Service updates

STIRLING COUNCIL - THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020

Last updated

23 Mar 2023

STIRLING COUNCIL‌‌

 

MINUTES of MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held as a VIRTUAL MEETING by

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 at 10.00 AM

 

Present:

Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

 

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

Councillor Graham HOUSTON
Councillor Chris KANE
Councillor Graham LAMBIE
Councillor Alison LAURIE
Councillor Jeremy MCDONALD
Councillor Susan MCGILL
Councillor Ross OXBURGH

Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE
Councillor Jim THOMSON
Councillor Evelyn TWEED

 

In Attendance

 

Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

Elaine Brown, Lead Officer, Localities & Partnership Co-ordinator
Annemargaret Black, Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care
Partnership/Integrated Joint Board

Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance
Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing

Martin Dalziel, Team Leader for External Communications

Lisa Dunlop, Service Manager, Organisational Change & Development
Pamela Forsyth, HR Advice & Policy Manager

Lesley Gallagher, Regeneration & Inclusive Growth Manager

David Hopper, Public Transport & Sustainable Development Manager
Kevin Kelman, Chief Operating Officer – People

Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

Steven MacDonald, Economic Development Team Leader
Bruce McClure, Service Manager – Delivery of CRD

Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance
Sheila McLean, Governance Officer

George Murphy, Accounting Operations Manager

Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities
Robert Plewes, Transport Scheduling Co-ordinator

Bruce Reekie, Senior Manager – Environment & Place
Scott Ross, Portfolio and Business Manager

David Ruse, HR & Payroll Operations Manager

Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer)
Mark Wilson, Senior Analyst

Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

David McDougall, Governance Officer (Clerk)
Louise McDonald, Committee Officer (Minute Taker)

Islay Moore, Support Officer

Lesleyann Burns, Support Officer (Observing)
Emma Cameron, Support Officer (Observing)

 

Also in Attendance

 

Andrew Wallace, External Audit

 

Recording of Meeting started‌

 

Prior to the commencement of business, the Provost welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. A statement was read to the meeting providing detail on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting. Members were advised that they would be limited to two questions per item at this meeting.

 

The Provost and Elected Members paid tribute to all Council Staff for what they have done and continue to do, highlighting that this had been a life changing year and staff had impressed with their resilience and commitment. They were thankful to all staff for steadfast support to Stirling communities.‌

 

The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members except for Councillor Alasdair MacPherson and Councillor Alastair Majury were in attendance. It was noted that Councillor Majury would be late to the meeting.

 

SC341 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were received on behalf of Councillor Alasdair MacPherson.

 

SC342 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

SC343 URGENT BUSINESS

 

There were no items of urgent business.

 

SC344 MINUTES

 

The following minutes were submitted for approval:-

 

  1. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 6 October 2020

     

    Clarification on whether the decision was ‘subject to relevant conditions’ or ‘subject to appropriate conditions’ to be provided to Councillor Davies.

     

    Decision

     

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 6 October 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

  2. Stirling Council – 29 October 2020Decision‌‌‌

    The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 29 October 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  3. Appeals Panel – 28 October 2020Decision‌

    The Minutes of the Appeals Panel held on 28 October 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  4. Appeals Panel – 3 November 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Appeals Panel held on 3 November 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  5. Appointments Panel – 19 December 2019
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Meeting of Appointments Panel held on 19 December 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  6. Children & Young People Committee – 26 November 2019
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Meeting of Children & Young People Committee held on 26 November 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  7. Pre-determination Hearing – 6 October 2020
    Decision

The Minutes of the Pre-determination Hearing held on 6 October 2020 were
agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC345 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Nine written questions had been received in terms of Standing Order 30. 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.

SC346 QUESTION TIME‌

 

In terms of Standing Order 37, 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 and any minutes on the agenda for approval.

 

The following questions were put:-

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald - Minutes of Environment & Housing Committee
on 24 September 2020 (EH206 - Question regarding garden waste charge
concessions)

 

Councillor Jim Thomson advised that a meeting had been arranged to consider the proposals for concessions.

 

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache - Minutes of Environment & Housing
Committee on 24 September 2020 (EH198 - Question regarding On The Verge
petition update)

 

Councillor Jim Thomson confirmed that discussions with organisations involved
would be held in 2021.

 

Councillor Alastair Majury joined the meeting

 

SC347 UPDATE ON STIRLING COUNCIL’S RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS
(COVID-19)

 

Council had received previous updates from the Chief Executive and her senior
team in relation to the Stirling Council response to COVID-19, its impact on the Council and the wider strategic implications.

 

Given the rapidly changing situation, the Chief Executive provided a presentation and verbal update to Council.

 

Following a Member query it was agreed that the detail on the issues for requesting home testing kits across Trossachs & Teith through the app would be provided to Councillor Earl.

A Member queried the one day difference for Forth Valley compared to other health boards and officers agreed to provide information to Councillor Tollemache.

 

Members thanked staff for going above and beyond in supporting the most
vulnerable.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved the recommendation in the report, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Council noted the Chief Executive’s update.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 1 December 2020,
submitted).‌

 

SC348 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME EMPLOYERS DISCRETIONS

 

The Chief Officer – Finance presented the report and advised that the Local
Government Pension Scheme required employers to set out their policy in respect of Employer Discretions, which required updating following scheme changes.

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley moved the recommendation in the report, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie.

 

Decision

 

Council approved the Local Government Pension Scheme 2018 Stirling Council
Employer Discretions.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 30 November 2020,
submitted).

 

SC349 APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

 

Following the resignation of Councillor Maureen Bennison from the Public Safety Committee, Council required to appoint a Member from Ward 7 to fill the vacancy.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved that the vacancy be filled by Councillor Margaret Brisley, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson

 

All Members agreed.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to appoint Councillor Margaret Brisley to fill the vacancy on the
Public Safety Committee.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 13 November 2020,
submitted).

 

SC350 STIRLING COUNCIL KEY PRIORITIES ANNUAL REPORT

 

The Portfolio and Business Manager presented the report and advised that the
purpose of the report was to provide an annual progress update on the achievement of the service actions that contributed to the delivery of the Council’s key priorities.

 

The Council Five-year Business Plan outlined the six key priorities that would help the organisation achieve the PHAR (Prosperous, Healthy, Achieving and Resilient) outcomes. Regular tracking and monitoring was in place through the Council’s Performance Management System to ensure there was accountability for the delivery of the service actions underpinning the 6 key priorities.

Following a Member query regarding investment in play parks it was agreed that Councillor Berrill would be provided figures of the level of investment before and after within play parks.

 

A Member queried the R100 programme timescales and it was agreed that
Councillor McDonald would be provided this detail.

 

A discussion took place around nine priorities which were currently showing as not assigned and officers agreed to provide detail with Councillor Earl on the officers assigned to these priorities.

 

A Member queried how the garden waste reduction enhanced the service and
officers agreed to share the impact detail with Councillor Majury.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved the recommendations in the report, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

  1. note the progress made towards achievement of the service actions that contribute to the delivery of the Council’s Key Priorities. Appendix 1
    contained the actions that remained open and continued to be progressed by the services;

  2. note the list of completed service actions included as Appendix 2;

  3. further work with Elected Members and Senior Managers to identify which of the completed actions listed in Appendix 2 should continue to be tracked and reported; and

  4. note that a refreshed Key Priorities Report was currently being developed, which would include new actions from the 2020-21 service delivery plans and a draft would be shared with Elected Members at the next quarterly meeting with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 30 November 2020, submitted).

 

At 11.55am the Council agreed to adjourn in terms of Standing Order 74

Recording of meeting was stopped
The Meeting reconvened at 12.25pm with all Elected Members (previously noted) present

 

Recording of meeting started

 

SC351 STIRLING COUNCIL ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 19/20

 

The Portfolio and Business Manager presented the report and advised that the
purpose of the report was to provide an overview of Stirling Council’s performance against its strategic aims and priorities between April 2019, and March 2020. The report provided a summary of work across the last financial year, highlighting achievements and recognising the successes of services.

 

The Annual Report also supported the Council’s duty of Best Value, in particular the requirements relating to Public Performance Reporting (PPR).

 

Following a Member query, officers agreed to issue detail advising where HSCP performance information could be found.

 

Following a discussion on the children in poverty figure, officers agreed to provide detail on the different factors involved in identifying the children in poverty calculations with Councillor Davies.

 

A Member queried the baseline figures on page 155 and officers advised that this was linked to the LOIP start date and this detail would be provided to Councillor Davies out-with the meeting.

 

The Council Leader thanked all officers concerned in compiling the report.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved the recommendation in the report, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the Annual Performance Report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 30 November 2020, submitted).

 

SC352 STIRLING COUNCIL 10 YEAR STRATEGY – THRIVING STIRLING

 

The Chief Executive presented the report and advised that the purpose of the
report was to provide an overview and seek approval for Stirling Council’s 10
Year Strategy – Thriving Stirling 2020-2030, as recorded at Appendix 1.

 

The report provided an overview of the complex outlook and the strategic and
organisational context and outlined the need for a longer term vision and
planning framework. This would enable the Council to address the anticipated
challenges in the years ahead, and to focus its resources on achieving the
most impact and value for money, whilst being able to adapt to changing
circumstances and priorities over the next 10 years.

 

Members thanked officers for their work on the strategy.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved the recommendation in the report, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to approve the 10 Year Strategy - Thriving Stirling 2020-2030
which sets out the strategic direction for Stirling Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 30 November 2020, submitted).

 

SC353 CORPORATE POLICY ON THE USE OF NALOXONE (PRENOXAD)

 

The Regeneration & Inclusive Growth Manager presented the report providing
Council with a draft Corporate Policy which detailed the proposed context for the safe and legal use of naloxone (licensed for use under the brand name Prenoxad) in particular Service settings according to need.

 

Naloxone was a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids if someone overdoses. Opioids include such drugs as heroin and methadone. An intramuscular injection of naloxone provides time for emergency services to arrive and further treatment to be given.

 

The adoption of a Corporate Naloxone Policy by Stirling Council would establish an evidenced, consistent and clear set of procedural obligations for Services where the safe and appropriate use of naloxone could save lives.

 

The Regeneration & Inclusive Growth Manager advised of a change to the
recommendations within the report to remove all appendices from the policy
document and all references to the appendices from the policy. The appendices were procedural and better sited within operational procedures and therefore could be updated without a change to the policy.

 

The revised officer recommendations were:

 

  1. approve the corporate Naloxone Policy as amended as follows; remove all reference to appendices within the policy and thereafter remove the
    appendices under explanation that the appendices will form part of the
    Operational Procedural Manual; and

     

  2. note the associated Operational Procedural Manual.

 

Following a Member query, officers agreed to provide detail on the vaccinations being offered to Council employees to Councillor Dodds.

 

Councillor Chris Kane moved the revised recommendations, seconded by Councillor Scott Farmer.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

  1. approve the corporate Naloxone Policy as amended as follows; remove all reference to appendices within the policy and thereafter remove the
    appendices under explanation that the appendices would form part of the Operational Procedural Manual; and

  2. note the associated Operational Procedural Manual.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager, Economic Development and
Communities, dated 30 November 2020, submitted).

SC354 BUS STATION MANAGEMENT RULES

 

The Public Transport & Sustainable Development Manager presented the report and advised that the Council approved the Management Rules for Stirling Bus Station on 29 October 2009. The Management Rules came into effect on 22 December 2009 and expired on 21 December 2019. At the meeting of Stirling Council on 5 December 2019 these were extended for 6 months to allow for a period of review.‌

 

The proposed Management Rules were attached in Appendix 2 to the report. The principal modification proposed in the updated Management Rules related to the prohibition of smoking within the bus station premises.

 

It was advised that appropriate signage would be installed, ashtrays would be
removed and the Council website would be updated.

 

Councillor Jim Thomson proposed the recommendations in the report, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

  1. approve the draft Management Rules for Stirling Bus Station Appendix 2 to the report; and

     

  2. approve the Management Rules for Stirling Bus Station to come into effect 1 January 2021.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager - Infrastructure, dated 30 November
2020, submitted).

 

SC355 GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL STRATEGY 2021/22 UPDATE

 

The Chief Officer – Finance presented the report and advised the purpose of the report was to provide an update to Council on the significant financial challenge faced in 2021/22 and in the following years, and what approaches might be taken to respond to that challenge.

 

In considering the Council’s immediate financial position, it was essential to consider the wider UK and Scottish economic outlook and what this might mean for public sector and local government funding.

 

Given the uncertainties that continued in relation to COVID-19 and Brexit, any
projections relating to the impact on local government should be interpreted with a degree of caution, and they were likely to be subject to change.

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley moved the recommendations in the report, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to:

  1. note the key considerations and assumptions associated with the setting of a General Fund Revenue Budget for 2021/22;‌

  2. the draft strategy contained in the report, as the basis for the development of a balanced budget for 2021/22; and

  3. note that the figures were subject to change following the UK Comprehensive Spending Review, the Scottish Draft Budget 2021/22 and the Local Government Finance Settlement. The budget gap would be communicated to Members by the Chief Officer - Finance once the information was available.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 30 November 2020,
submitted).

 

SC356 STIRLING COUNCIL AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2019/20‌‌

 

The Chief Officer – Finance presented the report and advised that the report
outlined the key features of the financial position displayed in the 2019/20 audited accounts, incorporating a brief overview of the General Fund and HRA revenue and capital outturn positions. It also asked the Council to note the Audited Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2020.

 

It was highlighted that this had already been considered at Audit Committee on 26 November 2020.

 

Councillor Neil Benny moved the recommendation in the report, seconded by
Councillor Margaret Brisley.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2020.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 30 November 2020,
submitted).

 

SC357 ANNUAL REPORT TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE AND THE OF AUDIT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020

 

The Chief Officer – Finance presented the report and advised that the 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.

 

It was highlighted that this had already been considered at Audit Committee on 26 November 2020.

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley moved the recommendations in the report, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie.

 

Decision

 

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 the proposed Annual Audit Report; and

     

  4. note the recommendations for improvement and the follow up on prior year recommendations within the proposed Annual Audit Report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 30 November 2020,
submitted).

 

SC358 COMMON GOOD FUNDS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS AUDITED ACCOUNTS
2019/20

 

The Chief Officer – Finance presented the report that asked the Council to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2020, and provided an update on the ongoing review of the small charitable trusts administered by the Council.

 

It was highlighted that this had already been considered at Audit Committee on 26 November 2020.

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley moved the recommendation in the report, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and
Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2020.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 30 November 2020,
submitted).

 

SC359 CHARITABLE TRUSTS ADMINISTERED BY STIRLING COUNCIL – REPORT TO CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE ON THE 2019/20 AUDIT

 

The Chief Officer – Finance presented the report and advised that the 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.

 

It was highlighted that this had already been considered at Audit Committee on 26 November 2020.

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley moved the recommendations in the report, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie.

 

Decision

 

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 30 November 2020,
submitted).

 

SC360 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 39

 

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.

 

(a) The Edinburgh Declaration on Biodiversity

 

Council notes the Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity, released in August of
this year and which relates to this motion. The Declaration can be viewed at
https://www.gov.scot/publications/edinburgh-declaration-on-post-2020-
biodiversity-framework/.

 

Council is in agreement with the issues raised regarding the importance of
addressing the loss of biodiversity and agrees with the need for a global
framework which helps to deliver local biodiversity.

 

Council will sign up to the Edinburgh Declaration for subnational
governments, cities and local authorities on the post-2020 global biodiversity
framework. Council believes this will help the development of effective policy
and governance of biodiversity making Stirling a place where we will live in
harmony with nature.

 

Council agrees to request a report outlining a response to the call for action in
the first half of 2021.

 

Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Ross Oxburgh

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 2.15pm

APPENDIX 1

 

THIS REPORT RELATES

TO ITEM 5 ON THE AGENDA

 

STIRLING COUNCIL

10 DECEMBER 2020
WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Questions on the following matters have been submitted in terms of Standing Order No 30.
The written answers are attached.

 

  1. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Mugdock Country Park Car Parking

     

  2. Convener of Public Safety Committee: Stirling Gender Based Violence Partnership

     

  3. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Bridge of Allan Broadband

     

  4. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Fire & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

     

  5. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Waste Transformation Programme
    Contracts

     

  6. Convener of Children & Young People Committee: Regional Improvement Collaborative
    (RIC)

     

  7. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Anti-Social Behaviour

     

  8. Convener of Children & Young People Committee: Universal School Meal Provision

     

  9. Convener of Finance & Economy Committee: Living Wage

 

Question 1

From: Councillor Robert Davies

To: Convener of Environment & Housing Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Mugdock Country Park Car Parking

Some residents of Mugdock village feel that there is a strong case for introducing charges for car parking at Mugdock
Country Park to improve facilities there and reduce congestion. What are his thoughts on this suggestion?

Answer

Mugdock Country Park is owned by Stirling Council and leased to East Dunbartonshire Council.

East Dunbartonshire Council manage and maintain the park and as part of the lease agreement Stirling Council
contribute a proportion of revenue and capital funding.

The governance of Mugdock Country Park is overseen by a management committee. There are 8 Councillors on the
committee, six from East Dunbartonshire and two from Stirling. Councillors Lambie and Berrill are the Stirling Council
representatives on the committee. The Land Services Team Leader also attends the committee on behalf of Stirling
Council.

The introduction of parking charges has previously been considered by the committee; however, it was decided not to
progress with the introduction of parking controls and charges. Instead, an honesty box was situated in the car park.

Council officers will raise the issue of parking and visitor management again with the Mugdock Park Committee on
behalf of the community and will provide Cllr Davies with the contacts within East Dunbartonshire Council should he wish
to contact them directly.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Davies thanked the Convener for his answer and asked if the Convener could liaise with East Dunbartonshire
council to discuss the concerns.

Councillor Thomson agreed and highlighted that he would also have a briefing with Councillor Lambie and Councillor
Berrill.

 

Question 2

From: Councillor Maureen Bennison

To: Convener of Public Safety Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Stirling Gender Based Violence Partnership

Over the past three years there has been a cross-party approach in tackling Gender Based Violence and Elected
Members have been in regular attendance of the Stirling Gender Based Violence Partnership (SGBVP) meetings. Will
the Convener of the Public Safety Committee continue to attend SGBVP meetings and what will the Convenor do to
ensure the aims of the new strategy are met?

Answer

The Terms of Reference for the Stirling Gender Based Violence Partnership state that there should be cross party
representation. As a result, the Chair of the Partnership contacted Councillor Farmer to seek a replacement for
Councillor Bennison. This has recently been confirmed as Councillor Tweed.

The Convenor will continue to ensure that the work of the GBV Partnership is reported to the Public Safety Committee at
every second meeting for consideration and comment by Committee Members. Stirling’s Equally Safe Strategy to be
published during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign is one of the first local Strategies in Scotland. This is a significant
achievement for the Partnership and this Council. The reports to Public Safety Committee will increasingly focus on
implementation of the new Strategy Action Plan.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Bennison thanked the Convener for her answer and thanked Alison Ryan for writing the GBV strategy and
noted that she would be sorely missed. Councillor Bennison asked the Convener if the vacant post would be filled by a
dedicated GBV officer.

Councillor Tweed confirmed that she would discuss the post with the service. Councillor Tweed thanked Alison Ryan for
her contribution and also thanked Councillor Bennison for her work on the Public Safety Committee and pushing this
agenda.

 

Question 3

From: Councillor Douglas Dodds

To: Convener of Environment & Housing Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Bridge of Allan Broadband

Will the Convenor advise what is being done to address the fact that many homeowners in Bridge of Allan are being
refused connection to the City Fibre superfast Broadband network due to being resident in a Conservation Area and
buildings having listed status?

Answer

There are instances where broadband providers will refuse to carry out domestic installations in Conservation Areas or
at Listed Buildings, unless residents have written permission from the Council for the proposed works.

The Planning Service are taking a pragmatic approach to the application of relevant planning regulations for the
installation of broadband infrastructure, such as boxes, cables and ducting. Generally, planning applications for these
situations will not be required, provided that the works are carried out in a sympathetic manner, particularly on principal
or prominent street facing elevations, which are more sensitive. The service is also taking a pragmatic approach to
Listed Building considerations, which can be more complex due to the need to consider the possible impact on internal
features and routes within the building for broadband infrastructure.

To support this approach the service has assigned a planning officer to deal with all broadband related enquiries to
ensure that they are dealt with quickly and consistently. The officer also attends City Fibre project meetings to discuss
potential challenges with buildings or locations, and how these can be dealt with before issues arise.

The Planning Service webpage has been updated to encourage anyone considering a network connection to contact the
Council to discuss planning requirements. To date, all enquires have been dealt with on an informal basis and have not
required planning consent.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Dodds thanked the Convener for his answer and asked Councillor Tollemache to ask the supplementary
question due to their joint working. Councillor Tollemache asked the Convener what the proposals were to install City
Fibre in Upper Glen Road and Pendrick Road.

Councillor Thomson asked that Councillor Tollemache send an email explaining the difficulties and he would raise these
with City Fibre.

 

Question 4

From: Councillor Neil Benny

To: Convener of Environment & Housing Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Fire & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

What preparations are being made to fulfil the Council's new statutory duty to ensure that every house in the Council
area meets the tolerable standard for fire and carbon monoxide detectors?

Answer

The requirement for hard wired or long life lithium battery powered interlinked smoke alarms and heat detectors has
been a legal requirement in the private rented housing sector, including licensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
for a number of years and compliance is monitored by the Private Rented Housing Team in Housing Services to ensure
all private landlords are complying with the regulations for the safety of private tenants.

In February 2019, the Scottish Government introduced new legislation requiring the current smoke and heat detection
standards for private rented housing to now apply to all homes including social rented housing and the owner occupier
housing sector. The legislation is the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criterion). The
original deadline for compliance was set for February 2021. In October 2020, the Scottish Government sought approval
from the Scottish Parliament to delay the deadline for compliance by 12 months due to the impact of coronavirus and the
practical difficulties likely to be faced by homeowners to make the necessary changes to their homes.

The Scottish Government will undertake further awareness raising campaigns to ensure all homeowners are aware of
the new requirements. In addition, from Feb 2022 compliance will form part of any Home Report when an owner comes
to sell their property on the open market. The regulations will form part of the Tolerable Standard that applies to all
housing across Scotland. Local authorities may use their statutory powers to require owners to carry out work on
substandard housing. However, as is the case for other elements of the Tolerable Standard (e.g. serious structural
problems through to other failures such as insufficient loft insulation), it is expected that any intervention is proportionate,
rational and reasonable. As a general rule it is preferable that owners should carry out the necessary works on a
voluntary basis rather than as a result of enforcement action.

With 14 months left for homeowners to comply with the new regulations it is proposed that the Scottish Government will
continue to raise awareness through local and national campaigns. Stirling Council’s Housing Service will be raising
awareness when engaging with private homeowners on any housing related matters including Home Energy Efficiency
Programmes funded by the Scottish Government, Private Sector Housing Grant applicants, Care & Repair etc. The
Planning and Building Standards service within Infrastructure will also participate in awareness raising through both

application processes, and other engagement forums. There is also an expectation that building and content insurance
providers will also raise awareness with the customers in Scotland setting out whether compliance will be part of the

 

 

terms and conditions of any insurance policy after February 2022 and an opportunity for a discount to be offered on
policies where a customer has installed smoke and heat detection that complies with the new standards.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Benny thanked the Convener for his answer and asked if the Convener would commit to bringing a paper
forward regarding inspecting households as part of the guidance on what duties the Council would be expected to carry
out and the resource implications involved.

The Convener advised that he would discuss with Councillor Tweed to have a paper brought forward.

 

Question 5

From: Councillor Martin Earl

To: Convener of Environment & Housing Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Waste Transformation Programme Contracts

Will the Convener please supply purpose and value of all contracts that have been awarded or are currently tendered
that relate to the decision taken on the Waste Transformation Programme report at the Council meeting on 30 June
2020.

Answer

Members will be aware that all tenders are reported through the information bulletin and subject to committee approval
where appropriate. Information on tenders have been previously reported through these routes, however, the following
information is provided for clarity.

The Manufacture & Supply of Brown and Grey Comb Bins, and the Exchange of Diamond Bins for the New Comb Bins
to Households was awarded to MGB via the Scotland Excel Framework Agreement for the Supply and Delivery of
Recycle and Refuse Containers (01-17) – Lot 1. The contract value was £1,522,586.40 (One million, five hundred and
twenty two thousand, five hundred and eighty six pounds and forty pence) exclusive of VAT. The award of the contract
was approved at the Environment and Housing Committee on 24 September 2020.

The printing and supply of garden waste permits was awarded to Permiserve via a Quick Quote procurement exercise.
The contract value was £48,678 (Forty eight thousand, six hundred and seventy eight) exclusive of VAT.

The mailing to households in relation to the Exchange of Diamond Bins for the New Comb Bins was awarded to Central
Mailing Services following a Quick Quote procurement exercise. The value of the contract was £15,569.30 (Fifteen
thousand, five hundred and sixty nine pounds and thirty pence) exclusive of VAT.

At the Environment and Housing Committee on 03 December 2020 the award of Co-mingled Food and Garden Waste
Haulage and Treatment Tender was approved following a Mini Competition exercise which was run through the Scotland
Excel Organic Waste Framework Lot 3. Contracts such as these are not directly related to the Waste Transformation
Programme but do relate to aspects of the waste service so this has been provided for clarity.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Earl thanked the Convener for his answer and had no supplementary question.

 

Question 6

From: Councillor Bryan Flannagan

To: Convener of Children & Young People Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Regional Improvement Collaborative (RIC)

Will the convenor confirm how much time has been dedicated to the Regional Improvement Collaborative (RIC) by
Stirling Council officers since its inception in 2017?

Answer

Officers from across Stirling Schools, Learning and Education service have contributed to the Forth Valley and West
Lothian Improvement Collaborative (RIC) in a range of ways.

Officers were part of each of the initial workstreams: Literacy, Numeracy, CLPL (Career Long Professional Learning) and
Early Years. The workstreams have recently been reviewed with a focus on recovery and Officers will be involved in
these workstreams. Officers are also involved in planning, evaluation and other collaborative RIC activities.

Time given by Officers to the RIC is not specifically accounted for. Time given contributes to the progress and
improvement of our schools and nurseries and the work of the service.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener for her answer and noted the exam result downgrades and exams would be
assessed in a similar way next year. He asked if there had been investigations to establish what went wrong and what
could Stirling do differently to ensure it did not happen next year.

Councillor McGill advised that the Regional Improvement Collaborative would be attending the Children and Young
People Committee next year to provide an update. There had been a huge amount of work ongoing and would discuss
specifics with Councillor Flannagan out with the meeting.

 

Question 7

From: Councillor Ross Oxburgh

To: Convener of Environment & Housing Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Anti-Social Behaviour

Would the convenor advise what support is available to local businesses who are affected by persistent anti-social
behaviour issues?

Answer

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) which affects a wider community, including local businesses, can be tackled in a number of
ways, however it requires a multi-agency approach.

Where behaviour affects businesses, the Safer Communities team work with Police Scotland in identifying those
responsible, but also in providing increased visible presence in the area to deter ongoing activities and provide
reassurance. Visible presence is achieved by Police Officers or by members of the Stirling Council’s Safer Communities
enforcement team.

Any ongoing issues can be raised directly with the Police or the Safer Communities team, who will in turn liaise on these
issues at the regular partnership meeting for an action plan to be agreed. Depending on the nature of the issues,
colleagues from other service areas such as Trading Standards may also be able to provide support and guidance.

A number of specific interventions can be utilised depending on the particular type of behaviour occurring, taking into
consideration any physical conditions such as streetscape, access routes and existing CCTV coverage. Either agency
provides advice and guidance on placement of CCTV equipment by business both from a security and evidence
gathering perspective.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Oxburgh thanked the Convener for his answer and noted that Friar Street businesses had raised concerns
over Anti-Social Behaviour. He asked if the Convener would agree to meet with the businesses with Councillor Oxburgh
to hear the concerns.

Councillor Thomson agreed for all four ward members to meet to discuss a solution.

 

Question 8

From: Councillor Alistair Berrill

To: Convener of Children & Young People Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Universal School Meal Provision

Will the Convener confirm that this Local Authority will seek from the Scottish Government the full extra funding required
to provide universal school meal provision should the Local Authority be required to introduce it.

Answer

This policy intention has been announced recently by the Deputy First Minister on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Prior to adoption, it will require to be subject to the usual governance steps at the Scottish Parliament, and it will need to
feature in a future Scottish Budget. Prior to that, the Scottish Government will undoubtedly require a financial
memorandum to be prepared, in conjunction with councils and other stakeholders, to ensure that the full costs of the
policy are identified and accommodated within the Scottish Government’s spending plans. If ultimately adopted, the
distribution of funding would then be considered by the Settlement & Distribution Group and recommendations would be
made to COSLA Leaders to consider and make decisions. All councils would then be notified of the funding that would
be distributed to them to implement the policy.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Berrill thanked the Convener for her answer and asked if not fully funded would the Council be writing to
Scottish Government to highlight that this was an unfunded and un-costed commitment and Council feels Scottish
Government should be funding it and not the people of Stirling Council.

Councillor McGill advised that Council would be negotiating with Scottish Government over the coming months and she
would provide detail as negotiations proceed.

 

Question 9

From: Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

To: Convener of Finance & Economy Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Living Wage

Following the success of the living wage places in Glenrothes and Dundee does the council have plans to promote one
in the Stirling area? How does the Council:

  • work with its suppliers and contractors to ensure they pay the living wage; and

  • make provision in any SLA with the third sector for these organisations to pay their staff the living wage.

Answer

Having become an accredited Living Wage employer in 2015, the Council is constantly looking to promote the payment
of the Living Wage by contractors and subcontractors through our procurement activity.

All standard regulated Invitation to Tender documentation currently asks whether the supplier has signed up to the living
wage requirements. Where they have this becomes a contractual requirement and where they haven’t, we require a
commitment that they work towards paying the living wage during the term of the contract.

For third sector suppliers, again, the existing standard SLA documentation requires the organisation to be signed up to
paying the living wage or working towards this within the term of the agreement.

Since 2016, in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring living wage for all staff engaged in adult
social care, all contracts of this nature have included a requirement to pay the Living Wage.

In both cases if the supplier wants to engage with Stirling Council to discuss steps needed to achieve this we will, of
course, enter into dialogue as required.

We are in early discussions with our Community Planning Partners on a community wealth approach that drives
commitment to paying the living wage, creates recruitment opportunities from lower income areas and builds progression
routes for workers. These are all examples of actions that anchor institutions, including the Council, can take to stimulate
the local economy and bring social improvements to our local communities.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Tollemache thanked the Convener for her answer about Third Sector organisations which may not have
enough resource to pay the living wage.

Councillor Brisley advised that it had not been raised with her that organisations were struggling and that she would look

 

into it and provide information to Councillor Tollemache.

 

APPENDIX 2

 

MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020

 

Motion in Terms of Standing Order 39
Information/Advice from Officers

 

1. The Edinburgh Declaration on Biodiversity

 

Council notes the Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity, released in August of this year and
which relates to this motion. The Declaration can be viewed at
https://www.gov.scot/publications/edinburgh-declaration-on-post-2020-biodiversity-
framework/.

 

Council is in agreement with the issues raised regarding the importance of addressing the loss of biodiversity and agrees with the need for a global framework which helps to deliver local biodiversity.

 

Council will sign up to the Edinburgh Declaration for subnational governments, cities and local authorities on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Council believes this will help the development of effective policy and governance of biodiversity making Stirling a place where we will live in harmony with nature.

 

Council agrees to request a report outlining a response to the call for action in the first half of 2021.

 

Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Ross Oxburgh

 

Answer

 

Overview (summarised text from formal Declaration document)

 

The Edinburgh Declaration highlights the current and future concerns held by current signatories relating to the loss of biodiversity and climate change on our livelihood and communities. The Declaration recognises that the impacts on our environment, infrastructure, economy, health and well-being, and our enjoyment of nature are already visible. The Declaration further states that healthy biodiversity, and the ecosystem services that it provides, are key for human well-being and to build resilience of our cities and regions,
both during and after the pandemic, and it should be central to our recovery.

 

The Declaration recognises the need for transformative change across ecosystems, development and productive sectors; as well as the role that our local communities hold in the management of their territories; and through effective biodiversity mainstreaming across all sectors.

 

The Declaration recognises that the role of local authorities extends beyond the provision of enabling conditions. Local authorities will play key roles in conserving, restoring and reducing threats to biodiversity, in meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing, in developing the tools and solutions needed for implementing biodiversity protection actions, and in monitoring and reporting.

The declaration invites further signatories at national, sub-national and local authority level to sign up to a commitment of working towards a prescribed framework, aimed at stopping the decline of global and local biodiversity, and working boldly towards rebuilding habitat and developing opportunities that will allow nature to thrive.

 

Proposed Framework

 

The proposed framework for signatories to work towards, from the Declaration, is identified below.

 

Subnational governments, cities and local authorities will continue to build upon our previous efforts, to deliver transformative actions by:

 

  • Recognising the overall value of nature and integrating it into subnational, city and local planning, management and governance instruments;

     

  • Implementing appropriate actions that deliver on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework goals and action targets;

     

  • Aligning biodiversity strategies and actions, and our monitoring and reporting efforts with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), within our subnational, city and local competencies;

     

  • Increasing resource mobilisation for investment in biodiversity action at subnational, city and local levels, and providing incentives to ensure positive outcomes;

     

  • Mainstreaming biodiversity across public, private and business sectors to achieve greater environmental, societal and economic resilience;

     

  • Communicating, educating and raising public awareness with specific efforts to make knowledge available in several languages;

     

  • Strengthening capacity building in order to implement nature-based solutions (NBS) and green and blue infrastructure, particularly through ecosystem based approaches and as a contribution to a green recovery from COVID-19;

     

  • Providing opportunities for knowledge exchange across subnational, city and local levels, and between all sectors of society;

     

  • Sharing best practices across subnational, city and local levels, to efficiently implement transformative actions;

     

  • Delivering convergence with other intergovernmental agreements and processes, taking forward bold and innovative actions at the subnational, city and local level which result in mutually beneficial outcomes.

 

Call for Action

 

Scottish Government was a partner in developing the Edinburgh Declaration. The process partners and the Convention of Biological Diversity are actively encouraging engagement and endorsement from, sub-national governments and local authorities. The Declaration is viewed as important in ensuring that local and subnational governments have a voice and a role throughout the development of the post-2020 biodiversity framework.

The following call for action is detailed in the Edinburgh Declaration. This outlines the commitments signatories would be compelled to consider:

 

We subnational governments, cities and local authorities therefore call upon Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to;

 

  1. Take strong and bold actions to bring about transformative change, as outlined in the IPBES global assessment report, in order to halt biodiversity loss.

     

  2. Recognise the vital role of subnational governments, cities and local authorities, in delivering the 2050 vision of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and the 2030 mission as set out in the Zero Draft document; and to explicitly place that recognition throughout the framework text, including the monitoring framework for the goals and targets.

     

  3. Support the adoption at COP15, of a new dedicated Decision for the greater inclusion of subnational governments, cities and local authorities within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework; that builds upon and renews the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2011- 2020) as endorsed under Decision X/22; and that significantly raises ambition for subnational, city and local implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework throughout the next decade.

     

  4. Establish a multi-stakeholder platform that ensures representation of subnational governments, cities and local authorities to support the implementation of the post- 2020 global biodiversity framework.

 

We, subnational governments, cities and local authorities, stand ready to meet the challenge of delivering, alongside Parties, the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, to ensure investment, and play a stronger role in the implementation of the framework through a renewed and significantly stepped-up Plan of Action for subnational governments, cities and local authorities for the coming decade.

 

Commentary

 

As part of the commitment towards recognition of the Climate Emergency, Stirling Council is focused on developing a comprehensive Alive with Nature Plan (AWNP). The AWNP will outline an action plan which has biodiversity protection and enhancement at the centre of all its actions. The current aim is to develop the AWNP over the early part of 2021. Together with the key partners the objective is to develop a comprehensive action plan that
methodically looks at habitat protection, together with a major tree planting plan, that will create a connected network and the associated conditions to allow nature to thrive.

 

Becoming a signatory to the Edinburgh Declaration aligns with the recognition of the Climate Emergency, and whilst resources associated with biodiversity activity need to be considered, this should not be an impediment to signing and developing future strategies and plans recognising the biodiversity framework. It is assessed that our officers will review the implications of becoming a signatory and align the final development of the Alive with Nature
Plan with this framework. The delivery of the Alive with Nature plan will require additional project management resource, and officers will continue to work collaboratively with partners including NatureScot, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Central Scotland Green Network. This collaboration will include work to obtain external funding for projects,
and there may be opportunities for Council to consider investment in specific projects.