Councillor Nicolson, Convener, presided.

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Under reference to item 1 of the minute of meeting of the Executive Group held on 25 November 2020 there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive, Renfrewshire Council relative to the final report of the Renfrewshire Alcohol & Drug Commission.

The report advised that at the meeting of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Executive Group held on 22 August 2018 it had been agreed to establish an Alcohol and Drugs Commission. This was prompted following ongoing concern in relation to the impact of alcohol and drug use across Renfrewshire’s communities.  The Commission had initially met during March 2019 and carried out an extensive programme of engagement and evidence gathering. The final stage of the Commission’s work had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic however this stage of the Commission had resumed in late August 2020.

The report provided a summary of the work programme undertaken by the Commission and provided an overview of key findings and recommendations. The full report was attached as an appendix to the report.  It was noted that at the Council meeting held on 9 March 2020 it had been agreed that £1million would be allocated to support priorities emerging from the Alcohol and Drugs Commission, with the focus for the Council resources being on improving mental health for young people. In addition, £1 million in match funding from the Health and Social Care Partnership had been to support key priorities emerging from the Commission.  The Head of Policy & Commissioning (Renfrewshire Council) was currently developing proposals to support the implementation of the Alcohol and Drugs Commission report and recommendations and it was proposed that the Community Planning Partnership Group, as the sponsoring group would maintain oversight of the implementation and progress made in terms of driving forward the recommendations.

The report also advised of the proposed governance arrangements which would require to be established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations, and the management of the programme.  It was anticipated that the proposed arrangements would be in place in early 2021.  It was noted that the report would be formally launched and published and thereafter submitted to the meeting of Renfrewshire Council to be held on 17 December 2020.  Partner organisations were also encouraged to submit the report for discussion within their own respective organisations.

A presentation was made which provided information on the background to the establishment of the Commission, it’s composition and remit, the programme of activity and engagement, the scale of the issue locally and important considerations.  Details of the key findings of the Renfrewshire Alcohol & Drug Commission and the 26 connected recommendations covering (i) risk of harm; (ii) mental health; (iii) prevention and early intervention; (iv) young people and families; (v) recovery; and (vi) relationships & connections were also provided.  Those recommendations which required priority action were highlighted.  There followed discussion and questions by members.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.