3
There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2025/26.
The report provided an overview of the Council’s anticipated financial position on the General Fund revenue budget and set out the information required for the Council to set its budget and Council Tax for 2025/26. It was recognised that moving into 2025/26 and beyond, the financial environment that local government in Scotland faced remained difficult, with substantial risks in the short-term in relation to both cost growth and income restraints. Longer lasting legacy impacts on service costs, service demand and income streams were anticipated.
The report requested that these circumstances be taken into account when setting the 2025/26 budget, and also to recognise that the Council’s immediate and medium-term challenges remained significant.
Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved:
“1. That this Administration’s third budget will continue to deliver on its commitments set out in the Council Plan to create a fairer Renfrewshire built on innovation, wellbeing and opportunity; where improving outcomes for children and families underpins all that we do.
2. Households and families across Renfrewshire continue to be impacted by the enduring effects of increased living costs. We remain concerned that for some, poverty is deepening and inequalities are widening. In continuing our Fairer Renfrewshire programme, tackling inequality and poverty will remain key priorities for this Administration. Building on the success of this programme, this Administration commits £0.450 million from the Financial Sustainability Fund to support the following targeted interventions:
• a targeted programme of summer activities for children and young people from low-income families, working across Council services with community groups and third sector organisations across Renfrewshire to ensure that our most vulnerable families are able to access a range of activities and healthy food over the summer period.
• continuation of the £50 winter school clothing payment to each child eligible for school clothing grant, building on the support provided in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
• Continuation of the successful winter connections programme
Council also agrees that from within existing Fairer Renfrewshire resource, Council will continue £0.095 million of funding to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to support the Welfare Rights Advocacy service and Schools advice support as committed in previous budgets.
£0.100 million has been baselined to permanently support delivery of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library programme in Renfrewshire, which sees every child aged between 2 and 5 receive a book every month, and supports our work in Renfrewshire to improve levels of literacy and reduce the poverty related attainment gap.
3. In support of the Fairer Renfrewshire aims above, Council agrees to allocate top-up funding of £0.450 million to supplement allocated resources for discretionary housing payments.
4. Recognising the invaluable contribution our foster and kinship carers make to improve the lives of children in Renfrewshire, Council agrees to commit £0.200 million on a recurring basis to allow an increase in foster and kinship carer fees by 3%.
5. Council recognises the significant investment required in our Learning Estate in order to secure the best possible learning environment for Renfrewshire’s pupils. Council supports the principles of the Learning Estate Strategy agreed by the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board and is committed to the development of a long term funding strategy which will deliver on our aims. This Administration today sets out a clear statement of intent in committing £2.500 million of revenue resource as an initial contribution to support the significant borrowing required which will enable a stepped-change in the level of investment in the school estate in the coming years; and further commits that over the remaining years of this Administration, a similar level of increase in supported borrowing will be prioritised within available resources. This commitment will generate capital investment capacity approaching £170 million, funding in large part the next phase of our learning estate strategy. This commitment will enable the Council to progress to the business case development stage those schools which emerge as a priority under the agreed prioritisation matrix.
6. Supporting the above investment, Council further commits £0.700 million to invest in existing school pitches, improving the opportunities for external recreation and exercise for pupils and communities alike; with a further report to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board with specific proposals for this investment. Complimenting this investment, and ensuring previous investments in playparks are maintained, Council commits on a recurring basis £0.040 million to increase the available budget for playpark maintenance. Council also reaffirms its intention to develop an inclusive soft play area at the Lagoon Leisure Centre funded previously with a £1.000 million allocation and notes that the project will move to delivery over the course of 2025/26.
7. The current and previous Administration has delivered major investment in our roads and associated infrastructure, with a 5 year £40 million funding package being agreed in 2019/20 which has significantly improved the overall condition of our roads. Council recognises the benefits of longer term strategic investment in our infrastructure assets, as evidenced by our strategic investment in the schools estate above. Council therefore commits a further £2.500 million to support borrowing which, in conjunction with a commitment to ringfence general capital grant funding of £4.000 million per year for the next 10 years, will deliver a £90 million investment in our roads and associated infrastructure, with funding as outlined in the table below.
| |
2025/26
|
2026/27 |
2027/28 |
2028/29-2034/25 |
Total |
| |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
| Capital Grant Commitment |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
32.0 |
44.0 |
| New Prudential Borrowing |
3.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
20.0 |
30.0 |
| CFCR |
2.3 |
2.0 |
1.6 |
2.5 |
8.4 |
| CWSS Specific Grant |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
5.6 |
8.0 |
| Total |
10.1 |
9.8 |
10.4 |
60.1 |
90.4 |
8. Council recognises the success of the Team Up to Clean Up campaigns of recent years, and the importance of clean neighbourhoods. Council agrees that within the base budget proposed by the Director, a sum of £0.550 million is baselined to permanently fund the successful Environment and Place programme, including Team Up to Clean Up. In addition, Council commits a further £0.030 million to resource a dog fouling awareness campaign and associated infrastructure.
9. Complementing the above investment, Council agrees to invest £0.180 million to set up a Community Environment Team - a dedicated team focused on systematically clearing weeds, detritus, and silt from streets and public spaces. in doing so, the team will enhance the environmental cleanliness, visual appeal, and overall aesthetics of Renfrewshire’s communities. To support the work of this team, Council also agrees to fund £0.100 million to purchase a mechanical sweeper. Council further commits £0.200 million to invest in projects which will deliver improvements in our open spaces and parks (with an initial £0.080 million allocation to refurbish Robertson Park pond); and a further £0.030 million to deliver public realm improvements in the Oakshaw conservation area.
10. Council has committed to the aims of the strategic property review, and has long recognised that the size and condition of our current property estate demands significant maintenance obligations. Council also recognises the aims of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act in empowering communities through the ownership or control of land and buildings. In support of both these objectives, Council commits £0.800 million to invest in council properties where this investment could be an enabler for increased community ownership of assets currently owned or controlled by the Council, such as through a community asset transfer request. Further detail on the operation of this scheme will be the subject of a report to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board.
11. Council has delivered major regeneration initiatives such as the Arnotts site in Paisley, and remains committed to further regeneration proposals in all our town centres. Council commits £0.500 million to unlock town centre regeneration proposals where market conditions are such that the redevelopment of significant buildings or sites are stalled; with the criteria for investment being the subject of a future report to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board.
12, Building on the success of our hugely successful events strategy, Council commits £0.150 million to fund a post and an additional financial resource within the events team which will develop and deliver a calendar of cultural events for the five town centres of Renfrewshire, examining ways to work together to maximise and pool resources, leverage external funding and/or secure visiting events and festivals through a joint programming strategy for Renfrewshire. In addition, Council also commits £0.050 million on a recurring basis to support the infrastructure required to deliver improved festive lighting in Linwood and Erskine, with a further £0.050 million to upgrade the festive lighting infrastructure across each of Renfrewshire’s 5 town centres.
13. Council also recognises the success of previous funding allocations which have delivered localised improvements to our towns and villages; and commits further funding to these as follows: £0.050 million to each of the Villages Improvement Fund, Retail Improvement Fund and the historic buildings in villages grant.
14. Council appreciates the input of community groups to the development of the local development plan; and directs £0.100 million from the Financial Sustainability Fund to instigate a new fund which community groups may apply to in order to address costs they may incur in developing their local place plans. Criteria for the fund will be the subject of a report to a future Planning and Climate Change Policy Board.
15. Council notes that the proposals within this motion will bring the Council back into a recurring financial balance, clearly demonstrating the sound financial management for which this Administration is recognised; but also recognises that the medium term outlook remains challenging and that financial sustainability remains a key priority. Council also recognises the need to maintain a prudent level of unallocated reserves given the very high level of risk over the medium term as outlined in the Director’s report; and as previously agreed by Council, commits to maintain the Council’s level of unallocated reserve at a minimum of £10.000 million moving into 2025/26.
16. In line with the conditions set out in the 2025/26 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in Table 2 of the Director’s report to make available £5.594 million of recurring resources to Renfrewshire HSCP; and in addition provide on a recurring basis a further £0.500 million, being a proportionate share of funding which will be received (noting the quantum is yet to be confirmed) in relation to the costs of employer national insurance changes.
17. To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2025/26 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources and agree a 2025/26 base budget of £571.512 million.
18. To agree to make provision in 2025/26 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.4 of the Director’s report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director.
19. To agree to a general 5% inflationary increase in charges for services as recommended in the Director’s report, subject to the note at paragraph 24 below.
20. To agree the resource allocations for 2025/26 for all services, as amended by these proposals.
21. To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.
22. Subject to agreement of the above, to agree that the council tax for 2025/26 be set at £1,572.61 for Band D subjects, representing a 9.5% increase on the 2024/25 level, and for all bandings to be set at:
Band 2024/25 2025/26
A 957.45 1,048.41
B 1,117.02 1,223.14
C 1,276.60 1,397.88
D 1,436.17 1,572.61
E 1,886.97 2,066.23
F 2,333.78 2,555.49
G 2,812.50 3,079.69
H 3,518.62 3,852.89
23. Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is supported by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.
24. To agree to increase other charges for services by 5% (as detailed in paragraph 19 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised
(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and
(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.
To note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increased, they will recommend this to the appropriate Board. The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 5% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.”
Councillor Ann-Dowling, seconded by Councillor Clark, moved as an amendment:
“Renfrewshire Labour recommits to addressing the impact, mitigation and prevention of poverty and inequality for the benefit of Renfrewshire’s people with particular concern for the vulnerabilities of disadvantaged children and young people. We have shaped this budget to preserve and improve the vital services people in Renfrewshire depend on every day while at the same time being mindful of the present and future financial restraints faced by this Council.
Council agrees the following capital commitments:
• £4.700 million to fulfil the commitment to provide free school meals for Primary 6 and 7. Council will commit the required funding to move ahead with the necessary kitchen installations and upgrades to make this happen.
• £7.300 million to facilitate early improvements in Renfrewshire’s school estate to improve the learning environment for both teachers and pupils
These commitments of capital resources funded by prudential borrowing of £1 million p.a. have been built into our financial plan for 2025/26 on a recurring basis. For clarity, the remainder of the commitments in this amendment are non-recurring.
In addition, Council agrees to invest £1.000 million of revenue resource to supplement the £4.000 million of general capital grant to fund a total £5.000 million roads maintenance and improvement programme.
Council agrees that £0.500 million be directed to the Renfrewshire HSCP solely for the purpose of supporting Carers by reducing the waiting time for vital and much needed respite care.
Council also agrees to invest £0.065 million to support mental health recovery services.
Renfrewshire Labour commits to continue to support families across Renfrewshire still impacted by the cost of living crisis. We are deeply concerned that for some poverty is deepening and that child poverty continues to grow.
Council notes that an estimated £1.300 million will be carried forward from 2024/25 to support Fairer Renfrewshire’s core programme at £0.700 million and agrees that the remaining £0.600 million will be used to address new and emerging priorities
In addition to the existing £1.3m Fairer Renfrewshire resource above, Council agrees to direct further funding as follows:
• £1.500 million to further support this Council’s goal of alleviating child poverty in Renfrewshire by directly allocating funds to address emerging priorities as recommended by the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee
• £0.255 million for Winter School Clothing Grants to help children with vital clothing for the colder months
• £0.100 million to support Summer of Fun providing children across Renfrewshire with vital summer activities and food provision.
• £0.075 million to support Winter Connections providing safe, welcoming and warm places for people throughout the winter months with additional community activities.
• £0.025 million to enable ROAR to maintain its present service level as it provides opportunities for older adults to maintain independence and to maximise health and wellbeing.
Council also agrees to invest in the following:
£0.150 million to further support Renfrewshire Council in providing Discretionary Housing Payment in addition to the £0.600 million agreed by the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board to be held in reserve to support the Scottish Welfare Fund.
£0.116 million to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to enable, in addition to it’s core work, a specialist Welfare Rights Service £0.045 million and a vital Debt & Eviction Service £0.071 million.
Renfrewshire Labour is focussed on supporting the wellbeing of the wider community. Council therefore agrees to invest:
£0.100 million to further support swimming training for primary school children in Renfrewshire at a time when Scottish Swimming tells us that around 40% of primary school of children in Scotland leave school unable to swim.
£0.025 million to assist officers in a further consultation with ASN parents and to work together with them to create new and improved strategies for support.
£0.025 million to further support the school music service recognising the importance of this service and celebrating the success of Renfrewshire’s young musicians.
£0.100 million to further support improvements to Renfrewshire Parks. Spaces necessary for health, mental health and recreation.
£0.070 million to assist the warden service in dealing with anti-social behaviour and dog fouling.
£0.005 million additional funding for Sma Shot Day to mitigate against inflationary and cost increases, in line with funding uplifts awarded to other key Renfrewshire Gala Days.
£0.019 million towards a fund supporting Community Councils to develop local place plans.
In further support of our communities, Council agrees to provide £0.030 million for Community Bus Improvement, £0.030 million for a Civic Pride Community Fund and £0.125 million for a Community Memorial Fund.
Council further agrees to conduct an economic analysis of the impact of recent changes to car parking charging policy in Paisley Town Centre on local businesses and residents who live in the town.
In line with the conditions set out in the 2025/26 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in Table 2 of the Director’s report to make available £5.594 million of recurring resources to Renfrewshire HSCP; and in addition provide on a recurring basis a further £0.500 million, being a proportionate share of funding which will be received (noting the quantum is yet to be confirmed) in relation to the costs of employer national insurance changes.
To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2025/26 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources and agree a 2025/26 base budget of £571.512 million.
To agree to make provision in 2025/26 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.4 of the Director’s report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director.
To agree to a general 5% inflationary increase in charges for services as recommended in the Director’s report, subject to the note at paragraph 22 below.
To agree the resource allocations for 2025/26 for all services, as amended by these proposals.
To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.
Subject to agreement of the above, to agree that the council tax for 2025/26 be set at £1,529.52 for Band D subjects, representing a 6.5% increase on the 2024/25 level, and for all bandings to be set at:
Band 2024/25 2025/26
A 957.45 1,019.68
B 1,117.02 1,189.63
C 1,276.60 1,359.57
D 1,436.17 1,529.52
E 1,886.97 2,009.62
F 2,333.78 2,458.47
G 2,812.50 2,995.31
H 3,518.62 3,747.32
Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is supported by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.
To agree to increase other charges for services by 5% (as detailed in paragraph 17 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised:
(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and
(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.
To note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increased, they will recommend this to the appropriate Board. The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 5% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval."
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10.10 am to allow members to consider the motion and amendment. The meeting reconvened at 10.30 am.
Councillor Shaw clarified that number 4 of his motion should read “4. Recognising the invaluable contribution our foster and kinship carers make to improve the lives of children in Renfrewshire, Council agrees to commit £0.200 million on a recurring basis to allow an increase in foster and kinship carer fees and allowances by 3%.”
On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Gilmour, G Graham, Leishman, McCulloch, McDonald, McGuire, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith.
The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hannigan, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.
The following members abstained: Councillors Devine, N Graham, Gray, Hood, J MacLaren and McGonigle.
13 members having voted for the amendment, 23 members having voted for the motion and 6 members having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.
DECIDED:
1. That this Administration’s third budget will continue to deliver on its commitments set out in the Council Plan to create a fairer Renfrewshire built on innovation, wellbeing and opportunity; where improving outcomes for children and families underpins all that we do.
2. Households and families across Renfrewshire continue to be impacted by the enduring effects of increased living costs. We remain concerned that for some, poverty is deepening and inequalities are widening. In continuing our Fairer Renfrewshire programme, tackling inequality and poverty will remain key priorities for this Administration. Building on the success of this programme, this Administration commits £0.450 million from the Financial Sustainability Fund to support the following targeted interventions:
• a targeted programme of summer activities for children and young people from low-income families, working across Council services with community groups and third sector organisations across Renfrewshire to ensure that our most vulnerable families are able to access a range of activities and healthy food over the summer period.
• continuation of the £50 winter school clothing payment to each child eligible for school clothing grant, building on the support provided in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
• Continuation of the successful winter connections programme.
Council also agrees that from within existing Fairer Renfrewshire resource, Council will continue £0.095 million of funding to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to support the Welfare Rights Advocacy service and Schools advice support as committed in previous budgets.
£0.100 million has been baselined to permanently support delivery of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library programme in Renfrewshire, which sees every child aged between 2 and 5 receive a book every month, and supports our work in Renfrewshire to improve levels of literacy and reduce the poverty related attainment gap.
3. In support of the Fairer Renfrewshire aims above, Council agrees to allocate top-up funding of £0.450 million to supplement allocated resources for discretionary housing payments.
4. Recognising the invaluable contribution our foster and kinship carers make to improve the lives of children in Renfrewshire, Council agrees to commit £0.200 million on a recurring basis to allow an increase in foster and kinship carer fees and allowances by 3%.
5. Council recognises the significant investment required in our Learning Estate in order to secure the best possible learning environment for Renfrewshire’s pupils. Council supports the principles of the Learning Estate Strategy agreed by the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board and is committed to the development of a long-term funding strategy which will deliver on our aims. This Administration today sets out a clear statement of intent in committing £2.500 million of revenue resource as an initial contribution to support the significant borrowing required which will enable a stepped-change in the level of investment in the school estate in the coming years; and further commits that over the remaining years of this Administration, a similar level of increase in supported borrowing will be prioritised within available resources. This commitment will generate capital investment capacity approaching £170 million, funding in large part the next phase of our learning estate strategy. This commitment will enable the Council to progress to the business case development stage those schools which emerge as a priority under the agreed prioritisation matrix.
6. Supporting the above investment, Council further commits £0.700 million to invest in existing school pitches, improving the opportunities for external recreation and exercise for pupils and communities alike; with a further report to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board with specific proposals for this investment. Complimenting this investment, and ensuring previous investments in playparks are maintained, Council commits on a recurring basis £0.040 million to increase the available budget for playpark maintenance. Council also reaffirms its intention to develop an inclusive soft play area at the Lagoon Leisure Centre funded previously with a £1.000 million allocation and notes that the project will move to delivery over the course of 2025/26.
7. The current and previous Administration has delivered major investment in our roads and associated infrastructure, with a 5-year £40 million funding package being agreed in 2019/20 which has significantly improved the overall condition of our roads. Council recognises the benefits of longer-term strategic investment in our infrastructure assets, as evidenced by our strategic investment in the schools estate above. Council therefore commits a further £2.500 million to support borrowing which, in conjunction with a commitment to ringfence general capital grant funding of £4.000 million per year for the next 10 years, will deliver a £90 million investment in our roads and associated infrastructure, with funding as outlined in the table below.
| |
2025/26 |
2026/27 |
2027/28 |
2028/29 - 2034/35 |
Total |
| |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
| Capital Grant Commitment |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
32.0 |
44.0 |
| New Prudential Borrowing |
3.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
20.0 |
30.0 |
| CFCR |
2.3 |
2.0 |
1.6 |
2.5 |
8.4 |
| CWSS Specific Grant |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
5.6 |
8.0 |
| Total |
10.1 |
9.8 |
10.4 |
60.1 |
90.4 |
8. Council recognises the success of the Team Up to Clean Up campaigns of recent years, and the importance of clean neighbourhoods. Council agrees that within the base budget proposed by the Director, a sum of £0.550 million is baselined to permanently fund the successful Environment and Place programme, including Team Up to Clean Up. In addition, Council commits a further £0.030 million to resource a dog fouling awareness campaign and associated infrastructure.
9. Complementing the above investment, Council agrees to invest £0.180 million to set up a Community Environment Team - a dedicated team focused on systematically clearing weeds, detritus, and silt from streets and public spaces. in doing so, the team will enhance the environmental cleanliness, visual appeal, and overall aesthetics of Renfrewshire’s communities. To support the work of this team, Council also agrees to fund £0.100 million to purchase a mechanical sweeper. Council further commits £0.200 million to invest in projects which will deliver improvements in our open spaces and parks (with an initial £0.080 million allocation to refurbish Robertson Park pond); and a further £0.030 million to deliver public realm improvements in the Oakshaw conservation area.
10. Council has committed to the aims of the strategic property review, and has long recognised that the size and condition of our current property estate demands significant maintenance obligations. Council also recognises the aims of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act in empowering communities through the ownership or control of land and buildings. In support of both these objectives, Council commits £0.800 million to invest in council properties where this investment could be an enabler for increased community ownership of assets currently owned or controlled by the Council, such as through a community asset transfer request. Further detail on the operation of this scheme will be the subject of a report to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board.
11. Council has delivered major regeneration initiatives such as the Arnotts site in Paisley, and remains committed to further regeneration proposals in all our town centres. Council commits £0.500 million to unlock town centre regeneration proposals where market conditions are such that the redevelopment of significant buildings or sites are stalled; with the criteria for investment being the subject of a future report to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board.
12, Building on the success of our hugely successful events strategy, Council commits £0.150 million to fund a post and an additional financial resource within the events team which will develop and deliver a calendar of cultural events for the five town centres of Renfrewshire, examining ways to work together to maximise and pool resources, leverage external funding and/or secure visiting events and festivals through a joint programming strategy for Renfrewshire. In addition, Council also commits £0.050 million on a recurring basis to support the infrastructure required to deliver improved festive lighting in Linwood and Erskine, with a further £0.050 million to upgrade the festive lighting infrastructure across each of Renfrewshire’s 5 town centres.
13. Council also recognises the success of previous funding allocations which have delivered localised improvements to our towns and villages; and commits further funding to these as follows: £0.050 million to each of the Villages Improvement Fund, Retail Improvement Fund and the historic buildings in villages grant.
14. Council appreciates the input of community groups to the development of the local development plan; and directs £0.100 million from the Financial Sustainability Fund to instigate a new fund which community groups may apply to in order to address costs they may incur in developing their local place plans. Criteria for the fund will be the subject of a report to a future Planning and Climate Change Policy Board.
15. Council notes that the proposals within this motion will bring the Council back into a recurring financial balance, clearly demonstrating the sound financial management for which this Administration is recognised; but also recognises that the medium-term outlook remains challenging and that financial sustainability remains a key priority. Council also recognises the need to maintain a prudent level of unallocated reserves given the very high level of risk over the medium term as outlined in the Director’s report; and as previously agreed by Council, commits to maintain the Council’s level of unallocated reserve at a minimum of £10.000 million moving into 2025/26.
16. In line with the conditions set out in the 2025/26 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in Table 2 of the Director’s report to make available £5.594 million of recurring resources to Renfrewshire HSCP; and in addition provide on a recurring basis a further £0.500 million, being a proportionate share of funding which will be received (noting the quantum is yet to be confirmed) in relation to the costs of employer national insurance changes.
17. To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2025/26 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources and agree a 2025/26 base budget of £571.512 million.
18. To agree to make provision in 2025/26 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.4 of the Director’s report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director.
19. To agree to a general 5% inflationary increase in charges for services as recommended in the Director’s report, subject to the note at paragraph 24 below.
20. To agree the resource allocations for 2025/26 for all services, as amended by these proposals.
21. To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.
22. Subject to agreement of the above, to agree that the council tax for 2025/26 be set at £1,572.61 for Band D subjects, representing a 9.5% increase on the 2024/25 level, and for all bandings to be set at:
Band 2024/25 2025/26
A 957.45 1,048.41
B 1,117.02 1,223.14
C 1,276.60 1,397.88
D 1,436.17 1,572.61
E 1,886.97 2,066.23
F 2,333.78 2,555.49
G 2,812.50 3,079.69
H 3,518.62 3,852.89
23. Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is supported by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.
24. To agree to increase other charges for services by 5% (as detailed in paragraph 19 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised
(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and
(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.
To note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increased, they will recommend this to the appropriate Board. The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 5% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.