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Meeting Details

Council
5 Dec 2019 - 09:30 to 13:00
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests
  • Webcast

Documents

Agenda

Agenda
Notification
Standard Items
Members of the Press and Public
Members of the press and public wishing to attend the meeting should report to the customer service centre where they will be met and directed to the meeting.
Further Information

This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. 

A copy of the agenda and reports for this meeting will be available for inspection prior to the meeting at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and online at http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx

For further information, please either email
democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk or telephone 0141 618 7112.

Webcasting of Meeting
This meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site – at the start of the meeting the Provost 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.  If you have any queries regarding this please contact Committee Services on 0141 618 7112.  To find the webcast please navigate to http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/meetings.aspx and select the meeting from the calendar.
Chair
Provost L Cameron, presided.
In Attendance
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 & Communication and L McIntyre, Head of Policy & Commissioning (both Chief Executive’s); K Graham, Head of Corporate Governance, M Conaghan, Legal & Democratic Services Manager, L Belshaw, Democratic Services Manager and E Currie, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources); D Leese, Chief Officer (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership); and V Hollows, Chief Executive (Renfrewshire Leisure).
Additional Item
Councillor McCartin intimated that she wished to table an emergency motion which had not been included in the notice calling the meeting and she 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.


During the course of the meeting Provost Cameron advised that the Council’s Team Up to Clean Up Team had won the Community Engagement Award at the Scottish Public Awards Ceremony on 4 December 2019. 
Obituary
Provost Cameron acknowledged the death of Bill Perrie, a former Renfrewshire Councillor who had represented Renfrew North, and advised that she had extended sincere condolences to his family on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.
Sederunt
Councillor McGurk left the meeting during consideration of the following item of business.
Sederunt
Councillor Dowling entered the meeting during consideration of the following item of business.
Items Of Business
Apologies
Apologies from members.
Councillors Hood, Kerr and Dowling for lateness.
Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare an interest in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest.
There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Council, 26 September 2019, pages 135-160

Special Council 26 September 2019, pages 161-162

Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, 29 October 2019, pages 163-176

Regulatory Functions Board, 30 October 2019, pages 177-188

Appointment Board, 30 October 2019, pages 189-190

Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 31 October 2019, pages 191-198

Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 4 November 2019, pages 199-206

Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 6 November 2019, pages 207-216

Special Council, 11 November 2019, pages 217-218

Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 13 November 2019, pages 219-238

Regulatory Functions Board, 14 November 2019, pages 239-246

Appointment Board, 26 November 2019, pages 247-248

1
There were submitted the Minutes of the following meetings of the Council, Boards and Panels on the dates specified:

Council, 26 September 2019
Special Council, 26 September 2019
Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, 29 October 2019
Regulatory Functions Board, 30 October 2019
Appointment Board, 30 October 2019
Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 31 October 2019
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 4 November 2019
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 6 November 2019
Special Council, 11 November 2019
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 13 November 2019
Regulatory Functions Board, 14 November 2019
Appointment Board, 26 November 2019

DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.
Report by Director of Finance & Resources
2
There was submitted a progress report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council’s prudential indicators for 2019/20. 

The report outlined the key objectives to the Prudential Code, detailed the Renfrewshire position as at 11 October 2019 and intimated that total capital expenditure was £39.111 million, of which £23.544 million related to Non-Housing and £15.567 million related to Housing. A review of the updated capital spending plan for 2019/20 suggested that the indicators required to be revised for the current year, the details of which were contained within the report. It was highlighted that indicators for 2020/21 and 2021/22 would be reviewed in February 2020, together with the budget proposals.

The report set out the proposed net decrease of £6.419 million in the planned Non- Housing capital expenditure during 2019/20 and the factors which had contributed to this decrease; the factors considered in relation to the proposed increase of £2.649 million in the planned Housing capital expenditure; outlined proposed revisions to the capital expenditure and capital financing requirement indicators and the indicators for affordability;  detailed the position in relation to external debt indicators, loan fund advances and the outlook for the remainder of 2019/20.

Appendix 1 to the report detailed the Council’s net borrowing position as at 11 October 2019 and Appendix 2 to the report detailed the Council’s actual external debt.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the changes to the prudential indicators as detailed in the report be approved; and

(b) That the treasury management activity for the period to 11 October 2019 be noted.
Report by Director of Finance & Resources (Appendix 5 attached separately)
3
Under reference to item 6 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 26 September 2019 there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the statutory review of polling places and polling districts.

The report intimated that the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 further amended the Representation of the People Act 1983 by introducing a statutory duty for all polling districts and polling places to be reviewed by the end of January 2015 and at least every 5 years thereafter. The current polling arrangements following the previous statutory review were approved by Council on 27 February 2014 for use in all elections thereafter in the period to the next review.  However, the Boundary Commission’s Fifth Electoral Review resulted in the creation of an additional Council Ward and consequential changes to the Council’s Ward boundaries.  A revised Polling Plan was therefore adopted by Council on 15 December 2016.

A notice had been published on 1 March 2019 giving details of the timetable for and scope of the review and the consultation process and inviting comments on the current arrangements. In addition, the report indicated that consultation had taken place with key groups, including councillors, Council departments, community councils, Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board, the local Disability Liaison Group, and Capability Scotland and a note of the comments received and the consideration which had been given to them was set out in Appendix 1 to the report. 

Appendix 2 to the report detailed local housing developments that might impact on polling arrangements over the five-year period of the Plan; Appendix 3 to the report set out the proposed revisals and renumbering of polling district references and polling places; the draft Polling Plan formed Appendix 4 to the report; maps of the Polling Districts formed Appendix 5 to the report; and Appendix 6 to the report detailed the comments received from the first phase of the consultation and the consideration given to them.

DECIDED:

(a) That the consideration given to the comments set out in Appendix 1 to the report, received as part of the second phase of the public consultation, be noted; and

(b) That the polling districts, polling places and polling stations as set out in the appendices to the report be approved for use in all elections and referenda from 31 January 2020 until the next review.
Report by Chief Executive
  1. pdf SHS FINAL (499Kb)
4
Under reference to item 23 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 26 September 2019 there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive providing a summary of the Scottish Household Survey results for Renfrewshire.

The report intimated that the Scottish Household Survey was a continuous survey based on a sample of 10,500 responses form private residences across Scotland and represented a core element of the Scottish Government’s approach to population surveys and the gathering of population data in Scotland and contributed to a range of national datasets including the National Performance Framework.

The Scottish Government published the 2018 annual report on the survey in September 2019 highlighting a number of findings regarding satisfaction with public services such as schools, healthcare and public transport. In October 2019, the Scottish Government published local authority level data from the Scottish Household Survey.

In 2018, 240 responses were recorded in Renfrewshire as part of the overall sample.  This was a very small sample size compared to other existing Council survey mechanisms where the response levels had typically been in the region of 1000 respondents.

The report provided a summary of the headline results for Renfrewshire focusing on those areas raised at the Council meeting held on 26 September 2019 around satisfaction with public services including health, transport and education services.  The report proposed that given both the limited sample size and breadth of data which was available across the whole survey, a more detailed briefing be offered to elected members as part of the ongoing elected member development programme in order to facilitate the provision of a more comprehensive analysis.

The Head of Policy & Commissioning agreed to issue information to Councillor James MacLaren in relation to climate change, building and energy efficiency.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the report be noted; 

(b) That it be noted that detailed briefings on the Scottish Household Survey at a national and Renfrewshire level would be offered to all elected members as part of the ongoing development programme for members; and

(c) That the Head of Policy & Commissioning issue information to Councillor James MacLaren in relation to climate change, building and energy efficiency.
Report by the Director of Finance and Resources.
5
There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources advising that Councillor Steel had intimated his intention to stand down as one of the Council’s representatives on the Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority Joint Committee.

The report sought the Council’s approval to replace Councillor Steel with Councillor Audrey Doig as a member of the Joint Committee.

In addition, Councillor Nicolson proposed that Councillor Paterson replace Councillor Don as a member of the Licensing Board. This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED

(a) That the Council agree that Councillor Steel be replaced by Councillor Audrey Doig as a Council representative on the Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority Joint Committee; and

(b) That the Council agree that Councillor Don be replaced by Councillor Paterson as a member of the Licensing Board.

"Where an Elected Member of Renfrewshire Council chooses not to take a salary, the Chief Executive is to establish how the Elected Member would like their salary allocated and fulfil those wishes where possible.

 

With regard the pension contributions from both parties, the Chief Executive is to establish the wishes of the Elected Member and implement them accordingly."

6
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Mackay and Strang in the following terms: 
"Where an Elected Member of Renfrewshire Council chooses not to take a salary, the Chief Executive is to establish how the Elected Member would like their salary allocated and fulfil those wishes where possible. 

With regard the pension contributions from both parties, the Chief Executive is to establish the wishes of the Elected Member and implement them accordingly." 

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

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

“Council notes that where an elected member chooses not to take a salary, the associated resources will be managed as part of the Council’s existing financial arrangements. In such circumstances the elected member cannot, as a direct consequence of not receiving salary, be an active and contributing member to the Strathclyde Pension Fund.

Any elected member who chooses to receive a salary, is free in a personal capacity to direct that payment in any way they wish and at the same time able to be an active and contributing member of the Strathclyde Pension Fund.”

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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Binks, Mackay, James MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

35 members having voted for the amendment and 5 members having voted for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Council notes that where an elected member chooses not to take a salary, the associated resources will be managed as part of the Council’s existing financial arrangements. In such circumstances the elected member cannot, as a direct consequence of not receiving salary, be an active and contributing member to the Strathclyde Pension Fund.

Any elected member who chooses to receive a salary, is free in a personal capacity to direct that payment in any way they wish and at the same time able to be an active and contributing member of the Strathclyde Pension Fund.
"To enable time for Elected Members to scrutinise the proposed budget, it is to be presented to Elected Members at least 24 hours in advance of the Council Meeting at which it is to be voted."
7
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Mackay and McIntyre in the following terms: 

"To enable time for Elected Members to scrutinise the proposed budget, it is to be presented to Elected Members at least 24 hours in advance of the Council Meeting at which it is to be voted." 

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

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

“Council notes that budget papers are provided prior to the Council meeting for the consideration of elected members and their respective groups.  Officers can also provide assistance and guidance to elected members and groups on any proposals in advance of the budget meeting.”

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

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Mack, Mackay, James MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

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

DECIDED: Council notes that budget papers are provided prior to the Council meeting for the consideration of elected members and their respective groups.  Officers can also provide assistance and guidance to elected members and groups on any proposals in advance of the budget meeting.
"As the town which gifted to the Judeo-Christian world the Good Neighbour principle and Duty of Care, we ask the chief executive waives her fee for returning officer duties and set an example for other local authorities to follow setting the tone/lead for a campaign of ending pay inequality."
8
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Mack and Andy Doig which Provost Cameron ruled was not competent in terms of Standing Order 19(c).

"Supporting Renfrewshire's Farming Community

 

Renfrewshire Council notes the concern expressed by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change earlier this year on the detrimental impact of agri-business on global warming, particularly in the meat and dairy sector, and recognises the valuable contribution of Renfrewshire's farming community to locally sourced and produced quality meat and dairy products.

 

Council further highlights the benefits of quality red meat as a suitable source of zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 and calls on future UK governments to protect and defend the primacy of locally sourced and produced red meat, in areas such as Renfrewshire, when negotiating international trade deals."

9
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Mack in the following terms: 

"Supporting Renfrewshire's Farming Community 

Renfrewshire Council notes the concern expressed by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change earlier this year on the detrimental impact of agri-business on global warming, particularly in the meat and dairy sector, and recognises the valuable contribution of Renfrewshire's farming community to locally sourced and produced quality meat and dairy products. 
Council further highlights the benefits of quality red meat as a suitable source of zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 and calls on future UK governments to protect and defend the primacy of locally sourced and produced red meat, in areas such as Renfrewshire, when negotiating international trade deals." 

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

DECIDED: Supporting Renfrewshire's Farming Community 

Renfrewshire Council notes the concern expressed by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change earlier this year on the detrimental impact of agri-business on global warming, particularly in the meat and dairy sector, and recognises the valuable contribution of Renfrewshire's farming community to locally sourced and produced quality meat and dairy products. 

Council further highlights the benefits of quality red meat as a suitable source of zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 and calls on future UK governments to protect and defend the primacy of locally sourced and produced red meat, in areas such as Renfrewshire, when negotiating international trade deals.

"Remembering Renfrewshire's contribution to the Fight against Fascism during the Spanish Civil War

 

Renfrewshire Council watches with concern the rise of populist and far right parties and governments across Europe, in this, the 80th anniversary year of the beginning of the Second World War against Fascism and Nazism.

 

Council applauds the contribution against Fascism made by those from Renfrewshire, and across the UK, who served in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, which was in so many ways the precursor of the Second World War.

 

Council resolves that in honour of the sacrifice of the International Brigades, whom many consider to be the advance guards of democracy, the flag of the Second Spanish Republic (1931-39) shall be flown outside Renfrewshire House every 21st September annually, the date when the Brigades were disbanded."

10
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and Mack in the following terms: 

"Remembering Renfrewshire's contribution to the Fight against Fascism during the Spanish Civil War 

Renfrewshire Council watches with concern the rise of populist and far right parties and governments across Europe, in this, the 80th anniversary year of the beginning of the Second World War against Fascism and Nazism. 

Council applauds the contribution against Fascism made by those from Renfrewshire, and across the UK, who served in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, which was in so many ways the precursor of the Second World War. 

Council resolves that in honour of the sacrifice of the International Brigades, whom many consider to be the advance guards of democracy, the flag of the Second Spanish Republic (1931-39) shall be flown outside Renfrewshire House every 21st September annually, the date when the Brigades were disbanded." 

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

Councillor Mackay, seconded by Councillor James MacLaren, moved as a first amendment:

“That this matter does not fall under the jurisdiction of Renfrewshire Council.”

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

“That the date of 21st September annually be replaced with 16th February annually and that the flag to be flown be the popular front flag of Spain 1936.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillor Andy Doig and Councillor Mack, being the mover and seconder of the motion agreed that the last paragraph of the motion be amended to read:

“Council resolves that in honour of the sacrifice of the International Brigades, whom many consider to be the advance guards of democracy, a flag be flown from outside Renfrewshire House every 16 February annually, to commemorate the election of the popular front government in 1936.  The flag to be flown to be agreed with group Leaders.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillor Sharkey and Councillor Devine, being the mover and seconder of the second amendment agreed to this and withdrew their amendment.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the first amendment which was now the substantial amendment: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Mackay, James MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.

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

7 members having voted for the amendment and 32 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Remembering Renfrewshire's contribution to the Fight against Fascism during the Spanish Civil War 

Renfrewshire Council watches with concern the rise of populist and far right parties and governments across Europe, in this, the 80th anniversary year of the beginning of the Second World War against Fascism and Nazism. 

Council applauds the contribution against Fascism made by those from Renfrewshire, and across the UK, who served in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, which was in so many ways the precursor of the Second World War. 

Council resolves that in honour of the sacrifice of the International Brigades, whom many consider to be the advance guards of democracy, a flag be flown from outside Renfrewshire House every 16 February annually, to commemorate the election of the popular front government in 1936.  The flag to be flown to be agreed with group Leaders.

"Council agrees to investigate the re-instatement of two bus stops located on Well Street, Paisley to their original location.  Council also agrees to full engagement and consultation with local residents, local elected members, local businesses and the local community council.  These stops were originally moved without prior consultation and require community involvement.

 

Council calls on SPT to remove all barriers, including financial, to this relocation and assist the council to relocate these bus stops.

 

Council will contact SPT to seek agreement on the relocation of these bus stops without any financial penalty to the council."

11
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Kenny MacLaren and Mags MacLaren in the following terms: 

“Council agrees to investigate the re-instatement of two bus stops located on Well Street, Paisley to their original location.  Council also agrees to full engagement and consultation with local residents, local elected members, local businesses and the local community council. These stops were originally moved without prior consultation and require community involvement.

Council calls on SPT to remove all barriers, including financial, to this relocation and assist the council to relocate these bus stops.

Council will contact SPT to seek agreement on the relocation of these bus stops without any financial penalty to the Council.”

Councillor Kenny MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Mags MacLaren, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: Council agrees to investigate the re-instatement of two bus stops located on Well Street, Paisley to their original location.  Council also agrees to full engagement and consultation with local residents, local elected members, local businesses and the local community council. These stops were originally moved without prior consultation and require community involvement.

Council calls on SPT to remove all barriers, including financial, to this relocation and assist the council to relocate these bus stops.

Council will contact SPT to seek agreement on the relocation of these bus stops without any financial penalty to the Council.

"Hawkhead cemetery

 

This council recognises that £500,000 has been spent on Hawkhead cemetery in the last year.  Council also recognises that this work has covered only one part of the cemetery, and that most of the area is still in a shocking state of disrepair.

 

The council therefore confirms that adequate funding will be included in next year's Administration budget to fully address the problems which have built up in Hawkhead cemetery over the previous decades."

12
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McCartin and Mack in the following terms:

"Hawkhead cemetery 

This council recognises that £500,000 has been spent on Hawkhead cemetery in the last year. Council also recognises that this work has covered only one part of the cemetery, and that most of the area is still in a shocking state of disrepair. 

The council therefore confirms that adequate funding will be included in next year's Administration budget to fully address the problems which have built up in Hawkhead cemetery over the previous decades." 

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

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

“Council agrees that the significant investment in cemeteries by this council across the whole of Renfrewshire was welcomed by local communities and further notes that future investment is a matter for the respective groups as part of the budget process.”

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

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

The following members abstained: Councillors Andy Doig and Mackay.

18 members having voted for the amendment, 20 members having voted for the motion, and 2 members having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Hawkhead cemetery 

This Council recognises that £500,000 has been spent on Hawkhead cemetery in the last year. Council also recognises that this work has covered only one part of the cemetery, and that most of the area is still in a shocking state of disrepair. 

The Council therefore confirms that adequate funding will be included in next year's Administration budget to fully address the problems which have built up in Hawkhead cemetery over the previous decades.

"Name Change

The area which spans Grahamston Road in the South East of the County of Renfrewshire to Caplethill Road in the West encompassing the area dispassionately referred to hitherto as 'P6' in Ordinance Survey Map No. 100023417 (Printed 14/01/13) be from this day forth, in keeping with the scientific principles of nomenclature, known as 'The Lungs of Paisley.'"

13
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Mack and Andy Doig which Provost Cameron ruled was not competent in terms of Standing Order 19(c).

"Council, in recognition of the climate emergency, condemns the excessive use of packaging by local supermarkets and online retailers such as Amazon.  Council agrees that whilst there is legislation in place it does not go far enough to deal with the issue of excess packaging.  It is clear that climate change is not a priority for Westminster and that these powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to strengthen the legislation to protect our environment

 

Council also instructs officers in trading standards to investigate this issue within Renfrewshire and take action against retailers who don't comply with the current legislation.  The council will also audit our own services to ensure that we are not contributing to this problem."

14

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Mylet and Kenny MacLaren in the following terms:

"Council, in recognition of the climate emergency, condemns the excessive use of packaging by local supermarkets and online retailers such as Amazon. Council agrees that whilst there is legislation in place it does not go far enough to deal with the issue of excess packaging. It is clear that climate change is not a priority for Westminster and that these powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to strengthen the legislation to protect our environment.

Council also instructs officers in trading standards to investigate this issue within Renfrewshire and take action against retailers who don't comply with the current legislation. The council will also audit our own services to ensure that we are not contributing to this problem."

Councillor Mylet, seconded by Councillor Kenny MacLaren, then moved the motion.

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

Remove “it is clear that climate change is not a priority for Westminster and that these powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to strengthen the legislation to protect our environment.”

Replace with:

“Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions across the G20 between 2010 and 2017: Britain leads the way (all other G20 countries increased emissions – G20 emissions overall rose by 5%) – attached as the appendix to this Minute.

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

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

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

DECIDED: Council, in recognition of the climate emergency, condemns the excessive use of packaging by local supermarkets and online retailers such as Amazon. Council agrees that whilst there is legislation in place it does not go far enough to deal with the issue of excess packaging. It is clear that climate change is not a priority for Westminster and that these powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to strengthen the legislation to protect our environment.

 

Council also instructs officers in trading standards to investigate this issue within Renfrewshire and take action against retailers who don't comply with the current legislation. The Council will also audit our own services to ensure that we are not contributing to this problem.

Additional Meeting Documents

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
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