Council, 30 September 2021, pages 117-142
Appointment Board, 6 October 2021, pages 143-144
Special Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 22 October 2021, pages 145-148
Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 25 October 2021, pages 149-152
Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 26 October, 2021, pages 153-174
Regulatory Functions Board, 27 October 2021, pages 175-186
Education & Children's Services Policy Board, 28 October 2021, pages 187-192
Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board, 3 November 2021, pages 193-202
Petitions Board, 8 November 2021, pages 203-206
Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 10 November 2021, pages 207-220
Regulatory Functions Board, 11 November 2021, pages 221-234
Appointment Board, 12 November 2021, pages 235-236
Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 15 November 2021, pages 237-242
Special Council, 18 November 2021, pages 243-246
Special Regulatory Functions Board, 25 November 2021, pages 247-250
Leadership Board, 2 December 2021, pages 251-266
Special Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 7 December 2021, pages 267-269
Special Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 10 December 2021 (copy to follow)
1
There were submitted the Minutes of the following meetings of the Council, Boards and Panels on the dates specified:
Council, 30 September 2021
Appointment Board, 6 October 2021
Special Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 22 October 2021
Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 25 October 2021
Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 26 October 2021
Regulatory Functions Board, 27 October 2021
Education & Children's Services Policy Board, 28 October 2021
Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board, 3 November 2021
Petitions Board, 8 November 2021
Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 10 November 2021
Regulatory Functions Board, 11 November 2021
Appointment Board, 12 November 2021
Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, 15 November 2021
Special Council, 18 November 2021
Special Regulatory Functions Board, 25 November 2021
Leadership Board, 2 December 2021
Special Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board, 7 December 2021
Special Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board, 10 December 2021
DECIDED: That the Minutes be approved.
Report by Director of Environment & Infrastructure
2
Under reference to Item 27 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 30 September 2021, there was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Infrastructure relative to arrangements made to deliver a healthy and nutritious free meal, as part of the expansion of the free school lunch programme, to every child whose family wanted them to have one.
The report stated that during June 2021 the Scottish Government had announced, as part of its programme for government, the expansion of free school lunches to all primary 4 pupils from August 2021, primary 5 pupils from January 2022 and pupils in primaries 6 and 7 and all Additional Support Needs pupils from August 2022. In addition, the Scottish Government had indicated that the roll out of free milk for all primary and ASN school pupils would form part of the school lunch expansion programme. The report outlined the work undertaken locally to deliver the programme of free meal expansion in Renfrewshire. It was noted that implementation of the primary 4 free school lunch offering for all had been undertaken at the start of the school term, in August 2021, and been delivered with minimum alterations to the existing school meals provision, infrastructure and resource capacity. The report indicated that the service was currently preparing for expanding the free school meal offering to all primary 5 pupils, with resource and infrastructure requirements in place to support this expansion. The Scottish Futures Trust, on behalf of the Scottish Government, was reviewing the capital, one-off and ongoing revenue requirements of each local authority to deliver the expanded school meal provision to all primary and ASN pupils. It was expected that information collected would inform Scottish Government 2022/23 budget setting discussions. The report advised that in Renfrewshire a number of infrastructure investments would be required across the school estate to expand and alter kitchens and servery areas to deliver the full expansion programme. The report also highlighted that recruitment was underway to support the primary 5 expansion in January 2022, with a further programme of recruitment planned during 2022 to support the expansion of the initiative to primaries 6 and 7 and ASN pupils. Updates were provided in respect of the design and development, procurement, transport & logistics and engagement & communication workstreams associated with the project.
DECIDED:
(a) That the work undertaken to deliver universal free school meal provision for primary 4 and 5 pupils during academic school year 2021/22 be noted;
(b) That the ongoing work with Scottish Futures Trust, on behalf of the Scottish Government, to gather estimated capital, revenue and one-off costs to support the expansion of free school meal provision for primary 4-7 pupils and ASN schools be noted; and
(c) That it be noted that progress updates would be reported to the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board.
Report by Acting Director of Finance & Resources
3
There was submitted a progress report by the Acting Director of Finance & Resources providing a General Fund financial update.
The report intimated that the Council’s financial outlook over the medium term remained subject to increased risk, as the Council supported both community and organisational recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, but that the financial position in the current financial year remained stable and consistent with previous reports. The report also advised that the position, in terms of net additional costs, excluding education recovery costs, expected to be incurred during 2021/22 in relation to Covid-19 was in the region of £9-10 million. In addition, it was highlighted that costs had increased as prevention measures remained in place and the societal impact of the pandemic continued. The forecast included an anticipated impact on net council tax income of around £0.5 million and an estimated loss of £1.3 million for Renfrewshire Leisure (RL). In line with the approach outlined in previous reports, the Council’s financial forecast did not include any net unfunded costs incurred by Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP). The report noted that costs related to the pandemic incurred in schools and Early Learning Centres were estimated to be £3.3 million while additional children’s social care costs were estimated to be £1.3 million. In terms of the Council’s core financial position, current forecasts anticipated an underspend of £2 million but this position excluded the anticipated impact of the 2021/22 pay award. In addition, members were reminded that the 2021/22 budget had been set on the basis of an unaddressed deficit of £1.7 million.
The UK Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) had outlined that the inflationary risks which previously were anticipated to be transitory appeared now to be longer lasting and at higher levels, with consequential impacts for the Council in terms of supplies costs and potential pay costs. The report indicated that the prospects for economic recovery had improved from previous forecasts, with the vaccine roll-out being a key enabler in allowing quicker improvement. UK Government borrowing, while still high in historic terms, was forecast to be lower than previously forecasted which provided the UK Government with some additional capacity for public spending. This capacity was anticipated to be further supplemented by increased tax receipts from measures outlined by the Chancellor during 2021 It was highlighted that these improved forecasts might be short-lived, with economic prospects in terms of lower growth forecasts in the later years of the spending review period and high inflation anticipated. In addition, the CSR had confirmed that the Scottish Government block grant would increase substantially in 2022/23, with only very moderate increases over the remainder of the spending review period. The report noted that although the Scottish Budget had been published on 9 December 2021 detailed breakdown of the local government settlement by Council would not be published until 20 December 2021. The report emphasised that the Scottish budget was subject to a number of pressures and there was no guarantee that the levels of increase for the block grant as a whole would be reflected in the local government settlement. Based broadly on the central planning scenario over 2022/23 – 2024/25 it was anticipated that Renfrewshire Council was likely to be faced with a funding gap of around £26 million prior to any decisions on council tax. It was highlighted that, as previously approved, unallocated reserves had been replenished to £10 million moving into 2021/22. The report stated that the Right for Renfrewshire transformation programme had been heavily disrupted by the capacity of the Council being diverted to support the Covid-19 response and this was expected to remain a significant constraint on the programme during 2022.
DECIDED:
(a) That the update provided in the report be noted; and
(b) That it be noted that it was anticipated that the next update would form part of the budget report submitted to Council, based on the announcement of the Scottish Government budget and local government financial settlement on 9 December 2021 and the days thereafter.
Report by Acting Director of Finance & Resources
6
There was submitted a report by the Acting Director of Finance & Resources relative to the proposed timetable of meetings of the Council and its Boards, for the period May to December 2022, a copy of which was appended to the report.
The report advised that the proposed timetable of meetings was based on the Council’s current decision-making structure and incorporated recess periods at summer, October and Christmas/New Year. 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 as a result would be cancelled, in consultation with the respective Convener. In addition, it was highlighted that to assist members’ diary arrangements, dates of the first meetings of the Licensing Board had been included within the timetable.
DECIDED:
(a) That the timetable of meetings of the Council and its Boards, for the period May to December 2022, including the dates during which there were to be recesses, as detailed in the appendix to the report, be approved;
(b) That a report be submitted to the meeting of the Council scheduled to be held during December 2022 relative to the timetable from January 2023 onwards;
(c) That it be agreed that meetings of the Appeals Panel and Local Review Body, although timetabled, be cancelled if there was no substantive business; and
(d) That it be noted that the timetable of meetings might be subject to change following the Local Government Elections in May 2022.
“Council notes the statutory role which Community Councils have in relation to the planning process, and further recognises their wider remit as valuable local forums through which community concerns can be expressed and articulated.
Council therefore believes that Renfrewshire Council’s Protocol for the naming of new streets and developments should be amended to include Community Councils as consultees in this process, so that the names of new developments and streets better reflect local history.”
9
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Andy Doig and McCartin in the following terms:
“Council notes the statutory role which Community Councils have in relation to the planning process, and further recognises their wider remit as valuable local forums through which community concerns can be expressed and articulated.
Council therefore believes that Renfrewshire Council’s Protocol for the naming of new streets and developments should be amended to include Community Councils as consultees in this process, so that the names of new developments and streets better reflect local history.”
Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor McCartin then moved the motion.
Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor McGurk, moved as an amendment that the second paragraph of the motion be deleted and replaced with:
“Renfrewshire Council agrees that its Protocol for the naming of new streets and developments should be amended to include Community Councils and Tenants and Residents Associations (TRA’s) as consultees in this process, so that the names of new developments and streets better reflect local history.”
In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Andy Doig and McCartin, being the mover and seconder of the motion agreed to accept the amendment to the motion, and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.
DECIDED:
(a) That Council notes the statutory role which Community Councils have in relation to the planning process, and further recognises their wider remit as valuable local forums through which community concerns can be expressed and articulated; and
(b) That it be agreed that Renfrewshire Council’s Protocol for the naming of new streets and developments should be amended to include Community Councils and Tenants and Residents Associations (TRA’s) as consultees in this process, so that the names of new developments and streets better reflect local history.
"Cancellation of By-Election
Council demands to know what the total cost to the public purse has been as a result of first, the calling of, and then the cancellation of the by-election due to be held on the 14th of December."
10
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Sharkey and Devine in the following terms:
"Cancellation of By-Election
Council demands to know what the total cost to the public purse has been as a result of first, the calling of, and then the cancellation of the by-election due to be held on the 14th of December."
Councillor Sharkey, seconded by Councillor Devine, then moved the motion.
Having noted that details of costs incurred to date had been issued to elected members via email prior to the meeting and that the final costs would be advised in due course, the motion was approved unanimously.
DECIDED: That Council demands to know what the total cost to the public purse has been as a result of first, the calling of, and then the cancellation of the by-election due to be held on the 14th of December.
"Autistic Community Approved Communication Boards
Council commends the work of Peterbourgh Council in helping its autistic residents and joins with it in the belief that people with autism deserve to be understood and heard, to live in an autism friendly society where they can strive to be the best they can be without hidden or systemic barriers,
Council resolves to install autistic community approved communication boards in all our parks and instructs our officers to bring a report to the next meeting of this Council."
11
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Devine-Kennedy and Grady in the following terms:
"Autistic Community Approved Communication Boards
Council commends the work of Peterbourgh Council in helping its autistic residents and joins with it in the belief that people with autism deserve to be understood and heard, to live in an autism friendly society where they can strive to be the best they can be without hidden or systemic barriers,
Council resolves to install autistic community approved communication boards in all our parks and instructs our officers to bring a report to the next meeting of this Council.”
Councillor Devine-Kennedy, seconded by Councillor Grady, then moved the motion.
Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor Rodden, moved as an amendment the replacement of the second instance of the word ‘autistic’ with neurodivergent, that the phrase ‘people with autism’ be replaced with ‘people who are neurodivergent’ and that ‘autism’ be replaced with ‘neurodiversity’ so that the motion as amended would read
‘Council commends the work of Peterbourgh Council in helping its autistic residents and joins with it in the belief that people who are neurodivergent deserve to be understood and heard, to live in an neurodiversity friendly society where they can strive to be the best they can be without hidden or systemic barriers, Council resolves to install neurodivergent community approved communication boards in all our parks and instructs our officers to bring a report to the next meeting of this Council.’
In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Devine-Kennedy and Grady, being the mover and seconder of the motion agreed to accept the amendment to the motion as an addition, and the motion, as amended, was approved unanimously.
DECIDED: That Council commends the work of Peterbourgh Council in helping its autistic residents and joins with it in the belief that people who are neurodivergent deserve to be understood and heard, to live in an neurodiversity friendly society where they can strive to be the best they can be without hidden or systemic barriers, Council resolves to install neurodivergent community approved communication boards in all our parks and instructs our officers to bring a report to the next meeting of this Council.
"Sir David Amess MP
Council is shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess MP. Elected members from all political parties and none should be able to carry out their duties as elected representatives without fear and intimidation.
Council recognises that we as elected members should be setting an example to be seen to treat our fellow elected members with respect and dignity even in our disagreements.
This council is united in our condemnation of the attacks recently which has led to the deaths of Cllr Andy Pennington, Jo Cox MP and Sir David Amess. MP"
12
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Graham and McIntyre in the following terms:
"Sir David Amess MP
Council is shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess MP. Elected members from all political parties and none should be able to carry out their duties as elected representatives without fear and intimidation.
Council recognises that we as elected members should be setting an example to be seen to treat our fellow elected members with respect and dignity even in our disagreements.
This council is united in our condemnation of the attacks recently which has led to the deaths of Cllr Andy Pennington, Jo Cox MP and Sir David Amess MP."
Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor McIntyre, then moved the motion which was approved unanimously.
DECIDED:
(a) That Council is shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess MP. Elected members from all political parties and none should be able to carry out their duties as elected representatives without fear and intimidation;
(b) That Council recognises that we as elected members should be setting an example to be seen to treat our fellow elected members with respect and dignity even in our disagreements; and
(c) That this Council is united in our condemnation of the attacks recently which has led to the deaths of Cllr Andy Pennington, Jo Cox MP and Sir David Amess MP.