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.

Council, 28 September 2023
Communities and Housing Policy Board, 31 October 2023
Regulatory Functions Board, 1 November 2023
Education and Children’s Services, 2 November 2023
Audit Risk and Scrutiny, 6 November 2023
Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 7 November 2023
Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, 7 November 2023
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 8 November 2023
Special Council, 16 November 2023
Regulatory Functions Board, 16 November 2023
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 23 November 2023
Leadership Board, 6 December 2023

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.

The Provost intimated that an update in relation to the duties she had undertaken since the last meeting of the Council, on 28 September 2023, had been circulated to members prior to the meeting.

DECIDED:  That the update be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources providing an update on financial sustainability and the general economic and financial outlook.

The report referred to previous financial updates to Council which had outlined the requirement for the Council to develop and deliver savings which would address major financial sustainability risks and highlighted that this requirement had not abated.  The report provided the current and forecast target level of savings; an update with regards to the current year financial position, together with an early indication of the potential position for 2024/25 and subsequent years over the medium-term.  

The report outlined key issues in terms of the requirement to sensibly and prudently use reserve balances to support the Council’s medium-term position along with key risks to this position. In addition, the report provided an update to challenges, previously advised to Council, to the existing capital programme.

 

DECIDED:

(a) That the economic outlook provided in the report be noted;

 

(b) That the update provided in relation to the current financial year, the medium-term and the continued requirement to deploy reserve balances in a controlled and managed fashion to maintain financial stability be noted;

(c) That the update provided in section 7 of the report in relation to the net forecast financial position and the importance of Council understanding that the use of reserve balances to support the Council’s financial position was a short-term tool only be noted and that the principles outlined in relation to the planned use of reserves be agreed; and

(d) That the capital update provided in section 8 of the report be noted and the recommended adjustments to the capital plan agreed.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the 2023/24 Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators Mid-year Review.

The report stated that the mid-year review report had been prepared in compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice on Treasury Management 2021. The report provided a review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2023/24, incorporating the annual investment strategy; a review of the Council’s borrowing and investments; a review of compliance with treasury management and prudential indicators; and an economic update and interest rate forecast. Reference was made within section 7 of the report to a number of recent and future changes to the prudential indicators for capital expenditure, capital financing requirements and external debt.

DECIDED:

(a) That the treasury management activity for the period 1 April to 13 October 2023, reporting period 7, be noted; and

(b) That the ‘Probable’ prudential indicators for capital expenditure, as detailed in Section 7 of the report, be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to governance arrangements.

The report advised that following requests from political groupings within the Council, changes to the membership of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee and the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board were proposed with Councillor Paterson being replaced by Councillor Steel on the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee and Councillor McCulloch being replaced on the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board by Councillor McDonald. 

 

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved that Councillor Paterson be replaced by Councillor Steel on the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee and that Councillor McCulloch be replaced on the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board by Councillor McDonald. Furthermore that Councillor Paterson be replaced on the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board by Councillor Innes; that the membership of the the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board and the Communities & Housing Policy Board each be increased by two members; that Councillor Steel be added to the membership of the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board; and that Councillor K MacLaren be added to the membership of the Communities & Housing Policy Board”.

Councillor Devine, seconded by Councillor Hood, moved as a first amendment that in addition “Councillor Hood be added to the membership of the Communities & Housing Policy Board and Councillor Devine be added to the membership of the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board”. 

Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Montgomery moved as a second amendment that in addition “Council agrees that the Independent members of Renfrewshire Council should take up a place on Policy Boards and associated committees of the Council.

Council further agrees to bring forward to the next full council meeting on how this can be achieved”.

In terms of Standing Order 27 the first amendment was accepted by Councillors Nicolson and Paterson, being the mover and seconder of the motion.

In terms of Standing Order 27 the second amendment moved by Councillor McMillan and seconded by Councillor Montgomery was withdrawn.

The motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  

(a) That it be agreed that Councillor Steel replace Councillor Paterson on the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee;  

(b) That it be agreed that Councillor McDonald replace Councillor McCulloch and Councillor Innes replace Councillor Paterson on the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board; 

(c) That it be agreed that the membership of the Communities & Housing Policy Board and the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board each be increased by two members; 

(d) That Councillors Hood and K MacLaren be added to the membership of Communities & Housing Policy Board; and 

(e) That Councillors Devine and Steel be added to the membership of Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board.

 

Under reference to item 13 of the Minute of the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 6 November 2023 there was submitted a report by the Lead Officer on behalf of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board relative to the Board’s Review of Charges for Bulk Items Uplift for the Elderly.

The report detailed the background and key findings of the review, and the recommendations were outlined in section 11 of the report.

DECIDED: That the findings of the review be noted and the recommendations detailed at section 11 of the report, be approved.

Under reference to item 5 of the Minute of the meeting of Council held on 28 September 2023, there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the 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 advised that a notice had been published, on 11 June 2023, in this connection giving details of the timetable for and scope of the review and the consultation process and invited comments on the current arrangements. In addition, notice had been given to key groups, including councillors, Council services, community councils, Renfrewshire Valuation Board, the local Disability Liaison Group and Capability Scotland.  A second notice had been published in October 2023 and the comments received from both phases of the consultation were detailed within Appendix 4 to the report, together with alternative arrangements for two polling places that had become unavailable since the previous review in 2019. The report proposed that the Tannahill Centre replace St Ninian’s Church Centre and Our Lady of Peace Primary School replace Linwood Parish Church Hall. Appendix 5 of the report identified local housing developments that might impact on polling arrangements. A copy of the proposed polling scheme, detailing polling places, which had been endorsed by the Returning Officer, was  attached as Appendix 3 of the report for approval. 

 

DECIDED: 

(a) That the polling places as set out in the appendices to the report be approved for use in all elections and referenda until the next review; and 

(b) That the changes made to the polling districts required by the Parliamentary Constituencies Order 2023 be homologated.

Adjournment 

The meeting adjourned at 10.23 am and reconvened at 10.35 am.

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

“Brown Bin Permit / Garden Waste Charge

Council agrees that the £40 charge for a domestic garden waste permit should be scrapped and the collection of garden waste should revert to a service provided by the Council free of charge."

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

Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Councillor McMillan, moved as a first amendment that “Council agrees to scrap bin charges for charities and churches in the next financial year and additionally to carry out a review of Brown Bin charges. If Cllr. Devine and Hood wish to bring forward a balanced budget that excludes a charge for domestic garden waste as we in the Labour Group did for 2022/23 then they are at liberty to do so.” 

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Cameron, moved as a second amendment that the first sentence of the first amendment be replaced by “Council agrees to carry out a review of Brown Bin charges."

In terms of Standing Order 27 Councillors Gilmour and McMillan, being the mover and seconder of the first amendment, accepted the second amendment, which became the substantive amendment.

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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Devine, N Graham, Gray, Hood, Leishman, J MacLaren and McGonigle. 

36 members having voted for the amendment and 7 members having voted for the motion, the amendment, as amended, was accordingly declared carried. 

DECIDED: Council agrees to carry out a review of Brown Bin charges. If Cllr. Devine and Hood wish to bring forward a balanced budget that excludes a charge for domestic garden waste as we in the Labour Group did for 2022/23 then they are at liberty to do so.

In terms of Standing Order 20 there was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Nicolson and Hughes in the following terms:

“Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza 

Council condemns the attack on Israel by Hamas which targeted civilians and resulted in the killing of over 1,400 civilians and the decades long suppression of Palestinians in the operation of an apartheid regime by the Israeli Government which only serves to continue the conflict. 

Council also condemns the rise in Islamophobia and Antisemitism in all their forms and recognises the anxiety experienced by these global communities at this time. 

 

Renfrewshire Council expresses its horror at the conflict and the resulting ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The failure of effective diplomacy and the deployment of battlefield weaponry and tactics in a dense urban environment has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of people, the majority of whom are children, fleeing devastating conditions, left without food, shelter or basic amenities contrary to the basic principles of International Law 

This Council adds its voice to calls for a ceasefire to those of the United Nations, Scottish Government and many civic leaders in the UK who have shown leadership and humanity in trying to bring an end to the bloodshed. 

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister calling on him to support calls for a ceasefire.”

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, then moved the motion.

Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Montgomery, moved as a first amendment that the motion be replaced with “Council unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas’s barbaric and unjustifiable terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023, and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Council further agrees that all human life is equal, abhors the loss of innocent lives, and affirms the right of all Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security; further agrees that the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, including women and children who have been besieged by Israeli forces, must stop.

Council associates itself with the United Nations Secretary-General’s statements that there must be an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow civilians to escape harm, for hostages to be released, for humanitarian aid to reach those in need, and affirming that international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, must be upheld.

Council reiterates its solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian communities and condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia or any other form of hatred.

Council believes that a credible, lasting and sustainable peace can only be based on the two-state solution through reinvigorated diplomatic and political efforts in the Middle East Peace Process; agrees with many in the international community that all parties must agree to an immediate ceasefire; recognises that, in order for any ceasefire to work, it requires all sides to comply; is horrified by the Hamas statement that it would repeat the 7 October attacks and continue rocket fire; further calls on the International Criminal Court to investigate the conduct of all parties in this conflict, and reaffirms the commitment to a lasting peace and a two-state solution with the end of illegal occupation, siege and settlements."

Councillor N Graham, seconded by Councillor Leishman, moved as a second amendment that the motion be replaced with “Council is shocked and appalled by the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas which is an Iranian backed terror organisation. Over 1300 Jews were killed in the biggest pogrom since 1945 alongside nationals from over 13 countries.

Council condemns the deliberate use of sexual violence aimed at Jewish children and women by Hamas.

Council condemns the celebrations of this terrorist attack and the calling for the genocide of Jews around the world in cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Council condemns Hamas tactics of hiding under civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and housing to launch attacks on Israel which has resulted in a higher number of Gazan civilian deaths.

Council calls for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas and other criminal gangs which are controlled by Hamas in Gaza.

Council agrees that Israel has the right to defend itself and must abide by International Law.

Council agrees with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer that further humanitarian pauses are needed to get aid supplies into Gaza and to facilitate further hostage releases.

Council further notes that Israel is a democratic state where all Israeli citizens have the right to vote regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation and political views and is the only country in the region that upholds modern woman’s rights and that recognises same sex marriages and partnerships.

Council recognises Israel’s right to exist alongside its Arab neighbours."

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Nicolson and J Cameron, being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the first amendment which became the substantive motion.

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

The following members voted for the amendment: Councillors N Graham, Gray, Leishman, J MacLaren, McGonigle. 

38 members having voted for the motion and 5 members having voted for the amendment, the motion as amended was accordingly declared carried. 

DECIDED: Council unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas’s barbaric and unjustifiable terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023, and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Council further agrees that all human life is equal, abhors the loss of innocent lives, and affirms the right of all Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security; further agrees that the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, including women and children who have been besieged by Israeli forces, must stop.

 

 

Council associates itself with the United Nations Secretary-General’s statements that there must be an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow civilians to escape harm, for hostages to be released, for humanitarian aid to reach those in need, and affirming that international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, must be upheld.

Council reiterates its solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian communities and condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia or any other form of hatred.

Council believes that a credible, lasting and sustainable peace can only be based on the two-state solution through reinvigorated diplomatic and political efforts in the Middle East Peace Process; agrees with many in the international community that all parties must agree to an immediate ceasefire; recognises that, in order for any ceasefire to work, it requires all sides to comply; is horrified by the Hamas statement that it would repeat the 7 October attacks and continue rocket fire; further calls on the International Criminal Court to investigate the conduct of all parties in this conflict, and reaffirms the commitment to a lasting peace and a two-state solution with the end of illegal occupation, siege and settlements.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Provost Cameron and Councillor McEwan in the following terms:

“Council notes Save the Children’s Gaza Emergency Appeal responding to the needs of children impacted by the ongoing conflict, and agrees to make a donation of £10,000 to fund its UK-based activities in recognition of the considerable strain which this appeal has placed on its resources.” 

Provost Cameron and Councillor McEwan, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Council notes Save the Children’s Gaza Emergency Appeal responding the needs of children impacted by the ongoing conflict, and agrees to make a donation of £10,000 to fund its UK-based activities in recognition of the considerable strain which the appeal has placed on its resources.

In terms of Standing Order 20 there was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Gilmour and Ann-Dowling in the following terms:

"Better Buses for Strathclyde

This Council notes:-

• The ‘Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy and Delivery Plan: Case for Change’ report presented to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s Board on 29 September 2023.
• That this evidence-based report has found that bus use is in ‘sustained, long-term decline’ in Strathclyde, with bus patronage, the size of bus networks, bus service frequency and network coverage all falling.
• That despite decline in bus networks, bus fares continue to rise in Strathclyde at a higher rate than inflation and at a higher rate than the cost of travelling by other modes of transport.
• That the current model of bus service has failed to deliver integrated ticketing or an integrated approach to public transport planning.
• That in 2021/22 public sector support represented 56 per cent of bus operator revenues in Scotland.
• That publicly funded revenue has been boosted by free bus travel for under 22s resulting in 84 million journeys to education, work and leisure, where services are available to use.
• The announcement in the 22/23 Programme for Government that the Scottish Government will work with third sector and local authorities to provide free bus travel to asylum seekers and refugees including displaced people from Ukraine.

 

 

This Council believes:-

• The current deregulated model of bus provision is inadequate and that there is now a compelling case for changing the model of bus provision across Strathclyde.
• A new model of bus provision will enable bus services and public transport across Strathclyde to contribute more towards a healthier- environment, inclusive economic growth and an improved quality of life for the people and communities of Strathclyde.
• A new model of bus provision will enable bus routes, timetables, ticketing, fares and  integration with other modes to be designed by identifying and addressing communities’ needs in urban and in suburban and rural areas where there is little or no current service.

This Council agrees to write to SPT and the Scottish Government to communicate its view that:-

• As part of ongoing work developing the Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy, SPT must develop a new model of bus provision for Strathclyde (on behalf of its 12 constituent local authorities) that is fully integrated with other transport modes, affordable, reliable, easy to use, and democratically accountable.
• SPT can deliver this most effectively by taking forward the franchising and municipal ownership powers in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (and not through ‘Bus Service Improvement Partnerships’, which are not suitable for delivering transformational change).
• This new model of bus provision will help achieve the Regional Transport Strategy objectives and policies set out by SPT by ensuring that bus provision is designed through identifying and addressing communities’ needs.
• The Scottish Government must support SPT (and Scotland’s other Regional Transport   Partnerships) seeking to replace deregulated bus models with models of regulation or common ownership, with fair funding and regulation that respects the autonomy and democratic wishes of Scotland’s communities and regions. A democratically accountable Strathclyde-wide bus franchising system should be progressed to improve bus services across the region and realise the ambitions of the Regional Transport Strategy.
• The Scottish Government must support SPT in reforming transport governance, over a 10 year period, as set out in the recent Centre for Cities report.”

In addition:

 

Officers should continue to collaborate with other local authorities and SPT to progress the use of the franchising and municipal ownership powers, in line with this motion."

Councillors Gilmour and G Graham, then moved the motion.

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Innes, moved as an amendment that “in addition Officers should also continue to work with grassroots community groups in Renfrewshire to establish a Community Transport Co-operative and provide updates to the relevant policy board on progress."

In terms of Standing Order 27 Councillors Gilmour and G Graham, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment.

DECIDED: This Council notes

 

• The ‘Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy and Delivery Plan: Case for Change’ report presented to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s Board on 29 September 2023.

 

• That this evidence-based report has found that bus use is in ‘sustained, long-term decline’ in Strathclyde, with bus patronage, the size of bus networks, bus service frequency and network coverage all falling.

• That despite decline in bus networks, bus fares continue to rise in Strathclyde at a higher rate than inflation and at a higher rate than the cost of travelling by other modes of transport.

• That the current model of bus service has failed to deliver integrated ticketing or an integrated approach to public transport planning.

• That in 2021/22 public sector support represented 56 per cent of bus operator revenues in Scotland.

• That publicly funded revenue has been boosted by free bus travel for under 22s resulting in 84 million journeys to education, work and leisure, where services are available to use.

• The announcement in the 22/23 Programme for Government that the Scottish Government will work with third sector and local authorities to provide free bus travel to asylum seekers and refugees including displaced people from Ukraine.


This Council believes:-

• The current deregulated model of bus provision is inadequate and that there is now a compelling case for changing the model of bus provision across Strathclyde.

 

• A new model of bus provision will enable bus services and public transport across Strathclyde to contribute more towards a healthier- environment, inclusive economic growth and an improved quality of life for the people and communities of Strathclyde.

 

• A new model of bus provision will enable bus routes, timetables, ticketing, fares and  integration with other modes to be designed by identifying and addressing communities’ needs in urban and in suburban and rural areas where there is little or no current service.

This Council agrees to write to SPT and the Scottish Government to communicate its view that:-

 

• As part of ongoing work developing the Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy, SPT must develop a new model of bus provision for Strathclyde (on behalf of its 12 constituent local authorities) that is fully integrated with other transport modes, affordable, reliable, easy to use, and democratically accountable.

 

• SPT can deliver this most effectively by taking forward the franchising and municipal ownership powers in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (and not through ‘Bus Service Improvement Partnerships’, which are not suitable for delivering transformational change).

 

• This new model of bus provision will help achieve the Regional Transport Strategy objectives and policies set out by SPT by ensuring that bus provision is designed through identifying and addressing communities’ needs.

 

• The Scottish Government must support SPT (and Scotland’s other Regional Transport   Partnerships) seeking to replace deregulated bus models with models of regulation or common ownership, with fair funding and regulation that respects the autonomy and democratic wishes of Scotland’s communities and regions. A democratically accountable Strathclyde-wide bus franchising system should be progressed to improve bus services across the region and realise the ambitions of the Regional Transport Strategy.

 

• The Scottish Government must support SPT in reforming transport governance, over a 10 year period, as set out in the recent Centre for Cities report.

In addition:

 

Officers should continue to collaborate with other local authorities and SPT to progress the use of the franchising and municipal ownership powers, in line with the motion; Officers should also continue to work with grassroots community groups in Renfrewshire to establish a Community Transport Co-operative and provide updates to the relevant policy board on progress.

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

"Council instructs the Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council to contact the Chief Executive of Scottish Water to request that they prioritise Ferguslie main road (A761) at Linwood toll to be on the highest priority list for flood prevention works as a matter of urgency."

Councillors Burns and M MacLaren, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Council instructs the Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council to contact the Chief Executive of Scottish Water to request that they prioritise Ferguslie main road (A761) at Linwood toll to be on the highest priority list for flood prevention works as a matter of urgency.


Sederunt

Councillor McNaughtan left the meeting prior to consideration of the following items of business.

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




"Support for the Wave Trust's 70/30 campaign

That Council notes and supports the ethos of the Wave Trust's 70/30 campaign to reduce child abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by at least 70% by the year 2030. The Wave Trust campaign already has wide cross-party support and plays an important part in the entrenchment of intergenerational health and income inequalities. Council asks  officers to bring a report on progress to a future meeting. This report will provide an update on how Renfrewshire Council and wider partners are progressing the ambition to reduce childhood abuse and trauma in our local communities and to embed a trauma-informed approach across services. Council:

• Notes and recognises the wide preventative work already being carried out by Renfrewshire Council and acknowledges that there is a wide understanding of ACE’s across services, and the positive impact this can have on children as well as adults.

• Notes the ambitions of the national campaign to make Scotland the first Adverse Child Experiences (ACE) aware Nation.

• Notes that Renfrewshire Council cannot achieve these ambitions alone, and there is a wider responsibility and multi-agenda approach required in addition to the support of our wider communities.
 
• Notes that supporting an early intervention approach to investment in promoting safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments can have a positive impact on a broad range of challenges, and on the development of skills that will help children and young people reach their full potential.

• Continues to support and promote a trauma-informed, ACE awareness ethos to have a positive impact on both individuals and society as a whole.

• Continues to support all front-line staff across the Council and partners to be encouraged to take up opportunities for continued professional learning sessions on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

• Acknowledges that Adverse Childhood Experiences can and do impact on learning, attainment and future prospects for children and young people.

• Seeks assurance that Trauma Informed learning is taking place across our early years and school settings to support children and young people." 

Councillors McGonigle and Gray, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Support for the Wave Trust's 70/30 campaign

That Council notes and supports the ethos of the Wave Trust's 70/30 campaign to reduce child abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by at least 70% by the year 2030. The Wave Trust campaign already has wide cross-party support and plays an important part in the entrenchment of intergenerational health and income inequalities. Council asks officers to bring a report on progress to a future meeting. This report will provide an update on how Renfrewshire Council and wider partners are progressing the ambition to reduce childhood abuse and trauma in our local communities and to embed a trauma-informed approach across services. Council

• Notes and recognises the wide preventative work already being carried out by Renfrewshire Council and acknowledges that there is a wide understanding of ACE’s across services, and the positive impact this can have on children as well as adults.

• Notes the ambitions of the national campaign to make Scotland the first Adverse Child Experiences (ACE) aware Nation.

• Notes that Renfrewshire Council cannot achieve these ambitions alone, and there is a wider responsibility and multi-agenda approach required in addition to the support of our wider communities.
 
• Notes that supporting an early intervention approach to investment in promoting safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments can have a positive impact on a broad range of challenges, and on the development of skills that will help children and young people reach their full potential.

• Continues to support and promote a trauma-informed, ACE awareness ethos to have a positive impact on both individuals and society as a whole.

• Continues to support all front-line staff across the Council and partners to be encouraged to take up opportunities for continued professional learning sessions on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

• Acknowledges that Adverse Childhood Experiences can and do impact on learning, attainment and future prospects for children and young people.

• Seeks assurance that Trauma Informed learning is taking place across our early years and school settings to support children and young people.

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

"International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance

Council agreed on 28/02/19 to the following motion below. (In Bold)

“As part of Renfrewshire Council's ongoing equalities work we resolve to join with the UK and Scottish Governments and the major political parties in the UK in signing up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism which defines antisemitism thus:
Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non- Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish Community Institutions and religious facilities. The guidelines highlight manifestations as including:
1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extreme view of religion.

  2. Making mendacious, dehumanising, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the  media, economy, government or other social institutions.

3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing  committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

4. Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its  supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
5. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust. Accusing Jewish citizens as being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
6. Denying the Jewish people their right to self determination, e.g. by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavour.
7. Applying double standards by requiring of it behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
8. Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g. claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis.
9. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
10. Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel.

Council resolves to: Restate its condemnation of all forms of racism in all its  manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of racism."

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and a rise in antisemitism across the world including the United Kingdom this council reaffirms its commitment to the above motion."

Councillors N Graham and Leishman, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance

Council agreed on 28/02/19 to the following motion below. (In Bold)

As part of Renfrewshire Council's ongoing equalities work we resolve to join with the UK and Scottish Governments and the major political parties in the UK in signing up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism which defines antisemitism thus:
Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non- Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish Community Institutions and religious facilities. The guidelines highlight manifestations as including:

 

1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extreme view of religion.

2. Making mendacious, dehumanising, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the  media, economy, government or other social institutions.

3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing  committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

 

4. Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its  supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

 

5. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust. Accusing Jewish citizens as being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

 

6. Denying the Jewish people their right to self determination, e.g. by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavour.

 

7. Applying double standards by requiring of it behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

 

8. Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g. claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis.

 

9. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

 

10. Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel.

Council resolves to: Restate its condemnation of all forms of racism in all its  manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of racism.

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and a rise in antisemitism across the world including the United Kingdom this council reaffirms its commitment to the above motion.