Service updates

STIRLING COUNCIL - THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 2020

Last updated

23 Mar 2023

STIRLING COUNCIL

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 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 Scott FARMER
Councillor Bryan FLANNAGAN
Councillor Danny GIBSON
Councillor Graham HOUSTON

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

Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE
Councillor Jim THOMSON
Councillor Evelyn TWEED

 

In Attendance

 

Carol Beattie, Chief Executive
Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance

Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing
CharlieHaggerty, Legal Manager
Mark Henderson, Senior Media Officer

Kristine Johnson, Chief Officer – HR & OD
Kevin Kelman, Chief Operating Officer – People
Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

Bruce McClure, Service Manager – Delivery of CRD

Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance
Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities
Bruce Reekie, Senior Manager – Environment & Place

Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment
Scott Ross, Portfolio and Business Manager

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

Julia McAfee, Chief Officer – Governance (Clerk)
Louise McDonald, Committee Officer (Minute Taker)
Islay Moore, Support Officer

 

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 asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members except for Councillor Martin Earl and Councillor Alasdair MacPherson were in attendance.‌‌‌‌

 

SC330 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Martin Earl. It was noted that
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson would be joining the meeting late.

 

SC331 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Danny Gibson and Councillor Alison Laurie declared a non-financial
interest in Item E11 “Active Stirling Financial Position” as Directors of the Board and would leave the meeting when determination of the item was taken.

 

SC332 URGENT BUSINESS

 

There were no items of urgent business.

 

SC333 MINUTES

 

The following minutes were submitted for approval:-

 

  1. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 27 February 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 27 February 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  2. Stirling Council - 5 March 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 5 March 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  3. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 12 March 2020 (2 pm)
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 12 March 2020 (2 pm) were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  4. Special Meeting of Stirling Council– 12 March 2020 (4.55 pm)
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 12 March 2020 (4.55 pm) were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

  5. Stirling Council - 4 June 2020
    Decision‌‌

    The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 4 June 2020 were
    agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  6. Stirling Council – 30 June 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 30 June 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  7. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 4 August 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 4 August 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  8. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 17 September 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 17 September 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  9. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 8 October 2020
    Decision‌

    The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 8 October 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  10. Appeals Panel – 23 March 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Appeals Panel held on 23 March 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  11. Appeals Panel – 1 September 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Appeals Panel held on 1 September 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  12. Local Review Body – 10 March 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 10 March 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

  13. Local Review Body – 27 July 2020
    Decision‌‌

    The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 27 July 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.‌

     

  14. Local Review Body – 30 July 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 30 July 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  15. Local Review Body – 11 August 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 11 August 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  16. Local Review Body – 10 September 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 10 September 2020 were
    agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  17. Local Review Body – 29 September 2020
    Decision

    The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 29 September 2020 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

  18. Parental Appeals Panel – 25 June 2020
    Decision

The Minutes of the Parental Appeals Panel held on 25 June 2020 were agreed
as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson joined the meeting

 

SC334 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Seven 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.

 

SC335 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 Neil Benny - Minutes of Special Meeting of Stirling Council on 8 October 2020 (SC327 - Question regarding COSLA Leadership Meetings)

 

The Council Leader confirmed that COSLA Leadership Meetings were taking place on a weekly basis and discussion would be had around the 5 tier alert system. It was noted that Elected Members would be kept updated following these meetings.

 

Councillor Robert Davies - Minutes of Special Meeting of Stirling Council on 12 March 2020 (SC288 Appendix B - Question regarding National Tartan Centre)

 

The Council Leader confirmed that work was ongoing in reviewing this project.

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald - Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 30 June 2020 (SC313 - Question regarding Charging Additional Fees)

 

The Council Leader confirmed that if there were a requirement for additional fees these would be considered by Council.

 

Councillor Alastair Majury - Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 30 June 2020 (SC308 - Question regarding Support to Third Sector)‌

 

The Council Leader confirmed that discussions continued with Third Sector and extra resources were provided on a case by case basis.

 

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache - Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council on 30 June 2020 (SC313 - Question regarding Bin Rollout Consultation)

 

Councillor Jim Thomson confirmed communication details were being discussed and a letter would be sent to all households.

 

SC336 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME EMPLOYERS DISCRETIONS

 

The Chief Officer HR & OD 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.

 

A Member queried the change to the discretion for early repayment and it was
agreed that officers would clarify why the officer discretion for early repayment had been removed.

A Member queried how often discretions had been applied and officers
confirmed that clarification would be sought and provided.

 

Members raised additional concerns and requested that the report be deferred.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved the deferral, seconded by Councillor Danny
Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to defer the report to the next Meeting of Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 19 October 2020,
submitted).

 

SC337 FIVE YEAR BUSINESS PLAN UPDATE REPORT

 

The Portfolio and Business Manager presented the report which provided
Elected Members with the background and rationale for moving from Stirling
Council’s existing 5 Year Business Plan towards a comprehensive 10 Year
Strategy, which would be reviewed and updated annually.‌‌‌‌‌

 

Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and highlighted that additional detail would be considered and included in the 10 Year Strategy. It was also noted that there would be opportunities for Members to consider the 10 Year Strategy.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed that a 10 Year Strategy would be brought to the Stirling Council meeting on 10 December 2020 for approval, in addition to the existing 5 Year Business Plan.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and
Performance, dated 2 October 2020, submitted).

 

SC338 REPORTING OF DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER CE45 (URGENT BUSINESS)

 

The Chief Officer – Governance presented the report which provided
confirmation of decisions taken under the CE45 provisions within the Scheme
of Delegation, for information and noting.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the information provided within the report.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 20 October 2020,
submitted).‌

 

SC339 STIRLING COUNCILS COVID-19 RESPONSE

 

The Chief Officer – HR & OD presented the report which provided an update of
Stirling Council’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, specifically, how
Stirling has provided continuous support to communities and staff.

 

Following a Member query for additional information on the types of calls which were being received, officers confirmed that a breakdown of helpline calls would be provided to Councillor Dodds.

 

A Member queried the support to vulnerable groups and it was agreed that officers would provide detail to Councillor Tweed on the support being offered to vulnerable groups and how often.

 

Following a Members suggestion to hold joint briefings, officers advised that this would be considered and a proposal brought forward.

 

Members expressed their gratitude to staff and it was agreed that a
communication would be issued to all staff conveying that message.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note and comment on the contents of this report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – HR & OD, dated 19 October 2020,
submitted).

 

Council resolved that under Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the Meeting for the following item of business on
the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 4 and 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

 

Councillor Danny Gibson and Councillor Alison Laurie left the meeting.
Recording stopped

SC340 ACTIVE STIRLING FINANCIAL POSITION‌‌

 

The Chief Officer – Finance presented the report which provided an update on the anticipated severe financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Active Stirling. The report, set out recommendations in relation to the support required to ensure that Active Stirling remained financially viable.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

  1. note the significant financial impact on the financial position of Active Stirling as a result of the restrictions of COVID-19 pandemic;

  2. provide financial support to Active Stirling, to the value detailed in the report, to ensure that they remain financially sustainable during financial year 2020/21. The financial support for sport and leisure had already been included in the overall funding strategy approved by the Council on 8 October 2020. Should additional financial support be required, this should be considered at a future meeting of the Council; and

  3. instruct the Chief Executive to inform the Board of Active Stirling as soon as possible after the decision was taken that the required financial support for financial year 2020/21, as detailed in the report, would be provided by the Council.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Finance, dated 18 October 2020,
submitted).

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 11.35am

APPENDIX 1

 

THIS REPORT RELATES

TO ITEM 5 ON THE AGENDA

 

STIRLING COUNCIL 29 OCTOBER 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 Finance & Economy Committee: February 2021 Budget Meeting

     

  2. Convener of Finance & Economy Committee: Tennis Courts – Bridge of Allan

     

  3. Convener of Finance & Economy Committee: Wallace Monument

     

  4. Convener of Community, Planning & Regeneration Committee: Dunblane Soccer &
    Cricket Clubs

     

  5. Convener of Children & Young People Committee: SQA Assessments 2021

     

  6. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: 2020/2021 Road Repair
    Programme

     

  7. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Dunblane and Bridge of Allan
    Cycle Route

 

Question 1

From: Councillor Neil Benny

To: Convener of Finance & Economy Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

February 2021 Budget Meeting

What information will be made available to the public in advance of the Council budget setting meeting in February?

Answer

Proposals to achieve a balanced budget for the financial year 2021/22 are under consideration by officers, and will be
shared with members at the appropriate point. Information on the issues that are having to be taken into account in
setting the budget will also be shared with our citizens and communities in advance of the budget deliberations. Given
the uncertainties around the main factors affecting the budget, it is unlikely that we will be in a position to make firm
information available prior to Christmas and New Year, given the uncertainties especially about the timescale for
receiving notification of central government funding levels. We will explain to the public what the key financial pressures
the Council will be facing in setting a budget, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19, and we will provide information
on proposals to address those pressures.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Benny thanked the Convener for her answer and asked what financial information could be made available to
the public to allow their assistance.

Councillor Brisley advised that discussions were required with officers to ensure the information released made sense.

 

 

Question 2

From: Councillor Douglas Dodds

To: Convener of Finance & Economy Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Tennis Courts – Bridge of Allan

The Council owned Tennis Courts located at Kier Street, Bridge of Allan are in a very poor state. When will a much
needed maintenance programme be introduced?

Answer

The tennis courts were refurbished in 2011/12. The tennis courts are a red blaize surface and are overshadowed in part
by coniferous trees and suffer from moss growth, needle fall and ponding.

The annual maintenance of the two courts includes a manual sweep in late Spring and following Autumn leaf/needle
drop in early Winter. The refixing of tape lines is also undertaken in late Spring. The nets are also checked and a
weekly litter pick undertaken.

The normal annual cycle of maintenance of the red blaize surface has been delayed due to the impact of COVID-19 this
year. This work will now be undertaken over the winter months.

The Community Council have approached the council on the potential of a joint project with the community to seek
external funding to upgrade the surface of the court to an all-weather surface. Officers are currently exploring the
opportunities for this.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Dodds thanked the Convener for her answer and asked whether a meeting with the Community Council,
officers and Convener could take place to discuss funding.

Councillor Brisley advised that she was happy to have a remote meeting with the Community Council.

 

 

Question 3

From: Councillor Bryan Flannagan

To: Convener of Finance & Economy Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Wallace Monument

Would the Convener confirm the key milestones for the takeover of the Wallace Monument and provide a copy of the
completed business case.

Answer

The next key milestone is that we will take back management responsibility for the National Wallace Monument on 27
November 2020. As highlighted in the recent reports to Council, a completed business case cannot be completed until
we have all necessary information from SDT. The work to get all of the required information is progressing.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener for her answer and asked given timescales if the Convener had any
concerns assuming responsibility for the National Wallace Monument.

Councillor Brisley advised that she had no concerns.

 

 

Question 4

From: Councillor Alastair Majury

To: Convener of Community, Planning & Regeneration Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Dunblane Soccer & Cricket Clubs

Would the Convener please confirm what support the Council are providing to Dunblane Soccer & Cricket clubs in their
efforts to raise £220,000 to restore the Laighhills pavilion and bring this back into use for the community, as quickly as
possible?

Answer

The Dunblane Soccer Club and Dunblane Cricket Club have aspirations to work together on a venture to create a
sporting hub at the Laighhills Pavilion and pitches. The existing pavilion building has not been used for several years
and is in a poor condition. The Council previously declared the building surplus and there has been a number of
discussion with the community over future alternative uses of the site.

The community sports clubs are considering options that would involve the development of the pavilion and pitches to
support football and cricket.

Their proposals are at an early stage and Council Officers will assist the group to develop their aspiration and proposal,
including applications for external funding support for a feasibility study, business case development, design and
construction. The next meeting of the community group is scheduled for early November and officers will support with a
range of advice on of issues such as property, club sport development, and external funding opportunities. If the
community interest progresses to a formal proposal, the site is likely to be subject to an asset transfer application by the
clubs through the statutory process, although it is too early to put a timescale on this.

Council have separately agreed an investment of £80,000 to improve the existing pitches at Laighhills. This has been
delayed from this year due to the impact of Covid, and is planned to be undertaken in April / May 2021.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Majury thanked the Convener for his answer and asked could direct funding be provided by Council to allow
the asset to be brought back to a useable condition.

Councillor Kane advised that Councillor Majury would be required to write to the Convener of Finance & Economy
Committee regarding funding.

 

 

Question 5

From: Councillor Alistair Berrill

To: Convener of Children & Young People Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

SQA Assessments 2021

During this years assessed exams pupils at Bannockburn High and Wallace High Schools have seen the SQA
disproportionately adjust their grades downwards by 30%. What will the convener be doing to ensure that no pupils at
any Stirling school will be treated unfairly by the SQA in next year’s assessments?

Answer

All of Stirling’s secondary schools have developed recovery plans for the academic session 2020/21, in light of the
conditions created by the pandemic.

As part of this planning process, each secondary school is focusing on approaches to learning and teaching, as well as
approaches to course assessments. These plans take cognisance of the priorities highlighted in the SQA’s
announcement on 7 October 2020, as well as the key findings of the Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience, an independent review of the 2020 carried out by Professor Mark Priestley of the University of Stirling.

Education officers and schools continue to work closely with the SQA to ensure that teaching staff and young people are
updated, as soon as new SQA guidance is issued, on changes to courses. Education officers will continue to support all
secondary schools to ensure that opportunities for robust quality assurance and moderation processes are consistently
implemented within the context of any new SQA procedures. This will ensure that Stirling’s young people are treated
fairly and given the best possible opportunity to reach their full potential.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Berrill thanked the Convener for her answer and asked the Convener if she considered that this year there
were robust quality assurance and moderation processes in place and all children were treated fairly.

Councillor McGill advised that this had been an unprecedented year and she felt assured that the best decision was
made. There were lessons to be learned and young people continued to be supported.

 

 

Question 6

From: Councillor Jeremy McDonald

To: Convener of Environment & Housing Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

2020/2021 Road Repair Programme

Can the Convener advise what measures are in place to deliver the 20/21 road repair programme as fully as possible
and catch up on the backlog of works delayed by the public health crisis?

Answer

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the deliverability of the roads programme this year. This is mainly due
to the impact the national lockdown has had on reducing the annual programme to a 9 month period this year, and the
loss of April, May and June for undertaking weather sensitive works such as surface dressing. As a result the surface
dressing programme was cancelled this year.

The revised roads programme was agreed at the Environment and Housing Committee in September, and an update
provided in the revised capital programme to Council on 8 October 2020.

The majority of works are being undertaken by Stirling Council teams and have been prioritised to undertake emergency
repairs, carriageway and footway surfacing schemes.

In order to support our internal delivery of the programme, additional capacity has been required to assist in the delivery
of some of the projects. This has been achieved through sub-contracting arrangements for discrete projects to
neighbouring local authorities and to private contractors through the Civils Framework Contract.

The rolling 8 week forward programme for road works is circulated to all elected members to update on progress
throughout the year.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor McDonald thanked the Convener for his answer and asked if the Convener would let the community know
what was going ahead as there was still signage in place.

Councillor Thomson advised that he would discuss with the service and it was important to keep communities informed.

 

 

Question 7

From: Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

To: Convener of Environment & Housing Committee

Question
(include
Subject)

Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Cycle Route

The communities of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan require a dedicated cycle route to connect them. An increasing
number of people wish to commute by bicycle but are put off by the dangers of using the road route (via A9). At present
the cycle route via Glen Road, which has been improved through the dedicated work of volunteers, is not adequate for
commuting especially in the winter months. Please can the convenor let me know when a dedicated direct route will be
in place?

Answer

The creation of a route connecting Dunblane and Bridge of Allan is identified within the Local Transport Strategy and the
Council’s Active Travel Plan.

Officers have secured funding from Tactran, which will be used to explore the feasibility of potential route options. This
work will be progressed over the coming months, with engagement with the communities, and target completion by the
end of March. Delivery of any potential project would be subject to a future capital funding allocation.

Supplementary
Question and
Answer

Councillor Tollemache thanked the Convener for his answer and asked the Convener if he would consider this being
completed over two stages.

Councillor Thomson confirmed he would.