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; A Morrison, Head of Regeneration, L Mahon, Head of Marketing, L McIntyre, Head of Policy & Planning, and N Watson, Project Manager (all Chief Executive’s); C Dalrymple, Communities & Regulatory Manager, R Cooper,  Economic Development Manager and L Bell, Strategic Lead – Paisley Partnership (all Communities, Housing & Planning Services); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, L Neary, Head of Transformation, HR & OD and D Low Democratic Services Manager (all Finance & Resources); D Leese, Chief Officer (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership); and M Macpherson, Head of Cultural Services (Renfrewshire Leisure).

There was submitted a capital budget monitoring report by the Director of Finance & Resources which had been prepared in conjunction with the Chief Executive and the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services.  It was noted that capital expenditure to 21 June 2019 totalled £2.354 million which resulted in an underspend of £0.006 million for those services reporting to the Board.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a joint revenue budget monitoring report by the Chief Executive, Director of Finance & Resources and the Chief Finance Officer, Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership relative to the financial position for services reporting to the Board for the period to 21 June 2019.  It was noted that there was a breakeven position.

DECIDED: That the budget position be noted.

There was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and the Director of Children's Services relative to a proposed change to the management structure in Children's Services to delete the post of Assistant Director.  The report intimated that this change to the structure would release a saving whilst also continuing to ensure the delivery of an integrated Children's Services directorate.  

DECIDED: That the change to the senior management structure as detailed in the report be approved and that it be delegated to the Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Convener of the Education & Children's Services Policy Board, to implement the change.

Under reference to item 5 of the Minute of the meeting of the Board held on 19 June 2019, there was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance & Resources relative to progress over the summer period to prepare the Council to move into the next phase of the Council's change and transformation programme.

The report intimated that this represented the fourth phase in what had become a long-term programme which had been consolidated as a permanent and recurring feature of the Council's strategic agenda and had been branded 'Right for Renfrewshire'.  This programme would adopt a new approach to identifying, developing and designing change and transformation opportunities.   The report set out the current strategic context for change; the refreshed approach to change and transformation; the financial context; details of the Year 1 phase of the programme which would include customer and transaction services, placeshaping core, community development, community protection, facilities management and early prevention and intervention; workforce planning arrangements; engagement and communication; and the next steps.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved:

(a) That the update provided on the report on the work progressed over the summer period to support the Council to prepare for the next phase of the long-term change and transformation programme be noted;

(b) That it be noted that to support the next phase of the transformation and change programme, it was anticipated that a series of structured service redesign review processes would be progressed over the three-year period of the programme;

(c) That the series of service areas proposed to constitute sub-phase 1 of the programme be noted and that it be noted that work would continue to be progressed to develop proposals for future phases which would be reported back at appropriate future board meetings;

(d) That the critical role the programme would play in supporting the Council's response to the anticipated financial challenge over the medium-term period be noted; and the expectation that this would influence the size and composition of the Council's workforce over the medium term; 

(e) That the range of measures that would be implemented to pro-actively support the Council to carefully manage a planned reduction in the workforce be noted, with the clear objective of protecting the existing workforce whilst delivering sustainable services;

(f) That the proposed enhancement to the terms of the Council's voluntary severance scheme to support the change and transformation programme moving forward, as outlined in the report be approved; and

(g) That it be noted that regular update reports would continue to be brought to the Board at appropriate key junctures as the overall programme was progressed.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Devine, moved as a first amendment that a new recommendation 2.1 viii be added as follows:

"This Board accepts the partnership ethos implicit in clause 3.2.3 of this report, and resolves to work with neighbouring local authorities in relation to the potential of increasing shared services.  Accordingly, the Board tasks officers to include this work in future reports to the leadership board as part of recommendation 2.1.vii."

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Nicolson and Paterson, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment as an addition to the motion.

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor Harte, moved as a second amendment that this Council rejects this report on the basis that the Labour group have consistently warned that this SNP administration have sat on their hands and allowed the Scottish government to plunder local government funding resulting as predicted in job losses oursourcing and increased dependency on community volunteering.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the second amendment:  Councillors Devine, Harte, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Sheridan.

The following members voted for the motion:  Councillors J Cameron, Andy Doig, Hughes, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson, Paterson and Shaw.

The following member abstained: Councillor McCartin.

5 members having voted for the second amendment, 8 members having voted for the motion and 1 member having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the update provided on the report on the work progressed over the summer period to support the Council to prepare for the next phase of the long-term change and transformation programme be noted;

(b) That it be noted that to support the next phase of the transformation and change programme, it was anticipated that a series of structured service redesign review processes would be progressed over the three-year period of the programme;

(c) That the series of service areas proposed to constitute sub-phase 1 of the programme be noted and that it be noted that work would continue to be progressed to develop proposals for future phases which would be reported back at appropriate future board meetings;

(d) That the critical role the programme would play in supporting the Council's response to the anticipated financial challenge over the medium-term period be noted; and the expectation that this would influence the size and composition of the Council's workforce over the medium term; 

(e) That the range of measures that would be implemented to pro-actively support the Council to carefully manage a planned reduction in the workforce be noted, with the clear objective of protecting the existing workforce whilst delivering sustainable services;

(f) That the proposed enhancement to the terms of the Council's voluntary severance scheme to support the change and transformation programme moving forward, as outlined in the report be approved; 

(g) That it be noted that regular update reports would continue to be brought to the Board at appropriate key junctures as the overall programme was progressed; and

(h) That this Board accepted the partnership ethos implicit in clause 3.2.3 of this report, and resolved to work with neighbouring local authorities in relation to the potential of increasing shared services.  Accordingly, the Board tasked officers to include this work in future reports to the leadership board as part of recommendation 2.1.vii.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Economic Strategy 2020/2030.  The report intimated that at its meeting held in November 2016 the Board had agreed to develop a collaborative approach to the development of the Renfrewshire economy and had established an Economic Leadership Panel (the Panel) for this purpose.  Under the leadership and guidance of the Panel, the first Economic Strategy for Renfrewshire had been prepared which set out a number of ambitions for the Renfrewshire economy, including: more and better jobs for local people; growing the value of the Renfrewshire economy; growing the working-age population and supporting people on long-term sickness back to employment; reducing the skills gaps and shortages experienced by local businesses; improving the economic infrastructure, and including better public transport and digital connectivity.

It was noted that the Panel had approved the content of the Strategy and commended it to the Council for adoption.

Councillors Andy Doig and Sheridan moved an amendment which Councillor Nicolson ruled was not competent in terms of Standing Order 12(b). 

DECIDED:

(a) That the Board welcomed the preparation of the first Economic Strategy for Renfrewshire under the leadership and guidance of the Economic Leadershp Panel; 

(b) That the invitation of the Economic Leadership Panel to adopt the strategy as Renfrewshire's formal economic plan, of which the Council was a key contributor and enabler, be accepted; and

(c) That it be noted that the Strategy would be officially launched by the Economic Leadership Panel and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work on 20 September 2019.

There was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the suspension of payments from the Scottish Government whilst work with the European Commission (EC) was undertaken to resolve a compliance issue relating to the European Social Fund (ESF) programmes.

The report also provided an update on the Council's EU funding applications and the award of the next phase of EU support.

The report intimated that the Council's Economic Development team had been a lead applicant for EU structural funding for many years to support both the delivery of people-focussed employability services and business growth, start up and development services.  The Council was made aware by the Scottish government that payments of EU funds from the EC to the Scottish Government had been suspended following a Commission audit, which related to the ESF.  The report outlined the implications for the Council; detailed ESF funding which had been received for Phase 1, anticipated funding for Phase 2 and intimated that as a precaution, all  non-essential spending had ceased across the ESF programmes in Renfrewshire until the issues of non-compliance had been addressed.  It was noted that in 2018 Economic Development Services had undertaken a full service review and redesign in light of changes in available funding.  Should there be any ongoing issues with ESF compliance and it became clear that a reduction in funding support was likely, a further service redesign and downsize would need to be undertaken.

DECIDED:

(a) That the supension of payments from the EC to the Scottish Government and the efforts to date by Renfrewshire Council alongside other authorities to help resolve the compliance issues be noted;

(b) That it be noted that Renfrewshire Council had already put measures in place to reduce EU spend until there was a satisfactory resolution to the compliance issues; 

(c) That the successful delivery of the Phase 1 EU Programmes to the end of December 2018 and the EU claims totalling £4,954,411 (ESF) and £458,471 (ERDF) submitted by Renfrewshire Council be noted; and that the allocation of £391,471 (ESF) in Phase 1 for Poverty and Social Inclusion which would be delivered and claimed by the Council in Phase 2, also be noted; and

(d) That the new EU applications submitted by Renfrewshire Council that had been approved by the Scottish Government for a Phase 2 programme running until the end of 2022 totalling £4,370,975 (ESF) and £549,059 (ERDF) over this period, be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the successful outcome of a Stage 1 application to the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) for the Johnstone Health and Wellbeing Community Hub project.  The report intimated that the next step in the process required the authorisation of the Board to submit a Stage 2 application, to accept any subsequent grant award, and to support the delivery of the project. 

DECIDED:

(a) That the success of the Stage 1 Scottish Government RCGF 2020/21 grant application for Johnstone Health and Wellbeing Community Hub be noted;

(b) That the Head of Regeneration be authorised to submit the Stage 2 Scottish Government RCGF 2020/21 grant application for this project; and

(c) That the Head of Regeneration be authorised to accept any subsequent grant award from the Scottish Government RCGF 2020/21 and coordinate the delivery of the project accordingly.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to progress in delivering the Paisley Town Centre Action Plan 2016/26 and on the development of a long-term Vision for Paisley Town Centre as an examplar project supported by the Scottish Government and Scotland's Towns Partnership.

The report intimated that in 2015 an action plan had been prepared for Paisley Town Centre to reflect the emerging context of a wide-ranging programme of regeneration activity including the City Deal projects, new town centre housing development, restoration of the Russell Institute and the bid for UK City of Culture 2021.  The action plan, which had been approved by the Leadership Board at its meeting held on 30 November 2016, provided the platform for activity and investment for all potential stakeholders and partners to achieve the repurposing of the town centre, and identified short, medium and long-term objectives over the ten year period 2016/26. It was noted that significant progress had been made in delivering the objectives of the action plan in its first three years and the report outlined the highlights and achievements, including Gilmour Street Gateway, Paisley West End, High Street and the University Campus, the Abbey and River Precinct and improving connections. 

The report highlighted that in 2018 the opportunity had arisen to work with the Scottish Government and Scotland's Towns Partnership as they wished to use Paisley Town Centre as an examplar of the possible interventions required to overcome the many issues facing traditional town centres.  The focus of the study was the High Street and the objective of the Commission was to consider how physical and spatial interventions in and around Paisley High Street could set out a regeneration vision to 2030.  The final part of the commission was a presentation of the Vision to the Paisley Partnership Board in June 2019.  The result was the Paisley Town Centre Vision which created a basis on which stakeholders could begin to re-think some of the key buildings and spaces around Paisley High Street.  The Vision set out in detail specific physical interventions to rebalance and repurpose Paisley's HIgh Street and the surrounding streets in order to achieve a step change for the town and a pathway to sustainable regeneration.

DECIDED:

(a) That the progress on the delivery of the Paisley Town Centre Action Plan 2016/26 be noted;

(b) That it be noted that the Paisley Vision study was presented to and fully supported by the Paisley Partnership Board in July 2019; and

(c) That it be noted that the Paisley Vision Report would be used as a basis for future consultation and feasibility testing for future Paisley town centre regeneration projects.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the cultural infrastructure programme which would deliver the Council's cultural regeneration ambitions for Paisley and the wider Renfrewshire area. The report provided an update on the progress of particular aspects of the cultural regeneration plan, specifically St James' playing fields (and the reprofiling of the project), Paisley town centre public realm and Paisley Arts Centre.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved:

(a) That the progress on the projects outlined in the report be noted;

(b) That the revised scope of the original project at St James' playing fields, as outlined in section 3 of the report and the transfer of resources relating to the Paisley Arts Centre, as outlined at section 5 of the report be approved; and

(c) That the principle of a loan of £200,000 to Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club towards the cost of their proposed new athletics facility at ON-X, Linwood, as detailed in section 3 of the report be approved, and that it be delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources to conclude the terms of the legal contract between the parties.

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved as an amendment that a new recommendation 3.1 iii be added:

"This Board notes the potential of this infrastructure decision for the future development and growth of Kilbarchan AAC, recognises with pride the historic contribution of Kilbarchan AAC to Scottish, British, and interbnational athletics, and congratulates club member, Calum Hawkins, on his 4th place in the Men's Elite section of the recent Great North Run."

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Nicolson and Paterson, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment as an addition to the motion.

DECIDED:

(a) That the progress on the projects outlined in the report be noted;

(b) That the revised scope of the original project at St James' playing fields, as outlined in section 3 of the report and the transfer of resources relating to the Paisley Arts Centre, as outlined at section 5 of the report be approved;

(c) That the principle of a loan of £200,000 to Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club towards the cost of their proposed new athletics facility at ON-X, Linwood, as detailed in section 3 of the report be approved, and that it be delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources to conclude the terms of the legal contract between the parties; and

(d) That the potential of this infrastructure decision for the future development and growth of Kilbarchan AAC be noted, that the historic contribution of Kilbarchan AAC to Scottish, British, and international athletics be recognised with pride, and club member, Calum Hawkins, be congratulated on his 4th place in the Men's Elite section of the recent Great North Run.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the award of grants selected from applications to the 11th round of the Culture, Heritage and Events Fund (CHEF).  It was noted that CHEF was administered by Renfrewshire Leisure on behalf of the Council.  The Fund had been established to develop cultural and heritage activity as part of Paisley's bid for UK City of Culture and continued to support the development and delivery of cultural and heritage projects and events across Renfrewshire. 

The report intimated that 24 applications had been received of which seven were recommended to receive the full grant amount requested and seven were recommended for a partial grant in this round.  It was highlighted that funding had been intended originally for applications for activity leading to 2021.  However, due to consistent high demand for funds in rounds 1-11, the allocated funds had now been fully invested.  An evaluation of the success and impact of the programme to date was being conducted, including a members' briefing and feedback session.  A report on the evaluation would be submitted to the meeting of the Board to be held on 4 December 2019.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved: 

(a) That the level of interest generated in the 11th round of the Culture, Heritage and Events Fund be noted;

(b) That the recommended grant awards, to a total value of £94,732, be approved;

(c) That the committed funds to date of £1,140,000, being the full investment of the Fund by the Council, be noted; and

(d) That it be noted that a report on the evaluation of the CHEF fund would be submitted to the meeting of the Board to be held on 4 December 2019.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Sheridan, moved as an amendment that a new recommendation 2.1.v be added:

"This Board notes that Lochwinnoch Arts Festival is the oldest and most successful community arts festival in Renfrewshire.  This Board further approves the application by Lochwinnoch Arts Festival (Film Made by Local Children of Lochwinnoch Arts Festival), on the basis that it meets core CHEF criteria as outlined in clause 4.2 of this report, in relation to event liability, quality of programme, public benefit, and legacy opportunities."  

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment:  Councillors Devine, Andy Doig, Harte, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Sheridan.

The following members voted for the motion:  Councillors J Cameron, Hughes, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson, Paterson and Shaw.

6 members having voted for the amendment and 7 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the level of interest generated in the 11th round of the Culture, Heritage and Events Fund be noted;

(b) That the recommended grant awards, to a total value of £94,732, be approved;

(c) That the committed funds to date of £1,140,000, being the full investment of the Fund by the Council, be noted; and

(d) That it be noted that a report on the evaluation of the CHEF fund would be submitted to the meeting of the Board to be held on 4 December 2019.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to options for the re-introduction, to the events programme for 2019,  of a Paisley-based fireworks display.  It was noted that two site options had been identified as feasible sites - Renfrewshire House and Barshaw Park, and the report outlined associated costs.  The Council's annual event programme had been agreed previously by the Leadership Board at its meeting held on 19 June 2019.

The report intimated that a Paisley fireworks event had not been included in the original 2019 programme following a review of event performance/cancellation risk and was not budgeted for in the 2019/20 financial year.  Additional investment had been made in visitor events where positive economic impact and national profile could be demonstrated.  It also enabled additional investment in Christmas programming and a new £20,000 festive event fund for communities.  The report outlined the rationale for not including a fireworks event.

It was proposed that a fireworks event at Renfrewshire House (Option A) be introduced to the 2019 event programme; and that it be noted that the current year events' budget was fully committed and that costs for the event in the current financial year would be met from underspends across a range of other services in consultation with Service Directors.  If there was a desire to continue the event in future years it would need to be accommodated within the budget process.  This was agreed.

DECIDED:

(a) That a fireworks event at Renfrewshire House (Option A) be introduced to the 2019 event programme; and

(b) That it be noted that the current year events budget was fully committed and that costs for the event in the current financial year would be met from underspends across a range of other services in consultation with Service Directors.  If there was a desire to continue the event in future years it would need to be accommodated within the budget process.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to consultation by the Scottish Government on the establishment of the new public health body for Scotland - Public Heath Scotland (PHS).  The report intimated that the body was being established following a review of public health activities and the publication of new public health priorities in 2018.  It was intended that PHS would support whole system change across Scotland in terms of reducing health inequalities.  Local government had been represented in the development process through CoSLA and wider professional organisations.

It was noted that it was intended that the organisation would be up and running by the end of 2019, following the recruitment of a Chief Executive, Chair and board members.  The consultation focused on some of the key aspects such as partnership working, governance and data and intelligence sharing.  The deadline for responses to the consultation was 8 July 2019 and in order to meet this timescale, officers submitted the response, appended to the report, and homologation of this action was now requested. 

DECIDED:

(a) That it be noted that a submission had been made to the Scottish Government in relation to the Public Health Scotland consultation on behalf of Renfrewshire Council; and

(b) That the action by the Chief Executive in submitting the response on behalf of the Council in advance of the submission deadline be homologated.