There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment and Communities providing a progress update on Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership activities carried out in the Houston, Crosslee. Linwood Riverside & Erskine Local Area Committee (LAC) area during the period 1 January to 31 March 2018.

The report provided information on Houston, Crosslee. Linwood Riverside & Erskine community safety statistics; environmental enforcement and improvement activities; protecting vulnerable residents; building safer communities; and diversionary activities.

DECIDED:  That the report be noted.

Under reference to item 3 of the Minute of the meeting of this LAC held on 14 March 2018 there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the review of community-level governance arrangements.

The report intimated that a second consultation took place early in 2018 based on a set of nine proposals for a new model which were developed following an engagement exercise around the existing model of LACs.  Responses to the nine proposals were sought through electronic and paper-based surveys, LAC meetings, public meetings and drop-in sessions, facilitated sessions and attendance at meetings of community organisations.  The report which set out the responses to the consultation arrangement and which had been agreed at the meeting of the Council held on 3 May 2018 was appended to the report.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the responses to the second phase of consultation on the review of community- level governance arrangements be noted; and

(b) That the arrangements for development and implementation of finalised proposals regarding the review be noted.

The Senior Committee Services Officer (Local Area Committees) advised that no questions had been submitted or key local issues raised in advance of the meeting for consideration at the Open Session.

M McElhinney, Linwood Community Council, advised that the Chief Executive and the Leader of Renfrewshire Council had been invited to the next meeting of Renfrewshire Community Council Forum to hear the Forum’s concerns about the level of service provided to members of Community Councils by Renfrewshire Council.

DECIDED:

 (a) That it be noted that no questions had been submitted in advance of the meeting for consideration at the Open Session; and

(b) That it be noted that the Chief Executive and the Leader of Renfrewshire Council had been invited to the next meeting of Renfrewshire Community Council Forum to hear the Forum’s concerns about the level of service provided to members of Community Councils by Renfrewshire Council.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the LAC budget for 2018/19, totalling £123,515 consisting of £82,935 General Grant Fund and £40,580 Youth Challenge Fund. The appendix to the report detailed the expenditure committed by the LAC in 2017/18.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was tabled a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to feedback from applicants who had received funding from this LAC during 2017/18.

The report intimated that providing regular feedback to LACs increased accountability and helped LACs identify clear community outcomes from grants awarded to community groups.  It was also a condition of grant that groups account for their income and expenditure and set out the community benefits and other outcomes of their LAC grant awards.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to applications received for local area committee funding.

The Convenor, seconded by Councillor Campbell, moved (a) that all single-area applications over £9,000 be awarded 75% of the sums applied for, subject to the award for application FR1127 by Parkrun UK being made in principle only, pending clarification on the ownership of the locus of the project; (b) that all other single-area applications be awarded in full; (c) that all multi-area general grant and youth challenge fund applications be met on a flat percentage rate award of their respective budget balances; and (d) that it be noted that application FR1167 by Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band had been withdrawn by the applicant.  This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

(a) That all single-area applications over £9,000 be awarded 75% of the sums applied for, subject to the award for application FR1127 by Parkrun UK being made in principle only, pending clarification on the ownership of locus of the project as follows:-

Barsail Parent Council - outdoor play equipment - awarded £7,167

Houston United Football Club - installation of utilities to changing facilities - awarded £7,500

Renfrewshire Leisure Active Schools - lunch and after school clubs - awarded £7,500

Parkrun UK - upgrading of 5K route in Linwood - awarded £7,500 subject to the conditions detailed above

Glen Art - branded material and gazebo - awarded £7,500

Houston Community Council - Christmas lights - awarded £7,500

Houston Community Council - environmental improvements in village - awarded £7,500

Linwood Community Council - reindeer and stage hire, Christmas lights and licences - awarded £7,500; 

(b) That all other single-area applications be awarded in full as follows:-

Erskine Music and Media Studio - digital media project - awarded £1,000

Bishopton Parish Church - contribution towards gas main replacement - awarded £690

Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum - new lap top and running costs - awarded £1,100

Bridge of Weir Senior Citizens Association - new lap top and running costs - awarded £2,000

Erskine Over-50s Swimming Club - social activities - awarded £2,200

Active Communities - Erskine 10K road race - awarded £2,200

Linwood Healthy Living Group - training instructor - awarded £1,100

Houston Community Council - micro power scheme - awarded £4,123

Fusion Youth Ministries - community firework display - awarded £4,200

Inchinnan Community Council - sound system, events banner, lamp post banners and landscaping - awarded £1,430;

(c) That all multi-area general grant and youth challenge fund applications be met on a flat percentage rate award of their respective budget balances as follows:-

Lamont Farm Project - provision of animal care and welfare facilities

The Boys Brigade Paisley & District Battalion - local events and activities

I Am Me Scotland - Make a Difference project

Cornerstone Scotland Drop-in Centre - utility and insurance costs

Paisley Pirates Ice Hockey Club - ice hire costs

Rainbow Turtle - active global citizens project

Renfrewshire Bowling Association Under-25s - running costs

Renfrewshire Out of School Network - fun activity day for children

Braehead Junior Ice Hockey Club

The Renfrewshire Walking Network - production of booklet and promotional material

Phoenix Flyers - upgrading of equipment

Fitting-in - educational project for 'at risk' young people

The Wynd Centre - provision of youth counselling facilities

The Wynd Centre - provision of adult counselling facilities

Rays of Hope - activities and equipment to help cancer sufferers

Renfrewshire Effort to Empower Minorities - operation of drop-in centre

Renfrewshire Effort to Empower Minorities - Promotion of black history month

Feis Phaislig - traditional music project

Renfrewshire Youth Voice - Positive About Youth Awards

Renfrewshire Access Panel - office costs

Shopmobility Paisley & District - postage materials and survey design

Bumblebee Babies - office equipment and materials for bereaved parents

Return to Life SCIO - support for kidney transplantees and potential donors

St James' Orchestra - conductor and tutor costs, hall hire and other expenses

Greensyde Carers - camera equipment

Storm Gymnastics - various mats and tracking

Renfrewshire Visually Impaired Forum - software updates

Paisley Guitar Group - instruments and accessories

The Breastfeeding Network - running costs of local element of project

Johnstone Pipe Band - New kilts, sporrans and jackets

C-Change Scotland - dates - n - mates project

Alzheimer Scotland - cost of purchasing musical instruments

St Mirren Netball Club - running costs; and 

(d) That it be noted that application FR1167 by Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band had been withdrawn by the applicant.