Provost Cameron presided.

S Black, Chief Executive; P MacLeod, Director of Children’s Services; M Crearie, Director of Development & Housing Services; A Morrison, Acting Director of Development & Housing Services; S MacDougall, Director of Environment & Communities; A Russell, Director of Finance & Resources; D Amos, Head of Policy & Commissioning,  L Mahon, Head of Marketing, A Armstrong-Walter, Partnerships and Inequalities Manager and L McIntyre, Strategic Planning and Policy Development Manager (all Chief Executive’s); S Quinn, Assistant Director of Schools, G McKinlay, Head of Schools and J Trainer, Head of Early Years and Inclusion (all Children’s Services)   F Carlin, Head of Planning & Housing Services (Development & Housing Services); G McNeil, Head of Amenity Services (Environment & Communities); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, A MacArthur, Head of Finance, J Lynch, Head of Property Services, M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager, L Belshaw, Democratic Services Manager and D Low, Senior Committee Services Officer  (LACs) (all Finance & Resources); and M Ferguson, Head of Health & Social Care  (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership).

Councillor J MacLaren.

Councillor McIntyre declared a financial interest in respect of item 18 of the agenda  - Notice of Motion 9 - as he was a landlord.  He indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor Sharkey intimated that he wished to table an emergency motion which had not been included in the notice calling the meeting and he requested that this be taken as an additional item. 
   
Provost Cameron ruled, in terms of Standing Order 14, that as there were no special circumstances which required the item to be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, the motion would not be taken up as an additional item of business.

In terms of Standing Order 16, the Provost indicated that she intended to alter the order of business to facilitate the conduct of the meeting by considering Notice of Motion 11 before Notice of Motion 1.

Prior to the commencement of business Provost Cameron intimated that she had written to the Lord Mayor of Coventry City Council congratulating him on Coventry’s successful bid to be the UK City of Culture 2021.  Provost Cameron paid tribute to the efforts of Council staff and bid partners for promoting the bid process and advised that the regeneration of Paisley and Renfrewshire through the promotion of culture would continue.  She advised that the Chief Executive would submit a report to a future meeting of Council on the legacy of the bid process.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the assessment of local area committees as a model of community-level governance. 

The report intimated that in 2016 the Council agreed changes to the governance arrangements for the Community Planning Partnership and at that time it was agreed that a review of the LACs would be undertaken.  The report outlined the key findings of the review of the current Local Area Committee (LAC) arrangements and suggested a number of proposals for a future model of community-level governance for discussion by the Council and for subsequent further consultation.  The report outlined the process and key activities undertaken; the proposed function and remit; boundaries; membership; meetings; grant funding and arrangements for consultation.   A copy of the consultation paper was appended to the report.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the findings of the review into current LAC arrangements be noted; 

(b)  That it be noted that the review had been discussed by the Cross Party Sounding Board on 7 December 2017; and

 

 

(c)  That consultation commence as detailed at section 9 of the report on the proposals outlined within the appendix.

Provost Cameron, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved in terms of Standing Order 44, that Standing Order 57 (Deputations) be suspended to allow S McGee, MSYP, the opportunity to speak on the following motion.  This was agreed unanimously.

Councillor Mylet declared a financial interest during consideration of this item as he was the holder of a residents’ parking permit.  He indicated that it was his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, Provost Cameron wished former Councilor Tommy Williams who was in hospital a speedy recovery.

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

Council, 28 September 2017 
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 28 September 2017
Regulatory Functions Board, 5 October 2017
Regulatory Functions Board, 1 November 2017
Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 2 November 2017
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 6 November 2017
Appointment Board, 6 November 2017 
Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, 7 November 2017 
Appointment Board, 7 November 2017
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 8 November 2017
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 8 November 2017
Petitions Board, 8 November 2017
Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 9 November 2017
Local Review Body, 14 November 2017
Regulatory Functions Board, 16 November 2017
Paisley North Local Area Committee, 16 November 2017
Renfrew and Gallowhill Local Area Committee, 21 November 2017
Johnstone and the Villages Local Area Committee, 23 November 2017 
Paisley South Local Area Committee, 28 November 2017,
Houston, Crosslee, Linwood, Riverside and Erskine Local Area Committee, 29 November 2017 
Local Review Body, 5 December 2017 
Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 6 December 2017
Regulatory Functions Board, 7 December 2017 
Cross Party Sounding Board, 7 December 2017
Leadership Board, 12 December 2017 
Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 19 December 2017 Appointment Board, 19 December 2017

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Scottish Government draft budget 2018/19 and the draft local government finance settlement 2018/19 which had been issued on 14 December 2017 and were subject to parliamentary approval in late February 2018. 

Based on the published budget information, the total Scottish public sector spending for 2018/19 was set at £40,639 million representing a £1,261 million (3.2%) cash increase across the total Scottish budget.  The 2018/19 budget would operate under the Fiscal Framework, established in support of the 2016 Scotland Act. The additional powers over income tax rates and thresholds added to the already devolved powers that existed in relation to the Land and Building Transaction Tax and Scottish Landfill Tax. In total the Scottish Government’s budget in 2018/19 included assumed tax receipts in excess of £13.3 billion.

The report intimated that the budget figures for 2018/19 reflected the intention of the Scottish Government to utilise the maximum capital borrowing powers available to support £450 million of Scottish Government borrowing to support capital investment.  In addition, the 2018/19 budget was the first to be supported by economic forecasts provided by the Scottish Fiscal Commission. 

The Scottish Government had not provided any material details of spending plans beyond 2018/19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The report further intimated that the Local Government Finance Circular 5/2017 had been issued to councils on 14 December 2017. The circular provided details of the provisional revenue and capital funding allocations for 2018/19 ahead of the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2018 which was due to be debated by the Scottish Parliament in February 2018.  Subject to parliamentary approval, the circular confirmed headline revenue grant funding for Renfrewshire for 2018/19 of £299.095 million. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution had written to council Leaders outlining the set of conditions that made up the provision funding allocation for local government which remained focussed on national teacher numbers, health and social care resources and changes to the council tax.  Any local authority not intending to agree to the offer and accept the full package of measures and benefits had been requested to notify the Cabinet Secretary by 19 January 2018.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the detailed content of the report be noted; and 

(b)  That the specific conditions associated with the provisional local government finance settlement as outlined and the requirements, if the terms of the offer were not accepted, be noted.

There was submitted a progress report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s prudential indicators for 2017/18. The report detailed the position as at 13 October 2017 and intimated that total capital expenditure was £29.134 million, of which £25.017 million related to Non Housing and £4.117 million related to Housing.   A review of the updated capital spending plan for 2017/18 suggested that the indicators required to be revised for the current year, the details of which were contained within the report. 

The report set out the proposed net decrease of £2.65 million in the planned Non Housing capital expenditure during 2017/18 and the factors which had contributed to this decrease; the factors considered in relation to the proposed decrease of £8.648 million in the planned Housing capital expenditure; proposed revisions to the external debt indicators; and the position with treasury management and affordability indicators.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the report be noted; and 

(b)  That the changes to the prudential indicators as detailed in the report be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to a number of changes to the Council’s governance arrangements.

The report intimated that, at present, the Community Asset Transfer Review Sub-committee was made up of members from the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board.  It was proposed that this be changed to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board.

The report advised that the remit of the Regulatory Functions Board required to be changed to explicitly include functions relating to Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs).   

With reference to the meeting of Council held on 28 September 2017, the report intimated that no response had been forthcoming in relation to the invitation to the Renfrewshire Evangelical Alliance to  nominate a third religious representative to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board.  The report now proposed that an advertisement be placed in the local and national press and on the Council’s website seeking nominations for the third church representative to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board.

The report highlighted that there was no delegated power to send elected members to conferences or seminars other than the list of approved conferences in respect of which no further approval was required.  It was proposed to add to the list of approved conferences that members be permitted to attend any conference or seminar which was free of charge held in Scotland.       

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved :

(a)  That the membership of the Community Asset Transfer Review Sub-Committee be drawn from the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board to comprise any five members of the Policy Board provided three were from the Administration and two from the opposition groups or parties.  The Sub-committee to be chaired by either the Convener or Depute Convener of the Board;

(b)  That the remit of the Regulatory Functions Board be extended to cover Part 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006;

(c)  That it be delegated to the Head of Corporate Governance to make the necessary changes to the Council’s Scheme of Delegated Functions;

(d)  That an advertisement be placed in the local and national press and on the Council’s website seeking nominations for the third church representative to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board; and

(e)  That members be permitted to attend any conference/seminar which was free of charge and which took place in Scotland and that the list of approved conferences be amended to reflect this.

Councillor Montgomery, seconded by Councillor Devine, moved as an amendment that the report not be agreed. 

On the roll being called the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey and Sheridan.
 
The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Don, Hughes, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel. 

 

The following members abstained: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Kerr, Mackay, McIntyre and Strang.

13 members having voted for the amendment, 21 members having voted for the motion and 7 members having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the membership of the Community Asset Transfer Review Sub-Committee be drawn from the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board to comprise any five members of the Policy Board provided three were from the Administration and two from the opposition groups or parties.  The Sub-Committee to be chaired by either the Convener or Depute Convener of the Board;

(b)  That the Remit of the Regulatory Functions Board be extended to cover Part 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006;

(c)  That it be delegated to the Head of Corporate Governance to make the necessary changes to the Council’s Scheme of Delegated Functions;

(d)  That an advertisement be placed in the local and national press and on the Council’s website seeking nominations for the third church representative to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board; and

(e)  That members be permitted to attend any conference/seminar which is free of charge and which took place in Scotland and that the list of approved conferences be amended to reflect this.

Under reference to page 364 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 28 September 2017 there was submitted a report by the Director of Development and Housing Services relative to a review of the existing Scheme of Delegation for planning applications.

The report set out the terms of the review as detailed in the Notice of Motion agreed by the Council in September, highlighting specifically the proposal that the Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board consider applications where such applications were the subject of an objection by a Community Council and where those objections were relevant material considerations; where an application raised significant objections; and where an application, if approved, would be contrary to the Development Plan.  The report also addressed the proposal that the publication of a weekly list of proposed decisions be re-introduced and provided a detailed examination of the existing Scheme of Delegation to officers in relation to planning matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The report intimated that, following the review, the Scheme of Delegation was considered generally fit for purpose both in terms of decision making accountability and consideration of third party representations and in terms of optimising performance and fulfilling applicants expectations of a timeous decision.  However, the review suggested that the more contentious applications relating to new residential developments on undeveloped land be presented to the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board for determination; that a list of decisions taken by officers under  delegated authority be published on a fortnightly basis; and that the opportunity be taken to extend the definition of ‘Appointed Officer’ for the purposes of delegated authority.  The proposed alterations, if approved, would require the approval of Scottish Ministers prior to implementation.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the Scheme of Delegation be amended as set out in the appendix to the report, by adding paragraphs (d), (e) (f) and (g) to the exceptions, and that corresponding amendments be made to the terms of reference for the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board;

(b)  That in terms of the ‘Planning Function’, the Scheme of Delegation be amended to include “The Director of Development & Housing Services, the Head of Planning & Housing Services, and the Manager and Assistant Managers within Development Standards, and the Strategy and Place Manager and the Development Plans and Housing Strategy Team Leader as appointed officers, be authorised to determine” the specified matters; and  

(c)  That the Scheme of Delegation as amended, and insofar as it related to planning functions, be referred to Scottish Ministers for approval and confirmation of the process would be reported to a future meeting of the Council.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to a proposed review of the Council’s approach to supporting community organisations to improve the consistency of the support the Council provided to such organisations and to better align this to the Council’s strategic objectives.

The report intimated that the requirement for the review was driven by a number of emerging statutory requirements arising from the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 together with new developments within the Council such as the review of community- level governance arrangements and empowering communities, both of which required a consolidated approach.  The report proposed that, following the review, a framework be developed which clearly outlined the principles for the Council’s engagement and support and created a process which was more efficient for the Council and transparent for community organisations.

DECIDED:

(a)  That a review be undertaken of Council support to community groups, including engagement with community groups on their views and experiences; and

(b)  That the outcome of this review and associated recommendations be submitted to a future Council meeting for consideration.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the new European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which would come into force on 25 May 2018.

The report intimated that GDPR was the most significant data protection development in recent years.  The Regulation would make important changes to existing data protection law and the way in which the Council addressed data protection compliance.  As well as introducing new rights for individuals and enhancing existing rights, the monetary penalties for a data protection breach would increase from £500,000 to €20 million.  The reputational damage for an organisation which failed to comply with GDPR would also be considerable.

Article 37 of the GDPR obliged the Council to designate a Data Protection Officer (DPO) on the basis of professional qualities and, in particular, expert knowledge of data protection law and practices. The key tasks of the DPO, prescribed by Article 39, were to inform and advise the Council and its employees about their obligations to comply with the GDPR and other data protection laws; to monitor compliance with the GDPR and other data protection laws, including managing internal data protection activities; advise on data protection impact assessments; train staff and conduct internal audits; to be the first point of contact for supervisory authorities and for individuals whose data was processed; and to have due regard to the risk associated with the Council's processing operations.

 

The report advised that the Managing Solicitor (Information Governance) had been appointed to this statutory role with effect from 15 November 2017 and section 4 of the scheme of delegated functions would require to be amended to reflect this.  The title of the post had also been amended to Managing Solicitor (Data Protection Officer).  In addition to reflect the autonomy of this role, a new delegation had been added to section 5 of the scheme of delegated functions: “The Managing Solicitor (DPO) is authorised to discharge the role of statutory DPO, which includes autonomy in advising on all issues which involve the protection of personal data and monitoring compliance.”

DECIDED:

(a)  That the terms of the report, which detailed the implications of GDPR for the Council, be noted;

(b)  That the implementation of the GDPR Action Plan summarised in paragraph 3.5 be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the Managing Solicitor (Data Protection Officer) had been appointed as Data Protection Officer; and 

(d)  That Sections 4 and 5 of the scheme of delegated functions be amended to reflect this statutory appointment.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the outcome of the Standards Commission for Scotland Hearing into a complaint made to the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland. The complaint alleged that Councillor Mack had contravened the councillors’ code of conduct by failing to respect the Chair at the meeting of Council held on 29 September 2016 and failing to comply with her rulings.
  
The report indicated that the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland had conducted an investigation into the complaint and had subsequently submitted a report to the Standards Commission for Scotland. The Commission, following receipt of the Commissioner’s report had held a hearing in relation to the complaint and concluded that Councillor Mack had contravened paragraph 3.2 of the Code and that comments made by him at the Council meeting held on 29 September 2016 did not attract the protection given to political expression by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.  The Hearing Panel imposed a sanction of suspension of seven months from all meetings of Renfrewshire Council, and of any committee and sub-committee thereof, effective from 1 November 2017. 
  
DECIDED:  The Council, having considered the findings in accordance with the terms of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000, noted the report.

 

 

 

 

 

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

"That Council recognises that the health and mental wellbeing of looked after children in Renfrewshire is extremely important.  Council recognises that this group of young people are, on the most, very vulnerable.

That Council will set aside a sum of £75,000 for looked after children to enjoy holidays and other learning and cultural activities.

This funding will allow this group of young people to enjoy the holidays and cultural learning experiences that their peers in the community enjoy.  This will be extremely beneficial to their wellbeing, leading to better positive outcomes for the young people.

This sum matches the funding set aside by the previous administration for this purpose."

Councillor Davidson, seconded by Councillor Dowling, then moved the motion.

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, moved as an amendment:

“Council recognises the importance of ensuring that our care experienced children and young people experience good mental health and wellbeing and that they can enjoy the same opportunities as their non-care experienced peers.

Council will set aside an amount of £100,000 for looked after children to which applications can be made for educational, cultural, social and employability activities.  This will supplement the existing budgets available to promote such activities.

In addition, Council will make representations to Life Changes Trust for additional funding which could be used to enhance this fund and provide further opportunities for our care experienced young people in Renfrewshire.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Davidson and Dowling being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Council recognised the importance of ensuring that our care experienced children and young people experienced good mental health and wellbeing and that they could enjoy the same opportunities as their non-care experienced peers.

Council would set aside an amount of £100,000 for looked after children to which applications could be made for educational, cultural, social and employability activities.  This would supplement the existing budgets available to promote such activities.

In addition, Council would make representations to Life Changes Trust for additional funding which could be used to enhance this fund and provide further opportunities for our care experienced young people in Renfrewshire.

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

"Council is concerned that the decision to impose parking charges in Johnstone and Renfrew was taken without proper consultation with the communities and businesses affected.

Council agrees that it will revisit the decision at the first appropriate opportunity."

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor Mackay, then moved the motion.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor McEwen, moved as a first amendment:

“Council notes the decision of the Infrastructure and Land Policy Board on 8/11/2017 regarding proposals for parking in Johnstone and Renfrew.  Council notes that impact assessments are to be carried out as part of that decision.  Council further agrees that prior to implementation of specific proposals these should be subject to full consultation with relevant community groups at the earliest opportunity.  Implementation of parking charges would only be introduced if the consensus is that there would be benefit to the local community.” 

Councillor Sharkey, seconded by Councillor Bibby, moved as a second amendment:

“After ‘parking’ insert ‘and residents parking permit’ then add ‘Paisley’ between ‘in’ and ‘Johnstone’  and in the final line replace ‘revisit’ with ‘revoke’.”     


Adjournment 

The meeting adjourned at 10.25 a.m. and reconvened at 10.30 a.m. 


Motion to Suspend Standing Orders

Provost Cameron ruled that the second amendment by Councillors Sharkey and Bibby was not competent in terms of Standing Order 28 (Rescinding of Decisions) as it was contrary to the decision which had been taken at item 5 of page 445 of the meeting of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board held on 8 November 2017 and that there had been no material change in circumstances justifying the matter being reconsidered.

Councillor Sharkey, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, moved in terms of Standing Order 44, that Standing Order 28 (Rescinding of Decisions) be suspended to allow the Council to consider the second amendment to the notice of motion by Councillors Graham and Mackay. 
    
On the roll being called the following members voted for the motion to suspend Standing Orders: Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, Mackay, McCulloch, McIntyre, Montgomery, Sharkey, Sheridan and Strang.
   
The following members voted against the motion to suspend Standing Orders: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don, Hughes, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson,Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

21 members having voted for the motion to suspend Standing Orders and 19 members having voted against the motion to suspend Standing Orders, the necessary two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting was not achieved as required for the suspension of Standing Orders and accordingly the motion to suspend Standing Orders was defeated. 
  
In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Graham and Mackay being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the first amendment by Councillors Nicolson and McEwen which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED:  Council noted the decision of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board on 8 November 2017 regarding proposals for parking in Johnstone and Renfrew.  Council noted that impact assessments were to be carried out as part of that decision.  Council further agreed that prior to implementation of specific proposals these should be subject to full consultation with relevant community groups at the earliest opportunity.  Implementation of parking charges would only be introduced if the consensus was that there would be benefit to the local community.

Sederunt

Councillor Mylet returned to the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

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

"Council agrees to write to the Scottish Government to request a ban on Electric Shock Collars which has no place in modern dog training."

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor Mackay, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:   Council agreed to write to the Scottish Government to request a ban on electric shock collars which had no place in modern dog training.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sheridan and McCulloch in the following terms:

"That this council reviews our current planning procedures to ensure local democracy is paramount and that the best interests of our communities and commerce are protected.  Reaffirm communication, transparency and accountability will be at the core of the process.  Utility companies defined planned timetables to form part of the application with effective penalties in place.  Should statutory legislation be necessary to achieve these objectives then political representation should be made."

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor McCulloch, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

 

In addition, it was proposed that the process and design issues at Deafhillock Roundabout be investigated and a report submitted in due course to the appropriate Board; and that the outcome of the investigations be communicated to those residents most directly affected by the roadworks at the roundabout.  This was agreed.

 

DECIDED:

 

(a)     That the Council would review the current planning procedures to ensure local democracy was paramount and that the best interests of our communities and commerce were protected.  It was reaffirmed that communication, transparency and accountability would be at the core of the process.  Utility companies defined planned timetables would form part of the application with effective penalties in place.  Should statutory legislation be necessary to achieve these objectives then political representation would be made; and

 

(b)      That the process and design issues at Deafhillock Roundabout be investigated and a report submitted in due course to the appropriate Board; and that the outcome of the investigations be communicated to those residents most directly affected by the roadworks at the roundabout.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sheridan and McCulloch in the following terms:

"This council explores the positive impact of charging utility companies by the hour for road closures and calls on the Scottish government to follow the UK government plans to allow councils to impose similar charges to help reduce lengthy and repetitive roadworks."

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor McCulloch, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  This Council would explore the positive impact of charging utility companies by the hour for road closures and called on the Scottish government to follow the UK government plans to allow councils to impose similar charges to help reduce lengthy and repetitive roadworks.

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

"The Council calls upon the Government to review the legislation which regulates Public Utilities carrying out works on the roads and pavements.  In particular, Public Utilities should be required when carrying out major works, to fit service ducts to minimise the impact of any future works required in the same area."

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

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment that the word ‘Public’ be removed where it occurred in the motion. 

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Mackay and Hood, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment and the motion as amended was approved unanimously.

DECIDED:  Council called upon the Government to review the legislation which regulated Utilities carrying out works on the roads and pavements.  In particular, Utilities should be required when carrying out major works, to fit service ducts to minimise the impact of any future works required in the same area.

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

"The Council agrees to develop the post of Makar for Renfrewshire, to ensure that writing and poetry becomes a focus for people in the area.  The role of Makar, and what would be expected of her/him, requires to be discussed with the local poetry and writing community throughout Renfrewshire to ensure the best balance for the council and our community."

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

DECIDED:  That the post of Makar for Renfrewshire be developed by the Council, to ensure that writing and poetry became a focus for people in the area.  The role of Makar, and what would be expected of her/him, would be discussed with the local poetry and writing community throughout Renfrewshire to ensure the best balance for the council and our community.

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

"The Council will no longer provide Elected Members with newspapers and magazines, thus saving an annual cost of nearly £7,000.

Elected Members are already provided with IT equipment costing nearly £53,000, which is capable of accessing news in real time rather than the outdated news provided by the newspapers."

Councillor Mackay, seconded by Councillor Graham, then moved the motion.

 

 

Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor Adam-McGregor, moved as a first amendment:

“Insert after ‘magazines’ in the first paragraph:

‘with the exception of local newspapers the Paisley Daily Express and The Gazette which provide local information. These should be available in the common area of the elected members offices thus saving a substantial annual cost to the Council.’

Insert  and replace all after real time ‘which can be used to access national publications’.”

Councillor Bibby, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, moved as a second amendment:

“Council recognises the important role the printed media has in communicating the business of the Council to the wider public, and in providing a range of information to Elected Members on local community and wider matters.

Council further recognises the role of the printed media in the democratic process providing both accountability and scrutiny on decisions, both individually and generally, and will continue to provide newspapers to Elected Members as is the case currently.” 

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

The vote was then taken between the motion and the second amendment.

On the roll being called the following members voted for the second amendment: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCartin, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey and Sheridan. 

The following members voted for the motion as amended: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Begg, Binks, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell,  Audrey Doig, Don, Graham, Hughes, Kerr, Mackay, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McIntyre, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson,Paterson, Rodden, Shaw, Steel and Strang.

15 members having voted for the second amendment and 26 members having voted for the motion as amended the motion as amended was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: The Council would no longer provide Elected Members with newspapers and magazines with the exception of local newspapers the Paisley Daily Express and The Gazette which provided local information. These would be available in the common area of the elected members’ offices thus saving a substantial annual cost to the Council.

Elected Members were already provided with IT equipment costing nearly £53,000, which was capable of accessing news in real time which could be used to access national publications rather than the outdated news provided by the newspapers.

Declaration of Interest

Councillor McIntyre, having declared a financial interest the following item of business left the meeting during consideration of this item and did not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.


Sederunt

Councillor McGurk left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

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

"The Council calls on the Scottish Government to change landlord and tenant legislation to give the Council the power to require all landlords letting properties in its area to (i) have an inspection and report of those properties completed by an independent third party specialist surveyor prior to each letting of a residential property and (ii) exhibit this survey to the Council as the authority responsible for registration of private landlords under the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004.  This would provide confidence to both landlord and tenant, that let properties meet with the repairing standard."

Councillor MacKay, seconded by Councillor Graham, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Council called on the Scottish Government to change landlord and tenant legislation to give the Council the power to require all landlords letting properties in its area to (i) have an inspection and report of those properties completed by an independent third party specialist surveyor prior to each letting of a residential property and (ii) exhibit this survey to the Council as the authority responsible for registration of private landlords under the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004.  This would provide confidence to both landlord and tenant, that let properties meet with the repairing standard.

 

Adjournment

 

The meeting adjourned at 11.35 a.m. and reconvened at 11.50 a.m.

 

Sederunt

Councillors McGurk and  McIntyre returned to the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Begg and Mackay in the following terms:

"World War 1 Commemorations

During 2018 this council will support some students from our high schools to visit one or more of the battlefields of Flanders and Northern France to take part in commemorating this one hundredth year since the end of that war.

In particular at least one group should visit in Flanders, near Ypres, Vancouver Corner where the first WMD was used with mustard gas against Canadian Soldiers killing 2000 of them, Passchendaele and the Tyne Cot Cemetery to take in the immensity of our forefathers' sacrifices, Hill 60 where a large German Command Post was blown to smithereens by Commonwealth troops tunnelling underground from the front lines as well as Essex Farm, a dressing station, where Col. John McCrae wrote the famous lines:-

"In Flanders Field the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place"

At the end of their tour our students, representing this Council, should participate and lay at least one wreath, in the name of this Council, at the evening service of remembrance at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres."

Councillor Begg, seconded by Councillor Mackay, then moved the motion.

Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment  that the first paragraph of the motion be retained and the remainder of the motion be replaced with:  

“That Council will also support our High Schools should they wish to visit one or more of the battlefields of Flanders and Northern France to take part in commemorating the centenary of the end of that war.”

On the roll being called the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Don, Hughes, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin,McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson,Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Begg, Binks, Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Dowling, Grady, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, Mackay, McCulloch, McIntyre, Montgomery, Sharkey, Sheridan and Strang.

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

DECIDED: That during 2018 Council would support some students from our high schools to visit one or more of the battlefields of Flanders and Northern France to take part in commemorating this one hundredth year since the end of that war.

That Council would also support our High Schools should they wish to visit one or more of the battlefields of Flanders and Northern France to take part in commemorating the centenary of the end of that war.

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

"Motion from MSYPs

Renfrewshire Council supports the calls made by its MSYPs to encourage schools to actively engage young people in the development and delivery of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

Renfrewshire Council acknowledges the work of the MYSPs, through their engagement with around 3000 young people through an online survey, in identifying PSHE as a priority for development.

Council notes that a comprehensive and relevant PSHE programme is essential for helping young people prepare for adulthood.  The Council agrees with the MSYPs that a PSHE programme should encourage maturity and be delivered in a manner which demonstrates respect and value for all members of our society.

Council supports the young people's request that they be actively engaged in the development and discussion of the PSHE curriculum so that all young people have equal opportunities in life."

S McGee, MSYP, spoke on the motion.

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Grady, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Renfrewshire Council supported the calls made by its MSYPs to encourage schools to actively engage young people in the development and delivery of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

Renfrewshire Council acknowledged the work of the MYSPs, through their engagement with around 3000 young people through an online survey, in identifying PSHE as a priority for development.

Council noted that a comprehensive and relevant PSHE programme was essential for helping young people prepare for adulthood.  The Council agreed with the MSYPs that a PSHE programme should encourage maturity and be delivered in a manner which demonstrated respect and value for all members of our society.

Council supported the young people's request that they be actively engaged in the development and discussion of the PSHE curriculum so that all young people had equal opportunities in life.

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

"Trade Justice 

Renfrewshire Council agrees:

To endorse the Trade Justice Scotland Coalition's principles for just trade, as an alternative to trade deals like TTIP and CETA.

That the Leader of the Council should write to the Secretary of State for Communities, Social Security and Equalities; the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution, and local MPs and MSPs to warn of the impact that a new generation of trade deals might have on Council decision-making after Brexit, and to call for them to endorse the Trade Justice Scotland Coalition's principles for just trade.

That the Leader of the Council will write to COSLA to express concern about the impact that future trade deals, negotiated by the UK government after we leave the EU and modelled on TTIP and CETA, might have on local council decision-making, and ask them to raise these with the UK government and Scottish government on this Council's behalf.

To promote future trade, commerce, and industry, across Renfrewshire with a view to growing the local manufacturing sector and increasing jobs."

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

DECIDED:  That the Trade Justice Scotland Coalition's principles for just trade, as an alternative to trade deals like TTIP and CETA be endorsed.

 That the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Communities, Social Security and Equalities; the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution, and local MPs and MSPs to warn of the impact that a new generation of trade deals might have on Council decision-making after Brexit, and to call for them to endorse the Trade Justice Scotland Coalition's principles for just trade.

That the Leader of the Council write to COSLA to express concern about the impact that future trade deals, negotiated by the UK government after we leave the EU and modelled on TTIP and CETA, might have on local council decision-making, and ask them to raise these with the UK government and Scottish government on this Council's behalf.

That future trade, commerce, and industry, across Renfrewshire be promoted with a view to growing the local manufacturing sector and increasing jobs.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McCartin and Nicolson in the following terms:

"Council agrees to support the efforts of Paisley Pirates Ice Hockey Club to bring ice provision back to Paisley.

Paisley Pirates have an ambition and a plan to develop a new ice rink in the Paisley area which would be run by them for both their own needs and open to the wider public."

Councillor McCartin, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, then moved the motion.

 

Councillor Davidon, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, moved as an amendment:

“Council agrees to support Paisley Pirates Ice Hockey Club, but agrees to an asset transfer of Land for the purpose of building an Ice Rink which will benefit the whole of Renfrewshire.”

On the roll being called the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey and Sheridan. 

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Begg, Binks, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell,  Audrey Doig, Don, Graham, Hughes, Kerr, Mackay, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McIntyre, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson,Paterson, Rodden, Shaw, Steel and Strang.

14 members having voted for the amendment and 27 members having voted for the motion the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That the Council agreed to support the efforts of Paisley Pirates Ice Hockey Club to bring ice provision back to Paisley.

Paisley Pirates had an ambition and a plan to develop a new ice rink in the Paisley area which would be run by them for both their own needs and open to the wider public.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Begg and Strang in the following terms:

"Equal Pay

The Elected Members recognise the excellent work done by previous Councils and their officers in reducing this Council's gender pay gap and clearing any backlog of gender equality claims.  At a recent board meeting it was stated that a modest five percent remains.

This Council, with four and a half years still to run, commits to taking all reasonable steps to reduce the gender pay gap to zero before the end of that period."

Councillor Begg, seconded by Councillor Strang, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

It was further proposed that a report be submitted to an appropriate Board in relation to the issues of gender pay gap, context and timescales.  This was agreed. 

DECIDED: That the excellent work done by previous Councils and their officers in reducing this Council's gender pay gap and clearing any backlog of gender equality claims be recognised by Elected Members.  At a recent board meeting it was stated that a modest five percent remained. 

 

This Council, with four and a half years still to run, committed to taking all reasonable steps to reduce the gender pay gap to zero before the end of that period.

That a report be submitted to an appropriate Board in relation to the issues of gender pay gap, context and timescales.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Begg and Strang in the following terms:

"Road Laying and Repairs Using Waste Plastic

Over the past few years we have become conscious of the amount of plastics that are going to land fill and being thrown into the sea to the extent that it is a danger to life in our oceans.  Claims have been made that waste plastic can be incorporated into asphalt to make and repair our roads reducing the costs and lengthening the life of roads and repairs.  It appears to be a win/win situation.

A company started up recently near Lockerbie called MacRebur is promoting and making this product.

It is proposed that a few officers from our council with expertise in this area visit the company to assess the claims and report their findings to councillors before the next full council."

Councillor Begg, seconded by Councillor Strang, then moved the motion.

Councillor McEwen, seconded by Councillor Don, moved as an amendment that the last two paragraphs of the motion be deleted and substituted with the following:  

“That officers examine innovative approaches to road surfacing materials such as that produced by MacRebur Ltd. Near Lockerbie, and report their findings together with appropriate recommendations to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Begg and Strang being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment and the motion as amended was approved unanimously.

DECIDED: Over the past few years we had become conscious of the amount of plastics that were going to land fill and being thrown into the sea to the extent that it was a danger to life in our oceans.  Claims had been made that waste plastic could be incorporated into asphalt to make and repair our roads reducing the costs and lengthening the life of roads and repairs.  It appeared to be a win/win situation.

Innovative approaches to road surfacing materials such as that produced by MacRebur Limited near Lockerbie be examined by officers, and their findings together with appropriate recommendations be reported to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Montgomery and Bibby in the following terms:

"Council has serious concerns over the proposed changes in the Boundary Commission for Scotland's 2018 Review of UK Parliamentary Constituencies.  In particular concern is expressed at the impact of communities served by the proposed seats of Paisley and Renfrewshire West.  Council calls on the Boundary Commission for Scotland to reconsider these proposals in order to safeguard the identities of local communities."

Councillor Montgomery, seconded by Councillor Bibby, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  Council had serious concerns over the proposed changes in the Boundary Commission for Scotland's 2018 Review of UK Parliamentary Constituencies.  In particular concern was expressed at the impact of communities served by the proposed seats of Paisley and Renfrewshire West.  Council called on the Boundary Commission for Scotland  to reconsider these proposals in order to safeguard the identities of local communities.