STIRLING COUNCIL

 

MINUTES of the MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018 at 10.00 AM

 

Present:

Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

 

Councillor Maureen BENNISON
Councillor Neil BENNY
Councillor Alistair BERRILL
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

 

Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance
Lorna Cameron, Chief Officer - Housing

Christina Cox, Service Manager – Planning & Building Standards (Infrastructure)
Martin Dalziel, Team Leader – External Communications (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer Development)

Margaret Davison, Senior Manager – People, Planning & Performance
Barbara Docherty, Cemeteries Officer (Environment & Place)

Craig Gardner, Team Leader – Operations (Environment & Place)

Morven Graham, Team Leader – Principal Education Psychologist (Children & Families)
Kristine Johnson, Chief Officer – HR

Caroline McDaid, Service Manager – Broad General Education (Schools & Learning)
Louise McDonald, Support Officer (Governance)

Isabel McKnight, Chief Officer – Strategic Commissioning & Customer Development
Bryony Monaghan, Service Manager – Additional Support Needs (Children & Families)
Tam Rennie, Cemeteries (Environment & Place)

Brian Roberts, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

Rikki Sneddon, Service Manager – (Fieldwork) (Children & Families
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 an announcement:-

 

Stirling Tenants Assembly had carried out a piece of work called “Tenants to Tenants” in January 2018 that reviewed how the council communicated with its tenants.

 

The initiative had won a “National Good Practice” award for its work from Tenants Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) and also been recognised by the Scottish Government. She congratulated the service and presented the award to Lorna Cameron, Chief Officer – Housing.‌

 

The Provost, Leader of the Council, Opposition Leader and Chambers wished to pass on thanks to Iain Strachan, Chief Officer – Governance, who would be leaving the Council. They all praised the support and help over the years that he had given and wished him all the best for the future.

 

SC159 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Margaret Brisley.

 

SC160 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

SC161 URGENT BUSINESS

 

The Provost noted that given the urgent need for the Council to consider the impact of the PEAK swimming pool closure there were special reasons why a report on this should be treated as Urgent Business and considered at the end of the agenda.‌

 

Council also noted that the report would be taken as “Exempt” as disclosure could prejudice the potential commercial interests of the Council and Active Stirling.

 

SC162 MINUTES

 

1. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 1 October 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 1 October 2018 agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

2. Meeting of Stirling Council – 4 October 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 4 October 2018 were as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

3. Meeting of Local Review Body – 27 September 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Local Review Body held on 27 Septemberwere agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

4. Meeting of Local Review Body – 5 November 2018‌‌‌‌‌

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Local Review Body held on 5 November 2018 agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

5. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 8 November 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 8 November 2018 agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

6. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 13 November 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 13 Novemberwere agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

7. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 15 November 2018

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 15 Novemberwere agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

8. Meeting of Appointments Panel – 20 November 2018

 

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Appointments Panel held on 20 Novemberwere agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC163 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Seven 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 include in Appendix 1.

 

SC164 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:-

 

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache – Minutes of Meeting of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee on 6 September 2018 (CR79 – Question regarding
Community Planning Leadership Group)

 

The Convener of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee confirmed that the Community Planning Leadership Group were continuing to meet to discuss relevant issues, noting it was a very useful group.

Councillor Alistair Berrill – Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 4 October
2018(SC143 – Question regarding White Line Markings)

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee confirmed he was aware of the issue with the white line markings and was in discussion with Council Officers.

 

Councillor Bryan Flannagan – Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 4
October 2018 (SC157 – Primary 1 Assessments)

 

The Convener of Children, Young People Committee advised she was not aware of any feedback from parents about the Primary 1 assessments.

 

Councillor Neil Benny – Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 4 October
2018 (SC142 (Written Questions- Big Conversation)

 

The Leader of the Council confirmed that Council officers were reviewing the
feedback from the Big Conversation, with a view to this being made available in a suitable format.

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald – Minutes of Meeting of Finance & Economy
Committee on 20 September 2018 (FE88 – Wireless Projects)

 

The Vice Convener of Finance & Economy Committee confirmed that a report on the Wireless Projects/Broadband would be submitted to the next meeting of Finance & Economy Committee.

 

SC165 COMMITTEE AND STIRLING TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS LTD – VACANCIES

 

The submitted report to Council noted that Councillor Evelyn Tweed had resigned her post on the Planning & Regulation Panel and the Children & Young People Committee.

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison had resigned her Directorship of Stirling Technology Projects Limited.

 

The Conservative Group had advised of a proposed change of their Elected
Members’ membership to particular Committees and Panels and that Councillor Flannagan had resigned his position of Conservative Group Bailie.

 

The Council noted that Councillor MacDonald would continue his membership on the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee.

 

In response to a Member’s question, the Chief Officer – Governance confirmed that he would review the constitution in respect of appointees to the Dunblane Cemetery Memorial Garden (Maintenance) Trust and report back to relevant Elected Members.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:-

1. appoint Councillor Graham Houston to fill the vacant position on both the
   Planning & Regulation Panel and the Children & Young People’s Committee, in replacement for Councillor Evelyn Tweed;

2. appoint Councillor Graham Houston to fill the vacancy of Director on Stirling Technology Projects Limited, in replacement for Councillor Maureen Bennison;

    

3. appoint Councillor Alastair Majury to the Audit Committee, appoint Councillor Jeremy McDonald to the Finance & Economy Committee and appoint Councillor Martin Earl and Councillor Bryan Flannagan to the Adult Social Care Panel, in replacement of those resignations set out in paragraphs 2.13 – 2.21 of the submitted report; and

    

4. appoint Councillor Douglas Dodds as Bailie for the Conservative Group, in replacement for Councillor Bryan Flannagan.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 27 November 2018
submitted)

 

SC166 CHANGES OR PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING AND DETERMINING PLANNING – REVIEW OF CHANGES

 

A meeting of Council on 3 May 2018 agreed changes to planning procedures related to the determination of planning applications at the Planning & Regulation Panel and the Chief Executive’s Sub-Scheme of Delegation as they related to determining planning applications.

 

The changes approved related to two areas of planning application handling: 1) the Scheme of Delegation for determining planning applications and 2) procedures that operate at the Planning & Regeneration Panel. The changes in each of these two aspects complement each other being:

 

• Speeding up planning application decision making as part of a range of
  improvements aimed at providing planning services that were ‘open for business’ and improving customer service.

   

• Providing certainty of process to improve customer service.

   

• Enabled the Planning & Regulation Panel to concentrate on planning applications of genuine wider public interest rather than minor developments raising neighbour disputes.

   

• Providing community empowerment by introducing an ability for objectors (where there were 5 or more) to trigger planning applications going to the Panel direct without first liaising with the local ward member to seek a referral.

   

  The changes to the Scheme of Delegation required approval by the Scottish Ministers, which was obtained on the 12 June 2018 and became operational.

   

  Following a Members’ question, the Service Manager – Planning & Building Standards confirmed that training session for Community Council’s on the new planning procedures had taken place and it was also the intension to run more session in early 2019.

  Decision

   

  The Council agreed to the changes approved by Council on 3 May 2018 to the procedures for determining planning applications continuing until 2 May 2019 when a further report would be presented to Council with the outcome of the review of implementation over the period June 2018 - March 2019.

   

  (Reference: Report by Senior Manager - Infrastructure, dated 28 November 2018 submitted)

   

  SC167 ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

   

  The purpose of the paper was to update the Council on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which was currently a subject of national interest and discussion. The paper provided examples of the work Stirling Council and partners were currently doing to address what we know about ACEs and how we would seek to mitigate the negative impact of adversity experienced in childhood.

   

  Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) was a term commonly used to describe stressful or traumatic events that occur in childhood i.e. under the age of 18 years. Research on ACEs was not recent, but it had reached national attention in Scotland, reflecting an increased understanding of the significant of the potential impact of childhood adversity on life changes in the longer term.

   

  In response to Members’ questions, the Service Manager – Additional Support Needs confirmed that early intervention was within the schools with teams working to support the children. She also noted Members’ concerns of the lack of specific category breakdown for adverse childhood experience and confirmed that the Council were aware of the wider areas of adverse experiences that required support.

   

  The Service Manager - Additional Support Needs confirmed that she would forward a link to a recent STV documentary: - Who Care’s: Breaking the Cycle to Elected Members to view.

   

  Council agreed that it would be valuable that a Members’ Briefing, to show the video on Adverse Childhood Experiences, be arranged.

   

  Decision

   

  The Council agreed to:-

  1. note the information provided in the report;

  2. note the proposals that Stirling Council:

      

     1. continue to prioritise the needs of children, young people and their families; and

         

     2. raise further awareness of the impact of adversity in childhood on life chances across Council teams, our partners and Stirling’s communities.

  (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Children & Families, dated 23 November 2018 submitted)

   

  SC168 CEMETERIES SERVICE - DIRECT FUNERALS

   

  The purpose of the report was to seek approval to introduce a new service within the Cemeteries Service that provided affordable funerals to all Stirling Council citizens.

   

  In recognition of the ever increasing expenses related to funeral costs and to increase the options available for bereaved families, Stirling Council proposed to offer an alternative approach. The aim was to provide a service that was affordable and one that would not leave families in financial hardship.

   

  In response to Members’ questions, the Cemeteries Officer confirmed they had been in consultation with churches and had identified ones who were in support of the pilot.

   

  The Elected Members and the Chambers applauded the initiative and supported the work proposed. The Members also requested that once the Direct Funeral leaflet was completed that it be forwarded to all Members to allow awareness, through them, to their communities.

   

  The Meeting noted that an update report on the pilot programme would be submitted to a future meeting of Stirling Council.

   

  Decision

   

  The Council agreed to approve the proposal to provide a Direct Funeral service as set out in the submitted report, and delegate authority to the Senior Manager Infrastructure (or such officer as he shall sub-delegate) to implement the same.

   

  (Reference: Report by Senior Manager - Infrastructure, dated 28 November 2018, submitted)

   

  SC169 IMPLEMENTATION OF LIVING WAGE INCREASE

   

  The report set out the implications of the recent increase to the Living Wage following the announcement by the Living Wage Foundation in November 2018. Finance & Economy Committee had referred decision to Council for the proposal to implement the increase in the hourly rate from 16 November 2018, rather than applying the increase from the next pay inflation award date in April 2019.

   

  Stirling Council was one of a handful of local authority employers to implement the Living Wage as a consolidated hourly rate, which the trade unions were campaigning for nationally and further reinforced its commitment to the Living Wage through obtaining Living Wage Accreditation in 2015.

   

  Councillors Farmer and Gibson proposed to replace the text in recommendation 2 in its entirety with the following. “Approve the implementation for the Living Wage, a minimum hourly rate of £9.06 for Grade 1 and the increases to Grades to Grade 4 as outlined in paragraph 2.2.” At 11.40am the Council agreed to adjourn for a break to allow members to consider the proposal.

   

  The Meeting reconvened at 11.45am with all Elected Members (previously noted) present.

   

  Following consideration of the said proposal, the revised text was agreed unanimously.‌‌‌

   

  Elected Members commended the Chief Officer – HR and Chief Officer Finance and their teams for the work involved.

   

  Decision

   

  The Council agreed to:-

  1. note the financial implications of increasing the living wage hourly rate from 16 November 2018; and

  2. approve the implementation of the Living Wage, a minimum hourly rate of £9.06 for Grade 1 and the increases to Grades 2 to Grade 4 as outlined in paragraph 2.2 within the submitted report.

     (Reference: Report by Chief Officer - HR, dated 12 November 2018, submitted)

      

     SC170 GENERAL FUND 10 YEAR FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

      

     At the meeting of 28 June 2018, the Council received a report that set out updates on the current financial strategy outlook for the General Fund, which covered the majority of the services that the Council provides. A decision taken at that meeting was that a further report setting out a longer term outlook, specifically 10 years, would be brought to the Finance & Economy Committee and that report was considered at the meeting of 20 September 2018. The report now sets out the key points of that report that was discussed at Finance & Economy, as well as any updates that had occurred since that time.

      

     The report provided a longer term update on the range of issues that currently affect the financial strategy or that may affect it in future. Although many of the assumptions cannot be made with any degree of certainty due to all of the many external influences that affect them, it was still important that the Council had a sense
     of how each of the assumptions might move in future, and how collectively they would form a picture of what a longer-term outlook may look like.

      

     If there was an early and ongoing sense of what the financial challenge may look like in future years, the Council could then be better prepared to address that challenge and take decisions that may have had a long lead-in time to implement.

      

     The report would not set out details at this stage of how any budget gap would be addressed, that would come through the normal budget-setting processes. However, even in the early years of the ten-year outlook, significant financial budget reductions
     would have to be made in order to set balanced budgets.

      

     The Elected Members passed on thanks to the Chief Officer - Finance and his team for all work involved.

     Decision

      

     The Council agreed to:

      

     1. note the contents of this update report: and,

         

     2. note that further updates will be brought to future meetings of the Council as the longer term outlook develops.

   

  (Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Finance, dated 27 November 2018, submitted)

   

  SC171 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 16

   

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

   

  (a) Domestic Abuse Scotland

   

  Council notes and commends the passing of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) bill earlier this year with cross party support. This incorporated both emotional and physical violence into the same offence.

   

  Council also notes and supports the current 16 days of action programme of events and wishes to clearly indicate its support for both this and the legislation.

   

  The domestic abuse bill creates a specific offence of “abusive behaviour in relation to a partner of ex-partner”. It will cover not only physical abuse but other forms of psychological abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour that cannot easily be prosecuted until now.

   

  Domestic abuse and Coercive control training has been made available to the Local Authority through a service level agreement with Stirling and District Women’s Aid. This ensures that staff have the necessary understanding, know how to identify domestic abuse and coercive control, understand the impact as well as being familiar with the legal framework. Training is at present voluntary.

   

  Council agrees that all services and departments will identify relevant staff that will undertake the training. This will be a mandatory requirement for all staff identified.

   

  A report is to be included on the agenda of the next meeting of council
  detailing progress and plans for staff training on this issue.

   

  Signed by Councillor Jeremy McDonald and Councillor Douglas Dodds.

   

  Amendment

   

  Replace from “Domestic abuse and Coercive control training had been made available to the Local Authority through a service level agreement with Stirling and District Women’s Aid” to end with:

  Council notes that Stirling and District Women’s Aid have been undertaking training on Domestic Abuse as part of their Service Level Agreement with Stirling Council. The training is delivered to all partner agencies, including Stirling Council staff, with input that provides preparation for Domestic Abuse (2018) Act.

   

  At this point there had been:

   

  • 2 Domestic Abuse and Families training days

  • 1 Domestic Abuse and Adults training days

  • 1 Multi Agency Risk Assessment Centre (MARAC) training day

   

  Council welcomes that 40 council staff so far have undertaken the training and that further training sessions are planned in January and February next year.

   

  Council acknowledges that in terms of identifying staff for the training, this is done through individual teams and that officers will be looking at a rolling programme for all relevant staff as part of the work of the Gender Based Violence Partnership in its efforts to prevent and eradicate abuse against women, men and children across the Forth valley area.

   

  Council commends the work of Stirling and District Women’s Aid in delivering training to Council staff through their domestic abuse training. Commends the work of Forth Valley Rape Crisis who work in partnership with Council Officers in schools to raise awareness of healthy relationships through a number of programmes and initiatives. Commends the work of the Caledonian Project who work with both perpetrators of domestic abuse and their families to rehabilitate offenders. Council commends the work of Fearless project, who support men and LGBTi domestic abuse survivors.

   

  Council agrees that Elected Members and Senior Managers should lead by example in eradicating all forms of abuse and discrimination. Council
  condemns all forms of abuse and discrimination and undertakes to ensure that all Elected Members and Senior Manager who have not recently done so, can complete Diversity Awareness Training in the next 6 months.

   

  Signed by Councillor Maureen Bennison and Councillor Danny Gibson.

   

  At 12:10pm the Council agreed to adjourn for a break to allow members to consider the amendment.

   

  The Meeting reconvened at 12:20pm with all Elected Members (previously noted) present.

   

  Following consideration of the Amendment, Elected Members agreed unanimously to the Amendment with the following included: -

   

  Council agrees for an update report on progress of Stirling Council in tackling Domestic Abuse be submitted to a meeting of Council in May/June 2019.

  Decision

   

  Council notes and commends the passing of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) bill earlier this year with cross party support. This incorporated both emotional and physical violence into the same offence.

   

  Council also notes and supports the current 16 days of action programme of events and wishes to clearly indicate its support for both this and the legislation.

   

  The domestic abuse bill creates a specific offence of “abusive behaviour in relation to a partner or ex-partner”. It will cover not only physical abuse but other forms of psychological abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour that cannot easily be prosecuted until now.

   

  Council notes that Stirling and District Women’s Aid have been undertaking training on Domestic Abuse as part of their Service Level Agreement with Stirling Council. The training is delivered to all partner agencies, including Stirling Council staff, with input that provides preparation for Domestic Abuse (2018) Act.

   

  At this point there had been:

   

• 2 Domestic Abuse and Families training days

• 1 Domestic Abuse and Adults training days

• 1 Multi Agency Risk Assessment Centre (MARAC) training day

 

Council welcomes that 40 council staff so far have undertaken the training and that further training sessions are planned in January and February next year.

 

Council acknowledges that in terms of identifying staff for the training, this is done through individual teams and that officers will be looking at a rolling programme for all relevant staff as part of the work of the Gender Based Violence Partnership in its efforts to prevent and eradicate abuse against women, men and children across the Forth valley area.

 

Council commends the work of Stirling and District Women’s Aid in delivering training to Council staff through their domestic abuse training. Commends the work of Forth Valley Rape Crisis who work in partnership with Council Officers in schools to raise awareness of healthy relationships through a number of programmes and initiatives. Commends the work of the Caledonian Project who work with both perpetrators of domestic abuse and their families to rehabilitate offenders. Council commends the work of Fearless project, who support men and LGBTi domestic abuse survivors.

 

Council agrees that Elected Members and Senior Managers should lead by example in eradicating all forms of abuse and discrimination. Council condemns all forms of abuse and discrimination and undertakes to ensure that all Elected Members and Senior Manager who have not recently done so, can complete Diversity Awareness Training in the next 6 months.

 

Council agrees for an update report on progress of Stirling Council in tackling
Domestic Abuse be submitted to a meeting of Council in May/June 2019.

 

At 12:25pm the meeting agreed to suspend Standing Orders 42 and continue with remaining business on the agenda.

 

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 Paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 12, respectively, of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

 

SC172 ACTIVE STIRLING LIMITED – FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PEAK POOL
CLOSURE

 

Councillor Danny Gibson, Councillor Martin Earl and Councillor Alison Laurie all
noted a non-financial interest as Directors of Active Stirling Limited to Urgent Item: Active Stirling Limited – Financial Impact of the PEAK Pool Closure (SC172).

 

Councillor Gibson and Councillor Laurie felt their position as Directors would not be compromised in deliberation of the report.

 

Councillor Earl declared he would leave the Chambers.

 

The report set out the range of anticipated financial and non-financial impacts of the closure of the swimming pools at the PEAK, following the discovery of serious faults. Prolonged closure of the pools would have a major impact on the financial performance of Active Stirling Limited, at a time when their trading performance was already adversely affected by the weather conditions during the summer of 2018.

 

Following discussion by Members, both the Chief Officer – Finance and Senior
Manager – Infrastructure confirmed that the Council would be working closely with Active Stirling to ensure that the pool closure was kept to a minimum, with an update report to be submitted to a future meeting of Council on progress.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. delegate authority to the Chief Executive (Interim) and Chief Officer - Finance to give an undertaking from the Council to the management and Board of Active Stirling Limited on the provision of a financial underwriting guarantee that would be required up until the end of March 2019, subject to a maximum level of £0.6M, with such guarantee being funded from Council reserves;

    

2. note that officers would work closely with Active Stirling Limited to quantify the level of financial support required, and would provide updates to the Council Leader and Depute Leader, the Conveners and Vice Conveners of the Finance & Economy Committee and the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee and the Leader of the Opposition as these discussions progressed;

    

3. agree that officers would bring a progress report back to Council in February 2019, on the continued need for a financial underwriting guarantee beyond March 2019, or sooner should the closure period be extended significantly beyond that currently anticipated; and

4. agree to seek approval from the Board of Active Stirling to their participation in a review of all financial and trading activities, with the aim of securing medium and long term financial stability for the organisation.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Finance, dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

 

The Provost closed the meeting at 1.10pm.

Appendix 1

 

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALASDAIR TOLLEMACHE FOR ANSWER BY THE
LEADER OF THE COUNCIL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Has the council done an economic assessment on the financial position of Stirling council in the event of both a no deal Brexit and the deal currently being proposed by the UK government.

 

Answer

 

A report was presented to the Finance & Economy Committee on 22 November, setting out some of the possible impacts of the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU that are currently progressing at a national level. That report focused on the anticipated implications for:

 

• The Council’s workforce;

• European funding streams;

• Procurement;

• Sustainability;

• Governance; and

• Economic impact.

   

  The UK Leaving the EU is currently characterised by major uncertainty, and there are a multitude of interpretations of what the ultimate outcomes will be for the UK, for Scotland and for individual councils such as Stirling. Due to these uncertainties, the report to the Finance
  & Economy Committee did not differentiate between a “no deal Brexit” and leaving the EU based on the UK government’s proposal, which will be voted on in the House of Commons on 11 December.

   

  The report to the Finance & Economy Committee is only the first of a series of reports that will continue to update the position and the forecasts as the situation develops, not only up until the planned leaving date of 29 March 2019, but also thereafter as the effect becomes
  clearer.

   

  One of the major uncertainties will be the impact on the UK’s public finances, and how that will ultimately affect public spending and taxation. It is not possible for the Council to make that assessment, but the Bank of England has recently set out some scenarios of how a “no
  deal Brexit” might affect the UK economy, and also how it might be affected under the UK government’s current proposal. According to the Bank, both of these scenarios would result in severe economic impacts, with the “no deal” scenario being the most severe. If either of
  these scenarios were to come to pass, it might be reasonable to expect a corresponding public sector spending austerity impact.

   

  COSLA has also recently published an impact document that touches on some of the same aspects, as well as some wider non-financial and non-economic impacts. The Draft EUcan be accessed at:

   

  http://www.cosla.gov.uk/about/cosla-europe/brexit

  Supplementary Question and Answer

   

  Councillor Tollemache thanked the Leader of the Council for his response and asked if he was in favour of another referendum on the UK leaving the European Union.

   

  The Leader confirmed he would support a People’s Vote.

  QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALISTAIR BERRILL FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
  OF CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018.

   

  QUESTION

   

  Will the Convener advise the percentage attendance figures for each of Stirling Council’s secondary schools for each of the past four years.

   

  Answer

   

  

   

  Supplementary Question and Answer

   

  Councillor Berrill thanked Convener of Children & Young People Committee for her response and asked if she was happy with these figures.

   

  The Convener of Children & Young People advised that there was always room for improvement, and this was just one measure, and that Stirling Council was well placed against national levels.

  QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR BRYAN FLANNAGAN FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
  OF COMMUNITY PLANNING & REGENERATION COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018.

   

  QUESTION

   

  What measures are being taken to encourage people to stand for their community council in the areas where insufficient numbers came forward during the recent elections to form one?

   

  Answer

   

  We intend to hold further elections in Spring 2019, and are currently working out a suitable timetable for this.

   

  Once an election schedule is set, officers will:

   

• Contact the individuals who put themselves forward for the 2018 elections to encourage them to resubmit their nominations.

• Work with the Communications Team to develop a communication plan to ensure that relevant communities are aware of the elections and how to nominate. We will utilise local press, radio, website and social media.

• Disseminate a range of publicity materials through local services and public buildings.

• Utilise our ongoing community engagement activities to promote the elections to individuals, community groups and encourage individuals to stand.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee and asked how the Council could do anything different to encourage more young people to get involved.

 

The Convener of Community Planning & Regeneration advised that the Council hoped to run further Community Council Elections in early 2019. He noted that young people were accessible and a significant part of society and the Council would try further to encourage young people to stand.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ROSS OXBURGH FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

What measures are being taken to identify and install Grit/Salt Bins at locations which qualify due to the gradient meeting the criteria in the policy but do not currently have one?

 

Answer

 

The Environment and Housing Committee on 13 September 2018 agreed to approve the Winter Service 2018/19 policy, subject to a re-assessment of the current limit of 475 grit/salt bins.

 

The discussion was around the suitability of a fixed number of bins, given there has been new housing constructed since the policy was introduced. It was agreed to retain the eligibly criteria and to assess sites that meet the criteria but do not have bins.

 

Work is ongoing to assess sites.

 

The service have secured a stock of new grit bins to replace damaged bins and to provide new grit bin at sites that meet the qualifying criteria.

 

The committee also agreed to work with communities in developing resilience plans for winter maintenance and flood events.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Oxburgh thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee and asked when the position on the bins would be known.

 

The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee confirmed that he would liaise with the political groups and update on the position in the New Year.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR NEIL BENNY FOR ANSWER BY THE LEADER OF
THE COUNCIL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

Will the council leader confirm that his administration will not introduce a tourism tax if the power to do so is delivered to the council?

 

Answer

 

Powers to introduce such a tax are not currently devolved to local authorities.

 

Work is currently being undertaken by CoSLA on Transient Visitor Tax as part of its wider activity to seek greater discretionary tax powers for local government. CoSLA are seeking a “tax” rather than a “levy” as this would provide local government with greater flexibility around how the money would be used locally.

 

CoSLA are now undertaking a programme of engagement with national trade bodies, parliamentary parties and other key stakeholders to take forward this agenda.

 

Edinburgh and Aberdeen City Councils are both currently taking forward proposals for a Tourism Visitor Levy, and are in the midst of significant engagement with their local industry representatives and trade bodies, and both cities state that, in general, these stakeholders are supportive of the levy.

 

The Scottish Government position is that they are keen to understand the implications of any legislative changes this agenda would require and what consideration had been given to alternative options, including those available under existing powers, before a decision was made.

 

Greater fiscal empowerment for local authorities would be welcomed to allow decision makingto be more locally focused but any use of any such powers by this Council would be taken in the best interests of Stirling and its people.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Benny thanked the Leader of the Council and asked if tourism tax was introduced would the Leader rule out the tourism tax in the Stirling area.

 

The Leader of the Council stated that if it was introduced, consultation with stake holders and colleagues would be undertaken, and a review and analysis would be considered before any decision was taken.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR MARTIN EARL FOR ANSWER BY THE CONVENER
OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD
ON THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

At the monthly meetings held this year between Police and Safer Communities officers what locations have been identified that should be prioritised for deployable CCTV cameras.

 

Answer

 

The use of CCTV to deter and detect crime has assisted with making Stirling safe for our citizens and visitors for many years. The Safer Communities Team are currently working on procuring additional cameras to provide the flexibility that our existing re-deployable cameras do not provide due to issues with connectivity and attachment.

 

There have not been any specific locations identified for the additional cameras emanating from the monthly Joint Tasking and Coordinating Group meetings that are held between Police Scotland, the Safer Communities team and partners.

 

The Safer Communities Team plan to use an intelligence led approach when prioritising re- deployable camera installation and will review data and liaise closely with Police Scotland to identify target areas.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor Earl thanked the Convener of the Public Safety Committee and asked could Elected Members suggest areas for CCTV location.

 

The Convener of Public Safety Committee confirmed she was happy to receive
information/suggestions from the Elected Members, Police or Community Councils.

QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR JEREMY MCDONALD FOR ANSWER BY THE
HOUSING PORTFOLIO HOLDER AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018.

 

QUESTION

 

What is the current status of the Allocations Policy review?

 

Answer

 

A review of allocations has begun and will be informed by the Rapid Rehousing Plans, which are to be submitted to the Scottish Government by the end of December 2018.This work is a requirement for all 32 local authorities and, because of the tight timetable, has had to take priority at this time.

 

A full review of the allocations policy will continue in January 2019 and a new policy will be submitted for committee’s consideration and approval in the spring.

 

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

Councillor McDonald thanked the Housing Portfolio Holder and asked if the concerns of the Housing Review Group had been taken into consideration.

 

The Housing Portfolio Holder confirmed that the Council would take on the groups’ concerns and how it affects them.

Appendix 2

 

MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OLD VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER 2018

 

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

1. Domestic Abuse Scotland

   The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 comes into force early 2019. The Act recognises, for the first time, that Domestic Abuse is experienced as a continuum (pattern of abuse rather that a one-off incident) and criminalises emotional and psychological abuse (often
   referred to as coercive control).

    

   Section 1 of the Act creates a specific offence of engaging in a course of violent, threatening or intimidating behaviour that is abusive towards a partner or ex-partner. Section 4 creates an aggravation where behaviour is directed towards a child, witnessed by a child, or involves
   a child in the commission of the offence. A test of reasonableness is applied in assessing the likelihood of harm.

    

   Stirling and District Women’s Aid have been allocated £35,000 from Stirling Council Growth monies, for 2018-19. This funding is to deliver a programme of domestic abuse training to any members of the Partnership who are working with women and/or children who are
   experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. The training programme includes:

    

   • Preparing services for the commencement of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) 2018 Act

   • Equipping staff to identify, refer and support high risk victims of domestic abuse, using multi-agency procedures to keep victims safe and manage the perpetrators behaviour (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Centre (MARAC) and Multi Agency Tasking and Coordinating (MATAC))

   • Roll out the ‘Safe and Together’ programme across all council services At this point there has been:

   • 2 Domestic Abuse and Families training days

   • 1 Domestic Abuse and Adults training days

   • 1 (MARAC) training half day

 

There are further training sessions planned in January and February next year. It is reported that 40 council staff have undertaken the training to date.

 

The Gender Based Violence Partnership will meet on 11 December 2018 and will be developing a Learning and Development Strategy and a Training Plan, which will take account of the implementation of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) 2018 Act. This will include different modes of accessing training including on-line training and tool talks.

 

Scottish Women’s Aid are also currently developing a training resource which will be available to public sector and third sector organisations.