Skip to main content
Business - Renfrewshire Council
You are in Meetings

Meeting Details

Council
13 May 2021 - 09:30 to 13:00
Occurred
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests
  • Webcast

Documents

Agenda

Agenda
Notification
Membership Section
Standard Items
Recording of Meeting

This meeting has been recorded for subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site. If you have any queries regarding this please contact Committee Services on democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk. To find the recording please follow the link below:

https://youtu.be/t6ygFOmmuIA

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Provost intimated that this meeting of the Council would be recorded and that the recording would be available to watch on the Council’s website.
Items Of Business
Apologies
Apologies from members.
Councillors Don and Steel.
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.
Councillor Dowling declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 6 Motion 3 of the agenda in that she had a family member on the autistic spectrum. She intimated that she would remain in the meeting and take part in any discussion or voting thereon.
.
Councillor Burns declared an interest in respect of item 9 Motion 6 of the agenda as he was a Director of a pest control business. He intimated that he would leave the meeting and take no part in any discussion or voting thereon.  

Councillor McIntyre declared an interest in respect of item 12, Motion 9 of the agenda as he was a Director of a company which carried out insurance underwriting. He intimated that he would leave the meeting and take no part in any discussion or voting thereon. 
Council, 4 March 2021, pages 404-437
Special Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 5 March 2021, pages 438-441
Placing Requests & Exclusions Appeals Panel, 11 March 2021, pages 442-443
Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 16 March 2021, pages 444-460
Regulatory Functions Board, 17 March 2021, pages 461-467
Education & Children's Services Policy Board, 18 March 2021, pages 468-473
Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 22 March 2021, pages 474-479
Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board, 24 March 2021, pages 480-489
Finance, Resources & Customer Service Policy Board, 31 March 2021, pages 490-505
Regulatory Functions Board, 1 April 2021, pages 506-513
Special Leadership Board, 6 April 2021, pages 514-517
Special Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 14 April 2021, pages 518-523
Leadership Board, 28 April 2021, pages 524-535

 

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

Council, 4 March 2021 
Special Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 5 March 2021
Placing Requests & Exclusions Appeals Panel, 11 March 2021 
Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 16 March 2021 
Regulatory Functions Board, 17 March 2021 
Education & Children's Services Policy Board, 18 March 2021 
Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 22 March 2021
Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board, 24 March 2021 
Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 31 March 2021
Regulatory Functions Board, 1 April 2021
Special Leadership Board, 6 April 2021 
Special Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 14 April 2021
Leadership Board, 28 April 2021 

Under reference to page 524 of the Minute of the meeting of the Leadership Board held on 28 April 2021, Councillor Devine indicated that the Minute required to be corrected as his declaration of interest in item 10 of the agenda for that meeting as a member of the Renfrewshire Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund had been omitted.

DECIDED:  That the Minutes be approved subject to the correction to the Minute of the meeting of the Leadership Board held on 28 April 2021 to include the declaration of interest by Councillor Devine in item 10 of the agenda as a member of the Renfrewshire Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund.
Report by Director of Children's Services.
2
There was submitted a report by the Director of Children’s Services relative to the National Transfer Scheme which allowed for unaccompanied children to be transferred to the care of local authorities other than that to which they had first arrived. The Scheme was intended to ease pressures on areas of high traffic (such as those with busy airports or direct travel links to and from the European mainland). Those who joined the scheme could apply for children to be transferred from their care as well as accept children from other local authority areas.

The report advised that the Home Office provided direct funding to local authorities for the care and support of unaccompanied children. In certain circumstances, this funding could be provided up to the age of 25.






Provost Cameron, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved that it be agreed that Renfrewshire Council formally join the National Transfer Scheme with a view to considering applications for the transfer of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to Renfrewshire.

Councillor Bibby, seconded by Councillor Dowling, moved that in addition 

“Council notes the proud record of communities across Renfrewshire in offering refuge and shelter to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children over the last two decades. In maintaining  this proud record, and in the event of joining the National Transfer Scheme, Council believes that it should not be impeded by financial constraints or detriment, and accordingly will write to the UK Government to secure a commitment that it will fully fund all future placements of unaccompanied asylum seeking children and  associated care costs, incurred by Renfrewshire Council and other local authorities across Scotland.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Provost Cameron and Councillor Nicolson, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed to accept the amendment as an addition to the motion and the motion, as amended, was approved.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be agreed that Renfrewshire Council formally join the National Transfer Scheme with a view to considering applications for the transfer of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to Renfrewshire; and

(b) That Council notes the proud record of communities across Renfrewshire in offering refuge and shelter to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children over the last two decades. In maintaining this proud record, and in the event of joining the National Transfer Scheme, Council believes that it should not be impeded by financial constraints or detriment, and accordingly will write to the UK Government to secure a commitment that it will fully fund all future placements of unaccompanied asylum seeking children and  associated care costs, incurred by Renfrewshire Council and other local authorities across Scotland.
Report by Director of Finance & Resources.
3
Under reference to item 6 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 4 March 2021,  there was submitted a report by the Director of Finance &  Resources relative to proposed arrangements for the next cycle of Board meetings up to and including the next full Council meeting on 24 June 2021, and providing an update on the installation of the Public-i system that would enable live-streamed hybrid meetings to take place as restrictions to combat the Covid-19 pandemic were eased.

The report proposed that the arrangements that had been in place for Board and Council meetings since August 2020 be continued for one further cycle of meetings to enable the Public-i system to be fully tested and for elected members and officers to receive training on the system prior to it going live.  The arrangements set out in the report aimed to allow the next cycle of Board meetings to take place as efficiently as possible in the current circumstances and to move away from governance arrangements that were created as a response to an emergency. 


Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved that the report be approved, and that in addition, the following proposed changes to Policy Board memberships from the SNP group be agreed.

Councillor Audrey Doig to replace Councillor Natalie Don on the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board
Councillor Iain Nicolson to replace Councillor Natalie Don on the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board
Councillor Jim Paterson to replace Councillor Natalie Don on the Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board
Councillor Michelle Campbell to be appointed as Depute Convener of the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board. 

DECIDED:    

(a) That the arrangements for the next cycle of Council and Board meetings set out in section 4 of the report be approved; 

(b) That the position in relation to the installation of the Public-i system and the proposals for mobilising the system be noted; 

(c) That it be noted that the arrangements for subsequent Board cycles would be the subject of a report to Council on 24 June 2021;  

d) That the proposal to bring to an end the current temporary arrangements for the Emergencies Board be approved; and

(e) That the following changes to Policy Board memberships from the SNP group be approved: -

Councillor Audrey Doig to replace Councillor Natalie Don on the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board
Councillor Iain Nicolson to replace Councillor Natalie Don on the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board
Councillor Jim Paterson to replace Councillor Natalie Don on the Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board
Councillor Michelle Campbell to be appointed as Depute Convener of the Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board.
"Section 50 Monies Held by Renfrewshire Council for Community Benefit in Lochwinnoch

Council calls on the Planning Department to release the Section 50 monies to Lochwinnoch Community Council, estimated to be £40,000, which the Council was given for community benefit in the village by housing developers when the Station Rise development was being built in the early 1990’s.”
4
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McCartin and Andy Doig in the following terms:

"Section 50 Monies Held by Renfrewshire Council for Community Benefit in Lochwinnoch 

Council calls on the Planning Department to release the Section 50 monies to Lochwinnoch Community Council, estimated to be £40,000, which the Council was given for community benefit in the village by housing developers when the Station Rise development was being built in the early 1990’s.”


Councillors McCartin and Andy Doig then moved the motion.

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

“Council understands that the sums involved were provided for in a legal document (Section 50 Agreement) for a specified purpose attached to the granting of a planning application. The specified purpose was to support the provision of industrial units in Lochwinnoch which has not been progressed.

Council therefore agrees that officers be instructed to expedite confirmation of the legal status of these monies direct with the applicant with a view to repurposing the funds. Also that a report be presented to the relevant board with options to as to the legal distribution of the funds, if applicable, for the benefit of the residents of Lochwinnoch”

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.

In addition, it was proposed that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board in relation to Section 50 monies which might be identified in relation to other Wards.  This was agreed.

DECIDED: Section 50 Monies Held by Renfrewshire Council for Community Benefit in Lochwinnoch

(a) Council calls on the Planning Department to release the Section 50 monies to Lochwinnoch Community Council, estimated to be £40,000, which the Council was given for community benefit in the village by housing developers when the Station Rise development was being built in the early 1990’s

Council understands that the sums involved were provided for in a legal document (Section 50 Agreement) for a specified purpose attached to the granting of a planning application. The specified purpose was to support the provision of industrial units in Lochwinnoch which has not been progressed.

Council therefore agrees that officers be instructed to expedite confirmation of the legal status of these monies direct with the applicant with a view to repurposing the funds. Also that a report be presented to the relevant board with options to as to the legal distribution of the funds, if applicable, for the benefit of the residents of Lochwinnoch; and

(b) That a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board in relation to Section 50 monies which might be identified in relation to other Wards.
"Dog Shock Collar Ban

Council notes that in the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called in its manifesto, A Better Scotland for Animals, for a ban on shock collars for dogs, a stance also supported by the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust.

Council further regrets the prevarication of the Scottish Government on the question of banning shock collars, reiterates its opposition to shock collars for dogs, and agrees to write to the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission calling for a ban at the earliest opportunity."
5
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and McCartin in the following terms:


“Dog Shock Collar Ban

Council notes that in the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called in its manifesto, A Better Scotland for Animals, for a ban on shock collars for dogs, a stance also supported by the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust. Council further regrets the prevarication of the Scottish Government on the question of banning shock collars, reiterates its opposition to shock collars for dogs, and agrees to write to the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission calling for a ban at the earliest opportunity."

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

DECIDED: Dog Shock Collar Ban -  Council notes that in the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called in its manifesto, A Better Scotland for Animals, for a ban on shock collars for dogs, a stance also supported by the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust. Council further regrets the prevarication of the Scottish Government on the question of banning shock collars, reiterates its opposition to shock collars for dogs, and agrees to write to the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission calling for a ban at the earliest opportunity.
"Council agrees to support the “Our Voice Our Rights” campaign led by Enable Scotland, The National Autistic Society Scotland and Scottish Autism in their campaign which is calling for a Commissioner to protect and uphold the rights of people affected by a disability and/or Autism and their families.

The appointed Commissioner would be the first of its kind in the world, established in law to champion the human rights of people with a learning disability and/or Autism. The “Our Voice Our Rights” campaign aims to make Scotland the best country in the world for the 175,000 people with a learning disability, the 56,000 people affected by Autism and their families in Scotland."
6
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors J Cameron and Hughes in the following terms:

"Council agrees to support the “Our Voice Our Rights” campaign led by Enable Scotland, The National Autistic Society Scotland and Scottish Autism in their campaign which is calling for a Commissioner to protect and uphold the rights of people affected by a disability and/or Autism and their families. The appointed Commissioner would be the first of its kind in the world, established in law to champion the human rights of people with a learning disability and/or Autism. The “Our Voice Our Rights” campaign aims to make Scotland the best country in the world for the 175,000 people with a learning disability, the 56,000 people affected by Autism and their families in Scotland."  

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









DECIDED: Council agrees to support the “Our Voice Our Rights” campaign led by Enable Scotland, The National Autistic Society Scotland and Scottish Autism in their campaign which is calling for a Commissioner to protect and uphold the rights of people affected by a disability and/or Autism and their families. The appointed Commissioner would be the first of its kind in the world, established in law to champion the human rights of people with a learning disability and/or Autism. The “Our Voice Our Rights” campaign aims to make Scotland the best country in the world for the 175,000 people with a learning disability, the 56,000 people affected by Autism and their families in Scotland.
"Council welcomes the Community Access to Cash Pilots being rolled out in a number of communities including Cambuslang and Falkirk.

The pilots are trialling a number of wide ranging ideas, including ‘Bank Hubs’, which will provide basic banking services including Post Office counter services and dedicated rooms where customers can meet staff from their own bank. If the pilots are deemed successful, they will seek to roll the programme out nationally. Council therefore agrees to engage in these conversations to find solutions to the ongoing impact of closures of local banks and post offices on our high streets and village communities."


7
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors J Cameron and K MacLaren in the following terms:

"Council welcomes the Community Access to Cash Pilots being rolled out in a number of communities including Cambuslang and Falkirk. The pilots are trialling a number of wide ranging ideas, including ‘Bank Hubs’, which will provide basic banking services including Post Office counter services and dedicated rooms where customers can meet staff from their own bank. If the pilots are deemed successful, they will seek to roll the programme out nationally. Council therefore agrees to engage in these conversations to find solutions to the ongoing impact of closures of local banks and post offices on our high streets and village communities."

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

DECIDEDCouncil welcomes the Community Access to Cash Pilots being rolled out in a number of communities including Cambuslang and Falkirk. The pilots are trialling a number of wide ranging ideas, including ‘Bank Hubs’, which will provide basic banking services including Post Office counter services and dedicated rooms where customers can meet staff from their own bank. If the pilots are deemed successful, they will seek to roll the programme out nationally. Council therefore agrees to engage in these conversations to find solutions to the ongoing impact of closures of local banks and post offices on our high streets and village communities.
"McGills Buses – No. 20 Route

Council opposes the change in service proposed by McGills to the No 20 bus route. The Whitehaugh portion of the route serves many elderly residents who need a better service not a reduced one and Arkleston Road was never intended to sustain such heavy traffic. The proposed infrastructure changes are judged as dangerous by local people and as such are totally unacceptable. The termination of the route at Johnstone town centre and the subsequent need to change buses for the people of Johnstone Castle increases journey time and will discourage bus travel when we should be doing all we can to encourage bus use."
8
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sharkey and Hood in the following terms:

 "McGills Buses – No. 20 Route 

Council opposes the change in service proposed by McGills to the No 20 bus route. The Whitehaugh portion of the route serves many elderly residents who need a better service not a reduced one and Arkleston Road was never intended to sustain such heavy traffic. The proposed infrastructure changes are judged as dangerous by local people and as such are totally unacceptable. The termination of the route at Johnstone town centre and the subsequent need to change buses for the people of Johnstone Castle increases journey time and will discourage bus travel when we should be doing all we can to encourage bus use."

Councillor Sharkey, seconded by Councillor Hood, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: McGill’s Buses – No. 20 Route - Council opposes the change in service proposed by McGill’s to the No 20 bus route. The Whitehaugh portion of the route serves many elderly residents who need a better service not a reduced one and Arkleston Road was never intended to sustain such heavy traffic. The proposed infrastructure changes are judged as dangerous by local people and as such are totally unacceptable. The termination of the route at Johnstone town centre and the subsequent need to change buses for the people of Johnstone Castle increases journey time and will discourage bus travel when we should be doing all we can to encourage bus use.
"Rat Infestations – Associated Charges

Council agrees to suspend the charges for services associated with the control of rodents until such time as the current explosion in rat infestation is under control and to encourage our local residents to take up those services."
9
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Kennedy and Devine in the following terms:

 "Rat Infestations – Associated Charges 

Council agrees to suspend the charges for services associated with the control of rodents until such time as the current explosion in rat infestation is under control and to encourage our local residents to take up those services."

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

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved as an amendment that 

“Council notes:

• There is no evidence to support the statement that there is an actual increase in numbers of rats or an ‘explosion’ in rat infestation.

• That figures for service requests show a reduction in requests for service over the period of monitoring 2019 – 21.

• The council operates a flat rate fee of £61.20 for full eradication treatment one of the smallest charges among local authorities and well below the market rate of £100-200

• The Service provides non chargeable treatment for public and communal areas.

• The service operates a rebate scheme for private service users who are on relevant benefits.



• Most service requests come from Council tenants who do not pay for the service directly with their costs covered through the housing revenue account.

Council agrees that the service is operating well and is providing an effective and affordable service to all Renfrewshire householders and at a cost well below that of the private sector.”

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

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

17 Members having voted for the amendment and 22 Members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: Rat Infestations – Associated Charges -  Council agrees to suspend the charges for services associated with the control of rodents until such time as the current explosion in rat infestation is under control and to encourage our local residents to take up those services.
"Renfrewshire Council agrees to write to the Standards Commission For Scotland inviting the commission to Renfrewshire for their next roadshow event.

Council also agrees to make available Renfrewshire House or any Council owned building which could facilitate this event as Covid-19 restrictions allow."
10
There was submitted a notice of motion by Councillors Graham and McIntyre in the following terms:

"Renfrewshire Council agrees to write to the Standards Commission For Scotland inviting the commission to Renfrewshire for their next roadshow event. Council also agrees to make available Renfrewshire House or any Council owned building which could facilitate this event as Covid-19 restrictions allow."  

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

DECIDED: That Renfrewshire Council agrees to write to the Standards Commission for Scotland inviting the Commission to Renfrewshire for their next roadshow event. Council also agrees to make available Renfrewshire House or any Council owned building which could facilitate this event as Covid-19 restrictions allow. 
"McGill’s No. 38 bus service 

Council calls on McGill’s to withdraw their threat to reduce the No 38 Glasgow to Kilbarchan or Spateston bus services which are needed by the young, the elderly, and everyone who is serious about reducing carbon effect on the planet.

The current Transport Bill includes the option for local authorities to regulate bus services, which is the existing policy of Renfrewshire Council, and calls on the Administration to provide a comprehensive report to the next full council on the progression of this policy, including any comment made by McGills."







11
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Hood and Sharkey in the following terms:

 "McGill’s No. 38 bus service 

Council calls on McGill’s to withdraw their threat to reduce the No 38 Glasgow to Kilbarchan or Spateston bus services which are needed by the young, the elderly, and everyone who is serious about reducing carbon effect on the planet. The current Transport Bill includes the option for local authorities to regulate bus services, which is the existing policy of Renfrewshire Council, and calls on the Administration to provide a comprehensive report to the next full council on the progression of this policy, including any comment made by McGills." 

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

Councillor McGurk, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved as an amendment that 

“Council notes the provisions contained within the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 which allow local authorities to play an increased role in the regulation, operation and franchising of bus services within their local areas. The roll out of the guidance relating to these specific provisions has been significantly delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and at the current time there is no date scheduled for implementation of these specific aspects through the creation of new regulations.
 
The Council will continue to work with partner authorities and SPT to review the guidance when it is issued and identify the issues which could impact on Renfrewshire. Council agrees that a report will be submitted to the relevant board on the potential impacts of the Transport (Scotland) Act including the impacts on the sector as a result of the pandemic.”

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillor McGurk, as the mover of the amendment then withdrew the amendment, and the motion was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED: McGill’s No. 38 bus service -  Council calls on McGill’s to withdraw their threat to reduce the No 38 Glasgow to Kilbarchan or Spateston bus services which are needed by the young, the elderly, and everyone who is serious about reducing carbon effect on the planet. The current Transport Bill includes the option for local authorities to regulate bus services, which is the existing policy of Renfrewshire Council, and calls on the Administration to provide a comprehensive report to the next full Council on the progression of this policy, including any comment made by McGill’s.
"Compulsory home insurance

That this council calls on the Scottish/ UK government to introduce legislation making home insurance compulsory for all households."
12
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sheridan and Devine in the following terms: 

 "Compulsory home insurance 

That this council calls on the Scottish/ UK government to introduce legislation making home insurance compulsory for all households.

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

It was proposed that further discussions take place with the Director of Communities & Housing in relation to compulsory home insurance and that a report to Communities Housing and Planning Board be considered. This was agreed

DECIDED: Compulsory home insurance 

(a) That this Council calls on the Scottish/UK government to introduce legislation making home insurance compulsory for all households; and 

(b) That further discussions take place with the Director of Communities & Housing in relation to compulsory home insurance and that a report to Communities Housing and Planning Board be considered.

Additional Meeting Documents

  1. pdf minutes complete (2321Kb)

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
Councillor Alison Ann-Dowling6Interest declared due to having a family member on the autistic spectrum.Non-PecuniaryWould remain in meeting and take part in any discussion/vote on this item.
Councillor Stephen Burns9Interest declared due to being a Director of a pest control business.Non-PecuniaryWould leave meeting and take no part in discussion/vote on this item.
Councillor John McIntyre12Interest declared due to being a Director of a company which carried out insurance underwriting.Non-PecuniaryWould leave meeting and take no part in discussion/vote on this item.

Visitors

Visitor Information is not yet available for this meeting

Webcast



This link will take you to an external website, the content displayed is managed and hosted externally to CMIS. Please note that the webcast may not be immediately available due to third party synchronisation delays.