STIRLING COUNCIL
MINUTES of MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017 at 6.00 PM
Present:
Depute Convener Callum CAMPBELL (in the Chair)
Councillor Neil BENNY
Councillor Alistair BERRILL
Councillor Johanna BOYD
Councillor Margaret BRISLEY
Councillor Martin EARL
Councillor Scott FARMER
Councillor Danny GIBSON
Councillor Alycia HAYES
Councillor John HENDRY
Councillor Graham HOUSTON
Councillor Graham LAMBIE
Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON
Councillor Corrie MCCHORD
Councillor Gerry MCLAUGHLAN
Councillor Ian MUIRHEAD
Councillor Mark RUSKELL
Councillor Christine SIMPSON
Councillor Jim THOMSON
Councillor Violet WEIR
Councillor Fergus WOOD
In Attendance
Carol Beattie, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Regeneration
Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance
Alastair Brown, Director of Localities & Infrastructure
Stacey Burlet, Director of Children, Communities & Enterprise
Stewart Carruth, Chief Executive
David Hopper, Service Manager – Sustainable Development
Kristine Johnson, Chief Officer – HR & OD
David McDougall, Governance Officer
Isabel McKnight, Service Manager – Strategic Commissioning
Alan Milliken, Senior Manager – Communities & People
Brian Roberts, Senior Manager – Infrastructure
Kirsty Scott, Service Manager – Communications, Events & Public Affairs
Karen Swan, Committee Officer
Margaret Wallace, Service Manager – Localities
Iain Strachan, Chief Officer – Governance (Clerk)
Announcements
At the beginning of the meeting, Councillor McChord paid tribute to the contribution to Stirling Council made by Councillors Alycia Hayes, John Hendry, Johanna Boyd, Callum Campbell and Mark Ruskell who were all stepping down as Councillors on 4 May 2017.
SC533 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Mike Robbins.
SC534 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Mark Ruskell declared a non-financial interest as a Member of the Scottish Parliament.
SC535 URGENT BUSINESS
There were no matters of urgent business.
SC536 MINUTES
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Meeting of Stirling Council – 8 December 2016
The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 8 December 2016 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Health & Safety Panel – 21 November 2016
The Minutes of the Health & Safety Panel held on 21 November 2016 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Chief Officer Appraisal Panel – 6 December 2016
The Minutes of the Chief Officer Appraisal Panel held on 6 December 2016 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Education Committee – 12 January 2017
The Minutes of the Education Committee held on 12 January 2017 were
approved as a correct record of the proceedings.The Council Leader requested that the comments within the final paragraph under minute reference ED232 be attributed to her, as she had consistently and repeatedly made these comments. It was agreed that this would be noted.
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Public Safety Committee – 17 January 2017
The Minutes of the Public Safety Committee held on 17 January 2017 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Audit Committee – 26 January 2017
The Minutes of the Audit Committee held on 26 January 2017 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Social Care & Health Committee – 19 January 2017
The Minutes of the Social Care & Health Committee held on 19 January 2017 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Social Work Complaints Review Panel – 20 January 2017
The Minutes of the Social Work Complaints Review Panel held on 20 January 2017 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
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Local Review Body – 23 January 2017
The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 23 January 2017 were
approved as a correct record of the proceedings. -
Environment & Housing Committee – 9 February 2017
The Minutes of the Environment & Housing Committee held on 9 February 2017 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
SC537 WRITTEN QUESTIONS
Seven written questions had been received in terms of Standing Order 41. The
questions and answers are attached at Appendix 1 to these Minutes.
The Members who had put the written questions were allowed one supplementary question and the supplementary questions and answers are also included in Appendix 1.
SC538 QUESTION TIME
In terms of Standing Order 48, Members had the opportunity to put questions to the Provost, the Leader of the Council, any Portfolio Holder or Committee Convener or Chair of any Panel as appropriate regarding any business included in the Volume of Minutes circulated with the agenda for the meeting.
The following questions were put:-
Councillor Mark Ruskell - Minutes of the Public Safety Committee held on 17 January 2017 (PU251 – Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Performance Report)
The Convener of the Public Safety Committee confirmed that Stirling Council had committed to funding/supporting the Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign which was run by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. He advised that he had previously checked that this was embedded into the Council’s budget and that it would stay there, noting that the Council would do everything it could to ensure that the programme continued to go ahead in future.
SC539 DISTRICT OF STIRLING LICENSING BOARD – VACANCY & STIRLING LOCAL
LICENSING FORUM – EXTENSION OF CURRENT APPOINTMENTS
The Director of Localities & Infrastructure submitted a report that invited Council to make an appointment to fill a vacancy on the District of Stirling Licensing Board.
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 provided that “where there is a vacancy in the membership of a Licensing Board, the relevant council must, at their first meeting after the vacancy arises, hold an election to fill the vacancy”.
No nominations for the Licensing Board were received.
The report also asked Council to approve an extension to the term of the current appointments to the Stirling Local Licensing Forum.
At a meeting on 10 October 2013 Council approved a number of recommendations for the establishment and maintenance of a Stirling Local Licensing Forum. The Forum was required under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, and had to comprise representatives from certain groups, e.g. local licence holders and Police Scotland.
As part of this decision it was agreed that all appointments to the Forum would terminate on 3 May 2017, immediately before the Scottish Local Government Elections on 4 May 2017.
It was now felt that it would be beneficial to extend all existing appointments to the Forum until 31 March 2018 to ensure continuity during a period of change with the establishment of a new Council and Licensing Board following the Elections. This would allow a recruitment exercise to be undertaken for the Forum subsequent to the Elections.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
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to an extension to the appointment of existing members of the Stirling Local Licensing Forum until 30 March 2018; and
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to delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to commence a
recruitment exercise for the Stirling Local Licensing Forum in late
Summer/Autumn 2017 with recommendations for appointment to be reported to Council in due course.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 23 February 2017, submitted)
SC540 DISCHARGE OF COUNCIL FUNCTIONS DURING THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD
This report asked Council to approve the dissolution of all Standing Committees, Panels and Strategic Forums and all Member/Officer Steering Groups with the exception of those groups as noted at 2.1 within the report, with effect from 3 March 2017.
Council was asked to agree to establish a short-term Interim Executive Committee to deal with urgent business of the Council between the last scheduled full Council meeting on 2 March 2017 and the Local Government Elections on 4 May 2017 with the exception of matters reserved to full Council or the Licensing Board by statute or matters previously delegated to those groups as noted within the report, as set out in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.
In the past it had been custom for most meetings of the Council to cease after the last full Council meeting before the pre-election period in order to reduce the scope for politically partial publicity around sensitive issues. The Council’s programme of meetings had been approved on this basis, with the current Council meeting being the last one scheduled to take place before the pre-election period.
Noting the recommendations within the report, the Leader of the Opposition put forward a motion which slightly amended the recommendations, requesting that each of the Political Group Leaders be made ex-officio members of the Interim Executive Committee and that the Standing Orders be amended regarding the functioning of the Interim Executive Committee, to allow Conveners and Shadow Conveners to substitute during meetings for specific items of business pertaining to their areas of responsibility. These amendments to the recommendations in the report were agreed unanimously without the need for a roll call vote.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
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to approve with effect from 3 March 2017 the dissolution of all Standing
Committees, Panels and Strategic Forums and all Member/Officer Steering Groups with the exception of the Planning & Regulation Panel, Pre- Determination Hearing Committee, Local Review Body, Parental Appeals Panel, Social Work Complaints Review Panel, Appeals Panel, Appointments Panel, Grievance and Discipline Panel and Licensing Board, which would continue as currently, with the current appointments to the same (or pool of appointments and procedures for appointments, where relevant); -
to establish a short-term Interim Executive Committee to deal with urgent business of the Council between the last scheduled full Council meeting on 2 March 2017 and the Local Government Elections on 4 May 2017 with the exception of (i) matters reserved to full Council or the Licensing Board by statute,
(ii) matters previously delegated to the Planning & Regulation Panel, Pre-
Determination Hearing Committee, Local Review Body, Parental Appeals Panel, Social Work Complaints Review Panel, Appeals Panel, Appointments Panel or Grievance and Discipline Panel as set out in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation or (iii) matters previously delegated to officers pursuant to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation and/or previous decisions of Council or any Council Committee or Panel; -
that Political Group Leaders were ex-officio members of the Interim Executive Committee and that the Council’s standing orders be amended with respect to the functioning of the Interim Executive Committee to enable Conveners and Shadow Conveners to substitute during a meeting of the Interim Executive for an item pertaining to their area of responsibility, with the Chief Officer – Governance having authority to determine any questions on procedure in respect of the same;
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to appoint the following 11 Members to the Interim Executive Committee
reflecting the political balance on the Council, that is 4 SNP, 4 Labour, 2
Conservative and 1 Green Party representative:-Councillor Johanna Boyd (ex-officio);
Councillor Christine Simpson;
Councillor Corrie McChord;
Councillor Danny Gibson;Councillor Scott Farmer (ex-officio);
Councillor Jim Thomson;Councillor Graham Lambie;
Councillor Alycia Hayes;
Councillor Neil Benny (ex-officio);Councillor Mark Ruskell (ex-officio);
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that when dealing with any matters in relation to the discharge of the Council’s functions as Education Authority the membership of the Interim Executive Committee be extended to facilitate the attendance of the statutory religious representatives;
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that a Chair and Vice Chair of the Interim Executive Committee will be appointed from amongst its members at the first meeting of the Committee; and
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to delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to arrange two
provisional dates for meetings of the Interim Executive Committee as set out in Paragraph 3.11 of the report.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 3 February
2017, submitted)
SC541 SOCIAL WORK COMPLAINTS REVIEW PANEL – HEARING OF COMPLAINT
This report asked Council to consider the recommendations of the Social Work
Complaints Review Panel following the hearing of a complaint, which took place on 20 January 2017.
The National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 inserted a Section in the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 Section 5B requiring local authorities to establish procedures for considering complaints by service users. In establishing these procedures, the Council were required to follow directions contained in the Social Work (Representations Procedure) (Scotland) Directions 1996 which made provision for the establishment of a Review Committee to process appeals. In Stirling Council this was the Social Work Complaints Review Panel.
In accordance with the 1996 Directions, the Panel was required to submit its
recommendations to the Committee responsible for the subject matter of the
complaint, which in this instance was the Council. In considering such
recommendations, the Council was required to have regard to the standing of the Social Work Complaints Review Panel and only reject recommendations in
exceptional circumstances.
It was noted that responsibility for this stage of the Social Work Complaints Process wouldtransfer to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) for all complaints received from 1 April 2017 onwards, as part of new Social Services Complaints procedures being implemented by all Local Authorities in Scotland.
Stirling Council’s Social Work Complaints Review Panel would still be required to hear ‘Stage 3’ requests relating to any complaints received up to 1 April 2017. Effectively both complaints procedures would operate in tandem for a time, until all Social Services complaints received up to 1 April 2017 had been resolved/closed.
Given the low frequency of Panel Hearings over the past two years it was likely, but not guaranteed, that no further meetings of the Social Work Complaints Review Panel would be required.
Decision
The Council agreed that:-
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the complaint had been dealt with fairly and competently in accordance with the legislative framework and Council policy;
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Social Services should review those information/guidance documents provided to service users regarding the application of the Scheme of Assistance, ensuring an easy to understand, plain-English explanation of the key requirements and restrictions for Grant Funding, particularly the terms “medically essential” and the relevance of the terms “medium to long term needs of the disabled person";
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Social Services should review the information/guidance documents provided to service users regarding the Social Work complaints process, particularly the Complaints Review Panel stage, making clear the role and purpose of the Panel and its limitations in respect of overturning Council Policy; and
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Social Services should review the timing of Occupational Therapist assessments to take into account the particular circumstances of each case, ensuring assessments are carried out at an appropriate time when service users are able to fully comprehend and participate in the process.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 2 February 2017, submitted)
SC542 OUTDOOR DRINKING BYELAWS – BALQUHIDDER, STRATHYRE AND
LOCHEARNHEAD PROPOSED EXTENSION OF BYELAWS
This report sought approval from Council to extend the area covered by the outdoor drinking Byelaws.
Stirling Council had Byelaws Prohibiting the Drinking of Alcohol in Designated Public Places (“the Byelaws”). The Byelaws came into force on 10 August 1998 and had been amended since then to extend the areas covered by them within the Stirling Council area. The areas currently covered by the Byelaws were: Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Cambusbarron, Fallin, Throsk, Cowie, Plean, Callander, Dunblane, Strathblane, Blanefield, Balfron, Killearn, Arnprior, Buchlyvie, Gargunnock, Kippen, Doune, Deanston, Drymen and Fintry. The most recent amendment to the Byelaws extended the enforcement area to the East Side of Loch Lomond.
Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Community Council had expressed an interest in having the Byelaws extended to cover various loch sides within their Community Council area. These areas were outlined red on the Plans in Appendix 3 to the report.
If the Council agreed to amend the Byelaws to the extent illustrated by the Plans and as proposed in the Report, this would be advertised to allow for any objections or representations to be made to the Scottish Ministers. The Scottish Ministers would then make a decision whether or not to confirm the proposed amendment to the Byelaws. Without such confirmation the Byelaws could not be amended.
Discussion took place regarding the extent and enforcement of the proposed
extension, with some members noting concerns that the extended Byelaws would in effect criminalise members of the public who were drinking alcohol in a responsible way.
It was noted that it would be important to ensure Police Scotland took a pragmatic and sensible approach to the enforcement of the Byelaws, which would be aided by the embedded Police Officer based at Lochearnhead. Concerns were raised that a future change in Police personnel or approach could change the impact of the extension and that the pragmatic and sensible approach could not be guaranteed in future.
Members did note the extensive consultation which had taken place around the proposed extension to the Byelaws, which also had the support of the local
Community Council, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and Police Scotland.
Motion
“The Council agrees:-
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to make the proposed amendment to the Byelaws Prohibiting the Drinking of Alcohol in Designated Public Places in the form of the draft amendment in Appendix 2 to the report, covering the areas of Loch Voil, Loch Earn, Loch Doine and part of Loch Lubnaig as outlined in red on the Plans at Appendix 3 to the report, subject to the Plans being amended as referred to in paragraph 3.7 of the report, with authority being delegated to the Chief Officer – Governance to finalise the said amendments in consultation with the Ward 1 Elected Members; and
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to delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to undertake the statutory procedure to obtain ministerial confirmation of the proposed amendment to the said Byelaws in terms of Sections 201, 202 and 203 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.”
Moved by Councillor Martin Earl, seconded by Councillor Fergus Wood
Amendment
“That Council agrees to defer the proposed extension to the outdoor drinking
Byelaws for further consideration and consultation”.
Moved by Councillor Scott Farmer, seconded by Councillor Graham Houston
On the roll being called the Members present voted as follows:-
For the Amendment (8)
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Alycia Hayes
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Gerry McLaughlan
Councillor Mark Ruskell
Councillor Jim Thomson
Against the Amendment (13)
Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Johanna Boyd
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Depute Convener Callum Campbell
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor John Hendry
Councillor Corrie McChord
Councillor Ian Muirhead
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Violet Weir
Councillor Fergus Wood
The Amendment fell by 13 votes to 8.
For the Motion (15)
Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Johanna Boyd
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Depute Convener Callum Campbell
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Alycia Hayes
Councillor John Hendry
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Corrie McChord
Councillor Ian Muirhead
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Violet Weir
Councillor Fergus Wood
Against the Motion (6)
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Gerry McLaughlan
Councillor Mark Ruskell
Councillor Jim Thomson
Decision
The Motion was carried by 15 votes to 6, and accordingly the Council agreed:-
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to make the proposed amendment to the Byelaws Prohibiting the Drinking of Alcohol in Designated Public Places in the form of the draft amendment in Appendix 2 to the report, covering the areas of Loch Voil, Loch Earn, Loch Doine and part of Loch Lubnaig as outlined in red on the Plans at Appendix 3 to the report, subject to the Plans being amended as referred to in paragraph 3.7 of the report, with authority being delegated to the Chief Officer – Governance to finalise the said amendments in consultation with the Ward 1 Elected Members; and
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to delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to undertake the statutory procedure to obtain ministerial confirmation of the proposed amendment to the said Byelaws in terms of Sections 201, 202 and 203 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 22 February 2017, submitted)
SC543 MEETING OUR PUBLIC SECTOR EQUALITY DUTY REQUIREMENTS – APRIL
2017
The Council’s Equality Strategy (2013-17) was developed to help the Council meet its statutory obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty. This included a Mainstreaming Report confirming how equality was integrated across the Council’s activities as a service provider and employer and a set of equality outcomes providing a framework for further action. As required by the Duty, updated information and progress reports were subsequently published in 2015.
Under the above Duty, the Council must by 30 April 2017, have published a further updated mainstreaming report including updated employee information, gender pay gap information, an updated policy on equal pay and a statement on occupational segregation. It was also required to publish a report confirming the extent of progress achieved in delivering equality outcomes and a revised set of equality outcomes for delivery over the next four years.
This report presented the above required information and identified future action proposed to ensure that the Council continued to meet its commitment to equality for its citizens and employees and meet its statutory equality obligations.
In response to a request from a member, the Senior Manager for Economic
Development & Regeneration confirmed that diversity training would be taken forward for all elected members. She also agreed to provide members with further information by email, regarding:
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school based youth learning/work undertaken by the Education Service; and
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work undertaken to address factors of transport poverty in rural areas.
Concern was raised regarding accessibility issues relating to Old Viewforth, with a member noting that the building was unsuitable for the use of disabled staff or elected members. The Chief Officer – HR & OD confirmed that appropriate suitable adjustments would be made for any disabled staff or elected members based in Old Viewforth.
Members welcomed the detail presented in the report and praised the efforts of the officers involved.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
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to approve the Mainstreaming Report 2017 - Service Delivery;
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to approve the Mainstreaming Report 2017 - Employment;
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to approve the Outcomes Progress Report 2013-17;
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to approve the Draft Equality Outcomes for 2017-21;
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to note that further work would be undertaken to develop actions to secure delivery of the above equality outcomes, together with performance monitoring arrangements for these; and
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to instruct officers to publish the Mainstreaming Reports, the Outcomes Progress Report and Equality Outcomes by 30 April 2017, as required by the Public Sector Equality Duty.
(Reference: Report by Director of Children, Communities & Enterprise, dated 21 February 2017, submitted)
SC544 TREASURY MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL STRATEGY 2017/18
This report outlined the proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2017/18,
prepared in accordance with the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, the revised Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) Treasury Management in the Public Services Code (2011 edition), the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (2011 edition), the Local Government Investment Regulations (Scotland) 2010 and the Local Authority (Capital Financing and Accounting) (Scotland) Regulations 2016.
The primary objective of the Treasury Management Strategy for 2017/18 would be to continue to maintain the debt portfolio on a strong, low-risk, long-term basis with due consideration of budget requirements to minimise the cost of debt.
The Finance & Economy Committee would normally approve the Treasury
Management Financial Strategy on an annual basis, with the report also being
submitted to Audit Committee for its consideration and comment. However, due to the reporting cycle for the remainder of the financial year, this report instead sought approval from Stirling Council and would be presented to the next available Finance & Economy Committee (or equivalent) and Audit Committee meetings.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
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to approve the Treasury Management Financial Strategy for 2017/18 as outlined in this report;
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to approve the Prudential Indicators for 2017/18 to 2019/20, noting that the Prudential Indicators in the report reflected those included in the Revenue Budget and Determination of Council Tax 2017/18 paper presented to Stirling Council on 23 February 2017;
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to note that the Treasury Management Financial Strategy 2017/18 would be presented to the next available Finance & Economy Committee (or equivalent) and Audit Committee meetings; and
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to note that the Local Authority (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Scotland) Regulations came into force on 1 April 2016 and required the Council to set out
its policy for the statutory repayment of loans fund advances prior to the start of the financial year. The Council would therefore continue to apply the Statutory Method, with loans fund advances being repaid by the annuity method, as part of a 5-year transition period which would last until 31 March 2021. Any changes to this policy within this period, would be considered in respect of the totality of the Council’s capital plans, the use of its’ assets and the requirement to provide for a prudent repayment of loans fund advances, in the context of prudent financial management and would be reported as appropriate.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 24 February 2017, submitted)
SC545 STIRLING REGION CITY DEAL PROGRAMME UPDATE – MARCH 2017
This report provided Council with an update on the Stirling City Region Deal
programme. The programme outlined a bold, shared ambition and a once-in-a- generation opportunity to reposition Stirling as an economic and cultural powerhouse to rival the best in the world. This will be achieved in a way that benefits everyone across the area and particularly those who are most in need.
The update included details of a number of exciting new developments that would be delivered over the next few months, a progress report on rural and city projects currently being delivered through the Council’s capital programme, and the latest information about Stirling and Clackmannanshire’s negotiations with the Scottish and UK governments.
The Council Leader provided an update on a number of areas including the
upcoming branding exercise which was happening in the next week and the skills summit which would primarily focus on local businesses. She also noted that Scottish Natural Heritage had described Stirling’s proposals as the greenest in Scotland, which was a considerable assurance in terms of environmental sustainability.
Members raised concerns regarding the proposals being too city-centric and asked what gain would be seen by outlying areas such as rural areas and the Eastern villages. The Senior Manager - Infrastructure advised that they were looking at how to expand the City Region Deal for the benefit of all of the Stirling Council area. He advised that from an infrastructure point of view those communities would benefit from increased transport links and employment opportunities, opportunities for sustainable energy, job creation and skills development.
It was noted that the proposals would provide significant opportunities for economic development across the Stirling Council area, with opportunities for inclusive growth and regeneration. Members noted that it was important that everyone fully supported the City Region Deal in order to maximise the support from the UK & Scottish Governments and encourage other investment as part of the proposals.
Decision
The Council agreed to note the content of the report.
(Reference: Report by Director of Children, Communities & Enterprise, dated 17 February 2017, submitted)
SC546 LOCALITIES PROGRAMME UPDATE
This report provided an update on progress in implementing the localities
programme.
Over the past two years the Council had been testing out new ways of empowering communities, supporting wider participation and exploring new ways of resource deployment e.g. through community test sites.
In May 2016, Council endorsed a new organisational structure, which included a move towards locality based working. Since this time, work had been undertaken to ‘test and learn’ how this would be achieved. The progress of this work was detailed in the report.
Consideration had also been given to how the Council could move towards
participatory budgeting, as this was the next logical step of development for Priority Based Budgeting. Further details were provided in the report.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
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to note the progress of Stirling’s localities programme; and
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to receive the submission of a report in Autumn 2017 detailing the progress of the localities programme.
(Reference: Report by Director of Children, Communities & Enterprise, dated 17 February 2017, submitted)
The Committee resolved under Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland)
Act 1973 that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of
business on the grounds they involved the disclosure of exempt information as
defined in Paragraph 8, of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland)
Act 1973.
SC547 LOW CARBON INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSITION PROGRAMME: FORTHSIDE /
SPRINGKERSE DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK
This report advised members of an opportunity to create the first phase of Stirling’s District Heating Network through a partnership proposal for the Forthside and Springkerse areas. The report therefore sought approval to proceed with the partnership project, to accept a funding offer and approve the costs (as noted within the exempt report) as the Council’s contribution towards the cost of the district heating network.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
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to accept the funding offer as detailed in the report;
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to delegate authority to the Director of Localities and Infrastructure, in
consultation with the Convener and Vice Convener of the Finance and Economy Committee and the Opposition Finance Spokesperson, to finalise and enter into customer heat contracts; -
to delegate authority to the Director of Localities and Infrastructure, in
consultation with the Convener and Vice Convener of the Finance and Economy Committee and the Opposition Finance Spokesperson, to finalise and enter into contractual arrangements between Stirling Council and the proposed partner as detailed in the report and all related documentation; -
to delegate authority to the Director of Localities and Infrastructure, in
consultation with the Convener and Vice Convener of the Finance and Economy committee and the Opposition Finance Spokesperson, to procure and award the district heating network works contract and enter into all related documentation; -
to approve prudential borrowing as detailed within the report, to provide funding to enable this project to proceed once all the necessary contractual arrangements were in place, to minimise risk to the Council; and
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to note that the above authorities in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were
interdependent and would only be discharged once the relevant risks and
outstanding issues identified throughout this report were resolved or minimised such that the risk to the Council was deemed reasonable or manageable.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 24 February 2017, submitted)
The Convener closed the meeting at 8.40 pm
Appendix 1
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR SCOTT FARMER FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
THE ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017.
QUESTION
Could the Convenor provide an update on progress made in developing a shared services model for Roads Maintenance?
Answer
Stirling Council Officers have met with officials from the Improvement Service to gain more information about what might be involved in such an approach.
Any changes to our current arrangements would be a matter for elected members to consider and determine in future.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Cllr Farmer asked the Convener of the Environment & Housing Committee to confirm whether or not he was in favour of a shared services model for roads maintenance. The Convener of the Environment & Housing Committee advised that he was not personally a supporter of shared services and did not support the previous Social Care & Health shared services model. He felt that the Council’s focus should be on serving the people of the Stirling Council area.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR JIM THOMSON FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
THE ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017.
QUESTION
An A Board Advertising Policy was adopted following an Executive Meeting of the Council on 23 June 2011.
It was agreed that a report would be brought back 18 months after its implementation.
Despite repeated requests over a number of years and its failure to appear I asked officers if they would be able to bring a report to the 9th February 2017 meeting of the Environment and Housing Committee.
I understand you rejected the paper. Can you please explain why?
Answer
There was no Council or Committee decision requiring such a paper at this time.
Any changes to our current arrangements would be a matter for elected members to consider and determine in future.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Cllr Thomson asked the Convener of the Environment & Housing Committee to confirm the reason for rejecting the report which had been prepared for the February 2017 E&H Committee meeting. The Convener of the Environment & Housing Committee referred Cllr Thomson to his original answer and noted that no queries had been raised either with himself or during the February E&H Committee regarding the report.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR IAN MUIRHEAD FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
THE ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017.
QUESTION
Following Thursday's budget what plans does the administration have in place to improve public transport in the Forth & Endrick ward?
Answer
Following the decision of Council on 23rd February 2017 relating to the budget for 2017/18, the public transport team has been asked to bring forward plans to maximise the agreed funding of £140,000. The key focus of this will be to support rural communities across the Stirling area. Work is now underway to determine best use of this funding. It is intended to share this work once developed. Group leaders will be kept informed of progress during the
pre-election period.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Cllr Muirhead stated that the SNP had made a clear budget commitment to reinstate the B12
16.05 & 10.10 bus services and asked the Convener of the Environment & Housing Committee to agree to reinstate the service forthwith. The Convener of the Environment & Housing Committee advised that the Council budget agreed the previous week was in relation to Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service rather than subsidised bus services. He noted that work would be done to look at the prioritisation of what services required to be provided.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR GRAHAM LAMBIE FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017.
QUESTION
In the 5 year business plan under Schools, Learning & Education one of the current areas for improvement is:
Securing more robust approaches to self-evaluation which have a positive impact on outcomes for learners.
What steps are being taken to achieve these?
Answer
The Service has undertaken a range of activities to secure more robust approaches to self- evaluation. These include:
-
Reviewing and updating guidance on school improvement planning and standards and quality reporting. The guidance has been shared with headteachers and schools. Training had been provided for headteachers and school leaders.
-
An annual audit of School Improvement Plans and Standards and Quality Reports
is now undertaken. This involves headteachers and school leaders working
together to provide feedback to schools. Headteachers and school leaders report
that participating in the audit provides a valuable professional learning
opportunity. -
A programme of validated self-evaluation (VSE) has been implemented. This
involves a team of headteachers, school leaders and education officers visiting a
school for 2 days to evaluate its progress and performance. Primary schools and
nurseries now participate in VSE on a three year rolling programme. Secondary
schools are currently developing their approach. -
School Improvement Partnerships have been introduced in primary schools and
nurseries. These consist of three establishments working together to support improvement across all establishments within the partnership. This innovative approach has been recognised nationally, with staff presenting at the Scottish Learning Festival and being asked to speak to headteachers in other authorities. -
A programme called ‘Thinking Through Inspection’ has been established to
support schools in self-evaluation in relation to the Education Scotland inspection process. Schools attend a training session and this is followed up by in-school support. -
A Leadership Strategy and Framework has been developed for leadership at all
levels. As part of our ‘Lead On’ programme for aspiring, acting and new
headteachers, training is provided in self-evaluation for self-improvement. -
Training has been provided on the revised national self-evaluation documents
‘How Good Is Our School 4’ (HGIOS4) and ‘How Good Is Our Early Learning and
Childcare’ (HGIOELC). Schools, Learning and Education has developed a self-
evaluation toolkit, based on HGIOS4 and HGIOELC, and this is being used in
schools.
Evaluations of these activities have noted a positive impact. They will continue to be reviewed in order to ensure that our schools continue to improve leading to excellent outcomes for learners.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Cllr Lambie asked the Convener of the Education Committee to confirm that this would be reported back to Committee for member’s scrutiny. The Convener of the Education Committee advised that he was unable to confirm the exact reporting procedures now that the current committee system was at an end, but that this would be a decision for the relevant Convener under the new Administration to take.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALYCIA HAYES FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
THE FINANCE & ECONOMY COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017.
QUESTION
The Labour/Tory Capital budget capital programme indicates £2.7m to construct the Flood Prevention Scheme at Aberfoyle. The approved Environment and Housing report of 9th February requires £5M of spend.
Can the convener explain the shortfall in funding (£1m less than officer recommendation and £2.3M less than the report) and provide the residents of Aberfoyle with a timeframe for completing this essential work.
Answer
The meeting of the Environment and Housing committee on the 9th February agreed that this more comprehensive scheme should be taken back to the Aberfoyle Community to ensure that it meets their requirements. It is not the habit of this administration to impose large infrastructure projects onto communities without consultation. It is hoped that if the community agrees to this scheme that it can be delivered within 3-4 years.
The funding allocated by Council last week provides a substantial contribution to the indicative costs. The costs need more work to ensure that they are robust and other schemes of this nature have qualified for Scottish Government Funding of 80%. If this funding formula was followed the total sum available for flood alleviation in Aberfoyle would be £13.5m. Scottish Government disqualified Aberfoyle for that funding model, so we hope
that a funding model securing the full amount for the scheme can be secured.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALASDAIR MACPHERSON FOR ANSWER BY CHAIR
OF HEALTH & SAFETY PANEL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017.
QUESTION
The Customer First Office was subject to flooding of the basement in recent storms. Can the Convener advise me of the risk assessment carried out to confirm the safety of staff working in the basements of Customer First and also at Wolfcraig?
Answer
A risk assessment was completed when the Customer First basement first came into use in May 2014, which allowed for use of the rooms. This was restricted to meetings rather than full-time offices.
Until this week, the basement room was used by the Registrars for death registrations as it was considered to afford a degree of privacy for potentially upset individuals.
Over the last few months, efforts have been made to identify alternative locations for the Registrars to undertake their front-facing activities. As part of this, we are currently finalising arrangements for the use of the registrar office in Dunblane. This provides better accommodation whilst retaining a presence at Customer First.
It is recognised that some customers will still prefer a city centre location, so Customer First will still provide contact space. The Service will no longer use the basement for such registrations. However appropriate service adjustments may need to be made to accommodate this.
In recognition that other services may also use the basement, a review of the risk assessment for this space has been arranged, involving both staff and Unions, which will be completed by the end of this week.
There is no basement in Wolfcraig, only a boiler room which is locked and off limits. However we are installing a safety rail and a cover over an exposed area of this space.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Cllr MacPherson noted his concerns regarding staff being migrated to Polmaise which currently had no accessible footpath or nearby bus services. He asked the Chair of the Health & Safety Panel to comment on this.
The Chair of the Health & Safety Panel advised that he would confine his comments to the subject of the original question. He noted his sympathy with Registration services and stated that as a front-facing service they had not been dealt with as he would have liked. He stated that questions had to be asked over the use of basements in future and that there was an immediate urgent need to look at sympathetic meeting/venue space for Registration
services, for the purposes of bereavement and wedding services. He noted that the appropriateness of some Council service accommodation required to be re-examined.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR MARK RUSKELL FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
SOCIAL CARE & HEALTH COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2017.
QUESTION
To ask the Convenor of Social Care and Health whether Stirling Council is now compliant with The Unison Ethical Care Charter.
Answer
Stirling Council is not yet fully compliant with the Unison Ethical Care Charter. However, we are proactively working with providers to support its implementation. Significant progress has been made against the implementation of the Living Wage; support for carers to discuss
training needs and best practice; clear procedures for following up carers concerns; the importance of continuity of carer wherever possible; pension auto-enrolment; reducing travel time and home care workers being paid for travel time. In addition discussion is ongoing regarding outcome focused care with providers. Work is continuing on aspects of the Charter such as the use of fifteen minutes visits, which are used where appropriate for check calls
which could in time be better served by Telecare options. Further work is required to scope the current use of these visits. Finally, whilst all providers must comply with Working Time Regulations, we are aware that zero hours contracts are still in use by external providers. Work is ongoing to avoid the use of such contracts.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Cllr Ruskell noted that the response underlined the progress made over the previous several years and asked the Convener of the Social Care & Health Committee if she could see a way of overcoming the final barrier, which was the use of zero hours contracts.
The Convener of the Social Care & Health Committee advised that the Council had agreed to support the principles of the Charter however the final stumbling block had been the use of zero hours contracts. She noted that the Service was working with providers to end the use of these contracts and that progress had been made, but that there was still work to do. She advised that only 3 Local Authorities had formally signed up to the Charter so far and
she hoped that Stirling Council would be in a position to sign up to it early in the new Administration.