STIRLING COUNCIL

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY 30 JUNE 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 Alasdair MACPHERSON
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

Annemargaret Black, Chief Officer – Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership/Integrated Joint Board

Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance
Rebecca Caunt, Information Officer
Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing

Martin Dalziel, External Communications Team Leader (Communities & Performance)
Judy Edwards, Service Manager - Early Years & Early Intervention

David Hopper, Public Transport & Sustainable Development
Kristine Johnson, Chief Officer – HR & OD

Kevin Kelman, Chief Operating Officer – People
Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure
Sharon MacFarlane, Analyst

Bruce McClure, Service Manager – Delivery of CRD
Kevin McCormick, Waste Services Manager

Carolyne McDaid, Service Manager – Broad General Education

Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance
Morag McLoughlan, Service Manager

Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities
Bruce Reekie, Senior Manager – Environment & Place

Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment
Marie Valente, Senior Manager – Children & Families (CSWO)
Gregor Wightman, Private Sector Housing Manager

Julia McAfee, Chief Officer – Governance (Clerk)
Joyce Allen, Team Leader - Governance

Louise McDonald, Committee Officer (Minute Taker)
Islay Moore, Support Officer

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 read a statement in support of Black Lives Matter:

 

“The ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement has focused our attention on the struggles and unique challenges faced by Black and Minority Ethnic people in daily life.

The worldwide public outcry in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and similar tragedies in the USA, the UK and elsewhere is a graphic reminder that the racism experienced by the black community is as prevalent and embedded in our society today, as it ever was.

Stirling Council stands against racism in all its forms. It is abhorrent and has no place in our society.

We must all ask ourselves how we can play our part in raising awareness of racial discrimination in our community and challenge it wherever we find it.”

 

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 Graham Lambie were present. It was noted that Councillor Graham Lambie was experiencing connection issues.

 

Agenda

 

The Provost intimated her intention to alter the order of the Agenda. The items were taken in the order minuted below.

 

SC303 APOLOGIES

 

There were no apologies submitted.

 

SC304 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

The Provost, Councillor Scott Farmer, Councillor Jim Thomson, Councillor Neil
Benny and Councillor Susan McGill all declared a non-financial interest in SC318 – National Wallace Monument - Operating Options Update, as trustees of The Patrons of Cowane’s Hospital Trust, and would leave for the deliberation of this item.

 

SC305 URGENT BUSINESS

 

There were no items of urgent business brought forward by the Provost.

 

Councillor Graham Lambie joined the meeting

SC306 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

10 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.

 

SC307 UPDATE ON STIRLING COUNCIL’S RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

 

The Chief Executive presented the report and provided a presentation outlining the most up-to date information, including the recovery planning currently being undertaken for the re-opening of schools and nurseries.

 

The Chief Executive indicated her intention to have a briefing for Members during the recess to discuss the recovery model. It was agreed that the recovery model presentation would be provided to all Elected Members in advance of the briefing.

 

Following a Member request it was agreed that the presentation for this report would be emailed to all Elected Members.

 

The Chief Executive apologised to the residents of Bridge of Allan and business
owners,highlighting that the parking restrictions were an unforgiveable oversight and that there would be a full investigation into why full engagement did not take place. The Chief Executive noted that she would be speaking to business owners
personally.

 

Following a Member query regarding being prepared for another possible lockdown, it was advised that the full lockdown had highlighted gaps but contingency planning for services had put the Council in a good position should a lockdown happen again. Lessons had been learned at all levels that would guide services if it were to happen again.‌

 

Following a discussion around Education, Members wished to extend their thanks to all Education staff who have gone above and beyond during this challenging time.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the latest actions undertaken to respond to the impact of the Coronavirus as reported by the Chief Executive.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 17 June 2020, submitted.)

 

SC308 FINANCIAL IMPACT ON STIRLING COUNCIL FROM COVID-19 – UPDATE

 

The purpose of the report was to provide the Council with a further update on the financial challenges that the Council was facing in relation to the current pandemic and the potential impact this would have on the 2020/21 budget. This was based on best available information at the time, would be subject to change and be reported accordingly to Council.

 

In addition to estimating the financial consequences for the current year, the report also explored some identified funding options and mitigations and set out necessary corrective actions to ensure strong financial management in year and beyond. With agreement, the process would be further considered at a Council meeting in the autumn, when the Council would be required to take decisions to revise the 2020/21 budget, as a consequence of the impact of COVID-19.

 

Whether or not the lockdown was significantly eased at the end of June 2020 or if restrictions continued for an extended period, there was a considerable and unprecedented in-year financial pressure facing the Council.

 

The Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer had requested that all Service
Managers and other budget managers take all measures to contain discretionary and non-essential spending in order to minimise the financial impact on the Council’s finances. Due to the budgetary pressure the Council had faced in recent years, any discretionary spending areas were limited, but nevertheless, services had been asked to contain or reduce costs wherever possible and to utilise all funding streams available in order to mitigate the new financial pressures faced.

 

Reassurance was given that there were no plans to reduce Third Sector funding.

 

A Member raised a query in relation to parents receiving full refunds for cancelled school trips and activities. The Chief Operating Officer – People & Chief Education Officer advised that the service was trying to recover costs and working towards families receiving a full refund by the end of August 2020.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. note that the current situation presented a significant risk to the financial sustainability of the Council and that continual close monitoring of the financial situation was being carried out;‌

    

2. note the initial funding options that would be available to partly manage and mitigate increased costs over the course of the year; and

    

3. considering revised budget proposals at a meeting of the Council to be
   convened in the autumn.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 17 June 2020 submitted.)

 

SC309 STIRLING COUNCIL STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLAN 2020-2025

 

The Chief Officer – HR & OD presented the report and advised that Strategic
Workforce Planning was a proactive process to anticipate current and future
workforce requirements. The 5-year plan set out the requirements for 2020-2025.

The Strategic Workforce Plan sets out the Council’s vision and provided analysis of performance over the year, the profile of the workforce and identified the strategic workforce priorities. Local Government finances remained under pressure in the years ahead, customer expectations may change and c work was ongoing to identify the future target-operating model for the Council in the next 5 to 10 years. The Council required to plan for those changes, ensuring employees had the skills required.

 

At a corporate level, the learning and development programme sought to ensure continuity of statutory skills and new skills development to support career development. One area of success related to the Leadership Programme, providing leaders of the future: a 6-month modular programme to bridge the gap from technical skills to develop leadership and management skills. In terms of the demographic profile of the workforce, the provision of entry-level employment for apprentices and graduates remained essential to ensure skills gaps, which emerge, may be filled when colleagues retire.

 

It was noted that, following a recent staff survey, an overwhelmingly positive
response was received. There had been increased communication with staff and increased engagement with trade unions. The Council thanked all staff for their continued hard work in these very challenging times.

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley moved the report recommendations and thanked all Council staff, seconded by Councillor Alison Laurie

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. note the Strategic Workforce Plan 2020-2025 at Appendix 1; and

    

2. note the statutory Trade Union Facility Time report, page 34 of the Plan at Appendix 1.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 17 June 2020, submitted.)

 

SC310 REVIEW OF CLACKMANNANSHIRE & STIRLING HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE INTEGRATION SCHEME

 

The Chief Officer Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership & Integration Joint Board presented the report and advised that the purpose of the report was to advise on the statutory duty to review the Integration Scheme for the Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.

 

Following a Member query regarding the scope to obtain an extension to complete the review, it was advised that Scottish Government, had indicated that, if it could be demonstrated that an initial review had been carried out, then more time would be given to complete the process.

 

It was noted that Member engagement and inclusion with the review could be
discussed at the Adult Social Care Panel.

Councillor Susan McGill moved the report recommendations, seconded by Councillor Chris Kane.‌‌

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. note the requirement to review the Integration Scheme (paragraph 2.3);

    

2. note the progress of the review (paragraphs 2.6 – 2.9); and

    

3. note the actions to be taken forward over the coming months, if the
   emergency response to COVID-19 pandemic had reduced (paragraphs 2.10 – 2.12).

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer Clackmannanshire & Stirling H&SCP &
Integration Joint Board, dated 9 June 2020, submitted.)

 

SC311 GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2020/21 UPDATE AND IMPACTOF COVID-19

 

The Leader of the Council proposed that due to the rapidly changing situation, the report be deferred to the Council budget meeting to be convened in autumn 2020.

 

Moved by Councillor Scott Farmer, seconded by Councillor Neil Benny

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to defer the report to the Council Budget meeting to be convened in autumn 2020.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment, dated 15 June 2020, submitted.)

 

SC312 STIRLING COUNCIL FOOD GROWING STRATEGY 2020-2025

 

The purpose of the report was to seek approval of the Stirling Council Food Growing Strategy 2020-2025.

 

The Food Growing Strategy (FGS) aimed to contribute to the reduction of the impact which our food choices had on our planet. Eating foods that were produced in the local area significantly reduced the distance from farm to fork, reducing carbon emissions from food transport and enabling better management of the environment in which food was produced. The strategy aligns with the Climate Emergency and the Council’s ambitions to work towards carbon neutrality.

 

The FGS aimed to encourage and empower people to grow their own food (GYO), thereby providing the opportunity for people to experience the multiple social, economic and environmental benefits of GYO.

 

Traditionally, GYO had taken place in private gardens and allotments, however there was now a growing shift towards other growing models, such as community gardens and growing in school grounds, parks and other public places. The FGS would take a balanced approach to encouraging and supporting new and existing growing spaces in order to meet local needs.‌‌

 

Officers agreed to keep Members informed of progress of initiatives and collaborative working with groups such as On The Verge.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. approve the Stirling Council Food Growing Strategy;

    

2. officers working with partners to develop the action plans that would support and implement this Strategy. This would require further consultation with communities, as well as: public, private, and third sector partners; and

    

3. the implementation of the Food Growing Strategy would be reviewed by the Climate Emergency Short Life Working Group, with a focus on achieving early and effective community engagement on the Strategy and Plans.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 June 2020, submitted.)

 

At 11.50am the Council agreed to adjourn in terms of Standing Order 74

Recording of meeting was stopped
The Meeting reconvened at 12.10pm with all Elected Members (previously noted) present, with the exception of Councillor Margaret Brisley

 

Recording of meeting started

 

SC313 WASTE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME

 

The Senior Manager – Environment & Place presented the report and advised that the Waste Transformation Programme aimed to deliver a ‘Best in Class’ waste collection service for the communities and customers of Stirling Council.

 

The purpose of the report was to seek approval to implement and deliver a series of service changes to Waste Services’ household collection service. This would include; extending the collection frequency of both grey and blue bins to four-weekly, the removal of glass collection and the introduction of garden waste charging.

 

These changes were only feasible through the purchase of comb lift bins to replace the existing diamond lift bins. This was time critical as the procurement of replacement refuse collection vehicles had to commence immediately as the current lease arrangement ceased in September 2021. The type of bins used and collection services offered had a direct bearing on the number and type of vehicles to be procured.

 

The replacement of Diamond Bins was the key enabler project for the rest of the Waste Transformation Programme. The proposed Diamond Bin replacement programme was a critical keystone project at the start of a full transformation agenda, which would unlock significant efficiencies and revenue savings.

 

Given the current COVID-19 situation the most realistic scenario for project delivery was recorded in Appendix 2. In summary:

 

• Comb lift bin procurement 2020/21;

• Roll in of diamond lift bins / roll out of comb lift bins – completion in 2021/22;

• 4 weekly collection frequency for blue and grey bins following completion of the bin roll in / roll out in 2021/22;

• Implementation of garden waste charging 2020/21; and

• Removal of current glass collection service following implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme in July 2022.

   

  Following a Member query regarding consultation, officers advised that engagement would be carried out through open forums, engagement with Community Councils and social media. If COVID-19 restrictions were lifted then open briefings in local community halls would be held. It was noted that this was the start of the process and ongoing community consultation would be taking place. Formal and informal feedback from customers, the workforce and trade unions indicated the need and
  desire for change.

   

  Following a Member query regarding aspects of the current contract it was agreed that an offline discussion with officers would be arranged with Councillor Earl.

   

  Motion

   

  “Council notes:

   

  1. That waste and recycling are of course crucial public services for all of us and we have seen that more than ever during the current coronavirus crisis where our workforce have gone above and beyond to deliver for our residents.

      

  2. That there is no ‘perfect’ waste and recycling system (all or in part) that will be universally welcomed by all of our residents.

      

  3. That this is the situation facing Stirling Council in trying to make the best decisions we can and indeed it’s the case for all Councillors in all Councils.

   

  Council welcomes:

   

  1. The communication and engagement that will take place with our 94,210 residents across the Stirling Council area on how we will service those 39,440 households. This would also ensure residents and Council officers have the opportunity to consider any exceptional circumstances that may be faced by those households that have particularly challenging personal circumstances such as large families/households and those with medical conditions etc.

  2. The continued work that will be undertaken with the purpose of educating the general public through awareness campaigns as well as ensuring a robust approach to enforcement and compliance. with both current noncompliance and future noncompliance. That this would include deployment of mobile CCTV, if necessary. to tackle fly tipping.

   

  Council approves:

   

  1. That the diamond bin replacement project be funded from service efficiency as outlined in this report.

      

  2. An extension of collection frequencies on both residual grey (landfill) and recycling blue (plastics, bottles and cans) bins from two weekly to weekly from Spring 2021.

      

  3. The removal of the standalone glass collection service following the
     introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme planned for 2022.

      

  4. The introduction of a chargeable garden waste service from Spring 2021 and delegates authority to officers to devise and implement a concession scheme to assist those who might otherwise be unable to afford a permit. The creation of this scheme should be undertaken by the Senior Manager Environment in consultation with the Convenor and Vice Convenor of the Finance and Economy Committee and opposition spokesperson as well as the Convenor and Vice Convenor of the Environment and Housing Committee
     and opposition spokesperson.”

      

     Proposed by Councillor Jim Thomson, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson

      

     Amendment

      

     “Council notes the report that officers have brought forward and rejects:

      

     1. The extension of collection frequencies on both residual (grey) and recycling (blue) bins from two-weekly to four-weekly;

     2. The removal of glass collection services; and

     3. The introduction of a chargeable garden waste service

  Council regrets its failure to consult on these proposed changes and requires future changes of this nature should be subject to public consultation, full public health, environmental and equalities impact assessments.

   

  Council agrees to review the recycling service following the successful
  implementation of the deposit return scheme.

   

  Council mandates council officers to bring forward options to pay for the diamond bin replacement to the council meeting in the autumn as part of the overall budget setting process. This should include options to spend the money directly from capital as wellas through borrowing.”

   

  Proposed by Councillor Neil Benny, seconded by Councillor Ross Oxburgh
  For the Amendment (9)

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

   

  Against the Amendment (13)

   

  Councillor Maureen Bennison
  Councillor Scott Farmer
  Councillor Danny Gibson
  Councillor Graham Houston
  Councillor Chris Kane
  Councillor Graham Lambie
  Councillor Alison Laurie
  Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
  Councillor Susan McGill
  Councillor Christine Simpson
  Councillor Jim Thomson
  Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
  Councillor Evelyn Tweed

   

  The amendment fell by 13 votes to 9 votes.
  For the Motion (12)

  Councillor Maureen Bennison
  Councillor Scott Farmer
  Councillor Danny Gibson
  Councillor Graham Houston
  Councillor Chris Kane
  Councillor Graham Lambie
  Councillor Alison Laurie
  Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
  Councillor Susan McGill
  Councillor Christine Simpson
  Councillor Jim Thomson
  Councillor Evelyn Tweed

   

  Against the Motion (10)

   

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

  Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

   

  The Motion was carried 12 votes to 10 votes.

   

  Decision

   

  Council noted:

   

  1. that waste and recycling were of course crucial public services for all of us and we had seen that more than ever during the current coronavirus crisis where our workforce had gone above and beyond to deliver for our residents;

      

  2. that there was no ‘perfect’ waste and recycling system (all or in part) that would be universally welcomed by all of our residents; and

      

  3. that this was the situation facing Stirling Council in trying to make the best decisions we could and indeed it’s the case for all Councillors in all Councils.

   

  Council welcomed:

   

  1. the communication and engagement that would take place with our 94,210 residents across the Stirling Council area on how we would service those 39,440 households. This would also ensure residents and Council officers have the opportunity to consider any exceptional circumstances that may be faced by those households that have particularly challenging personal circumstances such as large families/households and those with medical conditions etc; and

      

  2. the continued work that would be undertaken with the purpose of educating the general public through awareness campaigns as well as ensuring a robust approach to enforcement and compliance with both current noncompliance and future noncompliance. That this would include deployment of mobile CCTV if necessary to tackle fly tipping.

   

  Council agreed to:

   

  1. the diamond bin replacement project be funded from service efficiencies as outlined in this report;

      

  2. an extension of collection frequencies on both residual grey (landfill) and recycling blue (plastics, bottles and cans) bins from two-weekly to four-weekly from Spring 2021;

      

  3. the removal of the standalone glass collection service following the
     introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme planned for 2022; and

      

  4. the introduction of a chargeable garden waste service from Spring 2021 and Delegate Authority to officers to devise and implement a concession scheme to assist those who might otherwise be unable to afford a permit. The creation of this scheme should be undertaken by the Senior Manager Environment in consultation with the Convenor and Vice Convenor of the Finance & Economy Committee and Opposition spokesperson as well as the
     Convenor and Vice Convenor of the Environment & Housing Committee and Opposition spokesperson.

  (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Environment & Place, dated 15 June 2020, submitted.)

   

  At 2.10pm the Council agreed to adjourn in terms of Standing Order 74

  Recording of meeting was stopped
  The Meeting reconvened at 2.30pm with all Elected Members (previously noted) present, with the exception of Councillor Margaret Brisley

   

  Recording of meeting started

   

  SC314 DEMOLITION OF 24 GLASGOW ROAD, STIRLING AND REDEVELOPMENT OF FOR NEW BUILD HOUSING

   

  The Chief Officer – Housing presented the report and advised that 24 Glasgow Road was an empty building, which sat on a prominent entry point to the city centre and was currently unfit for occupation due to the configuration of the dwellings and the requirement for significant upgrading works to the internal layout and fixtures. The Report proposed the demolition and clearance of the site followed by the redevelopment for new build housing.

   

  Councillor Evelyn Tweed moved the report recommendations, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.

   

  Decision

   

  Council agreed to:

   

  1. approve the proposal to demolish the existing building and clearance of the site; and‌‌

      

  2. proposals being prepared and progressed for redevelopment of the site for new build social housing.

   

  (Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Housing, dated 17 June 2020, submitted.)

   

  SC315 RAPID REHOUSING TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE

   

  The Chief Officer – Housing advised that the report was being presented to Council for consideration as the Council were required to submit an update of the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan to Scottish Government by 30 June 2020.

   

  The objectives under the plan were:

• To proactively prevent homelessness wherever it is possible to do so;

• To deliver Housing First as a first response for people with complex needs & multiple disadvantage;

• To reduce the time spent by homeless households in temporary
  accommodation by 50%;

• To reduce the number of temporary accommodation units and to eliminate the use of B&B in Stirling; and

• To invest resources in the delivery of person-centred housing support
  services.

 

The original document, amended after feedback from the Scottish Government, was approved by Environment & Housing Committee in November 2019. Given the relatively recent period since the Plan was implemented and the restrictions to operations as a result of COVID-19, there were still a significant number of actions to be taken forward in the action plan. Currently, 21 actions were achieved or close to target and 6 were not on target. In addition, a number of actions were due to be implemented in later years of the Plan. Following the recent recruitment of a dedicated Homeless Prevention Coordinator it was anticipated that progress would continue at a faster pace.

 

Councillor Evelyn Tweed moved the report recommendations, seconded by
Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to approve the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan Update for
submission to Scottish Government.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Housing, dated 17 June 2020, submitted.)

 

Recording was stopped for exempt items

 

Council resolved under Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973
that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on
the grounds that they involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in
Paragraphs 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act
1973.

 

SC316 REDEVELOPMENT OF FORMER ST MARGARET’S PRIMARY SCHOOL SITE IN FOR NEW BUILD SOCIAL HOUSING

 

The Chief Officer – Housing presented the report and advised that its purpose was to agree the approval and development of a Design and Build Contract to construct 22 units of social housing at the Former St Margaret’s Primary School site in Cowie. It was proposed that the contract would be procured through Scotland Excel’s Framework Agreement for New Build Residential Construction.

 

Councillor Evelyn Tweed moved the report recommendations, seconded by
Councillor Danny Gibson.

Decision

 

The Council agreed to approve the Contract Award Recommendation Report to call off via Direct Award from Scotland Excel’s Framework Agreement for New Build Residential Construction at the Former St Margaret’s Primary School site in Cowie.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Housing, dated 17 June 2020, submitted).

 

SC317 INVESTING IN NEW SOCIAL HOUSING - NEWPARK FARM, ST NINIANS 2)

 

The Chief Officer – Housing presented the report and advised that the purpose was to update Council on the new build development at Newpark Farm, St Ninians, which was a key development in the regeneration of the Cultenhove area and the wider area of St Ninians. Ogilvie Homes were building 185 new homes on the site of which 46 units are to be affordable housing units. It was proposed that Stirling Council purchased a further 24 units for social rented housing as part of the phased purchase of all 46 affordable housing units. Approval was sought from the meeting of Stirling Council for the Phase 2 purchase.

 

Councillor Evelyn Tweed moved the report recommendations, seconded by
Councillor Danny Gibson.

 

Decision

 

Stirling Council agreed to:

 

1. approve the purchase by Stirling Council of 24 properties from the developer at Newpark Farm, St Ninians for the total purchase price detailed in the submitted report;

    

2. approve the funding of the net cost detailed in the submitted report from the New Build budget within the Housing Revenue Account Capital Investment Programme for 2020/21 and the remainder being funded from Scottish Government subsidy; and

    

3. note the planned purchase of a final phase of a further 12 units for social
   rented housing by Stirling Council at Newpark Farm at prices and timescales to be agreed with the developer in due course in accordance with the Section 75 agreement attached to the Planning consent for the development site.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Housing, dated 17 June 2020, submitted).

 

Councillors Benny, Farmer, McGill, Thomson and Provost Simpson left the Microsoft Teams Meeting due to Declarations of Interest in the following item.

 

Due to Declaration of Interest by the Provost, the Depute Convener of Stirling Council, Councillor Graham Houston, took the Chair.

SC318 NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT - OPERATING OPTIONS UPDATE‌‌

 

The Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities presented the report which provided an update on the future management of the National Wallace Monument (NWM) following the last update to Council on 12 March 2020.

 

Members highlighted an oversight in relation to consultation and officers confirmed that the Depute Leader of the Opposition would be included in the process set out in recommendation 4. The draft watermark would also be removed from the business case.

 

Councillor Danny Gibson moved the report recommendations, seconded by
Councillor Maureen Bennison.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. note the progress made in preparing for the transition of the National Wallace Monument from Stirling District Tourism (SDT) to Stirling Council;

    

2. note the potential impact of COVID-19 on the plans;

    

3. Officers proceeding with bringing the Monument (and any other associated assets) in house for management in the first instance;

    

4. delegate authority to the Chief Executive, along with the Chief Finance
   Officer, to proceed with purchase, on the basis of an agreed independent
   valuation of SDT’s other assets, and if it was assessed as advantageous and affordable for the Council to do so, in consultation with the Council Leader, Depute Leader, Depute Leader of the Opposition and the Convener and Vice- Convener of Finance & Economy Committee; and

    

5. a further report comes to the next meeting of Stirling Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 17 June 2020, submitted.)

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.15pm.

APPENDIX 1

 

THIS REPORT RELATES

TO ITEM 4 ON THE AGENDA

 

STIRLING COUNCIL 30 JUNE 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: Public Car Parks

    

2. Leader of the Council: Council Budget

    

3. Convener of Community, Planning & Regeneration Committee: Reopening of Community Facilities

    

4. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Capital Works Programme

    

5. Convener of Children & Young People Committee: Online Learning Pupil Support

    

6. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Pike Road Safety Issues

    

7. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Spaces for People Fund

    

8. Convener of Finance & Economy Committee: Collegiate Working

    

9. Convener of Environment & Housing Committee: Fly Tipping

    

10. Convener of Planning & Regulation Panel: Park of Keir Negotiations