Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Provost Cameron intimated that this meeting would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site. 

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

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

Council, 2 March 2023
Appointment Board, 3 March 2023
Communities and Housing Services Policy Board, 7 March 2023 
Regulatory Functions Board, 8 March 2023
Education and Children's Services Policy Board 9 March 2023
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 13 March 2023
Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 14 March 2023
Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, 14 March 2023
Appointment Board, 14 March 2023
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 15 March 2023
Regulatory Functions Board, 23 March 2023
Special Regulatory Functions Board, 23 March 2023
Local Review Body, 28 March 2023
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 20 March 2023
Appointment Board, 18 April 2023
Leadership Board, 26 April 2023 

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to progress with equalities in accordance with Renfrewshire Council’s duties to report progress publicly and in an accessible manner. 

The report detailed a range of information that the Council was required to publish by the end of April 2023, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and covered the Council’s duties both corporately and as an Education Authority. The report provided an update on progress towards equality outcomes. The report also detailed how the Council would meet these equality outcomes, along with information on activities which had been delivered in the reporting period from 2021-23. 

The report advised that a full review of the Equality Outcomes was planned for 2023, recognising the significant changes experienced through the period and to ensure outcomes reflected the strategic priorities of the Council, were aligned to the new Council and Community Plans and that progress reporting was integrated into the Council’s mainstreaming performance monitoring processes. 

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, moved:

(a) That the progress made in mainstreaming equalities and pursuing Renfrewshire Council’s Equality Outcomes be noted; and



(b) That the Progressing Equality outcomes and Mainstreaming Equality Report be approved for final publication on the Council’s website.

Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Ann-Dowling, moved, as an amendment that: 

“High quality LGBT education is a welcome and vital activity in Renfrewshire Schools.

Council officers will bring back a report to elected members outlining the due diligence and scrutiny undertaken to approve LGBT Youth Scotland teaching resources for use in Renfrewshire schools”.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Gilmour G Graham, N Graham, Gray, Hannigan, Hood, Leishman, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McDonald, McGonigle, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

21 members having voted for the amendment and 21 members having voted for the motion, there being an equality of votes, Provost Cameron exercised her second and casting vote for the motion which was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the progress made in mainstreaming equalities and pursuing Renfrewshire Council’s Equality Outcomes be noted; and

(b) That the Progressing Equality outcomes and Mainstreaming Equality Report be approved for final publication on the Council’s website.

There was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Resources relative to the appointment of a Development Partner for the next stage of the Council’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) development to ensure long-term economic benefits and regeneration were secured at the former Netherton Farm site.

The report sought approval to appoint the Development Partner to move the Council’s AMIDS to the next stage, building on the Council’s significant City Deal and other financial investment in enabling infrastructure and the wider investment in anchor facilities, namely, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the CPI Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. 





The report advised that the Development Partner would work with the Council and other stakeholders to bring forward suitable advanced manufacturing facilities and occupiers that would support the Council’s vision to deliver long-term economic growth and high-quality jobs to the area and wider city region. 

DECIDED:
 
(a) That the scale of ambition and anticipated benefits resulting from the successful delivery of the next phase of the AMIDS project, as outlined in the report, be noted;

(b) That the Council’s participation in developing the AMIDS site in partnership with Tarras Park Properties Limited through membership of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) be approved;  

(c) That the Director of Finance & Resources be authorised to sign on the Council’s behalf all documents required to formalise the Council’s participation in the LLP and to regulate the operation of the partnership;  

(d) That the nomination of Barbara Walker, City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director and Alastair McArthur, Director of Finance & Resources as the Council’s representatives on the Board of the LLP be authorised; 

(e) That the drawdown of land in parcels for specific development in accordance with the LLP Business Plan be approved;  

(f) That the Head of Corporate Governance be authorised, in conjunction with the City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director, to make minor alterations to the documents as required prior to signing; and 

(g) That it be agreed that progress and updates and any future decision requirements on the development of AMIDS or the future of the LLP be submitted to the relevant Council Board.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to Elected Member appointments.
  
The report advised that at the statutory meeting of the Council held on 19 May 2022 appointments were made to a number of outside organisations. Correspondence had now been received in relation to the appointment of substitute members to CoSLA and requesting the appointment of a member of the Council to the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee.

The report detailed the Members previously appointed to the Convention and indicated that at the meeting of the Convention held on 31 March 2023, Councillors J Cameron and McMillan were unable to attend and had intimated that Councillors Paterson and Ann-Dowling respectively would attend as their substitutes.







CoSLA confirmed that substitutes were permitted if appointed by the Council, accordingly it was proposed that the nomination of Councillors Paterson and Ann-Dowling as substitutes for Councillors J Cameron and I McMillan be homologated and that Councillors Campbell, Hughes and Leishman be appointed as substitutes for Councillors Nicolson, Shaw, and N Graham respectively. 

 

The report intimated that correspondence had been received from Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee seeking a member to represent the Council on the Committee. Councillor Paterson, the Council’s appointee to Strathclyde Passenger Transport, represented that body on the Committee but a separate Council representative was required. The strategic aim and purpose of the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee was detailed in the report.

 

The report indicated that correspondence had also been received from the Leader of the Administration Group requesting that Councillor Burns replace Councillor Innes as a member of the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board and that Councillor Innes replace Councillor Burns as a member of the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board. 

In addition, correspondence had been received from Councillor N Graham requesting that he be replaced as the Conservative group member on the Member Officer Group Public Protection by Councillor McGonigle. 

Councillor J Cameron, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved that in relation to the paragraph 1.3 of the report, Councillor Nicolson replace Councillor Innes as a member of the Education & Children’ Services Policy Board; and that in relation to paragraph 1.5 of the report, Councillor McEwan be appointed to the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee.

Councillor N Graham, seconded by Councillor Leishman, moved, as a first amendment, that Councillor James MacLaren be appointed to the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee.

Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Ann-Dowling, moved, as a second amendment, that Councillor Gilmour be appointed to the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee. 

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the first amendment: Councillors N Graham, Gray, Leishman, J MacLaren and McGonigle.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hannigan, Hughes, Innes, McFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.  

The following members abstained: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Gilmour, G Graham, Hood, McCulloch, McDonald, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery Mullin and Smith.

5 members having voted for the first amendment, 23 members having voted for the motion and 14 members having abstained, the motion was declared carried.

On the roll then being called between the motion and the second amendment, the following members voted for the second amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Gilmour, G Graham, N Graham, Gray, Hannigan, Hood, Leishman, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McDonald, McGonigle, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.   

20 members having voted for the second amendment and 22 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the appointment of Councillors Paterson and Ann-Dowling as substitutes for Councillors J Cameron and McMillan respectively on the CoSLA Convention be homologated; 

(b) That the appointment of Councillors Campbell, Hughes and Leishman as substitutes for Councillors Nicolson, Shaw and N Graham respectively  on the CoSLA Convention be approved; 

(c) That the appointment of Councillor Nicolson as a replacement for Councillor Innes as a member of the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board be approved; 

(d) That the appointment of Councillor McGonigle as the replacement for Councillor N Graham as the Conservative group member on the Member Officer Group Public Protection be approved; and 

(e) That Councillor McEwan be appointed as the Council's representative to the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Devine and Hood which Provost Cameron ruled was not competent, in terms of Standing Order 19(c).

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Hood which Provost Cameron ruled was not competent, in terms of Standing Order 28.

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

“Energy UK and a Mandatory Vulnerability Commitment 

Council recognises that UK energy utilities, under the umbrella of Energy UK,
maintain a Vulnerability Commitment for consumers who may be struggling due to
the current cost of living crisis, which includes the provision of a customer service
phone line.

Council reiterates its concern about the severe challenges which consumers face in
effectively contacting energy utilities, and therefore calls on Energy UK to contact its
constituent affiliates with a view to making the Vulnerability Commitment mandatory,
and that it should also contain guarantees for utilities to call back consumers within a
specified timescale”.

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

DECIDED: Energy UK and a Mandatory Vulnerability Commitment

Council recognises that UK energy utilities, under the umbrella of Energy UK, maintain a Vulnerability Commitment for consumers who may be struggling due to the current cost of living crisis, which includes the provision of a customer service
phone line; and

Council reiterates its concern about the severe challenges which consumers face in effectively contacting energy utilities, and therefore calls on Energy UK to contact its constituent affiliates with a view to making the Vulnerability Commitment mandatory, and that it should also contain guarantees for utilities to call back consumers within a specified timescale.

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

“Closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland Branch in Johnstone 
 
Council expresses its deep concern that with the closure of the Royal Bank of
Scotland in Johnstone, in August of this year, that the town will only have one bank
whereas less than a decade ago it had four in operation.

Council demands that Royal Bank management reconsider their decision to close
the Johnstone branch, which will remove accessible banking from the elderly, those
on low and fixed incomes, and the digitally excluded, and to stop their policy of
corporate flight from Renfrewshire’s towns and villages”.

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

DECIDED: Closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland Branch in Johnstone

Council expresses its deep concern that with the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Johnstone, in August of this year, that the town will only have one bank whereas less than a decade ago it had four in operation; and

Council demands that Royal Bank management reconsider their decision to close the Johnstone branch, which will remove accessible banking from the elderly, those on low and fixed incomes, and the digitally excluded, and to stop their policy of
corporate flight from Renfrewshire’s towns and villages.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Davidson and Clark in the following terms:

“Anchor Bowling Club – Ladies Section – 100th Anniversary 
Abercorn Bowling Club – Ladies Section – 25th Anniversary 

Council sends their congratulations to the Anchor Bowling Club Ladies Section on celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Council recognises this enormous achievement and wishes them continued success for the next 100 years. 

Council recognises the 25th anniversary of Abercorn Bowling Club Ladies Section congratulating the Ladies on this special anniversary and wishing them many more successful years at the historic club”.

Councillor Davidson, seconded by Councillor Clark, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Anchor Bowling Club – Ladies Section – 100th Anniversary 
                  Abercorn Bowling Club – Ladies Section – 25th Anniversary 

Council sends their congratulations to the Anchor Bowling Club Ladies Section on celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Council recognises this enormous achievement and wishes them continued success for the next 100 years.

Council recognises the 25th anniversary of Abercorn Bowling Club Ladies Section congratulating the Ladies on this special anniversary and wishing them many more successful years at the historic club.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McGuire and McMillan in the following terms:

“Coronation of King Charles III 

Renfrewshire Council congratulates Charles III on his coronation as King of the United Kingdom on Saturday, the 6th of May. Council also notes his longstanding connections to Renfrewshire. The Council also congratulates him on his lifetime of public duty and service”.  

Councillor McGuire, seconded by Councillor McMillan, then moved the motion.

 

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor K MacLaren, moved, as an amendment:

“Council notes the Coronation of King Charles III on the 6th of May. Council reiterates the view it reached on the 30th of June 2022 that having an unelected Head of State makes the United Kingdom an outlier amongst modern democracies and agrees that a referendum should be held on having an elected Head of State at the earliest opportunity”

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment. Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Davidson, Gilmour, N Graham, Gray, Hood, Leishman, J MacLaren, McDonald, McGonigle, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith.

The following members abstained: Councillors Clark, Devine, G Graham, Hannigan and McCulloch.

22 members having voted for the amendment, 15 members having voted for the motion and 5 members having abstained, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Council notes the Coronation of King Charles III on the 6th of May. Council reiterates the view it reached on the 30th of June 2022 that having an unelected Head of State makes the United Kingdom an outlier amongst modern democracies and agrees that a referendum should be held on having an elected Head of State at the earliest opportunity.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Clark and Ann-Dowling in the following terms:

“Foodbanks and Food Pantries
 
Renfrewshire Council notes with regret the closure of the RAMH REstore & Community Pantry in Causeyside Street and recommits to Fairer Renfrewshire’s vital work of supporting all agencies across Renfrewshire who are seeking to alleviate food poverty at a time when food inflation continues to be stubbornly high. 

Council notes that Foodbanks and Food Pantries are facing high levels of demand from adults and children in need of vital help at this time. 

Council therefore agrees to facilitate a regular food donation collection within the Council building to help Foodbanks and Food Pantries meet the increased need.

Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Ann-Dowling, then moved the motion.

Councillor J Cameron, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved as an amendment that the last paragraph of the motion be deleted and replaced with the following:

“Council agrees to promote the work of local charities like Foodbank in internal communications, to raise awareness and highlight collection points. Council also agrees to work with Foodbank to look at levels of demand and assess whether funding support could be provided by the Council.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Clark and Ann-Dowling being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment as an addition subject to the inclusion of food pantries and it being foodbanks rather than Foodbank in the amendment. In terms of Standing Order 27 this was accepted by Councillors J Cameron and Nicolson being the mover and seconder of the amendment.

DECIDED: Foodbanks and Food Pantries

Renfrewshire Council notes with regret the closure of the RAMH REstore & Community Pantry in Causeyside Street and recommits to Fairer Renfrewshire’s vital work of supporting all agencies across Renfrewshire who are seeking to alleviate food poverty at a time when food inflation continues to be stubbornly high.

Council notes that Foodbanks and Food Pantries are facing high levels of demand from adults and children in need of vital help at this time.

Council agrees to promote the work of local charities like Foodbank and Food pantries in internal communications, to raise awareness and highlight collection points. Council also agrees to work with Foodbank to look at levels of demand and assess whether funding support could be provided by the Council.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McMillan and G Graham in the following terms:

Spateston Bowling Club Awards 

Council recognises the achievement of Spateston Bowling Club members John Fox and his guide Alistair Pratt in winning a gold medal at the recent International Blind Bowls Association World Championships held in Australia. 

Council agrees that the Provost will write to both John and Alistair to offer her congratulations to both of them on behalf of all Council members”.

Councillor McMillan indicated that reference in the motion to "guide" should be replaced with "director".

Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor G Graham, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Spateston Bowling Club Awards

Council recognises the achievement of Spateston Bowling Club members John Fox and his director Alistair Pratt in winning a gold medal at the recent International Blind Bowls Association World Championships held in Australia. 

Council agrees that the Provost will write to both John and Alistair to offer her congratulations to both of them on behalf of all Council members.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors G Graham and Gilmour the following terms:

 “300th Anniversary – Kilbarchan Weavers Cottage 

Council recognises the 300th anniversary of Kilbarchan’s Weavers Cottage. In the heart of the village’s conservation area, the Weaver's Cottage is a traditional loom weavers cottage built in 1723. At the time it was one of hundreds of weavers homes when Kilbarchan was at the heart of the Scottish textile industry. 

Restored by the National Trust the Weavers Cottage is now a popular museum which recreates the living and working conditions of a typical handloom weaver. 
Council congratulates the Weavers Cottage staff and volunteers on its tercentenary and looks forward to many more successful years for this historic venue.

Councillor G Graham, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, then moved the motion.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Rodden, moved, as an amendment, an addition to the motion that:

“Council further notes the significance of the Weavers Cottage to Kilbarchan’s other A listed building, the Steeple Hall, in terms of their joint symbolism of the village’s significant contribution to the growth of modern Renfrewshire.

Council accordingly restates its commitment to the refurbishment of the Steeple Hall with the allocation of the £700,000, as agreed at the 2021/22 Council Budget and
instructs officers to bring forward an investment proposal with timescales for consideration at the next appropriate board. Council further agrees to

1. Consult with OneRen, the National Trust for Scotland, Kilbarchan Community Council, the Kilbarchan General Society, and the wider community in Kilbarchan, about the transformation of the Steeple Hall into an outreach Museum linked to Paisley Museum which will complement activities at the Weavers Cottage.

 

2. Examine within that community consultation the viability of the long-term creation of a Kilbarchan Cultural Quarter, encompassing both the Steeple Hall, Kilbarchan Cross, and the Weavers Cottage, all within the Kilbarchan conservation area.

3. Submit at the end of the consultation an Expression of Interest for the Steeple Hall to Historic Environment Scotland, for a prospective bid for the Historic Environment Grants Programme to promote the wider Kilbarchan Cultural Quarter vision, and for further investment deemed necessary in the Steeple Hall.

4. Reflect that such a concept will reinforce the new Tourism Action Plan of Renfrewshire Council, which seeks to promote both Paisley and Rural Renfrewshire as the twin hubs around which new economic regeneration and tourism development will revolve”.

Transparency Statement

Councillor J MacLaren indicated that having considered the terms of the amendment which related to Steeple Hall, he had a connection to this item as he was a member of Brookfield Nights which used the Steeple Hall. However, he indicated that he had applied the objective test and did not consider he had to declare an interest. 

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors G Graham and Gilmour being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment as an addition to the motion, and the motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: 300th Anniversary – Kilbarchan Weavers Cottage

Council recognises the 300th anniversary of Kilbarchan’s Weavers Cottage. In the heart of the village’s conservation area, the Weaver's Cottage is a traditional loom weavers cottage built in 1723. At the time it was one of hundreds of Weavers homes when Kilbarchan was at the heart of the Scottish textile industry. 

Restored by the National Trust, the Weavers Cottage is now a popular museum which recreates the living and working conditions of a typical handloom weaver.

Council congratulates the Weavers Cottage staff and volunteers on its tercentenary and looks forward to many more successful years for this historic venue.

Council further notes the significance of the Weavers Cottage to Kilbarchan’s other A listed building, the Steeple Hall, in terms of their joint symbolism of the village’s significant contribution to the growth of modern Renfrewshire.

Council accordingly restates its commitment to the refurbishment of the Steeple Hall with the allocation of the £700,000, as agreed at the 2021/22 Council Budget and instructs officers to bring forward an investment proposal with timescales for consideration at the next appropriate board. Council further agrees to

1. Consult with OneRen, the National Trust for Scotland, Kilbarchan Community Council, the Kilbarchan General Society, and the wider community in Kilbarchan, about the transformation of the Steeple Hall into an outreach Museum linked to Paisley Museum which will complement activities at the Weavers Cottage.

 

 

2. Examine within that community consultation the viability of the long-term creation of a Kilbarchan Cultural Quarter, encompassing both the Steeple Hall, Kilbarchan Cross, and the Weavers Cottage, all within the Kilbarchan conservation area.

3. Submit at the end of the consultation an Expression of Interest for the Steeple Hall to Historic Environment Scotland, for a prospective bid for the Historic Environment Grants Programme to promote the wider Kilbarchan Cultural Quarter vision, and for further investment deemed necessary in the Steeple Hall.

4. Reflect that such a concept will reinforce the new Tourism Action Plan of Renfrewshire Council, which seeks to promote both Paisley and Rural Renfrewshire as the twin hubs around which new economic regeneration and tourism development will revolve.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Ann-Dowling and G Graham in the following terms:

"ASN Provision 

Council believes that ASN support requires further investment with increased staffing and resources for pupils and parents to receive the support and services they need. 

Council calls for the Scottish Government to increase funding and long-term planning with local government to increase ASN support to pupils, and to improve the professional support given to classroom teachers teaching pupils with ASN. 

Council further calls on the Scottish Government to develop a ring-fenced funding strategy for Additional Support Needs provision”.

Councillor Ann-Dowling, seconded by Councillor G Graham, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: ASN Provision

Council believes that ASN support requires further investment with increased staffing and resources for pupils and parents to receive the support and services they need. 

Council calls for the Scottish Government to increase funding and long-term planning with local government to increase ASN support to pupils, and to improve the professional support given to classroom teachers teaching pupils with ASN.

Council further calls on the Scottish Government to develop a ring-fenced funding strategy for Additional Support Needs provision.

 

 

 

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors J MacLaren and N Graham in the following terms:

“Scottish Power and Street Lights Repairs 

Renfrewshire Council objects to the lack of urgency by Scottish Power to repair streetlights once the repair has been passed to them by our Street Lighting Team. 

Council will write to the chief executive of Scottish Power to express our concern and seeks an improvement in the time taken for repairs”.

Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor N Graham, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Scottish Power and Street Lights Repairs

Renfrewshire Council objects to the lack of urgency by Scottish Power to repair streetlights once the repair has been passed to them by our Street Lighting Team. 

Council will write to the chief executive of Scottish Power to express our concern and seeks an improvement in the time taken for repairs.

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

“Exhaust Systems
 
Renfrewshire Council is concerned about the increase in road illegal vehicle exhaust systems and excessive exhaust noise and instructs the Director of Environment and Infrastructure to investigate options to clamp down on this practice and bring a report back to a future ILE Board on proposals to stop this practice”.

Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Gray, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Exhaust Systems

Renfrewshire Council is concerned about the increase in road illegal vehicle exhaust systems and excessive exhaust noise and instructs the Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure to investigate options to clamp down on this practice and bring a report back to a future Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board on proposals to stop this practice.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McGonigle and Gray in the following terms:

“Following many calls from concerned parents this Council agrees that an urgent review of ASN provision across Renfrewshire is required, following concerns raised by parents across the local authority area in relation to support, training of staff, placement and funding for ASN; notes the education and skills committee report of 2017 that states ‘how is additional support learning working in practice’ and its conclusion that children within ASN attending mainstream schools did not feel included or that it was the correct setting for them; supports the “Getting It Right For Every Child” (GIRFEC) model and believes that by reviewing ASN provision throughout the education estate will provide this Council with a deeper understanding of what is required to ensure every child receives the best possible education and, therefore, agrees the following actions: 

1. The Council establishes a cross-party working group to review and scrutinise current ASN provision. 

2. The cross-party working group will establish recommendations that will report to the Education and Children's Services Policy Board. 

3. That the cross-party working group will take evidence from parents, third party organisations and teaching staff, to ensure that any changes suggested match the needs of families and staff”.

Councillor McGonigle, seconded by Councillor Gray, then moved the motion.

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

“Council notes that a fully comprehensive review of Additional Support Needs Provision in Renfrewshire concluded in 2022 and a subsequent board report on its findings and proposed actions was unanimously approved at the August meeting of Education & Children’s Services Policy Board last year.

Council reaffirms its commitment to provide regular updates to the relevant policy board and to continue to offer advice and support to any and all parents within the local authority area who have issues or concerns with Renfrewshire’s updated ASN provision policy.”
   
On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw, and Steel.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Gilmour, G Graham, N Graham, Gray, Hannigan, Hood, Leishman, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McDonald, McGonigle, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin, and Smith.

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

DECIDED: Council notes that a fully comprehensive review of Additional Support Needs Provision in Renfrewshire concluded in 2022 and a subsequent board report on its findings and proposed actions was unanimously approved at the August meeting of Education & Children’s Services Policy Board last year.

Council reaffirms its commitment to provide regular updates to the relevant policy board and to continue to offer advice and support to any and all parents within the local authority area who have issues or concerns with Renfrewshire’s updated ASN provision policy.