The Provost advised that an update on the duties she had undertaken since the last meeting of the Council held on 1 May 2025 had been distributed to members.

DECIDED: That the update be noted.

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

Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 28 April 2025  
Council, 1 May 2025
Placing Requests and Exclusions Appeals Panel, 8 May 2025    
Communities and Housing Policy Board, 13 May 2025
Regulatory Functions Board, 14 May 2025
Education and Children's Services Policy Board, 15 May 2025
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board, 19 May 2025
Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, 20 May 2025
Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, 20 May 2025          
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, 21 May 2025
Personnel Appeals and Applied Conditions of Service Appeals Panel, 22 May 2025
Regulatory Functions Board, 29 May 2025
Petitions Board, 2 June 2025
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, 12 June 2025 
Local Review Body, 17 June 2025 
Leadership Board, 18 June 2025 

DECIDED: That the minutes be approved. 

There was submitted a joint report by the Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure and the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Council's programme for flag flying, the lighting up of Council buildings and the filling of vacancies on a number of Council Boards.

The Head of Corporate Governance advised members of a number of changes which were required to Appendix 1 of the report, namely that the event listed as Girl Guide Movement should be World Thinking Day which would take place on 22 February and that the event listed for World Prostate Cancer Day should be on 11 June.  It was further noted that corrections were required to the spelling of Houstoun Square. 

Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor Shaw, moved the recommendations detailed in the report subject to the corrections noted above and the following addition:

"Council agrees that the Burgh flags of Renfrew and Johnstone be flown from the relevant flagpoles in those towns except on occasions as contained in Appendix 2 and confirms that the existing arrangements for Renfrewshire House which represents the Renfrewshire Council area remains the same, until such time as the Council determines otherwise.

Council also notes and recognises that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Renfrewshire Council occurs in 2026. Council therefore agrees that the flag of Renfrewshire Council be flown to mark the occasion from the relevant flag poles during 2026. Council further agrees that the above matters be delegated to the Provost and relevant officers."

This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

(a) That the five structures and programme of events for lighting up of Council buildings, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, subject to the corrections noted above, be agreed;

(b) Council agrees that the Burgh flags of Renfrew and Johnstone be flown from the relevant flagpoles in those towns except on occasions as contained in Appendix 2 and confirms that the existing arrangements for Renfrewshire House which represents the Renfrewshire Council area remains the same, until such time as the Council determines otherwise;

(c) Council also notes and recognises that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Renfrewshire Council occurs in 2026. Council therefore agrees that the flag of Renfrewshire Council be flown to mark the occasion from the relevant flag poles during 2026. Council further agrees that the above matters be delegated to the Provost and relevant officers;

(d) That the programme of flag flying, as detailed Appendix 2 of the report and subject to the changes agreed above, be noted;

(e) That the following nominations by the Labour Group, be approved:

Councillor Grady to fill the vacancy on the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board;

Councillor Clark to fill the vacancy on the Communities & Housing Policy Board;

Councillor Mullin to fill the vacancy on the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board;

Councillor McCulloch to replace Councillor Montgomery on the Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board; and

Councillor McDonald to fill the vacancy as a substitute member on Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board; and

(f) That it be agreed that, in light of no nominations having been received in respect of the vacancy on the Licensing Board, the membership of that Board be reduced in number from 10 to nine.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Audit Risk & Scrutiny Board’s 2024/25 Annual Report. The Annual Report provided information on the remit, role, membership and attendance of the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board, issues covered by the Board during the reporting period, the annual programme of review and the programme of training provided to members. The CIPFA Audit Committee Guidance - Self-assessment Action Plan – May 2025 was set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be noted that the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board had, in relation to the CIPFA position statement 2022, complied with best practice guidance in relation to demonstrating its effectiveness in providing a foundation for sound corporate governance; and

(b) That the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board Annual Report 2024/25 be noted.

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

"Feasibility Study into the Introduction of Criterium Cycling Events in Johnstone Town Centre

Renfrewshire Council requests that the Events Team undertakes a feasibility study into the organisation of criterium cycle racing events in Johnstone town centre as part of their annual calendar, utilising funding for this from a variety of sources including, but not exclusive to, Scottish Cycling, One Ren, and business sponsorship.

Council notes the success of various criterium events across the UK, and believes that in developing such an event in Johnstone it should be predicated on liaison with the Johnstone Business Consortium, Johnstone Community Council, and Johnstone Sounds to make it as community-based as possible."

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

DECIDED:

Feasibility Study into the Introduction of Criterium Cycling Events in Johnstone Town Centre

 Renfrewshire Council requests that the Events Team undertakes a feasibility study into the organisation of criterium cycle racing events in Johnstone town centre as part of their annual calendar, utilising funding for this from a variety of sources including, but not exclusive to, Scottish Cycling, One Ren, and business sponsorship.

Council notes the success of various criterium events across the UK, and believes that in developing such an event in Johnstone it should be predicated on liaison with the Johnstone Business Consortium, Johnstone Community Council, and Johnstone Sounds to make it as community-based as possible.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors Clark and Smith in the following terms:

"Gratitude to Tony Lawler

As he stands down from the role, Renfrewshire Council wishes to express their gratitude to Tony Lawler for 33 years of public service in leading the Sma’ Shot parade by banging the Charleston Drum. In addition, to thank him for his many years of promoting both the history and contemporary relevance of this key event as it celebrates workers’ rights by reflecting on the victory of the weavers over their employers in 19th century Paisley."

Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Smith, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

Gratitude to Tony Lawler

As he stands down from the role, Renfrewshire Council wishes to express their gratitude to Tony Lawler for 33 years of public service in leading the Sma' Shot parade by banging the Charleston Drum. In addition, to thank him for his many years of promoting both the history and contemporary relevance of this key event as it celebrates workers rights by reflecting on the victory of the weavers over their employers in 19th century Paisley.

There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McMillan and Ann-Dowling in the following terms:

"Council wishes to express its concern on the current financial situation facing Renfrewshire IJB.

Council notes that the underfunding from the SNP government has put
local health services in a perilous situation."

Councillor McMillan, seconded by Councillor Ann-Dowling, then moved the motion.

Councillor Adam, seconded by Councillor J Cameron, moved as a first amendment that:

"Council agrees that the challenges facing Renfrewshire IJB and all IJB’s are a concern and notes our recent cross-party decision to write to the Scottish Government for a systematic review of how the IJB’s are funded.

While IJB funding has increased, this has been outstripped by increased demand, pay pressures, prescribing costs, inflation, and the increase in employer’s national insurance contributions. The latter affecting not only the IJB but care providers and voluntary sector organisations."

Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor McGonigle, moved a second amendment as an addition that:

"The New Surgery in Kilmacolm has made a request to Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and Inverclyde HSCP to close their branch surgery and attached dispensary in Langbank.  Currently all GP practices which cover Langbank are all based within Inverclyde HSCP.  There are currently no GP practices within Renfrewshire HSCP that cover Langbank.

Renfrewshire Council calls upon the NHSGG&C to maintain GP services for the village of Langbank, which is in the Renfrewshire Council area, and to continue to keep open a GP surgery in the village."

Councillor McCulloch, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved a third amendment as an addition that:

"Renfrewshire Council calls upon NHS GG&C to work with HSCPs in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde to move Langbank into Renfrewshire HSCP and to preserve GP services in Langbank."

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors McMillan and Ann-Dowling, being the mover and seconder the motion, accepted the third amendment as an addition.

In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors Adam and J Cameron, being the mover and seconder of the first amendment, accepted the second amendment as an addition.

On the roll being called between the motion as amended and the first amendment as amended, the following members voted for the first amendment: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, N Graham, Hannigan, Hughes, Leishman, MacFarlane, J MacLaren, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGonigle, McGuire, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

The following members voted for the motion as amended: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Devine, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, Hood, McCulloch, McDonald, McMillan, Montgomery, Mullin and Smith.

27 members having voted for the first amendment as amended and 14 members having voted for the motion as amended, the amendment as amended was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

Council agrees that the challenges facing Renfrewshire IJB and all IJB’s are a concern and notes our recent cross-party decision to write to the Scottish Government for a systematic review of how the IJB’s are funded.

While IJB funding has increased, this has been outstripped by increased demand, pay pressures, prescribing costs, inflation, and the increase in employer’s national insurance contributions. The latter affecting not only the IJB but care providers and voluntary sector organisations.

The New Surgery in Kilmacolm has made a request to Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and Inverclyde HSCP to close their branch surgery and attached dispensary in Langbank.  Currently all GP practices which cover Langbank are all based within Inverclyde HSCP.  There are currently no GP practices within Renfrewshire HSCP that cover Langbank.

Renfrewshire Council calls upon the NHSGG&C to maintain GP services for the village of Langbank, which is in the Renfrewshire Council area, and to continue to keep open a GP surgery in the village.

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

"70th Anniversary of Medical Ultrasound Innovation in Renfrew

Renfrewshire Council recognises the historic role of the former Babcock & Wilcox site in Renfrew in the development of medical ultrasound.

On 21 July 1955, Professor Ian Donald of the University of Glasgow conducted a pioneering experiment at the site using industrial ultrasound equipment to distinguish between cysts and tumours — a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern diagnostic imaging.

Council welcomes plans by Altrad Babcock, Westway, and Novosound to mark the 70th anniversary, and will work with stakeholders to install a commemorative plaque at the original site, celebrating Renfrew’s contribution to global medical innovation."

Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Shaw, then moved the motion which was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

70th Anniversary of Medical Ultrasound Innovation in Renfrew

Renfrewshire Council recognises the historic role of the former Babcock & Wilcox site in Renfrew in the development of medical ultrasound.

On 21 July 1955, Professor Ian Donald of the University of Glasgow conducted a pioneering experiment at the site using industrial ultrasound equipment to distinguish between cysts and tumours — a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern diagnostic imaging.

Council welcomes plans by Altrad Babcock, Westway, and Novosound to mark the 70th anniversary, and will work with stakeholders to install a commemorative plaque at the original site, celebrating Renfrew’s contribution to global medical innovation.