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.

Councillors Ann-Dowling and Mullin.

There were no declarations of 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, 9 May 2024 
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 15 May 2024 
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 20 May 2024 
Appointment Board - Head of Education, Learning Estate and Resources, 21 May 2024 
Communities and Housing Policy Board, 21 May 2024 
Appointment Board - Head of People & Organisational Development, 22 May 2024 Regulatory Functions Board, 22 May 2024 
Special Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 23 May 2024 Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 23 May 2024 
Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 28 May 2024 
Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, 28 May 2024 
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 29 May 2024 
Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 30 May 2024 Special Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 31 May 2024 
Appointment Board - Head of Education, 31 May 2024 
Local Review Body, 4 June 2024 
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 5 June 2024 
Regulatory Functions Board, 6 June 2024 
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 13 June 2024 Appointment Board - Head of Education, Learning Estate and Resources, 18 June 2024 
Leadership Board, 19 June 2024 

 

 

Appointment Board - Head of Education, 20 June 2024

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.

The Provost provided an update on the duties she had undertaken since the last meeting of the Council held on 9 May 2024.

DECIDED: That the update be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council's Accounts and Group Accounts for 2023/24 which would be submitted for audit by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2024. 

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 the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board to be held on 23 September 2024 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. Following their removal from the Charities Register in May 2022, the financial performance of the Johnstone, Paisley and Renfrew Common Good Funds were now disclosed as a statement within the Council’s annual accounts.

It was noted that paragraph 5.2 of the report should refer to Appendix 1 and not Appendix 2 as stated and that the paragraph in relation to the Housing Revenue Account should be numbered 5.3 and not 5.2 as stated.

DECIDED:

(a) That, following consideration of the Renfrewshire Council Annual Accounts for 2023/24, which formed Appendix 2 to the report and which were subject to audit, 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 2023/24 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 outlined in Table 1 and Appendix 1 of the report be approved; and

(e) That, subject to audit, the annual accounts attached for the Coats Observatory Trust, which under accounting regulations required to be prepared and audited separately from the Council’s accounts, and which formed Appendix 3 of the report, be approved.

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 2023/24 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 2024, 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 2023/24 be approved.

Under reference to item 10 of the Minute of the meeting of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board held on 20 May 2024, there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board’s Annual Report 2023/24. 

The report advised that due to the reporting period changing, the annual report had a reduced reporting period and only covered seven months of activity. The Annual Report was prepared in terms of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) best practice guidance and the Council’s Code of Corporate Governance. It highlighted the issues considered by the Board during the period 1 August 2023 to 31 March 2024 and provided an overview of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board’s activity and a summary of key developments. The report set out how the Board had fulfilled its remit and provided assurances to the Council. 

The report noted that CIPFA had issued an updated guidance note entitled Audit Committees Practical Guidance for Local Authorities and Police 2022 Edition, which incorporated CIPFA’s Position Statement: Audit Committees in Local Authorities and Police which set out CIPFA’s view of the role and functions of an Audit Committee and included guidance on the production of an annual report against its remit for submission to the Council.

DECIDED: That the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board Annual Report 2023/24 be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources advising that the SNP group had intimated that it wished to replace Councillor Mylet with Councillor McGurk on the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board and to replace Councillor Mylet with Councillor Shaw on the Infrastructure Land & Environment Policy Board.

DECIDED: 

(a) That Councillor McGurk replace Councillor Mylet on the Education & Children’s Policy Board; and

(b) That Councillor Shaw replace Councillor Mylet on the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 which received Royal Assent on 16 January 2024.

The report provided the background to the Act, the provisions of which would commence on 16 July 2024. The Act embedded the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Scots law and stated that designated public authorities, which included local authorities, must not act in a manner which was incompatible with the UNCRC. It provided children and young people, or their representatives, an option to pursue court action to ensure that their rights were recognised; extended the powers of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner; and required public authorities to actively promote children’s rights, consider how child friendly budgeting could progress, develop children’s rights wellbeing impact assessments and report on how they were ensuring compliance with their duties which included a child friendly version of the report.

The report advised that some young people from Renfrewshire contributed to an animation commissioned by the Scottish Government on UNCRC and how public authorities could promote and protect children’s rights. The Scottish Government had produced guidance on the Act and the Improvement Service had developed resources to assist elected members to understand their responsibilities under the Act.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be noted that the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 would commence on 16 July 2024;

(b) That the new duty on Renfrewshire as a public authority to actively promote children’s rights, listen to the views of children and young people in policy development and publish a report every three years on how the Council was ensuring compliance with the 2024 Act be noted;

(c) That the contribution of some of Renfrewshire’s young people to the Scottish Government animation be noted;

(d) That the resources deployed by the Improvement Service to assist elected members to understand their responsibilities in relation to the protection and promotion of the rights of children be noted; and

 

 

(e) That the addition of a new section in the implications section of reports for Council and policy boards on Children’s Rights be agreed.

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

"St Mirren Football Club – Exhibition to celebrate 150th Anniversary 

Council calls upon OneRen, with the support of the Council, to produce an exhibition to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Mirren Football Club in 2027."

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

Councillor MacFarlane, seconded by Councillor Hughes, moved as an amendment that:

insert ‘co-’ before ‘produce’ 

and add 

Council further congratulates St Mirren's Mens team on achieving European Football for the first time since 1987 and wishes them all the best on a successful campaign for the upcoming 24-25 football season.

In terms of Standing Order 27 Councillors Devine and Hood, being the mover and seconder of the motion, accepted the amendment. 

DECIDED: St Mirren Football Club – Exhibition to celebrate 150th Anniversary 
Council calls upon OneRen, with the support of the Council, to co-produce an exhibition to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Mirren Football Club in 2027.

Council further congratulates St Mirren's Men’s team on achieving European Football for the first time since 1987 and wishes them all the best on a successful campaign for the upcoming 24-25 football season.

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

"That Renfrewshire Council recognises and celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Paisley’s Weaver Poet, Robert Tannahill, on 3rd June 1774, recognising his contribution to Scottish culture in poetry and song, and his enduring legacy in Renfrewshire, Scotland and the world. 

Renfrewshire Council notes that Council, OneRen, and several local organisations and individuals including our Tannahill Makar Shaun Moore, The Tannahill MacDonald Club, Professor Fred Freeman, Jackie Cruickshanks, and local artists are working collaboratively to deliver celebratory events over this anniversary year as part of their ongoing work to promote Tannahill’s legacy, with two events having been held at Paisley Central Library on 3rd and 4th of June to mark the anniversary, and further events planned in future."

Provost L Cameron, seconded by Councillor Hughes, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: That Renfrewshire Council recognises and celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Paisley’s Weaver Poet, Robert Tannahill, on 3rd June 1774, recognising his contribution to Scottish culture in poetry and song, and his enduring legacy in Renfrewshire, Scotland and the world. 

Renfrewshire Council notes that Council, OneRen, and several local organisations and individuals including our Tannahill Makar Shaun Moore, The Tannahill MacDonald Club, Professor Fred Freeman, Jackie Cruickshanks, and local artists are working collaboratively to deliver celebratory events over this anniversary year as part of their ongoing work to promote Tannahill’s legacy, with two events having been held at Paisley Central Library on 3rd and 4th of June to mark the anniversary, and further events planned in future.

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

"Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure for Community Councils 

Renfrewshire Council commends the positive work carried out by Community Councils in articulating the views of their respective communities which they serve. Council, in particular, values their contribution regarding planning matters. 

Council notes that Community Councils, and how they operate, will be subject to a review later in the year, and calls for such a review to introduce a Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure for members of Community Councils."

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

Councillor G Graham, seconded by Councillor McMillan, moved as an amendment that:

“Renfrewshire Council commends the positive work carried out by Community Councils and values their hard work and commitment in articulating the views of the communities they serve. 

Council also appreciates their contribution regarding planning matters, neighbourhood improvements and promoting community cohesion. 

Council notes that Community Councils, and how they operate, will be subject to a review later in the year, and calls for Community Councils to be positively engaged with and consulted on this, including if required, revising protocols, and clarifying complaints procedures.”

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Clark, Davidson, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, N Graham, Gray, Leishman, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McDonald, McGonigle, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery and Smith.

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

16 members having voted for the amendment and 25 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure for Community Councils 

Renfrewshire Council commends the positive work carried out by Community Councils in articulating the views of their respective communities which they serve. Council, in particular, values their contribution regarding planning matters. 

Council notes that Community Councils, and how they operate, will be subject to a review later in the year, and calls for such a review to introduce a Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure for members of Community Councils.

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

"Action on Empty and Abandoned Homes in Renfrewshire 

Council notes that Shelter Scotland have recently highlighted that there are 28,280 empty houses which have been abandoned for more than a year. Council believes this reduces the number of private rented lets, damages the fabric of neighbouring properties, and is a blight on communities. 

Council commends the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership for their work in acting to bring empty and abandoned homes back into use, recognises that the Scottish Government has a strong record in building social housing, and agrees to write to the Scottish Minister for Housing to seek new legislation to reduce the scandal of empty and abandoned homes."

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

It was noted that the Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure would provide an update to members in relation to the current status of the Council’s homeless units, the rough sleepers situation in Renfrewshire, the number of empty properties within Council stock, housing association stock and owned by private landlords, and an update on those Council houses which were returned to Scottish Power as it had been established that these properties were not earthed.

 

 

DECIDED:  Action on Empty and Abandoned Homes in Renfrewshire 

Council notes that Shelter Scotland have recently highlighted that there are 28,280 empty houses which have been abandoned for more than a year. Council believes this reduces the number of private rented lets, damages the fabric of neighbouring properties, and is a blight on communities. 

Council commends the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership for their work in acting to bring empty and abandoned homes back into use, recognises that the Scottish Government has a strong record in building social housing, and agrees to write to the Scottish Minister for Housing to seek new legislation to reduce the scandal of empty and abandoned homes.