3
There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2026/27. The report provided an overview of the Council’s financial position on the General Services revenue budget and set out the information required for the Council to set its budget and Council Tax for 2026/27. It was recognised that moving into 2026/27 and beyond, the financial environment that local government in Scotland faced remained difficult, with substantial risks in the short-term in relation to both cost growth and income constraints. The report requested that these circumstances be taken into account when setting the 2026/27 budget, and also to recognise that the Council’s immediate and medium-term challenges remained significant.
The Director of Finance & Resources advised that paragraph 1.8 i) of the report made reference to the Local Government Finance Order being laid before Parliament on 17 February but that was actually the date that the stage 2 debate on the Order took place and it was anticipated that the Order would be laid before Parliament on 26 February 2026.
Councillor Shaw, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved:
“I refer to the report by the Director of Finance & Resources on the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2026/27, and move as follows:
1. That this Administration’s fourth budget will continue to deliver on its commitments set out in the Council Plan to create a fairer Renfrewshire built on innovation, wellbeing and opportunity; where improving outcomes for children and families underpins all that we do.
Our Council Plan sets out our commitment to working with communities and partners to help inform our decision making and budget setting. Last year we carried out a Residents Survey which asked people how they felt about the services we deliver and what mattered to them most. That feedback, along with a wide range of other consultation and regular engagement, has informed this Budget.
Fair
2. Improving outcomes for children and families living in poverty is at the heart of our work to raise attainment, support those most in need and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
3. Households and families across Renfrewshire continue to be impacted by the enduring effects of increased living costs. In continuing our Fairer Renfrewshire programme, tackling inequality and poverty will remain key priorities for this Administration. Building on the success of this programme, this Administration commits £1.300m from the Financial Sustainability Fund to support the following:
• continuation of the £50 winter school clothing payment to each child eligible for school clothing grant,
• Continuation of the successful winter connections programme
• Continuation of funding to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to support the Welfare Rights Advocacy service and Schools advice support as committed in previous budgets.
• an allocation of funding of £200,000 to supplement allocated resources for discretionary housing payments.
• An allocation of funding of £600,000 to supplement allocated resources for the Scottish Welfare Fund
4. Council agrees to invest £150,000 in a Community Improvement Fund that will target the environmental quality around tenements, flats, and estates where persistent issues are affecting daily living conditions, with the Gallowhill area identified as a priority for investment. Use of this fund will be informed by the views of elected members and residents, with a report to the Communities & Housing Board outlining proposals.
5. Visits by the Skoobmobile to Renfrewshire communities are always warmly welcomed, however the current vehicle is ageing and requires replacement. Council commits £300,000 to fund the replacement and fit out of a replacement vehicle, recognising that the current model of service provision also requires modernisation into a sustainable, flexible outreach service. A new model – co-produced with communities – will be developed to inform the specification of both the service and the vehicle to ensure maximum impact for children and communities.
6. Complimenting this investment and acknowledging that Renfrewshire has been nationally recognised as a leader in digital inclusion, Council agrees to allocate £20,000 to expand the DigiKnowVember campaign and expand DigiZones across Renfrewshire.
Place / Economy
7. We will continue to make Renfrewshire a great place to live, work and visit. Ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe, vibrant and attractive places remains a priority as does ensuring economic growth and connectivity as demonstrated by our £90m roads improvement programme.
8. Building on our 2025/26 commitment to invest £700,000 in school pitches, Council further commits £1.400m to upgrade existing pitches at Linwood and St Benedict’s High Schools, thereby ensuring every High School in Renfrewshire has the benefit of all weather pitch provision. This funding will be committed from the projected underspend on the Paisley Grammar School Community Campus project, with the balance of the underspend being added to the Learning Estate Strategy programme.
9. Building on our previous investments in our local playparks and open spaces, Council commits a further £2.100m to be utilised over the next three years to fully complete the existing programme of refurbishing and/or replacing every council play park in Renfrewshire.
10. In addition, Council also agrees to set up a bid fund of £100,000 for resident associations to apply for funding to improve publicly accessible play areas they are responsible for maintaining.
11. Council commits £2.000m to support the upgrade of leisure facilities managed by OneRen. Leisure venues would benefit from internal improvements to air handling and heating, décor and general condition of facilities in order that they can continue to meet the expectations of users. Access to good quality facilities will continue to support the common goal of the council and our partner OneRen in delivering the health and wellbeing agenda for the people of Renfrewshire, Detail on the proposed improvements will be provided to a future meeting of the Leadership Board.
12. Council has previously committed £800,000 to invest in council properties where this investment could be an enabler for increased community ownership of assets currently owned or controlled by the Council. Sports pavilions have been identified as an area where some are underutilised by communities and sports teams due to issues on of condition and general appearance. Council therefore allocates an additional £200,000 to invest in sports pavilions which are in active use and require attention.
13. Recognising the importance of many public memorials to our communities, Council allocates £100,000 to enable condition survey, cleaning and improvement of public memorials, with the proposed works across Renfrewshire being the subject of a report to a future ILE Board.
14. Building on the excellent work undertaken by the Community Environment Team since they were set up in 2025, Council agrees to permanently allocate a further £200,000 to expand this team with an additional squad. This team will continue to focus on systematically clearing weeds, detritus, and silt from streets and public spaces – improving the overall environment for communities across Renfrewshire, but with a particular focus on town centres.
15. In addition, Council will also allocate £30,000 to support the work of Community groups and volunteers who form to work and improve specific areas of our public realm such as ‘Friends of Groups’. The criteria for funds allocation to be developed and agreed at a future Communities & Housing Policy Board.
16. Renfrewshire has long been recognised as delivering an ambitious events programme, with the Halloween Festival, Paisley Food & Drink Festival and a number of gala days and festive events taking place across the areas towns and villages. The programme has built on the Cultural Legacy with funding which has been in place for several years. Council therefore agrees to allocate an additional £350,000 to extend the current programme of events to 2028/29. Council also agrees to allocate £100,000 to support the delivery of the Johnstone Criterium Cycling event as supported at the recent Leadership Board.
17. Complimenting the above programme and recognising the need to build on the major cultural investment by the Council in Renfrewshire in recent years, Council also agrees to provide £480,000 to fund a two-year visitor marketing campaign and enhanced events support.
18. In partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre, Council has been exploring the potential for a Dark Sky Park based in Muirshiel Country Park. This venue would provide an interactive, fun and educational experience including nature trails, stargazing platforms and activities inside the visitor centre. Further development of the proposal is required to inform a full business case, therefore Council agrees to fund £80,000 to progress the project to the next stage which would include costed investment proposals, building condition surveys, planning issues and potential external funding sources.
19. Renfrewshire has a number of existing visitor facilities which consistently deliver an excellent visitor experience. The visitor centre at Castle Semple is currently being improved through the reprovision of cycle and toilet facilities, however the visitor centre building itself also requires attention. Council agrees to allocate £30,000 to undertake a full condition survey of the building and to develop options for the improvement of the facility with a report back to the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board in the second half of 2026.
Green
20. Council has previously invested significant resource in the establishment of a tree management team which manages the many thousands of trees in public areas across Renfrewshire. Council agrees to supplement this resource with £25,000 on a recurring basis to increase the tree replacement programme.
21. Council agrees to investigate the potential purchase of land in the Blythswood area of Renfrew in order that open green space is protected, and commits £30,000 for this initial work to be undertaken. In the event this purchase is feasible, this would be funded from Renfrew Common Good funds, and would be held and maintained as a Common Good asset.
22. Council also notes the recommendation within the Director’s report to make budget provision which will enable the entire diesel fleet operated by the Council to use HVO fuel, thereby reducing emissions and contributing to the Council’s Net Zero objectives.
Living our Values
23. The Exchange theatre project will create a dedicated, purpose-built theatre and creative learning space that supports the development of children and young people through drama, performance and arts engagement. Phase 2 works consist of enabling the fit-out to provide space for creative learning, a small studio theatre space, an interactive sensory creative play space, workshop space, a community hub, and a family-friendly café. Council agrees to provide £120,000 of match funding to enable completion of Phase 2 of this project, with specific terms of the grant being subject to approval at a future meeting of the Leadership Board.
24. In line with the conditions set out in the 2026/27 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in Table 2 of the Director’s report to make available £5.767m of recurring resources to Renfrewshire HSCP; and in addition provide on a recurring basis a further £370,000 being a proportionate share of funding which will be received in relation to the 2025/26 pay award.
25. Subject to agreement of the above, to agree that the council tax for 2026/27 be set at £1,690.56 for Band D subjects, representing a 7.5% increase on the 2025/26 level, and for all bandings to be set at:
|
Band
|
2025/26
|
2026/27
|
|
A
|
1,048.41
|
1,127.04
|
|
B
|
1,223.14
|
1,314.88
|
|
C
|
1,397.88
|
1,502.72
|
|
D
|
1,572.61
|
1,690.56
|
|
E
|
2,066.23
|
2,221.21
|
|
F
|
2,555.49
|
2,747.16
|
|
G
|
3,079.69
|
3,310.68
|
|
H
|
3,852.89
|
4,141.87
|
26. Council notes that the proposals within this motion will maintain the recurring financial balance position achieved in 2025/26, clearly demonstrating the sound financial management for which this Administration is recognised; but also recognises that the medium term outlook remains challenging and that financial sustainability remains a key priority. We also recognise the commitment of our employees in continuing to deliver services to communities despite the challenging financial environment, and reaffirm this Administration’s commitment to no compulsory redundancies. Council also recognises the need to maintain a prudent level of unallocated reserves given the continuing high level of risk over the medium term as outlined in the Director’s report; and as previously agreed by Council, commits to maintain the Council’s level of unallocated reserve at a minimum of £10.000 million moving into 2026/27. Council also agrees to fund £1.013 million from the Financial Sustainability Fund in 2026/27 to support the proposals within this motion.
27. To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2026/27 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources and agree a 2026/27 base budget of £607.428 million.
28. To agree to make provision in 2026/27 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.4 of the Director’s report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director.
29. To agree to a general 5% inflationary increase in charges for services as recommended in the Director’s report (subject to the note at paragraph 33 below) with the exception of charges relating to adult non-residential social care, recognising that these charges have been the subject of a revised policy in 2025/26 which has resulted in increased costs for some service users. In addition, parking charges will not be subject to any inflationary increase.
30. To agree the resource allocations for 2026/27 for all services, as amended by these proposals.
31. To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.
32. Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is supported by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.
33. To agree to increase other charges for services by 5% (as detailed in paragraph 29 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised
(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and
(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.
To note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increased, they will recommend this to the appropriate Board. The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 5% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.”
Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor McMillan, moved as an amendment:
“1. I refer to the report of the Director of Finance and Resources on the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2026/27 and move as follows:
2. Renfrewshire Labour recommits to creating a fairer Renfrewshire by addressing the continuing impact of increases in the cost-of-living which affects everyone but has a disproportionate impact on those who are disadvantaged. We have shaped this budget to preserve and improve the vital services people in Renfrewshire depend on every day while at the same time being mindful of the present and future financial restraints faced by this Council.
3. Renfrewshire Labour commits to continue to support all people across Renfrewshire still impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
At the forefront of this amendment, therefore, is a decision to set the council tax for 2026/27 be set at £1,619.79 for Band D subjects, representing a 3.0% increase on the 2025/26 level, and for all bandings to be set at:
|
Band
|
2025/26
£
|
2026/27
£
|
|
A
|
1,048.41
|
1,079.86
|
|
B
|
1,223.14
|
1,259.84
|
|
C
|
1,397.88
|
1,439.81
|
|
D
|
1,572.61
|
1,619.79
|
|
E
|
2,066.23
|
2,128.22
|
|
F
|
2,555.49
|
2,632.16
|
|
G
|
3,079.69
|
3,172.09
|
|
H
|
3,852.89
|
3,968.49
|
4. Given the further deterioration in Renfrewshire roads and the damage and danger caused by many potholes Council agrees to invest an additional £1.000 million of revenue resource each year for the next 10 years to supplement the existing roads programme, to fund a total £100 million over 10 years in the strategic roads’ maintenance and improvement programme.
5. Council agrees that £0.500 million be directed to the provision of Pupil and Family Support Services to work across each of our secondary schools to provide additional help to pupils (and those at their associated feeder primaries) by working directly with them and their families in school and at home. This will tackle issues like attendance, behaviour, and social-emotional needs. The PFSW will bridge the gaps between families, school staff, and other agencies to improve a child's learning and well-being. They will provide practical advice, build positive relationships, and offer tailored support for issues like health, or managing disabilities, attendance and empowering families to function better and ensuring children can fully engage in school.
6. Renfrewshire Labour recognises the success of the Team Up to Clean Up campaigns of recent years and thanks the team and all the amazing volunteers. We know the importance people place on clean neighbourhoods. Council agrees that in addition to the £0.550 million baselined in 2025/2026 to permanently fund the Environment and Place programme, including Team Up to Clean Up, to invest £0.400 million to support a 12-month pilot of two additional street cleaning teams consisting of 10 new roles to enhance the amenity of our neighbourhoods.
7. Council notes that an estimated £1.500 million will be carried forward from 2025/26 to support Fairer Renfrewshire’s core programme. We are deeply concerned that for some poverty is deepening and that child poverty continues to remain at unacceptable levels. In addition to existing resources, Council agrees to provide support of £0.545 million for 2026/27 for the following related initiatives:
• £0.275 million for Winter School Clothing Grants to help children with vital clothing for the colder months
• £0.100 million to support Summer of Fun providing children across Renfrewshire with vital summer activities and food provision.
• £0.075 million to support Winter Connections providing safe, welcoming and warm places for people throughout the winter months with additional community activities.
• £0.095 million to continue funding to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to support the Welfare Rights Advocacy service and Schools Advice Support.
8. In support of the Fairer Renfrewshire aims above, Council agrees to allocate top-up funding of £0.200 million to supplement allocated resources for Discretionary Housing Payments and £0.600 million to the Scottish Welfare Fund.
9. Council recognises the success of previous funding allocations which have delivered localised improvements to our towns and villages and commits £0.100 million towards the refurbishment of Howwood Village Hall and £0.150 million towards the further refurbishment of Kilbarchan Steeple from the £0.800m assigned to the Communities Facilities Fund allocated in the 2025/2026 budget.
10. In support of sport, fitness and local enterprise Council agrees to allocate up to £0.100 million to the Johnstone Criterium Cycle Event.
11. In line with the conditions set out in the 2026/27 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in Table 2 of the Director’s report to make available £5.767 million of recurring resources to Renfrewshire HSCP; and in addition, provide on a recurring basis a further £0.370 million, being a proportionate share of funding in relation to the costs of 2025/26 pay settlements.
12. To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2026/27 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources and agree a 2026/27 base budget of £607.428 million.
13. To agree to make provision in 2026/27 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.4 of the Director’s report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director.
14. To agree to a general 5% inflationary increase in charges for services as recommended in the Director’s report, subject to the notes at paragraph 18 and 19 below.
15. To agree the resource allocations for 2026/27 for all services, as amended by these proposals, and agree there be a £1.850 million draw from the Financial Sustainability Reserve to secure an in-year balanced budget position.
16. To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.
17. Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is supported by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.
18. To agree to increase other charges for services by 5% (as detailed in paragraph 14 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised:
(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and
(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.
19. To note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increased, they will recommend this to the appropriate Board. The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 5% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.”
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10.00 am to allow members to consider the motion and amendment. The meeting reconvened at 10.15 am.
Sederunt
Councillor McGurk was not in attendance when the meeting reconvened.
Declaration of Interest
Having read the terms of the motion, Councillor Montgomery declared an interest for the reason that he was a Director of Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau. Councillor Montgomery indicated that as he had declared an interest, he would leave the meeting during any discussion and voting on the item.
Sederunt
Councillor Montgomery having declared an interest, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.
Councillor McGurk rejoined the meeting prior to the vote being taken.
On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, McCulloch, McDonald, McMillan, Mullin and Smith.
The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hannigan, Hughes, Innes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.
The following members abstained: Councillors Devine, N Graham, Hood, Leishman, J MacLaren, McGonigle and McGuire.
11 members having voted for the amendment, 23 members having voted for the motion and 7 members having abstained, the motion was accordingly declared carried.
DECIDED:
1. That this Administration’s fourth budget will continue to deliver on its commitments set out in the Council Plan to create a fairer Renfrewshire built on innovation, wellbeing and opportunity; where improving outcomes for children and families underpins all that we do.
Our Council Plan sets out our commitment to working with communities and partners to help inform our decision making and budget setting. Last year we carried out a Residents Survey which asked people how they felt about the services we deliver and what mattered to them most. That feedback, along with a wide range of other consultation and regular engagement, has informed this Budget.
Fair
2. Improving outcomes for children and families living in poverty is at the heart of our work to raise attainment, support those most in need and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
3. Households and families across Renfrewshire continue to be impacted by the enduring effects of increased living costs. In continuing our Fairer Renfrewshire programme, tackling inequality and poverty will remain key priorities for this Administration. Building on the success of this programme, this Administration commits £1.300m from the Financial Sustainability Fund to support the following:
• continuation of the £50 winter school clothing payment to each child eligible for school clothing grant,
• Continuation of the successful winter connections programme
• Continuation of funding to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to support the Welfare Rights Advocacy service and Schools advice support as committed in previous budgets.
• an allocation of funding of £200,000 to supplement allocated resources for discretionary housing payments.
• An allocation of funding of £600,000 to supplement allocated resources for the Scottish Welfare Fund
4. Council agrees to invest £150,000 in a Community Improvement Fund that will target the environmental quality around tenements, flats, and estates where persistent issues are affecting daily living conditions, with the Gallowhill area identified as a priority for investment. Use of this fund will be informed by the views of elected members and residents, with a report to the Communities & Housing Board outlining proposals.
5. Visits by the Skoobmobile to Renfrewshire communities are always warmly welcomed, however the current vehicle is ageing and requires replacement. Council commits £300,000 to fund the replacement and fit out of a replacement vehicle, recognising that the current model of service provision also requires modernisation into a sustainable, flexible outreach service. A new model – co-produced with communities – will be developed to inform the specification of both the service and the vehicle to ensure maximum impact for children and communities.
6. Complimenting this investment and acknowledging that Renfrewshire has been nationally recognised as a leader in digital inclusion, Council agrees to allocate £20,000 to expand the DigiKnowVember campaign and expand DigiZones across Renfrewshire.
Place / Economy
7. We will continue to make Renfrewshire a great place to live, work and visit. Ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe, vibrant and attractive places remains a priority as does ensuring economic growth and connectivity as demonstrated by our £90m roads improvement programme.
8. Building on our 2025/26 commitment to invest £700,000 in school pitches, Council further commits £1.400m to upgrade existing pitches at Linwood and St Benedict’s High Schools, thereby ensuring every High School in Renfrewshire has the benefit of all weather pitch provision. This funding will be committed from the projected underspend on the Paisley Grammar School Community Campus project, with the balance of the underspend being added to the Learning Estate Strategy programme.
9. Building on our previous investments in our local playparks and open spaces, Council commits a further £2.100m to be utilised over the next three years to fully complete the existing programme of refurbishing and/or replacing every council play park in Renfrewshire.
10. In addition, Council also agrees to set up a bid fund of £100,000 for resident associations to apply for funding to improve publicly accessible play areas they are responsible for maintaining.
11. Council commits £2.000m to support the upgrade of leisure facilities managed by OneRen. Leisure venues would benefit from internal improvements to air handling and heating, décor and general condition of facilities in order that they can continue to meet the expectations of users. Access to good quality facilities will continue to support the common goal of the council and our partner OneRen in delivering the health and wellbeing agenda for the people of Renfrewshire, Detail on the proposed improvements will be provided to a future meeting of the Leadership Board.
12. Council has previously committed £800,000 to invest in council properties where this investment could be an enabler for increased community ownership of assets currently owned or controlled by the Council. Sports pavilions have been identified as an area where some are underutilised by communities and sports teams due to issues on of condition and general appearance. Council therefore allocates an additional £200,000 to invest in sports pavilions which are in active use and require attention.
13. Recognising the importance of many public memorials to our communities, Council allocates £100,000 to enable condition survey, cleaning and improvement of public memorials, with the proposed works across Renfrewshire being the subject of a report to a future ILE Board.
14. Building on the excellent work undertaken by the Community Environment Team since they were set up in 2025, Council agrees to permanently allocate a further £200,000 to expand this team with an additional squad. This team will continue to focus on systematically clearing weeds, detritus, and silt from streets and public spaces – improving the overall environment for communities across Renfrewshire, but with a particular focus on town centres.
15. In addition, Council will also allocate £30,000 to support the work of Community groups and volunteers who form to work and improve specific areas of our public realm such as ‘Friends of Groups’. The criteria for funds allocation to be developed and agreed at a future Communities & Housing Policy Board.
16. Renfrewshire has long been recognised as delivering an ambitious events programme, with the Halloween Festival, Paisley Food & Drink Festival and a number of gala days and festive events taking place across the areas towns and villages. The programme has built on the Cultural Legacy with funding which has been in place for several years. Council therefore agrees to allocate an additional £350,000 to extend the current programme of events to 2028/29. Council also agrees to allocate £100,000 to support the delivery of the Johnstone Criterium Cycling event as supported at the recent Leadership Board.
17. Complimenting the above programme and recognising the need to build on the major cultural investment by the Council in Renfrewshire in recent years, Council also agrees to provide £480,000 to fund a two-year visitor marketing campaign and enhanced events support.
18. In partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre, Council has been exploring the potential for a Dark Sky Park based in Muirshiel Country Park. This venue would provide an interactive, fun and educational experience including nature trails, stargazing platforms and activities inside the visitor centre. Further development of the proposal is required to inform a full business case, therefore Council agrees to fund £80,000 to progress the project to the next stage which would include costed investment proposals, building condition surveys, planning issues and potential external funding sources.
19. Renfrewshire has a number of existing visitor facilities which consistently deliver an excellent visitor experience. The visitor centre at Castle Semple is currently being improved through the reprovision of cycle and toilet facilities, however the visitor centre building itself also requires attention. Council agrees to allocate £30,000 to undertake a full condition survey of the building and to develop options for the improvement of the facility with a report back to the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board in the second half of 2026.
Green
20. Council has previously invested significant resource in the establishment of a tree management team which manages the many thousands of trees in public areas across Renfrewshire. Council agrees to supplement this resource with £25,000 on a recurring basis to increase the tree replacement programme.
21. Council agrees to investigate the potential purchase of land in the Blythswood area of Renfrew in order that open green space is protected, and commits £30,000 for this initial work to be undertaken. In the event this purchase is feasible, this would be funded from Renfrew Common Good funds, and would be held and maintained as a Common Good asset.
22. Council also notes the recommendation within the Director’s report to make budget provision which will enable the entire diesel fleet operated by the Council to use HVO fuel, thereby reducing emissions and contributing to the Council’s Net Zero objectives.
Living our Values
23. The Exchange theatre project will create a dedicated, purpose-built theatre and creative learning space that supports the development of children and young people through drama, performance and arts engagement. Phase 2 works consist of enabling the fit-out to provide space for creative learning, a small studio theatre space, an interactive sensory creative play space, workshop space, a community hub, and a family-friendly café. Council agrees to provide £120,000 of match funding to enable completion of Phase 2 of this project, with specific terms of the grant being subject to approval at a future meeting of the Leadership Board.
24. In line with the conditions set out in the 2026/27 financial settlement, agree to the recommendation outlined in Table 2 of the Director’s report to make available £5.767m of recurring resources to Renfrewshire HSCP; and in addition provide on a recurring basis a further £370,000 being a proportionate share of funding which will be received in relation to the 2025/26 pay award.
25. Subject to agreement of the above, to agree that the council tax for 2026/27 be set at £1,690.56 for Band D subjects, representing a 7.5% increase on the 2025/26 level, and for all bandings to be set at:
|
Band
|
2025/26
|
2026/27
|
|
A
|
1,048.41
|
1,127.04
|
|
B
|
1,223.14
|
1,314.88
|
|
C
|
1,397.88
|
1,502.72
|
|
D
|
1,572.61
|
1,690.56
|
|
E
|
2,066.23
|
2,221.21
|
|
F
|
2,555.49
|
2,747.16
|
|
G
|
3,079.69
|
3,310.68
|
|
H
|
3,852.89
|
4,141.87
|
26. Council notes that the proposals within this motion will maintain the recurring financial balance position achieved in 2025/26, clearly demonstrating the sound financial management for which this Administration is recognised; but also recognises that the medium term outlook remains challenging and that financial sustainability remains a key priority. We also recognise the commitment of our employees in continuing to deliver services to communities despite the challenging financial environment, and reaffirm this Administration’s commitment to no compulsory redundancies. Council also recognises the need to maintain a prudent level of unallocated reserves given the continuing high level of risk over the medium term as outlined in the Director’s report; and as previously agreed by Council, commits to maintain the Council’s level of unallocated reserve at a minimum of £10.000 million moving into 2026/27. Council also agrees to fund £1.013 million from the Financial Sustainability Fund in 2026/27 to support the proposals within this motion.
27. To agree the base budget assessment for all services for 2026/27 as recommended by the Director of Finance and Resources and agree a 2026/27 base budget of £607.428 million.
28. To agree to make provision in 2026/27 for pay inflation as detailed in section 5.4 of the Director’s report and make no provision for general non-pay inflation, as recommended by the Director.
29. To agree to a general 5% inflationary increase in charges for services as recommended in the Director’s report (subject to the note at paragraph 33 below) with the exception of charges relating to adult non-residential social care, recognising that these charges have been the subject of a revised policy in 2025/26 which has resulted in increased costs for some service users. In addition, parking charges will not be subject to any inflationary increase.
30. To agree the resource allocations for 2026/27 for all services, as amended by these proposals.
31. To agree the detailed Revenue Estimates for all services be amended to reflect these proposals and the necessary allocation of central support costs, central repairs costs, capital charges, specific grants and loan charges provision with Directors authorised to take any action necessary to implement these decisions.
32. Subject to agreement of the points above, agree that the Council’s budget is supported by appropriate decisions and makes appropriate provision to meet the specified commitments in the package of conditions linked to the Council’s grant settlement.
33. To agree to increase other charges for services by 5% (as detailed in paragraph 29 above) or where appropriate by the rate set in national legislation or guidance, or where charges are based on full cost recovery by the appropriate increase to maintain this position, subject to Directors being authorised
(a) to round the charge up or down to a figure deemed by them appropriate, and
(b) not to impose any increase, if having reviewed the implications of the increase, he or she determines it would be inappropriate to do so, having regard to any material factor applicable to the goods or services to which the charge relates.
To note the requirement of financial code 13 that Directors review the amounts their departments charge for goods or services and if they think any charge needs to be increased, they will recommend this to the appropriate Board. The Council therefore agrees that when a Director carries out such a review and believes a charge for goods or services should be levied which reflects an increase greater than the increase of 5% or the rate set in national legislation or guidance, he or she will be entitled to recommend the same to the appropriate Board for approval.