There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the outcome of the second and final phase of statutory public consultation on the Council’s proposals to amend the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (the Scheme) 2019. The report summarised the feedback received throughout the consultation period together with responses and recommendations from officers.  The draft Scheme was appended to the report. 

The report advised that the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 required a two-thirds majority of members present and voting for a revised Scheme to be adopted. The Head of Corporate Governance confirmed that, based on the number of members in attendance, a two-thirds majority equated to 27 members.

Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Devine, moved that:

"Independent Amendment, Add New Recommendation 2.2, and Re-number Accordingly:

2.2, Appendix 2, Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils, add New Clause 3.8, Section 1 (b)

“At the commencement of each Community Council meeting the CC Chairperson shall read out Clause 3.8, Section 1, to reinforce its importance”.

Independent Amendment, Add New Recommendation 2.3, and Renumber Accordingly:

2.3, Appendix G, Community Council Complaints Process,

Stage 1,

First Para, Delete “to the Community Council Chairperson or another appointed person”, and Insert “to the Chairperson of the Renfrewshire Community Council Forum, or another appointed person”.

Second Para, Delete “Community Council”, and Insert “Community Council Forum”

Stage 2

Delete “Stage 2 complaints will be referred to a Panel of five Community Councillors drawn from other Community Councils who do not have a neighbouring boundary with the Community Council”,

Insert “Stage 2 complaints will be referred to an Ad Hoc Panel of Renfrewshire Council Officers drawn from the Human Resources Department”."

Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, moved as an amendment that:

"Renfrewshire Council recognises the valuable contributions made by community council members across Renfrewshire and the extensive engagement of community councils and stakeholders during the statutory consultation process.

Renfrewshire Council agrees to adopt the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2025, subject to the following administrative Improvements:

•  Approves annual review of population-based administrative allowances.
• Endorses timely submission of agendas and draft minutes to Renfrewshire Council.
• Supports flexible scheduling of Annual General Meetings.
• Reaffirms adherence to the Code of Conduct for all community councillors.

At the same time Renfrewshire Council rejects the following

• Rejects the proposed new two-stage disciplinary and complaints procedure while retaining the existing complaints process overseen by the Head of Corporate Governance.
• As per the guidance by officers in Legal Service (p8 item 4.6) rejects the designation of the Community Council Convener as a politically exempt post.
•  Rejects the proposal for Disclosure Scotland checks as unnecessary and costly

 
Finally, we commend

• a future report on boundary changes following further evidence and community support
• that the Scheme be reviewed again in 2030.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, Davidson, Gilmour, Grady, G Graham, N Graham, Leishman, J MacLaren, McCulloch, McDonald, McGonigle, McGuire, McMillan, Mullin and Smith.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Airlie-Nicolson, Burns J Cameron, Provost Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Devine, Andy Doig, Audrey Doig, Hannigan, Hood, Hughes, MacFarlane, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.

16 members having voted for the amendment and 24 members having voted for the motion, neither the motion nor amendment received the required two-thirds majority and both fell.

The Head of Corporate Governance confirmed that as a revised version of the Scheme had not been adopted the current version, approved in 2019, would continue to be used.