STIRLING COUNCIL

 

MINUTES of the MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018 at 10.00 AM

 

Present:

Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

 

Councillor Maureen BENNISON
Councillor Neil BENNY
Councillor Alistair BERRILL
Councillor Margaret BRISLEY
Councillor Robert DAVIES
Councillor Douglas DODDS
Councillor Martin EARL
Councillor Scott FARMER
Councillor Bryan FLANNAGAN
Councillor Danny GIBSON

Councillor Graham HOUSTON
Councillor Graham LAMBIE
Councillor Alison LAURIE
Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON
Councillor Alastair MAJURY
Councillor Jeremy MCDONALD
Councillor Susan MCGILL
Councillor Ross OXBURGH
Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE
Councillor Jim THOMSON

 

In Attendance

 

Carol Beattie, Depute Chief Executive
Jim Boyle, Chief Officer - Finance

Martin Dalziel, Senior Media Officer (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer Development)
Graeme Donohoe, Senior Media Officer (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer
Development)

Liz Fraser, Policy Officer (Economic Development Culture & Tourism)

Lesley Gallagher Service Manager Regeneration & Wellbeing (Economic Development Culture & Tourism)

Carol Hamilton, Tenants Services Manager (People, Planning & Performance)
Kristine Johnson, Chief Officer – HR& OD

Kevin Kelman, Senior Manager Schools & Learning (CEdO)
Louise McDonald, Support Officer (Governance)

Lynne McKinley, Community Engagement Team Leader (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer Development)

Isabel McKnight, Chief Officer Strategic Commissioning & Customer Development
Islay Moore, Support Officer (Governance)

Kevin O’Kane, Internal Audit Manager (Governance)
Nicole Paterson, Senior Manager

Brian Roberts, Senior Manager Infrastructure
Karen Swan, Committee Officer (Governance)

Marie Valente, Senior Manager Children & Families (CSWO)
Iain Strachan, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)

Announcement‌‌‌‌‌

 

Prior to the start of the meeting the Provost made a statement to the Chambers, advising that the Chief Education Officer would consult on the matter of the provision of children’s access to play services in Ward 1 & 2 and report back to a future meeting of the Children & Young People Committee.‌‌

 

SC112 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Chris Kane and Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

 

SC113 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Farmer noted that one of the recommended candidates at Item 8 –
Citizenship Appointments Panel - Stirling local Licensing Forum, was known to the SNP Group.

 

SC114 URGENT BUSINESS

 

There were no items of urgent business.

 

SC115 MINUTES

 

1. Meeting of Stirling Council – 3 May 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 3 May 2018 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings, subject to a change to Written Question supplementary Question from Councillor Earl to the Convener of Children & Young People Committee.

    

   “Councillor Earl thanked the Convener of Children & Young People Committee and asked if she was confident that all relevant staff had the required training to the appropriate level.

    

   The Convener of Children & Young people Committee confirmed yes.”

    

2. Meeting of Citizenship Appointments Panel – 26 April 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Citizenship Appointments Panel held on 26 April 2018 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

3. Meeting of Local Review Body – 8 May 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Local Review Body held on 8 May 2018 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

4. Meeting of Citizenship Appointments Panel – 22 May 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Citizenship Appointments Panel held on 22 May 2018 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

5. Meeting of Local Review Body – 29 May 2018‌

 

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Local Review Body held on 29 May 2018 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC116 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Nine 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 area also included in Appendix 1.

 

SC117 QUESTION TIME

 

In terms of Standing Order 48, Members had the opportunity to out questions to the Provost, the Leader of the Council, any Portfolio Holder ort 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 Jeremy McDonald – Minutes of Meeting of Finance & Economy Committee on 19 April 2018 (FE54 – Question regarding Measure for Growth to City Centre Economy)

 

The Leader of the Council confirmed that to encourage growth in the City Centre that Stirling Council would engage and consult with businesses and Stirling Business Improvement District on an economy strategy. They would review various ways of improvement, in particular the need for a more attractive day and night economy.

 

Councillor Neil Benny – Minutes of Meeting of Finance & Economy Committee on 19 April 2018 (FE54 – Question regarding Business Rates)

 

The Leader of the Council confirmed that the Scottish Government and COSLA were looking into business rates.

 

Councillor Bryan Flannagan – Minutes of Meeting of Public Safety Committee
on 15 May 2018 (PU51 – Question regarding Custodial Cells)

 

The Convener of Public Safety Committee confirmed that a report on custodial cells would be submitted to a future meeting of the Public Safety Committee.

 

Councillor Alistair Berrill – Minutes of Meeting of Environment & Housing
Committee on 12 April 2018 (EH051 – Question regarding White Lines Markings
on A811)

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee confirmed that road markings on the A811 would be raised with the relevant service.

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache – Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 3 May 2018 (Questions - Question regarding Langgarth Site)

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee confirmed that Langgarth site was part of the Local Transport Strategy.

 

Councillor Ross Oxburgh – Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 3 May 2018 (Questions - Question regarding Loading Bays in City Centre)

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee noted the issue regarding
loading bays and confirmed that the Parking Strategy would be reviewed.

 

Councillor Douglas Dodds – Minutes of Meeting of Health & Safety Panel on 26 March 2018 (HS5 – Question regarding Health & Safety Issues in the Council)

 

The Convener of Health & Safety Panel agreed to meet Councillor Dodds to discuss Health & Safety issues.

 

Councillor Alastair Majury – Minutes of Meeting of Public Safety Committee on
15 May 2018 (PU51 – Question regarding Custodial Cells in Stirling)

 

The Convener of Public Safety Committee confirmed that there were no custodial cells in Stirling.

 

Councillor Martin Earl – Minutes of Meeting of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee on 31 May 2018 (CR69 – Question regarding Sign Language Strategy)

 

The Convener of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee confirmed that the Council would speak to Ideas for Ears about raising awareness.

 

SC118 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS

 

Stirling Council had traditionally appointed Elected Members to serve on various Council companies, local organisations and other external organisations.

 

At its meeting of 8 December 2016, the Council agreed a revised approach to the governance of its arms-length external organisations and other strategically funded bodies, and to review those organisations which Members were appointed to.

 

The report sought a 12 month extension to specific appointments, as noted at
paragraph 2.1 of the submitted report, until 30 June 2019, or such earlier dates as the anticipated revision of the governance arrangements in place for each organisation were satisfactory completed. The extension was to allow time for completion of the ongoing governance review in respect of these organisations.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to extend the appointment of Elected Members to those external organisations as noted at paragraph 2.1 within the submitted report until 30 June

2019, or such earlier dates as the anticipated revision of the governance
arrangements in place for each organisation were satisfactory completed.‌‌‌

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 6 June 2018 submitted)

 

SC119 CITIZENSHIP APPOINTMENTS PANEL – STIRLING LOCAL LICENSING FORUM

 

The Council was required to establish a Local Licensing Forum under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. The role of the forum was to keep under review the operating of the alcohol licensing system in the area and to give advice and recommendations to the District of Stirling Licensing Board.

 

The Citizenship Appointments Panel was convened on 26 April 2018 and 22 May 2018 for the purpose of interviewing two candidates for the Stirling Local Licensing Forum.

 

The report invited Council to approve the recommendations to appoint two
candidates to the Membership of the Stirling Local Licensing Forum.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to the Citizenship Appointments Panel recommendations to
appoint two candidates (Para 2.8 & 2.9 within the submitted report) to the
Membership of the Stirling Local Licensing Forum, for a period of 3 years, until 31 May 2021.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 1 June 2018 submitted)

 

SC120 VACANCY – APPOINTMENT TO RAPLOCH URBAN REGENERATION LIMITED AND STIRLING COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE LIMITED

 

At its meeting on 24 May 2017, Council appointed 3 Elected Members to sit as
Directors on the Boards of both the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company Limited and Raploch URC Landholdings Limited (now called Stirling Community Enterprise Limited).

 

Councillor Gibson had resigned his appointment as a Director of Raploch Urban
Regeneration Company Limited, and did not formally complete his appointment as a Director of Stirling Community Enterprise Limited.

 

At its meeting on 3 May 2018, Council agreed to defer decision to the meeting on 28 June 2018 to fill the vacant positions on the Boards of both the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company Limited and Stirling Community Enterprise Limited.

 

Appointment

 

Councillor Danny Gibson, seconded by Councillor Scott Farmer proposed himself.

 

Councillor Neil Benny, seconded by Councillor Jeremy McDonald proposed
Councillor Ross Oxburgh.

Voting was as follows:‌‌

 

Councillor Danny Gibson 12 votes
Councillor Ross Oxburgh 9 votes

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to appoint Councillor Danny Gibson as Board Member on both Raploch Urban Regeneration Company Limited and Stirling Community Enterprise Limited.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 19 June 2018 submitted)

 

SC121 ANNUAL REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS

 

The Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation were last updated in March 2018 under delegated authority to effect the revised decision making structure approved by the Council on 7 December 2017.

 

The Chief Officer - Governance carried out an annual review of the Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation, in consultation with the Group Leaders, with any proposed changes and refinements brought forward to the Council for approval.

 

The Chief Officer - Governance also had delegated authority to make any necessary changes to the Standing Orders, Scheme of Delegation, Financial Regulations, Contract Standing Orders and other related Council documentation to reflect the revised senior management structure approved by Council on 3 May 2018.

 

In response to Members questions, the Chief Officer – Governance confirmed that Responses to Written Question(s) would be updated to include an emailed version to Elected Members at the same time as hard copies were placed in the Council Chambers (1 hour before the start of the Council meeting).

 

The Chief Officer – Governance would also update the Elected Members on the remit of the Childcare Panel.

 

Following further discussion on the Annual Review of Governance Documents,
proposals for a Motion and Amendment were verbally raised. The Elected Members sought exact clarification of each, to which the Chief Officer – Governance gave advice to the Council Chambers.

 

At 11.20am the Council agreed to adjourn for a break to allow members to consider the previous discussion.

 

The Meeting reconvened at 11.25am with all Elected Members (previously noted) present.

 

All Elected Members agreed that the Annual Review of Governance Documents
would be taken as the first item after lunch, following which the Motion and
Amendment would be presented in an appropriate manner (Reference to SC128).

SC122 PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE COMMITTEE DATES‌

 

The report sought approval of a number of proposed changes to the dates of the Children & Young People Committee and also requested that authority be delegated to the Chief Officer – Governance to make any additional changes, as appropriate, to the programme of meetings up to 2022 in regard to the Children & Young People Committee.

 

Following concerns raised by the Chief Education Officer and the Convener of the Children & Young People Committee regarding parts of the committee process relating to that committee falling within school holiday period, it was agreed that Democratic Services would consider the best options for amending the programme of meetings to avoid any issue.

 

The current programme of meetings were agreed at the meeting of full Council on March 2018. Any amendments to the programme of meetings therefore required to be approved by full Council.‌

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to: -

 

1. approve the changes to the Children & Young People Committee dates as
   detailed at paragraph 2.4 within the submitted report; and

    

2. delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance, in consultation with the Convener and Vice-Convener of the Children & Young People Committee (and any other Conveners & Vice-Conveners whose committees might be impacted), to make additional changes to the programme of meetings up to 2022 in relation to the Children & Young People Committee as necessary.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 6 June 2018, submitted)

 

SC123 AUDIT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

 

The report presented the Audit Committee Annual Report 2017-18 for consideration by the Council. The Audit Committee approved the report for submission to Council at its meeting on 24 May 2018.

 

The Audit Committee Annual Report was timed to support the Council’s
consideration of the draft Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018, which were submitted as a separate agenda item at the meeting.

 

Preparation of an Annual Report enabled the Audit Committee to meet best practice guidance set out in ‘Audit Committees: Practical Guidance for Local Authorities and Police’ (2013) issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA). It included the Audit Committee accounting for its work to the Council as ‘those charged with governance’, and providing an assessment, at least annually, of its performance in discharging its role and functions, as set out in the Scheme of Delegation.

 

Following a query raised by an Elected Member, the Chief Officer – Governance
clarified that links to the reports included within Committee agendas were also linked to the minutes of that such meeting on the internet.

The Elected Members passed on their praise and thanks to the Internal Audit
Manager, his staff and Members of the Audit Committee.‌‌

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to endorse the Audit Committee Annual Report 2017-18,
attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, noting specifically the Audit
Committee Assurance Statements contained within the report at pages 13 and 14.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 19 June 2018, submitted)

 

SC124 STIRLING COUNCIL DRAFT ACCOUNTS 2017/18

 

The report outlined the key features of the financial position displayed in the 2017/18 draft accounts, incorporating a brief overview of the General Fund and HRA revenue and capital outturn positions. It also asked the Council to approve the updating of the 2018/19 General Services Capital Programme budget to reflect additional carry forward commitments and virements.

 

The draft Stirling Accounts for the year to 31 March had been prepared for audit. The draft accounts must be presented to either the Council or a Committee of the Council charges with audit or governance in accordance with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2018.

 

Given the early completion of the 2017/18 accounts closure process, the Audit
Committee meeting of 24 May 2018 approved the submission of the draft accounts to the appointed auditor to enable the commencement of audit work.

 

The draft accounts showed the Council ending the year with uncommitted General Fund balances of £9.822M (4.7% of the 2017/18 budget). Although the reported outturn was expected to represent the final position for 2017/18, the figures remain subject to audit.

 

The Elected Members passed on thanks to Officers for managing to achieve an early finish of the draft accounts.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to: -

 

1. note the General Fund and HRA revenue and capital outturn positions as at 31 March 2018;

    

2. note the position in terms of the Council’s share of the net pension liability of the Local Government Pension Scheme; and

    

3. approve the updating of the 2018/19 General Services Capital Programme budget to reflect additional carry forward commitments and virements of £1.424M as set out in Appendix 2 to submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 6 June 2018, submitted)

SC125 COMMON GOOD FUNDS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS DRAFT ACCOUNTS 2017/18‌‌‌

 

The report asked the Council to note the draft accounts in respect of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2018, and to consider and note progress to-date on the review of the small charitable trusts.

 

The draft Stirling Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts Accounts for the year to 31 March 2018 had been prepared for audit. The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 required the draft accounts to be submitted to the appointed auditor no later than 30 June 2018.

 

Given early completion of the 2017/18 accounts closure process, the Audit
Committee meeting of 24 May 2018 approved the submission of the draft accounts to the appointed auditor to enable the commencement of audit work.

 

Work also continued on the review of small charitable trusts and the report provided information on the progress made to date.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to: -

 

1. note the draft accounts in respect of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2018, and

    

2. note progress to-date on the review of the small charitable trusts.
   (Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 6 June 2018, submitted)

 

SC126 FINANCIAL STRATEGY UPDATE

 

At its meeting of 22 February 2018, the Council approved a budget for 2018/19 and noted the assumptions contained within the financial planning for 2019/20 and beyond.

 

As time passes, changes in political, economic and service demand circumstances would affect a number of these assumptions, and the report was intended to update members on the current position with these assumptions. It was the intention to bring further updates to the Council during the financial year.

 

In response to Members questions’, the Chief Officer - Finance gave assurances that the 10 year financial strategy, in particular the later years, were heavily caveated to reflect the state of the economy with a broad range of scenarios. It would also reflect the future increase in demographic requirements.

 

The Elected Members welcomed the report.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to: -

 

1. note the contents of the update report;

2. note that further updates would be brought to the Council in the autumn of 2018; and‌

    

3. note that a revised budget scenario, including 10 year forecasts, would be brought to the Finance & Economy Committee in September.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 21 June 2018, submitted)

 

SC127 PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING

 

Participatory Budgeting (PB) was increasingly viewed as an important resource to build on the wider development of participatory democracy in Scotland and was seen an example of international best practice in empowering local people to have a direct say in how, and where, public funds could be used to address local needs.

 

Within the context of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 local
authorities were obliged to “promote and facilitate” public participation in their
“decision and activities”, including in the allocation of resources and Participatory Budgeting was one of a range of tools which local authorities adopted to fulfil any future such obligation.

 

The Scottish Government had committed to supporting the mainstreaming of
Participatory Budgeting by all 32 local authorities and had recommend that local authorities should allocate at least 1% of all budgets via Participatory Budgeting by the financial year 2020/21.

 

Participatory Budgeting was not a consultation, it gives citizens real power to make real decisions about real money and would mean a significant change in the way communities, Council and Community Planning Partners operate and make their decision to deliver outcomes at a local level.

 

It had been endorsed, amongst others, by COSLA, at its meeting on 27 October 2017, the United Nations, the World Bank, the Scottish Government, the Electoral Reform Society, Oxfam and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

 

The Elected Members discussed Participatory Budgeting at length and following questions raised Officers advised that similar practices of Participatory Budgeting had been used on the Continent and in South America.

 

The stated funding level would be sourced from Reserves until services budgets were realigned to encompass the stated amounts.

 

The Senior Manager Schools & Learning confirmed that the four area partnerships were aligned to the school catchments areas which were: -

 

• Rural North – McLaren High School

• Rural South – Balfron High School

• Urban North - Dunblane High School/ Wallace High School

• Urban South - Stirling High School/Bannockburn High School

The Elected Members along with communities would play an important part in
shaping the area partnerships. Ensuring that the partnerships were governed
properly, a code of conduct would be needed to ensure that all citizens involved, depending on project proposals, would declare an interest to ensure transparency.

 

The Member/Officer Short Life Working Group would develop proposals, taking into account previous priorities.

 

Motion

 

Councillor Scott Farmer, seconded by Councillor Margaret Brisley moved the
recommendation in the officer report.

 

Amendment

 

“Council notes the participatory budgeting report written by Council Officers and the suggestions for a structure outlined in it.

 

Council is concerned that there is not enough detail at this stage to delegate the setting up of a participatory budgeting system to a small member officer working group.

 

Council resolves to:

 

1. Establish a member officer working group to include the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council and the leader of the opposition to examine this proposal in detail with a view to bringing forward a more detailed and worked out approach to Participatory Budgeting for Council in August.

    

2. Part of their consideration should be the review of the previous participatory budget process and feedback that has been received about that.

    

3. This more detailed approach should be scrutinised at Community Planning and Regeneration Committee before coming to the Council meeting in October.”

 

Proposed by Councillor Neil Benny and seconded by Councillor Martin Earl.
On the roll being called the Members present voted as follows:-

For the Amendment (10)

 

Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Robert Davies
Councillor Douglas Dodds
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Alastair Majury
Councillor Jeremy McDonald
Councillor Ross Oxburgh
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

Against the Amendment (11)

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson

 

The Amendment fell by 11 votes to 10 votes.
For the Motion (11)

Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson

 

Against the Motion (10)

 

Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Robert Davies
Councillor Douglas Dodds
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Alastair Majury
Councillor Jeremy McDonald
Councillor Ross Oxburgh
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

 

The motion was carried 11 votes to 10 votes.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to: -

 

1. approve, in principle, Stirling’s approach to Participatory Budgeting as set out in the submitted report, subject to consultation with community participation groups, equality groups, businesses, individual citizens and others, with a further report being submitted to Council in October 2018 for final approval of the approach, together with detailed plans for the implementation of the same; and

2. the establishment of a Member-Officer Short Life Working Group to oversee the Warm Up Phase, with the group continuing up to the point of submission of the report to Council in October 2018. Membership of this group would comprise the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition, in consultation with the Conveners & Vice Conveners of the Finance & Economy Committee and the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, undated, submitted)

 

In terms of Standing Order 39, the Provost adjourned the meeting
at 12.35pm for a comfort break.

 

The Meeting reconvened at 1.05pm.

Elected Members (previously noted) with the exception of Councillor Berrill,
who left at the comfort break, were present.

 

SC128 ANNUAL REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS (Continued as per SC121)

 

The Chief Officer - Governance finalised a written motion and a written amendment, reflecting recent discussions earlier in the meeting, and circulated them to Elected Members to review. The motion and the amendment were them formally proposed.

 

Motion

 

To move the officer recommendations, subject to the following:-

 

1. Delete the final two proposed insertions at the end of Standing Order 74 (page 73 of the agenda)

2. Delete the proposed amendments to Standing Orders 16 to 25 (inclusive) (pages 64 and 65 on the agenda) and retain the current wording for the process for such motions;

3. Remove the current remit of the Chief Executive Appraisal Panel on Page 24 of the Scheme of Delegation (page 128 of the agenda), and replace with:-

   1. “to undertake annual performance appraisals of (i) the Chief Executive and (ii) the Depute Chief Executive, the latter being undertaken in conjunction with the Chief Executive”

       

4. Disband the Broadband Delivery Group, its activities being remitted to the Finance and Economy Committee.

 

Proposed by Councillor Scott Famer, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Amendment

 

To move the officer recommendations, subject to the following:-

 

1. Delete Standing Order 74 (page 73 of the agenda);

2. Retain the Broadband Delivery Group under its current remit; and

3. Insert in Appendix 1 of the Standing Orders section 10 (page 91 of the agenda) at the end:-

   1. “whilst a petition remains open and is reported to subsequent committee meetingsthe principle petitioner, or someone delegated to by them, will be able to, should they wish, address the Committee at the discretion of the Convener. This will be done with a time limit of 10 minutes, which may be extended at the discretion of the Convener.”

 

Proposed by Councillor Neil Benny, seconded by Councillor Martin Earl.
On the roll being called the Members present voted as follows:-

For the Amendment (9)

 

Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Robert Davies
Councillor Douglas Dodds
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Alastair Majury
Councillor Jeremy McDonald
Councillor Ross Oxburgh
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

 

Against the Amendment (11)

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson

 

The Amendment fell by 11 votes to 9 votes.
For the Motion (11)

Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson

Against the Motion (9)

 

Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Robert Davies
Councillor Douglas Dodds
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Alastair Majury
Councillor Jeremy McDonald
Councillor Ross Oxburgh
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

 

The Motion was carried by 11 votes to 9 votes.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:

 

1. adopt with effect from 29 June 2018 the Standing Orders set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, subject to the following:-

    

   1. delete the final two proposed insertions at the end of Standing Order 74 (page 73 of the submitted agenda);

       

   2. delete the proposed amendments to Standing order 16 to 25 inclusive (pages

      64 and 65 of the submitted agenda) and retain the current wording for the process for such motions;

       

2. approve with effect from 29 June 2018 the Scheme of Delegation set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, subject to the following: -

    

   1. remove the current remit of the Chief Executive Appraisal Panel on Page 24 of the Scheme of Delegation (Page 128 of the submitted agenda), and replace with:-

       

      1. ”to undertake annual performance appraisals of (i) the Chief Executive and (ii) the Depute Chief Executive, the latter being undertaken in conjunction with the Chief Executive”

          

   2. Disband the Broadband Delivery Group, it activities being remitted to the Finance & Economy Committee.

       

3. note that the Chief Officer - Officer would continue to carry out annual reviews of the Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation;

    

4. note that the Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders had been updated under delegated authority to reflect the revised management structure and had been circulated to members for information;

    

5. note that officers would bring forward a report proposing further changes to the Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders to the October meeting of Council;

6. note that any decision taken by Council in respect of the report was subject to any decisions taken by Council in respect of Item 17 on the agenda, and the proposal to establish a Stirling & Clackmannanshire City Region Deal Joint Committee; and‌‌

    

7. note that a revised Sub Scheme of Delegation was being prepared by the Chief Executive, and would be circulated to all members for information.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 31 May 2018, submitted)

 

SC129 CITY REGION DEAL UPDATE

 

The Council had been seeking the financial investment and powers from UK and Scottish Governments, through a City Region Deal, to deliver a programme of change for Stirling and the wider region that would unlock its full potential and result in a healthier, wealthier, greener and better connected future for Stirling, Scotland and the UK.

 

Over the next 10 years, the programme for inclusive and sustainable economic growth was designed to help the Council transform skills development, social innovation, sustainability, transport, and key sector productivity, with a substantial impact on positive health, wellbeing and attainment.

 

On 31 May 2018, Heads of Terms for the Stirling & Clackmannanshire City Region Deal were signed at the Engine Shed, Stirling.

 

The Heads of Terms were signed by Councillor Scott Farmer, Leader of Stirling
Council, Councillor Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Scottish Government, Rt Hon David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland UK Government, Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor The University of Stirling and Stirling City Commissioner Neil McLean.

 

The report updated Council on the content of the Heads of Terms and proposed a governance framework for the delivery of the City Region Deal.

 

Following a Members’ question, the Depute Chief Executive confirmed that a report on Inclusive Growth Framework that contained information on flexible skills and employability delivery had been previously submitted to the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee and would be circulated to all Members.

 

The Elected Members praised Officers on the fantastic job in attaining the Heads of Terms.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to: -

 

1. note the Council had signed up to Heads of Terms for the Stirling &
   Clackmannanshire City Region Deal;

    

2. establish a Joint Committee in terms of sections 56 and 57 of the Local
   Government (Scotland) Act 1973 with Clackmannanshire Council, to be known as the Stirling & Clackmannanshire City Region Deal Joint Committee, to oversee the governance arrangements for the Stirling & Clackmannanshire City Region

   Deal, and approve the establishment of the wider governance framework, all as set out in the submitted report;

    

3. approve the said Joint Committee’s Terms of Reference, as set out in paragraphs

   2.15 and 2.16 of the submitted report, and delegate authority to the Chief Officer

   – Governance to make changes and finalise the same, in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the Opposition;

    

4. appoint the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the Opposition as the Council’s three named members of the said Joint Committee, with the Leader being the Chair as referred to within paragraph 2.12 of the submitted report;

5. appoint Councillor Evelyn Tweed, Councillor Margaret Brisley and Councillor Martin Earl as the respective substitute members of the said Joint Committee;

6. note that the Council would have one or two private sector representatives on the said Joint Committee, and agree that its representative(s) should be selected from the Stirling City Commission, with a decision on the number and identity of
   the appointee(s) being delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the Opposition;

7. appoint the Convener and Vice-Convener of the Finance & Economy Committee , and appoint Councillor Danny Gibson and Councillor Scott Farmer as the respective substitute elected members on the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Regional Economic Advisory Board;‌‌‌‌‌‌

8. agree to the appointment of one member of the Stirling City Commission as the Council’s private sector representative on the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Regional Economic Advisory Board, with a decision on the identity of the appointee being delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the Opposition;

9. delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to finalise all aspects of the establishment of the said Joint Committee, in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the Opposition;

10. delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to make any necessary consequential amendments to the Council’s Standing Orders, Scheme of Delegation, Contract Standing Orders and other governance documents to reflect the decision of Council in respect of the report, and circulate the same to elected members for information;

11. agree to disband the City Development Framework Sounding Board; and

12. approve the governance arrangements that would form the basis of the proposed Framework Agreement between the Council and Clackmannanshire Council, as set out within paragraph 2.31 of the submitted report, and delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to finalise and enter into the same, in consultation
    with the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the Opposition.

 

(Reference: Report by Depute Chief Executive, 14 June 2018, submitted)

 

SC130 UNIVERSAL CREDIT SHORT LIFE WORKING GROUP

 

Universal Credit (UC) was a key component of the UK Government’s Welfare Reform agenda being implemented under the Welfare Reform Act 2012. It was a new benefit administered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that was gradually

introduced across Great Britain replacing the following 6 means-tested benefits: Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income Based), Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related).

 

Universal Credit had been in partial operation, termed “live service” in Stirling since May 2015. It was extended to “full service” last year becoming operational for all new claimants in the Council area applying for the benefits listed above from 28th June 2017. People of working age who are out of or in work and but with a low income, were eligible for Universal Credit.

 

Following consideration of a series of reports on the impact of Universal Credit on the area’s residents and its Services, the Council agreed to establish a short life working group to look at how the Council’s policies and procedures directly interact with people following the introduction of Universal Credit.

 

The report presented the findings of the Universal Credit Short Life Working Group. It also sought approval for a series of recommendations designed to help mitigate the potential impact on individuals applying for or receiving Universal Credit and Council Services and staff supporting them.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed: -

 

1. to approve the Report by the Universal Credit Short Life Working Group
   (Appendix 1 to the submitted report);

    

2. to approve the recommendations made by the Universal Credit Working Group for delivery by relevant Services (Appendix 2 to the submitted report);

    

3. to approve establishment of a Member/Officer group to maintain an overview of delivery of the report recommendations, including ongoing assessment of mitigation measures where appropriate;

    

4. that the Elected Members participating in the Member/Officer Group, were those from the Short Life Working Group; and

    

5. to remit to the Chief Executive to appoint Officers to the Member/Officer Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Regeneration, 22 May 2018, submitted)

 

SC131 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 16

 

Prior to the Meeting, Elected Members had received supplementary information from Officers on the subject of these Motions. The supplementary information is attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.

1. Refugee Week 2018
   Motion

   “Council notes that according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): An unprecedented 65.6 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18.

    

   In recognition of the 20th year of Refugee Week – 18th-24th June 2018, we are invited to do 20 “acts of kindness” for refugees, one for each year of the campaign.

    

   Today, as an act of kindness, Council resolves to continue to work with local groups and members of Stirling communities to further support the refugees who have settled within our communities; seeks to help refugees across the world who remain displaced from their homes, and welcomes a forthcoming report to the CPR Committee in September.

    

   Signed by Councillor Susan McGill and Councillor Danny Gibson”

    

   Decision

    

   Council notes that according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): An unprecedented 65.6 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18.

    

   In recognition of the 20th year of Refugee Week – 18th-24th June 2018, we are invited to do 20 “acts of kindness” for refugees, one for each year of the campaign.

    

   Today, as an act of kindness, Council resolves to continue to work with local groups and members of Stirling communities to further support the refugees who have settled within our communities; seeks to help refugees across the world who remain displaced from their homes, and welcomes a forthcoming report to the CPR Committee in September.

    

2. Renewal of Banking Contract
   Motion

   “Council believes that by threatening local branches here with closure the majority taxpayer/government owned RBS is betraying customers and staff who have remained loyal to it for decades.

    

   Council expresses its significant disappointment that RBS were the only bank to even bother bidding for the Council’s banking contract.

    

   Council recognises, understands and shares the extreme frustration and
   public anger generated because essentially by default they have been
   awarded the contract for the next three years.

    

   Council resolves that the Finance and Economy Committee will work with the Chief Finance Officer in order to ensure that future banking contracts maximise community benefit, which is underpinned by ethical banking
   practices.

    

   Signed by Councillor Alasdair MacPherson and Councillor Margaret Brisley”

    

   Decision

    

   Council believes that by threatening local branches here with closure the
   majority taxpayer/government owned RBS is betraying customers and staff who have remained loyal to it for decades.

    

   Council expresses its significant disappointment that RBS were the only bank to even bother bidding for the Council’s banking contract.

    

   Council recognises, understands and shares the extreme frustration and
   public anger generated because essentially by default they have been
   awarded the contract for the next three years.

    

   Council resolves that the Finance and Economy Committee will work with the Chief Finance Officer in order to ensure that future banking contracts
   maximise community benefit, which is underpinned by ethical banking
   practices.

    

3. Green Flags

    

   “Council Notes the success that the Council has had applying for and
   receiving Green Flags for its parks.

    

   Council further notes the £400 fee applicable for applications for a Green
   Flag.

    

   Council resolves to consult with community councils or masterplan steering groups as to whether reapplications should be made in future (including renewals).

    

   Where no reapplication is made the cost of the fee can be applied to
   improvements to that park.

    

   Signed by Councillor Alistair Majury and Councillor Douglas Dodds”

    

   Direct Negative

    

   Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Gibson moved a Direct
   Negative.

    

   The Direct Negative, having been duly moved and seconded, the vote was taken for and against the Motion as required in terms of Standing Order 72.

    

   For the Motion (8)

    

   Councillor Neil Benny
   Councillor Robert Davies
   Councillor Douglas Dodds
   Councillor Martin Earl

   Councillor Bryan Flannagan
   Councillor Alastair Majury
   Councillor Jeremy McDonald
   Councillor Ross Oxburgh

    

   Against the Motion (12)

    

   Councillor Maureen Bennison
   Councillor Margaret Brisley
   Councillor Scott Farmer
   Councillor Danny Gibson
   Councillor Graham Houston
   Councillor Graham Lambie
   Councillor Alison Laurie
   Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
   Councillor Susan McGill
   Councillor Christine Simpson
   Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
   Councillor Jim Thomson

    

   The Motion fell 12 votes to 8 votes.

    

   Decision

    

   Council does not note the success that the Council had applying for and
   receiving Green Flags for its parks.

    

   Council does not note the £400 fee applicable for applications for a Green Flag.

    

   Council resolves not to consult with Community Councils or masterplan
   steering groups as to whether reapplication should be made in future
   (including renewals). Where no application was made the cost of the fee
   would not be applied to improvements to that park.

    

4. Severance Packages

 

“Council notes the level of severance packages and notes previous
discussions which have indicated member dissatisfaction with regards to large
severance packages.

 

Council believes that while officers take account of the affordability of
severance packages there is a need for more oversight and transparency on
this issue.

 

Council resolves to remove delegated authority from officers to set any
severance package over a total value of £10,000 and to delegate this
authority to the Finance & Economy Committee.

 

Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Jeremy McDonald”

Amendment

 

Replace from Council resolves with:

 

Council resolves that a meeting (or meetings) should take place involving the
Finance and Economy Convener, Depute Convener and Opposition
spokesperson with relevant officers to examine and consider these issues in
detail before reporting back to Council to decide on potential changes.

 

Proposed by Councillor Margaret Brisley, seconded by Councillor Alison
Laurie.

 

The Amendment was agreed unanimously.

 

Decision

 

Council notes the level of severance packages and notes previous
discussions which have indicated member dissatisfaction with regards to large
severance packages.

 

Council believes that while officers take account of the affordability of
severance packages there is a need for more oversight and transparency on
this issue.

 

Council resolves that a meeting (or meetings) should take place involving the
Finance and Economy Convener, Depute Convener and Opposition
spokesperson with relevant officers to examine and consider these issues in
detail before reporting back to Council to decide on potential changes.

 

The Provost closed the meeting at 2.00 pm

Appendix 1

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ROBERT DAVIES FOR ANSWER BY THE CONVENER
OF FINANCE & ECONOMY COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Stricter enforcement of planning regulations is having a negative impact on some businesses located in rural Stirling. Yet these are vital to our rural economy. One success story however is the catering, accommodation and travel business generated by walkers on long distance paths such as the West Highland Way. Can the Convener tell me how many people use the West Highland Way every year?

 

Answer

 

It is difficult to provide precise numbers as the West Highland Way is such a long route and is jointly managed by several local authorities and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

 

Based on people counters at various stages of the route, Charlie Croft, Tourism Adviser at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, estimates between 25,000 to 30,000 walk the route from end to end, with many more using sections of the route for shorter walks.

 

Given the geography and the number of key walking routes the Way takes in. The number of people using the way would be well in excess of 150,000. We would be including a significant number of visitors to Mugdock country Park (including dog walkers), all those climbing Conic Hill or exploring Balmaha (120,000 recorded at our visitor centre in Balmaha last year).

 

It may be worth noting that 49% of walkers are ex-UK making the Way a truly international product. 75% of walkers used a mix of B&B, hotel, camping and hostels along the route with a direct spend in the region of £9.3million per annum. Following investment in a new website there has been a 48% increase in website visits since February 2018, indicating that visitor numbers may increase this year.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Davies thanked the Convener of Finance & Economy Committee and asked how many public toilets were located on the West Highland Way.

 

The Convener of the Environment & Housing Committee advised that he would liaise with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to get clarification on number of toilets on the West Highland Way.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALASDAIR TOLLEMACHE FOR ANSWER BY
CONVENER OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Following several recent example of anti-social behaviour in the Stirling area, please can you provide information on how council staff liaise with the police and the support given to residents and council tenants affected by this behaviour?

 

Answer

 

Stirling Safer Communities Joint Tasking and Co-ordinating Group is a sub-group of the Safer Communities Strategic Partnership. The group meet on a monthly basis. The aim of the Group is to share information regarding Community Safety issues within the Stirling Council area; consider emerging trends and potential risks or threats to communities and co- ordinate the work between partner agencies. Due to the nature of the discussions, all
discussions and decisions taken at this Group is restricted and highly confidential and governed by Information Sharing Protocols and cannot be made public.

 

At an operational level, officers from a range of services including Safer Communities & Housing regularly meet with partners such as Police Scotland, Fire and Rescue Scotland, NHS and non-government organisations such as Women’s Aid and Barnardo’s to discuss emerging trends, particular cases of serious or persistent antisocial behaviour and other mutually concerning issues. Action plans are agreed and monitored, with actions / outcomes
shared with residents where appropriate.

 

The support offered to residents and council tenants in Stirling Council area suffering from the effects of antisocial behaviour is led by the Antisocial Behaviour Team. This team deal with all reports of antisocial behaviour at all levels and all tenures of housing. This team provides both an investigation and mediation function, with a focus on early intervention and mediation to try to prevent escalation of situations.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Tollemache thanked the Convener of Public Safety Committee and asked that she convene a meeting of all interested parties to tackle this.

 

Councillor Bennison confirmed that the Council continued to work with all parties, and whilst she could not share this information publically, she would forward a response to Councillor Tollemache from Police Scotland in connection to Anti-Social Behaviour.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR BRYAN FLANNAGAN FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Can the convener please detail how PE is currently delivered across all our Primary Schools?

 

Answer

 

All primary teachers are qualified to teach primary PE and deliver PE lessons as part of the core primary school week, alongside other curriculum areas.

The core PE offer is augmented in primary schools by a small team of PE specialists who work on a rota basis, delivering timetabled PE lessons within schools, as well as co- ordinating, developing and providing a range of educational experiences and resources, including joint projects across learning communities.

In addition to this, each learning community has established a physical education, physical activity and sport (PEPAS) group which will support the delivery of quality and inclusive PE according to local needs and priorities.

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener of Children & Young People Committee and asked for a commitment not to remove any more PE teaching posts.

The Convener of Children & Young People Committee was unable to give that commitment, noting that PE teaching in schools were very good.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR DOUGLAS DODDS FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Can the convener provide details of where road markings and linings are required across the council road network and the schedule of works in place to address this?

 

Answer

 

The Council maintains over 1000km of road network with associated road markings. The service carry out road markings/lining as part of their routine and cyclic duties.

Area Roads Officers will instruct road lining as a result of service requests when deemed necessary or in the majority of cases when resurfacing works have been carried out.

 

In addition to the ongoing maintenance works the Traffic Management provide road markings for on and off street parking, disabled bays and new road safety schemes as and when required.

 

The Council have just commenced with a new framework contract with Falkirk and Clacks for road lining with MARKON as the appointed contractor. This is in place for the next three years.

 

We will also have the capacity with our recently acquired road lining machine to do small scale road markings; disabled bays, advisory lines and some sections of road lining.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Dodds thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee and asked for information in connection to the new contractor framework with neighbouring authorities.

 

Councillor Thomson to arrange for Councillor Dodds to be forwarded the information on the new contractor framework.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR MARTIN EARL FOR ANSWER BY THE CONVENER OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Can the convener advise details of Stirling Council’s application to the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme for the current financial year?

 

Answer

 

The Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) facilitates the sustainable transport of timber in rural areas of Scotland delivering benefits for local communities and the environment (SSTS). The fund typically contributes 50% of the costs of successful applications with a total of £7.85m available in 2018/19.

 

The bid requires to go through a number of approval stages. The funding is primarily used to build or improve the infrastructure to support forestry harvesting operations.

 

The deadline for applications for 2018/19 was 5pm on Thursday 3 May.

 

Due to the level of Capital investment and additional budget made available to the service and its previous committed works for internal and external partners for 2018/19, there was no bid for additional.

 

The service are intending to submit the following three projects for 2019/20

• C114 Invertrossachs Road - 6 passing places & carriageway widening

• Sheriffmuir road - 5 passing places, kerbing and overlay

• C33 Balquhidder Road - 1 passing place with embankment support

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Earl thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee and asked for a commitment to take more advantage of this fund next year.

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee agreed and would look at the options available for future years.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALISTAIR MAJURY FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Can the convener provide an update as to what progress is being made repairing the collapsed wall on the Perth Rd in Dunblane?

 

Answer

 

The stone wall stands approx. 1.5m high and forms a boundary between an adopted footway/road and private land with the length of wall collapsed approx. 45m. The land and wall is privately owned by a company with the owner residing abroad.

 

The Roads service have erected barriers and signage around the collapsed sections to prevent public access.

 

The service may be forced to undertake the works without agreement from the landowner and look to secure reimbursement, however this has a level of risk attached to securing reimbursement.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Majury thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee and asked if the Council would take the necessary action to re-establish the wall.

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee advised that the Council would be reluctant to commit public money for private owners’ walls, especially given the potential cost, but an instant solution can not to be expected.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALISTAIR BERRILL FOR ANSWER BY THE HOUSING
PORTFOLIO HOLDER AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY
28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Can the portfolio holder advise how long the current allocation policy review will be delayed and why?

 

Answer

 

The review of the allocation policy, which was to be presented at the September E&H Committee, has been delayed pending:

 

Guidance from Scottish Government on the recommendations by The Homeless and Rough Sleepers Action Group (HARSAG) which will prioritise new lets to homeless applicants.

 

The Council will prepare a review of temporary Accommodation by December 2018. HARSAG starts from the principle that tackling homelessness means everybody being housed. Temporary accommodation is seen as a necessary stop-gap to be used because of need or choice, but the objective for all homeless people is to ensure they are housed in settled, mainstream accommodation of their choosing as soon as possible to enable them to get on with their lives.

The intention is to provide permanent homes (with support) as quickly as possible.

 

The allocation policy will now take account of all of the above and it is likely that it will be presented to committee in spring 2019.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Berrill thanked the Housing Portfolio Holder and asked for the consultation process to include those of the waiting lists, Community Councils, RSLs and other tenants.

 

The Depute Housing Portfolio Holder advised that the service would forward on details of the consultation process and whether the relevant parties could be included.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ROSS OXBURGH FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

To ask the convenor what progress has been made by the Waste Alternative Delivery Model Short life working group?

 

Answer

 

The short life working group was formed in November 2017 to primarily but not exclusively consider the current service provision.

 

The group comprises of Cllrs. Gibson, Oxburgh, Tollemache and Thomson; Nicole Paterson (Senior Manager), Gavin Hutton (Service Manager, Waste Services Acting), Lindsey Hepburn (Waste Services Team Leader) and Linda Daisley (Business Improvement TL)

 

Following discussions at the working group, there has been a number of changes to work practices, intended to improve the delivery of the current service. A full update will be provided at the next Environment and Housing Committee.

 

Delivery models for domestic waste collection in the City Centre and also the collection of commercial waste across the Council area has been assessed and papers submitted and approved at the appropriate committees.

 

The working group will continue to meet monthly to further consider improvements to the service and to discuss future delivery of Waste Services imposing a ban on biodegradable municipal waste to landfill, due to come into force in 2021.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Oxburgh thanked for the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee and asked for a more robust working group that would delve further into the Waste Alternative Delivery Model, to be set up.

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee disagreed and confirmed that a report on the Waste Alternative Delivery model would be submitted to next scheduled meeting of Environment & Housing Committee.

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR NEIL BENNY FOR ANSWER BY LEADER OF THE COUNCIL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 28 JUNE
2018.

 

QUESTION

 

What assurance can the Council Leader give me that future budgets will be set with input from the community?

 

Answer

 

The agenda for this meeting of the Council includes a report that sets out greater clarity and detail for how it is proposed that this Council will implement Participatory Budgeting, a key policy priority of the Scottish Government and of this Council. The Administration partnership of Stirling Council wholeheartedly embraces Participatory Budgeting as a key
means of bringing meaningful community involvement into how we set our budgets in future. We believe that this engagement needs to have community decision-making as its end product and not just consultation.

 

If the proposals set out in that report are approved and implemented, they will form an important first step in rolling out Participatory Budgeting. However, it is important that the Council is prepared to learn from the initial implementation and be flexible enough to make changes to the future operation of Participatory Budgeting, based on the initial
implementation experience.

 

The Scottish Government has required councils to set 1% of their budgets within the scope of Participatory Budgeting by 2020, but this Administration is committed to extending greater community involvement to all of our budget plans in future years, starting from 2019/20. Moving on from Priority Based Budgeting, which has been operated over the last five years,
we will be taking steps to ensure that we listen to our communities from the outset, in developing proposals that will align with their priorities, rather than taking a set of budget options that have been developed internally within the Council and then taken to the communities late in the budget cycle, with limited scope for their input.

 

We have asked officers to develop plans for seeking the views of our communities, and for gathering their opinions on their relative priorities in relation to the service we currently deliver and that we will deliver in future. The Administration are acutely aware of the financial challenges that face councils, and the public sector in general, but we firmly believe
that it should not preclude us from taking account of the views of our key stakeholders in how we respond to that challenge.

 

Supplementary Question

 

Councillor Benny thanked the Leader of the Council and asked when the consultation stages would begin for the budget proposals.

 

The Leader of the Council confirmed that consultation with key stakeholders would begin within the next few weeks.

APPENDIX 2

 

MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OLD VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 28 JUNE 2018

 

Motion in Terms of Standing Order 16
Information/Advice from Officers

1. Refugee Week 2018

   Stirling Council has resettled families under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme and has also agreed to resettle further families under the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme administered by the Home Office. There are currently 5 family
   units resettled in Stirling with 17 individuals in total.

    

   The resettlement schemes were established in the wake of the increased numbers of displaced families coming to Europe as a result of the war in Syria. While the numbers coming to Europe have subsequently decreased, the number of people displaced in Middle Eastern countries and Turkey remains high and the resettlement schemes help ensure that the most vulnerable are provided refuge in a manner which ensures
   appropriate support to enable people to rebuild their lives and adapt to their new home.

    

   The resettlement of more families is a priority however the shortage of housing capacity remainsa challenge. The Refugee Support and Integration Officer is looking at alternative means of housing new families rather than relying on Council housing stock. Options being looked at include local housing associations, the empty homes initiative
   and the private rental sector. It is still hoped that homes will also be offered by housing associations.

    

   Stirling Council has developed an intensive English language and employment programme delivered and designed by the Adult Learning and Employability team. The success of the programme has been recognised by COSLA and presented at the annual ESOL conference organised by COSLA and the Scottish Government.

    

   Refugee Festival is an annual event organised by the Scottish Refugee Council to celebrate the impact and history of refugee communities in Scotland and to raise awareness of refugee issues around the world. Stirling Council is marking the festival by focusing on skills and employability.

    

   The families have all taken part in a highly successful ‘Digi Day’ organised and led by Stirling Council Libraries service. This gave the families an introduction to coding and other digital skills. A taster session in coding will be held in Codebase later in the summer and led by Coding for All, a national organisation which provides training for refugees in coding and support finding employment for those who complete the full
   programme.

    

   On Tuesday 3 July, 11.30 to 1pm, a reception will be held at Codebase to which all elected members, resettled refugee families and members of the community who have been involved in the refugee resettlement schemes have been invited. The reception will celebrate the achievements of those who have been resettled in Stirling and learn about the work being undertaken in Stirling to support new arrivals rebuild their lives and return to employment.

    

   A full report on the Refugee Resettlement schemes, our current practice and on future proposals will be presented to the Community Planning and Regeneration committee in September.

    

2. Renewal of Banking Contract

   It is imperative that the Council has continuity of banking services, as a failure to do so would have a catastrophic impact upon the provision of our services to the public. The retail banking contract delivers many hundreds of expenditure and income transactions on a daily basis, and any break in service would have a major financial impact on the
   Council.

    

   The contract award was conducted through a regulated procurement process, under which the Council has to comply with strict legal obligations, as well as the Council’s own Contract Standing Orders. The concerns over branch closures nationally and locally are clearly understood. However, it would not have been possible to take such concerns into account in scoring any tender returns.

    

   The Council received only one response for this contract, being that from RBS. The tender was evaluated for price and quality in accordance with the relevant regulations and the award criteria, and found to be compliant. On this basis the contract was awarded by officers, under the Scheme of Delegation. It should also be noted that the new contract is actually less expensive than the previous contract.

    

   This is the second successive tender round where the process has attracted only one submission, on each occasion from RBS. The Council does not have any unusual or specific requirements within its tender specification, and it would appear that other banks have made a judgement that local authority banking contracts are not attractive
   commercial propositions.

    

   The proposed award was intimated to all elected members in the Information Bulletin of 16 May 2018.

    

   Officers do understand and appreciate the concerns which have been raised. However, taking all factors into account, the award of the contract to RBS was the only possible decision the Council could take in the circumstances.

    

3. Green Flags

   In regard to the motion to ring-fence £400 of revenue budget to a park previously awarded a Green Flag that the local community group (Park Steering Group, Friends Group or Community Council) no longer wish to pursue, there is no direct service issue in agreeing to do so. Part of the award criteria requires evidence of community involvement/participation in the park.

    

   It is considered that in most cases retaining or obtaining a Green Flag for a park can build a sense of achievement within the community and employees of the service in recognition of their efforts.

    

   Community Groups are already integrally involved in decision making around all aspects of Park Masterplan Funding and Projects delivery.

4. Severance Packages

Currently, officers assess and determine voluntary severance applications under delegated authority, in terms of the Council’s Organisational Change Policy. The Policy is reviewed annually, and was last approved at the February 2018 Budget meeting.

 

In terms of the Policy, the entitlement that individual employees may receive under voluntary severance is calculated on the basis of their age, length of service and entitlement to statutory redundancy pay. For employees who joined the pension scheme after 5 April 2006, they cannot access their pension until the age of 55.

 

Where employees are eligible to access their pension early, the maximum added years under the Policy is now 3 years. The cost to the employer to allow early access to pension is referred to as the “strain cost”, which is greater for individuals who are in their early 50s. In calculating the affordability of a voluntary severance application, the payback period should be no greater than 24 months, as referred to in the Policy.

 

In the past two financial years, April 2016 to March 2018, 154 voluntary severance applications have been received and approved, with an average cost of £30,700, and with an average payback period of approximately 14 months. 14 have been received but not approved in the same period, for reasons of affordability or service impact, and all appraisals are carried out in accordance with the Council’s Organisational Change Policy. Voluntary severances are always reported in the Council’s accounts, on an
anonymised basis.

 

Voluntary severances are an important means of achieving a planned reduction in the size of the workforce, in response to our changing service needs and the ongoing need to achieve budget reductions. Although the use of natural turnover is the ideal means of reducing the establishment, it is not always possible to make reductions in the right areas and within the appropriate timescales, and voluntary severance helps to make
budget reductions possible.

 

The Council has a policy of no compulsory redundancies. As such, without having a procedure whereby such applications can be robustly assessed and processed quickly, the ability for the Council to implement organisational change swiftly, and with the minimum disruption to the workforce and service users, would be greatly reduced.

 

Given this, the advice of officers would be that, should members wish greater oversight over this process, that going forward there is a quarterly report to the Finance & Economy Committee detailing those severances, if any, which have been approved in the period since the last report. This report would be exempt, as it would contain personal information about staff members, and would be for noting only.