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.

Councillor Hughes declared an interest in item 16 - Notice of Motion 7 by Councillors McGuire and Grady - for the reason that she was a sponsor of a Renfrew Football Club player. Councillor Hughes indicated that as she had declared an interest, she would leave the meeting during any discussion and voting on the item.

Councillor Shaw declared an interest in item 16 - Notice of Motion 7 by Councillors McGuire and Grady - for the reason that he was a sponsor of Renfrew Football Club. Councillor Shaw indicated that as he had declared an interest, he would leave the meeting during any discussion and voting on the item.

The Provost circulated an update report in relation to duties she had undertaken since the previous meeting of the Council, held on 4 May 2023.

DECIDED: That the information be noted.

Under reference to item 1 of the Minute of the Special Meeting of the Education and Children's Services Policy Board held on 7 November 2022, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the findings of the Independent External Review of the Council’s assessment of the demand for education for Dargavel Village, secured in Section 75 Agreements with BAE Systems.

Reference was made to the report submitted to the Special Meeting of the Education and Children's Services Policy Board meeting held on 7 November 2022 which set out an interim solution for implementation for August 2023 and advised that a further report outlining options for a permanent solution would be brought to a future meeting of that Board. It was agreed at that meeting that the Chief Executive would request an Independent External Review to assess the circumstances which led to the very significant error in school capacity planning. On 5 December 2023 the Chief Executive advised Members that David Bowles had been instructed to carry out the External Independent Review into the matter. The investigation's terms of reference and potential timescales were also provided.

The report provided detail on Mr Bowles' credentials, detailing that he had been appointed through SOLACE, Business and was a highly experienced former local government Director and Chief Executive having held a number of demanding and challenging Director and Chief Executive posts over a 25 year period across both England and Wales, including Chief Executive of four different authorities.  He was also a highly experienced lead on major independent investigations and reviews and had been commissioned to carry out a number of significant, complex and sensitive investigations across both the local government sector and the NHS.

The Terms of Reference for the Investigation were set out in full at Appendix 1 of the report and were intended to be wide ranging, covering the matters raised by the Education & Children's Services Policy Board together with a number of other factors deemed potentially relevant. The Terms of Reference provided a background to the investigation together with details on the independence of the review; the team compiled to carry out the review; the scope of the investigation; the anticipated methodology; and reporting and timescales. 

Following the conclusion of the Independent External Review a report on the findings had been recieved by the Council. This was set out in full at Appendix 2 to the report.

Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Leishman, moved an amendment which Provost Cameron ruled was not competent, in terms of Standing Order 21(a).

DECIDED:  That the content of the Independent External Review Report, as attached Appendix 2 to the report, be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the recommendations of the Independent External Review of the Council’s assessment of the demand for education for Dargavel Village, secured in Section 75 Agreements with BAE Systems and the action to be undertaken in response to them.

The report made reference to the findings detailed in the report on the Independent External Review which was considered at item 3(a) of this Minute.  It was advised that the Chief Executive had considered the content of the review report and had accepted the findings and conclusions reached.

A response to each of the eight recommendations of the Review report:- build a more robust model of primary school need for Dargavel; reconsider catchment areas; produce robust supplementary guidance on developer contributions; seek to work cooperatively with BAE; improve corporate working and organisational culture; review how the Council identifies and manages risk; ensure the appropriate involvement of Members in such developments; work in an open and transparent manner, particularly with Dargavel residents, to begin to restore public confidence - was provided detailing the action taken to date together with planned action going forward.  A lead officer was also assigned to each.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, proposed that Council agree that in light of the Independent External Review of Dargavel that there was a requirement to convene a cross-party body to discuss and review existing governance arrangements of Renfrewshire Council and further agrees to delegate arrangements to the Head of Corporate Governance.  This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

(a) That a cross-party body to discuss and review existing governance arrangements of Renfrewshire Council be convened;

(b) That authority be delegated to the Head of Corporate Governance to make arrangements for the cross-party body; and

(c) That the Chief Executive’s response to the findings and recommendations of the Independent External Review be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the general financial outlook for the Council.

The report made reference to the Scottish Government's Medium Term Financial Strategy which outlined a growing financial gap for the Scottish Government and would likely lead to little prospect of an improved grant settlement for local government over the medium term.  The Council’s financial outlook remained broadly consistent with that previously reported to members, however the ability of the Council to continue to develop and implement savings at the scale and pace required in order to remain financial sustainable was now exceptionally difficult.

Detailed updates were provided in the report in relation to the Council's current financial position in terms of revenue; the Scottish Government Medium Term Financial Strategy; the financial outlook of the Council; the Council's Financial Strategy Response; and amendments to the Capital Investment Programme.

DECIDED:

(a) That the update provided in the report with regard the Scottish Government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy be noted;

(b) That the update to the Council’s medium term financial strategy, the estimated financial gap the Council faced over the medium term and the heightened financial risks the Council faced in the short term be noted;

(c) That it be agreed that officers continue to progress financial sustainability and transformation workstreams and that further savings options be developed for member consideration;

(d) That the revision to the Capital Plan, as outlined in section 7 of the report, be noted; and

(e) That the updated Capital Programme be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council's Accounts and Group Accounts for 2022/23 which would be submitted for audit by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2023. 

The unaudited accounts and associated working papers would, subject to approval, be passed to the external auditor (Azets) for review. Their report on the accounts would be submitted to a future meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board for consideration prior to the audited accounts being presented to Council for approval. It was noted that separate accounts had been prepared for the Coat's Observatory Trust Fund and these were also submitted for approval.



The Annual Governance Statement had been incorporated into the annual accounts document and this also required specific approval by Council.   In compliance with charity accounting requirements, the Council’s accounts did not incorporate statements relating to Common Good Funds and the Charitable Trust Funds which the Council controlled. Separate accounts had been prepared to meet these requirements.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be noted that the group accounts were subject to completion, as outlined in Section 8 of the report, and that it be agreed that authority be delegated  to the Director of Finance & Resources to submit the accounts to external audit within the relevant timescales;

(b) That the Annual Governance Statement for 2022/23 be approved;

(c) That the revenue outturn position for the Council be noted and the sums earmarked within the General Fund reserves and HRA reserves as, outlined in Section 4 and Appendix 1 of the report, be approved;

(d) That the transfer of resources, as outlined in Table 1 and Appendix 1 of the report, be approved;

(e) That the annual accounts for the Coats Observatory Trust Fund, which under accounting regulations required to be prepared and audited separately from the Council’s accounts, be approved; and 

(f) That it be agreed that the meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee
scheduled for 18 September 2023 be rescheduled to 26 September 2023.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the treasury management activity which was required, by way of the Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010, to be presented to Council at the end of each financial year. 

The report intimated that during 2022/23 all aspects of the Treasury Policy Statement were complied with and provided an overview of Treasury activities, including the Treasury Portfolio Position as at 31 March 2023, reviews of borrowing and investment outturn, the borrowing strategy and new borrowing. Details of debt rescheduling and compliance with Treasury limits were also provided. 

DECIDED: That the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2022/23 be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to proposed updates to the Council's constitutional documents and Board memberships.
 

The report provided details on changes which were required to the Council's Standing Orders relating to Contracts to reflect recent developments in management structures, legislation, and procurement best practice.  A list of the changes were set out at Section 3.1 and Appendix 1 of the report.  A number of minor changes were also proposed to improve clarity of the Council's Financial Regulations, which were last updated in September 2018.  A list of the changes were set out at Section 3.2 and Appendix 2 of the report.  Detail was also provided in relation to updates to the Council's Scheme of Delegated Functions which had been made by the Director of Finance & Resources using delegated powers.  The updates were listed in Section 3.3 of the report.

The report also intimated a number of proposed changes to Board memberships, namely that Councillor Innes replace Councillor Campbell as a SNP group member on the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board and the Petitions Board and that Councillor Leishman replace Councillor Gray as a Conservative group member on the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Council’s revised Standing Orders Relating to Contracts, as set out at  Appendix 1 to the report, be approved;

(b) That the Council’s revised Financial Regulations, as set out at  Appendix 2 to the report, be approved;

(c) That the revised Scheme of Delegated Functions be noted;

(d) That it be agreed that Councillor Innes replace Councillor Campbell as a SNP group member on the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board and the Petitions Board; and

(e) That it be agreed that Councillor Leishman replace Councillor Gray as a Conservative group member on the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the process of conducting the next statutory review of the Council's polling places and polling districts.

The report intimated that, in terms of the Representation of the People Act 1983, local authorities were required to divide their area into polling districts for the purposes of parliamentary and other elections and to designate polling places for these polling districts and keep them under review. The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 further amended the Representation of the People Act 1983 by introducing a statutory duty for all polling districts and polling places to be reviewed by the end of January 2015 and at least every 5 years thereafter.






The report set out that the previous statutory review was approved by Council on 5 December 2019 and the approved Polling Plan was set out at Appendix 1 of the report. Although the next review did not require to be concluded until December 2024, all Council polling places would be assessed over the summer 2023 to ensure they were suitable in terms of the provisions of the Election Act 2022. It was noted that the review would be conducted on the basis of UK Parliamentary constituencies however it was intended that the revised Polling Plan would align with the Scottish Parliamentary constituency boundaries and Council Ward boundaries, thus avoiding the necessity for differing polling plans for different types of election.

A timetable for the review was set out at Section 3.7 of the report which provided dates for:- the publication of the notice of review; the deadline for representations by interested parties; consideration of the initial proposal by Council; the publication of draft proposals; and the deadline for comments/suggestions on these proposals - and intimated that the final proposals were expected to be presented to Council on 14 December 2023.

DECIDED: That the content of the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to Boundaries Scotland's 2023 Second Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries – Publication of Provisional Proposals - Constituencies.

Boundaries Scotland published its Provisional Proposals for Scottish Parliament constituencies and invited comments on those Initial Proposals no later than 17 June 2023 and a response, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, was duly submitted on behalf of the Returning Officer.  Boundaries Scotland had indicated that if an initial response was submitted by the deadline then they would accept a final response following its consideration by Council.

The report provided information on the current constituencies and administration arrangements, detailing that Renfrewshire Council currently administered elections for three Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies - Paisley, Renfrewshire North and West and Renfrewshire South. Under reference to Boundaries Scotland's proposals, it was advised that Renfrewshire would retain responsibility for three constituencies, however those proposed constituencies differed significantly from the existing constituencies.  Details of the proposed changes were set out in Section 4 of the report.

The Returning Officer's response, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, highlighted a number of concerns which included the relocation of the Paisley Northwest Ward to the new Renfrewshire; the splitting of Johnstone between the Renfrewshire South and Renfrewshire West Constituencies; and extension eastwards of the Renfrewshire South constituency resulting in a very disparate area stretching from Lochwinnoch to Newton Mearns and Eaglesham in the East incorporating parts of Johnstone.




The report set out the expected next steps including potential for a further consultation and local Inquiries on the proposals in late 2023; consultation on further recommendations for constituencies in 2024; consultation on Scottish Parliament regions; and the submission of final recommendations to the Scottish Parliament in 2025.

The Head of Corporate Governance indicated that an error had been noted in the consultation response, namely that the Returning Officer rejected the proposal that the new Renfrewshire South constituency be administered by East Renfrewshire Council on the basis that the majority of the electorate would reside in the Renfrewshire Council area.  It had since been confirmed that the majority of the electorate would reside in the East Renfrewshire Council area despite the vast majority of the constituency's land being located in the Renfrewshire Council area. It was proposed that the final response would still object to the provisional proposals based on the geographic layout of the constituency. This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

(a) That the response issued by the Returning Officer, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, also being a response on behalf of the Council, to Boundaries Scotland’s 2023 Second Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries – Publication of Provisional Proposals - Constituencies be approved subject to the amendment in relation to the administration of the proposed Renfrewshire South constituency as noted by the Head of Corporate Governance;  

(b) That it be noted that there would be at least one further consultation on the Review during 2023 with further consultations being carried out in 2025 and a final report submitted to Scottish Ministers by 1 May 2025; and

(c) That it be noted that the new boundaries would be effective at the next Scottish
Parliament election, expected in May 2026.

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

“A8 Langbank Roundabout 

Council is very concerned at the increasing number of accidents at the A8 Langbank Roundabout. A Scottish Transport/Trunk Road review is ongoing for this location which is due to deliver its initial findings by the end of October. 

Council agrees to write to Transport Scotland highlighting concerns and requesting that this review is accelerated and that it is now considered very urgent indeed."

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





DECIDED: A8 Langbank Roundabout

Council is very concerned at the increasing number of accidents at the A8 Langbank Roundabout. A Scottish Transport/Trunk Road review is ongoing for this location which is due to deliver its initial findings by the end of October. 

Council agrees to write to Transport Scotland highlighting concerns and requesting that this review is accelerated and that it is now considered very urgent indeed.

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

"Zero Hours Justice

Council notes the use of zero hour contracts has risen over the last decade, meaning there is an increasing number of workers who do not have a guaranteed number of working hours each week.

This Council does not accept the rhetoric that zero hour contracts provide ‘flexibility’ both for the worker and the employer, and instead notes that such contracts nearly always provide on-sided flexibility in favour of the employer.

Workers on zero hour contracts face financial insecurity as a result of:

(a) The insecurity of not knowing how many hours they are working from week to week and, sometimes, from day to day.

(b) Getting too few hours to financially make ends meet. 

(c) Spending money to be able to work and then being out of pocket when hours are cancelled – travel costs, childcare costs etc.

(d) Getting hours at the last minute have having to make urgent arrangements for childcare or other caring responsibilities or cancel social plans.

(e) The fear of refusing hours lest it results in fewer hours being offered, or bullying and harassment, from the employer.

Any of these issues can result in the interference and employer control of the worker’s life outside working time. This can result in debt, health issues because of household poverty and mental anguish and anxiety. This can not only affect the worker themselves, but the whole family unit.

Council further notes that despite the government promising on numerous occasions new legislation to provide better security for worker on zero hour contracts, it has failed to do so.

Zero hour contracts are not only used in the private sector and some local authorities directly employ workers om zero hour contracts. This Council is proud to be a local authority that does not and will not use zero hour contracts.

This Council supports the work of zero hours justice, an organisation which seeks to end exploitative zero hour contracts by providing help for workers on such contracts, and supporting businesses and other organisations that either do not use zero hour contracts or only do so in accordance to minimal criteria.

This Council resolves to lead by example and to reaffirm our commitment to providing security to our workers by being an employer that does not directly employ our workers on zero hour  contracts.”

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

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

"Council notes the use of zero-hour contracts has risen over the last decade.

While not suitable for everyone zero-hour contracts have a part to play in a modern, flexible labour market because, for a small proportion of the workforce, that may be the kind of contract that is right for them. 

It is important to make sure that those benefitting from the flexibility of these contracts are not exploited by unscrupulous employers. 

People should have the freedom to look for and take other work opportunities and have more control over their work hours and income. Individuals on these contracts must also be allowed to make a complaint to an employment tribunal if their employer mistreats them for working or seeking to work elsewhere.

Council supports the Workers (Predictable Terms And Conditions) Bill."
The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Ann-Dowling, Burns, J Cameron, Provost Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, Hannigan, Hood, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McDonald, McEwan, McGuire, McGurk, McMillan, McNaughtan, Montgomery, Mullin, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

5 members having voted for the amendment, 36 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Zero Hours Justice

Council notes the use of zero hour contracts has risen over the last decade, meaning there is an increasing number of workers who do not have a guaranteed number of working hours each week.

This Council does not accept the rhetoric that zero hour contracts provide ‘flexibility’ both for the worker and the employer, and instead notes that such contracts nearly always provide on-sided flexibility in favour of the employer.

Workers on zero hour contracts face financial insecurity as a result of:

(a) The insecurity of not knowing how many hours they are working from week to week and, sometimes, from day to day.

(b) Getting too few hours to financially make ends meet. 

(c) Spending money to be able to work and then being out of pocket when hours are cancelled – travel costs, childcare costs etc.

(d) Getting hours at the last minute have having to make urgent arrangements for childcare or other caring responsibilities or cancel social plans.

(e) The fear of refusing hours lest it results in fewer hours being offered, or bullying and harassment, from the employer.

Any of these issues can result in the interference and employer control of the worker’s life outside working time. This can result in debt, health issues because of household poverty and mental anguish and anxiety. This can not only affect the worker themselves, but the whole family unit.

Council further notes that despite the government promising on numerous occasions new legislation to provide better security for worker on zero hour contracts, it has failed to do so.

Zero hour contracts are not only used in the private sector and some local authorities directly employ workers om zero hour contracts. This Council is proud to be a local authority that does not and will not use zero hour contracts.

This Council supports the work of zero hours justice, an organisation which seeks to end exploitative zero hour contracts by providing help for workers on such contracts, and supporting businesses and other organisations that either do not use zero hour contracts or only do so in accordance to minimal criteria.

This Council resolves to lead by example and to reaffirm our commitment to providing security to our workers by being an employer that does not directly employ our workers on zero hour  contracts.

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

“Accounts Commission Publication

Council notes the Accounts Commission’s publication released on the 17th May concerning local government.

Council acknowledges its findings and accepts the statement from the commission that radical change is needed across Scotland's Councils.

Council furthermore calls for the Scottish Government to work closely with Councils, COSLA and local communities to ensure that quality services are still able to be delivered by local Councils.”
Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Ann-Dowling, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Accounts Commission Publication

Council notes the Accounts Commission’s publication released on the 17th May concerning local government.

Council acknowledges its findings and accepts the statement from the commission that radical change is needed across Scotland's Councils.

Council furthermore calls for the Scottish Government to work closely with Councils, COSLA and local communities to ensure that quality services are still able to be delivered by local Councils.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Hughes and Shaw in the following terms:

“Jazzle Dazzle Studios: World Champions

Renfrewshire Council send our congratulations to Jazzle Dazzle Studios in Renfrew on being crowned World Champions in three events, and winning the silver medal in another, in the 2023 All Star Open World Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Council commends coaches Jackie Bryceland and Michelle Holmes, alongside senior dancers Eilidh, Ellie, Emma, Grace, Kayleigh, Layla, Megan and Rachel, and mini dancers Carly, Gabrielle, Indie, Lauren, Olivia, Orla, Rachel and Robyn on the dedication, talent and skill they have demonstrated in training and competing, and send our very best wishes for future victories.

Council requests that the Provost support Jazzle Dazzle Studios to celebrate their World Champion status with appropriate civic hospitality.” 

Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor Shaw, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Jazzle Dazzle Studios: World Champions

Renfrewshire Council send our congratulations to Jazzle Dazzle Studios in Renfrew on being crowned World Champions in three events, and winning the silver medal in another, in the 2023 All Star Open World Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Council commends coaches Jackie Bryceland and Michelle Holmes, alongside senior dancers Eilidh, Ellie, Emma, Grace, Kayleigh, Layla, Megan and Rachel, and mini dancers Carly, Gabrielle, Indie, Lauren, Olivia, Orla, Rachel and Robyn on the dedication, talent and skill they have demonstrated in training and competing, and send our very best wishes for future victories.

Council requests that the Provost support Jazzle Dazzle Studios to celebrate their World Champion status with appropriate civic hospitality.

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

“RBS/Nat West and Retention of Working ATM’s in Johnstone

This Council notes that during the Coronavirus crisis NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland had a specific policy of keeping ATM’s open as they specifically understood that free access to cash was crucial for families, businesses, and communities.

Council further commends NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland for retaining a working ATM in Lochwinnoch when the RBS branch there closed, and requests that they apply the same consideration in Johnstone, and agrees to write to NatWest/RBS asking them to retain their two working ATM’s in Church Street for the benefit of the community.”

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

DECIDED: RBS/Nat West and Retention of Working ATM’s in Johnstone

This Council notes that during the Coronavirus crisis NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland had a specific policy of keeping ATM’s open as they specifically understood that free access to cash was crucial for families, businesses, and communities.

Council further commends NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland for retaining a working ATM in Lochwinnoch when the RBS branch there closed, and requests that they apply the same consideration in Johnstone, and agrees to write to NatWest/RBS asking them to retain their two working ATM’s in Church Street for the benefit of the community.

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

“Scottish Government Consultation on Land Reform Bill

This Council commends steps taken to eradicate legal feudal disabilities by the Labour/Liberal Democrat Scottish Executive (1999/2003) and the SNP Government (2011/2016), but recognises that the current Scottish Government consultation, on a new Land Reform Bill, represents an opportunity to finally dismantle the feudal system of Scottish land ownership. A historic system where continuing concentration of ownership remains a significant barrier to communities exercising their rights, and growing their economy.





Council agrees that land represents a huge reserve of unearned wealth in Scotland; resolves that there is a need for stronger action to break-up the concentration of land ownership within Scotland in the public and national interest, in terms of both successfully meeting the climate challenge and boosting economic regeneration across Scotland; believes that a clearly defined, legally enforced, public interest test is needed to ensure that land holdings work for the benefit of the people of Scotland; and conclude is that the new Land Reform Act should empower the Scottish Land Commission with the right of compulsory purchase if felt necessary.

Council further agrees to send the above statement to the Scottish Government, for their consideration, in the drafting of the Bill.”

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

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

"Council notes the consultation currently being done by the Scottish Government on a new Land Reform Bill.

Council notes that these are still in the early stages of development, and more resource must be concentrated on improving the planning system which must be made to support communities in producing effective Local Place Plans, which would increase community-led development and inform Local Development Plans which landowners to work with to deliver for the local area.

Regional Land Use Partnerships (RLUPs) have been cited by the Scottish Land Commission as being an important mechanism with which to coordinate regional land use and priorities at a large scale Community Right to Buy legislation already gives established and capable community bodies the opportunity to acquire land and assets to use in the interests of the community. The main issue with this legislation is the complex and bureaucratic requirements on communities wishing to register. These systems must be assessed and improved to attain the Scottish Government’s ambitions for increased community ownership.

There is growing evidence that management of land at scale has positive outcomes for the environment and communities. and, more than half of respondents from the Scottish Land Commission’s own survey considered management at scale to be positive with the minority considering it as negative."

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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Ann-Dowling, Burns, J Cameron, Provost Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, Hannigan, Hood, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McDonald, McEwan, McGuire, McGurk, McMillan, McNaughtan, Montgomery, Mullin, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

5 members having voted for the amendment, 36 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.


DECIDED: Scottish Government Consultation on Land Reform Bill

This Council commends steps taken to eradicate legal feudal disabilities by the Labour/Liberal Democrat Scottish Executive (1999/2003) and the SNP Government (2011/2016), but recognises that the current Scottish Government consultation, on a new Land Reform Bill, represents an opportunity to finally dismantle the feudal system of Scottish land ownership. A historic system where continuing concentration of ownership remains a significant barrier to communities exercising their rights, and growing their economy.

Council agrees that land represents a huge reserve of unearned wealth in Scotland; resolves that there is a need for stronger action to break-up the concentration of land ownership within Scotland in the public and national interest, in terms of both successfully meeting the climate challenge and boosting economic regeneration across Scotland; believes that a clearly defined, legally enforced, public interest test is needed to ensure that land holdings work for the benefit of the people of Scotland; and conclude is that the new Land Reform Act should empower the Scottish Land Commission with the right of compulsory purchase if felt necessary.

Council further agrees to send the above statement to the Scottish Government, for their consideration, in the drafting of the Bill.

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

“Renfrew Football Club

Congratulations to Renfrew FC on winning the West of Scotland League Second Division and good luck for next season.”

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


DECIDED: Renfrew Football Club

Congratulations to Renfrew FC on winning the West of Scotland League Second Division and good luck for next season.

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

“Boys Brigade Companies – Renfrew

Congratulations to the 1st and 3rd Boys Brigade Companies in Renfrew who celebrated their 135th and 75th Anniversaries.”

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

DECIDED: Boys Brigade Companies – Renfrew

Congratulations to the 1st and 3rd Boys Brigade Companies in Renfrew who celebrated their 135th and 75th Anniversaries.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McGurk and Innes in the following terms:

“Council welcomes the contribution that our volunteers make across Renfrewshire. Further  acknowledges the vital role that they play in supporting local people and communities in Renfrewshire to be a better place in which to live.

Council notes that as part of this year’s national Volunteer Week over 40 local volunteers were recognised for their commitment to their communities in a special celebration event hosted by Renfrewshire Council’s Community Learning and Development team. The volunteers support adult literacy work, English as a Second Language (ESOL), Youth Voice groups, Duke of Edinburgh awards, Team Up to Clean Up and Street Stuff activities.” 

Councillor McGurk, seconded by Councillor Innes, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.


DECIDED: Council welcomes the contribution that our volunteers make across Renfrewshire. Further  acknowledges the vital role that they play in supporting local people and communities in Renfrewshire to be a better place in which to live.

Council notes that as part of this year’s national Volunteer Week over 40 local volunteers were recognised for their commitment to their communities in a special celebration event hosted by Renfrewshire Council’s Community Learning and Development team. The volunteers support adult literacy work, English as a Second Language (ESOL), Youth Voice groups, Duke of Edinburgh awards, Team Up to Clean Up and Street Stuff activities.”

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Innes and McGurk in the following terms:

“Safe Kids

Council welcomes the return of the annual Safe Kids event to St Mirren Football Club. Further, we thank over 2000 primary six pupils from across Renfrewshire that participated in the programme this year, as well as the council officers and our key Community Safety Partners that delivered this event.

Council notes that Safe Kids success to date is down to the innovative style with which the learning outcomes are delivered. Acknowledges that workshops are specifically designed to be fun, interactive and this allows vital messages to be delivered in subject areas that can be difficult to discuss with young people. Understands Safe Kids aims to reduce the number of accidents in young people, promote positive behaviour and eliminate risks in line with Renfrewshire Councils Community Plan.”

Councillor Innes, seconded by Councillor McGurk, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Safe Kids

Council welcomes the return of the annual Safe Kids event to St Mirren Football Club. Further, we thank over 2000 primary six pupils from across Renfrewshire that participated in the programme this year, as well as the council officers and our key Community Safety Partners that delivered this event.

Council notes that Safe Kids success to date is down to the innovative style with which the learning outcomes are delivered. Acknowledges that workshops are specifically designed to be fun, interactive and this allows vital messages to be delivered in subject areas that can be difficult to discuss with young people. Understands Safe Kids aims to reduce the number of accidents in young people, promote positive behaviour and eliminate risks in line with Renfrewshire Councils Community Plan.