Councillor J Cameron declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 6 of the agenda
as she was a member of KAIROS. Councillor Cameron indicated that it was her intention to remain in the meeting and take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor J Cameron declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 13 of the agenda as she was Chair of the Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board.  Councillor Cameron indicated that it was her intention to remain in the meeting and take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor J MacLaren declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 13 of the agenda as he was a member of the Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board.  Councillor MacLaren indicated that it was his intention to remain in the meeting and take part in any discussion or voting thereon. 

Councillor Hughes declared a non-financial interest in respect of items 15 and 16 of the agenda as she was Chair of the Board of Renfrewshire Leisure Limited. Councillor Hughes indicated that as she had a general dispensation from the Standards Commission which allowed her to take part and to vote in relation to such matters it was her intention to remain in the meeting during consideration of these items.

Councillor McCartin declared a non-financial interest in respect of items 15 and 16 of the agenda as she was a member of the Board of Renfrewshire Leisure Limited. Councillor McCartin indicated that as she had a general dispensation from the Standards Commission which allowed her to take part and to vote in relation to such matters it was her intention to remain in the meeting during consideration of these items.

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 of those services reporting to the Board as at 8 November 2019.  The report highlighed a net underspend of £220,000 on adult services, reflecting vacancies due to recruitment issues throughout all service areas.

DECIDED: That the budget position be noted.

There was submitted a capital budget monitoring report by the Director of Finance &  Resources for the period to 8 November 2019 relative to those services reporting to this Board.  The report highlighted an overspend of £0.001 million during the current period and intimated that the programme would be continually monitored to ensure that the available resources were fully utilised and that approved limits were reached.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

Under reference to item 5 of the Minute of the meeting of the Board held on 18 September 2019, there was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the proposed changes emerging from the Tranche 1 service redesign exercises completed to date as part of Right for Renfrewshire (RfR), including for each area, the service redesign scope, drivers for change and redesign objectives, and an overview of key service changes, benefits and outcomes. 

The report outlined the background to RfR and intimated that it was a strategic programme that was key to supporting the Council's medium-term financial strategy but also the strategic objective to modernise and ensure services across the Council remained sustainable and best-placed to meet the Council and citizens' objectives.  It was noted that in parallel to the implementation programme for Tranche 1, work would commence over the first half of 2020 to scope Tranche 2.  This would ensure the required degree of momentum and pace was maintained which was critical to supporting the 2021/22-23 financial planning process which included a provision for £25 million net savings arising from the RfR programme.  The report outlined key recommendations for change and transformation emerging from the Tranche 1 reviews, including the process of adapting the size and composition of the Council's workforce over the medium term.  It was noted that work completed to date indicated a net reduction of around 130 full-time equivalent posts across the service redesigns which would be facilitated through the release of employees under voluntary severance.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved that the latest update on the Right for Renfrewshire Programme and financial outlook for 2020/23 as outlined in the report be noted; that the progress achieved in relation to those service redesigns that constituted Tranche 1 of the programme be noted and that it be agreed that the range of associated proposals for change and transformation as outlined in detail in sections 4-12 of the report be implemented; that it be agreed that as part of the implementation of the proposals, authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to take forward the arrangements for the voluntary release of employees over the course of the 2020/21 change and transformation process; and that it be noted that further reports would be brought to future cycles of the Board to provide updates on the progress achieved in relation to the implementation phase of Tranche 1 of the programme and specifically in relation to the service areas that would be proposed to constitute Tranche 2 which would be critical to supporting the ongoing delivery of the Council's change programme.

Councillor Devine, seconded by Councillor Sheridan, moved as an amendment that it be recommended that the Board note the latest update on the Right for Renfrewshire programme and financial outlook for 2020/23 as outlined in the report; and that this Board rejects the proposals outlined in the report.

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

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

3 members having voted for the amendment and 11 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the latest update on the Right for Renfrewshire Programme and financial outlook for 2020/23 as outlined in the report be noted;

(b) That the progress achieved in relation to those service redesigns that constituted Tranche 1 of the programme be noted and that it be agreed that the range of associated proposals for change and transformation as outlined in detail in sections 4-12 of the report be implemented;

(c) That it be agreed that as part of the implementation of the proposals, authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to take forward the arrangements for the voluntary release of employees over the course of the 2020/21 change and transformation process; and

(d) That it be noted that further reports would be brought to future cycles of the Board to provide updates on the progress achieved in relation to the implementation phase of Tranche 1 of the programme and specifically in relation to the service areas that would be proposed to constitute Tranche 2 which would be critical to supporting the ongoing delivery of the Council's change programme.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the proposed content of Year 3 (2020/21) of the current Tackling Poverty Programme and outlining progress since the introduction of the Programme.  The report intimated that a programme of activity had been developed which would sustain key projects which supported people on low incomes, with a focus on low-income families with children.  The proposed programme continued key projects and it was highlighted that there continued to be opportunities to review projects throughout the programme to make sure delivery models were the most effective and to explore opportunities to align more closely to mainstream service provision.  

DECIDED: That the proposed content of Year 3 of the Tackling Poverty Programme 2020/21 as detailed in the report be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the release on 28 January 2020 of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) which provided new data on relative deprivation across Scotland at local authority and small area (data zone) level.   The SIMD was one of a wide range of tools that the Council used to help plan activities, programmes of work and effective partnership working and engagement.  It was highlighted that whilst the report provided a broad overview further analysis was required to understand the detail behind the headline figures.  It was noted that 138 of Renfrewshire's 225 data zones had improved on their 2016 ranking and that fewer were now identified as the most deprived in Scotland, from 61 in 2016 to 54 in 2020. The new rankings showed two of Renfrewshire's data zones in the ten identified as the most deprived in Scotland and the report gave an analysis of the data in relation to these.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the publication of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020 data release and the summary information provided at a Renfrewshire and national level in the report be noted; and

(b) That it be noted that further analysis would be provided as part of the members' briefing programme.

 There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Strategic Partnership Agreement which had been developed with Active Communities.  The report intimated that partnership working was key to the delivery of the Community Plan and also to the Council Plan, recognising that the Council alone would not be able to improve the outcomes targeted.  A range of activities were underway across the Council to support greater collaboration and engagement with local community groups and organisations by redefining the relationships that had developed over time and working more closely together on shared priorities.  The concept of a  Strategic Partnership Agreement was to demonstrate commitment to partnership working and to strengthen communication and engagement through regular dialogue.  Within the Agreement were two key areas where it had been identified that Active Communities and the Council would benefit from a collaborative relationship: asset transfer of the former police station in Johnstone and the Women's Centre (KAIROS).   The initial period for each Strategic Partnership Agreement was one year.

DECIDED: That the Strategic Partnership Agreement be approved in relation to Active Communities.

Under reference to item 9 of the Minute of the meeting of the Board held on 19 June 2019, there was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Infrastructure relative to car parking in Paisley Town Centre.  The report intimated that at the meeting of the Board held on 19 June 2019 it had been agreed to pilot a three-hour period of free parking in five car parks in Paisley Town Centre for an initial period of six months, between July and December 2019.   A Review of Car Parking in Paisley Town Centre Working Group had also been established.  This report set out the evaluation of the pilot undertaken to date, analysing the economic, transportation and financial data available.  The report also set out work commencing to support public transport in Renfrewshire and in particular Paisley Town Centre, focusing on bus infrastructure to improve customers' journey times to and from the town centre and across Renfrewshire.   The report indicated that the Review of Car Parking in Paisley Town Centre Working Group had met on 6 February 2020 to discuss the evaluation data and had proposed that the pilot be extended for a further six-month period in order that a full year's worth of data on the impact of the three free hours parking had on Paisley Town Centre.  The report also referred to electric charging infrastructure, parking meters and digital car park signage.

The Convener intimated that if members had suggestions in relation to the pilot these should be passed to the Director of Environment & Infrastructure or to the Head of Regeneration, for consideration by the Working Group.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be noted that the Review of Car Parking in Paisley Town Centre Working Group had met to discuss and evaluate the pilot of a three-hour period of free parking and that the outputs were contained within the report;

(b) That it be agreed to extend the pilot for a further six months to allow a calendar year worth of data to be gathered and evaluated for the economic, financial and transportation impact of the car parking pilot, with a report being brought back to a future Leadership Board to inform future car parking policy in Paisley Town Centre;

(c) That the financial implications for the Council for extending the pilot period as set out in the report be noted and that it be agreed to fund the pilot from existing resources earmarked to support regeneration and development activities in Paisley Town Centre; 

(d) That the commencement of studies to develop bus prioritisation infrastructure for Paisley Town Centre be noted;

(e)  That the planned electric charging infrastructure planned for off-street car parks in Paisley Town Centre be noted; and

(f) That if members had suggestions in relation to the pilot these should be passed to the Director of Environment & Infrastructure or to the Head of Regeneration, for consideration by the Working Group

Under reference to item 6 of the Minute of the meeting of the Board held on 18 September 2019, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Action Plan to deliver the range and number of actions that required extensive partnership working, collaboration and sustained effort over the 10-year duration of the Strategy.  The report intimated that in November 2016 the Leadership Board approved the establishment of an Economic Leadership Panel (the Panel).  In September 2019 the Board approved the Renfrewshire Economic Strategy, which had been prepared with the guidance of the Panel.  The Strategy set out eight economic challenges that, to be tackled effectively, required a coordinated response, and that a series of interventions was proposed for each.  Work had now been undertaken with the Panel to develop an Action Plan, which was appended to the report.  The Panel had assessed the content of the Action Plan and had commended it to the Council for approval.  The Action Plan highlighted specific projects and identified the lead organisation, the time-frame and resources required to deliver each.  Given the extent of the Action Plan the report highlighted that the Panel had advised on particular actions that should be prioritised in the first 24 months of the plan and these were outlined.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved that the Board welcomed the preparation of the Action Plan under the guidance of the Economic Leadership Panel; that the Board as a key contributor and enabler of the Action Plan, approve the actions identified for the Council to be the lead partner; and that the near-term priorities of the Action Plan as set out in the report be noted.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor McCartin, moved as an amendment that a new recommendation 2.1vi be added:

"This Board recognises that clarity and transparency are crucial in the delivery of the City Deal projects for Renfrewshire.

Notes the concerns of the Accounts Commission's report Scotland's City Region and Growth Deals on City Deal Cabinet should rotate on an equal basis between the Glasgow City Deal Local Authorities.

Believes that the Chief Executive Officers of the Glasgow City Deal Local Authorities should convene the Chief Executives' Group on a rotational basis, in conjunction with the rotation of the City Deal Cabinet Convenership.

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

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

6 members having voted for the amendment and 8 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Board welcomed the preparation of the Action Plan under the guidance of the Economic Leadership Panel;

(b) That the Board as a key contributor and enabler of the Action Plan, approved the actions identified for the Council to be the lead partner; and

(c) That the near-term priorities of the Action Plan as set out in the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Skills Action Plan, which was one of the key actions within the Economic Strategy.  The report highlighted that the development of the Renfrewshire workforce to meet the needs of a growing economy and alignment with expanding and emerging sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, care and creative industries was fundamental to achieving the ambitions set out in the Economic Strategy.  The Skills Action Plan, which was appended to the report, set out a series of multi-agency key actions and responsibilities in order that Renfrewshire stakeholders could, in collaboration, tackle worklessness, develop workforce capacity, improve productivity and plan for future skills needs.

The Economic Development Manager gave a short presentation on the Action Plan.

DECIDED: That the Renfrewshire Skills Action Plan 2020/23 as appended to the report be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the award of third party TH/CARS2 grants for the building repair project at 3 County Place, Paisley and a combined building repair/shopfront improvement project at 44 High Street, Paisley.

DECIDED: That the award of third-party TH/CARS2 grants, subject to approval by the funders (National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland) for works at 3 County Place, Paisley and 44 High Street, Paisley be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the further development of Scotland's Future Employability Services and the partnership approach between the Scottish Government and local authorities.  The report also outlined a new allocation of Scottish Government funding for employability services linked to improving child and family poverty.  

The report intimated that the first phase of the review had been to integrate investment in current national programmes into a new local employability delivery model managed collaboratively between the Scottish Government and local government.  The Scottish Government had identified that full implementation of the new employability model would roll out in 2022/23 and a range of new funding opportunities were expected to support the new model over the next few years.

The report also referred to the Parental Employment Support Fund which was awarded recently to all councils in Scotland and Appendix 2 to the report gave a breakdown of  local authority allocations.  A further allocation of funding specifically supporting disability employability issues was anticipated for April 2020.  Appendix 3 to the report provided an outline of the proposed actions for Renfrewshire Council's share of £0.524 million.  These actions were in line with the guidance for the funding and complemented the existing employability supports already on offer through existing employability services.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report and the development work to design Scotland's future employability services be noted;

(b) That the funding allocation of £0.524 million to Renfrewshire Council under the Parental Employment Support Fund be noted and that the proposals being developed to support the aims of the programme be approved; and

(c) That it be noted that a further allocation of funding relating to the employability of disabled parents was anticipated over the next few months.

Under reference to item 8 of the Minute of the meeting of the Board held on 19 June 2019, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the outcome of the Paisley First Renewal Ballot which took place during September and October 2019 with the result being announced on 25 October 2019.  The report intimated that the ballot had now been concluded with Paisley First being successful in gaining support of the levy payers for a second term which commenced on 15 January 2020.  The report provided the detail of the ballot result and also recommended that Renfrewshire Council was represented on the Board of Paisley First for the next term by the Head of Regeneration.

DECIDED:

(a) That the result of the renewal ballot for the Paisley First Business Improvement District be noted; and that it be noted that Paisley First were successful in getting approval for a second term as the business improvement district for Paisley Town Centre; and that it be noted that work was ongoing to conclude the required operating agreement between Paisley First and the Council; and

(b) That it be agreed that the Head of Regeneration replace the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services as the Renfrewshire Council nominated Director on the Board of Paisley First.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the review of the Integration Scheme for Health and Adult Social Care (the Scheme).  The draft revised Scheme was appended to the report.  The report intimated that in 2015 the introduction of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 (the Act) required Health Boards and Councils (partner organisations) to integrate planning for and delivery of certain adult health and social care services to Integration Joint Boards.  Under this legislation the partner organisations were required to prepare jointly a formal Scheme setting out how this joint working was to be achieved.  Renfrewshire's Scheme was approved in June 2015.  The report referred to the requirement in the Act that a review of the Scheme was to be undertaken every five years, in line with which Renfrewshire's Scheme must be approved by Scottish Ministers by 26 June 2020.  The report intimated that minimal changes had been made to the original Scheme and noted that subject to Council approval of the consultation draft Scheme, and in line with the prescribed statutory process, Council and NHS GGC would jointly carry out a consultation on the Scheme over the three-week period from 24 February to 13 March 2020. 

It was proposed that the Chief Executive provide clarification and guidance to the Health & Social Care Partnership in relation to elected members' rights in advocating for and representing their constituents.  This was agreed.

DECIDED:

(a) That the consultation draft of the Integration Scheme as appended to the report be approved;

(b) That it be noted that a final Integration Scheme would be brought to the Council and Health Board, taking account of consultation feedback, for approval in advance of it being submitted to Scottish Ministers; and

(c) That the Chief Executive provide clarification and guidance to the Health & Social Care Partnership in relation to elected members' rights in advocating for and representing their constituents.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Officer, Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership relative to formal  notification by the Care Inspectorate, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland that they will undertake a joint inspection of adult support and protection arrangements in Renfrewshire partnership area to commence on 16 March 2020.   The Inspection Report would likely be published prior to the summer recess.  The report intimated that the inspection was part of a planned national programme of inspection and followed on from an initial pilot of a new approach to adult support and protection inspections piloted previously with six other local authorities.  All local authority areas would be subject to an inspection on these arrangements over the next two-year period.  The report outlined the preparation underway and the key dates for the joint inspection.

DECIDED:

(a) That the information relating to the forthcoming Joint Inspection of adult support and protection in Renfrewshire be noted;

(b) That it be noted that a core steering group was now in place which would oversee the preparation for the inspection; and 

(c) That it be agreed that the Inspection Report and Improvement Plan be submitted to a future meeting of the Leadership Board.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to Renfrewshire Leisure Limited's recently-published annual review of 2018/19, as appended to the report, which highlighted the contribution that the organisation made to the achievement of the Council Plan, Community Plan and National Outcome priorities.  The annual review also outlined Renfrewshire Leisure's main achievements, business performance and summary financial statements and formed part of the Council's performance monitoring arrangements of Renfrewshire Leisure.   It was noted that Renfrewshire Leisure was currently preparing its annual business plan, which would be submitted to the meeting of the Board to be held on 29 April 2020.  The business plan would outline how the organisation would continue to respond to the financial pressures facing it and maximise all opportunities for development and improvement going forward, including those relating to broader health and wellbeing and cultural regeneration.  

The report also noted that Renfrewshire Leisure was seeking to fill a number of vacancies on its Board and that a further update would be provided when this exercise was complete.

It was proposed that members be provided with clarification of Renfrewshire Leisure and the Council's roles in terms of cleaning of community buildings.  This was agreed.

DECIDED:

(a) That Renfrewshire Leisure's annual review of 2018/19 be noted; 

(b) That the update on the development of Renfrewshire Leisure's annual Business Plan for 2020/21 be noted; and

(c) That members be provided with clarification of Renfrewshire Leisure and the Council's roles in terms of cleaning of community buildings.

Under reference to item 13 of the Minute of the meeting of the Board held on 19 June 2019, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the successful outcome of the Round 2 grant application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).  The report intimated that the redevelopment of Paisley Museum and Art Gallery was the signature project of the Paisley Heritage Asset Strategy as approved by the Council in January 2014.  At its meeting held on 19 June 2019, the Board had approved the submission of a Round 2 grant application to the NLHF for £3.83 million towards a total grant award of £4.9 million as part of the £42 million redevelopment scheme.  The report intimated that at their meeting on 30 November 2019 NLHF Scotland considered and approved the Round 2 funding application of £3.83 million.

DECIDED: That the Chief Executive be authorised to accept the NLHF Round 2 grant award of £3.83 million and coordinate the delivery of the project accordingly.