Councillors Bibby, B Brown, M Brown, Caldwell, Cameron, Clark, E Devine, M Devine, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Gilmour, Glen, Grady, Provost Hall, Councillors Harte, Holmes, Hood, Kelly, Lawson, Mack, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, M Macmillan, McCartin, McEwan, McGee, I McMillan, McQuade, Murrin, Mylet, Nicolson, Noon, Perrie, J Sharkey, M Sharkey and Williams.

Provost Hall presided.

S Black, Chief Executive; M Crearie, Director of Development & Housing Services; P MacLeod, Director of Children’s Services; S MacDougall, Director of Community Resources; A Russell, Director of Finance & Resources; R McGrath, Head of Business and Customer Services (Chief Executive’s); I Beattie, Acting Head of Adult Services, J McKellar, Acting Head of Service and A McMillan, Head of Resources (all Children's Services); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, A MacArthur, Acting Head of Corporate Finance, M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager, L Belshaw, Democratic Services Manager and K Brown, Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources).

Councillors Andy and Audrey Doig, having declared a financial interest in the following item of business, left the meeting and did not take part in any discussion or voting thereon. Councillors M Devine, Glen, Harte and Nicolson, having declared an interest in the following item of business, remained in the meeting.

Councillor Perrie entered the meeting prior to consideration of the following item. Councillors Andy and Audrey Doig returned to the meeting prior to consideration of the following item.

The meeting adjourned at 11.10 am and reconvened at 11.25 am.

Councillor McCartin left the meeting prior to the consideration of the following item.

Councillors Henry, McGurk and Mullin.

Councillor Andy Doig declared a financial interest in item 8 of the agenda as he was a relative of an employee of Renfrewshire Leisure Limited and indicated his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of the item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.





Councillor Audrey Doig declared a financial interest in item 8 of the agenda as she was an employee of Renfrewshire Leisure Limited and indicated her intention to leave the meeting during consideration of the item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillors M Devine, Glen and Harte declared an interest in item 8 of the agenda as they were members of the Board of Renfrewshire Leisure Limited and indicated that it was their intention to take part in the discussion as they had a general dispensation from the Standards Commission which allowed them to take part and to vote in relation to such matters.

Councillor Nicolson declared an interest in item 8 of the agenda as the opposition member being appointed to the Board of Renfrewshire Leisure Limited.

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

Council, 30 April, 2015
Housing & Community Safety Policy Board, 12 May, 2015
Planning & Property Policy Board, 12 May, 2015
Renfrew & Gallowhill Local Area Committee, 12 May, 2015
Environment Policy Board, 13 May, 2015
Finance & Resources Policy Board, 13 May, 2015
Education & Children Policy Board, 14 May, 2015
Sport, Leisure & Culture Policy Board, 14 May, 2015
Paisley North Local Area Committee, 14 May, 2015
Appointment Board, 18 May, 2015
Social Work, Health & Well-being Policy Board, 19 May, 2015
Paisley South Local Area Committee, 19 May, 2015
Economy & Jobs Policy Board, 20 May, 2015
Personnel Appeals & Applied Conditions of Service, 21 May, 2015
Appeals Panel
Johnstone & the Villages Local Area Committee, 21 May, 2015
Houston, Crosslee, Linwood, Riverside & Erskine Local Area Committee, 26 May, 2015 
Regulatory Functions Board, 27 May, 2015
Audit, Scrutiny & Petitions Board, 1 June, 2015
Placing Requests Appeals Panel, 2 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 2 June, 2015
Leadership Board, 3 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 4 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 9 June, 2015
Placing Requests Appeals Panel, 16 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 16 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 16 June, 2015
Regulatory Functions Board, 18 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 18 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 18 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 19 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 22 June, 2015
Appointment Board, 23 June, 2015

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive setting out a proposal for Paisley to enter the competition to host the UK City of Culture in 2021, and seeking the full support of the Council to develop the bid in partnership with a range of stakeholders for submission in 2017.





Councillor Macmillan, seconded by Councillor Holmes moved that the recommendations within the report from the Chief Executive be approved subject to the following being added to recommendation (iii):

“That Councillor McCartin will also be a member of the Partnership Board.”

This was agreed.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Chief Executive be authorised to work with partners to put in place the necessary resources required to support and enable the development and delivery of a credible, and deliverable, partnership bid for UK City of Culture 2021, on behalf of Paisley;

(b) That the establishment of a Paisley City of Culture Partnership Board be noted;

(c) That it be agreed that the Leader of the Council would chair the Partnership Board, and that the Depute Leader of the Council, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor McCartin and the Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure would also be members of the Board; and

(d) That it be noted that regular progress reports on the activity surrounding the preparation of the bid would be reported to the Leadership Board.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s Annual Accounts and Group Accounts for 2014/15, which were appended to the report and would be submitted for audit by the statutory deadline of 30 June, 2015. The report intimated that the Auditor was planning to complete the audit process by early September 2015 and their report on the accounts would be made available to all members and would be submitted to the meeting of the Audit, Scrutiny & Petitions Board on 21 September, 2015 for consideration.

It was noted that the 2014/15 accounts fully complied with International Financial Reporting Standards and relevant accounting regulations and in order to comply with new charity accounting requirements, the Council’s Accounts did not incorporate statements relating to the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trust Funds and separate accounts had been prepared to accord with these requirements.

DECIDED:

(a) That, subject to Audit, the Annual Accounts for 2014/15 be approved;

(b) That it be noted that the Auditor was planning to complete the audit of the Accounts by early September 2015 and that their report would be made available to all members and would be submitted to meeting of the Audit, Scrutiny & Petitions Board on 21 September, 2015 for detailed consideration;

(c) That the sums earmarked within the General Fund reserves and HRA reserves as outlined in paragraph 1.3 of the report and in note 12 of the Accounts be approved;

(d) That the transfer of £6.552 million to, and £0.092 million from, the specific reserves as detailed below and in note 11 of the accounts be approved;

	Opening balance £ms	Contribution to Reserves £ms	Reserves Used/ Transferred £ms	Closing balance £ms
Insurance Fund	2.543	0.000	0.000	2.543
Reservoir Repair Fund	0.313	0.002	0.005	0.310
Education Capital Items	0.735	0.190	0.087	0.838
Investment Programme Capital Fund	19.681	4.803	0.000	24.484
Housing Capital Fund	2.127	1.557	0.000	3.684
Total	25.399	6.552	0.092	31.859

(e) That the position outlined in section 6 of the report be noted;

(f) That as in previous years, responsibility be delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources to submit the Group Accounts on behalf of the Council to the appointed Auditor by 30 June, 2015; and

(g) That the annual accounts attached for the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts, which under accounting regulations required to be prepared and audited separately from the Council’s accounts, be approved subject to audit.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2014/15 submitted in accordance with Scottish Government Investment Regulations which came into force on 1 April, 2010.

It was noted that it was a requirement of the Regulations that the Council’s Treasury Management Annual Report be reported to the Council. The report intimated that all aspects of the Treasury Policy Statement had been complied with in 2014/15. The report provided an overview of the 2014/15 Treasury activities, including the Treasury portfolio position as at 31 March, 2015, reviews of borrowing and investment outturn, borrowing strategy and new borrowing, investment strategy and investment outturn, debt rescheduling, and compliance with Treasury limits.

DECIDED: That the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2014/15 be approved.

There was submitted an update report by the Chief Executive outlining the work which had been undertaken to continue the Council’s strategic programme of tackling child poverty.

The report intimated that at the meeting of the Council on 23 March, 2015, the Council had unanimously endorsed all of the Renfrewshire Tackling Poverty Commission’s (Commission) recommendations and approved a first step cash injection of £3.23 million from the £6 million tackling poverty fund set aside in the 2015/16 budget to support an early response to the work of the Commission. The Commission’s report had been referred to the Community Planning Partnership Board to agree a co-ordinated, cross-partnership response to the findings and recommendations of the Commission. Details of the proposals developed by the Community Planning Partnership were outlined within the report and sought the full commitment of £6 million in additional resources to enable an early response to the work of the Commission.

DECIDED:

(a) That the content of the paper and the update provided on the development of the Community Planning Partnership’s Tackling Poverty action plan proposals be noted;

(b) That the deployment of the £6 million of resources set aside in the 2015/16 budget to tackle poverty as detailed in the report, be approved;

(c) That it be noted that the proposals for monitoring and evaluation of the action plan would be submitted to Council for consideration at the next Board cycle;

(d) That it be noted that as part of the implementation process there would be ongoing dialogue with Renfrewshire residents directly affected by poverty to provide them with the opportunity to remain involved and to participate in the development of the criteria by which the success of the measures to tackle poverty would be assessed; and

(e) That it be noted that a report on the feedback from the ongoing engagement would be submitted to the next meeting of the Council.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the outcome of the one-year pilot webcast of Council meetings and seeking agreement to continue with webcasting.

The report outlined the suggested benefits of webcasting and provided details regarding the number of people who had viewed the Council meeting webcasts during the one-year pilot period. The report advised that the annual fee for an off-the-shelf product typically cost around £16,000 per annum and should the Council agree to continue with the webcasting of Council meetings a tendering exercise would be undertaken. Consideration would also be given to the roll-out of webcasting to some Policy Board meetings but this would only be done following further consultation with members.





DECIDED:

(a) That the continued webcasting of Council meetings be approved; and

(b) That it be noted that further reports would be submitted to Council to consider the roll-out of webcasting to Board meetings.

There was submitted a joint report by the Directors of Community Resources and Finance & Resources relative to the development of an Outline Business Case (OBC) and Detailed Business Case (DBC) for a street lighting strategy which would modernise the Council’s street lights.

The report intimated that it was proposed as part of the strategic business case to undertake a large scale programme to replace existing lanterns with light emitting diodes (LEDs), which produced white light, consumed less electricity and required significantly less ongoing maintenance throughout their estimated 20-year lifespan. The ODC and DBC had identified a proposed programme to replace 28,613 existing lamps and 1.356 existing columns across Renfrewshire and the key findings from the Business Cases were detailed within the report.

The report highlighted that in addition to the community safety improvements, the upgraded street lighting estate would also support the delivery of gross annual revenue savings, estimated at £1.391 million per annum and a net annual saving of approximately £0.75 million after taking account of the annual cost of borrowing associated with the delivery of the investment programme. The capital investment cost to deliver the renewal programme had been estimated at approximately £11 million.

The ODC and DBC were developed on the basis of delivering the renewal programme over a three-year period.

DECIDED:

(a) That the street lighting improvement strategy for the replacement of existing street lanterns with LEDs to improve the quality of light and reduce energy and maintenance costs be approved;

(b) That a capital investment programme estimated at £11 million to fund the delivery of the strategy by the end of the financial year 2016/17 be established; and

(c) That the investment programme be delivered through the appropriate application of capital lifecycle maintenance resources available during the delivery programme period with the balance funded through self-financed prudential borrowing arrangements.

There was submitted an update report by the Chief Executive relative to the transfer of management of cultural and leisure services to Renfrewshire Leisure Limited.

The report intimated that a project team supported by professional advisers had been established to undertake the necessary due diligence to develop, in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure Limited, the required suite of documents and agreements to facilitate the transfer of the agreed services and associated personnel in line with the timeline detailed in the business case.

The report provided an update on the preparations for the transfer and intimated that Council officers had completed the required due diligence process to support an effective and robust transfer arrangement. Renfrewshire Leisure Limited was currently concluding its own due diligence process to allow acceptance of cultural and leisure services, and employees on 1 July, 2015 and community centres and bowling greens by 1 December, 2015.

The report also outlined the proposed strategy for allocating the £3 million investment fund for the improvement of community facilities.

Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Grady, moved:

(a) That the good progress to implement the main actions outlined in the Council report of 18 December, 2014 to enable the transfer of services and employees included in phase one of the proposal on 1 July, 2015, as planned, be noted;

(b) That it be agreed, as outlined in section 5 of the report, that the £3 million of resources made available for investment in community facilities was targeted to support the Linwood Development Trust and the six community facilities as detailed in paragraph 5.4 of the report;

(c) That it be noted that a further report would be submitted to the Council outlining the level of investment and scope of work that would be carried out within each of the agreed community facilities;

(d) That it be noted that the Council’s representation on the Board of the Trust would be Councillors Harte, M Devine and Nicolson; and

(e) That the Director of Finance & Resources be delegated responsibility to finalise the detailed adjustment to the contract payment arrangements with Renfrewshire Leisure to appropriately reflect the current cost of services transferring to the Trust and those that would be retained by the Council and provided to the Trust under service level arrangements.


Councillor K MacLaren, seconded by Councillor M MacLaren, moved as an amendment that in addition to recommendation 2.1 (iii) insert after the final ‘and’

“That the report will also detail a strategy, time scale and commitment to fund the resources necessary to provide investment in all other council owned Community Halls not highlighted in this report for ‘targeted’ support.”

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors McEwan, Lawson, Mylet, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, Mack, Cameron, McCartin, McGee, Noon, M Brown, McQuade and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors B Brown, Murrin, M Devine, Grady, J Sharkey, M Sharkey, Kelly, Williams, E Devine, Glen, M Macmillan, Caldwell, Hood, I McMillan, Bibby, Gilmour, Clark, Provost Hall, Councillors Holmes, J MacLaren and Harte.

13 members having voted for the amendment and 21 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the good progress to implement the main actions outlined in the Council report of 18 December, 2014 to enable the transfer of services and employees included in phase one of the proposal on 1 July, 2015, as planned, be noted;

(b) That it be agreed, as outlined in section 5 of the report, that the £3 million of resources made available for investment in community facilities was targeted to support the Linwood Development Trust and the six community facilities as detailed in paragraph 5.4 of the report;

(c) That it be noted that a further report would be submitted to the Council outlining the level of investment and scope of work that would be carried out within each of the agreed community facilities;

(d) That it be noted that the Council’s representation on the Board of the Trust would be Councillors Harte, M Devine and Nicolson; and

(e) That the Director of Finance & Resources be delegated responsibility to finalise the detailed adjustment to the contract payment arrangements with Renfrewshire Leisure to appropriately reflect the current cost of services transferring to the Trust and those that would be retained by the Council and provided to the Trust under service level arrangements.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Commission on Local Tax Reform.

The report intimated that in June 2014, the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee’s Inquiry into the Flexibility and Autonomy of Local Government unanimously called for a cross-party Commission to be established to ‘facilitate meaningful debate on alternative approaches with the aim of having a new system identified in time for the next local government elections in 2017’. In order to facilitate the Commissions’ work to engage with communities across Scotland to assess public perceptions of the emerging findings and to reflect this evidence in its final analysis and recommendations, which were expected to be published in late 2015, the Commission had prepared a series of specific questions and requested that responses be submitted by 22 June, 2015. A proposed Council response had been developed at the request of, and in consultation, with the Council’s Administration, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Grady, moved that the content of the proposed response be approved.

Councillor K MacLaren, seconded by Councillor M MacLaren, moved as an amendment to replace the recommendations with the following:

2.1 Council rejects the response attached to this agenda item which was developed at the request of and in consultation with the Council’s Administration Group

2.2 Council notes the Labour administration’s poor record on the issue of local taxation

2.3 Council encourages Renfrewshire residents to get involved in the consultation process and submit their own personal responses to the Commission on Local Tax Reform

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Perrie, McEwan, Lawson, Mylet, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, Mack, Cameron, McGee, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Noon, M Brown, McQuade and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors B Brown, Murrin, M Devine, Grady, J Sharkey, M Sharkey, Kelly, Williams, E Devine, Glen, M Macmillan, McCartin, Caldwell, Hood, I McMillan, Bibby, Gilmour, Clark, Provost Hall, Councillors Holmes and Harte.

The following member abstained: Councillor J MacLaren.

15 members having voted for the amendment, 21 members having voted for the motion and 1 member having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That the content of the proposed response be approved.

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors Gilmour and I McMillan in the following terms:-

“Council notes that this year marks the 200th anniversary of engineering in Johnstone.

Council recognises the contribution that the town has made to the global engineering industry.”

Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Councillor I McMillan, then moved the motion.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor K McLaren, moved as an amendment, that in addition the Council notes the significance of marking such historical and industrial achievements across Renfrewshire’s communities, and agrees to establish a system of heritage plaques to commemorate these landmark events in local history.

In terms of Standing Order 27, the amendment was accepted by the mover and seconder of the motion and the motion, as amended, was unanimously approved.

DECIDED: Council notes that this year marks the 200th anniversary of engineering in Johnstone. Council recognises the contribution that the town has made to the global engineering industry. Council notes the significance of marking such historical and industrial achievements across Renfrewshire’s communities, and agrees to establish a system of heritage plaques to commemorate these landmark events in local history.

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors M Sharkey and J Sharkey in the following terms:-

“Council believes that the proper disposal of dog waste is a matter of real concern for residents of the East End of Paisley and a danger of welfare throughout Renfrewshire. Council believes that the advice of Dogs for the Disabled and Guide Dogs for the Blind be followed as proper practice for all dog owners. Council calls on the Director of Community Resources to bring forward a proposal which encourages all dog carers to follow the guidelines and penalise those who refuse to care properly for their dogs and their neighbours.”

Councillor M Sharkey, seconded by Councillor J Sharkey, then moved the motion.

Councillor Lawson, seconded by Councillor Mylet moved as an amendment, to replace “residents of the East end of Paisley and a danger of welfare throughout Renfrewshire” with “all residents of Renfrewshire” and to add Council notes that the various measures introduced by the previous SNP/Liberal Democrat administration made a significant impact on the problem, and is concerned that the situation has now apparently been allowed to deteriorate since May 2012.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Perrie, McEwan, Lawson, Mylet, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, Mack, Cameron, McCartin, McGee, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Noon, M Brown, McQuade and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors B Brown, Murrin, M Devine, Grady, J Sharkey, M Sharkey, Kelly, Williams, E Devine, Glen, M Macmillan, Caldwell, Hood, I McMillan, Bibby, Gilmour, Clark, Provost Hall, Councillors Holmes, J MacLaren and Harte.

16 members having voted for the amendment and 21 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Council believes that the proper disposal of dog waste is a matter of real concern for residents of the East End of Paisley and a danger of welfare throughout Renfrewshire. Council believes that the advice of Dogs for the Disabled and Guide Dogs for the Blind be followed as proper practice for all dog owners. Council calls on the Director of Community Resources to bring forward a proposal which encourages all dog carers to follow the guidelines and penalise those who refuse to care properly for their dogs and their neighbours.

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Lawson in the following terms:-

“Newly-Elected MPs – Paisley & Renfrewshire South and Paisley & Renfrewshire North

This Council congratulates Ms Mhairi Black MP, representing Paisley & Renfrewshire South and Mr Gavin Newlands MP, representing Paisley & Renfrewshire North on their successful election to the Westminster Parliament.”

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

Councillor M Macmillan, seconded by Councillor Holmes moved as an amendment, that in addition Council expresses thanks to Douglas Alexander and Jim Sheridan for their years of service to their constituents and communities in Paisley and Renfrewshire South and Paisley and Renfrewshire North.

In terms of Standing Order 27, the amendment was accepted by the mover and seconder of the motion and the motion, as amended, was unanimously approved.

DECIDED: Council congratulates Ms Mhairi Black MP, representing Paisley & Renfrewshire South and Mr Gavin Newlands MP, representing Paisley & Renfrewshire North on their successful election to the Westminster Parliament. Council expresses thanks to Douglas Alexander and Jim Sheridan for their years of service to their constituents and communities in Paisley and Renfrewshire South and Paisley and Renfrewshire North.

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors McEwan and K MacLaren in the following terms:-

“Nuclear Free Authorities

Renfrewshire Council hosted a seminar for the Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) Scotland on 5 June, 2015. A key part of the discussion centred on the need for cross-party support to ensure Renfrewshire’s education curriculum includes material reflecting the realities of using nuclear weapons. These information packs can also include audio visual material highlighting not just the dangers of using weapons but also the potential dangers of warheads during transportation or while in storage.

These information packs should be of a level to appeal to senior primary pupils as well as those in secondary schools.

This motion also requests that Hiroshima Day should be a day of remembrance in all schools in Renfrewshire where special assemblies should be part of the day’s events.”

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor K MacLaren, then moved the motion.

Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor M Macmillan moved as an amendment, that Council recognises that the national curricular guidance for schools and nurseries – Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) – outlines key aspects for learning for children and young people aged 3 – 18 yrs in Scotland. This includes ensuring political literacy for all students and further study of national and international issues for senior pupils in a balanced, impartial manner through PSE and Modern Studies. Council also recognises that, in Scotland, it is the remit of the CfE Board of Management to develop guidance on curricular content and the responsibility of the Head Teacher of individual schools, not politicians, to interpret and implement that curriculum.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors B Brown, Murrin, M Devine, Grady, J Sharkey, M Sharkey, Kelly, Williams, E Devine, Glen, M Macmillan, McCartin Caldwell, Hood, I McMillan, Bibby, Gilmour, Clark, Provost Hall, Councillors Holmes, J MacLaren and Harte.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Perrie, McEwan, Lawson, Mylet, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, Mack, Cameron, McGee, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Noon, M Brown, McQuade and Nicolson.

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

DECIDED: Council recognises that the national curricular guidance for schools and nurseries – Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) – outlines key aspects for learning for children and young people aged 3 – 18 yrs in Scotland. This includes ensuring political literacy for all students and further study of national and international issues for senior pupils in a balanced, impartial manner through PSE and Modern Studies. Council also recognises that, in Scotland, it is the remit of the CfE Board of Management to develop guidance on curricular content and the responsibility of the Head Teacher of individual schools, not politicians, to interpret and implement that curriculum.

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors Lawson and Mylet in the following terms:-

“Closure of Bank of Scotland – Glasgow Road, Paisley Branch

Council condemns the closure of the Bank of Scotland branch, Glasgow Road, Paisley, and agrees to write to the Bank asking it to reconsider its decision. Council also condemns the continuing closure of local bank branches throughout Scotland.”

Councillor Lawson, seconded by Councillor Mylet, then moved the motion which was unanimously agreed.

DECIDED: Council condemns the closure of the Bank of Scotland branch, Glasgow Road, Paisley, and agrees to write to the Bank asking it to reconsider its decision. Council also condemns the continuing closure of local bank branches throughout Scotland

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors K MacLaren and M MacLaren in the following terms:-

“The One in Five Campaign

Council agrees to sign up to the ‘One in Five’ campaign which calls on organisations to sign up to a charter which pledges to make society and politics more accessible for disabled people.

The ‘One in Five’ campaign aims to encourage, empower and increase participation amongst disabled people in Scotland.”

Councillor K MacLaren, seconded by Councillor M MacLaren, then moved the motion.

Councillor I McMillan, seconded by Councillor Bibby moved as an amendment, that in addition Council further agrees to meet with members of the ‘One in Five’ Campaign in order to work towards the Council achieving the 5 elements of the charter.

In terms of Standing Order 27, the amendment was accepted by the mover and seconder of the motion and the motion, as amended, was unanimously approved.

DECIDED: Council agrees to sign up to the ‘One in Five’ campaign which calls on organisations to sign up to a charter which pledges to make society and politics more accessible for disabled people. The ‘One in Five’ campaigns aims to encourage, empower and increase participation amongst disabled people in Scotland. Council further agrees to meet with members of the ‘One in Five’ Campaign in order to work towards the Council achieving the 5 elements of the charter.

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Lawson in the following terms:-

“This Council congratulates the Johnstone Community Council in producing positive proposals to ease traffic congestion in the town, and agrees that the forthcoming Johnstone Town Action Plan will include a modelling of these proposals, and a full public consultation to evaluate their effectiveness.

Council further agrees that the new town hall redevelopment is not the end, but only the beginning of the regeneration of Johnstone, and supports the creation of a Johnstone Development Trust to promote the regeneration of the town.”

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

Councillor Bibby, seconded by Councillor Gilmour moved as an amendment, that Council recognises concerns in regard to traffic management within Johnstone Town Centre, however, notes the misgivings expressed by the Johnstone Business Consortium to the proposal by members of Johnstone Community Council for a one way system in its present form and that such a proposal if implemented would be damaging to local businesses. Council will work with the Community Council, Business Consortium and local groups and other stakeholders to seek a solution to the traffic management issues. Council further welcomes the very positive response from the Johnstone public to the new town hall and in looking to the future will support the creation of a business and community led development trust in the town underpinned by Scottish Government grant funding.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors B Brown, Murrin, M Devine, Grady, J Sharkey, M Sharkey, Kelly, Williams, E Devine, Glen, M Macmillan, Caldwell, Hood, I McMillan, Bibby, Gilmour, Clark, Provost Hall, Councillors Holmes and Harte

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Perrie, McEwan, Lawson, Mylet, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, Mack, Cameron, McGee, McGee, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Noon, M Brown, J MacLaren, McQuade and Nicolson.

The following member abstained: Councillor McCartin.

20 members having voted for the amendment, 16 members having voted for the motion and 1 member having abstained, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That Council recognises concerns in regard to traffic management within Johnstone Town Centre, however, notes the misgivings expressed by the Johnstone Business Consortium to the proposal by members of Johnstone Community Council for a one way system in its present form and that such a proposal if implemented would be damaging to local businesses. Council will work with the Community Council, Business Consortium and local groups and other stakeholders to seek a solution to the traffic management issues. Council further welcomes the very positive response from the Johnstone public to the new town hall and in looking to the future will support the creation of a business and community led development trust in the town underpinned by Scottish Government grant funding.

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors Lawson and Andy Doig in the following terms:-

“Policy Board Membership

Council agrees that the SNP Group representation on the Council’s Boards and the other bodies listed is changed to the following:

Audit, Scrutiny & Petitions – Councillors M Brown, McEwan (Depute Convener) and Perrie;
Economy & Jobs – Councillors Cameron, Andy Doig, Nicolson and K MacLaren;
Education & Children – Councillors Cameron, Lawson, McQuade, Mylet and Perrie;
Environment – Councillors Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, McGurk and Nicolson;
Finance & Resources – Councillors Audrey Doig, Lawson, K MacLaren, M MacLaren and Noon;
Housing & Community Safety – Councillors Lawson, McEwan, McGurk and Noon;
Leadership – Councillors Cameron, Andy Doig, Lawson, K MacLaren and M MacLaren;
Planning & Property – Councillors Audrey Doig, McGee, McGurk, Nicolson and Perrie;
Regulatory Functions – Councillors M Brown, McEwan, McQuade and Mylet;
Social Work, Health & Well-being – Councillors M Brown, Cameron, Andy Doig, McEwan and McGee;
Adoption & Fostering – Councillors Audrey Doig and Perrie;
Emergencies Board – Councillors Andy Doig and Lawson;
Investment Review Board – Councillor Noon;
JCB Non-Teaching – Councillors Audrey Doig and Noon;
Licensing Board – Councillors McQuade and Perrie;
Cross-Party Group on Child Protection – Councillor Lawson;
Jobs & Economy Thematic Board – Councillor Andy Doig; and
Valuation Board – Councillor Lawson (Member) and Councillor M MacLaren (Substitute); Councillor McGee (Member) and Councillor Perrie (Substitute); and Councillor Audrey Doig (Member) and Councillor K MacLaren (Substitute).“

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

DECIDED: That Council agrees that the SNP Group representation on the Council’s Boards and the other bodies listed is changed to the following:

Audit, Scrutiny & Petitions – Councillors M Brown, McEwan (Depute Convener) and Perrie;
Economy & Jobs – Councillors Cameron, Andy Doig, Nicolson and K MacLaren;
Education & Children – Councillors Cameron, Lawson, McQuade, Mylet and Perrie;
Environment – Councillors Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, McGurk and Nicolson;
Finance & Resources – Councillors Audrey Doig, Lawson, K MacLaren, M MacLaren and Noon;
Housing & Community Safety – Councillors Lawson, McEwan, McGurk and Noon;
Leadership – Councillors Cameron, Andy Doig, Lawson, K MacLaren and M MacLaren;
Planning & Property – Councillors Audrey Doig, McGee, McGurk, Nicolson and Perrie;
Regulatory Functions – Councillors M Brown, McEwan, McQuade and Mylet;


Social Work, Health & Well-being – Councillors M Brown, Cameron, Andy Doig, McEwan and McGee;
Adoption & Fostering – Councillors Audrey Doig and Perrie;
Emergencies Board – Councillors Andy Doig and Lawson;
Investment Review Board – Councillor Noon;
JCB Non-Teaching – Councillors Audrey Doig and Noon;
Licensing Board – Councillors McQuade and Perrie;
Cross-Party Group on Child Protection – Councillor Lawson;
Jobs & Economy Thematic Board – Councillor Andy Doig; and
Valuation Board – Councillor Lawson (Member) and Councillor M MacLaren (Substitute); Councillor McGee (Member) and Councillor Perrie (Substitute); and Councillor Audrey Doig (Member) and Councillor K MacLaren (Substitute).

There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors Holmes and Williams in the following terms:-

“Council notes that the number of households in Renfrewshire living in the private rented sector has more than doubled to 8,300 in the past 10 years; notes that the average weekly rent for a two-bed property in the private rented sector is over 50% more than the equivalent council property. Council welcomes Shelter Scotland’s Make Renting Right campaign and supports its call for reform of the private rented sector, and, in particular, reforms to provide for tenants and support for the principle of the introduction of a cap on rent rises and the limitation of rent reviews to one per annum.”

Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Williams, then moved the motion.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor McEwan moved as an amendment, that Council welcomes Shelter Scotland’s ‘Making Renting Right’ campaign and it’s response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on a ‘New Tenancy for the Private Sector.’ Council also notes Shelter Scotland’s support for the SNP Scottish Government to reform the legislation and the introduction of a new private tenancy for all future Private Sector lets.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Perrie, McEwan, Lawson, Mylet, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, Mack, Cameron, McGee, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Noon, M Brown, J MacLaren, McQuade and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors B Brown, Murrin, M Devine, Grady, J Sharkey, M Sharkey, Kelly, Williams, E Devine, Glen, M Macmillan, Caldwell, Hood, I McMillan, Bibby, Gilmour, Clark, Provost Hall, Councillors Holmes and Harte.








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

DECIDED: Council notes that the number of households in Renfrewshire living in the private rented sector has more than doubled to 8,300 in the past 10 years; notes that the average weekly rent for a two-bed property in the private rented sector is over 50% more than the equivalent council property. Council welcomes Shelter Scotland’s Make Renting Right campaign and supports its call for reform of the private rented sector, and, in particular, reforms to provide for tenants and support for the principle of the introduction of a cap on rent rises and the limitation of rent reviews to one per annum.