Provost L Cameron presided.

S Black, Chief Executive; S Quinn, Director of Children’s Services; M Crearie, Director of Communities, Housing & Planning Services; G McNeil, Director of Environment & Infrastructure; A Russell, Director of Finance & Resources; L Mahon, Head of Marketing & Communications and L McIntyre, Head of Policy & Commissioning (both Chief Executive’s); J Trainer, Head of Child Care and Criminal Justice (Children’s Services); F Carlin, Head of Planning & Housing Services (Communities, Housing & Planning Services); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, A MacArthur, Head of Finance, M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager, D Low, Democratic Services Manager and C MacDonald, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources); and C O’Byrne, Head of Health & Social Care Services (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership).

J Cornett, Audit Director, Audit & Ethical Standards, Audit Scotland.

Councillor Burns intimated that he wished to table an emergency motion, seconded by Councillor McNaughtan, 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 special circumstances which required the item to be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, the motion would be taken up as an additional item of business at the end of the agenda as Item 25.

Councillor Grady.

The meeting adjourned during the following item of business at 10.10 am and then reconvened at 10.25 am.

Councillors McCulloch and Montgomery left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

Councillors McCulloch and Montgomery returned to the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

The meeting adjourned at 1.10 pm and reconvened at 1.45 pm.

Councillor Dowling was not present when the meeting reconvened.

Councillor Mack left the meeting during consideration of the following item of business.

Councillor Mack entered the meeting after the Provost had ruled on the competency of the motion and then left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

Provost L Cameron and Councillors Audrey Doig and Mackay, having declared an interest in the following item of business, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Provost L Cameron vacated the Chair.  Councillor McEwan assumed the Chair

Councillors Burns, seconded by Councillor McNaughtan moved an emergency motion in the following terms:  

“Thomas Cook Collapse

Council

(a)  condemns the UK Government approach to the difficulties facing the Thomas Cook Group and those who have booked holidays through them;

(b)  regrets the impact on employees and holiday makers;

(c)  resolves to work with relevant agencies to address the plight of the employees losing their jobs – those at Glasgow Airport, in shops and in our High Streets.”

Councillor Burns, seconded by Councillor McNaughtan, then moved the motion.

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor McIntyre, moved as an amendment:

“Council appreciates the difficulties faced by employees of Thomas Cook who have lost their livelihood.  It should be recognised that no salaries will be paid to employees for September and the future.

Whilst it is recognised that holiday makers have been inconvenienced, the government, in the shape of the CAA, has mitigated the effects on to customers of Thomas Cook.”

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Kerr, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

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

7 members having voted for the amendment and 29 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:  Thomas Cook Collapse

That Council condemns the UK Government approach to the difficulties facing the Thomas Cook Group and those who have booked holidays through them;

That Council regrets the impact on employees and holiday makers; and

That Council resolves to work with relevant agencies to address the plight of the employees losing their jobs – those at Glasgow Airport, in shops and in our High Streets.

Provost Cameron and Councillors Audrey Doig, Dowling and MacKay declared a financial interest in respect of Item 25 of the agenda (Notice of Motion 16) as they had been affected by the Thomas Cook collapse and indicated that it was their intention to leave the meeting and take no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

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

Council, 27 June 2019
Special Council, 27 June 2019
Special Regulatory Functions Board, 27 June 2019
Special Regulatory Functions Board, 7 August 2019
Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, 20 August 2019
Regulatory Functions Board, 21 August 2019
Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 22 August 2019
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 26 August 2019
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 28 August 2019
Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 29 August 2019
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 4 September 2019
Regulatory Functions Board, 5 September 2019
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 5 September 2019
Local Review Body, 10 September 2019
Cross Party Sounding Board, 12 September 2019
Leadership Board, 18 September 2019
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 23 September 2019

DECIDED:  That the Minutes be approved.

Under reference to item 2 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 27 June 2019, there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the audit of the Council’s 2018/19 Annual Accounts, which had been undertaken by the Council’s appointed external auditors, Audit Scotland. 

The report advised that the audit process was not fully complete owing to the complexity experienced in the work associated with some of the amendments, predominantly classification adjustments, and had resulted in the external auditor being unable to issue their formal opinion with regard to the annual accounts.  Notwithstanding this, there were no material changes anticipated to emerge from the audit process, in relation to the 2018/19 financial outturn position of the Council, or with regard to the level of usable reserves and balances, from that detailed in the approved unaudited accounts.  The 2018/19 report to those Charged with Governance by Audit Scotland was attached as an appendix to the report and it advised that Audit Scotland would not be in a position to issue its audit opinions by the statutory deadline of 30 September 2019. 

The Renfrewshire Council audited Annual Accounts for 2018/19 had been scheduled to be considered by the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board on 23 September 2019, together with the Annual Audit Report which set out the issues identified in respect of the annual accounts and the conclusions from Audit Scotland’s consideration of the four audit dimensions that framed the wider scope of public audit as set out in the Code of Audit Practice. Due to the delays, the report was not finalised and had not been considered by the Board at that meeting. The report therefore proposed that the Annual Audit Report would be available for full consideration at the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board meeting to be held in November 2019 and it was anticipated that the Annual Audit Report would provide further detail in respect of the issues encountered in finalising the audited annual accounts.

The report proposed to delegate authority to the Director of Finance & Resources, in consultation with the Convener of the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, to agree any minor adjustment to the annual accounts to satisfy audit requirements. In the event a material adjustment was required, Council would require to agree this at a future meeting.

J Cornett, Audit Director, Audit & Ethical Standards, Audit Scotland confirmed that Audit Scotland would not be in a position to issue their audit opinions by the statutory deadline of 30 September 2019.  However he indicated that there was nothing to give Audit Scotland cause for concern in terms of the final adjustments to be made. 



Provost Cameron, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved:

(a)  That it be noted that the audited annual accounts had been issued to members on 24 September 2019, along with the external auditor report to those charged with governance and proposed audit certificate; with the intention that these documents are considered by Council;

(b)  That the audited annual accounts be approved for signature in accordance with the relevant regulations, subject to any further minor adjustments which may arise in concluding the audit process; in which case to further agree that authority is delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources, in consultation with the Convener of the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board to make any required minor adjustments to the audited annual accounts; and

(c)  That it be noted that the Annual Audit Report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, which would provide further information with regard to the issues encountered in finalising the audited annual accounts.

Councillor Harte, seconded by Councillor Devine, moved as an amendment that the report not be accepted.

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

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

13 members having voted for the amendment and 28 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a)  That it be noted that the audited annual accounts had been issued to members on 24 September 2019, along with the external auditor report to those charged with governance and proposed audit certificate; with the intention that these documents were considered by Council;

(b)  That the audited annual accounts be approved for signature in accordance with the relevant regulations, subject to any further minor adjustments which may arise in concluding the audit process; in which case to further agree that authority is delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources, in consultation with the Convener of the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board to make any required minor adjustments to the audited annual accounts; and

(c)  That it be noted that the Annual Audit Report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, which would provide further information with regard to the issues encountered in finalising the audited annual accounts.

Under reference to item 2 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 27 June
2019, there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Audited Annual Accounts 2018/19 – Common Good Funds and Coats Observatory Trust, which had been undertaken by the Council’s appointed external auditors, Audit Scotland.

The report highlighted that the process was now complete, and the appointed auditor had provided an audit opinion which was free from qualification. A report to those charged with governance was considered by the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board on 23 September 2019.  A copy of the audited financial statements for the Renfrewshire Council Common Good Funds controlled by the Council was attached as appendices to the report for approval.

DECIDED:   

(a)  That the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and the Coats Observatory Trust for 2018/19 be approved for signature in accordance with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014; and

(b)  That authority be delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources to submit these accounts to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in accordance with the relevant charities accounting regulations.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to an update to the financial outlook previously outlined to Council in September 2018 and the updated financial position as presented to Council on 28 February 2019. 

The report advised that the Council’s financial outlook continued to be characterised by considerable ongoing uncertainty and was fluid and subject to material change over even a short-term time horizon. In the context of the wider economic and public spending environment across both the UK and Scotland and in particular the increasing uncertainty developing around the impact of the outcome of the UK’s negotiations to withdraw from the European Union in October 2019, the Council’s financial outlook over the short to medium term had the potential to move into a period of heightened uncertainty and change. 

Key influential areas continued to relate predominantly to future levels of government grant support, future pay awards and a range of demand related service pressures.  It was previously anticipated that moving into 2020/21, the Council would be transitioning into a period of greater certainty, with known pay award levels in place up to and including 2020/21 and the expectation of a UK Comprehensive Spending Review in November and three-year grant settlement for local government being provided from the Scottish Government towards the end of 2019.  The ongoing political and economic uncertainty at a UK level had meant that the UK Government would provide only a single-year budget settlement for the UK which in turn was likely to constrain the ability of the Scottish Government to provide a multi-year financial settlement for local government.

 

It was anticipated that the Council’s medium-term financial outlook would continue to be underpinned by uncertainty and continued risk of being subject to ongoing change and material movement.

The report advised that the Council’s financial planning arrangements would remain subject to active review and in line with previous years, continue to be founded upon a scenario-based approach, in recognition of the scale of variability in the potential financial outcomes for the Council.  A copy of the current range of forecast outcomes across key variables was appended to the report.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the update regarding the Council’s current financial position be noted;

(b)  That the updated financial forecasts for the medium-term, the range of potential funding issues facing the Council and the requirement to continue to plan for further significant budget gaps in the period through to 2023 be noted; and 

(c)  That the Council’s ongoing commitment to the financial planning principles outlined in section 8 of the report be approved.

Under reference to item 17 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 9 May 2019, there was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Infrastructure relative to an audit on the condition of all secondary schools red blaes pitches and detailing proposals for future investment.

The report advised that three secondary schools had mineral pitches as part of their school pitch provision, St Benedict’s, Linwood and Gryffe High Schools.  An audit had been carried out on the three mineral pitches used as part of the secondary school estate and audited against sportscotland standards for mineral pitches.  All three pitches had been assessed as satisfactory which was the highest standard in the sportscotland criteria.

Future investment proposals for the mineral-based pitches at the schools were outlined in section 1.2 of the report and the work would be carried out through the lifecycle maintenance programme as outlined within the report.

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved:

(a)   That it be noted that a full audit was undertaken of all secondary school mineral pitches;

(b)   That it be noted that the three secondary mineral pitches had been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as set out in section 4 of the report; and

(c)   That the future investment proposals as set out in section 6 of this report be approved.

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor Devine, moved as an amendment:

That this administration has failed to deliver SAFE modern playing fields in our schools failed to provide any tangible evidence to support their findings, nor provide any record of maintenance work to the mineral pitch at Gryffe high school.  Reminds this SNP administration of Labour’s costed budget proposals to allocate £200,000 to upgrade these facilities thereby demonstrating their political will to support Scotland’s future sports stars.  No attempt was made to seek external funding from sportscotland or any other source including the local communities.

We call on the Council to reject this report.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Dowling, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, Mackay, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McIntyre, Montgomery, Sheridan and Strang.

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

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

DECIDED:

(a)  That it be noted that a full audit was undertaken of all secondary school mineral pitches;

(b)  That it be noted that the three secondary mineral pitches had been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as set out in section 4 of the report; and

(c)  That the future investment proposals as set out in section 6 of this report be approved.

Under reference to item 6 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 27 June 2019, there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the conclusion of the first stage of the statutory review of polling places and polling districts. 

The report intimated that the current polling arrangements following the previous statutory review, for use in all elections thereafter in the period to the next review, were approved by the Council at its meeting held on 27 February 2014. However, the Boundary Commission’s Fifth Electoral Review resulted in the creation of an additional Council Ward and significant changes to the Council’s Ward boundaries. A revised Polling Plan was therefore adopted by the Council on 15 December 2016. 

 

 

As part of the review, a public notice had been published giving details of the timetable for and scope of the review, the consultation process and inviting comments on the current arrangements. In addition, notice was given to key groups, including councillors, Council departments, community councils, Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board, the local Disability Liaison Group and Capability Scotland for their interest.  The comments received and consideration which had been given to them in preparing the draft scheme were attached as Appendix 1 to the report.  The appendix also set out alternative arrangements for two polling places which had become unavailable since the last review in 2015.  The local housing developments that might impact on polling arrangements were identified in Appendix 2.

Following the Scottish Local Government Boundary Review in 2015 there were a number of changes made to the previous polling plan to reflect new ward boundaries. This resulted in the creation of a number of new polling districts.  The review proposed to rationalise the number of polling districts and to renumber as appropriate certain polling districts to make the numbering more consistent across the wards.  The details of the proposed changes were outlined in Appendix 3.

A preliminary polling scheme and plans showing the polling places and polling district boundaries were attached as Appendices 4 and 5 for consideration and adoption for formal public consultation. 

The draft polling scheme had been the subject of consultation with the Returning Officer who had endorsed the proposals.  At the meeting of the Council held on 27 June 2019 a revised timetable for the review process was agreed and this was set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

DECIDED:  That the polling districts and polling places, as set out in the appendices to the report, be agreed as the draft polling scheme for public consultation.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Social Work Officer relative to the 2018/19 annual report by the Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO). In Renfrewshire this role was held by the Head of Child Care and Criminal Justice.

The report provided an overview of the role of the CSWO, outlined local arrangements for the discharge of the functions of the post, highlighted key areas of activity of the CSWO locally, detailed the issues and challenges encountered during 2018/19 and provided an overview of activities undertaken by social work services together with the key priorities. 

 

 

 

 

A copy of the annual report by the CSWO was appended to the report. The report intimated that the scope of the CSWO role covered all social work and social care services, whether provided directly by the local authority, or in partnership with others. Where these services were purchased or commissioned from external providers, the CSWO had responsibility to advise on the specification, quality and standards of services commissioned.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the key activities outlined in the report be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that the report would be submitted to the Office of the Chief Social Work Advisor at the Scottish Government; and

(c)  That it be agreed that the next update to Council would be presented in Autumn 2020.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to changes to the Council’s Scheme of Delegated Functions (the Scheme).

The report advised that there had been a number of amendments to the Scheme over the last few years, including changes to the Council decision-making structure at the statutory meeting in May 2017, to take account of other changes to the Council’s management structures and some legislative changes.  It was considered appropriate that a full review be undertaken at this time to ensure that the Scheme was as up-to-date as possible. It was also considered beneficial to have an up-to-date version of the Scheme in place to form the starting point for any changes to the Council’s governance arrangements arising from the current change programme.  The revised Scheme was appended to the report.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the revised Scheme of Delegated Functions attached as an appendix, be approved and that it be agreed that it would come into force with immediate effect; and

(b)  That it be agreed that the previous Scheme be revoked.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to a proposed timetable of meetings of the Council and its Boards covering the period August 2020 to June 2021, a copy of which was appended to the report.

The timetable was based on the current governance arrangements and incorporated recess periods at summer, October, Christmas/New Year and spring. Whilst meetings of the Appeals Board and Local Review Body had been included in the timetable the report intimated that there could be occasions when these meetings were not required and would be cancelled in consultation with the respective Convener. 

 

It was highlighted that an additional meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board had been incorporated into the timetable on 21 September 2020 to allow the Board to consider the Council’s audited annual accounts and the Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC) at their meeting held on 3 September agreed that an additional meeting be held at 2pm on Tuesday 12 May 2020.

DECIDED:

(a)  That the timetable of meetings of the Council and its Boards to June 2021, including the dates during which there were to be recesses, as detailed in the appendix to the report, be approved; 

(b)  That it be noted that meetings of the Appeals Board and Local Review Body, although timetabled, would be cancelled in consultation with the respective Convener, if there was no substantive business; and

(c)  That it be agreed that an additional meeting of the Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC) be held at 2pm on Tuesday 12 May 2020 and an additional meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board be held at 10am on 21 September 2020.

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

“Grass cutting

At a previous Council meeting we were told that the council would re-examine the policy of leaving certain areas to natural growth to encourage wildlife, as some of these areas, particularly those in front of residential areas, were now totally overgrown and unsightly.  Council asks that the results of this re-examination are now made public, that the areas are listed, and that the report identifies those areas which will now revert to full cutting and landscaping.”

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

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Don, moved as an amendment that in addition:

“Council also agrees that the findings/report also highlights the areas which have potential for conversion to wildflower areas and the necessary budgetary requirements and programme timescales.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors McCartin and Andy Doig, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the addition to the motion.  The motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

 

 

DECIDED:  Grass Cutting 

That at a previous Council meeting we were told that the council would re-examine the policy of leaving certain areas to natural growth to encourage wildlife, as some of these areas, particularly those in front of residential areas, were now totally overgrown and unsightly.  Council asks that the results of this re-examination are now made public, that the areas are listed, and that the report identifies those areas which will now revert to full cutting and landscaping; and

That Council also agrees that the findings/report also highlights the areas which had potential for conversion to wildflower areas and the necessary budgetary requirements and programme timescales.

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

“Waste Services

Renfrewshire Council re-affirms the principles behind the current Waste Service strategy in terms of the imperative to recycle.  However, the current collection practice requires a comprehensive review, as there are some very poor services in some areas of Renfrewshire which require root and branch re-examination to bring the standards up to the expectation of the public.  There is an attitude of complacency that the system is now working well, which it is not.”

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

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Don, moved as an amendment:

“Waste Services

Renfrewshire Council re-affirms the principles behind the current Waste Service strategy in terms of the imperative to recycle.  Council notes that the performance of the waste collection service is regularly reported to Council and refers to the report presented to and agreed at Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board on 28th August 2019.  This report confirmed that issues with bin collection in specific areas remain a focus for Waste Officers, and work continues to resolve particular issues.

Council also notes that any Councillor who has ongoing issues with any particular service area can raise this with Waste Managers to discuss potential solutions.”

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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, Mack, Mackay, J MacLaren, McCartin, McCulloch, McIntyre, Montgomery, Sheridan and Strang.

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

DECIDED:  Waste Services

Renfrewshire Council re-affirms the principles behind the current Waste Service strategy in terms of the imperative to recycle.  However, the current collection practice requires a comprehensive review, as there are some very poor services in some areas of Renfrewshire which require root and branch re-examination to bring the standards up to the expectation of the public. There is an attitude of complacency that the system is now working well, which it is not.

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

“Democracy in Hong Kong

Renfrewshire Council believes that Hong Kong is an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China, but views with great concern the denial of fundamental rights and freedoms: of assembly, of association, and of belief, by the Peking Government to the people of Hong Kong.

Council further declares that such an attack on human rights by the Chinese Government is unacceptable, at odds with the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and seeks to write to the Chinese Consulate in Edinburgh reminding them of their international treaty obligations as a UN member of the Security Council.”

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

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor McIntyre, moved as an amendment:

“Renfrewshire Council notes that Hong Kong is a special administrative region which continues to maintain governing and economic systems separate from those of China.

Renfrewshire Council calls on the Chinese government to respect the “one country two systems” principle.

Council notes the hard work done by the UK FCO to negotiate the release of Simon Cheng a Scottish Government consul and employee of the British Consulate in Hong Kong.

Council agrees to write to the UK Government as the UK is a member of the UN Security Council to remind China of their obligations.”

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Kerr, Mackay, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

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

8 members having voted for the amendment and 33 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Democracy in Hong Kong

That Renfrewshire Council believes that Hong Kong is an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China, but views with great concern the denial of fundamental rights and freedoms: of assembly, of association, and of belief, by the Peking Government to the people of Hong Kong; and

That this Council further declares that such an attack on human rights by the Chinese Government is unacceptable, at odds with the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and seeks to write to the Chinese Consulate in Edinburgh reminding them of their international treaty obligations as a UN member of the Security Council.

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

“Renfrewshire Local Development Plan

Renfrewshire Council declares that all Elected Members of the Council shall be able to propose amendments to the Local Development Plan when the Plan is out to consultation with the public in terms of its proposals and therefore is, by definition, provisional in its nature.”

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

Councillor McNaughtan, seconded by Councillor McGurk, moved as an amendment that in addition:

“Council further notes that elected members already have the ability to propose suggestions or amendments to the Local Development Plan during public consultation and when it is presented to the Board.  It is recognised that all of the representations received will be considered through the Examination of the Plan that will be carried out by an independent Reporter and that the findings and recommendations arising from this Examination will be considered by the Communities, Housing & Planning Board prior to the final Adoption of the Plan.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Andy Doig and Mack, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the amendment to the motion.  The motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Renfrewshire Local Development Plan

That Renfrewshire Council declares that all Elected Members of the Council shall be able to propose amendments to the Local Development Plan when the Plan is out to consultation with the public in terms of its proposals and therefore was, by definition, provisional in its nature; and

 

That Council further notes that elected members already have the ability to propose suggestions or amendments to the Local Development Plan during public consultation and when it is presented to the Board.  It is recognised that all of the representations received will be considered through the Examination of the Plan that will be carried out by an independent Reporter and that the findings and recommendations arising from this Examination will be considered by the Communities, Housing & Planning Board prior to the final Adoption of the Plan.

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

“Webcasting of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board 

In order to prevent a further obnoxious smell of mendacity emanating from the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board further meetings will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council's internet site - at the start of the meeting the Convener will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed.

Generally the public seating areas will not be filmed.  The cameras focus on the main participants.”

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

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

“Webcasting of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board 

Council notes the previous decision regarding webcasting at its meeting on the 27th September 2018 and agrees that webcasting continues at its present level.

Council at its meeting on 27th September 2018 agreed the following “The cost of webcasting the full council over the last 8 meetings was approximately £14,000 per annum.  Council also noted that the average number of views over these meetings had been 302, at a cost of £5.79 per viewer and at a cost of £1750 per meeting.  Council agrees that webcasting was of interest to the public and that webcasting of council meetings continues at its present level.”

Councillor Devine, seconded by Councillor Sheridan, moved as a second amendment:

“That Education and Children’s Services, Infrastructure, Land and Environment, Communities, Housing and Planning and Leadership Policy Boards are webcast.”

Councillor Devine then added Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board and the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board to the second amendment.

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Mack and Andy Doig, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the second amendment as amended as an addition to the motion and the motion, as amended, became the substantive motion.

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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Begg, Bibby, Binks, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Graham, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Kerr, Mack, J MacLaren, McIntyre, Sheridan and Strang.

The following members abstained:  Councillors Mackay and McCartin.

19 members having voted for the amendment, 18 members having voted for the motion, and 2 members having abstained, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:  Webcasting of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board

That Council notes the previous decision regarding webcasting at its meeting on the 27th September 2018 and agrees that webcasting continues at its present level; and

That Council at its meeting on 27th September 2018 agreed the following “The cost of webcasting the full council over the last 8 meetings was approximately £14,000 per annum.  Council also noted that the average number of views over these meetings had been 302, at a cost of £5.79 per viewer and at a cost of £1750 per meeting.  Council agrees that webcasting was of interest to the public and that webcasting of council meetings continues at its present level.

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

“Staff Parking at Renfrewshire House 

The Council should reconsider introducing parking fees for staff earning under £30,000 per annum at Renfrewshire House.”

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

Councillor McNaughtan, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as a first amendment:

“Staff Parking at Renfrewshire House

Officers should examine the current policy on the use of the car parking at Renfrewshire House and bring forward recommendations on how it is used, taking account of:

(a)  The Council’s declaration of Climate Emergency;
(b)  Trends towards the use of electric vehicles;
(c)  Bicycle use and access;
(d)  The efficient delivery of Council services; and
(e)  Supporting the Town Centre.”

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor Kerr, moved a second amendment:

“Renfrewshire Council will cease providing dedicated parking spaces for elected members at Renfrewshire House.


These spaces will be allocated via ballot to staff who are based at Renfrewshire House and earn less than £30,000 pa.

Elected members will be able to participate in the ballot but will no longer have any special parking entitlement.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Mack and Andy Doig, being the mover and seconder of the motion agreed to accept the first amendment moved by Councillor McNaughtan and seconded by Councillor Paterson.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Kerr, Mackay, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

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

The following members abstained:  Councillors Bibby and Davidson.

8 members having voted for the amendment, 31 members having voted for the motion, and 2 members having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:  Staff Parking at Renfrewshire House

 

That Officers should examine the current policy on the use of the car parking at Renfrewshire House and bring forward recommendations on how it is used, taking account of:

(a)  The Council’s declaration of Climate Emergency;
(b)  Trends towards the use of electric vehicles;
(c)  Bicycle use and access;
(d)  The efficient delivery of Council services; and
(e)  Supporting the Town Centre.

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


“Councils for fair tax declaration (Scotland)

Council agrees to adopt the declaration (below) entitled Councils for Fair Tax Declaration (Scotland)

We pledge to:

Pass a resolution approving the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration.

Lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities.  Including:

•  Ensuring contractors implement IR35 robustly and a fair share of employment taxes are paid.

•  Shunning the use of offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property, especially where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty.

•  Undertaking due diligence to ensure that not-for-profit structures are not being used inappropriately as an artificial device to reduce the payment of tax and business rates.

•  Ensuring that there is clarity on the ultimate beneficial ownership of suppliers and their consolidated profit and loss position, given lack of clarity could be strong indicators of poor financial probity and weak financial standing.

Promote Fair Tax Mark certification for any business in which we have a significant stake and where corporation tax is due.

Join in and support Fair Tax Week events in the area and celebrate the tax contribution made by responsible businesses who say what they pay with pride.

Support calls for urgent reform of EU, UK and Scots law to enable municipalities to revise their procurement policies and better penalise poor tax conduct and reward good tax conduct.”

Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, then moved the motion.

Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Campbell, moved as an amendment:

“Councils for Fair Tax Declaration

Council agrees that prior to the potential adoption that the declaration be referred to the Audit and Scrutiny Board for their investigation.  This would provide a comprehensive understanding of the declaration and implications for the council and its services.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Sheridan and Kennedy, being the mover and seconder of the motion agreed to accept the amendment moved by Councillor Shaw and seconded by Councillor Campbell, which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Councils for Fair Tax Declaration

Council agrees that prior to the potential adoption that the declaration be referred to the Audit and Scrutiny Board for their investigation.  This would provide a comprehensive understanding of the declaration and implications for the council and its services.

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

“Centre for Social Justice and Proposal to Raise Pension Age to 75 years

Renfrewshire Council condemns proposals from the Right Wing Think Tank, the self-styled Centre for Social Justice, to raise the state pension age to 75yrs.

Council believes this idea to be discriminatory, financially incompetent, socially divisive, and an attack on the basic concept of the Welfare State.  Council further views with approval the fact that the DWP has rejected the CSJ initiative.”

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

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor McIntyre, moved as an amendment:

“Centre for Social Justice and Proposal to Raise Pension Age to 75 years

Renfrewshire Council disagrees with proposals from the Right Wing Think Tank, the self-styled Centre for Social Justice, to raise the state pension age to 75yrs.

Council believes this idea to be discriminatory, financially incompetent, socially divisive, and an attack on the basic concept of the Welfare State.  Council further views with approval the fact that the DWP has rejected the CSJ initiative.”

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Begg, Graham, Kerr, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

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

The following members abstained:  Councillors Binks and Mackay.

6 members having voted for the amendment, 32 members having voted for the motion, and 2 members having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Centre for Social Justice and Proposal to Raise Pension Age to 75 years

That Renfrewshire Council condemns proposals from the Right Wing Think Tank, the self-styled Centre for Social Justice, to raise the state pension age to 75 years; and

That Council believes this idea to be discriminatory, financially incompetent, socially divisive, and an attack on the basic concept of the Welfare State.  Council further viewed with approval the fact that the DWP had rejected the CSJ initiative.

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

“Fair Work and the new Renfrew swing bridge

This Council notes the concerns which have been expressed by the joint engineering construction industry trades unions, GMB Scotland and Unite the Union, regarding the tendering process for the planned swing road bridge crossing the Clyde at Renfrew. 

The Council supports the Scottish Government’s position outlined in the Scottish Government Statutory Procurement Guidance: Addressing Fair Work Practices (2015) which states that “We expect contractors who deliver public contracts to adopt policies which demonstrate how they comply with relevant employment, equality and health and safety law, human rights standards and adhere to relevant collective agreements.” and considers that the relevant collective agreements in relation to the Renfrew swing bridge project are the NAECI and CJIC agreements which provide for fair and safe working conditions in the engineering construction industry.

The Council therefore calls on the Administration to re-examine the tendering process for the new bridge, liaising with city region partners as may be necessary, to ensure that the agreed industry minimums are adhered to on this project, and to provide a report to the Council confirming the steps that have been taken in support of this object.”

Councillor Harte, seconded by Councillor Brown, then moved the motion.

Provost L Cameron proposed that the motion be amended by replacing ‘are’ with ‘includes’ in the seventh line of the second paragraph of the motion.

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Harte and Brown being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the amendment and the motion, as amended became the substantive motion.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Shaw, moved as an amendment:

“Fair Work and the new Renfrew swing bridge

This Council notes the concerns which have been expressed by the joint engineering construction industry trades unions, GMB Scotland and Unite the Union, regarding the tendering process for the planned swing road bridge crossing the Clyde at Renfrew. 

The Council Leader and senior City Deal project director held an initial meeting with the trade unions.  We agreed to look at amending the wording in our procurement documents regarding collective agreements.  Following that meeting amendments were made to the terminology in our current CWRR contract to include the wording “and collective agreements where possible” this will encourage bidders to inform us what agreements they adhere to and thereby attracting a higher score.”


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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, Mack, McCulloch, Montgomery and Sheridan.

28 members having voted for the amendment and 12 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:   Fair Work and the new Renfrew swing bridge

That Council notes the concerns which have been expressed by the joint engineering construction industry trades unions, GMB Scotland and Unite the Union, regarding the tendering process for the planned swing road bridge crossing the Clyde at Renfrew; and

That the Council Leader and senior City Deal project director held an initial meeting with the trade unions.  We agreed to look at amending the wording in our procurement documents regarding collective agreements.  Following that meeting amendments were made to the terminology in our current CWRR contract to include the wording “and collective agreements where possible” this would encourage bidders to inform us what agreements they adhere to and thereby attracting a higher score.

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

“Support for an Undercover Policing Inquiry for Scotland

This Council notes with concern the undercover infiltration of political, activist and justice campaign groups in Scotland by, it understands, the Special Demonstration Squad and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit; firmly opposes this type of political undercover policing and believes that infiltrations of this kind have no place in a democratic society; understands that one tactic of these infiltrations was for officers to form long-term intimate relationships with women activists; notes that the Metropolitan Police Service has admitted these practices and apologised for the behaviour of its undercover officers, which, in its own words, was "abusive, deceitful, manipulative and wrong", and were a "gross violation"; considers that, while the existing Undercover Policing Inquiry covers England and Wales, to date the victims of related undercover operations in Scotland continue to be excluded from justice, and calls on the inquiry to be extended to Scotland without further delay or alternatively that the Scottish Government initiates its own independent inquiry.”

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

DECIDED:  Support for an Undercover Policing Inquiry for Scotland

That Council notes with concern the undercover infiltration of political, activist and justice campaign groups in Scotland by, it understood, the Special Demonstration Squad and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit; that Council firmly opposes this type of political undercover policing and believes that infiltrations of this kind have no place in a democratic society; that Council understands that one tactic of these infiltrations was for officers to form long-term intimate relationships with women activists; that Council notes that the Metropolitan Police Service has admitted these practices and apologised for the behaviour of its undercover officers, which, in its own words, was "abusive, deceitful, manipulative and wrong", and were a "gross violation"; and that Council considered that, while the existing Undercover Policing Inquiry coveres England and Wales, to date the victims of related undercover operations in Scotland continues to be excluded from justice, and calls on the inquiry to be extended to Scotland without further delay or alternatively that the Scottish Government initiates its own independent inquiry.

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

“Building Services

Council instructs the Director of housing etc to bring back a report on the operation of building services and specifically on:

• Current capacity to deliver projects.
• The types of projects that building services operate on.
• The lack of tenders that Building services apply for.
• Future of Building Services.
• Possible potential for growth.”

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

Councillor Harte intimated that the reference to the Director of Housing in the motion should  be to the Director of Environment & Infrastructure Services.

The motion, as amended, was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  Building Services

Council instructs the Director of Environment & Infrastructure Services to bring back a report on the operation of building services and specifically on:

• Current capacity to deliver projects.
• The types of projects that building services operate on.
• The lack of tenders that Building services apply for.
• Future of Building Services.
• Possible potential for growth.

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

“Procurement

Council instructs the Chief Executive to bring back a report on procurement, especially on construction projects. In particular on:

• Capacity to procure small, medium and large contracts.
• Robustness of our pre-questionnaire in relation to Public Contracts (Scotland) regulations 2015.
• Capacity to project manage a particular construction project and monitoring the progress.
• Possible potential for growth.”

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

Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment:

“Council notes that the next Annual Procurement report will be presented in the next board cycle and will cover the issues raised below.

• Capacity to procure small, medium and large contracts.
• Robustness of our pre-questionnaire in relation to Public Contracts (Scotland) regulations 2015.
• Capacity to project manage a particular construction project and monitoring the progress.
• Possible potential for growth.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Harte and Hood, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the amendment which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  Procurement

That Council notes that the next Annual Procurement report would be presented in the next board cycle and would cover the issues raised below.

 

• Capacity to procure small, medium and large contracts; 
• Robustness of our pre-questionnaire in relation to Public Contracts (Scotland) regulations 2015; 
• Capacity to project manage a particular construction project and monitoring the progress; and 
• Possible potential for growth.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Steel and Cameron in the following terms:

“Council notes an ongoing process by Asda stores to change the terms & conditions of employees. 

Council notes with concern that the GMB union reports that workers have now been told that they have until November 2 to agree to the new terms or face losing their jobs.

Council agrees that any employer wishing to alter terms and conditions of employees should engage positively with staff and unions and that threats of sackings does not demonstrate good faith or best practice.”

Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  

That Council notes an ongoing process by Asda stores to change the terms & conditions of employees; 

That Council notes with concern that the GMB union reports that workers have now been told that they have until November 2 to agree to the new terms or face losing their jobs; and

That Council agrees that any employer wishing to alter terms and conditions of employees should engage positively with staff and unions and that threats of sackings does not demonstrate good faith or best practice.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Brown and Sharkey in the following terms:

“Household Survey 

That this Council acknowledges the findings of the recent Scottish Government’s household survey which identifies increased dissatisfaction in our public services, in particular schools, healthcare and public transport.  Calls on the Leader of Renfrewshire Council to explain the impact on Renfrewshire and asks for the Chief Executive to report back to next full Council on what contingency plans she has in place to improve the public perception of Local Government.”

Councillor Brown, seconded by Councillor Sheridan, then moved the motion.

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment:

“Household Survey 

That this Council acknowledges the findings of the recent Scottish Government’s household survey.  Council notes the publication of the Household Survey and that the survey is a Scotland wide document and information cannot be extrapolated at this point specific to Renfrewshire.  Details regarding all Local authorities will be published on the 8th October 2019 which will be analysed and a report will be presented to the next full Council for consideration.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Brown and Sheridan, being the mover and seconder of the motion accepted the amendment which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  Household Survey 

That Council acknowledges the findings of the recent Scottish Government’s household survey; and that Council notes the publication of the Household Survey and that the survey is a Scotland wide document and information cannot be extrapolated at this point specific to Renfrewshire. Details regarding all Local authorities will be published on 8 October 2019 which will be analysed and a report will be presented to the next full Council for consideration.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Mack and Andy Doig which Provost L Cameron ruled was not competent in terms of Standing Order 19(c).