Service updates

STIRLING COUNCIL - THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018

Last updated

25 Aug 2022

STIRLING COUNCIL

 

MINUTES of the MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018 at 10.00 AM

 

Present:

Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

 

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 Chris KANE

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

 

In Attendance

 

Jennifer Abernethy, Principal Teacher – Health and Wellbeing (Schools & Learning)
Carol Beattie, Interim Chief Executive

Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance

Martin Dalziel, Team Leader – External Communications (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer Development)

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

Kristine Johnson, Chief Officer – HR

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

David McDougall, Governance Officer (Governance)

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

Isabel McKnight, Chief Officer – Strategic Commissioning & Customer Development

Elaine McNicol, Team Leader – Quality Assurance Programme Officer (People, Planning & Performance)

Ewan Murray, Chief Finance Officer – Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board
Brian Roberts, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

Shiona Strachan, Chief Officer – Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board
Marie Valente, Senior Manager – Children & Families (CSWO)

Janice Young, Intermediate Care Manager (Adult Social Services)
Iain Strachan, Chief Officer – Governance (Clerk)

 

SC138 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Maureen Bennison.

SC139 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Gibson noted a non-financial interest in item 13 on the agenda (Stirling Dementia Friendly Action Plan) in relation to his spouse who was employed by the University of Stirling, which was involved in work connected to this. He felt the interest was so remote as to allow him to take part in discussion of that item.

 

Councillor Farmer noted that he along with Councillors Houston and McGill were Council-appointed representatives to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board (regarding item 10 on the agenda – Health and Social Care Partnership Annual Performance Report 2017-18) but noted that a general dispensation had been granted by the Standards Commission for Scotland which allowed them to take part in discussion of that item.

 

SC140 URGENT BUSINESS

 

There were no items of urgent business.

 

SC141 MINUTES‌‌‌‌

 

  1. Meeting of Stirling Council – 28 June 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 28 June 2018 were agreedan accurate record of proceedings.

     

  2. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 28 June 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 28 June 2018 were as an accurate record of proceedings.‌

     

  3. Meeting of Local Review Body – 19 July 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Meeting of the Local Review Body held on 19 July 2018 were as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  4. Meeting of Local Review Body – 26 July 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Meeting of the Local Review Body held on 26 July 2018 were as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  5. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 26 July 2018

     

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

     

  6. Meeting of Local Review Body – 10 August 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Meeting of the Local Review Body held on 10 August 2018 agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

  7. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 14 August 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 14 August 2018 agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.‌‌‌

     

  8. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 21 August 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 21 August 2018 agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  9. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 23 August 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 23 August 2018 agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  10. Special Meeting of Appointments Panel – 30 August 2018

     

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 30 August were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  11. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 11 September 2018

 

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 11 Septemberwere agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC142 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Ten written questions had been received in terms of Standing Order 44. 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.

 

SC143 QUESTION TIME

 

In terms of Standing Order 51, 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:-

 

Question from Councillor Alistair Berrill for the Convener of Environment & Housing. Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 28 June 2018 (SC117 – Question regarding white line markings)

 

Cllr Thomson agreed to provide Cllr Berrill with information which had been received from the Service.

Question from Councillor Alasdair Tollemache for the Convener of Finance & Economy. Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 28 June 2018 (SC131 – Motion D regarding severance packages)

 

Cllr Brisley advised that the meeting involving Convener & Depute Convener of
Finance & Economy Committee, Opposition Spokesperson and relevant Officers had not taken place but would be arranged.

 

Question from Councillor Jeremy McDonald for the Housing Portfolio Holder.
Minutes of Meeting of Housing Advisory Group on 25 May 2018 (HAG052 – Question regarding unauthorised use of HRA land assets)‌

 

Cllr Tweed advised she believed the land referred to within the minutes would be fenced off by the Council.

 

SC144 APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

 

This report formally advised Council that on 30 August 2018, a Special Meeting of Appointments Panel was held to appoint Carol Beattie as the Council’s Interim
Chief Executive, following the resignation of Mr Stewart Carruth.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

  1. endorse the decisions of the Appointments Panel, as set out in paragraph 2.3 of the report submitted; and

  2. approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 30 August 2018, attached as Appendix 1 to the report submitted, as an accurate record.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 21 September 2018
submitted)

 

SC145 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTERNAL VACANCIES

 

This report by the Chief Officer - Governance sought appointments of Elected
Members to a number of roles.

On 18 September 2018, Councillor Bryan Flannagan resigned his membership on the Housing Advisory Group. The report sought to appoint an Elected Member to fill the vacancy on the Housing Advisory Group.

At the Statutory Meeting of Stirling Council on 24 May 2017 Council confirmed 1 nomination (Councillor Christine Simpson) for appointment to the Stirlingshire Educational Trust. No nominations were put forward for the remaining 4 appointments which could be put forward to the Trust by Stirling Council.

Councillor Graham Lambie had expressed an interest in being nominated for
appointment to the Trust. This report therefore also sought confirmation of Councillor Lambie’s nomination for appointment to the Trust and invited any other nominations for the remaining 3 vacancies.

The Chief Officer – Governance also advised Council of the resignation of Councillor Evelyn Tweed from the civic role of Bailie. Councillor Graham Lambie had also expressed an interest in taking on this role.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

  1. appoint Councillor Neil Benny to the vacancy on the Housing Advisory Group;

  2. confirm Councillor Graham Lambie’s nomination for appointment to the
    Stirlingshire Education Trust; and

  3. appoint Councillor Graham Lambie to the vacant position of Bailie following the resignation of Councillor Tweed from the role.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 21 September 2018
submitted)

 

SC146 FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS‌‌

 

This report presented for approval the revised Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

  1. approve with effect from 5 October 2018 the Financial Regulations set out in Appendix 1 to the report submitted; and

  2. adopt with effect from 5 October 2018 the Contract Standing Orders set out in Appendix 2 to the report submitted.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 25 September 2018
submitted)

 

SC147 CLACKMANNANSHIRE AND STIRLING HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE – ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017-18‌

 

The Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership was required under the terms of the Integration Scheme to provide an Annual Performance Report to the constituent partners. The Annual Performance Report provided information on the progress of the Partnership against the 9 National Outcomes and the Partnership’s Strategic Plan for 2018-18.

 

Responding to a query, the Chief Officer noted that there was an issue with the timing of the production of the Annual Performance Report and the receipt of certain performance information, which resulted in some information being omitted from the submitted performance report. The Chief Officer agreed to share the full final performance report with all Elected Members.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

  1. note the content of the draft Annual Performance Report for 2017-18
    [Appendix 1 to the report submitted]; and

  2. note that the draft Annual Performance Report had been approved by the Integration Joint Board and was published, in line with the statutory
    requirements, on the Integration webpages for the Partnership in June 2018. The Integration Joint Board considered the final version at the meeting on 26 September 2018. There were no substantial changes to the paper presented and published in June 2018.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer, Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, dated 17 September 2018, submitted)

 

SC148 ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL HOLIDAY MEAL PROVISION DELIVERY GROUP

 

This report sought approval for the establishment of a School Holiday Meal Provision Delivery Group to continue the work which was previously started by the School Holiday Meal Provision Task Group, established by the Children & Young People Committee on 8 March 2018. That Task Group had concluded and reported back to Committee within 2 committee cycles, as per the requirements of the Scheme of Delegation at the time of establishment.

 

At its meeting on 27 September 2018 the Children & Young People Committee
agreed to recommend to full Council the establishment of a more permanent group, with no committee cycle limitations/restrictions, to continue to take this work forward. Only full Council had the authority to establish such a group.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

  1. note the work undertaken to date on the School Holiday Meal
    Provision/Summer Holiday Fun Clubs one year pilot project, overseen by the School Holiday Meal Provision Task Group;

  2. note that the School Holiday Meal Provision Task Group had concluded and reported back to Children & Young People Committee within 2 committee cycles, as required under the Scheme of Delegation at the time of establishment;

  3. approve the recommendations from the meeting of the Children & Young
    People Committee on 27 September 2018 as follows:-

    1. to establish a School Holiday Meal Provision Delivery Group with the remit as specified at paragraph 2.8 of the report submitted, such Group continuing until such time as disbanded by full Council; and

    2. that the membership and reporting arrangements of the Delivery Group, would be as set out in paragraphs 2.9-2.11 of the report submitted (with substitution of Elected Members on the group permitted).

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager - Schools & Learning (CEdO), dated 12
September 2018, submitted)

SC149 STIRLING COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 18‌

 

This report presented Stirling Council’s Annual Report for 2017-18. Each Year, as part of the Council’s performance reporting arrangements, an annual report was produced for the previous financial year. This report provided a review of progress towards achieving the Council’s priorities and performance targets.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to approve the contents of Stirling Council’s Annual Report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Strategic, Commissioning & Customer
Development, dated 25 September 2018, submitted)‌

 

SC150 STIRLING DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ACTION PLAN

 

This report presented the Stirling Dementia Action Plan to Council. The plan built upon several months of work by the Stirling Dementia Friendly Group and reflected previous discussions at Council committees. The vision for Dementia Friendly Stirling was: Being Dementia Friendly means people with dementia and their families

 

The Chief Officer – Education noted that schools were under pressure to engage with a lot of different projects and advised he would confirm whether High Schools had engaged with this work.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

  1. approve the work plan, noting the commitment required from all parts of the Council and partners; and

  2. note that Dementia Friendly Stirling, a multi-agency partnership would
    progress this plan.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Children & Families (CSWO), not dated)‌‌

 

SC151 STIRLING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

 

This report advised Council of a direction received from Scottish Ministers regarding adoption of the Proposed Stirling Local Development Plan as Modified, to seek approval to amend Policy 12.1: Wind Energy Developments in line with this direction and to adopt the plan once this amendment had been made.

Approval of Council was required as the Local Development Plan was a key policy document of the Council.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

  1. note the direction received from Scottish Ministers dated 8 August 2018
    requiring the Council to amend policy 12.1: Wind Energy Developments
    before adopting the Stirling Local Development Plan as set out in Appendix 1 to the report submitted;

  2. approve the amendment to policy 12.1 as per the direction; and

  3. authorise adoption of the Proposed Stirling Local Development Plan as
    Modified.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager - Infrastructure, dated 13 September 2018, submitted)

 

SC152 PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING‌

 

An initial Participatory Budgeting paper was submitted to Council on 28 June 2018 setting out Stirling’s proposed approach to Participatory Budgeting. Stirling Council approved the paper in principle subject to consultation with all relevant groups, businesses and individual citizens and an update report being submitted to Council in October 2018.

 

In addition Stirling Council agreed to establish a Short Life Working Group to oversee the initial phase of Stirling’s approach to Participatory Budgeting. Membership of the Short Life Working Group comprised the Leader of the Council, 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.

 

There had been four meetings of the Short Life Working Group since 28 June 2018 to consider any proposed amendments required to the Participatory Budgeting approach, and a final version of the Council’s proposed Approach to Participatory Budgeting by 2020/2021 was attached as Appendix 1 to the report submitted.

 

Motion

 

“The Council agrees:

  1. to approve Stirling’s Approach to mainstreaming Participatory Budgeting by 2020/21 which was attached in Appendix 1 to the report submitted, with authority being delegated to the Interim Chief Executive (or such other officer as she may sub-delegate) to finalise all aspects and implementation of the same in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Depute Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition;

  2. to the commitment to spend £700,000 (£175,000 of revenue provided from General Fund uncommitted revenue reserves and £525,000 of capital from the Council’s capital programme) during 2019/20 on infrastructure projects;

  3. that the £700,000 would be allocated equally across each Council Ward area of £100,000 (£25,000 revenue and £75,000 capital);

  4. to delegate authority on the proposed distribution of the above-mentioned funding to the Interim Chief Executive;

  5. that an update report would be submitted to Council on a 6 monthly basis to consider the success of the approach from October 2018 and that regular briefings would be arranged for all Elected Members to keep them updated; and

  6. to note the extensive consultation on the approach to the use of Area
    Partnerships would take place as a separate process.”

 

Proposed by Councillor Margaret Brisley, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie

 

Amendment

 

“Delete recommendations 1 to 6 and replace with the following.

  1. Council reaffirms its support to the delegation of meaningful financial decision making to communities.

  2. Council believes it to be vitally important that the procedures used, and
    approach taken must be carefully developed to maximise participation, ensure meaningful outcomes and safeguard the integrity of the process. Officers need to be given enough time to consult and develop a robust process.

  3. Council instructs officers to engage with all interested parties to progress to a detailed set of proposals that will be presented to Council within six months. This will enable a carefully constructed procedure to be available for a defined Participatory Budgeting process to operate for the 2020-21 Financial year.

  4. The member-officer short life working group is to remain in place and will meet as needed to enable progression of the detailed proposals.

  5. Council agrees that the allocation of £700,000 for the 2018-19 financial year should be allocated to the Road Capital and revenue budgets to facilitate more meaningful road repairs and investment.”

Proposed by Councillor Neil Benny, seconded by Councillor Alistair Berrill

 

On the roll being called the Members present voted as follows:-
For the Amendment (9)

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

 

Against the Amendment (13)

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson

Depute Convener Graham Houston
Councillor Chris Kane

Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Provost Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
Councillor Evelyn Tweed

 

The Amendment fell by 13 votes to 9 votes.

 

For the Motion (13)

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson

Depute Convener Graham Houston
Councillor Chris Kane

Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Provost Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
Councillor Evelyn Tweed

 

Against the Motion (9)

 

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

 

The Motion was carried by 13 votes to 9 votes.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed:

  1. to approve Stirling’s Approach to mainstreaming Participatory Budgeting by 2020/21 which was attached in Appendix 1 to the report submitted, with authority being delegated to the Interim Chief Executive (or such other officer as she may sub-delegate) to finalise all aspects and implementation of the same in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Depute Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition;

  2. to the commitment to spend £700,000 (£175,000 of revenue provided from General Fund uncommitted revenue reserves and £525,000 of capital from the Council’s capital programme) during 2019/20 on infrastructure projects;

  3. that the £700,000 would be allocated equally across each Council Ward area of £100,000 (£25,000 revenue and £75,000 capital);

  4. to delegate authority on the proposed distribution of the above-mentioned funding to the Interim Chief Executive;

  5. that an update report would be submitted to Council on a 6 monthly basis to consider the success of the approach from October 2018 and that regular briefings would be arranged for all Elected Members to keep them updated; and

  6. to note the extensive consultation on the approach to the use of Area
    Partnerships would take place as a separate process.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development Culture &
Development, dated 12 September 2018, submitted)

 

In terms of Standing Order 42, the Provost adjourned the meeting
at 12.20pm for a comfort break.

 

The Meeting reconvened at 12.30pm

with all Elected Members (previously noted) present

 

SC153 STIRLING COUNCIL AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2017/18

 

This report outlined the key features of the financial position displayed in the 2017/18 audited accounts, incorporating a brief overview of the General Fund and HRA revenue and capital outturn positions. It also asked Council to note the Audited Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2018.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2018.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 12 September 2018, submitted)‌‌‌

 

SC154 COMMON GOOD FUNDS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS AUDITED ACCOUNTS
2017/18

 

This report asks the Council to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good
Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2018, and provides an update on the ongoing review of the small charitable trusts administered by the Council.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2018.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 12 September 2018, submitted)

SC155 CHARITABLE TRUSTS ADMINISTERED BY STIRLING COUNCIL – REPORT TO CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE ON THE 2017/18 AUDIT‌

 

International Standard on Auditing (UK and Ireland) 260 (ISA 260) required auditors to report specific matters arising from the audit of the financial statements to those charged with governance of a body in sufficient time to enable appropriate action.

 

Decision

The Council agreed to:-

  1. note the content of the ISA 260 report; and

  2. note the content of the ISA 580 Letter of Representation.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 12 September 2018, submitted)

 

SC156 ANNUAL REPORT TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE AND THE OF AUDIT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2018‌‌

 

International Standard on Auditing (UK and Ireland) 260 (ISA 260) requires auditors to report specific matters arising from the audit of the financial statements to those charged with governance of a body in sufficient time to enable appropriate action.

 

Decision

The Council agreed to:-

  1. note the content of the Independent Auditor’s Report;

  2. note the content of the ISA 580 Letter of Representation;

  3. note the significant audit findings within Exhibit 3 (pages 9-11) of the Annual Audit Report; and

  4. note the recommendations for improvement and the follow up on prior year recommendations within Appendix 1 (pages 35-38) of the Annual Audit Report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 12 September 2018, submitted)‌

 

SC157 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. Mobile Deployable CCTV Units

     

    Council resolves to purchase additional mobile deployable CCTV units. This is to increase the capacity across the council area to combat anti-social behaviour, and other issues as appropriate. Funding for this will be released from Council reserves up to a value of £75,000.

     

    Signed by Councillor Alastair Majury and Councillor Jeremy McDonald

    Direct Negative

     

    Councillor Jim Thomson, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson, moved the 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 75.

     

    The vote on the Motion was as follows:
    For the Motion (8)

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

     

    Against the Motion (14)

     

    Councillor Margaret Brisley
    Councillor Robert Davies
    Councillor Scott Farmer
    Councillor Danny Gibson

    Depute Convener Graham Houston
    Councillor Chris Kane

    Councillor Graham Lambie
    Councillor Alison Laurie
    Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
    Councillor Susan McGill

    Provost Christine Simpson
    Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
    Councillor Jim Thomson
    Councillor Evelyn Tweed

     

    The Motion fell by 14 votes to 8.

     

    Decision

    Council resolved not to carry the motion.

    As such, Council resolved not to purchase additional mobile deployable CCTV units, and not to increase the capacity across the council area to combat anti- social behaviour, and other issues as appropriate. Funding for this would not be released from Council reserves up to a value of £75,000.

  2. P1 Standardised Tests

     

    Council supports the campaign by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) to ensure parents & carers are aware of their right to withdraw their Children from the P1 standardised tests. Council instructs officers to contact the parents & carers of all P1 pupils to inform them that they should contact their Headteacher if they wish to withdraw their child.

     

    Proposed by Councillor Bryan Flannagan, seconded by Councillor Martin Earl

     

    Amendment

     

    Council acknowledges that there are differing views nationally with respect to the efficacy of P1 Standardised Assessments. Council supports the Educational Institute for Scotland (EIS) campaign in making parents and carers aware of the right to withdraw their children from Standardised P1 Assessments if they choose to do so.

     

    Council resolves that parents and carers are informed of P1 Standardised
    Assessments and the option of withdrawing if they so choose.

     

    Proposed by Councillor Susan McGill, seconded by Councillor Margaret
    Brisley

     

    The amendment was agreed unanimously without the need for a roll call vote.

     

    Decision

     

    Council acknowledged that there were differing views nationally with respect to the efficacy of P1 Standardised Assessments. Council supported the Educational Institute for Scotland (EIS) campaign in making parents and carers aware of the right to withdraw their children from Standardised P1 Assessments if they chose to do so.

     

    Council resolved that parents and carers be informed of P1 Standardised
    Assessments and the option of withdrawing if they so chose.

     

  3. Stirling City Centre

     

    Council Notes concerns about retail closures and conditions for doing
    business in Stirling City Centre.

     

    Council further notes the change to retail habits and agrees the need to keep policies under review.

     

    Council resolves to specifically review policies that impact on the city centre including:

     

    • Targeted business rate reductions

    • Changes to planning policies to allow for a more dynamic business
      environment

    • Environmental policies encompassing the current review of parking
      and other streetscape issues

    • Review of by-laws to enhance and make the city centre more inviting

    • Other policies and processes that could improve the city centre

       

      Council will set up a scrutiny panel to review these issues in consultation with the Business Improvement District and other relevant stakeholders with representation from all parties on the Council. It will bring any suggested changes back in March 2019

       

      Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Ross Oxburgh

       

      Direct Negative

       

      Councillor Margaret Brisley, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie, moved the 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 75.

       

      The vote on the Motion was as follows:
      For the Motion (10)

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

       

      Against the Motion (12)

       

      Councillor Margaret Brisley
      Councillor Scott Farmer
      Councillor Danny Gibson

      Depute Convener Graham Houston
      Councillor Chris Kane

      Councillor Graham Lambie
      Councillor Alison Laurie
      Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
      Councillor Susan McGill

      Provost Christine Simpson
      Councillor Jim Thomson
      Councillor Evelyn Tweed

       

      The Motion fell by 12 votes to 10.

      Decision

       

      Council resolved not to carry the motion.

       

      As such, Council did not note concerns about retail closures and conditions for doing business in Stirling City Centre.

       

      Council further did not note the change to retail habits or agree the need to keep policies under review.

       

      Council did not resolve to specifically review policies that impact on the city centre including:

       

      • Targeted business rate reductions

      • Changes to planning policies to allow for a more dynamic business environment

      • Environmental policies encompassing the current review of parking and other streetscape issues

      • Review of by-laws to enhance and make the city centre more inviting

      • Other policies and processes that could improve the city centre

       

      Council would not set up a scrutiny panel to review these issues in consultation with the Business Improvement District and other relevant stakeholders with representation from all parties on the Council. It would not bring any suggested changes back in March 2019.

       

  4. Short Life Working Groups or Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panels

 

The Chief Officer – Governance advised Council that as this motion sought to
amend the Standing Orders which were approved by Council on 28 June
2018, the motion fell under the 6 month rule (Standing Order 81 - Revocation
of Previous Resolutions) and would require two thirds of the Members present
to initially agree to consider the motion. It was confirmed via show of hands
that 21 of the 22 Members present agreed to consider the motion:-

 

To ensure that any Elected Members can be appointed as full members of
Short Life Working Groups or Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panels established by the
Decision-Making Committees/Audit Committee as appropriate, and to ensure
substitution at these Groups/Panels is permitted where necessary, Council
agrees:-

 

  1. to amend Appendix 3 to the Standing Orders (Guidance on the
    establishment and operation of Short Life Working Groups) as
    follows:-

     

    1. to delete the following sentence under point 3: “Members
      should be drawn from the parent body”;

       

    2. to delete the following wording from the sentence under point 8:
      “and substitution is not permitted”.

       

  2. to amend Appendix 4 to the Standing Orders (Guidance on the
    establishment and operation of Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels) as follows:-

    1. to delete the following sentence under point 3: “Members
      should be drawn from among the membership of the parent
      body and substitution is not permitted”.

 

Signed by Councillor Chris Kane and Councillor Susan McGill

 

The motion was agreed unanimously with the exception of Councillor Douglas
Dodds who requested that his dissent be noted.

 

Decision

 

To ensure that any Elected Members could be appointed as full members of
Short Life Working Groups or Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panels established by the
Decision-Making Committees/Audit Committee as appropriate, and to ensure
substitution at these Groups/Panels was permitted where necessary, Council
agreed:-

 

  1. to amend Appendix 3 to the Standing Orders (Guidance on the
    establishment and operation of Short Life Working Groups) as
    follows:-

     

    1. to delete the following sentence under point 3: “Members
      should be drawn from the parent body”;

       

    2. to delete the following wording from the sentence under point
      8: “and substitution is not permitted”.

       

  2. to amend Appendix 4 to the Standing Orders (Guidance on the
    establishment and operation of Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels) as follows:-

     

    1. to delete the following sentence under point 3: “Members
      should be drawn from among the membership of the parent
      body and substitution is not permitted”.‌

 

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 item 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.

 

SC158 NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT – CRITICAL MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS

 

A building Condition Survey and Maintenance Plan was commissioned for the
National Wallace Monument in Autumn 2017. After receiving the report, work had continued during 2018 to develop an asset improvement plan to ensure the integrity of the Monument in the short term and immediate and long-term.

 

Further detailed inspection of parts of the Monument were undertaken in spring of this year to refine the extent of the short term requirements. During these inspections it was identified that the rate of deterioration of specific parts of the Monument had increased over the last winter period.

Urgent works required to specific parts of the building had been identified to ensure public safety and avoid further deterioration. The works related to the main Monument structure, the Keeper’s Lodge and the Wallace Statue. The works to the Keeper’s Lodge Chimney, and the Wallace Statue in particular, presented a potential safety risk. It was recommended that these works were undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

 

The works required to the Monument are the sole responsibility of the Council under the current lease arrangements. An exempt paper was taken to Finance and Economy Committee on 20 September 2018, to raise this issue. Committee agreed to refer the matter to Council for consideration. The purpose of this paper therefore was to raise awareness of these issues with Council and seek the virement of funding within the Capital Programme to allow the works to be progressed immediately.

 

Motion

 

Council agrees:-

 

  1. to approve virement of capital budget within the current financial year of up to £515,000 to address critical maintenance requirements (to be funded from the underspend with the Kildean infrastructure capital allocation);

     

  2. to instruct officers to seek a revised lease structure with Stirling District
    Tourism that, if agreed, would enable the £515,000 to be recovered by a
    suitable mechanism contained within the lease over a period of no more than fifteen years;

     

  3. to note the ongoing negotiations with Stirling District Tourism to establish a new Partnership Agreement and Revised Lease Structure for the Wallace Monument, but to also instruct officers to prepare an alternative delivery model which would see the Wallace Monument operated direct by Stirling Council, or via a newly constituted ALEO to operate the Wallace Monument and promote local tourism, which could take effect from May 2020; and

     

  4. to note that elected members will take any final decision on whether to grant a new lease, to operate directly or to operate via a new ALEO, at a future meeting of full Council.

 

Proposed by Councillor Margaret Brisley, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie

 

Under Standing Order 81 (Revocation of Previous Resolutions), Members
unanimously confirmed their agreement to consider point 4 of the motion requesting that a future report be brought to full Council. This point, if agreed, would have the effect of superseding a previous decision taken by the Finance & Economy Committee on 19 April 2018 (within the previous 6 month period) that a report on future lease arrangements would be submitted to a future meeting of the Finance & Economy Committee for approval.

 

The motion was agreed unanimously without the need for a roll call vote.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed:-

  1. to approve virement of capital budget within the current financial year of up to £515,000 to address critical maintenance requirements (to be funded from the underspend with the Kildean infrastructure capital allocation);

     

  2. to instruct officers to seek a revised lease structure with Stirling District
    Tourism that, if agreed, would enable the £515,000 to be recovered by a
    suitable mechanism contained within the lease over a period of no more than fifteen years;

     

  3. to note the ongoing negotiations with Stirling District Tourism to establish a new Partnership Agreement and Revised Lease Structure for the Wallace Monument, but to also instruct officers to prepare an alternative delivery model which would see the Wallace Monument operated direct by Stirling Council, or via a newly constituted ALEO to operate the Wallace Monument and promote local tourism, which could take effect from May 2020; and

     

  4. to note that elected members would take any final decision on whether to grant a new lease, to operate directly or to operate via a new ALEO, at a future meeting of full Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Infrastructure, dated 26 September 2018, submitted)

 

The Provost closed the meeting at 1.45 pm

Appendix 1

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ROBERT DAVIES FOR ANSWER BY THE LEADER OF
THE COUNCIL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 4
OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Stirling is one of the larger councils by area in the UK and it can be as much as a 50-mile round trip for constituents in the Forth and Endrick Ward to attend a council meeting if they want to hear everything relevant to a topic of interest to them. In view of the forthcoming Community Council elections, and therefore a need to demonstrate the value of community involvement, does the Leader think that it is worth exploring the options for webcasting Council Meetings as a low-cost way to improve the democratic process?

 

Answer

 

Over the past year officers have been investigating different options and methods of recording and broadcasting of meetings, including webcasting, in order to allow Elected Members to decide whether this is something they feel is worth pursuing.

 

There are a number of potential benefits which could result from the implementation of webcasting of Council meetings, including encouraging engagement and interest in the Council’s decision making process and increasing the transparency and openness of that process, by allowing all members of the public the opportunity to view meetings either live or
at a time of their choosing. This could be a particular advantage given the geographical size of the Stirling Council area, which can limit the ability of members of the public from outwith the Stirling City area to attend meetings which they may be interested in.

 

Webcasting therefore has the potential to address issues of exclusion, for those who may wish to attend Council meetings but are unable to do so due to health, work or other reasons. However it is acknowledged that there would be a cost associated with the initial installation and ongoing operation of webcasting (dependent on method/supplier used) which must be carefully considered given the significant financial challenges being faced by the Council.

 

An overview of different options and associated costs has been submitted and discussed at meetings of the Group Secretaries. The Group Secretaries have been asked to consider the information and ascertain the views of their respective groups, to inform the Chief Officer – Governance on whether this should be taken forward for a formal decision on implementation. If Group Secretaries confirm that there is support in principle for taking this
forward then a report would be brought to a future Committee/Council meeting as appropriate to allow a formal decision to be taken.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALISTAIR BERRILL FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Can the convener please advise the total amount raised by the council in payment of parking tickets being issued for the 2017-2018 financial year and how much has been raised this financial year to the most recent date that figures are available?

 

Answer

 

I can advise that the parking fines received as a consequence of issuing Penalty Charge Notices during the 2017-2018 financial year was £295,448.70. A total of £140,889.71 has been received this financial year to date.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Berrill thanked the Convener for his response and asked if Enforcement Officers had been directed to maximise income from parking fines.

 

The Convener advised that there was no policy in this regard and no such instruction had been issued to Enforcement Officers in relation to maximising income from parking fines.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR JEREMY MCDONALD FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

What plans does the service have to review the weekend waste collection routes and timetables in rural areas?

 

Answer

 

Waste Services are currently undertaking a review of all waste routes in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the collection service. The Service is in the early stages of conducting a re-routing exercise which will firstly look to identify opportunities within the current routing system with the end objective to create a new route schedule for all waste streams. It is anticipated that the re-route will be completed around April 2019, with subsequent implementation rolled out by early summer 2019. If the options presented within the re-route do include changes to collection days, the Service will consult with any communities affected prior to implementation.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR DOUGLAS DODDS FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
FINANCE & ECONOMY COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD
ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Can the convener please confirm that the capital, and not just the interest generated by investment, in each of the common goods funds administered by the council is available to be spent on projects within the areas covered by each fund?

 

Answer

 

The entirety of Common Good Funds, both interest and capital, are available for the funding of any project funding proposals that come forward. In considering any funding requests, regard should be paid to the future financial sustainability of the Common Good Funds, as large capital disbursements could deplete the value of the capital sums to such an extent that any reinvestment returns could become negligible. This could mean that top up funding that the reinvestment of the capital sums provide may not be able to ensure a sufficient level of future fund sustainability. However, if any project funding proposals receive sufficient support, from the Provost’s Panel for proposals under £10,000 and from the Council for proposals over £10,000, then capital sums can legitimately be disbursed.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Dodds thanked the Convener for his response and asked if the Council would look at a better way of ensuring maximisation of interest/returns from the investment of Common Good Funds.

 

The Convener agreed to discuss investment of Common Good Funds with Officers to ensure
funds were getting best appropriate financial returns on investment.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MAJURY FOR ANSWER BY THE
CONVENER OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL
MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Given the recent reports of the Laighhills park in Dunblane being used as a gathering place for groups of youths from across Stirling to engage in anti-social behaviour and fighting can the convener advise what is being done to prevent the park from potentially becoming a ‘No go’ area for most people?

 

Answer

 

We want our parks to be safe and welcoming environments for all our communities to enjoy. Any reports of anti-social behaviour should be reported to our Safer Communities Team or to Police Scotland who would work together to deal with any instances of anti-social behaviour appropriately. Our officers from within the Safer Communities Team increased patrols in the area over the summer months to provide reassurance to users of the park and to deter
issues of anti-social behaviour occurring. We will continue to undertake patrols and to liaise and work with our colleagues in Police Scotland and any other relevant agencies such as youth services.

 

The changing pavilion building at the Laighhills Park is no longer in use and has been boarded up for some time, unfortunately it has become a recent focus for vandalism. There is no interest from the local clubs to use the building and there is no service requirement to keep the building. Therefore, a building warrant application for demolition is being progressed and officers will be liaising with the Community Council to discuss possible future use of the site once the building has been demolished and cleared.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR BRYAN FLANNAGAN FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Will the convener provide details of how much consultation took place with our primary schools, and specifically their Parent Councils, regarding the reduction in provision of specialist music and PE teachers?

 

Answer

 

In academic session 2016/2017, a project group worked on developing a music strategy for the delivery of the music curriculum. Through consultation with music specialist teachers and headteachers, a refreshed approach to music specialist provision was put in place. There was no specific work undertaken with Parent Councils.

 

Some music and PE specialists had to cover core classes to ensure statutory services were maintained during teacher shortages. There has been no consultation regarding PE specialists.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener for her response and asked if the Convener would agree to write to Parent Councils to make them aware of the current situation with music & PE teachers.

 

The Convener advised that she was happy to speak to Councillor Flannagan about this.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ROSS OXBURGH FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Would the convener confirm that the cap of 475 salt bins has been removed to allow for any additional bins to be located should they qualify under the criteria within the policy?

 

Answer

 

The Housing & Environment Committee approved at its last meeting (September), the Winter Service Policy for 2018/19, subject to a re-assessment of the current limit of 475 salt bins, to ensure it meets relevant criteria.

 

Officers have reviewed our overall salt bin provision and found that there are currently 470 grit bin locations. If there are any new locations that are within the qualifying criteria, a grit bin will be provided. This may well increase the overall number of grit bins beyond the current provision of 475.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR NEIL BENNY FOR ANSWER BY LEADER OF THE
COUNCIL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER
2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Will the council leader confirm how many responses there have been to the Big Conversation so far?

 

Answer

 

So far, there have been 809 responses from the public; 439 on how the Council can reduce costs and increase income, and 370 on how the Council can reduce demand for services. There have also currently been 336 staff suggestions. This takes the total to over 1000 individual responses/suggestions.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Benny thanked the Council Leader for his response and asked if the Leader would commit to full publication of all responses in due course.

 

The Council Leader advised that the data was still in the process of being analysed by Officers and advised that information regarding responses to the Big Conversation would be shared with the Opposition in due course.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALASDAIR TOLLEMACHE FOR ANSWER BY
LEADER OF THE COUNCIL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Does the council leadership support the growing consensus that local authorities should be given greater fiscal powers, such as the power to levy an overnight visitor charge?

 

Answer

 

Councils generally have been facing a challenging financial position, and are likely to continue to do so in the coming years. As an alternative to reductions to service provision, councils also need to be exploring alternative funding sources, either from increased use of existing powers, or by exploring new fiscal powers. Extending the range of fiscal powers will normally require the support of central government, who would be responsible for introducing new legislative powers to enable this to happen. The Council will be engaging in
the dialogue that is taking place between COSLA and the Scottish Government about the possible extension of fiscal powers to local government. All possibilities should be considered, and as wide a range of views as possible should be gathered from all stakeholders before decisions are taken on the matter.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Tollemache thanked the Council Leader for his response and asked if there was any idea of the amount that could be generated for Stirling if an overnight visitors charge was implemented.

 

The Council Leader advised that no calculations had been carried out yet as the discussions regarding these powers were still ongoing at national level through COSLA. He felt it was important that Elected Members be the ones to decide what charges should be applied in their Council area, if these powers are granted.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR MARTIN EARL FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Would the convener agree that the roll out of the new road end collections criteria should be halted and that a full review should be undertaken, including seeking views from all elected members?

 

Answer

 

I understand fully the issues in regards to road end collections, it was always going to be a controversial policy to implement. There was an equalities impact assessment carried out to inform members, to assist elected councillors in considering the issue as part of the 2015/16 priority based budget.

 

Elected Members and Community Councils, along with affected residents are consulted in advance of the changes within each area as the roll out progresses.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Earl thanked the Convener for his answer and asked if the Convener would be willing to meet offline to discuss concerns which had been raised, before implementation takes place.

 

The Convener agreed to further discussion offline to discuss any concerns regarding the road end collections rollout.

APPENDIX 2

 

MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OLD VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018

 

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

  1. Mobile Deployable CCTV Units

    Redeployable CCTV can be used for the detection and deterrent of anti-social behaviour or environmental crimes across the area. Decisions on the positioning of these are taken on a risk based intelligence led approach working jointly with Police Scotland.

     

    There are a number of issues with the connectivity of our existing re-deployable CCTV cameras which in effect limit their use for semi-permanent installations.

     

    We have identified a number of opportunities to use mobile / re-deployable CCTV cameras in rural wards where there are complaints of dog fouling issues or issues with fly tipping and also complaints about some of the underpasses and vennels in the City.

     

    We will be purchasing new mobile CCTV cameras and officers are currently reviewing the available technology and equipment to ensure the new cameras can be easily moved and redeployed across the council area. There is £50k of capital funding allocated within the current financial year to purchase this new equipment, which will be operational early in 2019. Estimated costs are between £7k - £10k per camera.

     

    The use of reserves to fund operational expenditure that should be planned as part of the normal financial planning cycle is not advisable. The appropriate route for the consideration of any new policy growth would be for this to be identified, and if there is sufficient support
    and available funding, then it would be presented to the Council for inclusion in future financial plans.

     

  2. P1 Standardised Tests

    Scottish National Standardised Assessments (SNSA) were introduced in session 2017-18. SNSAs seek to support teachers in making professional judgment of learner progress and to plan next steps in learning. They form part of the approach to assessment across the Broad General Education (BGE) which includes gathering a range of assessment evidence, both formative and summative as part of everyday learning. SNSAs provide assessments in literacy and numeracy at P1, P4, P7 and S3.

    Recent advice from Scottish Government and ADES states that SNSAs, in common with virtually all aspects of the Scottish curriculum and its delivery, are not provided for in legislation. This means that they cannot be seen as compulsory, but also that there cannot be an absolute right for parents to withdraw their children from the assessments, or indeed
    any other part of the school curriculum (with the exception of some parts of religious observance and instruction). However, as with other aspects of the curriculum, parents may request to withdraw their child from an activity and the school will consider this with them.

    In keeping with this, should any parent/ carer have any particular concerns about their child’s participation in SNSAs, they should discuss this with their school with a view to reaching agreement on whether the child will undertake the assessments.

     

  3. Stirling City Centre

    Partners with a shared interest in economic growth in Town and City Centres are faced with macro-economic factors such as changing consumer preferences, online shopping, and decentralisation of City Centre attractions, reduced disposable income, changing demographics and growth in business overheads. This has led to a challenging environment for traders which is manifesting itself across Scotland through an increasing number of vacant properties.

     

    The Council has recognised this and invested in the Economic Growth team to re-establish partnerships and initiatives in the City Centre which support Economic Growth. The formation of the Place Development Team with a focus on the City Centre, establishment of the City Centre BID, approval of a 1-year City Centre action plan and development of
    relationships with key partner agencies and local businesses has had an energising effect on the City Centre in the past 12 months.

     

    The Stirling City Centre Economic Action Plan was approved by the Finance & Economy Committee in April 2018. The plan was shaped in partnership and through consultation with businesses and public planning partners. The plan sets out a list of priority actions covering
    the full spectrum of city centre issues including safety, environment, business support and destination marketing.

     

    To support delivery of this action plan a new City Centre Forum was established which brings together partners, including Stirling BID and Police Scotland, and businesses to discuss the issues and opportunities facing the city centre and to work together to support the growth and development of the city centre.

     

    The plan is being delivered well in partnership with many of the actions within being delivered to date and the rest currently being progressed well.

     

    Along with this work a report is being prepared by the Place Development Team which looks at what city and town centres will look like in 10-15 years’ time. This is with a view to informing policy changes which will allow Stirling to get ahead of events and positively and
    proactively shape the development of Stirling City Centre so that we can focus on driving change rather than managing decline. This report is looking at innovation and leading practice from all over the world and will be developed in partnership internally and externally to provide a report with strong recommendations for Council and public partners to consider as we seek to safeguard the future of the city centre. The report is expected to be complete by the end of 2018 and will be discussed with the Convener and Vice-Convener of Finance & Economy with a view to a paper coming forward in 2019

     

    The City Centre Forum provides a good sounding board for helping shape the report and the Finance and Economy Committee will assess and review the recommendations made.

     

    Although the Council does have powers under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 to operate local schemes of rates relief, this would need to be fully funded by the Council, at a time when financial resources are already constrained. Section 140 of the Act
    states that when designing any scheme of relief, “the rating authority must have regard to the authority's expenditure and income and the interests of persons liable to pay council tax set by the authority.”

  4. Short Life Working Groups or Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels

Under the Scheme of Delegation, Committees have authority to establish a) Short Life Working Groups, to give detailed consideration to the development of a policy or revision of an existing policy within the Committee’s remit; and b) Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels, to investigate an aspect of service delivery or area of concern within the particular Committee’s remit.

 

The Standing Orders approved in June 2018 contain guidance (Appendices 3 and 4 to the Standing Orders) on the establishment of these groups/panels, including provision as to membership. This guidance states that members of these groups/panels must be drawn from among the membership of the parent body i.e. the Committee establishing that group/panel.

 

It should be noted that this guidance also includes provision for the co-opting of citizens, communities, services users or employees as felt appropriate. Under this provision it would therefore be possible for an Elected Member who is not a member of the Committee establishing these groups/panels to be co-opted on as a member, with no real difference in status or membership as no formal decision-making would be taking place in the Short Life Working Group.

 

The guidance also states that substitution is not permitted. The restriction on substitution was felt appropriate in order to ensure continuity and progress given the short-term nature of these groups/panels – they must conclude and report back to the relevant Committee within 3 cycles. It was therefore felt prudent to ensure the appointed Elected Members attended each meeting.

 

If approved, these changes to the Standing Orders would allow Committees, when establishing Short Life Working Groups or Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels, to appoint any Elected Member to sit on these groups/panels as is felt appropriate. It would also allow Elected Members to appoint substitutes to attend on their behalf, in the event that they are unable to attend any particular meeting of the group/panel.

 

It should also be noted that as this motion seeks to amend the Standing Orders which were approved by Council on 28 June 2018, then the motion falls under the 6 month rule and would require two thirds of the Members present to initially agree to consider the motion, as required under Standing Order 81 (Revocation of Previous Resolutions).