational support to unemployed parents across Renfrewshire.

Invest £0.200 million to provide support over 4 years to Citizens Advice Bureau for the provision of their helpline.

Invest £ 0.200 million to provide £0.050 million per annum for the provision of a new Advice Service presence at Renfrewshire Foodbank, with the hours tailored to match the operating hours of the Foodbank ensuring that all users get access to much needed advice and support.

Invest £0.210 million to employ, over three years, two Health and Homelessness Coordinators, providing a much needed service to some of our most vulnerable citizens in Renfrewshire.

Earmark £0.300 million to provide a £0.100 million per annum boost over three years to the highly successful Street Stuff initiative.

Invest £0.132 million to more than double the availability of funding for the Missing Share Tenement Scheme to support owners meet the cost of common repair bills.

8. To protect services to the most vulnerable in Renfrewshire, and in line with the conditions set out in the 2019/20 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in the Director’s report to make available £1.424 million of additional recurring resources to manage the net impact of new service and cost pressures within Adult Social Care Services, and continue the implementation of the Carers Act. These additional resources will be made available under delegation to the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP) from 1 April 2019. In addition, as part of this delegation process, agree to continue to work in pro-active partnership with the RHSCP and social care providers to secure payment of the living wage to all care staff providing services to Renfrewshire residents in addition to those directly employed by the Council. Further, agree that any required draw from flexibility/risk resources earmarked to support adult social care be managed as per the process outlined in paragraph 4.7 of the Director’s report.

9. To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2019/20 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources, and subject to agreement of item 8 above, agree a 2019/20 base budget of £395.740 million. 

10. To agree to make provision of £7.231 million in 2019/20 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.1 of the Directors report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources.

11. To agree to a general 2% inflationary increase in charges for services, with the exception of Community Halls charges which will be frozen, subject to the note at paragraph 15 below and in addition to agree the proposals outlined at paragraph 5.3 of the report to adjust the current rates in relation to cemetery charges by 5% in addition to the general inflationary uplift. 

12. To agree the resource allocations for 2019/20 for all services, as amended by these proposals.

13. To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.

14. Subject to agreement of the above, to agree that the council tax for 2019/20 be frozen at 2018/19 levels and therefore set Band D subjects at £1,199.63 and for all bandings to be set at:

Band 2019/20 (£s) 
 A  799.75
 B  933.05
 C  1,066.34
 D  1,199.63
 E  1,576.18
 F  1,949.40
 G  2,349.28
 H  2,939.09


15. Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is underpinned by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.

16. To agree to increase other charges for services by 2% (as detailed in paragraph 11 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised

(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and 

(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.

(c) to note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increase they will recommend this to the appropriate Board.  The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 2% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting then adjourned at 9.55 am to allow members to consider the motion. The meeting reconvened at 10.15 am.

On the roll being called the following members voted for the amendment:  Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Dowling, Grady, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McIntyre, Sharkey, Sheridan and Strang.

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

The following member abstained: Councillor Mack.

19 members having voted for the amendment, 21 having voted for the motion and 1 member having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That this Administration’s second budget would continue to deliver on its commitments set out in its manifesto to the citizens of Renfrewshire to invest in inclusive economic growth, the environment, local communities and support the most vulnerable in Renfrewshire;

(b) That as recommended by the Director, these budget proposals would take a holistic view of resources available and include the use of the £4.200 million of available capital resources outlined in Agenda item 4;

(c) That further and in line with the recommendations of the Director, that unallocated General Fund balances were budgeted to be maintained at £7.094 million moving into 2019/20 and that on the closure of the 2018/19 accounts, any unallocated balances in excess of this amount be transferred to the Investment Programme Capital Fund to provide additional capacity in future years to the debt smoothing strategy;

(d) That the additional 1.79% Council Tax flexibility made available by the Scottish Government as covered in point 26 below, be ring fenced to provide £1.300 million to support prudential borrowing which unlocked the following strategic investment commitment across Renfrewshire: -

£40.289 million medium term investment programme in Renfrewshire’s road, cycling and pathway network, as summarised in the table below. This investment programme, which would see over £37 million invested in the network in just 4 years, represented the biggest ever sustained investment programme in the network and would be focused on delivering a stepped change in the condition of those key routes that kept the Renfrewshire economy moving. This investment was in addition to the strategic transport infrastructure investment that would be delivered as part of the City Deal projects across Renfrewshire. The annual charges arising from the £12.000 million of new prudential borrowing would be funded by £0.4 million of revenue resources funded by Council tax income with the balance funded by consequential revenue efficiencies that would be achievable due directly to the improved network condition delivered by the investment programme.

 

 2019/20

   £m

2020/21

   £m

2021/22

   £m

 2022/23

   £m

2023/24

   £m

 Total

   £m

 Existing Annual Prudential Borrowing 0.400   0.400  0.400  0.400  0.400  2.000
 Capital Grant Commitment** 5.600  5.600  5.600  5.600  2.600  25.000
 New Prudential Borrowing 1.800   2.000  4.000  4.200    12.00
 CWSS Specific Grant** 0.289  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.250  1.289
 Total  8.089  8.250  10.250  10.450  3.250  40.289

** This programme committed £3 million of the unallocated capital resources referred to in Item 4 and forward committed £5.6 million of available general capital grant each year beyond 2019/20 and up to and included 2022/23 and assumed a continuation of the CWSS specific grant at similar levels in future years.

£27 million Schools Investment Fund to support the priorities that emerged from the ongoing review of the School Estate Management Plan and to provide match funding capacity against opportunities for Renfrewshire to secure funding from the Scottish Government’s £1 billion schools investment fund, ensuring the overall investment in our School Estate had the ability to grow beyond this initial commitment. This £27 million fund would be delivered through £20.650 million of predominantly prudential borrowing capacity serviced by £0.9 million of Council Tax resources, in addition to a £6.350 million revenue contribution in 2019/20. Should the funding subsequently announced to support increases in Teacher Pension costs be more or less than the assumed £3.3 million outlined in the Directors report, that this £6.350 million revenue contribution to the schools investment fund be adjusted either up or down by a corresponding amount to maintain a balanced budget position in 2019/20;

(e) That £2 million be redirected from the £7.5 million regeneration resources referred to in paragraph 3.3 of the Director’s report at agenda item 4 to support investment in Paisley Grammar, St Anthony’s, Kirklandneuk and Bishopton primary schools. The detailed programme would be the subject of a report to a subsequent Education and Children’s Service Policy Board. This left £5.5 million of approved capital resources which would be directed to support regeneration in the area to the south of the Glasgow Airport Investment Area. This would be targeted at providing development proposals which would both complement the high quality AMIDS / NMIS development being delivered as part of the GAIA project and providing greater economic connectivity between these key growth areas and Paisley Town Centre;

(f) That a further £1.330 million be committed, being £1.050 million of capital resources and £0.280 million of revenue resources to augment the existing £1 million investment in community halls. This investment programme would be subject to a future detailed report to the Leadership Board but in the first instance would be directed to support full refurbishment projects for the McKillop Institute, Elderslie Village Hall and South End Action Centre and in addition provide initial investment in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan;

(g) That £0.500 million of revenue resources be committed to be directed flexibly over the period 2019/20 - 2022/23 to provide funding support to the programme of music participation and tuition across Renfrewshire School pupils. In line with the investment made by this Administration last year, a report on the ongoing delivery of this programme will be presented to a future meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board;

(h) That £0.360 million of revenue resources be invested to deliver the following interventions as part of the Administration’s commitment towards inclusive economic growth across Renfrewshire:

£0.150 million revenue resources to improve priority markings across Renfrewshire’s road network, including specifically markings in and around our schools.

£0.100 million revenue resources to augment the existing Retail Improvement Fund directed to support local businesses improve shop fronts.

£0.110 million of recurring revenue resources to enhance warden provision across Paisley Town Centre as part of supporting its ongoing economic development and vibrant heritage led activity programme;

(i) That £0.150 million of revenue resources be invested to support a programme of tree works across Renfrewshire’s key urban conurbations;

(j) That £0.010 million of revenue resources be committed to install defibrillators across Renfrewshire’s secondary schools;

(k) That £0.100 million of capital resources be committed to support improvements to Barshaw Park pond;

(l) That £0.115 million of recurring revenue resources be committed to support increasing Foster Carer and Kinship Carer fees and maintenance allowance by 3%, recognising the invaluable contribution these individuals make to ensuring some of the most vulnerable children across Renfrewshire are safely cared for and looked after;

(m) That £0.050 million of recurring revenue resources be committed to support Renfrewshire Leisure to develop and deliver a library outreach service ensuring those less able to access mainstream services have the opportunity to enjoy access to books and other library materials;

(n) That £0.030 million of revenue resources be committed to establish a Provost’s School Exchange Fund that would be targeted at supporting our schools and pupils to develop their relationships with peers across the international spectrum;

(o) That £0.030 million of revenue resources and £0.050 million of capital resources be committed to support the re-provision of existing dog fouling bins with multi-purpose litter and dog fouling bins;

(p) That £0.010 million of revenue resources be invested to provide staff training in the provision of support to victims of domestic abuse;

(q) That £0.050 million of revenue resources be committed to support the development of proposals for the delivery of an inclusive adventure playpark for children of families with disabilities within Renfrewshire aimed at ensuring the opportunity to play within a safe, inclusive and high quality adventure playground facility was made available to all children across Renfrewshire;

(r) That £0.100 million of recurring revenue resources be invested to support the development and implementation of a safety initiative team aimed at tackling irresponsible parking and making our roads safer in and around our schools;

(s) That to protect services to the most vulnerable in Renfrewshire, and in line with the conditions set out in the 2019/20 financial settlement, the recommendation outlined in the Director’s report be agreed to make available £1.424 million of additional recurring resources to manage the net impact of new service and cost pressures within Adult Social Care Services, and continue the implementation of the Carers Act. These additional resources would be made available under delegation to the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP) from 1 April 2019. In addition, as part of this delegation process, it be agreed to continue to work in pro-active partnership with the RHSCP and social care providers to secure payment of the living wage to all care staff providing services to Renfrewshire residents in addition to those directly employed by the Council. That it be further agreed that any required draw from flexibility/risk resources earmarked to support adult social care be managed as per the process outlined in paragraph 4.7 of the Director’s report;

(t) That the base budget assessment for all services for 2019/20 be agreed as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources and a 2019/20 base budget of £395.740 million be agreed;  

(u) That provision of £7.231 million in 2019/20 be made for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.1 of the Directors report and no provision be made for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources;

(v) That a general 2% inflationary increase in charges for services be agreed, subject to the decision detailed at (w) below and in addition to agree the proposals outlined at paragraph 5.3 of the report that the current rates in relation to cemetery charges be adjusted by 5% in addition to the general inflationary uplift; 

(w) That it be agreed that for the term of this administration, the Council committed to:-

Not introduce any form of new charging for the collection of household waste, outwith existing special uplift arrangements, and 

Not introduce a workforce parking levy in Renfrewshire should the Scottish Government successfully introduce legislation to provide local authorities with the discretionary power to do so;

(x) That the resource allocations for 2019/20 for all services be agreed, as amended by the proposals;

(y) That it be agreed that the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect the proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions;

(z) That it be agreed that the council tax for 2019/20 be set at £1,257.09 for Band D subjects, representing a 4.79% increase on the 2018/19 level, and for all bandings to be set at:

 

 

    Core   Investment  
     Increase  Increase  
Band  2018/19   @ 3%  @3% 2019/20 
 A  799.75  23.99  14.32  836.06
 B  933.05  27.99  16.70  977.74
 C  1,066.34  31.99  19.09  1,117.42
 D  1,199.63  35.99  21.47  1,257.09
 E  1,576.18  47.29  28.21  1,651.68
 F  1,949.40  58.48  34.88  2,042.77
 G  2,349.28  70.48  42.05  2,461.81
 H  2,939.09  88.17  52.62  3,079.88

That it be noted that of the above increase, the resources linked to the use of the additional flexibility of 1.79% provided by the Scottish Government has been directed to unlock the strategic investment proposals outlined at point 4 above;

(aa) That it be agreed that the Council’s budget is underpinned by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement;

(bb) That it be agreed that other charges for services be increased by 2% (as detailed in paragraph 22 of the report) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges were based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised

(i) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and 

(ii) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determined it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge related; and

(cc) That the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they thought any charge needed to be increased they would recommend this to the appropriate Board be noted.  That it be agreed that when a Director carried out such a review and believed a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflected an increase greater than the increase of 2% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she would be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.

Report by Director of Finance and Resources
4

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s Capital Plan for non-housing services for the period 2019/22 in respect of education, social work, leisure, community resources, planning, roads and a range of corporate projects. The report advised that the resources available to support investment included prudential borrowing and capital grants as well as contributions from revenue, partners and external funding bodies.

The report indicated that the Scottish Government had published its draft budget for 2019/20 on 12 December 2018, with the provisional local government finance settlement being published on 17 December 2018.  The proposed total capital grant for Renfrewshire Council in 2019/20 was £15.341 million, of which £0.240 million was specific grant relating to cycling and walking safer streets. In addition, £3.231 million deferred from the 2016/17 settlement which had already been included within previous years' Capital Plans had been confirmed as due to be distributed in 2019/20. Further to the £18.752 million of capital above, £5.100 million of specific capital grant had been allocated to support the expansion of Early Years Education and Childcare provision. Associated investment proposals would be subject to appropriate reporting as the expansion planning and funding distribution for Early Years progressed in consultation with the Scottish Government.

The UK government Autumn Budget Statement announced on 29 October 2018 outlined further improvement to the capital settlement for the devolved administrations. The capital departmental expenditure limit for Scotland would be £3.9 billion in 2019/20, rising to £4.9 billion in 2020/21. Should the Scottish Government choose to reflect this growth outlook in the local government capital grant settlement then it was possible that the level of capital grant outlined in in the report would be maintained or improve moving beyond 2019/20. This position was subject to uncertainty and would ultimately be determined as part the Scottish Government’s consideration and development of future year budgets.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work in proposing an amendment to the Draft Budget position outlined at Stage 1 of the Budget process announced an intention for there to be multi-year funding settlements for local government from 2020/21 which would assist future capital investment planning. The capital plan outlined in the report extended beyond 2019/20, reflecting approved programmes already in place which were funded by other arrangements such as prudential borrowing or specific funding related to the City Deal. This approach did not preclude the Council taking further investment decisions as part of the budget process where separate funding arrangements were established.

Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved:

1. To agree the investment programme totalling £256.658 million covering the period up to 2021/22, including the recommendations contained in the report for the allocation of resources to support the delivery of lifecycle maintenance programmes over the period.

2. To endorse the decisions taken by Council in consideration of item 3, to 

a. Invest £40.289 million in a medium term investment programme in Renfrewshire’s road, cycling and pathway network, as summarised in the table below. This investment programme, which will see over £37 million invested in the network in just 4 years, represents the biggest ever sustained investment programme in the network and will be focused on delivering a stepped change in the condition of those key routes that keep the Renfrewshire economy moving. This investment is in addition to the strategic transport infrastructure investment that will be delivered as part of the City Deal projects across Renfrewshire.

  2019/20   2020/21  2021/22  2022/23 2023/24   Total
   £m  £m  £m  £m  £m  £m
Existing Annual Prudential Borrowing  0.400  0.400  0.400  0.400 0.400   2.000
 Capital Grant Commitment**  5.600  5.600  5.600  5.600  2.600  25.000
New Prudential Borrowing  1.800  2.000  4.000  4.200    12.000
CWSS Specific Grant**  0.289  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.250  1.289
 Total  8.089  8.250  10.250  10.450  3.250  40.289


** This programme commits £3 million of the unallocated capital resources referred to in Item 4 and forward commits £5.6 million of available general capital grant each year beyond 2019/20 and up to and including 2022/23 and assumes a continuation of the CWSS specific grant at similar levels in future years.

b. Invest in a £27m Schools Investment Fund to support the priorities that emerge from the ongoing review of the School Estate Management Plan and to provide match funding capacity against opportunities for Renfrewshire to secure funding from the Scottish Government’s £1bn schools investment fund, ensuring the overall investment in our School Estate has the ability to grow beyond this initial commitment. This £27m fund will be delivered through £20.650m of predominantly prudential borrowing capacity serviced by £0.9m of Council Tax resources, in addition to a £6.350m revenue contribution in 2019/20.

c. Redirect £2 million from the £7.5 million regeneration resources referred to in paragraph 3.3 of the Director’s report to support investment in Paisley Grammar, St Anthony’s, Kirklandneuk and Bishopton primary schools. The detailed programme will be the subject of a report to a subsequent Education and Children’s Service Policy Board. This leaves £5.5 million of approved capital resources which will be directed to support regeneration in the area to the south of the Glasgow Airport Investment Area. This will be targeted at providing development proposals which will both complement the high quality AMIDS / NMIS development being delivered as part of the GAIA project and providing greater economic connectivity between these key growth areas and Paisley Town Centre. 

d. Commit a further £1.330 million, being £1.050 million of capital resources and £0.280 million of revenue resources to augment the existing £1 million investment in community halls. This investment programme will be subject to a future detailed report to the Leadership Board but in the first instance will be directed to support full refurbishment projects for the McKillop Institute, Elderslie Village Hall and South End Action Centre and in addition provide initial investment in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan. 

e. Commit £0.100 million of capital resources to support improvements to Barshaw Park pond. 

f. Commit £0.030 million of revenue resources and £0.050 million of capital resources to support the re-provision of existing dog fouling bins with multi-purpose litter and dog fouling bins.

3. To delegate to the Head of Property Services and Head of Amenity Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources, authority to adjust where appropriate resources across individual components of the lifecycle maintenance and roads and structures programmes respectively.

4. Agree to the suite of prudential indicators, treasury management indicators,  treasury  and capital strategies as set out in Appendix 6 and 7 of the report, subject to required adjustments arising from decisions outlined in points 1 – 3 above and in relation to any other decisions taken by members at this Council meeting.

This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

(a) That the investment programme totalling £256.658 million covering the period up to 2021/22, including the recommendations contained in the report for the allocation of resources to support the delivery of lifecycle maintenance programmes over the period be agreed; 

(b) That the decisions taken by Council in consideration of item 3 be endorsed, to 

(i) Invest £40.289 million in a medium term investment programme in Renfrewshire’s road, cycling and pathway network, as summarised in the table below. This investment programme, which would see over £37 million invested in the network in just 4 years, represented the biggest ever sustained investment programme in the network and would be focused on delivering a stepped change in the condition of those key routes that kept the Renfrewshire economy moving. This investment was in addition to the strategic transport infrastructure investment that would be delivered as part of the City Deal projects across Renfrewshire;

  2019/20   2020/21 2021/22   2022/23 2023/24  Total 
   £m  £m  £m  £m  £m  £m
Existing Annual Prudential Borrowing  0.400 0.400 0.400 0.400 0.400 2.000
Capital Grant Commitment**  5.600 5.600 5.600 5.600 2.600 25.000
New Prudential Borrowing 1.800 2.000 4.000 4.200    12.000 
CWSS Specific Grant** 0.289  0.250  0.250  0.250  0.250  1.289
 Total 8.089  8.250  10.250  10.450  3.250  40.289 

** This programme committed £3 million of the unallocated capital resources referred to in Item 4 and forward committed £5.6 million of available general capital grant each year beyond 2019/20 and up to and including 2022/23 and assumed a continuation of the CWSS specific grant at similar levels in future years.

(ii) Invest in a £27 million Schools Investment Fund to support the priorities that emerge from the ongoing review of the School Estate Management Plan and to provide match funding capacity against opportunities for Renfrewshire to secure funding from the Scottish Government’s £1bn schools investment fund, ensuring the overall investment in our School Estate has the ability to grow beyond this initial commitment. This £27 million fund will be delivered through £20.650 million of predominantly prudential borrowing capacity serviced by £0.9 million of Council Tax resources, in addition to a £6.350 million revenue contribution in 2019/20;

(iii) Redirect £2 million from the £7.5 million regeneration resources referred to in paragraph 3.3 of the Director’s report to support investment in Paisley Grammar, St Anthony’s, Kirklandneuk and Bishopton primary schools. The detailed programme would be the subject of a report to a subsequent Education and Children’s Service Policy Board. This left £5.5 million of approved capital resources which would be directed to support regeneration in the area to the south of the Glasgow Airport Investment Area. This would be targeted at providing development proposals which would both complement the high quality AMIDS / NMIS development being delivered as part of the GAIA project and providing greater economic connectivity between these key growth areas and Paisley Town Centre; 

(iv) Commit a further £1.330 million, being £1.050 million of capital resources and £0.280 million of revenue resources to augment the existing £1 million investment in community halls. This investment programme would be subject to a future detailed report to the Leadership Board but in the first instance would be directed to support full refurbishment projects for the McKillop Institute, Elderslie Village Hall and South End Action Centre and in addition provide initial investment in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan; 

(v) Commit £0.100 million of capital resources to support improvements to Barshaw Park pond; 

(vi) Commit £0.030 million of revenue resources and £0.050 million of capital resources to support the re-provision of existing dog fouling bins with multi-purpose litter and dog fouling bins;

(c) That authority be delegated to the Head of Property Services and Head of Amenity Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources, to adjust where appropriate resources across individual components of the lifecycle maintenance and roads and structures programmes respectively; and

(d) That the suite of prudential indicators, treasury management indicators,  treasury  and capital strategies as set out in Appendix 6 and 7 of the report be agreed, subject to required adjustments arising from decisions outlined in points (a) - (c) above and in relation to any other decisions taken by members at this Council meeting.

Joint Report by Directors of Finance and Resources and Communities, Housing and Planning Services
5

There was submitted a joint report by the Director of Finance & Resources and the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services relative to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for financial year 2019/20 and the Housing Capital Investment Plan 2019/20 to 2021/22. Appendices to the report detailed anticipated expenditure and income for the year ending 31 March 2020.

The report provided an update on consultation with tenants on the annual rent setting process and highlighted that the HRA continued to operate in a period of uncertainty as a result of the UK Government’s Welfare Reform policy changes, which had placed additional financial stress on families, pressure on Council services and presented a significant financial risk to the HRA, particularly relating to the roll out of Universal Credit. The report recommended an average weekly rent increase of 2% in 2019/20 and provided copies of the HRA Budget 2019/20 and Housing Capital Investment Plan 2019/20 - 2021/22.

DECIDED:

(a) That an average weekly rent increase of 2% for 2019/20 be agreed;

(b) That the outcome of the tenant consultation process, as detailed in section 5 of the report, be noted;

(c) That the Housing Revenue Account Budget for financial year 2019/20 as proposed in the report and detailed in Appendix 2 be approved;

d) That the Housing Capital Investment Plan 2019/20 to 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report be approved; and

(e) That the continuing requirement to achieve best value and an optimum workflow over the 3 years of the investment plan be noted and that the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services be authorised to work in conjunction with the Director of Finance & Resources to re-profile the capital programme and available resources, as necessary, in line with the appropriate limits established under the Council’s capital prudential framework arrangements.

Report by Chief Executive

 

 

 

  1. pdf Fairtrade combined (11390Kb)
6

Under reference to item 9 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 13 December 2018 there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the adoption by Renfrewshire Council of the International Fair Trade Charter.

The report intimated that the International Fair Trade Charter, a copy of which was attached to the report, was a comprehensive document that set out the purpose and aims of Fair Trade, as agreed by the World Fair Trade Organisation and Fairtrade International, two of the biggest global Fair Trade organisations.  The goals of Fair Trade were consistent with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and aimed to support their achievement through working towards a Fair Trade economy. The Charter set out the approach, achievements and impacts Fair Trade had in the past, whilst explaining why Fair Trade remained relevant in today’s economy.

The Charter raised awareness with consumers, connected the specific missions of Fair Trade Organisations with the movement’s common philosophy and enabled those who worked with fair trade organisations to recognise the values and approaches that united the global movement. The main goal was to achieve justice, equity and sustainable development at the heart of global trade, whilst prioritising people and planet over profit.

DECIDED:

(a) That the International Fair Trade Charter be formally adopted by Renfrewshire Council;

(b) That officers make the necessary arrangements required to adopt the Charter; and

(c) That engagement by the Council with elected members, partners and communities through the Renfrewshire Fair Trade Steering Group on the Charter’s promotion across Renfrewshire be continued.

Report by Director of Finance and Resources
  1. pdf memberships (161Kb)
7

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the appointment of a member to a vacant position on the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board and a replacement substitute member on the Integration Joint Board.

The report intimated that Councillor Dowling had resigned her membership of the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board and that Councillor Sheridan had been proposed as her replacement.  Councillor J MacLaren had also indicated that Councillor Binks should replace Councillor Strang as the substitute member for Councillor Kerr on the Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board.

DECIDED:

(a) That Councillor Sheridan be appointed as a member of the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board; and

(b)  Councillor Binks be appointed as substitute member for Councillor Kerr on the Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board.

Report by Director of Finance and Resources

  1. pdf polling scheme (201Kb)
8

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the process for conducting the next statutory review of polling places and polling districts which required to be concluded by January 2020.

The report intimated that the Representation of the People Act 1983, as amended by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013, introduced a duty for all polling districts and polling places to be reviewed by the end of January 2015 and at least five yearly thereafter.

In Renfrewshire the current polling arrangements were approved by Council on 27 February 2014, for use in all elections thereafter in the period to the next review. However, the Boundary Commission’s Fifth Electoral Review resulted in the creation of an additional Council Ward. That in turn meant that a number of the existing polling districts were dissected by the new ward boundaries. A revised Polling Plan was therefore adopted by the Council on 15 December 2016, a copy of which was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

 In accordance with the timetable, public notice would be given on 1 March 2019 of the Council’s intention to undertake the review and inviting preliminary comments on the existing polling arrangements.  A report would be submitted to the meeting of Council to be held on 27 June 2019 setting out the comments received during the initial period of consultation. Recommendations would be made for the content of a draft Polling Plan for further consultation as set in the review timetable.  A copy of the current number of electors in each existing polling district as at 1 January 2019 was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.

 DECIDEDThat the report be noted.

Report by Lead Officer (David Wilson)
9

Under reference to item 7 of the Minute of the Meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 21 January 2019, there was submitted a report by the Lead Officer relative to the review of the newly-introduced speed limit in Brookfield (A761).

The report stated that the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board at its meeting held on 28 August 2017 as part of the annual programme of activity for 2017/18 had agreed to undertake a review into the newly-introduced speed limit in Brookfield (A761). At the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 21 January 2019, the Board had considered the final report which summarised the evidence, findings and recommendations of the review and agreed that it be submitted to a future meeting of the Council for consideration.

DECIDED: That the findings of the final report on the review the newly-introduced speed limit in Brookfield (A761), approved at the meeting of the Audit, Scrutiny and Petitions Board held on 21 January 2019, be noted and that the recommendations contained therein be approved.

"Care Experienced Bursary

 

Council welcomes the commitment of the Scottish Government to increase The Care Experienced FE and HE Bursary to £8,100, taking effect from financial year 2018/19.

 

As corporate parents, Renfrewshire Council recognises that care experienced people deserve a lifetime of equality, respect and love; one of the key foundations of that is receiving the full support to which they are rightly entitled.

 

Council resolves to take the necessary steps to ensure that no care experienced student should be made worse off as a direct result of the increased bursary."

10

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

"Care Experienced Bursary

Council welcomes the commitment of the Scottish Government to increase The Care Experienced FE and HE Bursary to £8,100, taking effect from financial year 2018/19.

As corporate parents, Renfrewshire Council recognises that care experienced people deserve a lifetime of equality, respect and love; one of the key foundations of that is receiving the full support to which they are rightly entitled.

Council resolves to take the necessary steps to ensure that no care experienced student should be made worse off as a direct result of the increased bursary."

Councillor McGurk, seconded by Councillor Paterson, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously.  

DECIDED:  That the commitment of the Scottish Government to increase The Care Experienced FE and HE Bursary to £8,100, taking effect from financial year 2018/19 be welcomed.

As corporate parents, Renfrewshire Council recognised that care experienced people deserved a lifetime of equality, respect and love; one of the key foundations of that was receiving the full support to which they were rightly entitled.

Council resolved to take the necessary steps to ensure that no care experienced student should be made worse off as a direct result of the increased bursary.

"CPR

 

Council notes the good work that is being done in a number of Renfrewshire's secondary schools to train senior pupils in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) techniques.

 

Council also notes the comments made by Dr Andrew Lockey, Honorary Secretary of the UK Resuscitation Council who has warned against a postcode lottery of survival following Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests.

 

Council recognises evidence of real health benefits in other countries:

 

"In Denmark, where CPR training in schools has been mandatory since 2005, the chances of recovery from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are triple those in the UK.  In Norway, where CPR is also a mandatory part of the curriculum, survival rates from bystander CPR are an astounding 70%, compared to less than 10% in the UK" (Resuscitation Council UK).

 

Council are asked to support the roll-out and extension of this training to all secondary schools in Renfrewshire."

11

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

"CPR

Council notes the good work that is being done in a number of Renfrewshire's secondary schools to train senior pupils in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) techniques.

Council also notes the comments made by Dr Andrew Lockey, Honorary Secretary of the UK Resuscitation Council who has warned against a postcode lottery of survival following Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests.

Council recognises evidence of real health benefits in other countries:

"In Denmark, where CPR training in schools has been mandatory since 2005, the chances of recovery from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are triple those in the UK.  In Norway, where CPR is also a mandatory part of the curriculum, survival rates from bystander CPR are an astounding 70%, compared to less than 10% in the UK" (Resuscitation Council UK).

Council are asked to support the roll-out and extension of this training to all secondary schools in Renfrewshire."

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

In addition it was proposed that, if possible, consideration be given to the provision of first aid training in schools. This was agreed.

DECIDED:

(a) That the good work that was being done in a number of Renfrewshire's secondary schools to train senior pupils in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) techniques be noted.

That the comments made by Dr Andrew Lockey, Honorary Secretary of the UK Resuscitation Council who had warned against a postcode lottery of survival following Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests be also noted.

That the evidence of real health benefits in other countries be recognised:

"In Denmark, where CPR training in schools has been mandatory since 2005, the chances of recovery from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are triple those in the UK.  In Norway, where CPR is also a mandatory part of the curriculum, survival rates from bystander CPR are an astounding 70%, compared to less than 10% in the UK" (Resuscitation Council UK).”

That the roll-out and extension of this training to all secondary schools in Renfrewshire be supported; and

(b) That, if possible, consideration be given to the provision of first aid training in schools.

"Case No. LA/R/1800, (2016)

 

This Council upholds the ratio decidendi in Case No. LA/R/1800, (2016) Commission for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland (aka Frankfurtergate).  Commands Marks & Spencer to cease and desist from any further reference to their 'Love Sausage' and withdraw all offending sweetmeats from their outlets within the precincts of Renfrewshire County.

 

In parenthesis with reference to the case cited above M & S can only be considered 'wilfully disrespectful' to the good Burghers of Hunterhill, and surrounding areas, and this injunction should be made with immediate effect."

12
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Mack and Andy Doig in the following terms:

"Case No. LA/R/1800, (2016)

This Council upholds the ratio decidendi in Case No. LA/R/1800, (2016) Commission for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland (aka Frankfurtergate).  Commands Marks & Spencer to cease and desist from any further reference to their 'Love Sausage' and withdraw all offending sweetmeats from their outlets within the precincts of Renfrewshire County.

In parenthesis with reference to the case cited above M & S can only be considered 'wilfully disrespectful' to the good Burghers of Hunterhill, and surrounding areas, and this injunction should be made with immediate effect."

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

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment that the Council at its meeting meeting of 15 December 2016 noted the decision regarding the Standards Commission case number LA/R/1800.  

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Mack and Andy Doig being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment, which was approved unanimously.

"St Andrew's Academy - Transfer to Secondary School 2019

 

Council is dismayed at the handling of this year's intake arrangements at St Andrew's Academy as the lack of foresight and the failure to consult with parents and elected members has caused concern and therefore Council calls on the Administration to review the policy before there is a repeat of this situation."

13

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

"St Andrew's Academy - Transfer to Secondary School 2019

Council is dismayed at the handling of this year's intake arrangements at St Andrew's Academy as the lack of foresight and the failure to consult with parents and elected members has caused concern and therefore Council calls on the Administration to review the policy before there is a repeat of this situation."

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

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor McNaughtan, moved as an amendment that Council recognises that this year’s intake at St Andrew’s Academy has been over-subscribed and regrets that parents have been concerned and frustrated with the application of the catchment policy approved in 2004.

Council agrees that a review of the catchment policy be undertaken immediately and brought to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board for consideration by elected members.

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Kennedy and Councillor Sharkey being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: That it be recognised that this year’s intake at St Andrew’s Academy had been over-subscribed and that it be regretted that parents had been concerned and frustrated with the application of the catchment policy approved in 2004.

That a review of the catchment policy be undertaken immediately and brought to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board for consideration by elected members.

"Motion of Congratulation

 

Council is delighted to recognise the success of Richard Madden in being awarded a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series for his performance in the BBC TV drama Bodyguard.

 

Council congratulates Richard, who hails from Elderslie and who carries on the proud Renfrewshire tradition of success among PACE theatre alumni such as Paolo Nutini, Scott Reid, James McAvoy and David Tennant."

14

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Steel and Brown in the following terms:

"Motion of Congratulation

Council is delighted to recognise the success of Richard Madden in being awarded a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series for his performance in the BBC TV drama Bodyguard.

Council congratulates Richard, who hails from Elderslie and who carries on the proud Renfrewshire tradition of success among PACE theatre alumni such as Paolo Nutini, Scott Reid, James McAvoy and David Tennant."
Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor Brown, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: That the success of Richard Madden in being awarded a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series for his performance in the BBC TV drama Bodyguard be recognised.

That Richard, who hailed from Elderslie and who carried on the proud Renfrewshire tradition of success among PACE theatre alumni such as Paolo Nutini, Scott Reid, James McAvoy and David Tennant be congratulated.

"International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)

 

As part of Renfrewshire Council's ongoing equalities work we resolve to join with the UK and Scottish Governments and the major political parties in the UK in signing up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism which defines antisemitism thus:

 

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.  Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish Community Institutions and religious facilities."

 

The guidelines highlight manifestations as including:

 

1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extreme view of religion.

 

2. Making mendacious, dehumanising, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other social institutions.

 

3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

 

4. Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

 

5. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.  Accusing Jewish citizens as being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

 

6. Denying the Jewish people their right to self determination, e.g. by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavour.

 

7. Applying double standards by requiring of it behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

 

8. Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g. claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis.

 

9. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

 

10. Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel.

 

Council resolves to:

 

Restate its condemnation of all forms of racism in all its manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of racism."

15

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

"International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)

As part of Renfrewshire Council's ongoing equalities work we resolve to join with the UK and Scottish Governments and the major political parties in the UK in signing up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism which defines antisemitism thus:

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.  Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish Community Institutions and religious facilities."

The guidelines highlight manifestations as including:

1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extreme view of religion.

2. Making mendacious, dehumanising, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other social institutions.

3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

4. Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

5. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.  Accusing Jewish citizens as being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

6. Denying the Jewish people their right to self determination, e.g. by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavour.

7. Applying double standards by requiring of it behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

8. Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g. claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis.

9. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

10. Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel.

Council resolves to:

Restate its condemnation of all forms of racism in all its manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of racism."

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

DECIDED:

(a) That as part of Renfrewshire Council's ongoing equalities work, it be resolved to join with the UK and Scottish Governments and the major political parties in the UK in signing up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism which defined antisemitism thus:

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.  Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish Community Institutions and religious facilities."

The guidelines highlight manifestations as including:

1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extreme view of religion.

2. Making mendacious, dehumanising, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other social institutions.

3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

4. Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

5. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.  Accusing Jewish citizens as being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

6. Denying the Jewish people their right to self determination, e.g. by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavour.

7. Applying double standards by requiring of it behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

8. Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g. claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis.

9. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

10. Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel; and

(b) That it be resolved that the Council’s condemnation of all forms of racism in all its manifestations be restated and that the IHRA definition of antisemitism be adopted as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of racism.

"Re-regulation of buses

 

Given the latest debacle from McGill's buses and the ongoing uncertainty over services and prices, it is time that this Council calls on the Scottish Government to re-regulate the buses and to introduce municipal ownership."

16

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Harte and Brown in the following terms:

"Re-regulation of buses

Given the latest debacle from McGill's buses and the ongoing uncertainty over services and prices, it is time that this Council calls on the Scottish Government to re-regulate the buses and to introduce municipal ownership."

Councillor Harte, seconded by Councillor Brown, then moved the motion.

Councillor Mackay, seconded by Councillor McIntyre, moved as an amendment that Council should wait and see the outcome of the Transport Scotland Bill currently working through Scottish Parliament.

On the roll being called the following members voted for the amendment:  Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Kerr, Mackay, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Bibby, Brown, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Devine, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Don, Grady, Harte, Hood, Hughes, Kennedy, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McCulloch, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Montgomery, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Sharkey, Shaw and Sheridan.

Eight members having voted for the amendment and 31 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That given the latest debacle from McGill's buses and the ongoing uncertainty over services and prices, it was time that this Council called on the Scottish Government to re-regulate the buses and to introduce municipal ownership.

"Bin Charges

 

Given that other Local Authorities in Scotland are introducing charges to uplift brown bins, this Council gives assurances that there will be no charges for the uplift of any household waste recycling."

17
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sheridan and Hood which was withdrawn in terms of Standing Order 27.

"Road condition

 

Council agrees that maintaining our roads is costly but recognises the need to keep them safe.  Council agrees that all adopted roads in Renfrewshire be checked for safety at least once per year and that it be council policy to ensure all road markings are in place and in good condition and to arrange renewal where they are missing or worn away."

18

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

"Road condition

Council agrees that maintaining our roads is costly but recognises the need to keep them safe.  Council agrees that all adopted roads in Renfrewshire be checked for safety at least once per year and that it be council policy to ensure all road markings are in place and in good condition and to arrange renewal where they are missing or worn away."

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

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Don, moved as an amendment that Council notes that Renfrewshire Council has a duty to manage and maintain our adopted roads network, and this is detailed in Section 1 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.  There is a requirement in this Act to carry out inspections of the roads network, to comply with this duty.

In Renfrewshire the inspection frequency of carriageway is related to the classification of roads.  This ranges from monthly to annually, dependant on classification.  Renfrewshire undertakes an annual programme of renewing road markings through both its revenue and capital programmes.

The existing code of practice dates back to 1983, and in August 2018, a report submitted to the ILE Policy Board detailed that a new code of practice is being introduced, that will give local authorities greater flexibility to tailor the inspection frequency to the needs of the road, local priorities and circumstances. With this new guidance, Renfrewshire’s road network will continue to be inspected annually as a minimum frequency of inspection.  An updated report will be provided to the May cycle of the ILE Policy Board.

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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Devine, Grady, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, Mackay, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McIntyre, Montgomery, Sharkey, Sheridan and Strang.

21 members having voted for the amendment and 19 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That it be noted that  Renfrewshire Council had a duty to manage and maintain our adopted roads network, and this was detailed in Section 1 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.  There was a requirement in this Act to carry out inspections of the roads network, to comply with this duty.

That in Renfrewshire the inspection frequency of carriageway was related to the classification of roads.  This ranged from monthly to annually, dependant on classification.  Renfrewshire undertook an annual programme of renewing road markings through both its revenue and capital programmes.

That the existing code of practice dated back to 1983, and in August 2018, a report submitted to the ILE Policy Board detailed that a new code of practice was being introduced, that would give local authorities greater flexibility to tailor the inspection frequency to the needs of the road, local priorities and circumstances. With this new guidance, Renfrewshire’s road network would continue to be inspected annually as a minimum frequency of inspection.  An updated report would be provided to the May cycle of the ILE Policy Board.

Additional Meeting Documents

  1. pdf minutes combined (1670Kb)
  2. pdf presentation (291Kb)

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
Councillor Michelle Campbell2Councillor Campbell declared an interest as she was an employee of NHSGGC but not in the Council areaPersonalCouncillor Campbell remained in the meeting
Councillor Karen Devine-Kennedy13Councillor Kennedy declared an interest as her child attended the schoolNon-PecuniaryCouncillor Kennedy remained in the meeting
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes14Councillor Hughes declared an interest as she was the Council's representative on PACENon-PecuniaryCouncillor Hughes remained in the meeting
Councillor Kevin Montgomery3Councillor Montgomery declared an interest as he was an employee of Renfrewshire CAB which was referred to in the amendment to the motionPecuniaryCouncillor Montgomery left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting

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