Items Of Business
Apologies
Apologies from members.
Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements
Members are asked to declare an interest or make a transparency statement in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest or the transparency statement.
Minutes of Meetings of Council, Boards and Panels (attached under separate cover)
Report by Director of Finance & Resources
Joint report by Director of Finance & Resources and Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure.
Report by Chief Executive
"Council congratulates Craig Ferguson of Paisley on undertaking his 3,000-mile ‘Tartan Trek’ across the United States in support of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH); commends his efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues and to raise significant funds for the charity; and wishes him every success in completing this."
"25th Anniversary of Lochwinnoch Arts Festival
“Council congratulates Dr Morag Thow and Professor Rowena Murray, on the 25th anniversary of the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival, the longest running community arts event in Renfrewshire, and one in which they have played a central organisational role.
The dedication of Dr Thow and Professor Murray, and the wider LAF support team, has allowed nationally and internationally recognised artists, comedians, and musicians, to come to Renfrewshire at affordable prices. The Festival has become a pivotal cultural and creative offer attracting people from Renfrewshire and beyond.
Council further congratulates the organisers of the Lochwinnoch Feel Good Festival, and the Lochwinnoch Boo Crew, whose passion for building on the example of the LAF have led to new collaborative and community events in the village”."
"Supporting the Red Meat Industry in Renfrewshire
“This Council notes that the Scottish red meat industry contributes more than £2 billion to the Scottish economy and supports around 50,000 jobs across the country, and also brings health, and community benefits to consumers.
Council supports the red meat industry as a major contributor to the Renfrewshire economy and sustainability of rural Renfrewshire’s villages and communities, shares the concern of the National Farmers Union Scotland about the rise in cheap imported red meat products, and pledges to undertake a feasibility study to see if we can maximise local red meat produce for use in school meals within Renfrewshire as part of a balanced diet”."
"Council agrees that it is not acceptable that Johnstone Swimming Pool is closed for much of the day from Monday to Friday. Compared to other public swimming pools in Renfrewshire use of Johnstone Swimming Pool is significantly impacted by reduced opening hours and users negatively affected.
Council therefore agrees for officers to meet with One Ren to discuss the possibility of the pool once again being open full time during weekdays."
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Renfrewshire Council Motion on changes impacting the Motability Scheme
Renfrewshire council expresses its deep concern at recent changes impacting the Motability scheme. Which are expected to take affect from 1st July 2026.
Council notes that while operational changes to Motability Scheme including the reduction of the annual mileage allowance to 10.000 miles and the increase in excess mileage charges from 5p to 25 pence per mile have been implemented by Motability. These changes arise as a direct consequence of the UK Labour Government's decision to alter the taxation framework under which the scheme operates.
Council further notes the application of VAT at 20% to elements of the scheme, alongside the introduction of Insurance Premium Tax at 12%, has significantly increased the cost of the Motability Scheme.
Council believes that the increased cost is now being passed on to disabled people through reduced allowances, increased charges, restrictions on usage, including limitations on travel outside the UK.
Council recognises that the Motability Scheme was established to support disabled people to live independently by providing access to safe. Reliable and where necessary adapted vehicles.
Council is concerned that the cumulative effect of these changes’ risks undermining that purpose by increasing costs and restricting mobility for disabled people, particularly those on fixed incomes.
Council further believes that access to a Motability Vehicle is not a luxury but a necessity for many disabled people and their families, enabling access to health care. Employment, education, family life and social participation.
Therefore, council agrees to,
Write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing concern at the impact of recent taxation decisions on the affordability of the Motability Scheme.
Call for a review of the tax treatment of the scheme, with the aim of restoring affordability for disabled users.
Seek assurance that disabled people will not bear the financial burden of policy decisions that increase the cost of essential mobility support."
"Council wishes to express concern over the level of service it receives from its supplier of bus shelters.
In order to resolve this situation Council instructs officers to begin discussions with the supplier on how the service provided can be improved."
"Council believes that the two communities of Johnstone and Linwood should have improved bus links between them than those currently in place.
Council therefore instructs officers to contact SPT in order to discuss options that would lead to a higher frequency of buses, different routes and creating services that meet the needs of the two communities."
"Bee Happy Houston
Council notes the success of the “Bee Happy Houston” group over the past decade in enhancing local biodiversity, improving green spaces and strengthening community spirit;
Congratulates all local volunteers who have been involved over the last ten years for their sustained commitment and achievement;
Recognises the positive impact of community-led environmental action and Bee Happy Houston’s pioneering attitude in engaging with the Council’s Team Up to Clean Up campaign;
And agrees to support the continuation and promotion of such initiatives across Renfrewshire through existing programmes and partnership working;
And affirms the importance of the Council empowering local communities to lead the way in creating greener, cleaner and more sustainable neighbourhoods."