Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Provost intimated that this meeting of the Council would be recorded and that the recording would be available to watch on the Council’s website.

Councillor Burns declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as both he and family members worked for another local authority Health & Social Care Partnership and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of these items and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Andy Doig declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as he worked within the social care sector and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of these items and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Grady declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy - as he worked within the public sector and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Hood declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy - as his wife was an employee of the NHS and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Harte declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy - and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon. 

Councillor Shaw declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as his partner worked in the social care sector and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of these items and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Audrey Doig declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as her husband worked within the social care sector and indicated that it was her intention to leave the meeting during consideration of these items and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Kerr declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as both he and his wife are employees of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of these items and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Mylet declared a financial interest in item 18 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as his wife worked in the social care sector and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor McCulloch declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as his siblings worked within the public sector and indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of these items and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Rodden declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as she worked within the public sector and indicated that it was her intention to leave the meeting during consideration of these items and not to not take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

 

 

 

Councillor Campbell declared non-financial interests in item 2 of the agenda – Update on COVID-19; item 3(a) of the agenda – Recovery and Renewal Plans: Financial Update; item 3(b) of the agenda – Recovery and Renewal Plans: Renfrewshire Economic Recovery Action Plan; item 3(c) of the agenda – Recovery and Renewal Plans: Social Renewal Programme Update; item 4 of the agenda – Alcohol and Drugs Commission – Final Report; and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as she was an employee of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde but not in the Council’s area and intimated that it was her intention to remain in the meeting and to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.  Councillor Campbell further declared a financial interest in item 12 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy – as she was an employee of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde but not in the Council’s area and intimated that it was her intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Sharkey declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as he considered every trade unionist in public service his brother or his sister and indicated that it was his intention to remain in the meeting during consideration of these items and to take part in any discussion or voting thereon. 

Councillor Davidson declared a non-financial interest in item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as her daughter, who did not live in the same household as her, worked within the social care sector and indicated that it was her intention to remain in the meeting during consideration of these items and to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Hughes declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as she had family members who worked within health, and as this did not include her husband, indicated that it was her intention to remain in the meeting during consideration of these items and to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Provost Cameron declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 12 of the agenda - Notice of Motion 4 by Councillors Harte and Kennedy - and item 18 of the agenda – Notice of Motion 10 by Councillors Sheridan and Harte - as she had family members who worked within the public sector, and as none of them lived in the same household as her, indicated that it was her intention to remain in the meeting during consideration of this item and to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

 

 

 

 

 

Provost L Cameron presided.

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, B Walker, City Deal Project Director (for items 1 to 10 only), L Adamson, Communications & Public Affairs Manager and M Moran, Assistant Economic Development Manager (Lead Officer) (all Chief Executive’s); M McCargo, Children’s Services Manager (Children’s Services); O Reid, Head of Communities & Public Protection, F Carlin, Head of Planning & Housing (for items 1 to 3(d) only) and L Muirhead, Planning & Housing Manager (for items 1 to 3(d) only) (all Communities, Housing & Planning Services); C Dalrymple, Communities & Regulatory Manager (Environment & Infrastructure); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, J Lynch, Head of Property Services, A MacArthur, Head of Finance (for items 1 to 10 only),  M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager, L Belshaw and D Low, both Democratic Services Managers and E Currie, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources); S Strachan, Interim Chief Officer, C Laverty, Head of Mental Health, Addictions and Learning Disability Services (for items 1 to 10 only), and J Dougal, Head of Head of Health & Social Care (West Renfrewshire) (for items 1 to 10 only) (all Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership); and V Hollows, Chief Executive (Renfrewshire Leisure Limited).

Provost Cameron acknowledged the death of Nancy Allison, a former Renfrew District Councillor, Renfrewshire Councillor and the first Provost of Renfrewshire Council, making reference to her exemplary service to the local community. The Provost made mention of the fact that Nancy established the Provost’s Community Awards in 1998 to acknowledge Renfrewshire’s local heroes. Individual members of the Council paid tribute endorsing the sentiments expressed. The Provost and members of the Council extended sincere condolences to her family on behalf of Renfrewshire Council. A minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect.


The Provost thanked Councillors for joining in the spirit of Christmas and for wearing festive attire during the meeting and making a donation to ACCORD Hospice, her charity of choice this year.  The Provost thanked Councillor Hughes for organising the event.

Councillor Mackay.

Councillor Andy Doig, intimated that both he and Councillor Hood, as the mover and seconder of Notice of Motion 6, wished to withdraw the Notice of Motion which formed item 14 of the agenda.

Councillor Campbell, having declared a non-financial interest in the following item of business, remained in the meeting but took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Campbell, having declared a non-financial interest in the items 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c), remained in the meeting but took no part in the discussions or voting thereon.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources providing a general fund financial update.

The report intimated that the Council’s financial outlook over the relatively short period of the next two years, was subject to significantly increased uncertainty at the end of 2020 in comparison to that which existed at the beginning of 2020. In this context, the next two to three years might represent the most critical period in the financial history of the Council and it was a necessity that the Council was highly focused on re-mobilising and driving forward the Right for Renfrewshire transformation programme once freed from COVID-19 demands in order to deliver the targeted £25 million of savings. This was critical to provide confidence that the Council would be positioned to secure the financial sustainability of priority services.

The report noted that it had become increasingly clearer that there was growing collateral damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the economic and fiscal position of the UK and Scotland, resulting in the largest economic slump in 300 years, and ultimately the uncertain impact this would have on future public spending.

The report provided an update in relation to the COVID-19 impact in 2020/21; an updated outlook for 2021/22 to 2022/23; government grant; future pay settlements; Right for Renfrewshire; the updated financial outlook for 2021/23; the planned use of financial flexibility and criticality of the Right for Renfrewshire programme; revenue investment capacity; and the capital investment programme. 

The report indicated that capital investment plans for housing and general services for 2020/21 to 2023/24, which included investment totalling £368 million, had been approved at the meeting of the Council held on 9 March 2020. In the current financial year, it had been planned that spend of £130 million of investment would take place. The short-term cessation of construction sites and requirements for re-opening continued to impact on the Council’s capital plan over 2020/21 and potentially over the medium-term. Consultation had taken place with active contractors to seek early engagement to achieve mutually agreeable adjustments to contract arrangements and avoid potentially expensive, disruptive and protracted legal disputes. It was noted that the immediate financial impact of COVID-19 had exposed the Council’s investment programme to circa £5 million to £6 million of additional cost spread equally across the General Fund investment programme and the Housing investment programme. The Housing Revenue Account debt management arrangements had sufficient flexibility to accommodate the impact of this level of cost exposure without unduly disrupting the revenue or capital programme and the report proposed that appropriate adjustments were made as part of the Housing financial planning arrangements looking ahead to the 2021/22 budget.

It was noted that in relation to the General Fund investment programme, £2.5 million of resource capacity had been identified to provide financial coverage to manage these additional COVID-19 cost exposures, in addition to the associated contingencies within existing projects, and these were detailed in section 5 of the report.

DECIDED: 

(i) That the update provided in the report be noted;

(ii) That it be noted that the next update was anticipated to form part of the budget report to Council based on the planned announcement of the Scottish Government budget and local government financial settlement on 28 January 2021; and

(iii) That the adjustments to the capital planning arrangements, as outlined in section 5 of the report, be agreed.

Under reference to item 4 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 24 September 2020, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Economic Recovery Plan for Renfrewshire for the period December 2020 to December 2022, which had been prepared in conjunction with, and approved by, Renfrewshire’s Economic Leadership Panel. A copy of the Plan formed Appendix 1 to the report.

The Panel had commended the Plan to the Council for endorsement and it was noted that the Plan’s success was dependent on the continued support and contributions of a wide variety of local partners, many of whom would lead on specific elements of the Plan’s delivery. A detailed Action Plan with specific economic targets would follow in early 2021.

The Plan took its lead from the Scottish Government’s approach to economic recovery but focused on the actions that would make the biggest difference in the local context. It was intended to build on, rather than replace, the existing Renfrewshire Economic Strategy and progress would be reviewed on a six-monthly basis by the Council’s Leadership Board.

The report noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had had a significant impact on the UK, Scottish and Renfrewshire economies. This had affected most economic sectors and Appendix 2 to the report offered an updated overview of the UK, Scottish and Renfrewshire economic context from that presented in the September 2020 report. Appendix 3 to the report provided a summary of the draft equivalent Plan for the Glasgow City Region.

DECIDED:

(i) That the Council endorse the Renfrewshire Economic Plan (December 2020) as recommended to them by the Renfrewshire Economic Panel; 

(ii) That it be agreed that regular updates on delivery of the Plan would be brought back to the Council’s Leadership Board over the next two years; and

(iii) That it be agreed that the Plan provided the basis for continued dialogue with Scottish Government and their agencies on a specific case for supporting a Renfrewshire economic recovery.

Under reference to item 3 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 24 September 2020, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the development of the Social Renewal Plan for Renfrewshire, which would recognise the significant inequalities that existed in Renfrewshire and setting out joint plans to address these in light of COVID-19.

 

 

 

The report intimated that to support the development of the Plan, and to develop a deeper understanding of COVID-19 on local people and communities, partners had commenced a community impact assessment and had worked to assess the data available on the local and national impact of COVID-19, with a particular initial focus on income and employment, financial insecurity, community support and health and wellbeing and summarised the initial data in relation to these key areas.

It was noted that further work was required in terms of assessing the particular impact of the pandemic on specific groups including carers, young people, people from a black and minority ethnic background and women and this would be progressed through various listening events in December 2020 and January 2021. More detailed analysis of the key issues being experienced would also be available through the findings of the Public Services Panel survey recently distributed to 1,500 local people. The panel findings would also be used to inform discussions at a community level through the Local Partnership meetings scheduled in February 2021.

Work would continue to gather and analyse available data and community feedback on the impact of the pandemic in Renfrewshire and this would inform the final draft of the Social Renewal Plan for Renfrewshire by March 2021, which would be fully aligned to the Economic Recovery Plan considered at item 3(b) of this Minute.

DECIDED: 

(i) That the progress that had been achieved in terms of assessing the impact of COVID-19 on local people and communities to date be noted; and

(ii) That the emerging issues which had been identified by partners through this initial programme of work be noted.

Councillor Campbell, having declared a non-financial interest in the following item of business, remained in the meeting but took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

 

 

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the final report of the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drugs Commission, a copy of which was appended to the report.

The report intimated that the Renfrewshire Community Planning Executive Group had agreed to establish an Alcohol and Drugs Commission in 2018.  The Commission comprised a range of local and national experts and met for the first time in March 2019 undertaking an extensive programme of engagement and evidence gathering which involved over 300 local people and groups. The final stage of the Commission’s work had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in late August 2020.

The covering report provided a summary of the work programme undertaken by the Commission and provided an overview of key findings and recommendations which had been endorsed by the Renfrewshire Community Planning Executive Group at a meeting held on 25 November 2020.

There were 27 recommendations in the Commission’s report which provided clear direction to community planning partners on the action that must be taken to fundamentally address the impact of alcohol and drug use in Renfrewshire. 

In recognition of the work of the Commission during 2019, and ahead of the planned publication of the Commission’s report in Spring 2020, £2 million had been allocated to support its recommendations in the Council budget approved on 9 March 2020.  Funding proposals which recommended the initial allocation of £1.34 million were set out in section 6 of the report.

DECIDED:

(a) That Council welcomed the findings and recommendations of the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drugs Commission, as set out in the Commission’s final report attached at Appendix 1,  and commended the contribution of the Commission members, frontline staff, partners and local people and communities to this process;

(b) That the funding proposals, set out in section 6 of the report, to allocate £1.34 million of the £2 million finding agreed by Council in March 2020 be agreed, with these proposals forming the Council’s initial response to the Commission’s findings;

(c) That it be noted that the Commission’s report and funding proposals, detailed in section 6 of this report, would be presented to the Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board on 29 January 2021 to gain formal support for the implementation of the proposed partnership response to the Commission’s findings; and

(d) That it be noted that a detailed action plan on the Commission’s findings and recommendations would be submitted to the Leadership Board in February 2021, with further funding proposals also submitted at that time.

 

 

 

Under reference to item 6 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 24 September 2020 and item 5 of the Minute of the special meeting of the Council held on 26 November 2020, there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources seeking approval for arrangements for the next cycle of Board meetings up to and including the next full Council meeting on 4 March 2021 and providing an update on the acquisition of a system that would enable live-streamed hybrid meetings to take place, once restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic had been eased.

The report intimated that at meetings on 25 June and 24 September 2020, the Council had approved governance arrangements over the summer of 2020 and for the last two cycles of Board meetings. The arrangements set out in this report aimed to allow the next cycle of Board meetings to take place as efficiently as possible in the current circumstances as well as enabling the Council to continue to respond to any urgent issues arising from the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The dates for meetings of the Council and Boards from October 2020 to June 2021 had been approved by Council on 26 September 2019. The dates for meetings during the January to March 2021 Board cycle remained in place as scheduled and the report proposed that, subject to paragraph 4.7 of the report, these take place remotely using video and audio links with the same arrangements as previously approved for the last cycle of meetings.

 

The report intimated that a system which would allow hybrid meetings to take place had been purchased from Public-I, the same company which currently provided web-casting services to the Council. It was anticipated that the system would be installed in mid-January 2021 and would allow for meetings to be streamed live. It was hoped that testing of the system, with elected member involvement, could place in late January 2021. However, it was not anticipated that the system would be available for use for a hybrid meeting at a Board or Council meeting in the next cycle, even if guidance permitted such a meeting to take place.

The report also proposed that the revised remit and extended membership of the Emergencies Board would continue although no meetings had been programmed at this time. Should any matters relating to COVID-19 require urgent decisions to be taken, that could not wait until the next relevant Board or Council meeting, the Emergencies Board could be reconvened quickly.

The arrangements for future Council and Board meetings would continue to be reviewed and would be the subject of a further report to Council on 4 March 2021.

The report indicated that at its special meeting on 26 November 2020, the Council appointed Councillor Graham as a member of the Licensing Board, replacing Councillor Kerr. Councillor Graham had advised that he was no longer able to take up that appointment and it was proposed that Councillor McIntyre be appointed to the Licensing Board in his place. In addition, it was proposed that Councillor Graham replace Councillor Strang as a member of the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the arrangements for the next cycle of Council and Board meetings, as set out in section 4 of the report, be approved; 

(b) That the acquisition of a system that enabled hybrid meetings to take place and for those meetings to be live-streamed be noted;

(c) That it be noted that the arrangements for subsequent Board cycles would be the subject of a report to Council on 4 March 2021;

(d) That the temporary changes to the membership and remit of the Emergencies Board approved by Council on 25 June 2020 be continued; and

(e) That Councillor McIntyre be appointed to the Licensing Board in place of Councillor Graham and that Councillor Graham be appointed to the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board in place of Councillor Strang.

At this point in the meeting, Councillor Hood intimated that he had submitted an emergency motion, seconded by Councillor Devine, which had not been included in the notice calling the meeting and requested that this be taken as an additional item. In terms of Standing Order 14(b), Provost Cameron ruled that the emergency motion by Councillors Hood and Devine be considered by the Council as a matter of urgency in order to ensure that the necessary arrangements could be made timeously. The emergency motion would be taken up as an additional item of business at the end of the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 11.15 am and reconvened at 11.30 am.

Councillors Burns, Andy Doig, Campbell, Grady, Hood, Harte, Shaw, Audrey Doig, Kerr,  McCulloch and Rodden, having declared financial interests in the following item of business, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

 

Provost Cameron and Councillors Davidson and Hughes, having declared non-financial interests in the following item of business, remained in the meeting but took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Sharkey, having declared a non-financial interest in the following item of business, remained in the meeting.

Councillors Burns, Andy Doig, Campbell, Grady, Hood, Harte, Shaw, Audrey Doig, Kerr, McCulloch and Rodden re-joined the meeting at this point.

In terms of Standing Order 16, Provost Cameron intimated that she proposed that the additional item in relation to the emergency motion submitted by Councillors Hood and Devine would be considered prior to item 18 of the agenda.

There was submitted an Emergency Motion by Councillor Hood and Devine in the following terms:

“This Council is saddened by the news of the impending closure of the Capability Scotland facility Corseford Short Breaks, in Johnstone. The provision of respite care is crucial to both the users of the service and their carers, and it’s importance has never been more evident than in the last nine months.

Renfrewshire Council must, immediately, enter into discussions with Capability Scotland to address the funding issues which appear to have led to the decision in regard to Corseford, talks, which must be aimed at protecting the current level of service in the short term whilst a long term solution is secured.

Council also agrees than any considerations of the future short and long term solutions, must include bringing the service in-house.”

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, moved as an amendment that the second paragraph of the emergency motion be amended to read:

“Renfrewshire Council recognises that this is a national resource and must, immediately, enter into discussions with Capability Scotland and encourage all other relevant stakeholders do likewise to address the funding issues which appear to have led to the decision in regard to Corseford, talks, which must be aimed at protecting the current level of service in the short term whilst a long term solution is secured.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Hood and Devine, being the mover and seconder of the emergency motion accepted the amendment. The emergency motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: This Council is saddened by the news of the impending closure of the Capability Scotland facility Corseford Short Breaks, in Johnstone. The provision of respite care is crucial to both the users of the service and their carers, and its importance has never been more evident than in the last nine months.

Renfrewshire Council recognises that this is a national resource and must, immediately, enter into discussions with Capability Scotland and encourage all other relevant stakeholders do likewise to address the funding issues which appear to have led to the decision in regard to Corseford, talks, which must be aimed at protecting the current level of service in the short term whilst a long term solution is secured.

Council also agrees than any considerations of the future short and long term solutions, must include bringing the service in-house.

Councillors Burns, Andy Doig, Shaw, Audrey Doig, Kerr, Mylet, McCulloch and Rodden, having declared financial interests in the following item of business, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Provost Cameron and Councillors Campbell, Davidson, Hughes and Sharkey, having declared non-financial interests in the following item of business, remained in the meeting but took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

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

Council, 24 September 2020 
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 8 October 2020
Special Council, 22 October 2020
Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 27 October 2020
Regulatory Functions Board, 28 October 2020
Education & Children's Services Policy Board, 29 October 2020
Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board, 4 November 2020
Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 11 November 2020
Regulatory Functions Board, 12 November 2020
Local Review Body, 17 November 2020
Special Regulatory Functions Board, 19 November 2020
Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 23 November 2020
Special Council, 26 November 2020
Leadership Board, 2 December 2020
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 8 December 2020

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.

Under reference to item 3 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 25 June 2020, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive providing an update in relation to the Council response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report intimated that since the last update report to the Council on 25 June 2020, service updates had been provided to the relevant policy boards on all operational and service issues that had been impacted as a result of responding to the ongoing pandemic. Cross party briefings had also been issued to elected members fortnightly covering ongoing matters in relation to the COVID-19 response, key statistics relating to the transmission of the virus, updates to policy and guidance, impact on service provision and the operational position of services.

It was noted that a report on the specific impact of the pandemic on the communities of Renfrewshire was considered at Council on 24 September 2020 and highlighted plans to support the economic and social recovery of communities as the pandemic moved forward and ultimately was mitigated through improved and newly developed approaches to testing and vaccination.

The report detailed the number of cases and deaths within Renfrewshire and noted the position in relation to care homes; provided an overview of the current steps being taken to respond to and manage, as far as possible, the impact of the virus during the second and any subsequent waves of the virus; information on key steps being taken to mitigate and combat the effects of the virus; and outlined some of the key measures for businesses and communities, support for individuals and families who had been asked to self-isolate and the extension of furlough and business grants.

The report provided detail on Renfrewshire’s pilot of the first lateral flow test community asymptomatic testing centre in Scotland, which took place in Johnstone Town Hall from 2 to 9 December 2020; the preparations being made for the roll-out of a national COVID-19 vaccination programme with the HSCP and Council working closely with Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board; the impact on local communities and businesses and the services provided by the Council and RLL when Renfrewshire was placed within the most restrictive level 4 measures; and sought delegated authority for the Chief Executive to make arrangements for the distribution of financial and welfare support funds that might be created in line with guidance provided by the Scottish Government, on behalf of the Council.

DECIDED:

(a) That the update provided on the Council’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and the associated impact in terms of local communities and service provision be noted; 

(b) That the work being undertaken by the Council to support communities and businesses in line with national guidance be acknowledged; 

(c) That the Chief Executive be authorised to make arrangements for the distribution of financial and welfare support funds that might be created in line with the guidance provided by the Scottish Government, on behalf of the Council, and to decide on how these funds were distributed; and

(d) That it be agreed that a report on the exercise of the authority granted in paragraph 2.1 (iii) be provided to elected members at the earliest opportunity.

There was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and the Directors of Communities, Housing & Planning Services and Finance & Resources outlining proposals for a programme of investment in housing-led regeneration and renewal in Renfrewshire.

The report intimated that this programme would not only enhance the Council’s housing stock but would also contribute to the wider transformation of Renfrewshire as a place and would be central to the economic and social recovery of Renfrewshire. The investment programme would bring forward additional investment of at least £100 million over the next 10 years to deliver modern, high-quality, energy-efficient, affordable housing.

The report sought authority to progress a 10-year investment in Council housing which would involve enhanced investment in existing households, including works to the external fabric of properties and environmental improvements, as well as the construction of new Council housing. The programme would be taken forward as a key council priority, having regard to the wider context and socio-economic context of each of the areas identified and be designed to ensure maximum benefit for local communities and Council-wide services.

 

The first phase of investment would be targeted to around 1,100 Council homes located in eight areas as detailed in paragraph 4.11 of the report. Comprehensive regeneration place plans would be developed, individually tailored to each area, and subject to a process of consultation and engagement with local communities, tenants, residents and owners. Initial assessment of the eight areas had indicated that the regeneration proposals would include a mix of improvements and retention of existing housing, some demolition, and investment in around 300 new-build Council homes.

Further areas for regeneration and renewal investment had been identified and proposals would be brought forward for housing in these areas as a second phase of the overall 10-year programme. 

DECIDED:

(i) That the Council agree to a 10-year programme of investment in improvements and regeneration of Council housing as set out in this report; 

(ii) That the investment of some £86 million in the comprehensive regeneration and improvement of the Council’s housing stock, including around 300 new homes be approved and that it be noted that this constituted around £29 million from existing financial plans and around £57 million from the new financial additional investment capacity identified in the long-term business plan;

(iii) That the Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services be authorised to put in place the necessary arrangements and resources for the planning and delivery of this investment, with future reports being brought forward to the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board;

(iv) That it be noted that the first phase of this regeneration programme would focus on eight areas as set out in the report and that work would continue on scoping future phases of housing regeneration which would be reported to the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board; 

(v) That it be noted that this programme of investment would contribute to the achievement of climate change targets by significantly improving the energy efficiency programme of the homes within the regeneration areas; and

(vi) That a funding proposal, to support the proposed demonstration project, as outlined in section 5 of this report, be presented to the Climate Change Sub-committee for consideration.

Under reference to item 3 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 9 March 2020, there was submitted a progress report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s prudential indicators for 2020/21 as at 16 October 2020, approximately halfway through the financial year.

The report outlined the key objectives of the Prudential Code, detailed the Renfrewshire position as at 16 October 2020 and intimated that total capital expenditure was £20.443 million, of which £17.711 million related to Non-housing and £2.732 million related to Housing. A review of the updated capital spending plan for 2020/21 suggested that the indicators required to be revised for the current year, the details of which were contained within the report. It was highlighted that indicators for 2021/22 and 2022/23 would be reviewed in March 2021, alongside the budget proposals. 

The report set out the proposed net decrease of £39.761 million in the planned Non-housing capital expenditure during 2020/21 and the factors which had contributed to this decrease; the factors considered in relation to the proposed decrease of £13.507 million in the planned Housing capital expenditure; outlined proposed revisions to the capital expenditure and capital financing requirement indicators and the indicators for affordability; and detailed the position in relation to external debt indicators and loan fund advances. 

DECIDED: That the changes to the prudential indicators, as detailed in the report, be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Head of Corporate Governance as Monitoring Officer relative to the outcome of the Standards Commission for Scotland Hearing into two complaints made to the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland. The complaints alleged that Councillor Mack had contravened the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 

The report indicated that the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland had conducted an investigation into the complaints and had concluded that Councillor Mack had contravened the Code and subsequently submitted reports to the Standards Commission for Scotland on the outcome of her investigations. The Commission, following receipt of the Commissioner’s reports, had held a hearing on 10 September 2020 in relation to the complaints and issued an oral decision that Councillor Mack had breached paragraphs 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 and paragraphs 2 and 20 of Annex C of the Code. As Councillor Mack had not been present at the hearing, he was sent a copy of the decision and was invited to submit any comments in respect of mitigation within five working days, before the Panel would then reach a decision on the sanction to be applied. Councillor Mack did not provide any comments in respect of mitigation or the sanction to be applied.

The decision of the Hearing Panel was to disqualify Councillor Mack for a period of 17 months, from being, or from being nominated for election as, or from being elected, a Councillor, with effect from 1 October 2020. Councillor Mack had submitted an appeal to the Sheriff Principal challenging both the decision of the Commission that he had breached the Code and the sanction imposed. No date had been fixed for this appeal to be heard in Court. Despite the appeal being lodged, the sanction imposed by the Standards Commission remained in place while the appeal had still to be determined.

The report highlighted that training on governance, which included the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, had been, and would continue to be, provided to members as part of their training and development programme and that individual members could seek advice from the Head of Corporate Governance on any issues arising from the Code.

DECIDED: 

(a) That, in accordance with the terms of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000, the findings of the Standards Commission on the complaints against Councillor Mack be noted; and 

(b) That it be noted that Councillor Mack had submitted an appeal against the findings of the Commission and the sanction imposed on him and that the appeal had still to be determined.

Under reference to item 16 of the Minute of the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 23 November 2020, there was submitted a report by the Lead Officer relative to the Board’s review of the conversion of grassed areas to parking.

The report intimated that the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, as part of the annual programme of activity for 2018/19, had considered the subject of conversion of grassed areas to open spaces with Council officers providing information on the relevant services they were responsible for delivering.  

At the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 23 November 2020, the Board agreed 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.

Councillor Binks, seconded by Councillor Begg, moved that the findings of the final report on the review of conversion of grassed areas to parking, approved at the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 23 November 2020, be noted and that the key recommendations contained therein be approved.

Councillor Sharkey, seconded by Councillor McCartin, moved as an amendment that Council remit the matter back to the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCartin, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey, and Sheridan.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Begg, Binks, Burns, J Cameron, Provost Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don, Graham, Hughes, Kerr, James MacLaren, Kenny MacLaren, Mags MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McIntyre, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw, Steel, and Strang.

15 members having voted for the amendment and 26 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That the findings of the final report on the review of conversion of grassed areas to parking, approved at the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 23 November 2020, be noted and that the key recommendations contained therein be approved.

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

"Council recognises that new child and adolescent mental health waiting times statistics for April to June 2020 show a record 1,520 children waiting more than a year for treatment.

Council further recognises that the Scottish Government's old strategy already wasn't working, because three years in, it has led to record numbers of children waiting over a year for the help they need.

Council demands therefore that the Scottish government brings forward a recovery plan to meet existing and heightened demand for CAMHS services, including immediate new steps to seriously expand the workforce." 

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

DECIDED: Council recognises that new child and adolescent mental health waiting times statistics for April to June 2020 show a record 1,520 children waiting more than a year for treatment.

Council further recognises that the Scottish Government's old strategy already wasn't working, because three years in, it had led to record numbers of children waiting over a year for the help they need.

Council demands therefore that the Scottish government brings forward a recovery plan to meet existing and heightened demand for CAMHS services, including immediate new steps to seriously expand the workforce.

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

"Right for Renfrewshire

Council agrees that the Council’s change and transformation programme, “Right for Renfrewshire” reports, will, from now on, go to future full Council meetings.

That this administration explains why a real term cut to local authority funding is a fair deal."

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

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment that:

“Council notes the remit of the Leadership board:

To provide oversight, leadership, and development of the public service reform agenda in Renfrewshire

To approve and oversee the procedures for examining the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of all council services.

To oversee the council’s management systems for all aspects of service delivery including best value and quality systems

Also notes that all reports are subject to detailed scrutiny and considered discussion by its members which are the cross-party political leadership of the Council.

Council therefore agrees that the Leadership Board remains as the appropriate forum for the change and transformation programme and that member briefings be implemented for all members of the Council prior to any future reports being submitted to the Leadership Board.”

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

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

21 members having voted for the amendment and 20 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Council notes the remit of the Leadership board:

To provide oversight, leadership, and development of the public service reform agenda in Renfrewshire

To approve and oversee the procedures for examining the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of all council services.

To oversee the council’s management systems for all aspects of service delivery including best value and quality systems

Also notes that all reports are subject to detailed scrutiny and considered discussion by its members which are the cross-party political leadership of the Council.

Council therefore agrees that the Leadership board remains as the appropriate forum for the change and transformation programme and that member briefings be implemented for all members of the council prior to any future reports being submitted to the Leadership board.

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

"Scottish Stage Race Winner and Promotion of Cycling for Schools 

This Council congratulates Mr Tao Geoghegan Hart on being the first Scottish cyclist to win a major European stage race, with his outstanding victory in the Italian national stage race, the Giro d’Italia, earlier this year. 

Council recognises both the physical and mental health benefits of Page 4 of 184 11/12/2020 cycling in all its forms, both recreational, utilitarian, and sporting pursuits. Council therefore resolves to have a renewed focus to promote cycling as part of the PE curriculum in Renfrewshire’s schools, and to investigate options for our schools using the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.”

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

Councillor James MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Kerr, moved as amendment that in addition:

“Council also congratulates Lusia Steele who lives in Renfrewshire for getting a podium place in the Women’s Team Sprint at the recent European Track Championships in Bulgaria. Lusia currently coaches the Johnstone Jets cycling club for children at Linwood and was an apprentice with Renfrewshire Leisure before joining the GB programme.

Sport Scotland recently published on their website that their Cycling Facilities Fund aims to support cycling facility projects across Scotland and welcomes proposals from all areas through an £8M grant fund.

Given Lusia’s success and those of other local cyclists, council is urged to bring forward their plans for a 1km closed road cycle circuit at the ON-X Sports Centre, Linwood that got approval at the Leadership Board in September 2019 and to submit a report to the next Council Board or appropriate body with detailed progress.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Andy Doig and Steel, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the addition to the motion. The motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Scottish Stage Race Winner and Promotion of Cycling for Schools 

This Council congratulates Mr Tao Geoghegan Hart on being the first Scottish cyclist to win a major European stage race, with his outstanding victory in the Italian national stage race, the Giro d’Italia, earlier this year. 

Council recognises both the physical and mental health benefits of Page 4 of 184 11/12/2020 cycling in all its forms, both recreational, utilitarian, and sporting pursuits. Council therefore resolves to have a renewed focus to promote cycling as part of the PE curriculum in Renfrewshire’s schools, and to investigate options for our schools using the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.

Council also congratulates Lusia Steele who lives in Renfrewshire for getting a podium place in the Women’s Team Sprint at the recent European Track Championships in Bulgaria. Lusia currently coaches the Johnstone Jets cycling club for children at Linwood and was an apprentice with Renfrewshire Leisure before joining the GB programme.

Sport Scotland recently published on their website that their Cycling Facilities Fund aims to support cycling facility projects across Scotland and welcomes proposals from all areas through an £8M grant fund.

Given Lusia’s success and those of other local cyclists, council is urged to bring forward their plans for a 1km closed road cycle circuit at the ON-X Sports Centre, Linwood that got approval at the Leadership Board in September 2019 and to submit a report to the next Council Board or appropriate body with detailed progress.

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

"Kate Forbes’ statement

Council welcomes Kate Forbes’ statement that the Scottish Government will not impose a ‘Tory pay freeze’ on public sector workers in Scotland. The council will write to the Scottish Government urging them to make sure that the next pay offer is substantial and meaningful."

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

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment that the motion be amended to read:

"Kate Forbes’ statement

Council welcomes Kate Forbes’ statement that the Scottish Government will not impose a ‘Tory pay freeze’ on public sector workers in Scotland.

Council notes that pay agreements in local government are negotiated directly by Local Government with trade unions through national arrangements.

This Council supports the continuing cross party work of COSLA in lobbying for a fair settlement for local government, this is the key agreed mechanism for engagement with the Scottish Government to secure an improved financial settlement which would support councils as employers in pay negotiations.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Sharkey and Kennedy, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the addition to the motion, subject to the words “substantial and meaningful” being added after “improved financial settlement”. 

Councillor McIntyre, seconded by Councillor Graham, moved as an amendment that:

“Council acknowledges that NHS staff and public sector employees earning less than £24,000pa will receive a pay increase. (England)

Council recognises that we are in the midst of a global pandemic which is both an unprecedented public health crisis and an economic crisis.
 
Many businesses have been forced to close while others face severe operating restrictions.
Millions of workers in the private sector have been furloughed, with 80% of their wages being paid by the UK Government.
Thousands of workers are being made unemployed with many more facing job insecurity. 

The pandemic response has required a huge increase in government spending while necessary public health restrictions have closed large parts of the economy and heavily eroded tax revenues. This has massively increased government borrowing, estimated to be in excess of £400 billion, a level not seen outside of war time. 

This Council recognises this level of spending is not sustainable beyond our current emergency and recognises the need to repair the public finances going forward.”

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

The following members voted for the motion, as amended: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Bibby, Brown, J Cameron, Provost Cameron, Councillors Davidson, Devine, Don, Dowling, Hughes, Kennedy, Kenny MacLaren, Mags MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Montgomery, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Sharkey, Sheridan, and Steel.

6 members having voted for the amendment and 24 members having voted for the motion, the motion, as amended, was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Kate Forbes’ statement

Council welcomes Kate Forbes’ statement that the Scottish Government will not impose a ‘Tory pay freeze’ on public sector workers in Scotland.

Council notes that pay agreements in local government are negotiated directly by Local Government with trade unions through national arrangements.

This Council supports the continuing cross party work of COSLA in lobbying for a fair settlement for local government, this is the key agreed mechanism for engagement with the Scottish Government to secure an improved financial settlement, substantial and meaningful, which would support councils as employers in pay negotiations.

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

"This Council reaffirms its position that no fox hunting activities will occur or be allowed to occur on any land or property that is owned or managed by Renfrewshire Council."

Councillor Audrey Doig, seconded by Councillor Don, then moved the motion.

Councillor Kennedy, seconded by Councillor Grady, moved as an amendment that in addition:

“This council writes to the Rural affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon MSP for an update on her proposed changes to legislation on Fox Hunting.

Council also calls upon her to act immediately to put an end to all forms of Fox Hunting.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Audrey Doig and Grady, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the addition to the motion. The motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: This Council reaffirms its position that no fox hunting activities will occur or be allowed to occur on any land or property that is owned or managed by Renfrewshire Council.

This council writes to the Rural affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon MSP for an update on her proposed changes to legislation on Fox Hunting.

Council also calls upon her to act immediately to put an end to all forms of Fox Hunting.

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

DECIDED: That it be noted that the notice of motion had been withdrawn.

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

"Use of Fireworks

That this Council seeks a review of existing legislation surrounding the sale and use of fireworks so that the legislation recognises the enjoyment factor of public firework displays which should be advertised in advance, promoting a public awareness campaign regarding the negative impact on animal welfare and vulnerable people and licensing traders to minimise the noise levels of fireworks sold to the public for private displays."

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor Hood, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

 

 

 

DECIDED: Use of Fireworks

That this Council seeks a review of existing legislation surrounding the sale and use of fireworks so that the legislation recognises the enjoyment factor of public firework displays which should be advertised in advance, promoting a public awareness campaign regarding the negative impact on animal welfare and vulnerable people and licensing traders to minimise the noise levels of fireworks sold to the public for private displays.

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

"Well Street Bus Stops

Further to the unanimous decision of council on 5th December 2019, Council instructs council officers to re-instate two bus stops located at Page 5 of 184 11/12/2020 the top of Well Street, Paisley to their original location (prior to their removal by SPT). Council further instructs council officers to approach SPT in order to recoup the full costs of this relocation."

Councillor Kenny MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Mags MacLaren, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Well Street Bus Stops

Further to the unanimous decision of council on 5th December 2019, Council instructs council officers to re-instate two bus stops located at Page 5 of 184 11/12/2020 the top of Well Street, Paisley to their original location (prior to their removal by SPT). Council further instructs council officers to approach SPT in order to recoup the full costs of this relocation.

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

"Notes this Council on Thursday 26 November at its Special Meeting approved the Audited Annual Accounts for 2019-20 unopposed. 

Recognises that on page 10 of the Auditor’s Report our Councillors were advised that financial challenges and difficult decisions lay ahead due to Covid-19. 

Notes that on Page 28 of that same report we saw that the impact of the pandemic had cost us £21 million in Renfrewshire, yet we have only received £15 million of Covid relief from the SNP Government in Edinburgh which has resulted in our £6 million shortfall. 

Congratulates our council officers on balancing the pre-Covid budget which delivered services to our electors and ratepayers. We call on Renfrewshire Council not to be short-changed so our financial challenges and difficult decisions are eased as we recover from the Covid pandemic. 

Notes the recent Fraser of Allander report that highlighted that the SNP have yet to formally allocate £1 billion of funding they’ve received from the UK Government and moves that Renfrewshire Council ask the SNP Government to urgently give the council the money they require to support our communities, businesses and people who have been affected in relation to Covid-19."

Councillor Begg, seconded by Councillor Kerr, then moved the motion.

Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment that:

“Council notes the current financial position of the council with regards to the impact of Covid expressed in regular updates and reports provided to elected members by the Head of finance.

Council also notes that the Fraser of Allander report states ‘The Autumn Budget Revision set out how £6bn of Covid-related consequentials are formally allocated, leaving £500m formally unallocated. ‘Up to £700m can be placed in the Scotland Reserve and drawn down in future years. However, under current rules only £250m can be drawn down from the Reserve in any single year, and thus the scope for transferring significant sums from 2020/21 in 2021/22 is quite limited. The Scottish Government may seek greater flexibilities from HM Treasury in how the Reserve can be used.

Council agrees that Renfrewshire Council continues to support the cross party work of COSLA to push the Scottish Government to fully fund all covid-19 related costs which were expended in fighting a national pandemic and that HM Treasury be called upon to respond positively to the request for greater financial flexibility from the finance Minister which will allow funding to be released during this health crisis.”

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

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

21 members having voted for the amendment and 20 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Council notes the current financial position of the council with regards to the impact of Covid expressed in regular updates and reports provided to elected members by the Head of finance.

Council also notes that the Fraser of Allander report states ‘The Autumn Budget Revision set out how £6bn of Covid-related consequentials are formally allocated, leaving £500m formally unallocated. ‘Up to £700m can be placed in the Scotland Reserve and drawn down in future years. However, under current rules only £250m can be drawn down from the Reserve in any single year, and thus the scope for transferring significant sums from 2020/21 in 2021/22 is quite limited. The Scottish Government may seek greater flexibilities from HM Treasury in how the Reserve can be used.

Council agrees that Renfrewshire Council continues to support the cross party work of COSLA to push the Scottish Government to fully fund all covid-19 related costs which were expended in fighting a national pandemic and that HM Treasury be called upon to respond positively to the request for greater financial flexibility from the finance Minister which will allow funding to be released during this health crisis.

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

"£500 bonus for NHS and Social Care Workers 

Council welcomes the £500 bonus for NHS and social care workers that has been announced by the Scottish Government. Council also recognises the vital work carried out by our own front line employees during the pandemic, and will look to adopt a similar approach as soon as is practicable."

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

Councillor McIntyre, seconded by Councillor Graham, moved as a first amendment that:

“Council welcomes the £500 bonus for NHS and social care workers that has been announced by the Scottish Government. 

Council also welcomes the announcements from Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda and other supermarkets to refund the business rates relief they received during the pandemic.

Council agrees to write to the Scottish Government and request that any business rates refunded within the Council area be retained in Renfrewshire and used to support:

1. Local businesses that still face ongoing trading restrictions.
2. Our own front-line employees working in the response to the pandemic.”

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as a second amendment that:

 

"Council welcomes the £500 bonus for NHS and social care workers that has been announced by the Scottish Government.

Council notes the cross-party position and work of COSLA in calling for an extension of the £500 bonus to key workers within Local Government and supports COSLA in that work.

Council further notes and agrees with the statement from the SJC trade Unions Unite, GMB and Unison that “Whilst we welcome the Scottish Government's announcement of a £500 'bonus' for staff in health and social care we believe this payment should be extended to the many other public service workers, many across Local Government, involved in responding to the Covid pandemic”.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Sheridan and Harte, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the wording in the second amendment as the motion. 

There remained the first amendment and the motion as amended.

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

The following members voted for the motion, as amended: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Bibby, Brown, J Cameron, Provost Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Davidson, Devine, Don, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Hughes, Kennedy, Kenny MacLaren, Mags MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Montgomery, Nicolson, Paterson, Sharkey, Sheridan, and Steel.

6 members having voted for the amendment and 27 members having voted for the motion, the motion, as amended, was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Council welcomes the £500 bonus for NHS and social care workers that has been announced by the Scottish Government.

Council notes the cross-party position and work of COSLA in calling for an extension of the £500 bonus to key workers within Local Government and supports COSLA in that work.

Council further notes and agrees with the statement from the SJC trade Unions Unite, GMB and Unison that “Whilst we welcome the Scottish Government's announcement of a £500 'bonus' for staff in health and social care we believe this payment should be extended to the many other public service workers, many across Local Government, involved in responding to the Covid pandemic”.