Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Convener intimated that this meeting of the Policy Board would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council's internet site.

There were no declarations of interest or transparency statements intimated prior to the commencement of the  meeting.

There was submitted a joint revenue and capital budget monitoring report by the Chief  Executive and Director of Finance & Resources for the period 1 April to 19 September 2025. The report intimated that the projected revenue outturn at 31 March 2026 for those services reporting to this Policy Board was an underspend position of £0.022 million (0.7%) against the revised budget for the year. The projected capital outturn at 31 March 2026 for projects reporting to the Board was a break even position. Section 6.3 of the report detailed a budget adjustment relative to the allocation of centrally held budgets already approved, together with the Council’s share of a Scottish Government funding allocation for Employability Child Poverty Co-ordinators. 

DECIDED:

(a) That the projected revenue outturn underspend position of £0.022m be noted;

(b) That the projected capital outturn break even position be noted; and

(c) That the budget adjustment detailed at section 6.3 of the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Scotland Loves Local Initiative.  The report provided an updated overview of the Scotland Loves Local scheme and its associated gift card in Renfrewshire, outlining current levels of take-up and spend to date and summarising recent marketing activities undertaken to promote the scheme. The report also set out future potential partnerships that could significantly enhance its uptake. 

DECIDED:

(a) That the Head of Economy & Development be authorised to continue the Scheme until May 2028; and 

(b)  That otherwise the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to Net Zero Business Support and Grants.  The report provided an update on the activities of the Economic Development Team in advancing the Green Economy workstream with Renfrewshire businesses. The report also outlined the current approach, progress of the fund to date, proposed actions to increase successful applications and the broader package of Green Economy support being implemented locally.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the proposed redevelopment of the Paisley Centre.  The report provided an update on the proposed redevelopment of the Paisley Shopping Centre since planning permission in principle had been granted in March 2022 and the previous update report submitted to the meeting of this Policy Board held on 7 November 2023. It was highlighted that the conclusion drawn by officers, based on the information provided to date by the proposed developer and the analysis of options in terms of the Council’s direct involvement in the currently proposed development, was that it was not financially viable. 

Councillor Nicolson, seconded by Councillor McNaughtan moved  (a) that the content of the report be noted; (b) that the Board agrees to reiterate the Council’s support for the redevelopment of the Paisley Centre as a key renewal project and recognises the contribution that a successful outcome would make to the regeneration and vitality of Paisley Town Centre and that officers continue to work with the property  owner/developer within an agreed partnership approach with the Council; and (c) that in addition, officers utilise additional external professional advice to develop a workable and sustainable partnership that unlocks the potential that the redevelopment would make to the town centre strategic renewal fulfilling stated objectives of both Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government; continue to pursue and explore all sources of funding from UK and Scottish Government programmes including those of Renfrewshire Council that could contribute to the success of the scheme; and provide an update at the next Economy and Regeneration Policy Board and regular reports on progress.  This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:  

(a) That the content of the report be noted;  

(b) That the Board agree to reiterate the Council’s support for the redevelopment of the Paisley Centre as a key renewal project, recognise the contribution that a successful outcome would make to the regeneration and vitality of Paisley Town Centre and that officers continue to work with the property owner/developer within an agreed partnership approach with the Council; and

(c) That in addition, officers utilise additional external professional advice to develop a workable and sustainable partnership that unlocked the potential that the redevelopment would make to the town centre strategic renewal, fulfilling stated objectives of both Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government; continue to pursue and explore all sources of funding from UK and Scottish Government programmes including those of Renfrewshire Council that could contribute to the success of the scheme; and submit an update to the next meeting of the Economy & Regeneration Policy Board and regular reports on progress to future meetings of this Policy Board.