S Black, Chief Executive; S Quinn, 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, L Mahon, Head of Marketing and Communications, A Morrison, Head of Regeneration and P Fara, Web & MultiMedia Editor, (all Chief Executive’s); J Trainer, Head of Child Care & Criminal Justice (Children’s Services); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, A MacArthur, Head of Finance, P Murray, Head of ICT, M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager and L Belshaw and D Low, both Democratic Services Managers (all Finance & Resources); D Leese, Chief Officer and S Strachan, Acting Head of Health & Social Care (Paisley) (both Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership); and V Hollows, Chief Executive (Renfrewshire Leisure Limited).
Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Provost referred to the procedural rules for the operation of the meeting of the Council by Skype which had been issued to members. Members confirmed that they were happy with the rules for the operation of the meeting, which are appended to this Minute.
The Provost referred to the recent fire at a house in the Gallowhill area of Paisley, which had resulted in the deaths of three children, extended her condolences on behalf of the Council to the Gibson family and offered the Council’s support to the family and community. Elected members for the area and leaders of the political groups represented on the Council echoed the sentiments expressed. A minute’s silence was then observed as a mark of respect to remember those who had died.
The Provost highlighted the impact, both nationally and locally, of the Covid-19 pandemic and made specific reference to the lives that had been lost, changes to the way people lived, local acts of kindness and the responses provided by the Council, partner organisations and members of the community. The opportunity was taken to extend condolences, on behalf of the Council, to all those who had lost a loved one as a result of the virus. Appreciation was also expressed to various Council services, partner organisations and members of the community for the support provided to those in need and the resilience displayed in the face of adversity.
In addition, reference was made to the Black Lives Matter campaign, recent worldwide events, the need to stand up against racism and hate crime and the desirability of undertaking future actions locally to ethically address the issues taking cognisance of all voices represented in the community. An outline of the research and work currently being undertaken, by Renfrewshire Leisure, in connection with the links between the Renfrewshire area and the slave trade was provided.