STIRLING COUNCIL‌

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 3 MARCH 2022 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 Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE Councillor Alastair MAJURY

Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON Councillor Jeremy MCDONALD Councillor Susan MCGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE Councillor Evelyn TWEED

 

In Attendance

 

Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

Annemargaret Black, Chief Officer – Clackmannanshire & Stirling H&SCP & Integration Joint Board

Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing

Martin Dalziel, Team Leader - Communications Lisa Dunlop, Service Manager – OD & Change Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor – Governance Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

Nick Hyde, Head of Procurement

Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure Graham Lyle, Service Manager - ICT & Digital Steven McCabe, Allocations Team Leader

Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (Chief Education Officer) George Murphy, Interim Chief Officer – Finance

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

Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer Infrastructure & Environment Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer)

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

 

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 asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were in attendance.

 

SC487 APOLOGIES

 

There were no apologies.

 

SC488 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Evelyn Tweed declared an interest as a Member of the Scottish Parliament.

 

SC489 URGENT BUSINESS

 

The Provost noted that the appalling and unprecedented situation in Ukraine should be treated as Urgent Business and would allow the Leader of the Council, the Leaders of Conservative and Labour Groups, the Members representing Alba and the Green Party and the independent Member to speak if they wished to do so.

 

Members gave their views on the situation and the Provost thanked them for this. The Provost stated that Stirling stands with the people of Ukraine.

 

SC490 MINUTES

 

The following minutes were submitted for approval:-

 

1. Stirling Council – Special – 16 September 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 16 September 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

2. Stirling Council – 7 October 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Meeting held on 7 October 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

3. Stirling Council – Special - 2 December 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 2 December 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

4. Meeting of Stirling Council – 9 December 2021

   Decision‌‌

    

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council held on 9 December 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

5. Stirling Council – Special – 16 December 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 16 December 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

6. Stirling Council – Special – 17 December 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 17 December 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

7. Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel – 2 February 2022 Decision

   The Minutes of the Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel held on 2 February 2022 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

8. Appointments Panel – 31 January 2022 Decision

   The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 31 January 2022 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

9. Appointments Panel – 4 February 2022 Decision

   The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 4 February 2022 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

10. Appointments Panel – 10 February 2022 Decision

    The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 10 February 2022 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

11. Audit Committee – 27 January 2022 Decision

    The Minutes of the Audit Committee held on 27 January 2022 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

12. Community Planning & Regeneration – 3 February 2022

    Decision‌‌

     

    The Minutes of the Community Planning & Regeneration held on 3 February 2022 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

13. Local Review Body – 10 December 2021Decision

    The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 10 December 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

     

14. Public Safety – 20 January 2022 Decision

The Minutes of the Public Safety held on 20 January 2022 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC491 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

One written question had been received in terms of Standing Order 30. The question and answer was attached at Appendix 1 to these Minutes.

 

The Member who had put the written question was allowed one supplementary question and the supplementary question and answer was also included in Appendix 1.

 

SC492 QUESTION TIME

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald - Minutes of Stirling Council on Thursday 9 December 2021 (Appendix 1 Question 8 – Local Resilience Plans)

 

Councillor Scott Farmer advised that Viewforth Link Road was currently off the table but a decision would be taken by the new administration.

 

Councillor Robert Davies - Minutes of Special Meeting of Environment & Housing Committee on Wednesday 15 December 2021 (EH288 – Replacement of Refuse Collection Vehicles)

 

Councillor Jim Thomson advised that a request would be made to the Service to provide Councillor Davies with details on when new vehicles would arrive.

 

SC493 DISCHARGE OF COUNCIL FUNCTIONS DURING THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD

 

The report set out the requirement for Stirling Council to avoid any politically partial publicity during the pre-election period in the run up to the Local Government Elections 2022. It proposed the dissolution of all Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels with the exception of a number of bodies as listed within the report, and the adoption of CE45 of the Scheme of Delegation, which set out

arrangements for determining urgent matters during periods when the Council was in recess.

 

Council was unanimously in agreement with the recommendations within the report.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. the dissolution of all Standing Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels with the exception of those groups as noted at paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3 below, with effect from 4 March 2022; and

2. the application of the delegation to the Chief Executive noted as CE45 – Additional Powers during Recess Periods, as set out in Appendix 7 to the Scheme of Delegation, during the period from the last scheduled Council meeting on 3 March 2022 and the local government elections on 5 May 2022.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 18 February 2022, submitted).

 

SC494 CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS – IMPACT OF NEW £1M THRESHOLD

 

The revised Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) were approved by Council at its meeting on 2 December 2021. Council made a decision to lower the threshold over which Committee or Council approval must be sought by officers prior to commencing the procurement process. This threshold was lowered from £1.5M to £1M.

 

Council also requested that officers bring a report detailing the impact of the threshold change on Council business. The report sets out the impact, as far as it was known at the time.

 

Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report. It was highlighted that the change would allow for more transparency.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

1. note the number of contracts awarded between the value of £1M and £1.5M over the last four years;

2. note the number of additional contracts that may require Committee/Council approval as a consequence of the threshold change; and

3. note a further paper would be submitted in six months’ time when more accurate data from the finalised Capital Delivery Plan and Service Plans could be taken into consideration.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 8 February 2022, submitted).

SC495 STIRLING’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY‌

 

The report presented Stirling’s new Economic Strategy along with details of its rationale, methodology for its development and future monitoring and evaluation arrangements. It included a supporting Action Plan covering proposed activity for the upcoming financial year 2022/23.

 

Members welcomed the strategy and officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report. Difficulties within some sectors were recognised and supporting businesses with growth and future sustainability would continue.

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

1. note the new Economic Strategy; and

2. approve the adoption of the new Economic Strategy as Stirling Council’s guiding document for its economic growth activity.

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 7 February 2022, submitted).

 

SC496 ADHOC SCRUTINY PANEL ON ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

 

The report provided Stirling Council with the findings of the Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel (the “Panel”) on Antisocial Behaviour (“ASB”). The Panel was formed following agreement at the Council meeting of 7 October 2021.

 

It was noted that the service had identified that a review process was required in some cases to ensure case closures were clear.

 

Following a Members query it was agreed that service actions on how to promote reports of Anti-Social Behaviour was to be provided to Councillor Susan McGill.

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison moved the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Alasdair MacPherson.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note the contents of the report detailing the work of the Panel;

2. note that the Antisocial Behaviour Policy would now be further developed by officers and would be brought to a meeting of Council for discussion in 2022;

3. note that the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy would be reviewed this year;

4. approve the inclusion of the following matters to form part of the consultation process for the Housing Allocations Policy review:-

   1. The introduction of a sensitive lettings process;

   2. Increasing the length of suspension from the housing waiting list to more than 12 months for where an applicant or those who live with them are responsible for serious ASB or has been made subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order by the courts; and‌

   3. The introduction of additional housing points for victims of ASB; and

5. request that officers develop a draft policy proposal for the use of the streamlined eviction process, to be brought to the Environment & Housing Committee or its appropriate successor Committee for discussion.

(Reference: Report by Interim Head of Education, dated 16 February 2022, submitted).

 

SC497 STIRLING COUNCIL SENIOR MANAGEMENT UPDATE

 

The purpose of the report was to update Council of the revised senior management structure.

 

Following a Member query it was agreed that amended documents would show tracked changes when circulated to Elected members

 

Councillor Graham Houston moved the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Scott Farmer.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note the revised senior management responsibilities and line management changes at Appendix 1 of the report, and the implementation of same by the Chief Executive;

2. note that in terms of the Council’s Scheme of Delegation (SOD) that it was for Council to determine the process of selection and appointment of the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officers, Senior Managers and Chief Officers. Council has delegated this power to an Appointments Panel, as set out in the SOD;

    

3. delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to make any necessary consequential changes to the Scheme of Delegation and to the Contract Standing Orders and to circulate amended documents to Elected Members for information;

    

4. note that the changes would be reflected in the Financial Regulations, which would be revised by the Chief Officer – Finance, as was set out in the decision of Council on 9 December 2021 in relation to the Contract Standing Orders; and

    

5. note that the Chief Executive would ask the Chief Officer - Governance to make all consequential changes to the Scheme of Sub Delegation and to circulate the amended scheme to Elected Members for information.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 7 February 2022, submitted).

 

SC498 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 39

(a) Waste Collection Service

 

Motion

“Council records its apology to the residents and council tax payers of Stirling for imposing the new charges and cuts to the waste collection service without any prior consultation.”

 

Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Martin Earl

 

Direct Negative

 

Proposed by Councillor Jim Thomson and seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson

 

Amendment

 

“Council notes that there was no prior public consultation on the waste service changes agreed at council in June 2020.”

 

Proposed by Councillor Alasdair Tollemache and seconded by Councillor Robert Davies

 

On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:- For the Amendment (3)

Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

 

Against the Amendment (20)

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Ross Oxburgh Councillor Christine Simpson Councillor Jim Thomson Councillor Evelyn Tweed

The Amendment fell by 20 votes to 3 votes. For the Motion (10)

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

 

Against the Motion (13)

 

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

 

The Motion fell by 13 votes to 10 votes

 

Decision

 

Council does not record its apology to the residents and council tax payers of Stirling for imposing the new charges and cuts to the waste collection service without any prior consultation.

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 12.55pm

Appendix 1

 

STIRLING COUNCIL 3 MARCH 2022

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 Children & Young People Committee: Child Care Funding

Appendix 2

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 3 MARCH 2022

 

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

 

1. Waste Collection Service

Council records its apology to the residents and council tax payers of Stirling for imposing the new charges and cuts to the waste collection service without any prior consultation.

 

Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Martin Earl

 

Answer

 

The Council agreed in June 2020 to implement a series of changes to the household waste collections as part of the Waste Transformation Programme. This included the introduction of a 4-weekly collection frequency for grey and blue bins and the introduction of a charge for the collection of garden waste.

 

This decision followed consideration of a number of delivery options by the service, and a member / officer group met as part of this.

 

Following the decision of Council in June 2020, officers undertook extensive public engagement during 2020 and 2021 on the changes to the collection arrangements including on-line engagement with communities, social media and direct mailing to every household in advance of each phase of the programme.

 

In support of the changes and Stirling’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency, a campaign ‘Recycle 4 Stirling’ was launched to support residents in making this necessary shift in habit to increase recycling and send less waste to landfill.

 

The garden permit system was introduced in April 2021, with over 25,500 permits issued. The changes to the 4-weekly collections for grey and blue bins came into effect in September 2021.

AGENDA

 

AGENDA for the MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held as a virtual meeting by MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 3 MARCH 2022 commencing at

10.00 am

 

In accordance with Section 43 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Chair has agreed that this meeting will be conducted in such a manner as to allow remote attendance by Elected Members.

 

Please note that the meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams and will be broadcast live via the Stirling Council YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/user/stirlingcouncil

 

A recording of the meeting will also be made publicly available on the Council’s YouTube page following the meeting.‌‌‌

 

JULIA MCAFEE

Chief Officer – Governance Clerk to the Council

 

25 February 2022

 

B U S I N E S S

 

1. APOLOGIES

    

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

3. URGENT BUSINESS

    

4. MINUTES

    

   1. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 16 September 2021 (Pages 1 - 6)

       

   2. Meeting of Stirling Council – 7 October 2021 (Pages 7 - 36)

       

   3. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 2 December 2021 (Pages 37 - 40)

       

   4. Meeting of Stirling Council – 9 December 2021 (Pages 41 - 70)

   5. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 16 December 2021 (Pages 71 - 74)‌

       

   6. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 17 December 2021 (Pages 75 - 76)

       

   7. Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel – 2 February 2022 (Pages 77 - 80)

       

   8. Appointments Panel – 31 January 2022 (Pages 81 - 82)

       

   9. Appointments Panel – 4 February 2022 (Pages 83 - 84)

       

   10. Appointments Panel – 10 February 2022 (Pages 85 - 86)

        

   11. Audit Committee – 27 January 2022 (Pages 87 - 92)

        

   12. Community Planning & Regeneration – 3 February 2022 (Pages 93 - 98)

        

   13. Local Review Body – 10 December 2021 (Pages 99 - 104)

        

   14. Public Safety – 20 January 2022 (Pages 105 - 108)

        

5. WRITTEN QUESTIONS

    

6. QUESTION TIME

    

   Council

    

7. DISCHARGE OF COUNCIL FUNCTIONS DURING THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD

   Report by Chief Officer – Governance (Pages 109 - 114)

    

8. CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS – IMPACT OF NEW £1M THRESHOLD

   Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance (Pages 115 - 118)

    

9. STIRLING’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY

   Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities119 - 148)

    

10. ADHOC SCRUTINY PANEL ON ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

    Report by Interim Head of Education (Pages 149 - 170)

     

    For Noting

     

11. STIRLING COUNCIL SENIOR MANAGEMENT UPDATE

    Report by Chief Executive (Pages 171 - 180)

    Notices of Motion‌

     

12. MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 39

13. Waste Collection Service

     

    Council records its apology to the residents and council tax payers of Stirling for imposing the new charges and cuts to the waste collection  service without any prior consultation.

     

    Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Martin Earl

     

    (For further information contact:

    Chief Officer - Governance – Julia McAfee, mcafeej@stirling.gov.uk, 01786 2 33108 or Committee Officer – Louise McDonald, mcdonaldlo@stirling.gov.uk 01786 233746)

    1‌

     

    STIRLING COUNCIL

    THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4a

    ON THE AGENDA

     

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

    MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 at 2.00 PM

     

    Present:

    Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

     

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

    Councillor Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

    Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

     

    In Attendance

     

    Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

    Lesleyann Burns, Support Officer, Governance Stephen Clark, Chief Officer - Housing

    Martin Dalziel, Team Leader for External Communications Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance

    Lesley Gallagher, Service Manager – Regeneration and Inclusive Growth Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

    David McDougall, Governance Officer (Minute Taker)

    Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance Coreen McNeil, Accommodation Manager, Housing

    Alasdair Macleod, Service Manager – Senior Phase & Youth Participation Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Jonathan Sharp, Support & Integration Officer

    David Wilson, Service Manager – Housing Management & Homelessness Julia McAfee, Chief Officer – Governance (Clerk)

     

    Also in Attendance

     

    Adam Haahr, 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.

     

    The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were present.

     

     

     

    SC431 APOLOGIES

     

    Apologies were submitted for Councillors Bennison, Oxburgh and Tweed

     

    SC432 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

     

    There were no declarations of interest.

     

    SC433 LIVE BROADCASTING OF MEETINGS

     

    This report advised Council of the requirement for meetings to be accessible to members of the public; advised of the proposal to meet this requirement by live broadcast of relevant meetings; and proposed amendment of the existing Protocol enabling recording of meetings to include live broadcasting.

     

    The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 provided a general right of access for members of the public to meetings of the Council, and to Committees and Panels, subject to specified exclusions set out in schedule 7 to the 1973 Act.

     

    The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 added an exclusion which allowed for the prevention of access to meetings where to allow such would pose a real and substantial risk to public health due to infection or contamination with coronavirus. This additional exclusion was to be repealed from 1 October 2021. Accordingly, the Council would require to provide access for members of the public to meetings, subject to the pre-existing exclusions in place.

     

    There remained limitations on the capacity for the Council to return to physical meetings as were held prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. These related to the use of buildings, compliance with guidance, and individual health requirements of members and officers.

     

    The Council had previously adopted a Protocol for the Recording of Council, Committee and Panels Meetings, which provided the framework for the recording of these meetings and the provision of these recordings via the Council’s website and Youtube channel. A revised Protocol for the Broadcasting and Recording of Council, Committee and Panel Meetings was attached to the report as an appendix for consideration and approval.

     

    In order to provide access for members of the public, it was proposed to broadcast meetings live. Meetings would continue to take place using the established MS Teams system, but in addition to recordings being made available subsequent to the meeting, a live feed of each meeting would be available to watch via the Council’s Youtube channel. Live broadcasting of these meetings would meet the requirements for public access to meetings.

     

    Discussion took place regarding the need to promote access to the live broadcasts, and it was confirmed that the Council’s Communications team would be actively promoting the broadcasts for each meeting in advance via social media.

     

    Responding to a number of queries from Members regarding ongoing Covid restrictions and the timescales for returning to physical meetings within Council buildings, the Chief Officer – Governance confirmed that Stirling Council continued to follow Scottish Government guidance which stated that staff should continue to workfrom home where that was possible. Stirling Council would need to continue to prioritise the safety  and wellbeing of staff and Members during the ongoing Covid pandemic. A meeting of the Group Secretaries had been arranged for the following week to discuss ongoing arrangements for Members in terms of home working and queries in this regard.

     

    The Chief Officer – Governance also advised that the majority of other local authorities across Scotland continued to operate in the same way, holding meetings either remotely or with a hybrid approach, which allowed a combination of both remote and in person attendance. Proposals for hybrid meetings would be brought to Council.

     

    Decision

     

    Council agreed to:

     

    1. note that with effect from 1 October 2021 meetings of the Council would require to be accessible to members of the public; and

        

    2. adopt with effect from 1 October 2021 the revised Protocol for the Broadcasting and Recording of Council, Committee and Panel meetings.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 8 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC434 POLICY ON REFUGEE, LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF AND DISPLACED PERSONS RESETTLEMENT SCHEMES AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK

 

This report introduced a revised Policy on Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes and Associated Procedural Framework. The policy and procedure detailed how the Council would meet its commitment to participate in resettlement schemes currently and in the future as global instability increased and displaced families continued to need sanctuary.

 

The Council committed to resettle families under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme in 2015 followed in 2017 by a further undertaking to provide sanctuary to refugees within the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme. In 2021, the Council was one of the first Scottish local authorities to resettle families under the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) and LES (Locally Employed Staff) programmes.

 

The Strategic Framework for Refugee Resettlement approved by the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee in 2018 formalised the strategic and operational context for resettlement. This had been applicable until now. However, the 2018 iteration was developed when the Syrian Refugee crisis was unfolding and was rooted as a response to those events. This had led to the 2018 policy being somewhat inflexible in meeting the challenge of subsequent humanitarian responses to changing global circumstances.

 

Therefore the 2018 Strategic Framework required updating to introduce a degree of flexibility in application which would reflect both the ending of the previous resettlement schemes and the growing levels of uncertainty in many countries which was likely to add to the need for resettlement.

 

 

 

The revised policy and procedure provided a clear strategic commitment and operational procedure which could apply to any refugee resettlement situation. The policy and procedure formalised the Council’s commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees. It set out the process to make sure that those provided with sanctuary in Stirling’s communities were provided with person-centred wrap-around support to enable them to settle into their new homes, schools and communities.

 

Responding to questions from Members, Officers advised that the these families would be spread throughout the Stirling Council area in a way that was practical and appropriate in terms of access to support and services. The properties generally used for this purpose would be sourced from temporary accommodation stock. A range of wrap-around support would be provided to try to ensure the families settled in well into their new communities, with work undertaken in advance with the local community to put a network of support in place, with involvement of organisations such as church groups, community councils and charities such as Forth Valley Welcome.

 

Council was advised that the types of families taken by Stirling Council would be based on the properties which the Council could provide, with families of appropriate size being matched to the available properties. In exceptional circumstances there could be a request to resettle a family of a certain size in which case the Council would attempt to identify a suitable property for that family. The intention would always be to avoid use of B&B or hotel accommodation.

 

Members welcomed the report and the proposed policy, noting how important it was that Stirling Council continued to play its part in helping to support those displaced as a result of this type of humanitarian crisis.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. approve the draft Policy on Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes;

    

2. note that the Council would offer to resettle a proportionate amount of refugee families under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (“ARAP”), the Locally Employed Staff (“LES”) and the current Afghan Resettlement programmes, being an additional 6-10 families over those already resettled;

    

3. note that if there was a request by the UK Government to resettle more than an additional 10 families, officers would return to Council and report this request prior to any decision being taken and to seek a decision from Council on further participation;

    

4. approve the amendment of the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to include the power to authorise participation in refugee resettlement schemes as a Non- Statutory Reservation to Council;

    

5. approve the delegation of power to the Chief Executive to disapply the Housing Allocations Policy (“HAP”) solely in circumstances detailed in the Legal and Risk Implications section, where this was required to implement the Policy on Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes; and

    

    

    

6. note the terms of the associated Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes Procedural Framework.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager- Economic Development & Communities, dated 9 September 2021, submitted).

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.05 pm

 

7 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

TO ITEM 4b

ON THE AGENDA

 

STIRLING COUNCIL

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER 2021 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 Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

 

In Attendance

 

Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

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

Martin Dalziel, Team Leader for External Communications Lisa Dunlop, Service Manager Organisational Development Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance

Pamela Forsyth, HR Advice & Policy Manager Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

Bruce McClure, Senior Manager – City Region Deal David McDougall, Governance Officer

Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance Sean Moffat, Assistant Analyst

Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (Chief Education Officer) Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities Bruce Reekie, Senior Manager – Environment & Place

Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer) Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)

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

 

 

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 asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were in attendance except for Councillor Robert Davies.

 

SC435 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were received on behalf of Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

 

SC436 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

SC437 URGENT BUSINESS

 

There were no items of urgent business.

 

SC438 MINUTES

 

The following minutes were submitted for approval:-

 

1. Stirling Council – Special - 17 June 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 17 June 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

2. Stirling Council – 24 June 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Meeting held on 24 June 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

3. Appeals Panel – 29 July 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Appeals Panel held on 29 July 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

4. Local Review Body – 7 July 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 7 July 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

5. Local Review Body – 13 July 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 13 July 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

6. Chief Executive Appraisal – 2 September 2021 Decision

The Minutes of the Chief Executive Appraisal held on 2 September 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC439 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Ten 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.

 

SC440 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 Alasdair Tollemache - Minutes of Children & Young People Committee on Tuesday 8 June 2021 (CY194 - Question regarding Speech & Language Therapy for Teenagers)

 

Councillor Susan McGill advised that she would discuss with Councillor Alastair Tollemache out with the meeting.

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison - Minutes of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee on Thursday 3 June 2021 (CR203 - Question regarding Transfer of Alcohol and Drugs Partnership to Health & Social Care Partnership)

 

Councillor Chris Kane confirmed that the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee would continue to receive reports and continue to scrutinise the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.

 

Councillor Robert Davies - Minutes of Finance & Economy Committee on Thursday 17 June 2021 (FE241 - Question regarding Works at Branshoggle Bridge)

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley advised that if additional funding was required then this would likely require to be reported to the Finance & Economy Committee and officers were looking into this.

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald - Minutes of Stirling Council on Thursday 24 June 2021 (Appendix 1 Question 6 - Question regarding Qualified Bridge Officers)

 

Councillor Jim Thomson advised that the Council has limited qualified bridges staff but positions were being advertised.

 

Councillor Douglas Dodds - Minutes of Audit Committee on Thursday 27 May 2021 (AC227 - Question regarding Debt Write-Off)

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley advised that officers may write off debt but they would continue to pursue obtaining the money owed.

 

SC441 ANNUAL REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS

 

The report presented for approval contained the revised Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation.

 

Following a Member query on the Scheme of Delegation, Pages 175 and 176 paragraphs 4b and 4c regarding Children & Young People Committee and how actively do the Council recruit for the teacher and pupil positions, it was agreed that detail on recruitment would be obtained and shared with Councillor Flannagan.

 

Continuing on from the previous query, a Member asked why teachers and pupils do not have voting right but religious representatives do, it was agreed that this information would also be obtained and shared with Councillor Flannagan.

 

A Member queried whether the guidance for meetings which has been issued to Conveners could be shared with all Members and it was confirmed that the guidance would be circulated more widely.

 

A Member referred to page 107, Children & Young People Committee, and asked whether the Council could undertake a review of voting rights with other Local Authorities and the Chief Officer Governance stated that they would be happy to look at this again and discuss with the Convener of the Committee.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved the recommendations and Councillor Chris Kane seconded.

 

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. adopt, with effect from 8 October 2021, the Standing Orders set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

2. approve, with effect from 8 October 2021, the Scheme of Delegation set out in Appendix 3 to the report; and

3. note that the Chief Officer - Governance would continue to carry out annual reviews of the Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 27 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC442 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

 

The report invited Council to appoint Members to a number of internal and external roles. This is a power reserved to Council in terms of the scheme of delegation.

 

Nominations from the Administration and Opposition were set out within Appendix 1 to the report for consideration and approval. The following positions were filled:

 

Audit Committee

Councillor Martin Earl proposed Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Bryan Flannagan seconded.

Decision: Councillor Neil Benny was appointed as Vice Convener to Audit Committee

 

Local Review Body

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Alasdair MacPherson and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded.

Decision: Councillor Alasdair MacPherson was appointed as a Member of the Local Review Board

 

Stirling Local Area Access Forum

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Margaret Brisley and Councillor Chris Kane seconded.

Decision: Councillor Margaret Brisley was appointed as a Member of the forum.

 

Forth Housing Association Management Committee

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Jim Thomson to fill the role or observer and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded.

Decision: Councillor Jim Thomson was appointed as an observer on the Committee.

 

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Danny Gibson to replace Councillor Thomson as named substitute and Councillor Chris Kane seconded.

Decision: Councillor Danny Gibson was appointed as named substitute.

 

Stirlingshire Educational Trust

Councillor Alistair Berrill proposed Councillor Robert Davies and Councillor Neil Benny seconded.

Decision: Councillor Robert Davies was appointed as Governor of the Trust.

 

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to appoint the nominated Members to the roles set out within the updated Appendix 1 to the report with addition to Councillor Davies being appointed to the position of Governor of the Stirlingshire Educational Trust.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 14 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC443 COMMUNITY COUNCIL SCHEME OF ESTABLISHMENT – REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY AMENDMENTS

 

The Stirling Council Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (‘the Scheme’) provided the framework for the operation of Community Councils within the area. The Scheme was temporarily amended in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular to require remote meetings in place of in-person meetings of Community Councils. It was proposed to remove these temporary amendments, and to amend the Scheme to permit in-person, remote, or hybrid meetings of Community Councils. This was subject to the requirement that, whatever provision was considered appropriate by each Community Council, members of the local community are able to participate in meetings.

 

Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

 

Members thanked Community Councils and Community Councillors for their hard work and resilience through the recent and continued difficulties.

 

Councillor Chris Kane proposed the recommendation and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to approve the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 13 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC444 QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

 

The report informed Council of UK and Scottish Government plans to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, and asked Council to consider awarding an additional day’s annual leave for all employees (pro-rated for part-time employees) on Friday 3 June 2022.

 

Councillor MacPherson proposed an amendment to the recommendation 1:

“agree to providing one additional fixed annual leave day for staff on 30 November 2022 for St Andrews Day.”

The amendment did not have a seconder, the amendment therefore fell and would not be considered.

 

 

Councillor Neil Benny proposed the report recommendations and Councillor Jeremy McDonald seconded.

 

Councillor MacPherson requested that his dissent be recorded.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

1. provide one additional fixed annual leave day for staff on 3 June 2022;

2. note the additional direct financial cost of £42,500; and

3. approve that the additional one-off cost would be provided for from General Fund reserves.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer - Communities and Performance, dated 21 September 2021, submitted).

 

At 12.20pm the Council agreed to adjourn in terms of Standing Order 74

Recording of meeting was stopped The Meeting reconvened at 12.40pm

with all Elected Members (previously noted) present, with the exception of Councillor Ross Oxburgh.

 

Recording of meeting was started

 

SC445 CAPITAL BUDGET APPROVAL FOR 2022-2023 FOR BORESTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL EXTENSION

 

The Provost advised that the Chief Executive had requested that the report be deferred to a future Council meeting.

 

The Provost proposed the deferral and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to defer the report to a future meeting of Stirling Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 28 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC446 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.

 

 

 

1. Allocations Policy Motion

   “This council recognises the significant and often long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour can have on those effected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved. Often those who are victims will want to move away from the source of these difficulties.

    

   Council agrees that officers should consult with housing advisory group, tenants and all appropriate stakeholders with regards to how the current allocations policy could better reflect this and support the best possible options for victims.

    

   Once this consultation has been completed a report detailing options is to be brought forward to the Environment & Housing Committee for consideration.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Bryan Flannagan and Councillor Martin Earl

    

   Amendment 1

    

   Replace motion with –

    

   “Council acknowledges the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on neighbours and wider communities.

    

   Council agrees to review its housing and anti-social behaviour policies and procedures, to consider the impact that anti-social behaviour has on Council tenants and the wider society.

    

   A scoping paper will be brought to the next available Environment and Housing meeting to discuss and agree the process and timescale.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Alasdair MacPherson and Councillor Danny Gibson

    

   Amendment 2

    

   “Council recognises the significant and long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour, including criminal activity, can have on those affected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved and damages the wider community as a whole.

   Council instructs an Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panel be formed, working cross party, with the Housing Advisory Group and appropriate stakeholders to review housing policies concerning Stirling Council tenants who persistently break their tenancy agreements through anti-social behaviour and/or criminal activity and the impact this has on neighbours and the wider community.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Maureen Bennison and Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

    

   At this point, Council adjourned for five minutes to allow Members to consider the terms of the Amendments.

    

   Councillor Flannagan advised that he was happy to move his motion with the inclusion of Councillor Bennison’s amendment. Councillor Bennison agreed to the incorporation of her amendment with the motion and amendment 2 was removed.

    

   Council adjourned for twenty minutes to allow Members to be provided with and consider an amended motion incorporating the second amendment.

    

   Councillor Ross Oxburgh joined the meeting

    

   New Motion

    

   “Council recognises the significant and long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour, including criminal activity, can have on those affected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved and damages the wider community as a whole.

    

   Council agrees that there should be a wide consultation with tenants with regards to how the current allocations policy could look at supporting victims to relocate. Council also agrees that there should be a review of policies concerning Stirling Council tenants who persistently break their tenancy agreements through anti-social behaviour and/or criminal activity and the impact this has on neighbours and the wider community.

    

   Council instructs an Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panel be formed, working cross party, with the Housing Advisory Group and appropriate stakeholders to review these housing policies. Council agrees to appoint one member from each party and the independent member to the group and agrees to allow the group to appoint its own chair.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Bryan Flannagan and Councillor Martin Earl On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:- For the Amendment

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Christine Simpson Councillor Jim Thomson

    

   Against the Amendment

    

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury

    

    

    

    

    

   Councillor Robert Davies

    

   The Amendment fell by 11 votes to 10 votes with 1 Member not voting For the New Motion

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

    

   Against the New Motion

    

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Christine Simpson Councillor Jim Thomson

    

   Not Voting

    

   Councillor Robert Davies

    

   The New Motion was carried by 11 votes to 10 votes with 1 Member not voting.

    

   Membership for the ad-hoc scrutiny panel to be agreed out with the meeting.

    

   Councillor Douglas Dodds left the meeting

    

2. Challenge Poverty Week Motion

 

 

 

“Council recognises Challenge Poverty Week 2021 - which runs from 4th– 10th October 2021 - and the efforts of council officers and third sector partners who work hard to challenge poverty in its many guises every week of every year.

 

Council agrees with the Poverty Alliance who say low wages, inadequate social security payments and the rising cost of living are holding people back. Too many people in our society are locked in the grip of poverty. Poverty can, and must, be solved. Action must be taken to boost people’s incomes, reduce the cost of living and create a place where nobody is restricted from playing a full role in society because of financial pressures.

 

Council notes its disappointment in proposed cuts to social security payments and recognises that rising energy prices will put a further pressure on those who can least afford it.

 

Council recognises that everybody has a role to play in tackling poverty and reaffirms its commitment to continue to put tackling poverty at the heart of decision making and be a strong voice in ending the stigma around poverty.”

 

Signed by Councillor Chris Kane and Councillor Scott Farmer

 

Amendment

 

“Council must use Challenge Poverty Week to provide leadership on this issue.

 

Council notes that just over 12% of people in Stirling live in a household suffering from income deprivation.

 

Council notes that the unemployment rate in Stirling, while still lower than the Scottish Average, remains too high.

 

Council also notes that the Local Child Poverty Action Plan was last reviewed in 2017 and that Stirling Council has no over-arching strategy for dealing with poverty.

 

Council further notes that the interim 2023 target on child poverty reduction for Scotland is likely to be missed, although we seem likely to achieve it in Stirling.

 

Council believes that it is for the Council to now show leadership on this issue and to challenge the rest of the community planning partners to make a new commitment to an overall poverty reduction plan.

 

Council believes that an overall poverty reduction plan must include: -

 

• Access to employment, job training and skills

   

• Access to housing

   

• Properly independent debt and financial advice

   

• Integrated family support

   

• Support for mental and physical health

   

• Abuse, harassment and coercive control

   

• Offenders leaving the criminal justice system

 

Council has many policies and plans in place, but the integration between the plans remains problematic. There is also an issue regarding the funding of the third sector organisations that deliver support in these areas being inadequate.

 

Council believes that helping people out of Poverty is a core function of the Council and it should be funded appropriately whether it is provided by Stirling Council or by the third sector.

 

Council believes that it is time for a New Partnership to end Poverty Plan for Stirling. The will encompass a vision that sees overall levels of absolute and relative poverty fall ahead of the Government Mandated Targets.

 

Council agrees to have an open and honest discussion about all the actions against poverty that happen in Stirling whether they are undertaken by the Council, Public Sector partners or third sector agencies. Council invites all interested parties to make contributions to how this new plan will realise the vision of comprehensive, accessible and coordinated services capable of addressing all areas of poverty reduction.”

 

Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Martin Earl

 

At this point, Council adjourned for ten minutes to allow Members to consider the terms of the Amendments.

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald left the meeting

 

On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:- For the Amendment

Councillor Neil Benny

Councillor Alistair Berrill

Councillor Robert Davies

Councillor Martin Earl

Councillor Bryan Flannagan

Councillor Jane Hutchison

Councillor Alastair Majury

 

Against the Amendment

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison

Councillor Margaret Brisley

Councillor Scott Farmer

Councillor Danny Gibson

Councillor Graham Houston

Councillor Chris Kane

Councillor Alison Laurie

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson

Councillor Susan McGill

Councillor Christine Simpson

Councillor Jim Thomson

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

 

The Amendment fell by 12 votes to 7 votes. For the Motion

Councillor Maureen Bennison

Councillor Margaret Brisley

Councillor Scott Farmer

Councillor Danny Gibson

Councillor Graham Houston

Councillor Chris Kane

Councillor Alison Laurie

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson

Councillor Susan McGill

Councillor Christine Simpson

Councillor Jim Thomson

Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

 

Against the Motion

Councillor Neil Benny

Councillor Alistair Berrill

Councillor Robert Davies

Councillor Martin Earl

Councillor Bryan Flannagan

Councillor Jane Hutchison

Councillor Alastair Majury

 

The Motion was carried by 12 votes to 7 votes

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.25pm

 

 

 

APPENDIX 1

 

Questions in Terms of Standing Order 30

 

 

 

Councillor Davies thanked the Convener for his answer and advised that he would like a mechanism in place to inform local businesses on how they will be affected and would want to arrange a meeting with local businesses and Stirling Council to deal with the problems they are facing and also put in place a temporary bridge at Croftamie.

Councillor Thomson advised that he initially checked that Catterburn Bridge was not an A listed structure, it was not, so therefore it should make it simpler, however he wished to fast track the repairs. With regards to contact with Community Councils and Members, Councillor Thomson advised that this was a short term measure until the service had the scheme in place and officers are committed to contacting businesses once Covid restrictions are lifted and have a full complement of staff.

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener for his answer and asked how many complaints remain outstanding and the average timescale for solutions.

Councillor Thomson advised that he would obtain the detail and share this with Councillor Flannagan.

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX 2

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER 2021

 

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

 

1. Allocations Policy

    

   This council recognises the significant and often long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour can have on those effected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved. Often those who are victims will want to move away from the source of these difficulties.

    

   Council agrees that officers should consult with housing advisory group, tenants and all appropriate stakeholders with regards to how the current allocations policy could better reflect this and support the best possible options for victims.

    

   Once this consultation has been completed a report detailing options is to be brought forward to the Environment & Housing Committee for consideration.

    

   Signed by Councillor Bryan Flannagan and Councillor Martin Earl

    

   Answer

    

   Stirling Council recognises the impact harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour have on those persons affected. It is often not the best outcome for a tenant – who may have close links to their neighbourhood - to uproot their household due to ongoing anti-social behaviour.

    

   Housing Services work closely with colleagues in the Community Safety Team to consider options such as mediation to try to resolve those incidents of neighbour disputes/anti-social behaviour that are of a less serious nature. For anti-social behaviour that is sustained, consistent and evidenced the Council would seek to take appropriate and proportionate action to resolve it, and enforcement action is regularly taken against perpetrators.

    

   With regard to victims of anti-social behaviour the Service would firstly seek to support them and risk assess their current situation. If there was evidence of there being a serious risk for them to remain in their current accommodation, the Service would complete a homeless assessment and move them into temporary accommodation. If the situation was not as serious but they wished to apply for housing the Service would assist them by completing a housing application form. This would be assessed based on the current Allocations Policy and points may be awarded based on the anti-social behaviour affecting their health. The Policy does not currently award points for harassment for victims of anti-social behaviour. There is flexibility within the current policy to consider those persons affected by anti-social behaviour via the Strategic Housing Group, this is for cases where there is an urgent and exceptional housing need.

    

    

   The new Allocations Policy was implemented in July 2021 and is due to be reviewed after 12 months of implementation, as agreed by the Environment and Housing Committee in November 2019. Therefore a review of how the Policy is operating, together with consultation on changes is to take place in 2022. It is not recommended that the Policy is changed more frequently than annually as this risks confusing applicants and places a significant administrative burden on the Housing Service.

    

   Awarding harassment points for those persons affected by anti-social behaviour will be considered as part of future consultations. However, the issue of providing corroboration to evidence harassment can be challenging for the Housing Service to assess.

    

   Any proposed changes to the Allocations Policy will be discussed by relevant stakeholders, including the Housing Advisory Group and a report taken forward to the Environment & Housing Committee for approval.

    

    

2. Challenge Poverty Week

    

   Council recognises Challenge Poverty Week 2021 - which runs from 4th–10th October 2021 - and the efforts of council officers and third sector partners who work hard to challenge poverty in its many guises every week of every year.

    

   Council agrees with the Poverty Alliance who say low wages, inadequate social security payments and the rising cost of living are holding people back. Too many people in our society are locked in the grip of poverty. Poverty can, and must, be solved. Action must be taken to boost people’s incomes, reduce the cost of living and create a place where nobody is restricted from playing a full role in society because of financial pressures.

    

   Council notes its disappointment in proposed cuts to social security payments and recognises that rising energy prices will put a further pressure on those who can least afford it.

    

   Council recognises that everybody has a role to play in tackling poverty and reaffirms its commitment to continue to put tackling poverty at the heart of decision making and be a strong voice in ending the stigma around poverty.

    

   Signed by Councillor Chris Kane and Councillor Scott Farmer

    

   Answer

    

   Stirling Council and our community planning partners are committed to tackling poverty and inequality in all its forms.

    

   The work to review Locality Action Plans and develop a collaborative resource plan in response has been a significant development and will ensure that community planning partners continue to focus on joined up service delivery in our communities of greatest disadvantage. Performance on this work is monitored and reported to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Executive Board.

    

   The Council and its partner agencies are also very aware of those individuals and household groups who have been pushed into further inequalities by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. These include women, young people, people with disabilities, people from black and ethnic minority communities; and those on low incomes.

    

   Partners are responding to this evidence base with increasingly targeted activity across a range of strategic approaches and operational activity including:

    

   • Child Poverty Action Reporting.

      

   • Learning and Employability- with increased activity to support young people, parents from low income families and New Scots.

      

   • Advice and Income maximisation – to support people through benefit changes, food and fuel insecurity.

    

   37‌

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4c

   ON THE AGENDA

    

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

   MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER 2021 at 3.00 PM

    

   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 Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE Councillor Evelyn TWEED

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk) Sean Moffat, Assistant Analyst, ICT

   Islay Moore, Support Officer – Governance Owen O’Donnell Communications Officer

   Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment David McDougall, Governance Officer (Minutes)

    

   Also in Attendance

    

   Adam Haahr, 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.

    

   The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were present.

    

    

    

   SC453 REQUISITION

    

   Motion

    

   “Council has no confidence in Cllr Alasdair MacPherson as chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.

    

   Council resolves to remove Cllr MacPherson and appoint a new chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.”

    

   Moved by Councillor Neil Benny, seconded by Councillor Martin Earl.

    

   Amendment

    

   The direct negative was moved by Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, seconded by Councillor Scott Farmer.

    

   For the Motion Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alastair Berrill

   Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh

    

   Against the Motion

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Jim Thomson Councillor Alasdair Tollemache Councillor Evelyn Tweed

    

   Not Voting

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Chris Kane Provost Christine Simpson

    

   The motion fell by 10 votes to 9 votes, with 4 Members not voting.

    

   Decision

    

   Council had confidence in Councillor Alasdair MacPherson as chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.

    

    

    

   Council did not resolve to remove Councillor MacPherson and appoint a new chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.

    

   The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.45 pm

    

   41‌

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

   THIS ITEM RELATES

   TO ITEM 4d

   ON THE AGENDA

    

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

   MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER 2021 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 Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Adam Boey, Service Manager – Business Planning & Performance Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance

   Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing

   Hayley Cleland, Leader Officer, Learner Journey, Schools and Learning Charlie Croft, Marketing & Tourism Manager

   Martin Dalziel, Team Leader for External Communications Lisa Dunlop, Service Manager Organisational Development

   Wendy Forrest, Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement (HSCP) Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance

   Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Nick Hyde, Service Manager – Strategic Commissioning Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

   Graham Lyle, Digital, IT & Customer Manager Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk) Elaine McNicol, Team Leader – Quality Assurance

   Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance

   Steven MacDonald, Service Manager – Economic Growth, Culture, Tourism & Events Lyndsay MacNair, Covid Recovery Manager

   Sean Moffat, Assistant Analyst

   Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (Chief Education Officer) Islay Moore, Support Officer – Governance

   George Murphy, Accounting Operations Manager Gordon O’Connor, Service Manager - Audit

   Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities Simon Payne, Procurement Specialist

   Bruce Reekie, Senior Manager – Environment & Place Tom Rennie, Service Manager – Transformation Lead

   Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Lesley Sheasby, Team Leader – Quality Assurance

    

    

    

   Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer) Carolyn Wyllie, Head of Community Health & Care (HSCP) David McDougall, Governance Officer (minutes)

    

   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 asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were in attendance except for Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

    

   The Provost stated her intention to alter the order of the agenda and took the items in the order noted below.

    

   SC454 APOLOGIES

    

   Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

    

   SC455 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   None.

    

   SC456 URGENT BUSINESS

    

   MEMBERSHIP OF PLANNING & REGULATION PANEL

    

   The Provost advised that she was bringing forward an item of urgent business requested by the Chief Officer – Governance in relation to the membership of the Planning & Regulation Panel.

    

   The urgent report from the Chief Officer – Governance advised Council of the resignation of five members of the Planning & Regulation Panel, which left the Panel with only four Members, which was below the minimum of five Members required for the Panel to form a quorum.

    

   The issue was considered urgent due to the need to secure the continued functioning of the Planning & Regulation Panel.

    

   Councillor Houston, seconded by Councillor Thomson, moved that Councillor McGill be appointed as an Administration Member of the Panel. Councillor McGill accepted the nomination.

    

    

    

   Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Houston, moved that Councillor Davies be appointed as an Opposition Member of the Panel. Councillor Davies accepted the nomination.

    

   Councillor Farmer, seconded by Councillor MacPherson, moved that Councillor Houston be appointed to the vacant role of Vice Chair of the Panel. Councillor Houston accepted the nomination.

    

   Raising a point of order, Councillor Gibson indicated that he would wish to abstain from the decision relating to the appointment of Councillor Davies to the Panel. The Provost, using her authority under Standing Order 5(c) to determine all questions of procedure where no specific provision was set out, advised that she would put the matter of each proposed appointment to the vote, to allow all Members to vote on each of the proposed appointments as they so wished.

    

   Motion

    

   “Appointment of Councillor Susan McGill to the Planning & Regulation Panel.” Moved by Councillor Graham Houston, seconded by Councillor Jim Thomson On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:-

   For the Motion (13) Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie

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

    

   Against the Motion (0)

    

   Not Voting (9) Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill

   Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh

    

   The motion was carried by 13 votes to 0 votes, with 9 Members not voting, and accordingly Councillor McGill was appointed to the Planning & Regulation Panel.

    

    

    

   Motion

    

   “Appointment of Councillor Robert Davies to the Planning & Regulation Panel.” Moved by Councillor Jim Thomson, seconded by Councillor Graham Houston On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:-

   For the Motion (9)

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Jim Thomson Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

    

   Against the Motion (0)

    

   Not Voting (13) Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh Provost Christine Simpson

    

   The motion was carried by 9 votes to 0 votes, with 13 Members not voting, and accordingly Councillor Davies was appointed to the Planning & Regulation Panel.

    

   The proposed appointment of Councillor Houston to the role of Vice Chair of the Planning & Regulation Panel was agreed unanimously without the need for a roll call vote.

    

   Decision

    

   Council agreed:-

   1. to appoint Councillor Susan McGill as an Administration Member of the Planning & Regulation Panel;

   2. to appoint Councillor Robert Davies as an Opposition Member of the Planning & Regulation Panel; and

   3. to appoint Councillor Graham Houston as Vice-Chair of the Planning & Regulation Panel.

 

 

 

SC457 MINUTES

 

The following minutes were submitted for approval:-

 

1. Stirling Council – Special – 21 October 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 21 October 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

2. Stirling Council – Special – 4 November 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 4 November 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

3. Local Review Body – 8 October 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 8 October 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

4. Parental Appeals Panel – 22 June 2021 Decision

The Minutes of the Parental Appeals Panel held on 22 June 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC458 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

8 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.

 

SC459 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 City Region Deal Joint Committee (Question regarding timescales for implementation of projects)

 

 

Councillor Farmer agreed to provide Councillor McDonald with timelines of CRD projects as they currently stood.

 

SC460 REPORT ON THE STIRLING COUNCIL CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS

 

The Stirling Council Contract Standing Orders (the “CSOs”) set out the procedure that all officers must follow for seeking, awarding and managing contracts for goods, services and works on behalf of the Council.

 

The purpose of this report was to advise Council of proposed changes to the CSOs and to seek Council’s approval for those.

 

Councillor Brisley advised that she had a motion which she wished to put forward to replace the recommendations contained in the report for this item. Councillor Laurie intimated she would second the motion. The key difference between the new motion and the original recommendations was an amendment to recommendation 1.2 to reduce the Committee approval threshold limit to a £750k contract value as opposed to the existing £1.5m contract value threshold. The motion also sought to add an additional fifth recommendation seeking to delegate authority to the Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Economy Committee and relevant opposition spokesperson, to work with officers to review the Financial Regulations with a report to then be brought to Council.

 

Concerns were raised by senior officers regarding the potential significant impact on Council business of lowering the Committee approval threshold as well as the suggested wording of the additional recommendation suggesting delegated authority to the Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Economy and relevant opposition spokesperson to review the Financial Regulations.

 

Following discussion regarding the potential impact and concerns around the proposed motion, the Provost agreed to adjourn the meeting to allow Members and senior officers to agree an appropriate proposal to put before Council.

 

The Provost adjourned the meeting at 11.00am

 

The Meeting reconvened at 11:20am, with all Elected Members, previously noted, present

 

Following the adjournment, Councillor Brisley advised that they had now agreed to amend the proposed motion, with a new proposed Committee approval threshold of

£1m, and an additional sixth recommendation, to review the decision at the next meeting of full Council, in order to get a sense of the impact of lowering the Committee approval threshold.

 

Following further discussion over concerns regarding the wording of the additional fifth recommendation, Councillor Brisley agreed to amend the wording to the effect that authority would be delegated to the Chief Officer – Finance to review the Financial Regulations, in consultation with Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Economy and relevant opposition spokesperson, with a report then coming back to Council.

 

 

 

The updated motion proposed by Councillor Brisley and seconded by Councillor Laurie was agreed unanimously.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. approve the proposed amendment of the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, and in particular to note the following changes:-

   1. the change to internal thresholds for service lead purchases from

      £5,000 to £10,000, while remaining subject to the Quick Quote procedure;

   2. for contracts of a value in excess of £1 Million, approval would be sought from the relevant committee or Council in advance of going to the market, providing members with a level of strategic control over the Council’s procurement process which is not currently afforded to them by the CSOs now in force. The contract award would be made by officers following evaluation in line with the award criteria; and

   3. contract awards would be reported to Elected Members via the Bulletin.

2. note that any increase in contract expenditure sought in excess of the initial approved contract value would require further approval from Committee or Council in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations;

3. note that these Contract Standing Orders would likely require further revision once new Procurement legislation was published by both the UK Government and Scottish Government as a result of the UK leaving the European Union;

4. note that Members would be advised via a Briefing Note to any future changes in the legislative financial thresholds which affect the award of contracts;

5. remit to the Chief Finance Officer to review Stirling Council’s Financial Regulations in consultation with the Finance & Economy Convener, Vice- Convener and Opposition Spokesperson, with a report to be brought back to a future meeting of Council; and

6. review the decision at the next meeting of Council.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 14 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC461 GENERAL FUND BUDGET STRATEGY UPDATE

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

1. note the contents of this update report;

    

2. use the information contained in the report as the basis for the development of initial budget strategy for 2022-23 and beyond; and

3. note that the figures were subject to change following the publication of Scottish Draft Budget on 9 December and Local Government Finance Settlement announcements on 20 December.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 30 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC462 STIRLING COUNCIL 2020-21 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

 

This report provided an overview of Stirling Council’s performance against its strategic aims and priorities for 2020-21. The report provided a summary of work undertaken across the last financial year, highlighting achievements and recognising the successes of Council Services. There was also a reflection on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The Annual Report also helped the Council to meet its duty of Best Value, in particular the requirements relating to Public Performance Reporting.

 

In response to a question from a Member regarding support for households facing extreme fuel poverty, the Chief Operating Officer for Communities and Performance confirmed significant resources had been put into support to help maximise individuals’ incomes. There were two officers working alongside partners in the third sector to provide support to individuals.

 

Following a question from a member regarding lack of appropriate wi-fi provision in schools to allow full utilisation of Chromebooks, the Interim Head of Education confirmed that considerable discussions had taken place regarding internet connectivity challenges and work was underway to address these issues. A briefing note on this progress had been provided to Children & Young People Committee Members, where the issue had also been raised and discussed.

 

In response to a request for information, the Chief Operating Officer for Communities and Performance confirmed they would be able to provide Councillor Davies with information relating to deaths and net migration.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the 2020-21 Annual Performance Report which listed achievements and reports performance against each of the Council’s six strategic priorities.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC463 STIRLING COUNCIL KEY PRIORITIES – PROGRESS UPDATE

 

This report provided an update on the progress of key priorities and sub-priorities. The Council Five-year Business Plan outlined the six key priorities that would help the organisationachieve 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 six key priorities.

 

In response to questions from Members, the Senior Manager for Infrastructure advised that work was ongoing on the regional energy masterplan which would identify projects for progression. There were also a range of projects coming through the Scottish Cities Alliance. The initial idea of establishing an energy utility company had not progressed as expected following initial business case considerations, but other projects would be taken forward under the regional energy masterplan.

 

In relation to the idea of a community owned private transport company, the Senior Manager for Infrastructure advised that the national picture had changed significantly post-Covid. There had been good progress with in-house ASN transport provision and the introduction of EV vehicles. There had also been good progress in increasing park and ride provision.

 

Responding to a query regarding the financial sustainability of the next bike scheme, the Service Manager for Public Transport & Sustainable Development confirmed this has been a very successful scheme supported by the Council and Transport Scotland along with funding allocated through the Forth Environment Scheme. They were looking to work in partnership with the University of Stirling to make this financially sustainable.

 

In response to a query regarding the possibility of a rent pressure zone, the Chief Officer – Housing advised that this had not been feasible as it was very onerous to implement. So far no local authorities in Scotland had managed to implement a rent pressure zone. There was an awareness at Scottish Government level that this may need to be looked at in future to make it easier for local authorities to consider and implement.

 

Responding to a question from a member, the Chief Officer – Finance confirmed that the output of the fundamental review of fees and charges would come forward as part of budget strategy discussions in advance of the budget-setting meeting.

 

Moving the recommendations in the report, the Council Leader noted his thanks to officers for all their hard work in taking these priorities forward.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note the progress made towards achievement of the service actions that contributed to the delivery of the Council’s Key Priorities by the completed activity at Appendix 1 to the report; and

2. note the actions due for completion in the final quarter of 2021-22.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 16 November 2021, submitted).

 

Councillor Oxburgh left the meeting during the previous item of business.

 

 

 

SC464 LOCAL GOVERNMENT BENCHMARKING FRAMEWORK (LGBF) 2019-20

 

This report presented the annual Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) performance indicators for the period 2019-20. The LGBF was a comparative benchmarking framework for use by all 32 Scottish councils providing a set of indicators that covered a range of service areas with an emphasis on costs, outcomes for service users and customer satisfaction.

 

In response to a question from a Member, the Interim Head of Education confirmed significant resources had been put in place for areas of poverty and deprivation in order to support the attainment gap caused by those issues.

Responding to a question from a Member, the Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement (HSCP/IJB) confirmed the support being provided to ensure carers felt supported to continue in their role. A lot of work had been done through the carers group and also through the carer transformation plan. They continued to work with carers to look at how best to support them. Progress had not been as quick as initially hoped due to the ongoing emergency covid status.

 

Responding to a query from a Member regarding the cost of pre-school education places, the Interim Head of Education advised that this query had been raised at Children & Young People Committee and a response was being prepared. It was noted that the figures for this did not take into account income generated through the provision of additional places.

 

Responding to a request for information, the Senior Manager for Environment and Place agreed to identify if local authority bridge comparison information was available and to advise Councillor Davies of this.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note that new indicators had been added by the LGBF Board to strengthen the suite of measures for 2019-20, which were detailed in section 1.6 of the report;

2. note the amendments made to existing indicators for 2019-20, which were explained in section 1.7 of the report;

3. note the summary of Stirling Council’s 2019-20 ranked performance compared to all other councils (national rank) and compared to family group councils (family group rank) at Appendix 3 to the report;

4. note the more detailed 2019-20 performance results for each LGBF indicator at Appendix 4 to the report; and

5. note that the LGBF results were published nationally by the Improvement Service and that a link would be published on the Council’s website. The Council’s 2019- 20 results (Appendices 3 & 4 to the report) would be published on the Council website.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 29 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC465 COVID-19 RESPONSE, RECOVERY AND RENEWAL

 

At the meeting of Stirling Council on 25 March 2021, the COVID-19 Recovery Plan was approved. This report updated Council on the progress of recovery and renewal.

 

 

Whilst there had been easing of restrictions, the Council continued to react to the challenges and changing demands for businesses, the Stirling economy and local residents, brought about as a result of the pandemic. The update on progress of the actions within the Recovery Plan was tabled at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

To aid recovery and support the reintroduction of services post COVID-19, it was important that the Council recruited the technical and professional resources required to deliver on the planned approach to recovery. While the pace of recovery would be influenced by national announcements and any further guidance, it was necessary that the Council was proactive in its approach to recruitment.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note the progress on performance of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan and associated actions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and

2. note the deployment of financial resource to support the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 25 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC466 STIRLING COUNCIL’S TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME

 

The purpose of this report was to provide an update on progress on Stirling Council’s Transformation Programme.

 

During 2021 a new Stirling Council Transformation Board was established to oversee the “Vital Few” transformation programmes that were taking place across the Council. This Board was chaired by the Chief Executive and included the Chief Operating Officers and Chief Officers.

 

The vital few programmes included Workplace Recovery; Target Operating Model; ERP; Climate Emergency Planning; Waste Transformation; Social Care Replacement System; and Legal Case Management & Democratic Services Systems. Updates on all of these programmes were provided.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the progress on Stirling Council’s transformation programme;

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 11 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC467 CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – AUGUST 2023

 

This report outlined a significant opportunity to use an event of national and international significance to help drive Stirling’s recovery from the social and economic impacts of Covid-19 and to significantly contribute to the delivery of several of the Council’s key strategies.

 

 

 

The proposal was that Stirling would host a major cycling event as part of the UCI Cycling World Championships 2023. A programme of activities built around this event would support significant achievement of Stirling’s economic and social objectives.

 

The paper sought authorisation from Council for Senior Officers to proceed with negotiations to secure this event for Stirling and for authorisation to make a funding contribution to the event from Stirling Council General Fund Reserves, should positive contractual terms be agreed.

 

Responding to questions from Members, the Senior Manager for Economic Development and Communities advised that the route of the event was still to be finalised and consultation was still to take place with communities. It was anticipated that the section of the A811 to be utilised for this event would be closed for the duration. They also aimed to work with a number of parties to make the event as environmentally sustainable as possible, including arrangements for participants and spectators to travel to and from the event.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. approve that the Chief Executive enter into negotiations with the UCI with a view to securing this event for Stirling;

    

2. delegate authority to the Chief Executive to negotiate and agree a suitable arrangement to host the event with the organisers of the UCI Cycling World Championships, and within the approved financial parameter as per recommendation 3, in consultation with the Community Planning & Regeneration Convener, Vice-Convener and Opposition Spokesperson;

    

3. approve an allocation of up to £350,000 from Stirling Council General Fund Reserves to secure this opportunity for Stirling and to develop a programme that ensured the wider economic, health and well-being benefits will be delivered; and

    

4. note that regular reporting of progress on this programme would be made to the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager, Economic Development and Communities, dated 29 November 2021, submitted).

    

   SC468 HYBRID MEETINGS SYSTEM

    

   This report sought the agreement of Council to adopt the practice of hybrid working whereby Council, Committee and Panel meetings could be accessed by participants and members of the public both remotely and in-person and asked Council to approve the delegation of authority to make any consequential amendments to Standing Orders. The report also sought to demonstrate the benefits of a hybrid meetings system in widening access to democracy.

    

   In recognition of recent and ongoing pandemic-related restrictions on in-person meetings, the immediate benefits of widening access to meetings by providing the technical means to enable a degree of in-person attendance while also supporting remote access were easily identifiable. While limitations remained on numbers of people who could appropriately be present in a meeting room, the capacity to enable some in-person attendance would represent a move towards the traditional, in-person meetings of pre-pandemic arrangements.

    

   Enabling hybrid meetings would, in the recovery period, allow for individual members, as well as members of the public, to make personal choices as to how to access Council, Committee and Panel meetings without a reduction in access or capacity to engage. Depending upon the length of the recovery phase, it could be that the introduction of a hybrid system would allow a quicker return for some to in-person meetings rather than the need to wait for a time when full elected member, officer and public in-person access can resume.

   In the longer term, members of the public and elected members would have improved flexibility and choice as to how and when they access Council business, improving access to and engagement with local democracy. This would build upon the improved access already provided to the public as a consequence of the move to record and broadcast meetings.

    

   Decision

    

   Council agreed to:-

    

   1. adopt a hybrid working approach for all Council, committee and panel meetings; and

       

   2. delegate to the Chief Officer – Governance, authority to make any changes required to the Council’s Standing Orders as a consequence of implementing a hybrid meeting system.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance and Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 16 November 2021, submitted).

 

The Provost adjourned the meeting at 1.30pm in accordance with Standing Order 74 to allow for a comfort break.

 

The Meeting reconvened at 2.00pm, with all Elected Members present as previously noted, with the exception of Councillor Oxburgh.

 

SC469 DEPUTATIONS PROCEDURE

 

At a meeting on 24 June 2021, Council considered a petition which proposed the introduction of a deputations process to enable groups to address Council and Committees. Council determined to delegate to the Chief Officer – Governance, in consultation with the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council, Leader and Depute Leader of the Opposition, and Councillors Davies, Bennison and Tollemache to consider the introduction of a procedure to enable deputations to be considered and to report back to a future meeting of Council.

 

This report advised Council of the considerations and proposed the introduction of the draft Deputations Procedure which was attached as an appendix to the report.

 

 

 

A Deputations Procedure would provide an additional means of public access to that which was provided by the Petitions Process. Adoption of a Deputations Procedure would provide for public engagement directly with Council or Committee on items of business under consideration at the relevant meeting. The existing Petitions Process allowed for any matter to be brought before Council or a Committee subject to certain criteria being met (for example, in the case of a petition from citizens at least 40 signatures are required).

The proposed Deputations Procedure supported wider access to Council and Committee business by enabling groups to make a deputation on an item of business which was already scheduled to go to a Committee or Council. Where a group wished to make a deputation, there was no need for further public support to be confirmed, and, subject to limitations set out in the draft procedure, the group would be invited to address the Council or Committee at the relevant meeting.

It was proposed that a 12-month review period would be applied at the end of which officers could consider how the Deputations Procedure had been utilised, and whether the procedure should be amended in light of experience.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. approve the Deputations Procedure attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

2. approves the inclusion of the Deputations Procedure attached as Appendix 1 to the report in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation;

    

3. delegate to the Chief Officer – Governance authority to amend the Deputations Procedure to take account of any change to meeting arrangements; and

    

4. apply a 12-month review period after which officers would report back to Council on the functioning of the Deputations Procedure along with any proposed amendments.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 16 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC470 AUDIT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

 

This report presented the Audit Committee Annual Report 2020-21 for consideration by the Council. The Audit Committee approved the Annual Report for submission to the Council at its meeting on 4 November 2021.

Preparation of an Annual Report by the Audit Committee demonstrated compliance with best practice guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) in its publication titled ‘Audit Committees: Practical Guidance for Local Authorities and Police’.

 

This best practice guidance required the Audit Committee to report on its work, at least annually, to the Council (as ‘those charged with governance’) and to demonstrate the performance and discharge of its remit and functions as set out in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.

 

 

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note and take assurance from the Audit Committee Annual Report 2020-21 at Appendix 1.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC471 GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN 2021-2026

 

The purpose of this report was to present to Council the draft Gaelic Language Plan 2021-2026.

 

Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, Stirling Council had prepared a Gaelic Language Plan. The report, and the draft plan attached as appendix 1 to the report, set out how Stirling Council would support the development of Gaelic culture and language.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. note the contents of the Gaelic Language Plan; and

2. approve the draft plan for submission to the Scottish Government.

 

(Reference: Report by Interim Head of Education Schools, Learning and Education, dated 10 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC472 GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2021/22

 

The purpose of this report was to request Council approval for budget virements within the General Services Capital Programme for 2021/22. In terms of the Council’s financial regulations, a capital budget virement in excess of £250,000 required approval of Council (FR 5.12).

 

The General Services Capital Programme 2021/22 Progress Report presented to Finance and Economy Committee on 25 November 2021, reported an expected underspend and included, within Appendix 2 to that report, a number of options for potential advancement of programme spending.

 

The Committee was asked to discuss this proposed list of additional projects and to make a recommendation to Council for the urgent delivery of these projects. These projects would be considered for funding in 2022/23 or in subsequent years, and a commensurate value of projects deferred from the current financial year would require to be matched against programme resources in the 2022/23 financial year to maintain programme affordability.

 

The roads resurfacing proposals amounted to £300,000, and therefore the Finance and Economy Committee remitted approval for a decision for this virement to a meeting of Stirling Council in terms of paragraph 5.12 of the Financial Regulations.

 

 

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note and approve the virement of £0.300M in respect of the roads resurfacing projects as detailed at paragraph 2.6 of the report, as recommended by the Finance & Economy Committee at its meeting of 25 November 2021.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 29 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC473 COMMON GOOD FUNDS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2020/21

 

This report asked the Council to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2021, and provided an update on the ongoing review of the small charitable trusts administered by the Council.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2021.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC474 CHARITABLE TRUSTS ADMINISTERED BY STIRLING COUNCIL - REPORT TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE ON THE 2020/21 AUDIT

 

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

 

Decision

 

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 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC475 STIRLING COUNCIL AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2020/21

 

This report outlined the key features of the financial position displayed in the 2020/21 audited accounts, incorporating a brief overview of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA) revenue and capital outturn positions as at 31 March 2021. It also asked the Council to note the Audited Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2021.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2021.

 

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC476 ANNUAL REPORT TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE AND THE CONTROLLER OF AUDIT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

 

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

 

Decision

 

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 Annual Audit Report; and

    

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

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC477 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 39

 

1. Bus Service

    

   Whilst understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of bus services in the Stirling council area, the council recognises the severe impact the unreliable and infrequent services are having on our communities. Council requests the leader of the council:

    

   1. To urgently convene a meeting of representatives of the political parties (represented within the council) and the independent councillor with relevant officers to put together an action plan.

       

   2. To write to the Scottish Government requesting their urgent intervention to protect vital bus services.

 

Signed by Councillor Alasdair Tollemache and Councillor Maureen Bennison

 

Decision

 

Council agreed:-

 

Whilst understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of bus services in the Stirling council area, the council recognised the severe impact the unreliable and infrequent services are having on our communities. Council requested the leader of the council:

 

 

1. To urgently convene a meeting of representatives of the political parties (represented within the council) and the independent councillor with relevant officers to put together an action plan.

    

2. To write to the Scottish Government requesting their urgent intervention to protect vital bus services.

 

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 Paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

 

SC478 ASHFORD HOUSE CARE HOME

 

The purpose of this Report was to provide Council with current information and an update on the situation at the time of writing at Ashford House Care Home.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. note the content of this report, and in particular the service implications for the Council given the possible requirement for the Council, via the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to operate Ashford House Care Home for a minimum nine month period;

    

2. note the potential financial implications for the Council but that this would be partially offset by the termination of payments to Mauricare (Drumpark) Ltd;

    

3. note that officers would work with the landlord of Ashford House Care Home to identify alternative suitable care providers to take over the operation of the home;

    

4. note that officers would develop plans for the decommissioning of the service if no suitable alternative care provider is identified; and

    

5. approve the delegation to the Chief Executive of the following power:-

 

“To determine, in accordance with any policy direction of the Council, a scheme for the payment of such sundry expenses as may be thought necessary by the Chief Executive to retain existing care staff and to help attract job entrants into the care sector.”

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer Finance Clackmannanshire & Stirling HSCP & Integration Joint Board, dated 30 November 2021, submitted).

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.20pm

 

 

 

APPENDIX 1

 

Questions in Terms of Standing Order 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX 2

 

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

 

1. Bus Services

Whilst understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of bus services in the Stirling council area, the council recognises the severe impact the unreliable and infrequent services are having on our communities. Council requests the leader of the council:

 

1. To urgently convene a meeting of representatives of the political parties (represented within the council) and the independent councillor with relevant officers to put together an action plan.

    

2. To write to the Scottish Government requesting their urgent intervention to protect vital bus services.

    

   Signed by Councillor Alasdair Tollemache and Councillor Maureen Bennison

    

   Answer Advice Note

   Bus services across the area have experienced reliability issues, which has had an impact on service users that depend on public transport to access work, employment and appointments. Short notice cancellations on commercial routes have resulted in disruption for passengers, with limited communication from operators.

    

   All bus services are registered with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, and it is the role of the Traffic Commissioner to ensure they comply with their registered services and statutory obligations.

    

   Stirling Council have no responsibility for the operation of commercial bus services, or any direct influence over these services or the operator.

    

   The Council has no power to prevent a commercial operator reducing, or ceasing a commercial service.

    

   Operators are required to provide a 70 day public notice period to the Officer of the Traffic Commissioner, before any service can be changed. This includes a 4 week consultation period with the local authority. This notice period can be reduced if support is given by the local authority. Since the end of lockdown restrictions, the Council have not supported any requests for reductions in notification periods where there is a detrimental impact on service users, due to the recognised impacts these reductions have on our communities.

    

   Officers from Stirling Council’s Public Transport team have been in regular contact with bus companies to identify areas of concern and understand what action the operators are taking to operate to their published timetables.

    

   71 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

   TO ITEM 4e

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

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

   MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER 2021 at 2.00 PM

    

   Present:

   Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

    

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

   Councillor Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance

   Mark Easton, Lead Solicitor - Commercial & Property Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor – Governance Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer

   Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Richard Hayes, Service Manager - Operations

   Maria Lucey, Team Leader – Roads & Land Services

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

   Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)

   Lesleyann Burns, Support Officer

   Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Minutes)

    

   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.

    

   The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed the Members who were present.

    

    

    

   SC479 APOLOGIES

    

   Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Margaret Brisley and Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

    

   SC480 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   SC481 STIRLING COUNCIL BRIDGE CONDITION REPORT

    

   At a Special Meeting of Council held on 21 October 2021, Council considered an update report on Branshogle and Catter Burn Bridges and agreed that officers would bring forward a report to a further Special Meeting.

    

   The Senior Manager – Environment & Place introduced his report which presented an overview of the condition of the Council’s bridge assets associated with the public road network and provided details of ongoing work to develop a bridges and structures asset management plan.

    

   The report highlighted that the Council’s road network and its supporting structure was the largest and most visible community asset for which the Council was responsible. Bridges and other highway structures were fundamental to the transport infrastructure.

    

   As part of the roads network, the Council was responsible for maintaining 319 bridge assets associated with the public road network. Defects could be caused by a number of factors and these were summarised in Appendix 1 to the report.

    

   Officers detailed the distinctions between principal and general inspections, which were used to calculate a Bridge Stock Condition Index (BCI). Rating bands and scorings calculated within the BCI were set out in the report.

    

   The report provided details of inspection regimes and maintenance plans.

    

   Officers provided information on individual bridges where concerns were raised by local ward Members. It was noted and acknowledged that some resources had required to be redirected to focus on the rebuild of Branshogle and Catter Burn bridges.

    

   Discussion took place on weight restricted bridges and how restrictions could be better enforced. Officers agreed to discuss options for enforcement with Police Scotland, however it was noted that resources were limited.

    

   Consultants were continuing to develop a bridges and structures asset management plan which would review how investment levels could improve the condition of bridges and structures in the medium to long term and it was proposed that this plan be used to provide an annual update on the conditions of the Council’s bridges and structures to the Environment & Housing Committee.

    

    

   Decision

    

   Council agreed:

   1. to note the contents of the report; and

   2. that the Environment & Housing Committee receives an annual update on the condition of Stirling Council’s bridges and structures through an asset management plan.

      (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Environment & Place, dated 7 December 2021, submitted).

       

      The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.05 pm

      74

      75‌

       

      STIRLING COUNCIL

      THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4f

      ON THE AGENDA

       

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

      MICROSOFT TEAMS on FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER 2021 at 10.00 AM

       

      Present:

      Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

       

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

      Councillor Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

      Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

       

      In Attendance

       

      Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

      Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance David McDougall, Governance Officer (Minutes)

      Mark Henderson, Senior Media Officer, External Communications Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance

      Charlene Mitchell, Principal Teacher, Health & Wellbeing and Parental Engagement Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (CEdO)

      Islay Moore, Support Officer – Governance

      Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Marie Valente, Senior Manager (CSWO)

      Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)

       

      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.

       

      The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were present, with the exception of Councillors Brisley and Tweed whose apologies were noted.

       

       

       

      SC482 REQUISITION

       

      Motion

       

      “Council Notes the Scottish Government Health & Wellbeing Survey and the controversial nature of some of the questions it contains.

       

      Notes that a number of other councils have declined to use the survey on a variety of grounds.

       

      Agrees to urgently hold a special meeting of the Children and Young People committee as soon as possible to consider the following matters:

       

      1. Why the survey is necessary in Stirling

      2. What questions will be asked by which year groups in schools

      3. Who will see the data that is being collected

      4. What use will be made of the data

      5. What data protection measures will be in place”

    

   Moved by Councillor Bryan Flannagan, seconded by Councillor Neil Benny

    

   Decision

    

   The motion was agreed unanimously and Council noted the Scottish Government Health & Wellbeing Survey and the controversial nature of some of the questions it contained.

    

   Council noted that a number of other councils had declined to use the survey on a variety of grounds.

    

   Council agreed to hold an urgent special meeting of the Children and Young People committee as soon as possible to consider the following matters:

    

   1. Why the survey is necessary in Stirling

   2. What questions will be asked by which year groups in schools

   3. Who will see the data that is being collected

   4. What use will be made of the data

   5. What data protection measures will be in place

    

   The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 10.45 am

   77 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

   TO ITEM 4g

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the AD-HOC SCRUTINY PANEL on ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY 2 FEBRUARY

   2022 at 11.00 am

    

   Present

   Councillor Maureen BENNISON (Chair, to 11.45 am) Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE (Chair, from 11.45 am)

    

   Councillor Rob DAVIES

   Councillor Danny GIBSON (from Item AB15)

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY (Substitute)

    

   In Attendance

    

   Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Dan Hartles, Team Leader – Community Safety Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

   Steven McCabe, Service Co-ordinator – Housing (Management & Development)

   Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (CEdO)/Independent Lead Officer to Panel Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk)

    

   Also Present

    

   Chief Inspector Gill Marshall, Police Scotland

    

   Recording Started.

    

   The Chair welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. She updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

    

   AB12 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    

   Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Bryan Flannagan. Councillor Alastair Majury was present as his substitute.

    

   AB13 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

    

   AB14 MINUTES – 18 JANUARY 2022

    

   Decision

    

   The Minutes of Meeting held on 18 January 2022 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

   Due to technical difficulties being experienced by the Chair, and by agreement of the Panel, Councillor Tollemache took the Chair from 11.45 am, during discussion of the following item. Councillor Bennison continued to be present for the entire meeting.

    

   AB15 REVIEW OF HOUSING AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR RELATED POLICIES

    

   A report by the Independent Lead Officer summarised actions agreed and discussed at the previous meeting of the Panel held on 18 January 2022, provided further information as requested by the Panel and identified areas agreed for consideration by Panel members at this meeting.

    

   The Scottish Government’s Social Housing Allocations in Scotland: A Practice Guide February 2019 was attached as an appendix to the report.

    

   Following discussions between the Chair and the Independent Lead Officer, it was proposed that the final report to Council would include:-

    

   • A report on the feedback from consultation processes and recommendations to develop policy/guidelines on local processes for streamlined evictions and sensitive lets; and

      

   • Consideration of additional housing points for the victims of anti-social behaviour when the Housing Allocations Policy was reviewed this year.

    

   The Panel welcomed Inspector Gill Marshall who provided information on partnership working on anti-social behaviour. Officers also provided information in relation to working with Registered Social Landlords.

    

   Officers provided an update on responses to the Engage Platform survey.

    

   Panel members were keen to engage with tenant representatives of the Housing Advisory Group (HAG) and it was agreed that a special meeting of HAG be arranged for that purpose.

    

   Actions Agreed:-

    

   1. Noted - information on partnership working with Police and Registered Social Landlords.

       

   2. Noted – updates provided on the consultation processes including plans for consultation with members of the Housing Advisory Group.

       

   3. That a special meeting of the Housing Advisory Group be arranged to provide an opportunity for Panel Members to engage with tenant representatives.

       

       

       

   4. That officers commence the production of the report to Council based on the matters detailed in paragraph 2.1 of the report and to augment this with the outcome of the survey and meeting with Housing Advisory Group once that information was available.

       

   5. Increase promotion and awareness of Engage Platform survey.

       

   6. Information to Panel Members:-

       

      • Offline discussion with Councillor MacPherson on joint tenancies, with a note on the subject provided to all Panel Members.

         

      • Evictions in the event of a tenant breaking their tenancy agreement in relation to a conviction.

    

   (Reference – Report by Interim Head of Education (CEdO)/Independent Lead Officer to the Panel dated 26 January 2022, submitted).

    

   The Chair declared the Meeting closed at 12.15 pm.

    

   81 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

   TO ITEM 4h

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the APPOINTMENTS PANEL held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on MONDAY 31 JANUARY 2022 at 2.00 pm

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Neil BENNY

   Councillor Margaret BRISLEY (in the Chair from Item AT85) Councillor Scott FARMER

   Councillor Chris KANE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Pamela Forsyth, HR Business Partnering Manager Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer (to Item AT85) Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (to Item AT85)

    

   The recording started.

    

   AT84 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

    

   The Panel unanimously agreed to appoint Councillor Margaret Brisley as Chair.

    

   AT85 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   The Panel resolved that under Section 50(A) 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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

    

   The recording stopped.

    

   AT86 APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF PEOPLE & COMMUNITY WELLBEING - SHORTLISTING

   The vacancy had been advertised on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk with a closing date of 14 January 2022. A total of 25 applications had been received and the Appointments Panel received comprehensive shortlisting packs in advance of the meeting. The Panel considered the applications received against the criteria for the post.

    

    

   Decision

    

   The Panel agreed:-

    

   1. to invite candidates 7, 10, 11, 17 & 20 to interview on 10 February 2022;

       

   2. the opening question and set questions to be asked of all the candidates will be provided by the HR Business Partnering Manager on the day of the interviews.

    

   The Chair declared the meeting closed at 3.45 pm

   83 THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4i‌

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the APPOINTMENTS PANEL held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2022 at 9.30 am

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Neil BENNY Councillor Scott FARMER Councillor Chris KANE

   Councillor Susan McGILL (in the Chair from Item AT88)

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Pamela Forsyth, HR Business Partnering Manager Owen O’Donnell, Communications Officer (to Item AT88) Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (to Item AT88)

    

   The recording started.

    

   AT87 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

    

   The Panel unanimously agreed to appoint Councillor Susan McGill as Chair.

    

   AT88 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of Elected Members present.

    

   The Panel resolved that under Section 50(A) 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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

    

   The recording stopped.

    

   AT89 APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF EDUCATION/CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER - SHORTLISTING

   The vacancy had been advertised on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk with a closing date of 28 January 2022. A total of three applications had been received and the Appointments Panel received comprehensive shortlisting packs in advance of the meeting. The Panel considered the applications received against the criteria for the post.

    

    

   Decision

    

   The Panel agreed:-

    

   1. to invite candidates 1 and 2 to interview on a date to be arranged;

       

   2. the opening question and set questions to be asked of all the candidates will be provided by the HR Business Partnering Manager on the day of the interviews.

       

      The Chair declared the meeting closed at 10.15 am

      85 THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4j‌

      ON THE AGENDA

       

      MINUTES of MEETING of the APPOINTMENTS PANEL held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2022 at 9.45 am

       

      Present

       

      Councillor Neil BENNY

      Councillor Scott FARMER (in the Chair from Item AT92) Councillor Chris KANE

       

      In Attendance

       

      Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

      Pamela Forsyth, HR Business Partnering Manager Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer (to Item AT92) Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (to Item AT92)

       

      The recording started.

       

      AT90 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

       

      Apologies had been received from Councillor Margaret Brisley, who had been appointed as Chair at the previous meeting on 31 January 2022. As shortlisting had already taken place, there was no provision for substitution.

       

      AT91 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

       

      In the absence of Councillor Brisley, the Panel unanimously agreed to appoint Councillor Scott Farmer as Chair.

       

      AT92 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

       

      There were no declarations of interest.

       

      The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of Elected Members present.

       

      The Panel resolved that under Section 50(A) 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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

       

      The recording stopped.

       

      AT93 APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING – INTERVIEWS

       

      The Panel interviewed five short leeted candidates.

       

       

      The interview process consisted of a pre-interview set question, on which candidates were asked to prepare a 10 minute presentation, followed by a series of set questions.

       

      Decision

       

      The Panel unanimously agreed to offer the post of Head of People and Community Wellbeing to the second candidate interviewed.

       

      The Chair declared the Meeting closed at 4.30 pm

      87‌

      THIS ITEM RELATES

      TO ITEM 4k

      ON THE AGENDA

       

      STIRLING COUNCIL

       

      MINUTES of MEETING of the AUDIT COMMITTEE held via MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022 at 10.00 am

       

      Present

       

      Councillor Martin EARL (Convener)

       

      Councillor Neil BENNY Councillor Graham HOUSTON Councillor Alison LAURIE

      Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

       

      In Attendance

       

      Stephen Clark, Chief Officer - Housing

      Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

      Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance Sean Moffatt, ICT Analyst

      Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education - Schools, Learning & Education Gordon O’Connor, Audit Service Manager

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

      Brian Richardson, Finance Business Partner

      Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer)

      Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk & Minutes)

       

      Also Present

       

      Andrew Wallace, Audit Scotland, External Auditor

       

      Recording of Meeting started

       

      Prior to commencement of business, the Convener welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

       

      It was advised that the meeting was being broadcast live via the Stirling Council YouTube page and that a recording of the meeting would also be made publicly available on the Council’s YouTube page following the meeting.

       

      The Convener asked the Governance Officer to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

       

       

      AC255 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

       

      There were no apologies or substitutions.

       

      AC256 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

       

      There were no declarations of interest.

       

      AC257 URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CONVENER

       

      There were no items of urgent business.

       

      AC258 MINUTES OF MEETING – 4 NOVEMBER 2021

       

      The Minutes of Meeting of the Audit Committee held on 4 November 2021 were submitted for approval.

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to approve the Minutes of Meeting held on 4 November 2021 as an accurate record of proceedings.

       

      AC259 ROLLING ACTION LOG

       

      The Rolling Action Log was presented for review. Members were pleased to note that all actions were complete and could be removed.

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to note the Action Log and updates from Officers. (Reference – Rolling Action Log, submitted).

       

      AC260 RISK MANAGEMENT UPDATE

       

      The Audit Service Manager introduced a report by the Chief Officer - Governance which presented the current version of the Council’s Strategic Risk Register (SRR) and provided an update on strategic risk management arrangements. This was in line with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, which required the Audit Committee to consider the effectiveness of the Council’s risk management arrangements.

       

      The SRR had been updated to take account of concerns raised at the previous meeting of the Committee in respect of recruitment to social care.

       

      Members welcomed a review and re-evaluation of risk management arrangments currently being undertaken by the Corporate Management Team and noted that a report would be brought back to the first meeting following the May elections.

       

      Officers responded to a number of questions in relation to individual risks and undertook to provide further information where requested.

       

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to note and take assurance from work being undertaken to further develop risk management arrangements, including the Strategic Risk Register.

       

      (Reference - Report by Chief Officer - Governance dated 18 January 2022, submitted).

       

      AC261 INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATE REPORT

       

      A report by the Audit Service Manager provided a summary of the findings arising from the Internal Audit assignment finalised since the last meeting of the Audit Committee on 4 November 2021 and an update on work relating to action tracking.

       

      Members noted current resource limitations within the Internal Audit service and the steps being taken by management to resolve these and to recruit additional staff.

       

      Forth Valley and Lomond Leader (FVL) – Annual Review

       

      The operation of the programme was reviewed to assess compliance with the requirements of the Service Level Agreement and related technical guidance. No issues were identified that required recommendations for improvement action.

       

      The Audit Opinion was that comprehensive assurance could be given that, during the period covered by the annual report, 16 October 2020 to 15 October 2021, the FVL Leader Programme complied with the above and that the Council had properly undertaken the delegated functions specified in the Service Level Agreement as the ‘Accountable Body’ for the FVL Leader programme.

       

      Discussion took place on the Action Tracking Summary which was attached as Appendix 3 to the submitted report and officers undertook to provide further information where requested.

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to take assurance from:-

       

      1. the findings and conclusions arising from Internal Audit assignment completed since 4 November 2021; and

          

      2. the position in relation to action tracking work.

    

   (Reference - Report by Audit Service Manager dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC262 ALEOS AND STRATEGICALLY FUNDED BODIES: OVERVIEW OF GOVERNANCE REPORTING 2020/21

    

   A report by the Chief Officer - Governance provided the Committee with an overview of the governance reporting arrangements for each of the Council’s arm’s-length external organisations (ALEOs) and other strategically-funded bodies. At its meeting on 28 May 2019 the Committee agreed to receive such a report on an annual basis.

    

    

    

   The overview report was last reported to the Committee at its meeting on 26 November 2020.

    

   An Appendix to the report set out a list of ALEOs and strategically funded bodies, providing a summary of projected and actual funding for each, where relevant, along with details of the relevant Committee to which a report on each organisation was submitted.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note the ALEO and other strategically-funded bodies governance reporting framework summarised at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

    

   (Reference - Report by Chief Officer - Governance dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC263 CORPORATE FRAUD UPDATE

    

   The Audit Service Manager presented a report which provided an update on investigation work undertaken in relation to referrals received by the Corporate Fraud team since April 2021. This was in line with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation which required that the Audit Committee received and considered periodic reports on fraud, theft and irregular use of Council funds.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to take assurance from the work undertaken in relation to referrals received by the Corporate Fraud team since April 2021.

    

   (Reference - Report by Audit Service Manager dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC264 PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE (WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY) ANNUAL REPORT

    

   The Council’s Whistleblowing Policy was approved by the Finance & Economy Committee on 25 November 2021. This replaced the version previously approved by that Committee on 15 February 2018.

    

   A report by the Chief Officer – Governance advised that the Scheme of Delegation remitted responsibility for monitoring the Council’s policy on whistleblowing to the Audit Committee. In terms of the policy an annual report on whistleblowing activity should be presented to Audit Committee. The submitted report had been prepared to meet those requirements and covered the 12 months to 31 December 2021.

    

   One disclosure had been made to the Monitoring Officer, who had considered the matter but concluded that it did not fall within the Policy as other procedures had not been exhausted.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note and take assurance from:-

    

   1. the contents of this Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing Policy) Annual Report; and

      91

       

   2. the fact that the policy will be publicised to staff to raise awareness.

    

   (Reference - Report by Chief Officer - Governance dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC265 STIRLING COUNCIL EARMARKED RESERVES

    

   A report by the Interim Chief Officer - Finance provided detail on the individual balances held within the Council’s earmarked reserves, which had been prepared following discussion at the previous meeting of the Committee on 4 November 2021.

    

   Members noted that the high level of reserves was heavily impacted by Covid-19 funding.

    

   Officers responded to a number of questions on individual items. Members welcomed the information presented and noted that this would be presented to Committee on an annual basis.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note the individual balances held within the Council’s earmarked reserves.

    

   (Reference - Report by Interim Chief Officer – Finance dated 8 January 2022, submitted).

    

   Convener’s Remarks

    

   In noting that this was the final Audit Committee of the current Council administration ahead of the Local Government elections in May, the Convener recorded thanks to Members and officers for their efforts in bringing a wide range of reports to Committee.

    

   The Convener declared the Meeting closed at 11.20 am

    

   93‌

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4l

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the COMMUNITY PLANNING & REGENERATION COMMITTEE

   held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2022

   at 10.00 am

    

   Present

   Councillor Chris KANE (Convener)

    

   Councillor Douglas DODDS Councillor Scott FARMER

   Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON Councillor Susan MCGILL

    

   In Attendance

    

   Crawford Bell, Community Development Manager (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism)

   Stephen Clark, Chief Officer - Housing

   Wendy Forrest, Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement (Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership)

   Lesley Gallagher, Regeneration and Inclusive Growth Service Manager (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism)

   Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer

   Steven MacDonald, Economic Development Team Leader (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism)

   Lynne McKinley, Localities & Partnerships Co-ordinator (Communities and Performance) Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer - Communities and Performance

   Fiona McLean, Culture and Events Manager (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism) Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager - Economic Development, Culture & Tourism

   Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk) Louise McDonald, Committee Officer (Minutes)

    

   Also in attendance

    

   Vicky Williams – Team Leader, Sistema Scotland

   Dougie Porteous – Sport, Physical Activity and Inclusion Manager, Active Stirling

    

   Prior to the start of the meeting, the Convener welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   The Convener asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

    

    

    

   CR236 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    

   There were no apologies or substitutions.

    

   CR237 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   Councillor Susan McGill and Councillor Scott Farmer both declared a non-financial interest in item CR249 “Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol & Drug Partnership” as Members of the Clackmannanshire & Stirling Integration Joint Board.

    

   CR238 URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CONVENER

    

   There were no items of urgent business.

    

   CR239 MINUTES

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee that was held on 11 November 2021 were submitted for approval.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to approve the Minutes of the Meeting on 11 November 2021 as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

   CR240 ROLLING ACTION LOG

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee Rolling Action Log was submitted for review and approval.

    

   The following updates were agreed:

    

   CR102, CR111, CR140, CR199, CR211, CR224, CR227, CR229, CR235 - to be

   removed as complete.

   CR214 – officers to obtain clarity from the Convener on what detail was required. CR218– officers to obtain an update from Assets to be shared with Members.

   CR232 – to be removed as complete – Detail included in Item 14 (CR249) on the agenda.

   CR234 – to be removed as complete – Members received the update on 2 February 2022.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the Action Log and actions for removal.

    

    

    

   CR241 COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

    

   The report provided Committee with information on particular elements of Community Planning Partnership (CPP) activity. The report covered the discussion at the recent CPP Executive Board on the leadership role of CPPs in addressing Climate Change.

    

   The report also covered the Executive Board’s discussion on the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence and Stirling’s programme for the campaign.

    

   The Committee congratulated all the Officers on the work promoting the 16 Days of Action.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR242 PERFORMANCE & STRATEGIC PRIORITIES PROGRESS REPORT

    

   The report presented the recommended performance indicators to be used to measure and report on progress on Council priorities to the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee.

    

   The Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities provided Committee with an update on Stirling’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.

    

   The Committee thanked officers and partners for their hard work in pulling the bid together in a short time and highlighted that it was an inspiring process.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note performance of reported indicators within the Committee Scorecard.

    

   (Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 5 January 2022, submitted).

    

    

    

   CR243 FOOD FRAMEWORK

    

   The report provided an update on ongoing implementation of Stirling’s Food Framework.

    

   It was highlighted that through partnership working it would be hoped to identify gaps and gather evidence to tackle these, such as ensuring services were provided in a dignified way and reduced stigma.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR244 BIG NOISE FALLIN UPDATE

    

   The report provided information on the progress of the Big Noise Fallin project, delivered by Sistema Scotland as part of its partnership with Stirling Council.

    

   Vicky Williams, Team Leader at Sistema Scotland provided Committee with an update on the project and responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR245 ARCHIVES UPDATE

    

   The report provided an update on the plans and developments related to identifying and securing a new location for the Archives Service.

    

   Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 24 January 2022, submitted).

    

    

    

   CR246 GYPSY ROMA TRAVELLER HISTORY MONTH; JUNE 2022

    

   The report advised Committee of the intended process to support the Council and its community planning partners to take part actively in Gypsy Roma Traveller History month 2022. The report also updated Committee on ongoing action planning in relation to the national ‘Improving the Lives of Gypsy Travellers’ Report which was considered by Committee in June 2021.

    

   It was noted that officers would seek advice on the best way to include Members in the formation of the action plan.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to:

   1. note the proposed approach to Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month 2022; and

   2. note the ongoing work with the Community Planning Partnership to locally implement the Improving Lives of Gypsy Travellers report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR247 SPORT, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY LIVING STRATEGY UPDATE

    

   The report updated Committee on the implementation of the Sport, Physical Activity and Healthy Living Strategy, which had been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    

   Dougie Porteous, Sport, Physical Activity and Inclusion Manager with Active Stirling and the lead for the Sport Physical Activity and Healthy Living Strategy provided Committee with an update and responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR248 RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF AREA FORUMS

    

   The report outlined the results and themes from the consultation exercise carried out with Community Councils, Community Groups and other relevant organisations and individuals, on the question of re-establishing Area Forums.

    

   Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Committee agreed to include an additional recommendation for an update to be reported to the Committee around November 2022.

    

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to:

   1. note the report and its findings;

   2. note the data and themes emerging for the consultation exercise;

   3. note that a dedicated Officer would be appointed, for a fixed term period of one year, to lead on the re-establishment of Area Forums; and

   4. an update being reported to Committee around November 2022.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 25 January 2022, submitted).

    

   CR249 CLACKMANNANSHIRE AND STIRLING ALCOHOL & DRUG PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

    

   A report by the Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement updated Committee on the ongoing work of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol & Drug Partnership (ADP).

    

   Following a discussion around building primary care and mental health capacity to meet needs and having a range of professionals to support homeless colleagues, officers agreed to provide Members with a briefing note on the intentions of the support being put in place.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to:

   1. note the contents of the report; and

   2. continue to note and support the work of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol & Drug Partnership as part of the wider community planning partnership.

    

   (Reference: Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Health Improvement, Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, dated 6 January 2022, submitted).

    

   The Convener declared the Meeting closed at 11.50am

   99‌

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4m

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the LOCAL REVIEW BODY held as a VIRTUAL MEETING by MICROSOFT TEAMS on FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER 2021 at 10.00 am.

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Jim THOMSON (Chair) Councillor Margaret BRISLEY Councillor Graham HOUSTON

    

   In Attendance

    

   Richard Callender, Planning Adviser Ewan Grant, Legal Adviser

   Owen O’Donnell, Communications Officer Neil Pirie, Senior Development Control Officer Stephen Speirs, Development Control Officer Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk)

    

   Also Present

    

   Item LR190

    

   Stuart MacGarvie Agent for Applicant Item LR191

   Duncan Birrell, Modus Solutions Susan Dickson, Applicant

   Paul Houghton, Agent for Applicant

    

   Recording of meeting started

    

   Prior to commencement of business, the Chair welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   It was advised that the meeting was due to be broadcast live via the Stirling Council YouTube page, however as another meeting was taking place at the same time, the broadcast of this meeting would commence as soon as the other meeting had concluded. recording of the meeting will also be made publicly available on the Council’s YouTube page following the meeting.

    

   The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

    

    

   LR188 APOLOGIES

    

   There were no apologies or substitutions.

    

   LR189 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   LR190 APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

   ERECTION OF 4 DWELLINGHOUSES – LAND AT FORMER STOCKIEMUIR GUN SITE, BLANEFIELD – LEDCAMEROCH HOMES

   APPLICATION NO: 21/00191/FUL

    

   At its meeting held on 8 October 2021, Members considered a Notice of Review submitted by the Applicant’s Agent, seeking a review of the decision by the Appointed Officer of the Council to refuse planning permission for the erection of four dwellinghouses on land at the former Stockiemuir Gun Site, Blanefield.

    

   At that meeting, the Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was insufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

       

   2. that a further written submission be submitted by Stirling Council’s Transport Development Control Service setting out the rationale behind the recommendation that the existing access be closed and access to Queen’s View and Wayside Cottage be provided via the vehicular access serving the proposed development;

       

   3. that a Hearing take place to consider the information presented in the further written submission and any response made by the Applicant or their representative;

       

   4. that the matter be duly referred to a future meeting of the Local Review Body at which a Hearing would take place.

    

   The further written submission requested at (2) above had been received and was included with the Agenda papers, together with a response from the Applicant.

    

   Hearing

    

   The Chair outlined the procedure for a Hearing.

    

   The Planning Adviser described the proposal, the reasons for the Appointed Officer’s decision and the grounds for the Notice of Review, and answered a number of questions from Members. He provided a visual presentation which included location plans and photographs of the site.

    

    

   Agent

    

   Stuart MacGarvie, Agent for the Applicant, spoke in support of the application for review and his Hearing Statement which had been issued with the Agenda.

    

   Mr MacGarvie acknowledged that the issue under discussion related to the access. He advised that his client had spoken to the owners of neighbouring properties at Queens View and Wayside Cottage and that agreement had been reached with the owners of Queens View to close off their existing access and connect to the new internal access serving the proposed development.

    

   He advised that his client was agreeable to a Section 75 Agreement being attached to planning permission if granted and suggested that a permanent vehicular barrier could be constructed between the other neighbouring property.

    

   Mr MacGarvie responded to questions from Members. Senior Development Control Officer

   The officer presented his Hearing Statement which had been issued with the Agenda.

    

   He advised that concerns remained over the close proximity of the new access to the existing one. If all vehicle movements were concentrated to a single junction, which provided sufficient visibility and met other requirements, this would be acceptable.

    

   The views expressed aligned with both the findings of the independent Road Safety Audit and Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB) requirements applicable at the location.

    

   Mr Pirie responded to questions from Members.

    

   In terms of Standing Order 63, Councillor Jim Thomson, having moved to refuse the application but failing to find a seconder, requested that his dissent be recorded.

    

   Decision

    

   The Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was sufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

       

   2. that, having considered the Notice of Review and other supporting documents submitted by the Applicant and the other papers submitted by the Planning Authority, the further written submission, response and hearing statements, and having regard to the whole circumstances, to allow the Review and to grant planning permission, for the following reasons:-

       

      1. the proposal complies with Policy 1.1 (a) (i.e. that new development should be safely accessed) of the Stirling Local Development Plan in that following agreement of the owners of Queens View to utilise the proposed internal access road, only one property would now be served by the existing access, thereby reducing the road safety implications arising from the proximity of the existing and proposed vehicular accesses.

          

          

         and subject to:

          

         i) The prior conclusion of a section 75 agreement covering

          

         1. an off-site financial contribution for affordable housing, and

         2. the closure of the vehicular access from Queens View cottage to the A809 Drymen Road, such that only Wayside Cottage will access Drymen Road from the existing vehicular access.

          

         and subject to Conditions 1 to 11 as set out on pages 109-110 of the Agenda, and the following further conditions:-

          

         Condition 12:

          

         requiring construction traffic to enter and leave the site from the proposed new access.

          

         Condition 13

          

         In relation to the new access requiring the provision of advance warning signage and markings, to be designed in consultation with the Council’s Roads Service;

          

   3. to remit to officers to prepare and issue the Decision Notice.

    

   The meeting adjourned at 10.42 am.

    

   Recording stopped.

    

   The Meeting reconvened at 10.55 with the same Members present.

    

   Recording started.

    

   LR191 APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

   ERECTION OF 5 NO. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION UNITS, OFFICE, CAFÉ AND TOILETS (RETROSPECTIVE) – DRUMBRAE FARM, PENDREICH ROAD, BRIDGE OF ALLAN – SUSAN DICKSON

   APPLICATION NO: 20/00685/FUL

    

   At its meeting on 8 October 2021 Members considered a Notice of Review submitted by the Applicant’s Agent, seeking a review of the decision by the Appointed Officer of the Council to refuse planning permission for the erection of holiday accommodation units, etc. (retrospective) at Drumbrae Farm Pendreich Road Bridge Of Allan.

    

   At that meeting, the Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was insufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

    

    

   1. that further written submissions be submitted by Stirling Council’s Transport Development Control Service and the Applicant’s Traffic and Transportation Advisers setting out, with reference to relevant technical standards and road safety guidance, the respective rationales for :-

       

      1. the measurement of existing visibility at the junction of the access to Drumbrae Farm with the adjoining public road,

          

      2. the dimensions of the visibility splay that should be provided at the Drumbrae Farm access to serve the additional vehicular movements generated by the holiday accommodation development;

          

   2. that a Hearing take place to consider the respective positions presented by the Council’s Transport Development Control Officer and the Applicant’s Traffic and Transportation Advisers regarding existing junction visibility and visibility splay measurements;

       

   3. that the matter be duly referred to a future meeting of the Local Review Body at which a Hearing would take place.

    

   The further written submissions requested at (2) above had been received and were included with the Agenda papers, together with responses from each party.

    

   Hearing

    

   The Chair outlined the procedure for a Hearing.

    

   The Planning Adviser described the proposal, the reasons for the Appointed Officer’s decision and the grounds for the Notice of Review, and answered a number of questions from Members. He provided a visual presentation which included location plans and photographs of the site.

    

   Applicant’s representative

    

   Duncan Birrell of Modus Solutions spoke to his hearing statement which had been issued with the Agenda and which highlighted the difference in views with Council officers on the interpretation of the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB). It was suggested that a relaxation be sought in relation to the stopping sight distance on the road.

    

   Mr Birrell responded to questions from Members. Development Control Officer

   The officer spoke to his hearing statement which had been issued with the Agenda. He confirmed that it remained the opinion of the Council’s Transport Development Team that sufficient visibility splays could not be provided and therefore the proposed development represented an impact upon road safety.

    

   Mr Speirs responded to questions from Members.

    

   In terms of Standing Order 63, Councillor Margaret Brisley, having moved to refuse the application but failing to find a seconder, requested that her dissent be recorded.

    

    

   Decision

    

   The Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was sufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

       

   2. that, having considered the Notice of Review and other supporting documents submitted by the Applicant and the other papers submitted by the Planning Authority, the further written submissions, responses and hearing statements, and having regard to the whole circumstances, to allow the Review and to grant planning permission, for the following reasons:-

       

      That having taken account of the submitted speed survey report (September 2021), general geometry and alignment of Pendreich Road and absence of known road safety issues a reduction in junction visibility to the right when leaving the site, whilst not commensurate with the requirements set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, was acceptable in relation to the scale and nature of the holiday unit development and consequently, on balance, the proposal complies with Policy 1.1 (a) (i.e. that new devevlopment should be safely accessed) of the Stirling Local Development Plan;

      and subject to the following conditions:-

       

      1. The access shall be suitably drained to ensure no surface water or loose material is discharged from it out onto the public road.

          

      2. Within the curtilage of Drumbrae Farm a scheme of road markings and signage shall be provided on the approach to and threshold of the junction of the internal access road with the public road to provide advance warning to vehicle drivers leaving the site. Road markings shall accord with that specified in Regulation 25 (Give Way) of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002. Within two months of this decision notice a the scheme shall be submitted to and be approved by the planning authority, with the approved scheme carried out within two months of the date of approval.

          

      3. to remit to officers to prepare and issue the Decision Notice.

    

   The Chair declared the Meeting closed at 11.30 am

   105‌

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4n

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE held as a VIRTUAL MEETING

   on MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 2022 at 10.00 am

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Scott FARMER (Convener)

    

   Councillor Margaret BRISLEY Councillor Jane HUTCHISON Councillor Chris KANE

   Councillor Jeremy MCDONALD Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Mark Bryce, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

   Linda Hill, Regulatory Service Manager (Secondment) Alistair Jupp, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

   Caroline Logan, Police Scotland Gill Marshall, Police Scotland

   Stewart Nicholson, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Owen O’Donnell, Communications Officer

   Mandy Paterson, Police Scotland

   Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk) Louise McDonald, Committee Officer (Minutes)

    

   Recording of meeting started

    

   Prior to the start of the meeting, the Convener welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   The Convener asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

    

   The Convener noted that Police Scotland Area Commander, Gill Marshall, was moving role and would be replaced by Caroline Logan. The Convener thanked Gill for her diligence and her support to the Committee and wished her well. The Convener also welcomed Caroline to the meeting.

    

   The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Area Commander, Mark Bryce advised that Group Commander, Alistair Jupp, was moving role and would be replaced by Paul Cunningham who was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting. Mark also introduced the new Head of Group covering East of Scotland, Stewart Nicholson, to the meeting. The Convener thanked Alistair for his work and support to the Committee and welcomed Stewart to the meeting.

    

   PU203 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    

   There were no apologies or substitutions.

    

    

    

   PU204 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   PU205 URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CONVENER

    

   There were no items of urgent business.

    

   The Convener noted that Councillor Tollemache had requested for the recent march by anti-vaccination protesters to be raised at the meeting. The Convener confirmed that he had arranged for Gill Marshall to provide the meeting with a verbal update.

    

   The Convener also noted that Councillor McDonald had requested that an update on Storm Arwen be raised. The Convener advised that this was not urgent business and that there would be updates provided to relevant Committees when available.

    

   PU206 MINUTES – 28 October 2021

    

   Decision

    

   Committee agreed to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 October 2021 as a correct record of proceedings.

    

   PU207 ROLLING ACTION LOG

    

   PU200 to be removed as action complete.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note the content and updates to the Action Log.

    

   PU208 POLICE PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR STIRLING AREA: APRIL 2021 – AUGUST 2021

    

   The purpose of the report was to highlight matters in Stirling Area Command such as emerging trends and threats or particular successes and difficulties. The report covered the period from April 2021 to October 2021. Members were advised that some of the statistical data was not available at the time of the report being compiled and that five year average figures were not available for all measures.

    

   Gill Marshall provided on overview of the anti-vaccination protesters march and noted that no crimes had been reported against anyone who was involved in the march and the Thistle Shopping Centre had been given prior warning by Police Scotland. A decisionhad been made on the day by Police Scotland to allow the march to proceed under the grounds of public safety as challenging large groups of people could lead to public disorder and risk to the public. Officers were in attendance and they ensured control on the roadways. It was noted that the march was unauthorised and this required to be raised with the organisers but those taking part in the march were not doing anything illegal. It had not proved possible, however, to identify the organisers of the march. It was advised that Police Scotland would encourage anyone who felt that they had been impacted by the March to contact them.

    

   Following a Member query regarding Operation Compliment, specifically within Cowie, it was agreed that the Community Officer would be asked to provide further detail to Councillor Brisley.

    

   Decision

    

   Committee agreed to note the contents of the report and the associated tables. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, dated 29 November 2021, submitted)

    

   PU209 SCOTTISH FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE - SIX MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT APRIL 2021 – SEPTEMBER 2021

    

   The performance report provided information on Scottish Fire & Rescue Service prevention, protection, and operational response activities within the Stirling area for the period April 2021 – September 2021.

    

   It was advised that recruitment was ongoing and individuals had been identified and were going through the process.

    

   It was noted that the Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal (UFAS) Policy was delayed to 2023 to enable premise owners to look at their risk assessments and make necessary changes. It was agreed that the Public Safety Committee would require to identify an appropriate way to monitor the UFAS Policy going forward to ensure the policy was working.

    

   Decision

    

   Committee agreed to note the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service 6 Month Performance Report and the updated performance indicators.

    

   (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, dated 1 December 2021, submitted),

    

   The Convener declared the Meeting closed at 11.10am

   109‌

    

   Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 7

   Stirling Council Date of

   Meeting: 3 March 2022

   Not Exempt

   Discharge of Council Functions During the Pre-Election Period

    

    

    

   Purpose & Summary

   This report sets out the requirement for Stirling Council to avoid any politically partial publicity during the pre-election period in the run up to the Local Government Elections 2022. It proposes the dissolution of all Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels with the exception of a number of bodies as listed within the report, and the adoption of CE45 of the Scheme of Delegation, which sets out arrangements for determining urgent matters during periods when the Council is in recess.

    

   Recommendations

   Council is asked to agree:-

   1. to the dissolution of all Standing Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels with the exception of those groups as noted at paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3 below, with effect from 4 March 2022; and

   2. to the application of the delegation to the Chief Executive noted as CE45 – Additional Powers during Recess Periods, as set out in Appendix 7 to the Scheme of Delegation, during the period from the last scheduled Council meeting on 3 March 2022 and the local government elections on 5 May 2022.

    

   Resource Implications

   There are no financial or staffing implications as a result of the proposals set out in this report. There would be a time commitment involved for Members consulted as part of the exercise of delegated powers, and ongoing time commitment required from members on bodies which would continue to meet, as set out in this report.

    

   Legal & Risk Implications

   Pre-election guidance recommended by the Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) sets out requirements on the Council and Council officers to protect political neutrality in the pre-election period. The Council continues to function as an authority during the pre- election period, and Elected Members retain that position until the day of poll. Accordingly, arrangements must be in place to facilitate urgent and required business of Council. It is recognised in the EMB guidance that there is increased sensitivity about political neutrality in the pre-election period, and failure to properly recognise and mitigate this would risk reputational damage for the Council and could pose risk to individual officers whose political neutrality is required.

    

   1. Background

      1. The Local Government Elections will be held on Thursday 5 May 2022. The pre-election period will come into effect once the Notice of Election has been published on 14 March 2022. The main significance of the pre-election period is the need for heightened sensitivity around political partiality to ensure that public resources are not used in a way that might be perceived to prejudice the result of an election.

      2. To mitigate this risk, it is practice within Scottish local authorities to cease holdingmost meetings after a final Council meeting before the pre-election period. The Council’s programme of meetings was approved on this basis and the last Council meeting of this term is scheduled to take place on Thursday 3 March 2022.

      3. Generic guidance on pre-election periods, based on similar guidance previously issued on behalf of the EMB, will be circulated to all Elected Members and staff prior to the commencement of the pre-election period. Although Council business can continue as normal throughout the pre- election period, the manner in which this is effected should take account of the EMB guidance.

          

   2. Considerations

      1. The responsibility for ensuring that a Council complies with its obligations remains with individual authorities. The recommendation from the Chief Executive and the Chief Officer - Governance is that the Council’s normal practice of stopping all but urgent and statutory business in the period before a local government election should continue.

      2. This would require Council to approve the dissolution of all Standing Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels effective from 4 March 2022 with the exception of those with a statutory requirement to meet or of a quasi-judicial nature, which are:-

         1. Planning & Regulation Panel;

         2. Local Review Body;

         3. Pre-Determination Hearing Committee;

         4. Parental Appeals Panel;

         5. Appeals Panel;

             

             

         6. Appointments Panel; and

         7. Grievance and Discipline Panel.

      3. It is also proposed that the following Joint Committees/Boards on which Members of Stirling Council sit, would continue into the pre-election period as needed, with current Member appointments remaining in place. This will minimise delay to the business of those Committees/Boards, which are:-

         1. The Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board (IJB); and

         2. The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD) Joint Committee.

      4. The District of Stirling Licensing Board is a separate body constituted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Accordingly, the Council is not required to dissolve the Licensing Board. The Licensing Board may continue to meet in the pre-election period to determine licensing applications and related business in exercise of its quasi-judicial functions.

         Delegation of Additional Powers to the Chief Executive

      5. It is not anticipated that there will be any major policy or resourcing issues to be determined by Council in the pre-election period before the May 2022 Elections. It is suggested, however, that in order to avoid the need for special meetings of council, that the Council should make arrangements for the discharge, in urgent circumstances, of its functions in so far as these are not already delegated to Officers.

      6. The Council has in place a delegation to the Chief Executive which provides additionalpowers to determine urgent matters during periods when the Council is in recess. The Chief Executive exercises this delegation in consultation with the relevant Elected Members. A meeting of the relevant committee or of special council can be called if required. Application of the existing delegation CE45 is restricted to those matters which are not specifically reserved to Council, as set out at Appendix 1 to the Scheme of Delegation.

      7. The terms of CE45 are as follows:

         1. in respect of urgent matters where a policy decision has already been taken by Council and where budget or other financial provision exists, the Chief Executive/appropriate Chief Operating Officer will consult the Provost/Depute Convener of Council, relevant Portfolio Holder and Convener of the appropriate Committee, a relevant Opposition Member, and, as appropriate, the Leader of the Council before a decision is taken. Where possible, a meeting comprising the appropriate persons will be arranged through Democratic Services and a note of the meeting will be recorded; and details of decisions taken will be submitted for the information of Council/Committees (as appropriate) following the recess; and

         2. in respect of urgent matters where a decision is required which involves new policy or a change to existing policy, or incurring expenditure not already provided for, the Chief Executive/appropriate Chief Operating Officer will consult the Clerk to the Council and, if required, the Provost/Depute Convener of Council or Convener of the appropriate Committee and a relevant Opposition Member will agree a special meeting of Council or the Committee concerned.

             

             

      8. To ensure transparency of the exercise of this power, details of decisions taken in exercise of this delegation will be reported to Council following the local government election.

      9. As the positions of Provost, Depute Convener, Portfolio Holder, Committee Convenerand Leader of the Council, as mentioned in the CE45 Delegation, are appointed by Council, the holders of these positions remain as such notwithstanding the dissolution of Committees. The holders of these positions, along with a relevant Opposition Member, will, as required, be consulted in the use of the delegation.

         Other Meetings

      10. Additional meetings of the Planning & Regulation Panel will be arranged as required to meet planning and licensing processing requirements.

      11. A meeting of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board (IJB) is scheduled to be held on 23 March 2022. Further meeting dates for the IJB and its committees have been agreed by the IJB, and take account of the local government election.

      12. A meeting of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD) Joint Committee is scheduled to be held on 22 March 2022. CRD Joint Committee Standing Orders require the Joint Committee meet at least once every three months, requiring that a further meeting be scheduled to take place by 22 June.

      13. All of the other bodies/Panels that have not been dissolved (as set out at paragraph 2.2 above) will meet on an ‘as required basis’, with meeting dates being set following consultation with their membership. Similarly, the Licensing Board may continue to meet (as set out at paragraph 2.4 above).

      14. If an urgent matter arises which relates to those matters reserved to Council by statute, the Chief Officer – Governance will consult with Group Leaders and will seek the instruction of the Provost to convene a special meeting of Council.

       

   3. Implications

      Equalities Impact

      1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required.

         Fairer Scotland Duty

      2. In preparing the contents of this report, in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty, due regard has been given to reducing inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage, and any such impacts in respect of the proposals set out in this report are contained in the EqIA Relevance Check.

         Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

      3. None.

         Other Policy Implications

      4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

          

          

         Consultations

      5. None.

       

   4. Background Papers

      4.1 EqIA Relevance Assessment Form.

       

   5. Appendices

   5.1 None.

    

   Author(s)

    

   Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
   Graeme B. Forrester	Lead Solicitor - Governance	forresterg@stirling.gov.uk

   Approved by

    

   Name	Designation	Date
   Julia McAfee	Chief Officer – Governance	18 February 2022

    

   Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s), Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this report:	Councillor Simpson Councillor Houston Councillor Farmer
   	Councillor Kane

    

   Wards affected:	None
   Key Priorities:	N/a
   Key Priority Considerations:	N/a
   Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	N/a

   115‌

   Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 8

   Stirling Council Date of

   Meeting: 3 March 2022

   Not Exempt

   Contract Standing Orders – Impact of new £1M Threshold

    

    

    

   Purpose & Summary

   The revised Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) were approved by Council at its meeting on 2 December 2021. Council made a decision to lower the threshold over which Committee or Council approval must be sought by officers prior to commencing the procurement process. This threshold was lowered from £1.5M to £1M.

   Council also requested that officers bring a report detailing the impact of the threshold change on Council business. This report sets out the impact, as far as it is known at the present time.

    

   Recommendations

   Council is asked to:

   1. note the number of contracts awarded between the value of £1M and £1.5M over the last four years;

   2. note the number of additional contracts that may require Committee/Council approval as a consequence of the threshold change; and

   3. note a further paper will be submitted in six months’ time when more accurate data from the finalised Capital Delivery Plan and Service Plans can be taken into consideration.

    

   Resource Implications

   An increase in the number of procurements requiring Council or Committee approval prior to going to market will in turn impact on the resources required to bring those procurements to Members for a decision to be made. This includes officer time in preparing reports and facilitating meetings.

    

   Legal & Risk Implications

   Officers are now complying with the approved CSOs which comply with all current legal requirements in force.

   There is additionally a risk of delays to Council projects going to market with the increased numbers of contracts requiring approval and an impact on project timelines adhering to Committee schedules.

    

   1. Background

      1. Stirling Council’s CSOs were updated and amended and approved by Council at its meeting on 2 December 2021.

      2. The new Contract Standing Orders included a requirement for Committee approval for tenders to be obtained prior to going to market.

      3. The threshold for seeking Committee approval to go to market was reduced by Council from contracts of a value of more than £1.5M to contracts of a value of more than £1M.

      4. Council asked officers to assess the potential impact of the threshold change and to report back to Council at their meeting on 3 March 2022.

          

   2. Considerations

      1. The Council let 596 contracts over the last four financial years. Of those contracts 27 contracts were over £1.5M and 43 were in excess of £1M, which would have meant an additional 16 contracts would have required Committee approval had the £1M threshold been in place over that period.

      2. This data review does not take into account any contracts on the Capital Delivery Plan which is still to be finalised, nor does it consider any service plans or revisions still to be considered. Therefore it is too early to make any assumptions as to the impact of the £1M threshold. It will take another six months to determine the pressure that the new lower threshold puts on services.

          

   3. Implications

      Equalities Impact

      1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required as the proposal will have no impact directly on members of the public or those with Protected Characteristics.

         Fairer Scotland Duty

      2. The contents of this report were considered in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty and were determined not to be of strategic importance.

         Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

      3. There is no sustainability impact as a result of this report.

         Other Policy Implications

      4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

         Consultations

      5. No external consultation was required.

    

   1. Background Papers

      1. EqIA Relevance Check.

          

   2. Appendices

      1. None.

    

    

   Author(s)

    

   Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
   Nick Hyde	Head of Procurement	hyden@stirling.gov.uk

    

   Approved by

    

   Name	Designation	Date
   Isabel McKnight	Chief Operating Officer	8 February 2022

    

   Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s), Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this report:	Councillor Simpson Councillor Houston Councillor Farmer
   	Councillor Kane

    

   Wards affected:	All
   Key Priorities:	D - We will deliver inclusive economic growth and promote prosperity. We will deliver a City Region Deal and pursue policies and solutions that encourage high quality, high paying jobs into all of Stirling's communities.
   Key Priority Considerations:
   Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	Prosperous - People are part of a prosperous economy that promotes inclusive growth opportunities across our communities

   119‌

    

   Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 9

   Stirling Council Date of

   Meeting: 3 March 2022

   Not Exempt

    

   Stirling’s Economic Strategy

    

    

    

   Purpose & Summary

   This report presents Stirling’s new Economic Strategy along with details of its rationale, methodology for its development and future monitoring and evaluation arrangements. It includes a supporting Action Plan covering proposed activity for the upcoming financial year 2022/23.

    

   Recommendations

   Council is asked to:

   1. consider and comment on the new Economic Strategy; and

   2. approve the adoption of the new Economic Strategy as Stirling Council’s guiding document for its economic growth activity.

    

   Resource Implications

   Delivery of the Economic Strategy is a shared responsibility across many partners and stakeholders. Stirling Council’s responsibilities will be delivered using existing resources and funding streams and also through effective use of external funding opportunities.

    

   Legal & Risk Implications

   Not having an up to date Economic Strategy with agreed priorities and objectives will reduce the chances of effective partnership working and collaboration. It further risks decision making and resource allocation that is not working towards a clear vision.

   Having no Economic Strategy will disadvantage Stirling Council and partners as we seek to secure significant additional external funding to support Stirling’s economic growth.

    

   1. Background

      1. Stirling’s previous Economic Strategy was developed and adopted in 2015. Since then there has been a number of significant developments in the economic and social context locally, nationally and internationally. This has included the UK’s exit from the European Union, clear recognition of the climate emergency and the Covid 19 pandemic. In addition, the Stirling and ClackmannanshireCity Region Deal was formally agreed in early 2020 and will see over £90M invested in skills, innovation and infrastructure projects in the City Region over the next decade.

      2. In August 2021 EKOS Ltd were procured through Public Contracts Scotland to support the research and development of the new Economic Strategy and Action Plan. This has included a rigorous economic review and consultation process with communities, businesses, community planning partners and Elected Members, engaging in interviews, workshops and online surveys.

      3. Through setting out our shared vision, priorities and actions, and by pooling our skills and resources where appropriate, Stirling Council, our community planning partners and all our stakeholders will support our communities and businesses to thrive, driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the local and regional economy. Working together and with clear objectives, we will be well placed to embrace the opportunities and face the challenges of the future.

      4. The Economic Strategy sets out a bold shared vision for the future of Stirling’s economy.It is structured around three core themes: to support an economy that is thriving, sustainable and inclusive. Its overarching objectives are to support our local businesses to grow, attract jobs and investment, tackle inequality and support the transition to net zero.

      5. An important aim is to support increased collaboration in economic development locally, regionally and nationally. To that end this strategy has been developed taking full cognisance of relevant current and emerging regional and national strategies.

      6. By setting out our shared priorities for Stirling now, we will be in a better position to take forward increased regional working; including the emerging Forth Valley Regional Economic Strategy, and be in a stronger place to secure and effectively use existing and emerging major funding opportunities.

          

   2. Considerations

      1. While Stirling Council has led on the development of Stirling’s Economic Strategy, it is not a strategy for the Council alone and was developed with input from a wide range of public, private and third sector stakeholders. It is intended therefore to be a strategy for the whole of Stirling.

      2. The vision and priorities set out have been based on extensive consultation and reflect the views of employers, education providers, community and third sector organisations, and local and national elected officials. Through setting out this shared vision, Stirling Council aims to strengthen collaboration in economic development and inter-related areas such as skills, education, planning, housing, transport and many other aspects of public service delivery in Stirling.

          

          

      3. While we recognise that there are tight financial constraints to deliver the Strategy and Action Plan, there are a number of developing opportunities in terms of UK and Scottish Government funding which we will be better placed to secure and use effectively with a clear new strategy for Stirling.

      4. The Strategic Vision and Objectives are designed to steer Stirling’s strategic economic direction in the long term. To work steadily towards delivery however a supporting Action Plan will be developed annually. This will set out the key actions to be delivered in each financial year and which partner will take lead responsibility for achievement of each action. It will be a continually evolving document that will be reviewed and refreshed annually. An annual economic survey will be carried out to support the review and refresh of the action plan and to ensure industry input.

      5. An annual report on progress will be made to Stirling Council’s Finance & Economy Committee. However, in recognition of the shared ownership of the strategy, progress will also be reported to the Executive Group of the Community Planning Partnership.

      6. To monitor the progress of the strategy, we will develop and implement a performance measurement and evaluation framework. This will be used to report progress to all stakeholders and will be based on our economic priorities. Headline Key Performance Indicators are detailed in the Economic Strategy document page 18.

       

   3. Implications

      Equalities Impact

      1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required as it was deemed to have no negative impact.

         Fairer Scotland Duty

      2. In preparing the contents of this report, in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty, due regard has been given to reducing inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage, and any such impacts in respect of the proposals set out in this report are contained in the EqIA Relevance Check.

         Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

      3. The Economic Strategy has Sustainability at its core, by ensuring we embrace the economic opportunities of net zero and meet the challenges of climate change, we will support Stirling’s long term resilience and prosperity and ensure no one is left behind by the transition.

         Other Policy Implications

      4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

          

          

         Consultations

      5. EKOS Ltd were commissioned to consult widely with communities, businesses and partner organisations including the Community Planning Partnership. Future consultation will include an annual business survey to ensure that the Strategy and Action Plan is delivering its aims and an evaluation of this will be reported annually to the Finance & Economy Committee and the Community Planning Partnership.

       

   4. Background Papers

      4.1 EqIA Relevance Check.

       

   5. Appendices

   1. Appendix 1 – Stirling’s Economic Strategy.

       

      Author(s)

       

      Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
      Sarah Phillips	Economic Development Officer	01786-276156   phillipss@stirling.gov.uk

       

      Approved by

       

      Name	Designation	Date
      Stuart Oliver	Senior Manager   Economic Development and Communities	7 February 2022

       

      Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s), Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this report:

      All Elected Members have been consulted.

       

      Wards affected:	ALL
      Key Priorities:	D - We will deliver inclusive economic growth and promote prosperity. We will deliver a City Region Deal and pursue policies and solutions that encourage high quality, high paying jobs into all of Stirling's communities.
      Key Priority Considerations:
      Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	Prosperous - People are part of a prosperous economy that promotes inclusive growth opportunities across our communities

      125‌

       

      Appendix 1

       

      Contents

      Introduction 3

       

      Stirling’s Economic Strategy

      January 2022

       

      

      

       

      

       

      Prepared by EKOS Ltd for Stirling Council and partners January 2022

      www.ekos-consultants.co.uk

       

      Map on front page shows Stirling Council wards, via https://statistics.gov.scot/ © Google 2021 Vector graphics used throughout the document have been sourced from flaticon.com

       

      Introduction

       

      Purpose of the Strategy

      This economic strategy sets out a bold vision for the future of Stirling’s economy. It is structured around three core themes: we will work to support an economy that is thriving, sustainable and inclusive. We want to support our local businesses to grow, attract jobs and investment, tackle inequality, and support the transition to net zero.

       

      The strategy will be used by Stirling Council and our partners to guide our economic development activity. It will help us to focus and prioritise our resources, and support conversations around both public and private investment in Stirling.

       

      

      Through setting out our shared vision, priorities and actions, and by pooling our skills and resources where appropriate, Stirling Council, our community planning partners and all our stakeholders will support our communities and businesses to thrive, driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the local and regional

      economy. Working together and with clear objectives, we will be well placed to both embrace the opportunities and face the challenges of the future.

       

      The previous economic strategy for Stirling was published in 2015. Since then, there have been a number of major changes to the economic and social context at a local, national and international level. This has included the UK’s exit from the European Union, clear recognition of the climate emergency, and the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, formally agreed in early

      2020, will see £214m invested in skills, innovation and infrastructure projects in the City Region over the next decade.

       

      This strategy has been developed following a wide programme of consultation and research. It sets out the specific economic development actions that will contribute towards tackling inequality and improving outcomes, with shared strategic goals with other documents including The Stirling Plan, Stirling Council’s 10 Year Strategy, and Locality Action Plans.

       

      An important aim is to support increased collaboration in economic development locally, regionally and nationally. To that end this strategy has been developed taking full cognisance of relevant current and emerging regional and national strategies.

       

      By setting out our priorities for Stirling now, we will be in a better position to take forward increased regional working, including the emerging Regional Economic Strategy, and to best secure and use existing and emerging major funding opportunities.

       

      Overarching Vision The Stirling Economy

      

       

       

       

      “Our vision is that Stirling is recognised as having one of the most vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economies in the UK, providing opportunities and an excellent quality of life for all of our residents. We are innovative, forward looking and ambitious, with clear roles and effective collaboration between the public, private and third sectors helping our economy, businesses and communities to flourish.

       

      Over time, and through regular reviewing of actions and progress, we will steadily reduce the socio-economic gap that has characterised our economy for so long, with more quality jobs, a thriving business base, and improved wellbeing for our growing population.”

       

      

      Stirling is home to...

       

      94,000 people

      Stirling’s population continues to grow, with a 1.3% rise between 2015 and 2020. But the population is ageing – those aged 65+ increased by 8% over the same period. This trend is expected to continue, and our population is forecast to reach 100,000 by 2031, driven mainly by net inward migration.

      

       

      3,900 businesses	48,000 jobs In 2020, Stirling’s largest employing sectors were wholesale & retail(12%), health and social care(10%), education (9%), accommodation and food service(9%) and business admin/services(8%). Some sectors, particularly tourism, were badly hit by the Covid- 19 pandemic.   Notably, the digital sector in Stirling has more than doubled in size since 2015, now with around 3,000 jobs.
      2,187 square kilometres of land	54% of Stirling’s working age population are qualified to SCQF Level 8 (HND level) or above Above the Scotland average (49%)
      85% rural & 15% urban
      GVA per job of £49,900
      Marginally lower than Scotland

       

      Our strengths

      97%

      of Stirling residents rate their neighbourhood as very good or fairly good

      Source: Scottish Household Survey, 2019

       

      A key strength is our location. Stirling lies at the heart of Scotland, where the lowlands and highlands meet. Covering a vast mix of urban and rural communities, we have beautiful scenery, a rich history and culture, an international university, and excellent transport links to the rest of Scotland. We have a growing range of innovative businesses across different sectors, from life sciences to digital, and traditional strengths in construction, food and drink and tourism. Stirling has much to offer – as a place to work, live, study, invest or visit.

      81%

      of businesses think the quality of life in Stirling is a strength or major strength

      Source: Economic Strategy survey, 2021

       

       

      The impact of Covid-19

      This has had a significant impact on Stirling’s (and others) economy and the lives of residents. At its height in mid-2020, fully one-third of employees in Stirling were furloughed. However, the potential scenario of mass unemployment and business closures has so far largely been avoided, partly through an effective multi-agency response to the crisis, which has had an important role in mitigating the worst economic effects. Nonetheless, total job numbers in Stirling declined by 3,000 between 2019 and 2020, with tourism particularly hard hit. There are indications that this has at least partially recovered, although there are now reported job shortages across many sectors.

      Opportunities for All

      Overall, Stirling performs well when it comes to most economic and social indicators, particularly compared to Scotland-wide averages. What this disguises, however, is that there are long standing inequalities in Stirling, with persistent pockets of deprivation and relative poverty.

       

       

      Across our seven council wards,the child povertyranges from 6% in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane to 22% in Stirling East and 24% in Bannockburn.	There is an 11 years gap in male life expectancy, and an 8 year gap for females, between those living in the 20% most deprived areas of Stirling and the 20% least deprived.
      The claimant count (i.e. those claiming out of work benefits who are required to seek work) is consistently three or four times higher in some wards than others, as a proportion of the working age population.	Among Stirling residents, the gapis among the widest of any local authority in Scotland. This reflects that there are many high earners who travel outside of the area to work, as the earnings gap in Stirling-based jobs is much smaller.
      14.6% of jobs in Stirling payFoundation hourly wage, which is based on an estimate of the real cost of meeting everyday needs.

       

      There is a direct correlation between areas with poorer social and health outcomes and poorer economic outcomes. Our economic strategy has a vital role to play in addressing these inequalities and creating opportunities and better outcomes for everyone.

       

      1. Support new and established businesses to develop and grow, through provision of the right support, training, workspace and infrastructure

       

      2. Work with employability partners, education providers and employers to ensure access to fair work and skills opportunities for all of our residents

       

      3. Take forward a Community Wealth Building approach to how anchor institutions in Stirling both purchase and use resources and assets, driving local benefits in terms of supply chain opportunities, new jobs, fair employment and shared ownership

       

      4. Support our city centre and town centres to be vibrant, sustainable and at the heart of community and business life

       

      5. Support Stirling’s rural economy to diversify and grow, ensuring our rural businesses and communities receive the support they need to thrive

       

      6. Embrace the economic opportunities of the green economy and the transition to net zero, and ensure that wider activity aligns with our 2030 and 2045 greenhouse gas targets

       

      1. Focus on higher value employment to reduce inequalities in Stirling and drive up median wage levels

          

      2. Attract and encourage investment in Stirling, promote our advantages, and maximise and build on the value of the City Region Deal and all other strategic funding opportunities

       

      Inclusive

      We will grow our economy in a way that tackles inequality and provides opportunities and benefits for everyone, with a focus on fair employment, good quality jobs, and ensuring that education and skills development are accessible and inclusive.

       

      Sustainable

      By ensuring we embrace the economic opportunities of net zero and meet the challenges of climate change, we will support Stirling’s long term resilience and prosperity and ensure no one is left behind by the transition.

       

      Thriving

      Providing infrastructure, workforce skills and support for new and established businesses to develop and grow. We will work to attract new private and public investment and support the creation of high value

      jobs.

       

      Vision

      “Our vision is that Stirling is recognised as having one of the most vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economies in the UK, providing opportunities and an excellent quality of life for all of our residents.

       

      We are innovative, forward looking and ambitious, with clear roles and effective collaboration between the public, private and third sectors helping our economy, businesses and communities to flourish.”

       

      Vision, Objectives & Priorities

       

      Key Actions

       

      Business

      Our aim: Support new and established businesses to develop and grow, through provision of the right business support, training, workspace and infrastructure

       

      Why is it important?

       

      Business creates jobs. Stirling is home to nearly 3,900 VAT or PAYE registered businesses and 5,500 self-employed people. The majority of these are micro enterprises (89%), with fewer than nine employees.

       

      Our key sectors include financial services, construction, the aquaculture cluster at the University of Stirling, food and drink, and tourism/hospitality. Growing our digital sector has been a priority for Stirling over recent years, during which time employment has more than doubled to take in nearly 3,000 jobs. Manufacturing is the largest contributor to GVA in Stirling and offers a wide range of jobs. This includes many local success stories which we will seek to build on.

       

      On the whole, Stirling performs well in terms of business start-up and survival rates. At present, 72% of Stirling’s businesses have said that the business support they have accessed in Stirling – from a range of organisations – has met their needs well or very well (and just 13% said it met their needs poorly).

       

      However, there is no room for complacency and we will continue to focus on supporting both new and existing businesses in all sectors to survive, thrive and ensure a sustainable long term future.

      This is particularly important as the economy recovers from the Covid- 19 pandemic. Through facilitating provision of the right support, training, workspace and infrastructure, we will work to increase productivity, improve the number of higher value jobs in Stirling, and increase exports.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Develop new high quality business space across Stirling, meeting demand from new and existing businesses, and support opportunities for repurposing vacant space in our town and city centres.

      • Work with local and regional partners to establish and support networks that will support collaboration and strengthen local supply chains.

      • Review how local business support is delivered to ensure we have an effective and efficient business support landscape, tailoring support to the specific needs of Stirling’s economy.

      • Develop a new strategy for culture and the creative industries in Stirling, placing culture and creativity at the centre of our plans for regeneration and growth.

       

      Skills and Fair Work

      Our aim: Work with employability partners, education providers and employers to ensure access to fair work and skills opportunities for all of our residents.

       

      Why is it important?

       

      It is important at two levels. Firstly to ensure that local and locating businesses have access to an appropriate talent pipeline and secondly to ensure that economic growth and success is more widely shared and is available to all residents.

       

      Access to workforce skills and training opportunities is something that Stirling’s employers recognise will be crucial to their future success. This work takes in a wide range of partners, including schools, Forth Valley College, the University of Stirling, Skills Development Scotland and Stirling Council employability services.

       

      The provision of a range of different pathways from school to final employment will be a key priority for us and the opportunity to offer a more seamless approach across all levels of education seems an attractive proposition. However, it is not just qualifications which are important and that experience is a key factor in employability.

       

      We need to ensure that all parts of the skills system match up and are fully integrated with the existing and future needs and opportunities within the local economy.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Continue to roll out the skills element of the City Region Deal, including the development of skills pathways in sectors stimulated by the CRD investments, with learning and skills routes connected to employment opportunities.

      • Ensure alignment of all existing employability provision and programmes with the vision and strategic objectives of this economic strategy.

      • We will work with employers and education providers to build skills where gaps have been identified – this will be particularly important as we get to grips with the demands of the transition to net zero, with a strong case for investment in technical green jobs in areas such as retrofitting.

      • Support the delivery of enterprise and meta-skills across our education sector.

         

      • In partnership with skills and employability partners, we will build bespoke skills support for those sectors where we know that future jobs will be available – specifically environment, digital, health and social care, and construction.

       

      Maximise Impact of Local Organisations

      Our aim: Develop and deliver a Community Wealth Building approach to how anchor institutions in Stirling both purchase and use resources and assets, driving local benefits in terms of supply chain opportunities, new jobs, fair employment and shared ownership

       

      Why is it important?

       

      Awareness of community wealth building has been growing in Scotland over recent years and is now a key priority within the Scottish Government, with a number of local authorities making it a core component of their approach to economic development. Stirling Council and our community planning partners are committed to developing this within Stirling and the wider Forth Valley.

       

      At its heart, community wealth building aims to ensure that the wealth generated through local economic activity is retained within communities, where income is recirculated, wealth is held broadly, and people are empowered through having more of a stake in their local economy. Community wealth building has the potential to deliver tangible benefits relatively quickly, as it seeks to utilise and build on existing resources.

       

      ‘Anchor institutions’ are large, locally-rooted organisations with a significant stake in a place, such as councils, education institutions and health authorities. Harnessing the economic power of anchor institutions – in term of how they spend their money, employ people and use their assets – is a crucial aspect of community wealth building.

      

       

      What we will do:

       

      Already, several key anchor institutions in Stirling have made a commitment to adopt community wealth building approaches. There are five pillars to community wealth building. Though pursuing actions within each pillar, we will drive local benefits and contribute to our vision of a thriving, sustainable and inclusive economy.

       

      Specifically, we will:

       

      • Through training, materials, awareness raising and policy implementation, develop a culture of community wealth building within local anchor institutions.

         

      • Aim to increase the local and regional procurement spending of Stirling’s anchor institutions, and encourage and support

       

      others to do likewise. We know that Stirling’s businesses and third sector are keen to access public contracts.

       

      City, Town & Local Centres

      Our aim: Support our city centre and town centres to be vibrant, sustainable and at the heart of community and business life

       

      Why is it important? Stirling City Centre and our town centres in Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Callander – alongside our other local centres – provide important services and act as a focal point for visitors, residents and businesses.

       

      They are vital to our collective sense of place and, through improved active travel and their role as public transport hubs, will be key to the transition to net zero.

       

      At the same time, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a long term decline in place-based retail and generated a shift towards online retail and service delivery. This is having a negative impact on our town centres, with an increase in vacancies, particularly for retail units. During consultation work for this strategy, this was identified as one of the main areas of concern among businesses and other stakeholders.

       

      We recognise that in the past the focus has been on cities or rural places, but that Stirling also has many urban centres with a key role to play in the local economy.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Diversifying and repurposing: A recent independent review of town centres in Scotland highlights opportunities to expand the range of services and facilities that city and town centres offer, to reuse redundant buildings and to provide new homes for a wide range of people. A vision for our urban centres is

      essential – including opportunities to develop flexible workspaces, provision of new leisure and cultural opportunities, and improving/increasing the hospitality offer.

      • Support the principles of ‘town centre first’ and 20-minute neighbourhoods, incentivising and encouraging people to shop locally, and cutting out unnecessary car travel, while encouraging entrepreneurship, investment and vibrancy in local high streets. Quality and experience are key drivers, for locals and visitors alike.

      • Leverage investment to support city and town centre upgrades to buildings and the public realm, improving their appearance and creating an improved sense of place. We will undertake this work alongside communities and business associations.

      • Use our plans for cultural and creative growth to galvanise a range of engaging and participative activities in our city, towns and villages, driving footfall and spend to local businesses and creating a sense of excitement around our streets and public spaces.

      • Deliver the vision and objectives of the Stirling City Centre Strategy.

    

   Rural Economy

   Our aim: Support Stirling’s rural economy to diversify and grow, ensuring our rural businesses and communities receive the support they need to thrive.

    

   Why is it important? Just over one third of Stirling’s population (34%), 40% of businesses, and 27% of jobs are in a rural area1, covering 85% of land in the local authority.

    

   Our rural areas face specific economic and social challenges, which can include poorer transport links, lack of suitable business space, and poorer digital connectivity. Rural employers often find it more difficult to recruit suitably qualified staff, in part due to a lack of affordable housing and a growing demographic gap, with rural areas typically ageing faster than urban centres. All of these factors have a constraining effect on economic growth and diversification. Tourism is a key driver of rural Stirling and influences the performance of other sectors such as construction, but faces issues of seasonality.

    

   There are however significant opportunities in rural Stirling. In a post pandemic world new working practices are fast developing. The localism agenda also offers potential opportunities for SMEs and for new approaches to how these are developed and delivered – for example, opportunities for producers to sell directly to consumers, like the Stirling NeighbourFood service.

    

   In particular, the ending of the European funded LEADER programmes leaves a clear gap in the support for rural communities.

    

   1. Defined using the Scottish Government Urban-Rural Classification for relevant datazones

      What we will do:

       

      • Business space: a shortage of appropriate business space can be an issue in rural areas, acting as a barrier to growth and diversification. We will develop new spaces for all types of businesses that will support collaboration, growth and job creation.

      • Transport: improving transport is an important priority in Stirling’s rural areas. The findings of the Forth Valley Connectivity Commission will help the regional partners to determine the main priorities for investment and help towards a net zero future. We must ensure that our rural communities are fully engaged in this.

      • Broadband and digital connectivity is vitally important for businesses across Stirling. Targeted investment has greatly improved the quality and availability of broadband over recent years. We will therefore continue to work with and support businesses and communities to address their connectivity issues.

      • Work with rural partners including VisitScotland, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Historic Environment Scotland, private investors and other key stakeholders on projects that will drive sustainable, inclusive growth.

         

        Green Economy

        Our aim: Embrace the economic opportunities of the green economy and the transition to net zero, ensuring that wider activity aligns with our 2030 and 2045 greenhouse gas targets

         

        Why is it important? Stirling Council has set out an ambition for Stirling to be fossil fuel-free and climate-ready by 2045, with a just transition that improves the lives of Stirling’s residents, helps the economy to thrive, and improves nature. By 2030, we will have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 75% from 1990 levels, and by 2045 we will have achieved net zero carbon emissions. It is therefore imperative that all decisions relating to Stirling’s economy are made with this critical ambition in mind.

         

        While our carbon emissions have reduced considerably over the last 15 years (-35%), per capita they remain higher than the Scottish average – road transport is a particular challenge.

         

        The transition to net zero, and the need to adapt to a changing climate, also present tremendous economic opportunities. We need to ensure that we are positioned to fully embrace and realise these opportunities as we radically transform how we heat our homes, travel, manage our resources and waste, and look after our natural environment. A number of Stirling-based businesses are already leading the way in this area, while the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College are developing a new International Environment Centre that will support jobs, innovation and skills development across Forth Valley.

        Stirling is also home to the Engine Shed, the national centre for building conservation. This gives us strong foundations to build on when it comes to developing green jobs.

         

        What we will do:

         

        • Work with education and skills providers, at all levels, and employers to ensure that we have the right workforce skills in place to support the green economy of the future. We know that there are both current and emerging opportunities from decarbonising our economy, including in renewables, sustainable land management, low carbon manufacturing and the circular economy. Realising these opportunities is an important national ambition, with current actions set out in the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan 2020-25.

        • Help create the conditions for innovation around low carbon and net zero tech development, with the aim of attracting and helping businesses in this sector to start-up and grow.

        • Support Stirling’s businesses to access funding, information and advice to help them adapt to net zero requirements, ensuring that they do not lose out from the transition.

        • Support the principles of the ‘20 minute neighbourhood’ concept – encouraging local spending and cutting out the need for unnecessary car travel.

        • Transport is a crucial enabler of Stirling’s economy and cuts across many of the objectives set out in this report. The Forth Valley Connectivity Commission is set to make recommendations on how this can be improved to meet the future needs of Stirling’s communities and support inclusive growth.

         

        • The Regional Energy Masterplan, developed through the City Region Deal, will set out how Stirling and Clackmannanshire can develop its heat, energy and renewables capacity over the coming decades, including the economic opportunities that this will bring.

         

        Tackling Inequalities

        Our aim: Reduce inequalities in Stirling and drive up median wage levels, with a focus on creating higher value employment and diversifying the economy

         

        Why is it important? Stirling is a relatively prosperous place and performs well across most social and economic indicators. However, it suffers from longstanding, structural inequalities that mean there is a wide gap between our most and least deprived communities.

         

        For example, while the average resident wage is higher than the Scottish average the average workplace ones are lower.

         

        In seeking to address this, it needs to be acknowledged that there are unlikely to be any quick fixes. But through effective partnership working and incremental progress, we will – over the course of a generation – address this structural weakness in the local economy.

         

        When it comes to the economy, the principles of Fair Work have an important role to play in reducing inequality, through driving up incomes of the lowest paid, tackling inequality, and providing more job security. Scotland level statistics show that more than half of those of working age experiencing poverty are in working households2.

         

        The key priority is to drive up median wage levels for Stirling residents. At present, we have one the largest gaps in the country between the highest and lowest earners. Developing workforce skills also has an important role to play here.

         

   2. https://data.gov.scot/poverty/

      What we will do:

       

      • Support the delivery of the CPP’s Locality Action Plans, which focus on neighbourhoods facing higher levels of multiple deprivation, with economic development activity specific to the needs of these localities.

      • We will promote and support Fair Work principles, including adoption of the ‘real’ Living Wage, particularly in sectors where pay is typically at or just above the national minimum wage.

      • Stirling’s anchor institutions will implement a community wealth building approach to economic development to help to spread the benefits of growth. This will support communities to have a greater stake in their local economy and encourage diverse and plural ownership models that more readily recirculate wealth within the area (e.g. small businesses, social enterprises, and community owned assets).

      • We will capitalise on our existing strengths, as well as new sectoral opportunities, to grow the number of Stirling-based jobs in high value sectors, including in digital and the green economy, with targeted business support.

      • We will attract inward investment to create a wider range of job opportunities and ensure that the community benefits of all such investments are fully maximised.

         

        Investment and Promotion

        Our aim: Attract and encourage investment in Stirling, promote our advantages, and maximise and build on the value of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and all other strategic funding opportunities

         

        Why is it important?

         

        Stirling has much to offer, as a place to locate, invest, live and work – it is not for nothing that the city of Stirling has been crowned the ‘happiest place to live in Scotland’3. Through pro-active engagement, promoting our strengths and clearly demonstrating the impact of our economic development work, we will encourage investment and confidence in Stirling.

         

        Recent consultation work has shown that the majority of Stirling’s businesses believe that the marketing and promotion of Stirling will be an important factor in their future success. At the same time, most rate the quality of life in Stirling as a strength or major strength – a key selling point.

         

        Over the last few years, the Stirling: Alive with Scotland branding campaign (and the associated Invest in Stirling service) have been well received and provided clear messaging and consistent branding with the promotion of Stirling to residents, visitors and investors, but this must continue to be developed and delivered in partnership with all key stakeholders in order to be most effective.

         

   3. https://news.stv.tv/east-central/stirling-crowned-happiest-place-to-live-in-scotland

      We will continue to leverage outside funding to support capital and revenue projects, and make a success of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD).

       

      At the same time, we need to remain alert to opportunities to access other sources of strategic funding, particularly in the emerging post- EU funding environment. This will be important in realising the ambitions set out in this strategy.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Work to ensure that Stirling and the wider region receives maximum benefit from the City Region Deal, while remaining alert to other funding opportunities.

      • Place our culture and heritage at the heart of our plans for regeneration and growth, using these assets to promote Stirling on the national stage, while being rooted in local activities that build a sense of optimism about Stirling’s future.

      • Promote our advantages at a local, national and international level, building on the work undertaken by Invest in Stirling to date.

      • Develop a key customer approach to make it as easy as possible for businesses to locate in Stirling.

      • Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the current and developing funding opportunities and that we have a pipeline of projects (shovel ready) to be put forward when they become available.

 

An Implementation Plan

 

Economic Stakeholders

While Stirling Council has led on the development of Stirling’s Economic Strategy, it is not a strategy for the council alone and was developed with input from a wide range of public, private and third sector stakeholders. It is intended therefore to be a strategy for the whole of Stirling. The vision and priorities set out have been based on extensive consultation and reflect the views of employers, education providers, community and third sector organisations, and local and national elected officials. Through setting out this shared vision, we hope to support increased collaboration in economic development and inter-related areas such as skills, education, planning, housing, education, transport and many other aspects of public service delivery in Stirling. But, crucially, this goes well beyond Stirling Council.

 

Successfully achieving our vision and objectives will require a joined- up approach, which is why our Community Planning Partnership (CPP) have been involved in shaping the strategy from its early stages. As we look towards increased regional working, our neighbouring councils and Scotland’s other major cities will also have a key role to play in meeting shared objectives. There is an essential role for the business community as the key component in the strategy.

 

Funding the Plan

We will need funding to deliver the plan. While we recognise the tight financial constraints on the public sector there are a developing number of opportunities in terms of government funding – Community

Regeneration Funds, Levelling Up Funds, Shared Prosperity, and new rural funding, alongside our City Region Deal. In addition, there are a number of quasi-commercial funds which may be appropriate for consideration for specific projects and purposes.

 

Delivering the Plan

In terms of implementation, it is clear that Stirling Council on its own will be unable to deliver the full plan. Without resources and inputs from all stakeholders success will elude us. Our next challenge will be to work up the actions into detailed proposals, engage with stakeholders to agree clear resource requirements, roles and responsibilities for project development and implementation. A set of actions for the first year of the strategy are included below – this is a continually evolving document that will be reviewed and refreshed annually. An annual economic survey will be carried out to support the review and refresh of the action plan and to ensure industry input.

 

Governance

An annual report on progress will be made to Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee. However, in recognition of the shared ownership of the strategy, progress will also be reported to the Executive Group of the Community Planning Partnership.

 

Measuring Success

Finally, to monitor the progress of our strategy, we will develop and implement a performance measurement and evaluation framework which will be used to report progress to key stakeholders and based on our economic priorities. Headline indicators are as below:

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

 

Action Plan for 2022-23

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Planning Partners

 

Business Support Partners

149‌‌

 

Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 10

Stirling Council Date of

Meeting: 3 March 2022

Not Exempt

Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel on Antisocial Behaviour

 

 

 

Purpose & Summary

This report provides Stirling Council with the findings of the Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel (the “Panel”) on Antisocial Behaviour (“ASB”). The Panel was formed following agreement at the Council meeting of 7 October 2021.

 

Recommendations

Council is asked to:

1. note the contents of this report detailing the work of the Panel;

2. note that the Antisocial Behaviour Policy will now be further developed by officers and will be brought to a meeting of Council for discussion in 2022;

3. note that the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy will be reviewed this year;

4. approves the inclusion of the following matters to form part of the consultation process for the Housing Allocations Policy review:-

   1. The introduction of a sensitive lettings process;

   2. Increasing the length of suspension from the housing waiting list to more than 12 months for where an applicant or those who live with them are responsible for serious ASB or has been made subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order by the courts; and

   3. The introduction of additional housing points for victims of ASB; and

5. request that officers develop a draft policy proposal for the use of the streamlined eviction process, to be brought to the Environment & Housing Committee or its appropriate successor Committee for discussion.

 

Resource Implications

There are no specific resource implications in this report. Following Council’s approval, if resource implications emerge as the recommendations are implemented, these will be detailed during these processes.

 

Legal & Risk Implications

The Council’s approach to ASB policy and its interaction with its Housing Allocations Policy must be lawful and enforceable through the legal process. In this regard it would not be lawful for the Council to have a zero tolerance policy in respect of ASB, no matter the type of behaviour complained about. A zero tolerance approach would fetter the Council’s discretion to make a decision on each case; in effect by adopting such an approach the Council would have pre-determined the outcome of each case of ASB in advance. This is unlawful and such a policy would be quashed by the courts and risk reputational damage.

The Council’s approach to each case of ASB must be proportionate and guidance can be taken from recent case law around the streamlined evictions process. Although the streamlined eviction process is aimed at truncating the judicial process by establishing the grounds for eviction through a relevant conviction, it does not mean that a decree for eviction will be automatically granted by the courts. The individual circumstances of each case and the Council’s decision making in that context will still be assessed. The eviction sought must be a proportionate response to the established ASB. It is for the Council to assess whether seeking a decree of eviction is proportionate by reference to the circumstances of each individual case and this must still be evidenced.

The decision to proceed with an eviction action is an operational decision which will be made by the Chief Officer – Governance exercising delegated powers. This decision will be made following review of all the evidence provided by the Housing Service and Community Safety Team. The Chief Officer – Governance is also an officer of court and is under a professional obligation to the court to only raise proceedings where these have merit.

For context, the Panel was provided with copies of legal advice which had previously been provided to support the Housing Service and the Community Safety Team and which provide more detail on the legal position around ASB and streamlined evictions.

Scottish Government guidance on the use of the streamlined eviction process has been published and any decision to proceed with such an eviction has to have regard to that guidance. If the Council choses to introduce such a policy then that policy must take cognisance of the guidance but also of emerging case law in this area.

 

1. Background

   1. At the meeting of Stirling Council (the “Council”) on 7 October 2021, the following motion was agreed:

      Council recognises the significant and long-term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour, including criminal activity, can have on those affected. It affects quality of life, mental health, and physical wellbeing for those involved and damages the wider community as a whole.

      Council agrees that there should be a wide consultation with tenants with regards to how the current allocations policy could look at supporting victims to relocate. Council also agrees that there should be a review of policies concerning Stirling Council tenants who persistently break their tenancy agreements through anti-social behaviour and/or criminal activity and the impact this has on neighbours and the wider community.

      Council instructs an Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panel be formed, working cross party, with the Housing Advisory Group and appropriate stakeholders to review these housing policies. Council agrees to appoint one member from each party and the independent member to the group and agrees to allow the group to appoint its own chair.

       

       

   2. The Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel met on 10 December 2021, 21 December 2021, 18 January 2022, and 2 February 2022. The Panel was supported by the Chief Officer Housing, the Senior Manager, Infrastructure and the Legal Manager. The Interim Head of Education supported the Panel as Independent Lead Officer.

   3. Councillor Maureen Bennison was appointed as the Chair of the Panel and support was requested from additional Council Officers from Safer Communities and Housing. Throughout the course of the work of the Panel a wide range of local and national documents have been shared, which outline the policies, procedures and legislation frameworks which underpin the work of both areas of Council operations. These documents have been provided as background papers.

   4. Consultations were organised to support the work of the panel. A survey was carried out on the Engage platform and the analysis of the feedback received is at Appendix 1. There were 111 responses to the survey. With the majority

      (63) being from homeowners. All wards were represented in the responses, to varied extents. The three most common antisocial behaviour concerns were in relation to noise from neighbours, littering/fly-tipping and drug use. The majority of respondents (17 of 24) were dissatisfied with the response to their report of ASB to the Council. Respondents provided suggestions about how improvements could be made.

   5. A special meeting of the Housing Advisory Group (the HAG”) was held on 11 February 2022, for the tenant membership of the Group, and Panel members were invited along to hear the views of the HAG to inform their considerations. It was evident that ASB is of significant concern to HAG members and they welcomed the opportunity to discuss potential amendments to policies. It was also noted that consultation with tenants in relation to the ASB policy was important. Tenants were broadly supportive of proposed recommendations although recognised that more detail would be required, such as the specific criteria for a Sensitive Letting Policy. The main considerations of the Group are noted in section 2 of this report. A note of this meeting is also included as Appendix 2.

   6. The Panel considered, current practice, partnerships, guidance, and policy in order to develop a range of recommendations for improvement to address concerns about antisocial behaviour and its impact on tenants in particular. The Panel expressed concern over time constraints placed on the Panel. Members felt they could not discuss and scrutinise all aspects they wanted to. There was no time to invite the Portfolio Holder for Housing to scrutinise political input. There was also no time to scrutinise resources, equipment and performance of the service during lockdown.

       

2. Considerations

   1. The Panel agreed that its focus was mainly on consideration of Housing policies through an ASB lens. Consideration was given to the Housing Allocations Policy, including the allocation of points for tenants in specific circumstances, such as ‘harassment points’ when a tenant has been the victim of antisocial behaviour or harassment. In the previous consultation and update to the Policy this category had not been identified as a top priority for the allocation of additional points. It was agreed by the Panel that this should be reconsidered when the policy is updated in summer 2022.

       

       

   2. The Panel reviewed national and local policy to seek to understand the constraints and timescales in place which appear to prevent or delay action in antisocial behaviour which affects Council tenants in particular. It was agreed that there is a need for robust policies to support the work of the Council in tackling antisocial behaviour. An opportunity is available to the Council to consider extending the suspension period for any applicants for housing who have been responsible for ASB or subject to an Antisocial Behaviour Order, when the Housing Allocations Policy is reviewed later in the year.

   3. The current processes in place to address antisocial behaviour were discussed. The ASB policy has been reviewed and is almost at the stage of being brought to Committee for discussion and approval. Recent improvements were described by the Team Leader, Community Safety including those developed in close partnership with Police Scotland and other partners including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Social Work Service Youth and Criminal Justice teams. Chief Inspector Gill Marshall was invited to a Panel meeting and provided information on the partnership between Police and Community Safety Team. The Panel heard about reductions in concerns about antisocial behaviour in the city centre as a result of this work, information leaflets which are used to support members of the public to know how to report antisocial behaviour and changes to improve the way that cases are allocated for support and investigation. For example, there is now a focus on contact with complainers, including an update no later than thirty days after the original complaint is received. There is an increased emphasis on agreeing communication timeframes with all parties involved, introducing a risk assessment and a specific action plan to clarify action being taken at the appropriate stage. Timeframes throughout the process have been reviewed and the initial contact timeframe has reduced from 5 to 3 working days.

   4. Streamlined evictions were considered and information provided on the procedure currently followed and variations in this across other local authorities and social landlords. For this approach to be successful the Council has to be able to evidence that the action they plan to take is proportionate. Some Councils and housing associations have a standalone policy for streamlined evictions which supports them in taking well-evidenced cases through the court system.

   5. A briefing note opened discussion about sensitive lets and whether practice in this area was currently preventing repeat housing management and antisocial behaviour problems, and if a sensitive lettings process would help build more sustainable communities.

   6. The benefits of interventions at an early stage, when difficulties between tenants first emerge, were discussed and this view seems to be supported by the findings of the public survey; half of the situations which were resolved, had been addressed within the first 1-2 weeks.

       

       

   7. The Panel considered the circumstances when an eviction would not be made, including when one householder is a victim of domestic violence. Officers explained the nature of these considerations, the individual nature of each case, which means that no blanket policies can be made for all cases of a particular nature. However, the protection and support offered to victims of domestic violence was explained. The Council has a duty to re-home people who are assessed as statutorily homeless, though in most cases anyone evicted from a tenancy would be classed as ‘intentionally homeless.’ In this latter situation, the Council would provide temporary accommodation to the person while an assessment was taking place then would continue to provide temporary accommodation for a reasonable time while providing advice and support to help them find permanent accommodation.

   8. The HAG recognised the complexity of the issues being covered by the Panel, however the HAG continued to raise concerns that tenants experiencing the impact of antisocial behaviour were not supported effectively enough. In respect of the review of antisocial behaviour, concerns were raised around process and the closure of cases, along with the case review periods, however the service notes that these are important operational activities to ensure best use of resources and to manage expectations.

   9. The HAG provided a strong message that they wished to see a greater emphasis on a preventative approach to antisocial behaviour, and they would expect to see continued improvements from the partnership working with Police Scotland and others. The Housing Service has responded by committing to reviewing the preventative approaches in the policy, and this will also be reflected in the future strategy. The service will also look to have a visible presence in communities experiencing periods of negative behaviours, and work closely with these communities.

   10. The recommendation to consider developing an antisocial behaviour policy specific to Stirling Council tenants is not a preferred option of the service, however the service will look to develop specific areas of the policy and strategy to support Council tenants in advance of consultation, and also consider how resources can be applied to these areas.

   11. Concern was raised around the limitations of the antisocial behaviour service during the pandemic, and the service have confirmed that it operated within the regulations at the time. The performance of the service and a detailed caseload breakdown is reported at all meetings of Environment & Housing Committee.

    

3. Implications

   Equalities Impact

   1. There is no requirement to produce an Equalities Impact Assessment to accompany this report, but any changes to policy resulting from the recommendations in this report will require this exercise to be undertaken at the point where the approval of Council or Committee is sought.

       

       

      Fairer Scotland Duty

   2. The contents of this report were considered in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty and were determined not to be of strategic importance. However any changes to policy following approval of the recommendations in this report will require to be implemented with due regard to reducing inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage.

      Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

   3. Not applicable.

      Other Policy Implication

   4. Information about recommended review and development of policies is included in the above report.

      Consultations

   5. Significant consultation was carried out in developing this report. Police Scotland attended a meeting of the Panel. An Engage survey gathered information and views from the public about antisocial behaviour the results of this are summarised in Appendix 1. A special meeting of the Housing Advisory Group was held to gather views. A summary of these views is found in Appendix 2.

    

4. Background Papers

   1. Housing Allocations Policy Report, Environment & Housing Committee, 14 November 2019.

   2. Stirling Council Housing Allocation Policy, November 2019.

   3. Stirling Council Draft Antisocial Behaviour Policy, Nov 2021.

   4. Legal Advice in relation to drug dealing in council tenancies.

   5. Streamlined Eviction Process Briefing Note.

   6. ASB Evictions – Legal Advice Note.

   7. Anti-Social Behaviour Background Note.

   8. Tenancy Agreement.

   9. Promoting Positive Outcomes: Working Together to Prevent Antisocial Behaviour in Scotland.

   10. Human Rights at home: Guidance for Social Housing Providers.

   11. The Scottish Social Housing Charter.

   12. Streamlined Evictions.

   13. Sensitive Lets.

   14. Social Housing Allocations Practice Guide.

   15. Antisocial Behaviour Leaflet.

   16. EqIA Relevance Check.

    

5. Appendices

1. Appendix 1 – Antisocial behaviour survey analysis.

2. Appendix 2 – Note from the Special Meeting of HAG, 11 February 2022.

    

    

   Author(s)

    

   Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
   Bryony Monaghan	Interim Head of Education Independent Lead Officer	01786 233200 monaghanb60s@stirling.gov. uk
   Stephen Clark	Chief Officer Housing	01786 237652 clarks@stirling.gov.uk
   Drew Leslie	Senior Manager Infrastructure	01786 233333 leslied@stirling.gov.uk

    

   Approved by

    

   Name	Designation	Date
   Bryony Monaghan	Interim Head of Education Independent Lead Officer	16 February 2022

    

   Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s),	Councillor Gibson
   Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio	Councillor MacPherson
   Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this	Councillor Flannagan
   report:	Councillor Bennison
   	Councillor Davies
   	Councillor Tollemache

    

   Wards affected:	All
   Key Priorities:	C - We will create more affordable & social housing in all Stirling's communities. We will lead by example as an organisation in setting exceptional standards in building , environmental and employer practice, tenant relations & homelessness prevention
   Key Priority Considerations:
   Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	Resilient - People are part of safe and caring communities within an attractive and sustainable environment

   Anti-social Beh1a5vi7our Survey 2022‌

   Appendix 1

    

   Q1 Is anti-social behaviour a problem for you or your family?

   Answered: 111 Skipped: 0

    

   

   No

    

   Yes, has some

   impact

    

   Yes, has a major impact

    

   24						57
   			30

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   No	21.62% 24
   Yes, has some impact	51.35% 57

   Yes, has a major impact

   27.03% 30

    

   TOTAL

    

    

    

   1 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a5vi8our Survey 2022

    

   Q2 What types of anti-social behaviour do you or your family suffer from?

   Please tick all that apply

   Answered: 82 Skipped: 29

    

    

   Noisy neighbours

    

   Threats or intimidating...

    

   Harrassment

    

   Drug use

    

   Drug dealing

    

   Misuse of alcohol

    

   Vandalism

    

   Litter/flytippi

   ng

    

   Other (please

   specify)

    

   0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Noisy neighbours	50.00%	41
   Threats or intimidating language	29.27%	24
   Harrassment	19.51%	16
   Drug use	37.80%	31
   Drug dealing	34.15%	28
   Misuse of alcohol	23.17%	19
   Vandalism	28.05%	23
   Litter/flytipping	51.22%	42

   Other (please specify)

   39.02% 32

    

   Total Respondents: 82

    

    

    

   2 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a5vi9our Survey 2022

    

   Q3 In the last 12 months have you reported Anti-social behaviour?

   Answered: 102 Skipped: 9

    

   31

   20

   27

   24

   

   No, I did not

   need to

    

   No, I did not know how to

    

   Yes, I contacted th...

    

   Yes, I contacted...

    

   Yes, I contacted my...

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   No, I did not need to	30.39%	31
   No, I did not know how to	19.61%	20
   Yes, I contacted the Police	26.47%	27
   Yes, I contacted Stirling Council	23.53%	24

   Yes, I contacted my Housing Association

   0.00% 0

    

   TOTAL

    

    

    

   3 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a6vi0our Survey 2022

    

   Q4 When you contacted the Council, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the response?

   Answered: 24 Skipped: 87

    

   1

   2

   4

   5

   12

    

   Very satisfied

    

   Fairly satisfied

    

   Neutral

    

   Fairly dissatisfied

    

   Very dissatisfied

    

   0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Very satisfied	4.17%	1
   Fairly satisfied	8.33%	2
   Neutral	16.67%	4
   Fairly dissatisfied	20.83%	5

   Very dissatisfied

   50.00% 12

    

   24

   TOTAL

    

    

   4 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a6vi1our Survey 2022

    

   Q5 Did your reporting of Anti-social behaviour resolve the problem?

   Answered: 48 Skipped: 63

    

   4

   39

   5

    

   Yes

    

   No

    

   Don't know/Not

   sure

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Yes	8.33% 4
   No	81.25% 39

   Don't know/Not sure

   10.42% 5

    

   48

   TOTAL

    

    

    

   5 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a6vi2our Survey 2022

    

   Q6 And how long did it take to resolve the problem?

   Answered: 6 Skipped: 105

    

   3

   1

   1

   1

    

   Less than a

   week

    

   1 to 3 weeks

    

   1 to 3 months

    

   4 to 6 months

    

   7 - 12 months

    

   More than a

   year

    

   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Less than a week	50.00% 3
   1 to 3 weeks	0.00% 0
   1 to 3 months	16.67% 1
   4 to 6 months	16.67% 1
   7 - 12 months	0.00% 0

   More than a year

   16.67% 1

    

   6

   TOTAL

    

    

   6 / 9

   163

    

   Q7 How could Stirling Council improve the way we deal with Anti-social behaviour?

   Answered: 84 Skipped: 27

    

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Suggestion 1:	97.62% 82
   Suggestion 2:	82.14% 69
   Suggestion 3:	50.00% 42

   Other suggestions:

   35.71% 30

   164

    

   Q8 Which Electoral Ward area of Stirling do you live?

   Answered: 91 Skipped: 20

    

   13

   1

   10

   13

   11

   12

   10

   21

    

   Ward 1 – Trossachs an...

    

   Ward 2 – Forth and Endrick

    

   Ward 3 – Dunblane and...

    

   Ward 4 – Stirling North

    

   Ward 5 – Stirling West

    

   Ward 6 – Stirling East

    

   Ward 7 - Bannockburn

    

   Don't knowNot

   sure

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Ward 1 – Trossachs and Teith	14.29%	13
   Ward 2 – Forth and Endrick	1.10%	1
   Ward 3 – Dunblane and Bridge of Allan	10.99%	10
   Ward 4 – Stirling North	14.29%	13
   Ward 5 – Stirling West	12.09%	11
   Ward 6 – Stirling East	13.19%	12
   Ward 7 - Bannockburn	10.99%	10

   Don't knowNot sure

   23.08% 21

    

   91

   TOTAL

    

   165

    

   Q9 And what type of housing do you currently live in?

   Answered: 91 Skipped: 20

    

    

    

   63
   		18
   1   1   2   6

    

   Home Owner

    

   Stirling Council tenant

    

   Forth Housing Association...

    

   Rural Stirling Housing tenant

    

   Other housing association...

    

   Student accommodation

    

    

   

   Private rented

   tenant

    

   Living with a friend or...

    

   Other (please

   specify)

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Home Owner	69.23%	63
   Stirling Council tenant	19.78%	18
   Forth Housing Association tenant	1.10%	1
   Rural Stirling Housing tenant	1.10%	1
   Other housing association tenant	2.20%	2
   Student accommodation	0.00%	0
   Private rented tenant	6.59%	6
   Living with a friend or family member	0.00%	0

   Other (please specify)

   0.00% 0

    

   91

   TOTAL

    

   166

   167‌

   Appendix 2

    

    

   NOTE OF MEETING - Tenant Members of Housing Advisory Group and Elected Members of Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel on Anti-Social Behaviour – Friday 11 February 2022

    

   Present

    

   Housing Advisory Group – Robert Cairney, William Derrick, Anna Johnston, Hugh McClung, Moira Robertson. Apologies – Philomena McClung

    

   Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel – Councillors Maureen Bennison, Rob Davies, Bryan Flannagan, Alasdair MacPherson, Alasdair Tollemache. Apologies – Councillor Danny Gibson.

    

   Officers – Stephen Clark, Jenny Evans, Gillian Findlay, Dan Hartles, Drew Leslie, Steven McCabe, Sheila McLean.

    

   Steven McCabe introduced the report, which invited tenant representatives from the Housing Advisory Group to comment on issues considered by the Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel with a view to those views being incorporated into the final report to Council on 3 March 2022.

    

   Following detailed discussion and information provided by officers, the following points were noted:-

    

   1. Streamlined Evictions Policy

       

      • Officers to check position on European Human Rights with Legal and whether these still apply.

      • HAG members were supportive of further work being carried out to develop a Streamlined Evictions Policy that could be further consulted on.

         

   2. Anti-social Behaviour Policy

       

      • Support for people whose mental health is affected.

      • Make representation to Scottish Government to give Councils more powers – no confidence in Court process. Legal rights of tenants and protection offered by other organisations can present difficulties in dealing with ASB.

      • What steps are taking before deciding to close a case?

      • Case closure survey being introduced.

      • Training needed for officers.

      • Service has good working relationship with Police Scotland – but tenants concerned that Police don’t act unless violence involved.

      • Place greater emphasis on risk of losing tenancy due to anti-social behaviour.

      • Need for direct hotline when reporting anti-social behaviour, for all, not just Council tenants.

      • Concern that ASB Team does not, generally, work out of hours.

      • Concern over 30 day limit – report then elapses and reverts to being a new case.

      • Fear of reprisals, need to protect complainers.

      • Suggestion to split policy into Council tenants and others. Officer advice - best practice is to have just one policy.

        168

        Appendix 2

         

         

        • Noted distinction between responsibilities of Councils, Housing Associations, Registered Social landlords and private landlords.

        • Look at preventative, rather than reactive action, particularly in relation to young people.

        • Need to restart noise monitoring visits which had ceased during pandemic.

        • Review wording of paragraph 4.2.

         

   3. Housing Allocations Policy

       

      1. Sensitive Lettings process

          

         • If this is developed, has to be a robust process and HAG members felt that more work had to be carried out on the specifics of how such a process would work.

         • It was suggested that more research is carried out with other landlords who have a sensitive lettings process to get an idea of how successful they are.

         • Overall, HAG members are broadly supportive of progressing such a sensitive lettings process and consulting further on options in this area as part of the Housing Allocations Policy review.

            

      2. Introducing points for harassment or abuse

          

         • Having the right level of corroboration is critical in ensuring that any points awarded for harassment and abuse work and aren’t under or over awarded.

         • It was noted how difficult it would to ensure that the Housing Allocations Team weren’t seen to be gatekeeping but also that points weren’t automatically awarded with no requirement for corroboration.

         • HAG members noted that points wouldn’t reflect the difference in seriousness between certain cases. Though for more serious cases, being able to place victims of ASB into the Strategic Group may be an option. This area needs further consideration.

         • Overall, HAG members are broadly supportive of consulting further on the potential introduction of harassment and abuse points into the Housing Allocations Policy.

            

      3. Increasing the length of time applicants can be suspended from the housing list for anti-social behaviour

          

         • There was a difference in views in this area. Some HAG members felt that the current suspension length of one year was sufficient and that we had to take into account that people can change. Other HAG members felt that increasing the suspension length to two years was more appropriate.

       

   4. Probationary Tenancies

       

      • HAG members noted the comments of Shelter who opposed Probationary Tenancies when part of the Housing Scotland Bill in 2011, but felt that in

   169

   Appendix 2

    

    

   certain circumstances they could be a tool landlords could use to minimise housing management and ASB issues.

   • It was noted a blanket approach might not be appropriate and a case by case approach to deciding who would be placed on a probationary tenancy might be a better approach.

   • HAG members overall were generally supportive of probationary tenancies but not for all new tenants.

170

171‌

 

Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 11

Stirling Council Date of

Meeting: 3 March 2022

Not Exempt

Stirling Council Senior Management Update

 

 

 

Purpose & Summary

The purpose of this report is to update Council of the revised senior management structure.

 

Recommendations

Council is asked to:

1. note the revised senior management responsibilities and line management changes at Appendix 1 of the report, and the implementation of same by the Chief Executive;

2. note that in terms of the Council’s Scheme of Delegation (SOD) that it is for Council to determine the process of selection and appointment of the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officers, Senior Managers and Chief Officers. Council has delegated this power to an Appointments Panel, as set out in the SOD;

3. agree to delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to make any necessary consequential changes to the Scheme of Delegation and to the Contract Standing Orders and to circulate amended documents to Elected Members for information;

4. note that the changes will be reflected in the Financial Regulations, which will be revised by the Chief Officer – Finance, as is set out in the decision of Council on 9 December 2021 in relation to the Contract Standing Orders; and

5. note that the Chief Executive will ask the Chief Officer - Governance to make all consequential changes to the Scheme of Sub Delegation and to circulate the amended scheme to Elected Members for information.

 

Resource Implications

A small saving will be achieved as a result of removing the Chief Operating Officer (People) and Chief Officer Education post.

 

(£6506)

Saving

Total savings of new posts

 

172

 

Legal & Risk Implications

There are no risks associated with the proposals outlined in the report. The proposed changes to the senior management responsibilities is an amendment to meet the demands of operations, enabling the Council to meet its financial and statutory functions and deliver the Council’s Key Priorities.

The Chief Executive is the Head of Paid Service in terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Every local authority had a duty to provide that officer with such staff as are in his/her opinion sufficient to allow his/her duties to be performed. The Head of Paid Service has a duty to report to Council, where he/she considers it appropriate, setting out his/her proposals in relation to strategic staffing matters.

 

1. Background

   1. The review of the strategic responsibilities brings forward an introduction of one new and a variation of other posts to strengthen management and leadership capacity, with a small number of service transfers between portfolios.

   2. The report deals with the posts for which an Appointment Panel would be convened.

       

2. Considerations

1. The Council’s current senior management structure has been in place since June 2019. Since that time the current structure has provided a sense of certainty as well as providing a good level of strategic assurance.

2. This has enabled the Council to develop a vision for Stirling and devise an ambitious programme of transformational change as laid out in The Stirling Plan, the 10 year Strategy - Thriving Stirling and 5 year Business Plan.

3. In addition, since March 2020, the constraints and opportunities presented by the pandemic have highlighted areas for strengthening how we work.

4. This has made it timeous and necessary for us to revise the focus of some of the responsibilities in the senior management team to continue to meet the current and future needs of our communities.

5. Job titles for all post holders currently entitled ‘Senior Manager’ will be retitled ‘Head of Service’ to bring clarity to the level of accountability associated with the current grading of these roles, to assist with internal governance, as well as future recruitment. This has been included in the detail provided within this report. The change will be effective from the new financial year, April 2022.

6. Following a period of consultation with the strategic management team and trade unions, minor amendments have been supported, as per the attached - at Appendix 1.

7. Appointment Panels are being convened for the posts of Head of Customer Service and Performance and Head of People and Community Wellbeing. Posts below ‘Head of Service’ will be recruited and appointed by the appropriate Head of Service.

173

 

 

Service Reporting/Structure Changes

1. Two Chief Operating Officer (COO) positions remain and their direct reports are as detailed below, along with changes to the reporting lines directly to the Chief Executive.

    

   Current reporting structure	Service Team	Transfer to:
   Chief Executive	Head of People, Communities and Wellbeing	COO Communities and Performance
   COO Communities and Performance	Head of Economic Development and Culture	COO Infrastructure and Environment
   COO Infrastructure and Environment	City Region Deal Senior Manager	End of Fixed term period
   COO Communities and Performance	Head of Customer Service and performance	New post
   COO (People) and Chief Education Officer	Head of Education, Chief Education Officer	Chief Executive
   COO (People) and Chief Education Officer	Head of Social Work, Chief Social Worker	Chief Executive

   Drivers for Change

2. The table below sets out by post the rationale for making the amendments as described in the report.

 

174

 

 

1. Implications

   Equalities Impact

   1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required.

      Fairer Scotland Duty

   2. The contents of this report were considered in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty and were determined not to be of strategic importance.

      Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

   3. Not applicable.

      Other Policy Implications

   4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

      Consultations

   5. Consultation has taken place with Elected Members and the Corporate Management Team and Trade Union representatives have been informed. No external consultation was required.

       

2. Background Papers

   1. Stirling Council Organisational Review – Structure, May 2016.

   2. Stirling Council Organisational Review – Structure, May 2018.

1. Stirling Council Organisational Review – Structure, June 2019.

2. EqIA Relevance Check.

175

 

1. Appendices

   1. Appendix 1 – Agreed Council Structure June 2019.

   2. Appendix 2 – Council Structure February 2022.

 

Author(s)

 

 

Approved by

 

 

 

176

 

177‌

 

Appendix 1

STIRLING COUNCIL ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE TO SERVICE MANAGER LEVEL

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer Communities and Performance

 

 

Chief Operating Officer People

(CEdO or CSWO)

 

Chief Operating Officer Infrastructure & Environment

 

 

 

Senior Manager (CEdO or CSWO)

 

Senior Manager Infrastructure

 

Senior Manager Environment & Place

 

Senior Manager Delivery of CRD

 

Chief Officer Housing

 

Senior Manager Economic Development & Communities

 

Chief Officer HR & OD

 

Chief Officer Governance

 

Chief Officer Finance

Chief Officer Clackmannanshire & Stirling

H&SCP & Integration Joint Board

 

Early Years and Early Intervention;

 

Broad General Education;

 

Senior Phase Education and Youth Participation

Children and Families Social Services;

 

Strategy & Performance;

 

Safer Reducing Offending;

 

Additional Support Needs (ASN), Health & Wellbeing

Infrastructure delivery;

 

Regulatory Services;

 

Public Transport & Sustainable Development;

 

Planning & Building Standards

Waste Services;

 

Roads & Land Operations;

 

Fleet Management;

 

Facilities Management

Housing Management and Development

Economic Growth, Culture, Tourism & Events;

 

Regeneration & Inclusive Growth;

 

Communities;

 

Community Planning

Strategic Commissioning;

 

Digital & Technology;

 

Customer Services;

 

Transformation, Policy & Performance

Human Resources;

 

OD & Change;

 

Health & Safety;

 

Corporate Resilience & Risk

Democratic & Civic Services;

 

Legal; Licensing

Audit & Data Protection

Accounting Operations;

 

Revenue & Benefits

 

Committees:

Children & Young People Adult Social Care Panel

Committees:

Environment & Housing Finance & Economy

Joint Committee City Region Deal

Committees:

Community, Planning & Regeneration Environment & Housing

Finance & Economy

Committees:

Finance & Economy

 

 

Audit

Stirling Council

 

 

04 June 2019

178

179

 

Appendix 2

STIRLING COUNCIL SENIOR MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement

 

Head of Community Health & Care

Head of Customer Service & Performance

 

Head of People and Community Wellbeing

 

Head of Housing

 

Head of Economic Development & Culture

 

Head of Environment & Place

 

Head of Infrastructure

 

Interim Chief Officer Finance

 

Chief Officer Governance (Monitoring Officer)

 

Head of Children & Families (CSWO)

 

Interim Head of Education (CEdO)

 

Chief Officer Clackmannanshire & Stirling

H&SCP & Integration Joint Board

 

Chief Operating Officer Communities and Performance

 

Chief Operating Officer Infrastructure& Environment

Chief Executive

 

 

 

08 Feb 22

180

AGENDA

 

AGENDA for the MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held as a virtual meeting by MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 3 MARCH 2022 commencing at

10.00 am

 

In accordance with Section 43 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Chair has agreed that this meeting will be conducted in such a manner as to allow remote attendance by Elected Members.

 

Please note that the meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams and will be broadcast live via the Stirling Council YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/user/stirlingcouncil

 

A recording of the meeting will also be made publicly available on the Council’s YouTube page following the meeting.‌‌‌

 

JULIA MCAFEE

Chief Officer – Governance Clerk to the Council

 

25 February 2022

 

B U S I N E S S

 

1. APOLOGIES

    

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

3. URGENT BUSINESS

    

4. MINUTES

    

   1. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 16 September 2021 (Pages 1 - 6)

       

   2. Meeting of Stirling Council – 7 October 2021 (Pages 7 - 36)

       

   3. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 2 December 2021 (Pages 37 - 40)

       

   4. Meeting of Stirling Council – 9 December 2021 (Pages 41 - 70)

   5. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 16 December 2021 (Pages 71 - 74)‌

       

   6. Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 17 December 2021 (Pages 75 - 76)

       

   7. Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel – 2 February 2022 (Pages 77 - 80)

       

   8. Appointments Panel – 31 January 2022 (Pages 81 - 82)

       

   9. Appointments Panel – 4 February 2022 (Pages 83 - 84)

       

   10. Appointments Panel – 10 February 2022 (Pages 85 - 86)

        

   11. Audit Committee – 27 January 2022 (Pages 87 - 92)

        

   12. Community Planning & Regeneration – 3 February 2022 (Pages 93 - 98)

        

   13. Local Review Body – 10 December 2021 (Pages 99 - 104)

        

   14. Public Safety – 20 January 2022 (Pages 105 - 108)

        

5. WRITTEN QUESTIONS

    

6. QUESTION TIME

    

   Council

    

7. DISCHARGE OF COUNCIL FUNCTIONS DURING THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD

   Report by Chief Officer – Governance (Pages 109 - 114)

    

8. CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS – IMPACT OF NEW £1M THRESHOLD

   Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance (Pages 115 - 118)

    

9. STIRLING’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY

   Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities119 - 148)

    

10. ADHOC SCRUTINY PANEL ON ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

    Report by Interim Head of Education (Pages 149 - 170)

     

    For Noting

     

11. STIRLING COUNCIL SENIOR MANAGEMENT UPDATE

    Report by Chief Executive (Pages 171 - 180)

    Notices of Motion‌

     

12. MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 39

1. Waste Collection Service

    

   Council records its apology to the residents and council tax payers of Stirling for imposing the new charges and cuts to the waste collection service without any prior consultation.

    

   Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Martin Earl

    

   (For further information contact:

   Chief Officer - Governance – Julia McAfee, mcafeej@stirling.gov.uk, 01786 2 33108 or Committee Officer – Louise McDonald, mcdonaldlo@stirling.gov.uk 01786 233746)

   1‌

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4a

   ON THE AGENDA

    

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

   MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 at 2.00 PM

    

   Present:

   Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

    

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

   Councillor Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Lesleyann Burns, Support Officer, Governance Stephen Clark, Chief Officer - Housing

   Martin Dalziel, Team Leader for External Communications Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance

   Lesley Gallagher, Service Manager – Regeneration and Inclusive Growth Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   David McDougall, Governance Officer (Minute Taker)

   Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance Coreen McNeil, Accommodation Manager, Housing

   Alasdair Macleod, Service Manager – Senior Phase & Youth Participation Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Jonathan Sharp, Support & Integration Officer

   David Wilson, Service Manager – Housing Management & Homelessness Julia McAfee, Chief Officer – Governance (Clerk)

    

   Also in Attendance

    

   Adam Haahr, 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.

    

   The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were present.

   2

    

    

   SC431 APOLOGIES

    

   Apologies were submitted for Councillors Bennison, Oxburgh and Tweed

    

   SC432 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   SC433 LIVE BROADCASTING OF MEETINGS

    

   This report advised Council of the requirement for meetings to be accessible to members of the public; advised of the proposal to meet this requirement by live broadcast of relevant meetings; and proposed amendment of the existing Protocol enabling recording of meetings to include live broadcasting.

    

   The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 provided a general right of access for members of the public to meetings of the Council, and to Committees and Panels, subject to specified exclusions set out in schedule 7 to the 1973 Act.

    

   The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 added an exclusion which allowed for the prevention of access to meetings where to allow such would pose a real and substantial risk to public health due to infection or contamination with coronavirus. This additional exclusion was to be repealed from 1 October 2021. Accordingly, the Council would require to provide access for members of the public to meetings, subject to the pre-existing exclusions in place.

    

   There remained limitations on the capacity for the Council to return to physical meetings as were held prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. These related to the use of buildings, compliance with guidance, and individual health requirements of members and officers.

    

   The Council had previously adopted a Protocol for the Recording of Council, Committee and Panels Meetings, which provided the framework for the recording of these meetings and the provision of these recordings via the Council’s website and Youtube channel. A revised Protocol for the Broadcasting and Recording of Council, Committee and Panel Meetings was attached to the report as an appendix for consideration and approval.

    

   In order to provide access for members of the public, it was proposed to broadcast meetings live. Meetings would continue to take place using the established MS Teams system, but in addition to recordings being made available subsequent to the meeting, a live feed of each meeting would be available to watch via the Council’s Youtube channel. Live broadcasting of these meetings would meet the requirements for public access to meetings.

    

   Discussion took place regarding the need to promote access to the live broadcasts, and it was confirmed that the Council’s Communications team would be actively promoting the broadcasts for each meeting in advance via social media.

    

   Responding to a number of queries from Members regarding ongoing Covid restrictions and the timescales for returning to physical meetings within Council buildings, the Chief Officer – Governance confirmed that Stirling Council continued to follow Scottish Government guidance which stated that staff should continue to work

   3

    

    

   from home where that was possible. Stirling Council would need to continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of staff and Members during the ongoing Covid pandemic. A meeting of the Group Secretaries had been arranged for the following week to discuss ongoing arrangements for Members in terms of home working and queries in this regard.

    

   The Chief Officer – Governance also advised that the majority of other local authorities across Scotland continued to operate in the same way, holding meetings either remotely or with a hybrid approach, which allowed a combination of both remote and in person attendance. Proposals for hybrid meetings would be brought to Council.

    

   Decision

    

   Council agreed to:

    

   1. note that with effect from 1 October 2021 meetings of the Council would require to be accessible to members of the public; and

       

   2. adopt with effect from 1 October 2021 the revised Protocol for the Broadcasting and Recording of Council, Committee and Panel meetings.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 8 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC434 POLICY ON REFUGEE, LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF AND DISPLACED PERSONS RESETTLEMENT SCHEMES AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK

 

This report introduced a revised Policy on Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes and Associated Procedural Framework. The policy and procedure detailed how the Council would meet its commitment to participate in resettlement schemes currently and in the future as global instability increased and displaced families continued to need sanctuary.

 

The Council committed to resettle families under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme in 2015 followed in 2017 by a further undertaking to provide sanctuary to refugees within the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme. In 2021, the Council was one of the first Scottish local authorities to resettle families under the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) and LES (Locally Employed Staff) programmes.

 

The Strategic Framework for Refugee Resettlement approved by the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee in 2018 formalised the strategic and operational context for resettlement. This had been applicable until now. However, the 2018 iteration was developed when the Syrian Refugee crisis was unfolding and was rooted as a response to those events. This had led to the 2018 policy being somewhat inflexible in meeting the challenge of subsequent humanitarian responses to changing global circumstances.

 

Therefore the 2018 Strategic Framework required updating to introduce a degree of flexibility in application which would reflect both the ending of the previous resettlement schemes and the growing levels of uncertainty in many countries which was likely to add to the need for resettlement.

4

 

 

The revised policy and procedure provided a clear strategic commitment and operational procedure which could apply to any refugee resettlement situation. The policy and procedure formalised the Council’s commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees. It set out the process to make sure that those provided with sanctuary in Stirling’s communities were provided with person-centred wrap-around support to enable them to settle into their new homes, schools and communities.

 

Responding to questions from Members, Officers advised that the these families would be spread throughout the Stirling Council area in a way that was practical and appropriate in terms of access to support and services. The properties generally used for this purpose would be sourced from temporary accommodation stock. A range of wrap-around support would be provided to try to ensure the families settled in well into their new communities, with work undertaken in advance with the local community to put a network of support in place, with involvement of organisations such as church groups, community councils and charities such as Forth Valley Welcome.

 

Council was advised that the types of families taken by Stirling Council would be based on the properties which the Council could provide, with families of appropriate size being matched to the available properties. In exceptional circumstances there could be a request to resettle a family of a certain size in which case the Council would attempt to identify a suitable property for that family. The intention would always be to avoid use of B&B or hotel accommodation.

 

Members welcomed the report and the proposed policy, noting how important it was that Stirling Council continued to play its part in helping to support those displaced as a result of this type of humanitarian crisis.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. approve the draft Policy on Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes;

    

2. note that the Council would offer to resettle a proportionate amount of refugee families under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (“ARAP”), the Locally Employed Staff (“LES”) and the current Afghan Resettlement programmes, being an additional 6-10 families over those already resettled;

    

3. note that if there was a request by the UK Government to resettle more than an additional 10 families, officers would return to Council and report this request prior to any decision being taken and to seek a decision from Council on further participation;

    

4. approve the amendment of the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to include the power to authorise participation in refugee resettlement schemes as a Non- Statutory Reservation to Council;

    

5. approve the delegation of power to the Chief Executive to disapply the Housing Allocations Policy (“HAP”) solely in circumstances detailed in the Legal and Risk Implications section, where this was required to implement the Policy on Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes; and

   5

    

    

6. note the terms of the associated Refugee, Locally Employed Staff and Displaced Persons Resettlement Schemes Procedural Framework.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Manager- Economic Development & Communities, dated 9 September 2021, submitted).

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.05 pm

6

7 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

TO ITEM 4b

ON THE AGENDA

 

STIRLING COUNCIL

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER 2021 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 Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

 

In Attendance

 

Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

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

Martin Dalziel, Team Leader for External Communications Lisa Dunlop, Service Manager Organisational Development Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance

Pamela Forsyth, HR Advice & Policy Manager Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

Bruce McClure, Senior Manager – City Region Deal David McDougall, Governance Officer

Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance Sean Moffat, Assistant Analyst

Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (Chief Education Officer) Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities Bruce Reekie, Senior Manager – Environment & Place

Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer) Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)

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

8

 

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 asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were in attendance except for Councillor Robert Davies.

 

SC435 APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were received on behalf of Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

 

SC436 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

SC437 URGENT BUSINESS

 

There were no items of urgent business.

 

SC438 MINUTES

 

The following minutes were submitted for approval:-

 

1. Stirling Council – Special - 17 June 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 17 June 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

2. Stirling Council – 24 June 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Meeting held on 24 June 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

3. Appeals Panel – 29 July 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Appeals Panel held on 29 July 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

   9

    

    

4. Local Review Body – 7 July 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 7 July 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

5. Local Review Body – 13 July 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 13 July 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

6. Chief Executive Appraisal – 2 September 2021 Decision

The Minutes of the Chief Executive Appraisal held on 2 September 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC439 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

Ten 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.

 

SC440 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 Alasdair Tollemache - Minutes of Children & Young People Committee on Tuesday 8 June 2021 (CY194 - Question regarding Speech & Language Therapy for Teenagers)

 

Councillor Susan McGill advised that she would discuss with Councillor Alastair Tollemache out with the meeting.

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison - Minutes of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee on Thursday 3 June 2021 (CR203 - Question

10

 

 

regarding Transfer of Alcohol and Drugs Partnership to Health & Social Care Partnership)

 

Councillor Chris Kane confirmed that the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee would continue to receive reports and continue to scrutinise the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.

 

Councillor Robert Davies - Minutes of Finance & Economy Committee on Thursday 17 June 2021 (FE241 - Question regarding Works at Branshoggle Bridge)

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley advised that if additional funding was required then this would likely require to be reported to the Finance & Economy Committee and officers were looking into this.

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald - Minutes of Stirling Council on Thursday 24 June 2021 (Appendix 1 Question 6 - Question regarding Qualified Bridge Officers)

 

Councillor Jim Thomson advised that the Council has limited qualified bridges staff but positions were being advertised.

 

Councillor Douglas Dodds - Minutes of Audit Committee on Thursday 27 May 2021 (AC227 - Question regarding Debt Write-Off)

 

Councillor Margaret Brisley advised that officers may write off debt but they would continue to pursue obtaining the money owed.

 

SC441 ANNUAL REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS

 

The report presented for approval contained the revised Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation.

 

Following a Member query on the Scheme of Delegation, Pages 175 and 176 paragraphs 4b and 4c regarding Children & Young People Committee and how actively do the Council recruit for the teacher and pupil positions, it was agreed that detail on recruitment would be obtained and shared with Councillor Flannagan.

 

Continuing on from the previous query, a Member asked why teachers and pupils do not have voting right but religious representatives do, it was agreed that this information would also be obtained and shared with Councillor Flannagan.

 

A Member queried whether the guidance for meetings which has been issued to Conveners could be shared with all Members and it was confirmed that the guidance would be circulated more widely.

 

A Member referred to page 107, Children & Young People Committee, and asked whether the Council could undertake a review of voting rights with other Local Authorities and the Chief Officer Governance stated that they would be happy to look at this again and discuss with the Convener of the Committee.

 

Councillor Scott Farmer moved the recommendations and Councillor Chris Kane seconded.

11

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

 

1. adopt, with effect from 8 October 2021, the Standing Orders set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

2. approve, with effect from 8 October 2021, the Scheme of Delegation set out in Appendix 3 to the report; and

3. note that the Chief Officer - Governance would continue to carry out annual reviews of the Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 27 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC442 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

 

The report invited Council to appoint Members to a number of internal and external roles. This is a power reserved to Council in terms of the scheme of delegation.

 

Nominations from the Administration and Opposition were set out within Appendix 1 to the report for consideration and approval. The following positions were filled:

 

Audit Committee

Councillor Martin Earl proposed Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Bryan Flannagan seconded.

Decision: Councillor Neil Benny was appointed as Vice Convener to Audit Committee

 

Local Review Body

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Alasdair MacPherson and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded.

Decision: Councillor Alasdair MacPherson was appointed as a Member of the Local Review Board

 

Stirling Local Area Access Forum

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Margaret Brisley and Councillor Chris Kane seconded.

Decision: Councillor Margaret Brisley was appointed as a Member of the forum.

 

Forth Housing Association Management Committee

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Jim Thomson to fill the role or observer and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded.

Decision: Councillor Jim Thomson was appointed as an observer on the Committee.

 

Councillor Christine Simpson proposed Councillor Danny Gibson to replace Councillor Thomson as named substitute and Councillor Chris Kane seconded.

Decision: Councillor Danny Gibson was appointed as named substitute.

 

Stirlingshire Educational Trust

Councillor Alistair Berrill proposed Councillor Robert Davies and Councillor Neil Benny seconded.

Decision: Councillor Robert Davies was appointed as Governor of the Trust.

12

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to appoint the nominated Members to the roles set out within the updated Appendix 1 to the report with addition to Councillor Davies being appointed to the position of Governor of the Stirlingshire Educational Trust.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 14 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC443 COMMUNITY COUNCIL SCHEME OF ESTABLISHMENT – REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY AMENDMENTS

 

The Stirling Council Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils (‘the Scheme’) provided the framework for the operation of Community Councils within the area. The Scheme was temporarily amended in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular to require remote meetings in place of in-person meetings of Community Councils. It was proposed to remove these temporary amendments, and to amend the Scheme to permit in-person, remote, or hybrid meetings of Community Councils. This was subject to the requirement that, whatever provision was considered appropriate by each Community Council, members of the local community are able to participate in meetings.

 

Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

 

Members thanked Community Councils and Community Councillors for their hard work and resilience through the recent and continued difficulties.

 

Councillor Chris Kane proposed the recommendation and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to approve the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 13 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC444 QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

 

The report informed Council of UK and Scottish Government plans to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, and asked Council to consider awarding an additional day’s annual leave for all employees (pro-rated for part-time employees) on Friday 3 June 2022.

 

Councillor MacPherson proposed an amendment to the recommendation 1:

“agree to providing one additional fixed annual leave day for staff on 30 November 2022 for St Andrews Day.”

The amendment did not have a seconder, the amendment therefore fell and would not be considered.

13

 

Councillor Neil Benny proposed the report recommendations and Councillor Jeremy McDonald seconded.

 

Councillor MacPherson requested that his dissent be recorded.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

1. provide one additional fixed annual leave day for staff on 3 June 2022;

2. note the additional direct financial cost of £42,500; and

3. approve that the additional one-off cost would be provided for from General Fund reserves.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer - Communities and Performance, dated 21 September 2021, submitted).

 

At 12.20pm the Council agreed to adjourn in terms of Standing Order 74

Recording of meeting was stopped The Meeting reconvened at 12.40pm

with all Elected Members (previously noted) present, with the exception of Councillor Ross Oxburgh.

 

Recording of meeting was started

 

SC445 CAPITAL BUDGET APPROVAL FOR 2022-2023 FOR BORESTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL EXTENSION

 

The Provost advised that the Chief Executive had requested that the report be deferred to a future Council meeting.

 

The Provost proposed the deferral and Councillor Scott Farmer seconded.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to defer the report to a future meeting of Stirling Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 28 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC446 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.

 

 

1. Allocations Policy Motion

   “This council recognises the significant and often long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour can have on those effected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved. Often those who are victims will want to move away from the source of these difficulties.

    

   Council agrees that officers should consult with housing advisory group, tenants and all appropriate stakeholders with regards to how the current allocations policy could better reflect this and support the best possible options for victims.

    

   Once this consultation has been completed a report detailing options is to be brought forward to the Environment & Housing Committee for consideration.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Bryan Flannagan and Councillor Martin Earl

    

   Amendment 1

    

   Replace motion with –

    

   “Council acknowledges the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on neighbours and wider communities.

    

   Council agrees to review its housing and anti-social behaviour policies and procedures, to consider the impact that anti-social behaviour has on Council tenants and the wider society.

    

   A scoping paper will be brought to the next available Environment and Housing meeting to discuss and agree the process and timescale.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Alasdair MacPherson and Councillor Danny Gibson

    

   Amendment 2

    

   “Council recognises the significant and long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour, including criminal activity, can have on those affected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved and damages the wider community as a whole.

   Council instructs an Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panel be formed, working cross party, with the Housing Advisory Group and appropriate stakeholders to review housing policies concerning Stirling Council tenants who persistently break their tenancy agreements through anti-social behaviour and/or criminal activity and the impact this has on neighbours and the wider community.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Maureen Bennison and Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

    

   At this point, Council adjourned for five minutes to allow Members to consider the terms of the Amendments.

    

   Councillor Flannagan advised that he was happy to move his motion with the inclusion of Councillor Bennison’s amendment. Councillor Bennison agreed to

   the incorporation of her amendment with the motion and amendment 2 was removed.

    

   Council adjourned for twenty minutes to allow Members to be provided with and consider an amended motion incorporating the second amendment.

    

   Councillor Ross Oxburgh joined the meeting

    

   New Motion

    

   “Council recognises the significant and long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour, including criminal activity, can have on those affected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved and damages the wider community as a whole.

    

   Council agrees that there should be a wide consultation with tenants with regards to how the current allocations policy could look at supporting victims to relocate. Council also agrees that there should be a review of policies concerning Stirling Council tenants who persistently break their tenancy agreements through anti-social behaviour and/or criminal activity and the impact this has on neighbours and the wider community.

    

   Council instructs an Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panel be formed, working cross party, with the Housing Advisory Group and appropriate stakeholders to review these housing policies. Council agrees to appoint one member from each party and the independent member to the group and agrees to allow the group to appoint its own chair.”

    

   Signed by Councillor Bryan Flannagan and Councillor Martin Earl On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:- For the Amendment

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Christine Simpson Councillor Jim Thomson

    

   Against the Amendment

    

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury

    

    

    

    

   Councillor Robert Davies

    

   The Amendment fell by 11 votes to 10 votes with 1 Member not voting For the New Motion

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

    

   Against the New Motion

    

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Christine Simpson Councillor Jim Thomson

    

   Not Voting

    

   Councillor Robert Davies

    

   The New Motion was carried by 11 votes to 10 votes with 1 Member not voting.

    

   Membership for the ad-hoc scrutiny panel to be agreed out with the meeting.

    

   Councillor Douglas Dodds left the meeting

    

2. Challenge Poverty Week Motion

17

 

 

“Council recognises Challenge Poverty Week 2021 - which runs from 4th– 10th October 2021 - and the efforts of council officers and third sector partners who work hard to challenge poverty in its many guises every week of every year.

 

Council agrees with the Poverty Alliance who say low wages, inadequate social security payments and the rising cost of living are holding people back. Too many people in our society are locked in the grip of poverty. Poverty can, and must, be solved. Action must be taken to boost people’s incomes, reduce the cost of living and create a place where nobody is restricted from playing a full role in society because of financial pressures.

 

Council notes its disappointment in proposed cuts to social security payments and recognises that rising energy prices will put a further pressure on those who can least afford it.

 

Council recognises that everybody has a role to play in tackling poverty and reaffirms its commitment to continue to put tackling poverty at the heart of decision making and be a strong voice in ending the stigma around poverty.”

 

Signed by Councillor Chris Kane and Councillor Scott Farmer

 

Amendment

 

“Council must use Challenge Poverty Week to provide leadership on this issue.

 

Council notes that just over 12% of people in Stirling live in a household suffering from income deprivation.

 

Council notes that the unemployment rate in Stirling, while still lower than the Scottish Average, remains too high.

 

Council also notes that the Local Child Poverty Action Plan was last reviewed in 2017 and that Stirling Council has no over-arching strategy for dealing with poverty.

 

Council further notes that the interim 2023 target on child poverty reduction for Scotland is likely to be missed, although we seem likely to achieve it in Stirling.

 

Council believes that it is for the Council to now show leadership on this issue and to challenge the rest of the community planning partners to make a new commitment to an overall poverty reduction plan.

 

Council believes that an overall poverty reduction plan must include: -

 

• Access to employment, job training and skills

   

• Access to housing

   

• Properly independent debt and financial advice

   

• Integrated family support

  18

   

   

• Support for mental and physical health

   

• Abuse, harassment and coercive control

   

• Offenders leaving the criminal justice system

 

Council has many policies and plans in place, but the integration between the plans remains problematic. There is also an issue regarding the funding of the third sector organisations that deliver support in these areas being inadequate.

 

Council believes that helping people out of Poverty is a core function of the Council and it should be funded appropriately whether it is provided by Stirling Council or by the third sector.

 

Council believes that it is time for a New Partnership to end Poverty Plan for Stirling. The will encompass a vision that sees overall levels of absolute and relative poverty fall ahead of the Government Mandated Targets.

 

Council agrees to have an open and honest discussion about all the actions against poverty that happen in Stirling whether they are undertaken by the Council, Public Sector partners or third sector agencies. Council invites all interested parties to make contributions to how this new plan will realise the vision of comprehensive, accessible and coordinated services capable of addressing all areas of poverty reduction.”

 

Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Martin Earl

 

At this point, Council adjourned for ten minutes to allow Members to consider the terms of the Amendments.

 

Councillor Jeremy McDonald left the meeting

 

On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:- For the Amendment

Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury

 

Against the Amendment

 

Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson

19

 

 

Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Christine Simpson Councillor Jim Thomson Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

 

The Amendment fell by 12 votes to 7 votes. For the Motion

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

 

Against the Motion Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury

 

The Motion was carried by 12 votes to 7 votes

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.25pm

20

21

 

 

APPENDIX 1

 

Questions in Terms of Standing Order 30

 

22

 

Councillor Davies thanked the Convener for his answer and advised that he would like a mechanism in place to inform local businesses on how they will be affected and would want to arrange a meeting with local businesses and Stirling Council to deal with the problems they are facing and also put in place a temporary bridge at Croftamie.

Councillor Thomson advised that he initially checked that Catterburn Bridge was not an A listed structure, it was not, so therefore it should make it simpler, however he wished to fast track the repairs. With regards to contact with Community Councils and Members, Councillor Thomson advised that this was a short term measure until the service had the scheme in place and officers are committed to contacting businesses once Covid restrictions are lifted and have a full complement of staff.

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

23

 

24

 

 

25

 

26

 

Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener for his answer and asked how many complaints remain outstanding and the average timescale for solutions.

Councillor Thomson advised that he would obtain the detail and share this with Councillor Flannagan.

Supplementary Question and Answer

 

27

 

28

 

29

 

30

 

31

 

32

 

33

 

APPENDIX 2

 

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

MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER 2021

 

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

 

1. Allocations Policy

    

   This council recognises the significant and often long term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour can have on those effected. It affects quality of life, mental health and physical wellbeing for those involved. Often those who are victims will want to move away from the source of these difficulties.

    

   Council agrees that officers should consult with housing advisory group, tenants and all appropriate stakeholders with regards to how the current allocations policy could better reflect this and support the best possible options for victims.

    

   Once this consultation has been completed a report detailing options is to be brought forward to the Environment & Housing Committee for consideration.

    

   Signed by Councillor Bryan Flannagan and Councillor Martin Earl

    

   Answer

    

   Stirling Council recognises the impact harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour have on those persons affected. It is often not the best outcome for a tenant – who may have close links to their neighbourhood - to uproot their household due to ongoing anti-social behaviour.

    

   Housing Services work closely with colleagues in the Community Safety Team to consider options such as mediation to try to resolve those incidents of neighbour disputes/anti-social behaviour that are of a less serious nature. For anti-social behaviour that is sustained, consistent and evidenced the Council would seek to take appropriate and proportionate action to resolve it, and enforcement action is regularly taken against perpetrators.

    

   With regard to victims of anti-social behaviour the Service would firstly seek to support them and risk assess their current situation. If there was evidence of there being a serious risk for them to remain in their current accommodation, the Service would complete a homeless assessment and move them into temporary accommodation. If the situation was not as serious but they wished to apply for housing the Service would assist them by completing a housing application form. This would be assessed based on the current Allocations Policy and points may be awarded based on the anti-social behaviour affecting their health. The Policy does not currently award points for harassment for victims of anti-social behaviour. There is flexibility within the current policy to consider those persons affected by anti-social behaviour via the Strategic Housing Group, this is for cases where there is an urgent and exceptional housing need.

   34

    

   The new Allocations Policy was implemented in July 2021 and is due to be reviewed after 12 months of implementation, as agreed by the Environment and Housing Committee in November 2019. Therefore a review of how the Policy is operating, together with consultation on changes is to take place in 2022. It is not recommended that the Policy is changed more frequently than annually as this risks confusing applicants and places a significant administrative burden on the Housing Service.

    

   Awarding harassment points for those persons affected by anti-social behaviour will be considered as part of future consultations. However, the issue of providing corroboration to evidence harassment can be challenging for the Housing Service to assess.

    

   Any proposed changes to the Allocations Policy will be discussed by relevant stakeholders, including the Housing Advisory Group and a report taken forward to the Environment & Housing Committee for approval.

   35

    

2. Challenge Poverty Week

    

   Council recognises Challenge Poverty Week 2021 - which runs from 4th–10th October 2021 - and the efforts of council officers and third sector partners who work hard to challenge poverty in its many guises every week of every year.

    

   Council agrees with the Poverty Alliance who say low wages, inadequate social security payments and the rising cost of living are holding people back. Too many people in our society are locked in the grip of poverty. Poverty can, and must, be solved. Action must be taken to boost people’s incomes, reduce the cost of living and create a place where nobody is restricted from playing a full role in society because of financial pressures.

    

   Council notes its disappointment in proposed cuts to social security payments and recognises that rising energy prices will put a further pressure on those who can least afford it.

    

   Council recognises that everybody has a role to play in tackling poverty and reaffirms its commitment to continue to put tackling poverty at the heart of decision making and be a strong voice in ending the stigma around poverty.

    

   Signed by Councillor Chris Kane and Councillor Scott Farmer

    

   Answer

    

   Stirling Council and our community planning partners are committed to tackling poverty and inequality in all its forms.

    

   The work to review Locality Action Plans and develop a collaborative resource plan in response has been a significant development and will ensure that community planning partners continue to focus on joined up service delivery in our communities of greatest disadvantage. Performance on this work is monitored and reported to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Executive Board.

    

   The Council and its partner agencies are also very aware of those individuals and household groups who have been pushed into further inequalities by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. These include women, young people, people with disabilities, people from black and ethnic minority communities; and those on low incomes.

    

   Partners are responding to this evidence base with increasingly targeted activity across a range of strategic approaches and operational activity including:

    

   • Child Poverty Action Reporting.

      

   • Learning and Employability- with increased activity to support young people, parents from low income families and New Scots.

      

   • Advice and Income maximisation – to support people through benefit changes, food and fuel insecurity.

   36

   37‌

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4c

   ON THE AGENDA

    

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

   MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER 2021 at 3.00 PM

    

   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 Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE Councillor Evelyn TWEED

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk) Sean Moffat, Assistant Analyst, ICT

   Islay Moore, Support Officer – Governance Owen O’Donnell Communications Officer

   Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment David McDougall, Governance Officer (Minutes)

    

   Also in Attendance

    

   Adam Haahr, 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.

    

   The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were present.

   38

    

    

   SC453 REQUISITION

    

   Motion

    

   “Council has no confidence in Cllr Alasdair MacPherson as chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.

    

   Council resolves to remove Cllr MacPherson and appoint a new chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.”

    

   Moved by Councillor Neil Benny, seconded by Councillor Martin Earl.

    

   Amendment

    

   The direct negative was moved by Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, seconded by Councillor Scott Farmer.

    

   For the Motion Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alastair Berrill

   Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh

    

   Against the Motion

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Jim Thomson Councillor Alasdair Tollemache Councillor Evelyn Tweed

    

   Not Voting

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Chris Kane Provost Christine Simpson

    

   The motion fell by 10 votes to 9 votes, with 4 Members not voting.

    

   Decision

    

   Council had confidence in Councillor Alasdair MacPherson as chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.

   39

    

    

   Council did not resolve to remove Councillor MacPherson and appoint a new chair of the Planning and Regulation Panel.

    

   The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.45 pm

   40

   41‌

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

   THIS ITEM RELATES

   TO ITEM 4d

   ON THE AGENDA

    

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

   MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER 2021 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 Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Adam Boey, Service Manager – Business Planning & Performance Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance

   Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing

   Hayley Cleland, Leader Officer, Learner Journey, Schools and Learning Charlie Croft, Marketing & Tourism Manager

   Martin Dalziel, Team Leader for External Communications Lisa Dunlop, Service Manager Organisational Development

   Wendy Forrest, Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement (HSCP) Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance

   Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Nick Hyde, Service Manager – Strategic Commissioning Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

   Graham Lyle, Digital, IT & Customer Manager Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk) Elaine McNicol, Team Leader – Quality Assurance

   Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance

   Steven MacDonald, Service Manager – Economic Growth, Culture, Tourism & Events Lyndsay MacNair, Covid Recovery Manager

   Sean Moffat, Assistant Analyst

   Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (Chief Education Officer) Islay Moore, Support Officer – Governance

   George Murphy, Accounting Operations Manager Gordon O’Connor, Service Manager - Audit

   Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities Simon Payne, Procurement Specialist

   Bruce Reekie, Senior Manager – Environment & Place Tom Rennie, Service Manager – Transformation Lead

   Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Lesley Sheasby, Team Leader – Quality Assurance

   42

    

    

   Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer) Carolyn Wyllie, Head of Community Health & Care (HSCP) David McDougall, Governance Officer (minutes)

    

   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 asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were in attendance except for Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

    

   The Provost stated her intention to alter the order of the agenda and took the items in the order noted below.

    

   SC454 APOLOGIES

    

   Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

    

   SC455 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   None.

    

   SC456 URGENT BUSINESS

    

   MEMBERSHIP OF PLANNING & REGULATION PANEL

    

   The Provost advised that she was bringing forward an item of urgent business requested by the Chief Officer – Governance in relation to the membership of the Planning & Regulation Panel.

    

   The urgent report from the Chief Officer – Governance advised Council of the resignation of five members of the Planning & Regulation Panel, which left the Panel with only four Members, which was below the minimum of five Members required for the Panel to form a quorum.

    

   The issue was considered urgent due to the need to secure the continued functioning of the Planning & Regulation Panel.

    

   Councillor Houston, seconded by Councillor Thomson, moved that Councillor McGill be appointed as an Administration Member of the Panel. Councillor McGill accepted the nomination.

   43

    

    

   Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Houston, moved that Councillor Davies be appointed as an Opposition Member of the Panel. Councillor Davies accepted the nomination.

    

   Councillor Farmer, seconded by Councillor MacPherson, moved that Councillor Houston be appointed to the vacant role of Vice Chair of the Panel. Councillor Houston accepted the nomination.

    

   Raising a point of order, Councillor Gibson indicated that he would wish to abstain from the decision relating to the appointment of Councillor Davies to the Panel. The Provost, using her authority under Standing Order 5(c) to determine all questions of procedure where no specific provision was set out, advised that she would put the matter of each proposed appointment to the vote, to allow all Members to vote on each of the proposed appointments as they so wished.

    

   Motion

    

   “Appointment of Councillor Susan McGill to the Planning & Regulation Panel.” Moved by Councillor Graham Houston, seconded by Councillor Jim Thomson On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:-

   For the Motion (13) Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alison Laurie

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

    

   Against the Motion (0)

    

   Not Voting (9) Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill

   Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh

    

   The motion was carried by 13 votes to 0 votes, with 9 Members not voting, and accordingly Councillor McGill was appointed to the Planning & Regulation Panel.

   44

    

    

   Motion

    

   “Appointment of Councillor Robert Davies to the Planning & Regulation Panel.” Moved by Councillor Jim Thomson, seconded by Councillor Graham Houston On the roll being called, the Members present voted as follows:-

   For the Motion (9)

   Councillor Maureen Bennison Councillor Robert Davies Councillor Scott Farmer Councillor Graham Houston Councillor Alison Laurie Councillor Alasdair MacPherson Councillor Susan McGill Councillor Jim Thomson Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

    

   Against the Motion (0)

    

   Not Voting (13) Councillor Neil Benny Councillor Alistair Berrill

   Councillor Margaret Brisley Councillor Douglas Dodds Councillor Martin Earl Councillor Bryan Flannagan Councillor Danny Gibson Councillor Jane Hutchison Councillor Chris Kane Councillor Alastair Majury Councillor Jeremy McDonald Councillor Ross Oxburgh Provost Christine Simpson

    

   The motion was carried by 9 votes to 0 votes, with 13 Members not voting, and accordingly Councillor Davies was appointed to the Planning & Regulation Panel.

    

   The proposed appointment of Councillor Houston to the role of Vice Chair of the Planning & Regulation Panel was agreed unanimously without the need for a roll call vote.

    

   Decision

    

   Council agreed:-

   1. to appoint Councillor Susan McGill as an Administration Member of the Planning & Regulation Panel;

   2. to appoint Councillor Robert Davies as an Opposition Member of the Planning & Regulation Panel; and

   3. to appoint Councillor Graham Houston as Vice-Chair of the Planning & Regulation Panel.

45

 

 

SC457 MINUTES

 

The following minutes were submitted for approval:-

 

1. Stirling Council – Special – 21 October 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 21 October 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

2. Stirling Council – Special – 4 November 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Stirling Council Special Meeting held on 4 November 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

3. Local Review Body – 8 October 2021 Decision

   The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 8 October 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

4. Parental Appeals Panel – 22 June 2021 Decision

The Minutes of the Parental Appeals Panel held on 22 June 2021 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.

 

SC458 WRITTEN QUESTIONS

 

8 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.

 

SC459 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 City Region Deal Joint Committee (Question regarding timescales for implementation of projects)

46

 

Councillor Farmer agreed to provide Councillor McDonald with timelines of CRD projects as they currently stood.

 

SC460 REPORT ON THE STIRLING COUNCIL CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS

 

The Stirling Council Contract Standing Orders (the “CSOs”) set out the procedure that all officers must follow for seeking, awarding and managing contracts for goods, services and works on behalf of the Council.

 

The purpose of this report was to advise Council of proposed changes to the CSOs and to seek Council’s approval for those.

 

Councillor Brisley advised that she had a motion which she wished to put forward to replace the recommendations contained in the report for this item. Councillor Laurie intimated she would second the motion. The key difference between the new motion and the original recommendations was an amendment to recommendation 1.2 to reduce the Committee approval threshold limit to a £750k contract value as opposed to the existing £1.5m contract value threshold. The motion also sought to add an additional fifth recommendation seeking to delegate authority to the Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Economy Committee and relevant opposition spokesperson, to work with officers to review the Financial Regulations with a report to then be brought to Council.

 

Concerns were raised by senior officers regarding the potential significant impact on Council business of lowering the Committee approval threshold as well as the suggested wording of the additional recommendation suggesting delegated authority to the Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Economy and relevant opposition spokesperson to review the Financial Regulations.

 

Following discussion regarding the potential impact and concerns around the proposed motion, the Provost agreed to adjourn the meeting to allow Members and senior officers to agree an appropriate proposal to put before Council.

 

The Provost adjourned the meeting at 11.00am

 

The Meeting reconvened at 11:20am, with all Elected Members, previously noted, present

 

Following the adjournment, Councillor Brisley advised that they had now agreed to amend the proposed motion, with a new proposed Committee approval threshold of

£1m, and an additional sixth recommendation, to review the decision at the next meeting of full Council, in order to get a sense of the impact of lowering the Committee approval threshold.

 

Following further discussion over concerns regarding the wording of the additional fifth recommendation, Councillor Brisley agreed to amend the wording to the effect that authority would be delegated to the Chief Officer – Finance to review the Financial Regulations, in consultation with Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Economy and relevant opposition spokesperson, with a report then coming back to Council.

47

 

 

The updated motion proposed by Councillor Brisley and seconded by Councillor Laurie was agreed unanimously.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. approve the proposed amendment of the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, and in particular to note the following changes:-

   1. the change to internal thresholds for service lead purchases from

      £5,000 to £10,000, while remaining subject to the Quick Quote procedure;

   2. for contracts of a value in excess of £1 Million, approval would be sought from the relevant committee or Council in advance of going to the market, providing members with a level of strategic control over the Council’s procurement process which is not currently afforded to them by the CSOs now in force. The contract award would be made by officers following evaluation in line with the award criteria; and

   3. contract awards would be reported to Elected Members via the Bulletin.

2. note that any increase in contract expenditure sought in excess of the initial approved contract value would require further approval from Committee or Council in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations;

3. note that these Contract Standing Orders would likely require further revision once new Procurement legislation was published by both the UK Government and Scottish Government as a result of the UK leaving the European Union;

4. note that Members would be advised via a Briefing Note to any future changes in the legislative financial thresholds which affect the award of contracts;

5. remit to the Chief Finance Officer to review Stirling Council’s Financial Regulations in consultation with the Finance & Economy Convener, Vice- Convener and Opposition Spokesperson, with a report to be brought back to a future meeting of Council; and

6. review the decision at the next meeting of Council.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 14 September 2021, submitted).

 

SC461 GENERAL FUND BUDGET STRATEGY UPDATE

 

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

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:

1. note the contents of this update report;

   48

    

    

2. use the information contained in the report as the basis for the development of initial budget strategy for 2022-23 and beyond; and

3. note that the figures were subject to change following the publication of Scottish Draft Budget on 9 December and Local Government Finance Settlement announcements on 20 December.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 30 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC462 STIRLING COUNCIL 2020-21 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

 

This report provided an overview of Stirling Council’s performance against its strategic aims and priorities for 2020-21. The report provided a summary of work undertaken across the last financial year, highlighting achievements and recognising the successes of Council Services. There was also a reflection on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The Annual Report also helped the Council to meet its duty of Best Value, in particular the requirements relating to Public Performance Reporting.

 

In response to a question from a Member regarding support for households facing extreme fuel poverty, the Chief Operating Officer for Communities and Performance confirmed significant resources had been put into support to help maximise individuals’ incomes. There were two officers working alongside partners in the third sector to provide support to individuals.

 

Following a question from a member regarding lack of appropriate wi-fi provision in schools to allow full utilisation of Chromebooks, the Interim Head of Education confirmed that considerable discussions had taken place regarding internet connectivity challenges and work was underway to address these issues. A briefing note on this progress had been provided to Children & Young People Committee Members, where the issue had also been raised and discussed.

 

In response to a request for information, the Chief Operating Officer for Communities and Performance confirmed they would be able to provide Councillor Davies with information relating to deaths and net migration.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the 2020-21 Annual Performance Report which listed achievements and reports performance against each of the Council’s six strategic priorities.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC463 STIRLING COUNCIL KEY PRIORITIES – PROGRESS UPDATE

 

This report provided an update on the progress of key priorities and sub-priorities. The Council Five-year Business Plan outlined the six key priorities that would help the organisationachieve the PHAR (Prosperous, Healthy, Achieving and Resilient) outcomes.

49

 

 

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 six key priorities.

 

In response to questions from Members, the Senior Manager for Infrastructure advised that work was ongoing on the regional energy masterplan which would identify projects for progression. There were also a range of projects coming through the Scottish Cities Alliance. The initial idea of establishing an energy utility company had not progressed as expected following initial business case considerations, but other projects would be taken forward under the regional energy masterplan.

 

In relation to the idea of a community owned private transport company, the Senior Manager for Infrastructure advised that the national picture had changed significantly post-Covid. There had been good progress with in-house ASN transport provision and the introduction of EV vehicles. There had also been good progress in increasing park and ride provision.

 

Responding to a query regarding the financial sustainability of the next bike scheme, the Service Manager for Public Transport & Sustainable Development confirmed this has been a very successful scheme supported by the Council and Transport Scotland along with funding allocated through the Forth Environment Scheme. They were looking to work in partnership with the University of Stirling to make this financially sustainable.

 

In response to a query regarding the possibility of a rent pressure zone, the Chief Officer – Housing advised that this had not been feasible as it was very onerous to implement. So far no local authorities in Scotland had managed to implement a rent pressure zone. There was an awareness at Scottish Government level that this may need to be looked at in future to make it easier for local authorities to consider and implement.

 

Responding to a question from a member, the Chief Officer – Finance confirmed that the output of the fundamental review of fees and charges would come forward as part of budget strategy discussions in advance of the budget-setting meeting.

 

Moving the recommendations in the report, the Council Leader noted his thanks to officers for all their hard work in taking these priorities forward.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note the progress made towards achievement of the service actions that contributed to the delivery of the Council’s Key Priorities by the completed activity at Appendix 1 to the report; and

2. note the actions due for completion in the final quarter of 2021-22.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 16 November 2021, submitted).

 

Councillor Oxburgh left the meeting during the previous item of business.

50

 

 

SC464 LOCAL GOVERNMENT BENCHMARKING FRAMEWORK (LGBF) 2019-20

 

This report presented the annual Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) performance indicators for the period 2019-20. The LGBF was a comparative benchmarking framework for use by all 32 Scottish councils providing a set of indicators that covered a range of service areas with an emphasis on costs, outcomes for service users and customer satisfaction.

 

In response to a question from a Member, the Interim Head of Education confirmed significant resources had been put in place for areas of poverty and deprivation in order to support the attainment gap caused by those issues.

Responding to a question from a Member, the Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement (HSCP/IJB) confirmed the support being provided to ensure carers felt supported to continue in their role. A lot of work had been done through the carers group and also through the carer transformation plan. They continued to work with carers to look at how best to support them. Progress had not been as quick as initially hoped due to the ongoing emergency covid status.

 

Responding to a query from a Member regarding the cost of pre-school education places, the Interim Head of Education advised that this query had been raised at Children & Young People Committee and a response was being prepared. It was noted that the figures for this did not take into account income generated through the provision of additional places.

 

Responding to a request for information, the Senior Manager for Environment and Place agreed to identify if local authority bridge comparison information was available and to advise Councillor Davies of this.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note that new indicators had been added by the LGBF Board to strengthen the suite of measures for 2019-20, which were detailed in section 1.6 of the report;

2. note the amendments made to existing indicators for 2019-20, which were explained in section 1.7 of the report;

3. note the summary of Stirling Council’s 2019-20 ranked performance compared to all other councils (national rank) and compared to family group councils (family group rank) at Appendix 3 to the report;

4. note the more detailed 2019-20 performance results for each LGBF indicator at Appendix 4 to the report; and

5. note that the LGBF results were published nationally by the Improvement Service and that a link would be published on the Council’s website. The Council’s 2019- 20 results (Appendices 3 & 4 to the report) would be published on the Council website.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 29 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC465 COVID-19 RESPONSE, RECOVERY AND RENEWAL

 

At the meeting of Stirling Council on 25 March 2021, the COVID-19 Recovery Plan was approved. This report updated Council on the progress of recovery and renewal.

51

 

Whilst there had been easing of restrictions, the Council continued to react to the challenges and changing demands for businesses, the Stirling economy and local residents, brought about as a result of the pandemic. The update on progress of the actions within the Recovery Plan was tabled at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

To aid recovery and support the reintroduction of services post COVID-19, it was important that the Council recruited the technical and professional resources required to deliver on the planned approach to recovery. While the pace of recovery would be influenced by national announcements and any further guidance, it was necessary that the Council was proactive in its approach to recruitment.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

1. note the progress on performance of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan and associated actions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and

2. note the deployment of financial resource to support the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 25 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC466 STIRLING COUNCIL’S TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME

 

The purpose of this report was to provide an update on progress on Stirling Council’s Transformation Programme.

 

During 2021 a new Stirling Council Transformation Board was established to oversee the “Vital Few” transformation programmes that were taking place across the Council. This Board was chaired by the Chief Executive and included the Chief Operating Officers and Chief Officers.

 

The vital few programmes included Workplace Recovery; Target Operating Model; ERP; Climate Emergency Planning; Waste Transformation; Social Care Replacement System; and Legal Case Management & Democratic Services Systems. Updates on all of these programmes were provided.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the progress on Stirling Council’s transformation programme;

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 11 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC467 CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – AUGUST 2023

 

This report outlined a significant opportunity to use an event of national and international significance to help drive Stirling’s recovery from the social and economic impacts of Covid-19 and to significantly contribute to the delivery of several of the Council’s key strategies.

52

 

 

The proposal was that Stirling would host a major cycling event as part of the UCI Cycling World Championships 2023. A programme of activities built around this event would support significant achievement of Stirling’s economic and social objectives.

 

The paper sought authorisation from Council for Senior Officers to proceed with negotiations to secure this event for Stirling and for authorisation to make a funding contribution to the event from Stirling Council General Fund Reserves, should positive contractual terms be agreed.

 

Responding to questions from Members, the Senior Manager for Economic Development and Communities advised that the route of the event was still to be finalised and consultation was still to take place with communities. It was anticipated that the section of the A811 to be utilised for this event would be closed for the duration. They also aimed to work with a number of parties to make the event as environmentally sustainable as possible, including arrangements for participants and spectators to travel to and from the event.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. approve that the Chief Executive enter into negotiations with the UCI with a view to securing this event for Stirling;

    

2. delegate authority to the Chief Executive to negotiate and agree a suitable arrangement to host the event with the organisers of the UCI Cycling World Championships, and within the approved financial parameter as per recommendation 3, in consultation with the Community Planning & Regeneration Convener, Vice-Convener and Opposition Spokesperson;

    

3. approve an allocation of up to £350,000 from Stirling Council General Fund Reserves to secure this opportunity for Stirling and to develop a programme that ensured the wider economic, health and well-being benefits will be delivered; and

    

4. note that regular reporting of progress on this programme would be made to the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager, Economic Development and Communities, dated 29 November 2021, submitted).

    

   SC468 HYBRID MEETINGS SYSTEM

    

   This report sought the agreement of Council to adopt the practice of hybrid working whereby Council, Committee and Panel meetings could be accessed by participants and members of the public both remotely and in-person and asked Council to approve the delegation of authority to make any consequential amendments to Standing Orders. The report also sought to demonstrate the benefits of a hybrid meetings system in widening access to democracy.

    

   In recognition of recent and ongoing pandemic-related restrictions on in-person meetings, the immediate benefits of widening access to meetings by providing the technical means to enable a degree of in-person attendance while also supporting remote access were easily identifiable. While limitations remained on numbers of

   53

    

    

   people who could appropriately be present in a meeting room, the capacity to enable some in-person attendance would represent a move towards the traditional, in-person meetings of pre-pandemic arrangements.

    

   Enabling hybrid meetings would, in the recovery period, allow for individual members, as well as members of the public, to make personal choices as to how to access Council, Committee and Panel meetings without a reduction in access or capacity to engage. Depending upon the length of the recovery phase, it could be that the introduction of a hybrid system would allow a quicker return for some to in-person meetings rather than the need to wait for a time when full elected member, officer and public in-person access can resume.

   In the longer term, members of the public and elected members would have improved flexibility and choice as to how and when they access Council business, improving access to and engagement with local democracy. This would build upon the improved access already provided to the public as a consequence of the move to record and broadcast meetings.

    

   Decision

    

   Council agreed to:-

    

   1. adopt a hybrid working approach for all Council, committee and panel meetings; and

       

   2. delegate to the Chief Officer – Governance, authority to make any changes required to the Council’s Standing Orders as a consequence of implementing a hybrid meeting system.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance and Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance, dated 16 November 2021, submitted).

 

The Provost adjourned the meeting at 1.30pm in accordance with Standing Order 74 to allow for a comfort break.

 

The Meeting reconvened at 2.00pm, with all Elected Members present as previously noted, with the exception of Councillor Oxburgh.

 

SC469 DEPUTATIONS PROCEDURE

 

At a meeting on 24 June 2021, Council considered a petition which proposed the introduction of a deputations process to enable groups to address Council and Committees. Council determined to delegate to the Chief Officer – Governance, in consultation with the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council, Leader and Depute Leader of the Opposition, and Councillors Davies, Bennison and Tollemache to consider the introduction of a procedure to enable deputations to be considered and to report back to a future meeting of Council.

 

This report advised Council of the considerations and proposed the introduction of the draft Deputations Procedure which was attached as an appendix to the report.

54

 

 

A Deputations Procedure would provide an additional means of public access to that which was provided by the Petitions Process. Adoption of a Deputations Procedure would provide for public engagement directly with Council or Committee on items of business under consideration at the relevant meeting. The existing Petitions Process allowed for any matter to be brought before Council or a Committee subject to certain criteria being met (for example, in the case of a petition from citizens at least 40 signatures are required).

The proposed Deputations Procedure supported wider access to Council and Committee business by enabling groups to make a deputation on an item of business which was already scheduled to go to a Committee or Council. Where a group wished to make a deputation, there was no need for further public support to be confirmed, and, subject to limitations set out in the draft procedure, the group would be invited to address the Council or Committee at the relevant meeting.

It was proposed that a 12-month review period would be applied at the end of which officers could consider how the Deputations Procedure had been utilised, and whether the procedure should be amended in light of experience.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. approve the Deputations Procedure attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

2. approves the inclusion of the Deputations Procedure attached as Appendix 1 to the report in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation;

    

3. delegate to the Chief Officer – Governance authority to amend the Deputations Procedure to take account of any change to meeting arrangements; and

    

4. apply a 12-month review period after which officers would report back to Council on the functioning of the Deputations Procedure along with any proposed amendments.

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 16 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC470 AUDIT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

 

This report presented the Audit Committee Annual Report 2020-21 for consideration by the Council. The Audit Committee approved the Annual Report for submission to the Council at its meeting on 4 November 2021.

Preparation of an Annual Report by the Audit Committee demonstrated compliance with best practice guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) in its publication titled ‘Audit Committees: Practical Guidance for Local Authorities and Police’.

 

This best practice guidance required the Audit Committee to report on its work, at least annually, to the Council (as ‘those charged with governance’) and to demonstrate the performance and discharge of its remit and functions as set out in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.

55

 

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note and take assurance from the Audit Committee Annual Report 2020-21 at Appendix 1.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC471 GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN 2021-2026

 

The purpose of this report was to present to Council the draft Gaelic Language Plan 2021-2026.

 

Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, Stirling Council had prepared a Gaelic Language Plan. The report, and the draft plan attached as appendix 1 to the report, set out how Stirling Council would support the development of Gaelic culture and language.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. note the contents of the Gaelic Language Plan; and

2. approve the draft plan for submission to the Scottish Government.

 

(Reference: Report by Interim Head of Education Schools, Learning and Education, dated 10 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC472 GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2021/22

 

The purpose of this report was to request Council approval for budget virements within the General Services Capital Programme for 2021/22. In terms of the Council’s financial regulations, a capital budget virement in excess of £250,000 required approval of Council (FR 5.12).

 

The General Services Capital Programme 2021/22 Progress Report presented to Finance and Economy Committee on 25 November 2021, reported an expected underspend and included, within Appendix 2 to that report, a number of options for potential advancement of programme spending.

 

The Committee was asked to discuss this proposed list of additional projects and to make a recommendation to Council for the urgent delivery of these projects. These projects would be considered for funding in 2022/23 or in subsequent years, and a commensurate value of projects deferred from the current financial year would require to be matched against programme resources in the 2022/23 financial year to maintain programme affordability.

 

The roads resurfacing proposals amounted to £300,000, and therefore the Finance and Economy Committee remitted approval for a decision for this virement to a meeting of Stirling Council in terms of paragraph 5.12 of the Financial Regulations.

56

 

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note and approve the virement of £0.300M in respect of the roads resurfacing projects as detailed at paragraph 2.6 of the report, as recommended by the Finance & Economy Committee at its meeting of 25 November 2021.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 29 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC473 COMMON GOOD FUNDS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2020/21

 

This report asked the Council to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2021, and provided an update on the ongoing review of the small charitable trusts administered by the Council.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2021.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC474 CHARITABLE TRUSTS ADMINISTERED BY STIRLING COUNCIL - REPORT TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE ON THE 2020/21 AUDIT

 

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

 

Decision

 

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 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC475 STIRLING COUNCIL AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2020/21

 

This report outlined the key features of the financial position displayed in the 2020/21 audited accounts, incorporating a brief overview of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA) revenue and capital outturn positions as at 31 March 2021. It also asked the Council to note the Audited Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2021.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to note the Annual Accounts in respect of Stirling Council for the year ended 31 March 2021.

57

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC476 ANNUAL REPORT TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE AND THE CONTROLLER OF AUDIT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

 

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

 

Decision

 

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 Annual Audit Report; and

    

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

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 15 November 2021, submitted).

 

SC477 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 39

 

1. Bus Service

    

   Whilst understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of bus services in the Stirling council area, the council recognises the severe impact the unreliable and infrequent services are having on our communities. Council requests the leader of the council:

    

   1. To urgently convene a meeting of representatives of the political parties (represented within the council) and the independent councillor with relevant officers to put together an action plan.

       

   2. To write to the Scottish Government requesting their urgent intervention to protect vital bus services.

 

Signed by Councillor Alasdair Tollemache and Councillor Maureen Bennison

 

Decision

 

Council agreed:-

 

Whilst understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of bus services in the Stirling council area, the council recognised the severe impact the unreliable and infrequent services are having on our communities. Council requested the leader of the council:

58

 

1. To urgently convene a meeting of representatives of the political parties (represented within the council) and the independent councillor with relevant officers to put together an action plan.

    

2. To write to the Scottish Government requesting their urgent intervention to protect vital bus services.

 

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 Paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

 

SC478 ASHFORD HOUSE CARE HOME

 

The purpose of this Report was to provide Council with current information and an update on the situation at the time of writing at Ashford House Care Home.

 

Decision

 

Council agreed to:-

 

1. note the content of this report, and in particular the service implications for the Council given the possible requirement for the Council, via the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to operate Ashford House Care Home for a minimum nine month period;

    

2. note the potential financial implications for the Council but that this would be partially offset by the termination of payments to Mauricare (Drumpark) Ltd;

    

3. note that officers would work with the landlord of Ashford House Care Home to identify alternative suitable care providers to take over the operation of the home;

    

4. note that officers would develop plans for the decommissioning of the service if no suitable alternative care provider is identified; and

    

5. approve the delegation to the Chief Executive of the following power:-

 

“To determine, in accordance with any policy direction of the Council, a scheme for the payment of such sundry expenses as may be thought necessary by the Chief Executive to retain existing care staff and to help attract job entrants into the care sector.”

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer Finance Clackmannanshire & Stirling HSCP & Integration Joint Board, dated 30 November 2021, submitted).

 

The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.20pm

59

 

 

APPENDIX 1

 

Questions in Terms of Standing Order 30

 

60

 

61

 

62

 

63

 

64

 

65

 

66

 

67

 

68

69

 

 

APPENDIX 2

 

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

 

1. Bus Services

Whilst understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of bus services in the Stirling council area, the council recognises the severe impact the unreliable and infrequent services are having on our communities. Council requests the leader of the council:

 

1. To urgently convene a meeting of representatives of the political parties (represented within the council) and the independent councillor with relevant officers to put together an action plan.

    

2. To write to the Scottish Government requesting their urgent intervention to protect vital bus services.

    

   Signed by Councillor Alasdair Tollemache and Councillor Maureen Bennison

    

   Answer Advice Note

   Bus services across the area have experienced reliability issues, which has had an impact on service users that depend on public transport to access work, employment and appointments. Short notice cancellations on commercial routes have resulted in disruption for passengers, with limited communication from operators.

    

   All bus services are registered with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, and it is the role of the Traffic Commissioner to ensure they comply with their registered services and statutory obligations.

    

   Stirling Council have no responsibility for the operation of commercial bus services, or any direct influence over these services or the operator.

    

   The Council has no power to prevent a commercial operator reducing, or ceasing a commercial service.

    

   Operators are required to provide a 70 day public notice period to the Officer of the Traffic Commissioner, before any service can be changed. This includes a 4 week consultation period with the local authority. This notice period can be reduced if support is given by the local authority. Since the end of lockdown restrictions, the Council have not supported any requests for reductions in notification periods where there is a detrimental impact on service users, due to the recognised impacts these reductions have on our communities.

    

   Officers from Stirling Council’s Public Transport team have been in regular contact with bus companies to identify areas of concern and understand what action the operators are taking to operate to their published timetables.

   70

   71 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

   TO ITEM 4e

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

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

   MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER 2021 at 2.00 PM

    

   Present:

   Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

    

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

   Councillor Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance

   Mark Easton, Lead Solicitor - Commercial & Property Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor – Governance Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer

   Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Richard Hayes, Service Manager - Operations

   Maria Lucey, Team Leader – Roads & Land Services

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

   Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)

   Lesleyann Burns, Support Officer

   Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Minutes)

    

   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.

    

   The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed the Members who were present.

   72

    

    

   SC479 APOLOGIES

    

   Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Margaret Brisley and Councillor Evelyn Tweed.

    

   SC480 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   SC481 STIRLING COUNCIL BRIDGE CONDITION REPORT

    

   At a Special Meeting of Council held on 21 October 2021, Council considered an update report on Branshogle and Catter Burn Bridges and agreed that officers would bring forward a report to a further Special Meeting.

    

   The Senior Manager – Environment & Place introduced his report which presented an overview of the condition of the Council’s bridge assets associated with the public road network and provided details of ongoing work to develop a bridges and structures asset management plan.

    

   The report highlighted that the Council’s road network and its supporting structure was the largest and most visible community asset for which the Council was responsible. Bridges and other highway structures were fundamental to the transport infrastructure.

    

   As part of the roads network, the Council was responsible for maintaining 319 bridge assets associated with the public road network. Defects could be caused by a number of factors and these were summarised in Appendix 1 to the report.

    

   Officers detailed the distinctions between principal and general inspections, which were used to calculate a Bridge Stock Condition Index (BCI). Rating bands and scorings calculated within the BCI were set out in the report.

    

   The report provided details of inspection regimes and maintenance plans.

    

   Officers provided information on individual bridges where concerns were raised by local ward Members. It was noted and acknowledged that some resources had required to be redirected to focus on the rebuild of Branshogle and Catter Burn bridges.

    

   Discussion took place on weight restricted bridges and how restrictions could be better enforced. Officers agreed to discuss options for enforcement with Police Scotland, however it was noted that resources were limited.

    

   Consultants were continuing to develop a bridges and structures asset management plan which would review how investment levels could improve the condition of bridges and structures in the medium to long term and it was proposed that this plan be used to provide an annual update on the conditions of the Council’s bridges and structures to the Environment & Housing Committee.

   73

    

   Decision

    

   Council agreed:

   1. to note the contents of the report; and

   2. that the Environment & Housing Committee receives an annual update on the condition of Stirling Council’s bridges and structures through an asset management plan.

      (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Environment & Place, dated 7 December 2021, submitted).

       

      The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 3.05 pm

      74

      75‌

       

      STIRLING COUNCIL

      THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4f

      ON THE AGENDA

       

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

      MICROSOFT TEAMS on FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER 2021 at 10.00 AM

       

      Present:

      Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)

       

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

      Councillor Jane HUTCHISON CouncillorChris KANE Councillor Alison LAURIE

      Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Jeremy McDONALD Councillor Susan McGILL Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Jim THOMSON Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

       

      In Attendance

       

      Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

      Graeme Forrester, Lead Solicitor - Governance David McDougall, Governance Officer (Minutes)

      Mark Henderson, Senior Media Officer, External Communications Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance

      Charlene Mitchell, Principal Teacher, Health & Wellbeing and Parental Engagement Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (CEdO)

      Islay Moore, Support Officer – Governance

      Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Marie Valente, Senior Manager (CSWO)

      Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)

       

      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.

       

      The Provost asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting. The Clerk confirmed all Members were present, with the exception of Councillors Brisley and Tweed whose apologies were noted.

      76

       

       

      SC482 REQUISITION

       

      Motion

       

      “Council Notes the Scottish Government Health & Wellbeing Survey and the controversial nature of some of the questions it contains.

       

      Notes that a number of other councils have declined to use the survey on a variety of grounds.

       

      Agrees to urgently hold a special meeting of the Children and Young People committee as soon as possible to consider the following matters:

       

      1. Why the survey is necessary in Stirling

      2. What questions will be asked by which year groups in schools

      3. Who will see the data that is being collected

      4. What use will be made of the data

      5. What data protection measures will be in place”

    

   Moved by Councillor Bryan Flannagan, seconded by Councillor Neil Benny

    

   Decision

    

   The motion was agreed unanimously and Council noted the Scottish Government Health & Wellbeing Survey and the controversial nature of some of the questions it contained.

    

   Council noted that a number of other councils had declined to use the survey on a variety of grounds.

    

   Council agreed to hold an urgent special meeting of the Children and Young People committee as soon as possible to consider the following matters:

    

   1. Why the survey is necessary in Stirling

   2. What questions will be asked by which year groups in schools

   3. Who will see the data that is being collected

   4. What use will be made of the data

   5. What data protection measures will be in place

    

   The Provost declared the Meeting closed at 10.45 am

   77 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

   TO ITEM 4g

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the AD-HOC SCRUTINY PANEL on ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY 2 FEBRUARY

   2022 at 11.00 am

    

   Present

   Councillor Maureen BENNISON (Chair, to 11.45 am) Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE (Chair, from 11.45 am)

    

   Councillor Rob DAVIES

   Councillor Danny GIBSON (from Item AB15)

   Councillor Alasdair MacPHERSON Councillor Alastair MAJURY (Substitute)

    

   In Attendance

    

   Stephen Clark, Chief Officer – Housing Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer Charlie Haggerty, Legal Manager

   Dan Hartles, Team Leader – Community Safety Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

   Steven McCabe, Service Co-ordinator – Housing (Management & Development)

   Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education (CEdO)/Independent Lead Officer to Panel Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk)

    

   Also Present

    

   Chief Inspector Gill Marshall, Police Scotland

    

   Recording Started.

    

   The Chair welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. She updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

    

   AB12 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    

   Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Bryan Flannagan. Councillor Alastair Majury was present as his substitute.

    

   AB13 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

   78

    

   AB14 MINUTES – 18 JANUARY 2022

    

   Decision

    

   The Minutes of Meeting held on 18 January 2022 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

   Due to technical difficulties being experienced by the Chair, and by agreement of the Panel, Councillor Tollemache took the Chair from 11.45 am, during discussion of the following item. Councillor Bennison continued to be present for the entire meeting.

    

   AB15 REVIEW OF HOUSING AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR RELATED POLICIES

    

   A report by the Independent Lead Officer summarised actions agreed and discussed at the previous meeting of the Panel held on 18 January 2022, provided further information as requested by the Panel and identified areas agreed for consideration by Panel members at this meeting.

    

   The Scottish Government’s Social Housing Allocations in Scotland: A Practice Guide February 2019 was attached as an appendix to the report.

    

   Following discussions between the Chair and the Independent Lead Officer, it was proposed that the final report to Council would include:-

    

   • A report on the feedback from consultation processes and recommendations to develop policy/guidelines on local processes for streamlined evictions and sensitive lets; and

      

   • Consideration of additional housing points for the victims of anti-social behaviour when the Housing Allocations Policy was reviewed this year.

    

   The Panel welcomed Inspector Gill Marshall who provided information on partnership working on anti-social behaviour. Officers also provided information in relation to working with Registered Social Landlords.

    

   Officers provided an update on responses to the Engage Platform survey.

    

   Panel members were keen to engage with tenant representatives of the Housing Advisory Group (HAG) and it was agreed that a special meeting of HAG be arranged for that purpose.

    

   Actions Agreed:-

    

   1. Noted - information on partnership working with Police and Registered Social Landlords.

       

   2. Noted – updates provided on the consultation processes including plans for consultation with members of the Housing Advisory Group.

       

   3. That a special meeting of the Housing Advisory Group be arranged to provide an opportunity for Panel Members to engage with tenant representatives.

      79

       

       

   4. That officers commence the production of the report to Council based on the matters detailed in paragraph 2.1 of the report and to augment this with the outcome of the survey and meeting with Housing Advisory Group once that information was available.

       

   5. Increase promotion and awareness of Engage Platform survey.

       

   6. Information to Panel Members:-

       

      • Offline discussion with Councillor MacPherson on joint tenancies, with a note on the subject provided to all Panel Members.

         

      • Evictions in the event of a tenant breaking their tenancy agreement in relation to a conviction.

    

   (Reference – Report by Interim Head of Education (CEdO)/Independent Lead Officer to the Panel dated 26 January 2022, submitted).

    

   The Chair declared the Meeting closed at 12.15 pm.

   80

   81 THIS ITEM RELATES‌

   TO ITEM 4h

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the APPOINTMENTS PANEL held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on MONDAY 31 JANUARY 2022 at 2.00 pm

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Neil BENNY

   Councillor Margaret BRISLEY (in the Chair from Item AT85) Councillor Scott FARMER

   Councillor Chris KANE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Pamela Forsyth, HR Business Partnering Manager Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer (to Item AT85) Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (to Item AT85)

    

   The recording started.

    

   AT84 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

    

   The Panel unanimously agreed to appoint Councillor Margaret Brisley as Chair.

    

   AT85 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   The Panel resolved that under Section 50(A) 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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

    

   The recording stopped.

    

   AT86 APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF PEOPLE & COMMUNITY WELLBEING - SHORTLISTING

   The vacancy had been advertised on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk with a closing date of 14 January 2022. A total of 25 applications had been received and the Appointments Panel received comprehensive shortlisting packs in advance of the meeting. The Panel considered the applications received against the criteria for the post.

   82

    

   Decision

    

   The Panel agreed:-

    

   1. to invite candidates 7, 10, 11, 17 & 20 to interview on 10 February 2022;

       

   2. the opening question and set questions to be asked of all the candidates will be provided by the HR Business Partnering Manager on the day of the interviews.

    

   The Chair declared the meeting closed at 3.45 pm

   83 THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4i‌

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the APPOINTMENTS PANEL held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2022 at 9.30 am

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Neil BENNY Councillor Scott FARMER Councillor Chris KANE

   Councillor Susan McGILL (in the Chair from Item AT88)

    

   In Attendance

    

   Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

   Pamela Forsyth, HR Business Partnering Manager Owen O’Donnell, Communications Officer (to Item AT88) Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (to Item AT88)

    

   The recording started.

    

   AT87 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

    

   The Panel unanimously agreed to appoint Councillor Susan McGill as Chair.

    

   AT88 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of Elected Members present.

    

   The Panel resolved that under Section 50(A) 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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

    

   The recording stopped.

    

   AT89 APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF EDUCATION/CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER - SHORTLISTING

   The vacancy had been advertised on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk with a closing date of 28 January 2022. A total of three applications had been received and the Appointments Panel received comprehensive shortlisting packs in advance of the meeting. The Panel considered the applications received against the criteria for the post.

   84

    

   Decision

    

   The Panel agreed:-

    

   1. to invite candidates 1 and 2 to interview on a date to be arranged;

       

   2. the opening question and set questions to be asked of all the candidates will be provided by the HR Business Partnering Manager on the day of the interviews.

       

      The Chair declared the meeting closed at 10.15 am

      85 THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4j‌

      ON THE AGENDA

       

      MINUTES of MEETING of the APPOINTMENTS PANEL held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2022 at 9.45 am

       

      Present

       

      Councillor Neil BENNY

      Councillor Scott FARMER (in the Chair from Item AT92) Councillor Chris KANE

       

      In Attendance

       

      Carol Beattie, Chief Executive

      Pamela Forsyth, HR Business Partnering Manager Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer (to Item AT92) Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (to Item AT92)

       

      The recording started.

       

      AT90 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

       

      Apologies had been received from Councillor Margaret Brisley, who had been appointed as Chair at the previous meeting on 31 January 2022. As shortlisting had already taken place, there was no provision for substitution.

       

      AT91 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

       

      In the absence of Councillor Brisley, the Panel unanimously agreed to appoint Councillor Scott Farmer as Chair.

       

      AT92 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

       

      There were no declarations of interest.

       

      The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of Elected Members present.

       

      The Panel resolved that under Section 50(A) 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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

       

      The recording stopped.

       

      AT93 APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING – INTERVIEWS

       

      The Panel interviewed five short leeted candidates.

      86

       

      The interview process consisted of a pre-interview set question, on which candidates were asked to prepare a 10 minute presentation, followed by a series of set questions.

       

      Decision

       

      The Panel unanimously agreed to offer the post of Head of People and Community Wellbeing to the second candidate interviewed.

       

      The Chair declared the Meeting closed at 4.30 pm

      87‌

      THIS ITEM RELATES

      TO ITEM 4k

      ON THE AGENDA

       

      STIRLING COUNCIL

       

      MINUTES of MEETING of the AUDIT COMMITTEE held via MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022 at 10.00 am

       

      Present

       

      Councillor Martin EARL (Convener)

       

      Councillor Neil BENNY Councillor Graham HOUSTON Councillor Alison LAURIE

      Councillor Alastair MAJURY Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

       

      In Attendance

       

      Stephen Clark, Chief Officer - Housing

      Drew Leslie, Senior Manager – Infrastructure

      Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer – Communities & Performance Sean Moffatt, ICT Analyst

      Bryony Monaghan, Interim Head of Education - Schools, Learning & Education Gordon O’Connor, Audit Service Manager

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

      Brian Richardson, Finance Business Partner

      Brian Roberts, Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure & Environment Marie Valente, Senior Manager (Chief Social Work Officer)

      Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk & Minutes)

       

      Also Present

       

      Andrew Wallace, Audit Scotland, External Auditor

       

      Recording of Meeting started

       

      Prior to commencement of business, the Convener welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

       

      It was advised that the meeting was being broadcast live via the Stirling Council YouTube page and that a recording of the meeting would also be made publicly available on the Council’s YouTube page following the meeting.

       

      The Convener asked the Governance Officer to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

      88

       

      AC255 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

       

      There were no apologies or substitutions.

       

      AC256 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

       

      There were no declarations of interest.

       

      AC257 URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CONVENER

       

      There were no items of urgent business.

       

      AC258 MINUTES OF MEETING – 4 NOVEMBER 2021

       

      The Minutes of Meeting of the Audit Committee held on 4 November 2021 were submitted for approval.

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to approve the Minutes of Meeting held on 4 November 2021 as an accurate record of proceedings.

       

      AC259 ROLLING ACTION LOG

       

      The Rolling Action Log was presented for review. Members were pleased to note that all actions were complete and could be removed.

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to note the Action Log and updates from Officers. (Reference – Rolling Action Log, submitted).

       

      AC260 RISK MANAGEMENT UPDATE

       

      The Audit Service Manager introduced a report by the Chief Officer - Governance which presented the current version of the Council’s Strategic Risk Register (SRR) and provided an update on strategic risk management arrangements. This was in line with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, which required the Audit Committee to consider the effectiveness of the Council’s risk management arrangements.

       

      The SRR had been updated to take account of concerns raised at the previous meeting of the Committee in respect of recruitment to social care.

       

      Members welcomed a review and re-evaluation of risk management arrangments currently being undertaken by the Corporate Management Team and noted that a report would be brought back to the first meeting following the May elections.

       

      Officers responded to a number of questions in relation to individual risks and undertook to provide further information where requested.

      89

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to note and take assurance from work being undertaken to further develop risk management arrangements, including the Strategic Risk Register.

       

      (Reference - Report by Chief Officer - Governance dated 18 January 2022, submitted).

       

      AC261 INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATE REPORT

       

      A report by the Audit Service Manager provided a summary of the findings arising from the Internal Audit assignment finalised since the last meeting of the Audit Committee on 4 November 2021 and an update on work relating to action tracking.

       

      Members noted current resource limitations within the Internal Audit service and the steps being taken by management to resolve these and to recruit additional staff.

       

      Forth Valley and Lomond Leader (FVL) – Annual Review

       

      The operation of the programme was reviewed to assess compliance with the requirements of the Service Level Agreement and related technical guidance. No issues were identified that required recommendations for improvement action.

       

      The Audit Opinion was that comprehensive assurance could be given that, during the period covered by the annual report, 16 October 2020 to 15 October 2021, the FVL Leader Programme complied with the above and that the Council had properly undertaken the delegated functions specified in the Service Level Agreement as the ‘Accountable Body’ for the FVL Leader programme.

       

      Discussion took place on the Action Tracking Summary which was attached as Appendix 3 to the submitted report and officers undertook to provide further information where requested.

       

      Decision

       

      The Committee agreed to take assurance from:-

       

      1. the findings and conclusions arising from Internal Audit assignment completed since 4 November 2021; and

          

      2. the position in relation to action tracking work.

    

   (Reference - Report by Audit Service Manager dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC262 ALEOS AND STRATEGICALLY FUNDED BODIES: OVERVIEW OF GOVERNANCE REPORTING 2020/21

    

   A report by the Chief Officer - Governance provided the Committee with an overview of the governance reporting arrangements for each of the Council’s arm’s-length external organisations (ALEOs) and other strategically-funded bodies. At its meeting on 28 May 2019 the Committee agreed to receive such a report on an annual basis.

   90

    

    

   The overview report was last reported to the Committee at its meeting on 26 November 2020.

    

   An Appendix to the report set out a list of ALEOs and strategically funded bodies, providing a summary of projected and actual funding for each, where relevant, along with details of the relevant Committee to which a report on each organisation was submitted.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note the ALEO and other strategically-funded bodies governance reporting framework summarised at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

    

   (Reference - Report by Chief Officer - Governance dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC263 CORPORATE FRAUD UPDATE

    

   The Audit Service Manager presented a report which provided an update on investigation work undertaken in relation to referrals received by the Corporate Fraud team since April 2021. This was in line with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation which required that the Audit Committee received and considered periodic reports on fraud, theft and irregular use of Council funds.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to take assurance from the work undertaken in relation to referrals received by the Corporate Fraud team since April 2021.

    

   (Reference - Report by Audit Service Manager dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC264 PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE (WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY) ANNUAL REPORT

    

   The Council’s Whistleblowing Policy was approved by the Finance & Economy Committee on 25 November 2021. This replaced the version previously approved by that Committee on 15 February 2018.

    

   A report by the Chief Officer – Governance advised that the Scheme of Delegation remitted responsibility for monitoring the Council’s policy on whistleblowing to the Audit Committee. In terms of the policy an annual report on whistleblowing activity should be presented to Audit Committee. The submitted report had been prepared to meet those requirements and covered the 12 months to 31 December 2021.

    

   One disclosure had been made to the Monitoring Officer, who had considered the matter but concluded that it did not fall within the Policy as other procedures had not been exhausted.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note and take assurance from:-

    

   1. the contents of this Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing Policy) Annual Report; and

      91

       

   2. the fact that the policy will be publicised to staff to raise awareness.

    

   (Reference - Report by Chief Officer - Governance dated 14 January 2022, submitted).

    

   AC265 STIRLING COUNCIL EARMARKED RESERVES

    

   A report by the Interim Chief Officer - Finance provided detail on the individual balances held within the Council’s earmarked reserves, which had been prepared following discussion at the previous meeting of the Committee on 4 November 2021.

    

   Members noted that the high level of reserves was heavily impacted by Covid-19 funding.

    

   Officers responded to a number of questions on individual items. Members welcomed the information presented and noted that this would be presented to Committee on an annual basis.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note the individual balances held within the Council’s earmarked reserves.

    

   (Reference - Report by Interim Chief Officer – Finance dated 8 January 2022, submitted).

    

   Convener’s Remarks

    

   In noting that this was the final Audit Committee of the current Council administration ahead of the Local Government elections in May, the Convener recorded thanks to Members and officers for their efforts in bringing a wide range of reports to Committee.

    

   The Convener declared the Meeting closed at 11.20 am

   92

   93‌

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4l

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the COMMUNITY PLANNING & REGENERATION COMMITTEE

   held as a VIRTUAL MEETING via MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2022

   at 10.00 am

    

   Present

   Councillor Chris KANE (Convener)

    

   Councillor Douglas DODDS Councillor Scott FARMER

   Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON Councillor Susan MCGILL

    

   In Attendance

    

   Crawford Bell, Community Development Manager (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism)

   Stephen Clark, Chief Officer - Housing

   Wendy Forrest, Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement (Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership)

   Lesley Gallagher, Regeneration and Inclusive Growth Service Manager (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism)

   Graham Gibson, Senior Media Officer

   Steven MacDonald, Economic Development Team Leader (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism)

   Lynne McKinley, Localities & Partnerships Co-ordinator (Communities and Performance) Isabel McKnight, Chief Operating Officer - Communities and Performance

   Fiona McLean, Culture and Events Manager (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism) Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager - Economic Development, Culture & Tourism

   Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk) Louise McDonald, Committee Officer (Minutes)

    

   Also in attendance

    

   Vicky Williams – Team Leader, Sistema Scotland

   Dougie Porteous – Sport, Physical Activity and Inclusion Manager, Active Stirling

    

   Prior to the start of the meeting, the Convener welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   The Convener asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

   94

    

    

   CR236 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    

   There were no apologies or substitutions.

    

   CR237 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   Councillor Susan McGill and Councillor Scott Farmer both declared a non-financial interest in item CR249 “Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol & Drug Partnership” as Members of the Clackmannanshire & Stirling Integration Joint Board.

    

   CR238 URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CONVENER

    

   There were no items of urgent business.

    

   CR239 MINUTES

    

   The Minutes of the Meeting of Community Planning & Regeneration Committee that was held on 11 November 2021 were submitted for approval.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to approve the Minutes of the Meeting on 11 November 2021 as an accurate record of proceedings.

    

   CR240 ROLLING ACTION LOG

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee Rolling Action Log was submitted for review and approval.

    

   The following updates were agreed:

    

   CR102, CR111, CR140, CR199, CR211, CR224, CR227, CR229, CR235 - to be

   removed as complete.

   CR214 – officers to obtain clarity from the Convener on what detail was required. CR218– officers to obtain an update from Assets to be shared with Members.

   CR232 – to be removed as complete – Detail included in Item 14 (CR249) on the agenda.

   CR234 – to be removed as complete – Members received the update on 2 February 2022.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the Action Log and actions for removal.

   95

    

    

   CR241 COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

    

   The report provided Committee with information on particular elements of Community Planning Partnership (CPP) activity. The report covered the discussion at the recent CPP Executive Board on the leadership role of CPPs in addressing Climate Change.

    

   The report also covered the Executive Board’s discussion on the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence and Stirling’s programme for the campaign.

    

   The Committee congratulated all the Officers on the work promoting the 16 Days of Action.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR242 PERFORMANCE & STRATEGIC PRIORITIES PROGRESS REPORT

    

   The report presented the recommended performance indicators to be used to measure and report on progress on Council priorities to the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee.

    

   The Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities provided Committee with an update on Stirling’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.

    

   The Committee thanked officers and partners for their hard work in pulling the bid together in a short time and highlighted that it was an inspiring process.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note performance of reported indicators within the Committee Scorecard.

    

   (Reference: Report by Chief Operating Officer – Communities and Performance, dated 5 January 2022, submitted).

   96

    

    

   CR243 FOOD FRAMEWORK

    

   The report provided an update on ongoing implementation of Stirling’s Food Framework.

    

   It was highlighted that through partnership working it would be hoped to identify gaps and gather evidence to tackle these, such as ensuring services were provided in a dignified way and reduced stigma.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR244 BIG NOISE FALLIN UPDATE

    

   The report provided information on the progress of the Big Noise Fallin project, delivered by Sistema Scotland as part of its partnership with Stirling Council.

    

   Vicky Williams, Team Leader at Sistema Scotland provided Committee with an update on the project and responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR245 ARCHIVES UPDATE

    

   The report provided an update on the plans and developments related to identifying and securing a new location for the Archives Service.

    

   Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 24 January 2022, submitted).

   97

    

    

   CR246 GYPSY ROMA TRAVELLER HISTORY MONTH; JUNE 2022

    

   The report advised Committee of the intended process to support the Council and its community planning partners to take part actively in Gypsy Roma Traveller History month 2022. The report also updated Committee on ongoing action planning in relation to the national ‘Improving the Lives of Gypsy Travellers’ Report which was considered by Committee in June 2021.

    

   It was noted that officers would seek advice on the best way to include Members in the formation of the action plan.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to:

   1. note the proposed approach to Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month 2022; and

   2. note the ongoing work with the Community Planning Partnership to locally implement the Improving Lives of Gypsy Travellers report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR247 SPORT, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY LIVING STRATEGY UPDATE

    

   The report updated Committee on the implementation of the Sport, Physical Activity and Healthy Living Strategy, which had been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    

   Dougie Porteous, Sport, Physical Activity and Inclusion Manager with Active Stirling and the lead for the Sport Physical Activity and Healthy Living Strategy provided Committee with an update and responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 17 December 2021, submitted).

    

   CR248 RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF AREA FORUMS

    

   The report outlined the results and themes from the consultation exercise carried out with Community Councils, Community Groups and other relevant organisations and individuals, on the question of re-establishing Area Forums.

    

   Officers responded to a number of questions from Members and provided further detail on items within the report.

    

   Committee agreed to include an additional recommendation for an update to be reported to the Committee around November 2022.

   98

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to:

   1. note the report and its findings;

   2. note the data and themes emerging for the consultation exercise;

   3. note that a dedicated Officer would be appointed, for a fixed term period of one year, to lead on the re-establishment of Area Forums; and

   4. an update being reported to Committee around November 2022.

    

   (Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic Development & Communities, dated 25 January 2022, submitted).

    

   CR249 CLACKMANNANSHIRE AND STIRLING ALCOHOL & DRUG PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

    

   A report by the Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement updated Committee on the ongoing work of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol & Drug Partnership (ADP).

    

   Following a discussion around building primary care and mental health capacity to meet needs and having a range of professionals to support homeless colleagues, officers agreed to provide Members with a briefing note on the intentions of the support being put in place.

    

   Decision

    

   The Community Planning & Regeneration Committee agreed to:

   1. note the contents of the report; and

   2. continue to note and support the work of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol & Drug Partnership as part of the wider community planning partnership.

    

   (Reference: Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Health Improvement, Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, dated 6 January 2022, submitted).

    

   The Convener declared the Meeting closed at 11.50am

   99‌

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4m

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the LOCAL REVIEW BODY held as a VIRTUAL MEETING by MICROSOFT TEAMS on FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER 2021 at 10.00 am.

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Jim THOMSON (Chair) Councillor Margaret BRISLEY Councillor Graham HOUSTON

    

   In Attendance

    

   Richard Callender, Planning Adviser Ewan Grant, Legal Adviser

   Owen O’Donnell, Communications Officer Neil Pirie, Senior Development Control Officer Stephen Speirs, Development Control Officer Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk)

    

   Also Present

    

   Item LR190

    

   Stuart MacGarvie Agent for Applicant Item LR191

   Duncan Birrell, Modus Solutions Susan Dickson, Applicant

   Paul Houghton, Agent for Applicant

    

   Recording of meeting started

    

   Prior to commencement of business, the Chair welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   It was advised that the meeting was due to be broadcast live via the Stirling Council YouTube page, however as another meeting was taking place at the same time, the broadcast of this meeting would commence as soon as the other meeting had concluded. recording of the meeting will also be made publicly available on the Council’s YouTube page following the meeting.

    

   The Chair asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

    

   LR188 APOLOGIES

    

   There were no apologies or substitutions.

    

   LR189 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   LR190 APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

   ERECTION OF 4 DWELLINGHOUSES – LAND AT FORMER STOCKIEMUIR GUN SITE, BLANEFIELD – LEDCAMEROCH HOMES

   APPLICATION NO: 21/00191/FUL

    

   At its meeting held on 8 October 2021, Members considered a Notice of Review submitted by the Applicant’s Agent, seeking a review of the decision by the Appointed Officer of the Council to refuse planning permission for the erection of four dwellinghouses on land at the former Stockiemuir Gun Site, Blanefield.

    

   At that meeting, the Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was insufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

       

   2. that a further written submission be submitted by Stirling Council’s Transport Development Control Service setting out the rationale behind the recommendation that the existing access be closed and access to Queen’s View and Wayside Cottage be provided via the vehicular access serving the proposed development;

       

   3. that a Hearing take place to consider the information presented in the further written submission and any response made by the Applicant or their representative;

       

   4. that the matter be duly referred to a future meeting of the Local Review Body at which a Hearing would take place.

    

   The further written submission requested at (2) above had been received and was included with the Agenda papers, together with a response from the Applicant.

    

   Hearing

    

   The Chair outlined the procedure for a Hearing.

    

   The Planning Adviser described the proposal, the reasons for the Appointed Officer’s decision and the grounds for the Notice of Review, and answered a number of questions from Members. He provided a visual presentation which included location plans and photographs of the site.

    

   Agent

    

   Stuart MacGarvie, Agent for the Applicant, spoke in support of the application for review and his Hearing Statement which had been issued with the Agenda.

    

   Mr MacGarvie acknowledged that the issue under discussion related to the access. He advised that his client had spoken to the owners of neighbouring properties at Queens View and Wayside Cottage and that agreement had been reached with the owners of Queens View to close off their existing access and connect to the new internal access serving the proposed development.

    

   He advised that his client was agreeable to a Section 75 Agreement being attached to planning permission if granted and suggested that a permanent vehicular barrier could be constructed between the other neighbouring property.

    

   Mr MacGarvie responded to questions from Members. Senior Development Control Officer

   The officer presented his Hearing Statement which had been issued with the Agenda.

    

   He advised that concerns remained over the close proximity of the new access to the existing one. If all vehicle movements were concentrated to a single junction, which provided sufficient visibility and met other requirements, this would be acceptable.

    

   The views expressed aligned with both the findings of the independent Road Safety Audit and Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB) requirements applicable at the location.

    

   Mr Pirie responded to questions from Members.

    

   In terms of Standing Order 63, Councillor Jim Thomson, having moved to refuse the application but failing to find a seconder, requested that his dissent be recorded.

    

   Decision

    

   The Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was sufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

       

   2. that, having considered the Notice of Review and other supporting documents submitted by the Applicant and the other papers submitted by the Planning Authority, the further written submission, response and hearing statements, and having regard to the whole circumstances, to allow the Review and to grant planning permission, for the following reasons:-

       

      1. the proposal complies with Policy 1.1 (a) (i.e. that new development should be safely accessed) of the Stirling Local Development Plan in that following agreement of the owners of Queens View to utilise the proposed internal access road, only one property would now be served by the existing access, thereby reducing the road safety implications arising from the proximity of the existing and proposed vehicular accesses.

         102

          

         and subject to:

          

         i) The prior conclusion of a section 75 agreement covering

          

         1. an off-site financial contribution for affordable housing, and

         2. the closure of the vehicular access from Queens View cottage to the A809 Drymen Road, such that only Wayside Cottage will access Drymen Road from the existing vehicular access.

          

         and subject to Conditions 1 to 11 as set out on pages 109-110 of the Agenda, and the following further conditions:-

          

         Condition 12:

          

         requiring construction traffic to enter and leave the site from the proposed new access.

          

         Condition 13

          

         In relation to the new access requiring the provision of advance warning signage and markings, to be designed in consultation with the Council’s Roads Service;

          

   3. to remit to officers to prepare and issue the Decision Notice.

    

   The meeting adjourned at 10.42 am.

    

   Recording stopped.

    

   The Meeting reconvened at 10.55 with the same Members present.

    

   Recording started.

    

   LR191 APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

   ERECTION OF 5 NO. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION UNITS, OFFICE, CAFÉ AND TOILETS (RETROSPECTIVE) – DRUMBRAE FARM, PENDREICH ROAD, BRIDGE OF ALLAN – SUSAN DICKSON

   APPLICATION NO: 20/00685/FUL

    

   At its meeting on 8 October 2021 Members considered a Notice of Review submitted by the Applicant’s Agent, seeking a review of the decision by the Appointed Officer of the Council to refuse planning permission for the erection of holiday accommodation units, etc. (retrospective) at Drumbrae Farm Pendreich Road Bridge Of Allan.

    

   At that meeting, the Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was insufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

    

   1. that further written submissions be submitted by Stirling Council’s Transport Development Control Service and the Applicant’s Traffic and Transportation Advisers setting out, with reference to relevant technical standards and road safety guidance, the respective rationales for :-

       

      1. the measurement of existing visibility at the junction of the access to Drumbrae Farm with the adjoining public road,

          

      2. the dimensions of the visibility splay that should be provided at the Drumbrae Farm access to serve the additional vehicular movements generated by the holiday accommodation development;

          

   2. that a Hearing take place to consider the respective positions presented by the Council’s Transport Development Control Officer and the Applicant’s Traffic and Transportation Advisers regarding existing junction visibility and visibility splay measurements;

       

   3. that the matter be duly referred to a future meeting of the Local Review Body at which a Hearing would take place.

    

   The further written submissions requested at (2) above had been received and were included with the Agenda papers, together with responses from each party.

    

   Hearing

    

   The Chair outlined the procedure for a Hearing.

    

   The Planning Adviser described the proposal, the reasons for the Appointed Officer’s decision and the grounds for the Notice of Review, and answered a number of questions from Members. He provided a visual presentation which included location plans and photographs of the site.

    

   Applicant’s representative

    

   Duncan Birrell of Modus Solutions spoke to his hearing statement which had been issued with the Agenda and which highlighted the difference in views with Council officers on the interpretation of the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB). It was suggested that a relaxation be sought in relation to the stopping sight distance on the road.

    

   Mr Birrell responded to questions from Members. Development Control Officer

   The officer spoke to his hearing statement which had been issued with the Agenda. He confirmed that it remained the opinion of the Council’s Transport Development Team that sufficient visibility splays could not be provided and therefore the proposed development represented an impact upon road safety.

    

   Mr Speirs responded to questions from Members.

    

   In terms of Standing Order 63, Councillor Margaret Brisley, having moved to refuse the application but failing to find a seconder, requested that her dissent be recorded.

    

   Decision

    

   The Local Review Body agreed:-

    

   1. that there was sufficient information before it to decide the matter without further procedure;

       

   2. that, having considered the Notice of Review and other supporting documents submitted by the Applicant and the other papers submitted by the Planning Authority, the further written submissions, responses and hearing statements, and having regard to the whole circumstances, to allow the Review and to grant planning permission, for the following reasons:-

       

      That having taken account of the submitted speed survey report (September 2021), general geometry and alignment of Pendreich Road and absence of known road safety issues a reduction in junction visibility to the right when leaving the site, whilst not commensurate with the requirements set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, was acceptable in relation to the scale and nature of the holiday unit development and consequently, on balance, the proposal complies with Policy 1.1 (a) (i.e. that new devevlopment should be safely accessed) of the Stirling Local Development Plan;

      and subject to the following conditions:-

       

      1. The access shall be suitably drained to ensure no surface water or loose material is discharged from it out onto the public road.

          

      2. Within the curtilage of Drumbrae Farm a scheme of road markings and signage shall be provided on the approach to and threshold of the junction of the internal access road with the public road to provide advance warning to vehicle drivers leaving the site. Road markings shall accord with that specified in Regulation 25 (Give Way) of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002. Within two months of this decision notice a the scheme shall be submitted to and be approved by the planning authority, with the approved scheme carried out within two months of the date of approval.

          

      3. to remit to officers to prepare and issue the Decision Notice.

    

   The Chair declared the Meeting closed at 11.30 am

   105‌

    

   STIRLING COUNCIL

    

   THIS ITEM RELATES TO ITEM 4n

   ON THE AGENDA

    

   MINUTES of MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE held as a VIRTUAL MEETING

   on MICROSOFT TEAMS on THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 2022 at 10.00 am

    

   Present

    

   Councillor Scott FARMER (Convener)

    

   Councillor Margaret BRISLEY Councillor Jane HUTCHISON Councillor Chris KANE

   Councillor Jeremy MCDONALD Councillor Ross OXBURGH Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE

    

   In Attendance

    

   Mark Bryce, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

   Linda Hill, Regulatory Service Manager (Secondment) Alistair Jupp, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

   Caroline Logan, Police Scotland Gill Marshall, Police Scotland

   Stewart Nicholson, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Owen O’Donnell, Communications Officer

   Mandy Paterson, Police Scotland

   Sheila McLean, Governance Officer (Clerk) Louise McDonald, Committee Officer (Minutes)

    

   Recording of meeting started

    

   Prior to the start of the meeting, the Convener welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting via MS Teams. He updated the meeting on the procedures related to MS Teams and the protocols that both Members and Officers should adhere to throughout the meeting.

    

   The Convener asked the Clerk to carry out a roll call of all Members participating in the meeting.

    

   The Convener noted that Police Scotland Area Commander, Gill Marshall, was moving role and would be replaced by Caroline Logan. The Convener thanked Gill for her diligence and her support to the Committee and wished her well. The Convener also welcomed Caroline to the meeting.

    

   The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Area Commander, Mark Bryce advised that Group Commander, Alistair Jupp, was moving role and would be replaced by Paul Cunningham who was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting. Mark also introduced the new Head of Group covering East of Scotland, Stewart Nicholson, to the meeting. The Convener thanked Alistair for his work and support to the Committee and welcomed Stewart to the meeting.

    

   PU203 APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    

   There were no apologies or substitutions.

    

    

   PU204 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    

   There were no declarations of interest.

    

   PU205 URGENT BUSINESS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CONVENER

    

   There were no items of urgent business.

    

   The Convener noted that Councillor Tollemache had requested for the recent march by anti-vaccination protesters to be raised at the meeting. The Convener confirmed that he had arranged for Gill Marshall to provide the meeting with a verbal update.

    

   The Convener also noted that Councillor McDonald had requested that an update on Storm Arwen be raised. The Convener advised that this was not urgent business and that there would be updates provided to relevant Committees when available.

    

   PU206 MINUTES – 28 October 2021

    

   Decision

    

   Committee agreed to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 October 2021 as a correct record of proceedings.

    

   PU207 ROLLING ACTION LOG

    

   PU200 to be removed as action complete.

    

   Decision

    

   The Committee agreed to note the content and updates to the Action Log.

    

   PU208 POLICE PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR STIRLING AREA: APRIL 2021 – AUGUST 2021

    

   The purpose of the report was to highlight matters in Stirling Area Command such as emerging trends and threats or particular successes and difficulties. The report covered the period from April 2021 to October 2021. Members were advised that some of the statistical data was not available at the time of the report being compiled and that five year average figures were not available for all measures.

    

   Gill Marshall provided on overview of the anti-vaccination protesters march and noted that no crimes had been reported against anyone who was involved in the march and the Thistle Shopping Centre had been given prior warning by Police Scotland. A decisionhad been made on the day by Police Scotland to allow the march to proceed under the grounds of public safety as challenging large groups of people could lead to public disorder and risk to the public. Officers were in attendance and they ensured control on the roadways. It was noted that the march was unauthorised and this required to be raised with the organisers but those taking part in the march were not doing anything illegal. It had not proved possible, however, to identify the organisers of the march. It was advised that Police Scotland would encourage anyone who felt that they had been impacted by the March to contact them.

    

   Following a Member query regarding Operation Compliment, specifically within Cowie, it was agreed that the Community Officer would be asked to provide further detail to Councillor Brisley.

    

   Decision

    

   Committee agreed to note the contents of the report and the associated tables. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, dated 29 November 2021, submitted)

    

   PU209 SCOTTISH FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE - SIX MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT APRIL 2021 – SEPTEMBER 2021

    

   The performance report provided information on Scottish Fire & Rescue Service prevention, protection, and operational response activities within the Stirling area for the period April 2021 – September 2021.

    

   It was advised that recruitment was ongoing and individuals had been identified and were going through the process.

    

   It was noted that the Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal (UFAS) Policy was delayed to 2023 to enable premise owners to look at their risk assessments and make necessary changes. It was agreed that the Public Safety Committee would require to identify an appropriate way to monitor the UFAS Policy going forward to ensure the policy was working.

    

   Decision

    

   Committee agreed to note the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service 6 Month Performance Report and the updated performance indicators.

    

   (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, dated 1 December 2021, submitted),

    

   The Convener declared the Meeting closed at 11.10am

   109‌

    

   Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 7

   Stirling Council Date of

   Meeting: 3 March 2022

   Not Exempt

   Discharge of Council Functions During the Pre-Election Period

    

    

    

   Purpose & Summary

   This report sets out the requirement for Stirling Council to avoid any politically partial publicity during the pre-election period in the run up to the Local Government Elections 2022. It proposes the dissolution of all Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels with the exception of a number of bodies as listed within the report, and the adoption of CE45 of the Scheme of Delegation, which sets out arrangements for determining urgent matters during periods when the Council is in recess.

    

   Recommendations

   Council is asked to agree:-

   1. to the dissolution of all Standing Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels with the exception of those groups as noted at paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3 below, with effect from 4 March 2022; and

   2. to the application of the delegation to the Chief Executive noted as CE45 – Additional Powers during Recess Periods, as set out in Appendix 7 to the Scheme of Delegation, during the period from the last scheduled Council meeting on 3 March 2022 and the local government elections on 5 May 2022.

    

   Resource Implications

   There are no financial or staffing implications as a result of the proposals set out in this report. There would be a time commitment involved for Members consulted as part of the exercise of delegated powers, and ongoing time commitment required from members on bodies which would continue to meet, as set out in this report.

    

   Legal & Risk Implications

   Pre-election guidance recommended by the Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) sets out requirements on the Council and Council officers to protect political neutrality in the pre-election period. The Council continues to function as an authority during the pre- election period, and Elected Members retain that position until the day of poll. Accordingly, arrangements must be in place to facilitate urgent and required business of Council. It is recognised in the EMB guidance that there is increased sensitivity about political neutrality in the pre-election period, and failure to properly recognise and mitigate this would risk reputational damage for the Council and could pose risk to individual officers whose political neutrality is required.

    

   1. Background

      1. The Local Government Elections will be held on Thursday 5 May 2022. The pre-election period will come into effect once the Notice of Election has been published on 14 March 2022. The main significance of the pre-election period is the need for heightened sensitivity around political partiality to ensure that public resources are not used in a way that might be perceived to prejudice the result of an election.

      2. To mitigate this risk, it is practice within Scottish local authorities to cease holdingmost meetings after a final Council meeting before the pre-election period. The Council’s programme of meetings was approved on this basis and the last Council meeting of this term is scheduled to take place on Thursday 3 March 2022.

      3. Generic guidance on pre-election periods, based on similar guidance previously issued on behalf of the EMB, will be circulated to all Elected Members and staff prior to the commencement of the pre-election period. Although Council business can continue as normal throughout the pre- election period, the manner in which this is effected should take account of the EMB guidance.

          

   2. Considerations

      1. The responsibility for ensuring that a Council complies with its obligations remains with individual authorities. The recommendation from the Chief Executive and the Chief Officer - Governance is that the Council’s normal practice of stopping all but urgent and statutory business in the period before a local government election should continue.

      2. This would require Council to approve the dissolution of all Standing Committees, Panels, Member/Officer Groups and Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panels effective from 4 March 2022 with the exception of those with a statutory requirement to meet or of a quasi-judicial nature, which are:-

         1. Planning & Regulation Panel;

         2. Local Review Body;

         3. Pre-Determination Hearing Committee;

         4. Parental Appeals Panel;

         5. Appeals Panel;

            111

             

             

         6. Appointments Panel; and

         7. Grievance and Discipline Panel.

      3. It is also proposed that the following Joint Committees/Boards on which Members of Stirling Council sit, would continue into the pre-election period as needed, with current Member appointments remaining in place. This will minimise delay to the business of those Committees/Boards, which are:-

         1. The Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board (IJB); and

         2. The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD) Joint Committee.

      4. The District of Stirling Licensing Board is a separate body constituted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Accordingly, the Council is not required to dissolve the Licensing Board. The Licensing Board may continue to meet in the pre-election period to determine licensing applications and related business in exercise of its quasi-judicial functions.

         Delegation of Additional Powers to the Chief Executive

      5. It is not anticipated that there will be any major policy or resourcing issues to be determined by Council in the pre-election period before the May 2022 Elections. It is suggested, however, that in order to avoid the need for special meetings of council, that the Council should make arrangements for the discharge, in urgent circumstances, of its functions in so far as these are not already delegated to Officers.

      6. The Council has in place a delegation to the Chief Executive which provides additionalpowers to determine urgent matters during periods when the Council is in recess. The Chief Executive exercises this delegation in consultation with the relevant Elected Members. A meeting of the relevant committee or of special council can be called if required. Application of the existing delegation CE45 is restricted to those matters which are not specifically reserved to Council, as set out at Appendix 1 to the Scheme of Delegation.

      7. The terms of CE45 are as follows:

         1. in respect of urgent matters where a policy decision has already been taken by Council and where budget or other financial provision exists, the Chief Executive/appropriate Chief Operating Officer will consult the Provost/Depute Convener of Council, relevant Portfolio Holder and Convener of the appropriate Committee, a relevant Opposition Member, and, as appropriate, the Leader of the Council before a decision is taken. Where possible, a meeting comprising the appropriate persons will be arranged through Democratic Services and a note of the meeting will be recorded; and details of decisions taken will be submitted for the information of Council/Committees (as appropriate) following the recess; and

         2. in respect of urgent matters where a decision is required which involves new policy or a change to existing policy, or incurring expenditure not already provided for, the Chief Executive/appropriate Chief Operating Officer will consult the Clerk to the Council and, if required, the Provost/Depute Convener of Council or Convener of the appropriate Committee and a relevant Opposition Member will agree a special meeting of Council or the Committee concerned.

       

       

      1. To ensure transparency of the exercise of this power, details of decisions taken in exercise of this delegation will be reported to Council following the local government election.

      2. As the positions of Provost, Depute Convener, Portfolio Holder, Committee Convenerand Leader of the Council, as mentioned in the CE45 Delegation, are appointed by Council, the holders of these positions remain as such notwithstanding the dissolution of Committees. The holders of these positions, along with a relevant Opposition Member, will, as required, be consulted in the use of the delegation.

         Other Meetings

      3. Additional meetings of the Planning & Regulation Panel will be arranged as required to meet planning and licensing processing requirements.

      4. A meeting of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board (IJB) is scheduled to be held on 23 March 2022. Further meeting dates for the IJB and its committees have been agreed by the IJB, and take account of the local government election.

      5. A meeting of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD) Joint Committee is scheduled to be held on 22 March 2022. CRD Joint Committee Standing Orders require the Joint Committee meet at least once every three months, requiring that a further meeting be scheduled to take place by 22 June.

      6. All of the other bodies/Panels that have not been dissolved (as set out at paragraph 2.2 above) will meet on an ‘as required basis’, with meeting dates being set following consultation with their membership. Similarly, the Licensing Board may continue to meet (as set out at paragraph 2.4 above).

      7. If an urgent matter arises which relates to those matters reserved to Council by statute, the Chief Officer – Governance will consult with Group Leaders and will seek the instruction of the Provost to convene a special meeting of Council.

       

   3. Implications

      Equalities Impact

      1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required.

         Fairer Scotland Duty

      2. In preparing the contents of this report, in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty, due regard has been given to reducing inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage, and any such impacts in respect of the proposals set out in this report are contained in the EqIA Relevance Check.

         Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

      3. None.

         Other Policy Implications

      4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

       

       

      Consultations

      3.5 None.

       

   4. Background Papers

      4.1 EqIA Relevance Assessment Form.

       

   5. Appendices

   5.1 None.

    

   Author(s)

    

   Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
   Graeme B. Forrester	Lead Solicitor - Governance	forresterg@stirling.gov.uk

   Approved by

    

   Name	Designation	Date
   Julia McAfee	Chief Officer – Governance	18 February 2022

    

   Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s), Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this report:	Councillor Simpson Councillor Houston Councillor Farmer
   	Councillor Kane

    

   Wards affected:	None
   Key Priorities:	N/a
   Key Priority Considerations:	N/a
   Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	N/a

   115‌

   Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 8

   Stirling Council Date of

   Meeting: 3 March 2022

   Not Exempt

   Contract Standing Orders – Impact of new £1M Threshold

    

    

    

   Purpose & Summary

   The revised Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) were approved by Council at its meeting on 2 December 2021. Council made a decision to lower the threshold over which Committee or Council approval must be sought by officers prior to commencing the procurement process. This threshold was lowered from £1.5M to £1M.

   Council also requested that officers bring a report detailing the impact of the threshold change on Council business. This report sets out the impact, as far as it is known at the present time.

    

   Recommendations

   Council is asked to:

   1. note the number of contracts awarded between the value of £1M and £1.5M over the last four years;

   2. note the number of additional contracts that may require Committee/Council approval as a consequence of the threshold change; and

   3. note a further paper will be submitted in six months’ time when more accurate data from the finalised Capital Delivery Plan and Service Plans can be taken into consideration.

    

   Resource Implications

   An increase in the number of procurements requiring Council or Committee approval prior to going to market will in turn impact on the resources required to bring those procurements to Members for a decision to be made. This includes officer time in preparing reports and facilitating meetings.

    

   Legal & Risk Implications

   Officers are now complying with the approved CSOs which comply with all current legal requirements in force.

   There is additionally a risk of delays to Council projects going to market with the increased numbers of contracts requiring approval and an impact on project timelines adhering to Committee schedules.

    

   1. Background

      1. Stirling Council’s CSOs were updated and amended and approved by Council at its meeting on 2 December 2021.

      2. The new Contract Standing Orders included a requirement for Committee approval for tenders to be obtained prior to going to market.

      3. The threshold for seeking Committee approval to go to market was reduced by Council from contracts of a value of more than £1.5M to contracts of a value of more than £1M.

      4. Council asked officers to assess the potential impact of the threshold change and to report back to Council at their meeting on 3 March 2022.

          

   2. Considerations

      1. The Council let 596 contracts over the last four financial years. Of those contracts 27 contracts were over £1.5M and 43 were in excess of £1M, which would have meant an additional 16 contracts would have required Committee approval had the £1M threshold been in place over that period.

      2. This data review does not take into account any contracts on the Capital Delivery Plan which is still to be finalised, nor does it consider any service plans or revisions still to be considered. Therefore it is too early to make any assumptions as to the impact of the £1M threshold. It will take another six months to determine the pressure that the new lower threshold puts on services.

          

   3. Implications

      Equalities Impact

      1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required as the proposal will have no impact directly on members of the public or those with Protected Characteristics.

         Fairer Scotland Duty

      2. The contents of this report were considered in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty and were determined not to be of strategic importance.

         Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

      3. There is no sustainability impact as a result of this report.

         Other Policy Implications

      4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

         Consultations

      5. No external consultation was required.

    

   1. Background Papers

      1. EqIA Relevance Check.

          

   2. Appendices

      1. None.

    

    

   Author(s)

    

   Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
   Nick Hyde	Head of Procurement	hyden@stirling.gov.uk

    

   Approved by

    

   Name	Designation	Date
   Isabel McKnight	Chief Operating Officer	8 February 2022

    

   Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s), Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this report:	Councillor Simpson Councillor Houston Councillor Farmer
   	Councillor Kane

    

   Wards affected:	All
   Key Priorities:	D - We will deliver inclusive economic growth and promote prosperity. We will deliver a City Region Deal and pursue policies and solutions that encourage high quality, high paying jobs into all of Stirling's communities.
   Key Priority Considerations:
   Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	Prosperous - People are part of a prosperous economy that promotes inclusive growth opportunities across our communities

   119‌

    

   Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 9

   Stirling Council Date of

   Meeting: 3 March 2022

   Not Exempt

    

   Stirling’s Economic Strategy

    

    

    

   Purpose & Summary

   This report presents Stirling’s new Economic Strategy along with details of its rationale, methodology for its development and future monitoring and evaluation arrangements. It includes a supporting Action Plan covering proposed activity for the upcoming financial year 2022/23.

    

   Recommendations

   Council is asked to:

   1. consider and comment on the new Economic Strategy; and

   2. approve the adoption of the new Economic Strategy as Stirling Council’s guiding document for its economic growth activity.

    

   Resource Implications

   Delivery of the Economic Strategy is a shared responsibility across many partners and stakeholders. Stirling Council’s responsibilities will be delivered using existing resources and funding streams and also through effective use of external funding opportunities.

    

   Legal & Risk Implications

   Not having an up to date Economic Strategy with agreed priorities and objectives will reduce the chances of effective partnership working and collaboration. It further risks decision making and resource allocation that is not working towards a clear vision.

   Having no Economic Strategy will disadvantage Stirling Council and partners as we seek to secure significant additional external funding to support Stirling’s economic growth.

    

   1. Background

      1. Stirling’s previous Economic Strategy was developed and adopted in 2015. Since then there has been a number of significant developments in the economic and social context locally, nationally and internationally. This has included the UK’s exit from the European Union, clear recognition of the climate emergency and the Covid 19 pandemic. In addition, the Stirling and ClackmannanshireCity Region Deal was formally agreed in early 2020 and will see over £90M invested in skills, innovation and infrastructure projects in the City Region over the next decade.

      2. In August 2021 EKOS Ltd were procured through Public Contracts Scotland to support the research and development of the new Economic Strategy and Action Plan. This has included a rigorous economic review and consultation process with communities, businesses, community planning partners and Elected Members, engaging in interviews, workshops and online surveys.

      3. Through setting out our shared vision, priorities and actions, and by pooling our skills and resources where appropriate, Stirling Council, our community planning partners and all our stakeholders will support our communities and businesses to thrive, driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the local and regional economy. Working together and with clear objectives, we will be well placed to embrace the opportunities and face the challenges of the future.

      4. The Economic Strategy sets out a bold shared vision for the future of Stirling’s economy.It is structured around three core themes: to support an economy that is thriving, sustainable and inclusive. Its overarching objectives are to support our local businesses to grow, attract jobs and investment, tackle inequality and support the transition to net zero.

      5. An important aim is to support increased collaboration in economic development locally, regionally and nationally. To that end this strategy has been developed taking full cognisance of relevant current and emerging regional and national strategies.

      6. By setting out our shared priorities for Stirling now, we will be in a better position to take forward increased regional working; including the emerging Forth Valley Regional Economic Strategy, and be in a stronger place to secure and effectively use existing and emerging major funding opportunities.

          

   2. Considerations

      1. While Stirling Council has led on the development of Stirling’s Economic Strategy, it is not a strategy for the Council alone and was developed with input from a wide range of public, private and third sector stakeholders. It is intended therefore to be a strategy for the whole of Stirling.

      2. The vision and priorities set out have been based on extensive consultation and reflect the views of employers, education providers, community and third sector organisations, and local and national elected officials. Through setting out this shared vision, Stirling Council aims to strengthen collaboration in economic development and inter-related areas such as skills, education, planning, housing, transport and many other aspects of public service delivery in Stirling.

       

       

      1. While we recognise that there are tight financial constraints to deliver the Strategy and Action Plan, there are a number of developing opportunities in terms of UK and Scottish Government funding which we will be better placed to secure and use effectively with a clear new strategy for Stirling.

      2. The Strategic Vision and Objectives are designed to steer Stirling’s strategic economic direction in the long term. To work steadily towards delivery however a supporting Action Plan will be developed annually. This will set out the key actions to be delivered in each financial year and which partner will take lead responsibility for achievement of each action. It will be a continually evolving document that will be reviewed and refreshed annually. An annual economic survey will be carried out to support the review and refresh of the action plan and to ensure industry input.

      3. An annual report on progress will be made to Stirling Council’s Finance & Economy Committee. However, in recognition of the shared ownership of the strategy, progress will also be reported to the Executive Group of the Community Planning Partnership.

      4. To monitor the progress of the strategy, we will develop and implement a performance measurement and evaluation framework. This will be used to report progress to all stakeholders and will be based on our economic priorities. Headline Key Performance Indicators are detailed in the Economic Strategy document page 18.

       

   3. Implications

      Equalities Impact

      1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required as it was deemed to have no negative impact.

         Fairer Scotland Duty

      2. In preparing the contents of this report, in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty, due regard has been given to reducing inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage, and any such impacts in respect of the proposals set out in this report are contained in the EqIA Relevance Check.

         Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

      3. The Economic Strategy has Sustainability at its core, by ensuring we embrace the economic opportunities of net zero and meet the challenges of climate change, we will support Stirling’s long term resilience and prosperity and ensure no one is left behind by the transition.

         Other Policy Implications

      4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

       

       

      Consultations

      3.5 EKOS Ltd were commissioned to consult widely with communities, businesses and partner organisations including the Community Planning Partnership. Future consultation will include an annual business survey to ensure that the Strategy and Action Plan is delivering its aims and an evaluation of this will be reported annually to the Finance & Economy Committee and the Community Planning Partnership.

       

   4. Background Papers

      4.1 EqIA Relevance Check.

       

   5. Appendices

   1. Appendix 1 – Stirling’s Economic Strategy.

       

      Author(s)

       

      Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
      Sarah Phillips	Economic Development Officer	01786-276156   phillipss@stirling.gov.uk

       

      Approved by

       

      Name	Designation	Date
      Stuart Oliver	Senior Manager   Economic Development and Communities	7 February 2022

       

      Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s), Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this report:

      All Elected Members have been consulted.

       

      Wards affected:	ALL
      Key Priorities:	D - We will deliver inclusive economic growth and promote prosperity. We will deliver a City Region Deal and pursue policies and solutions that encourage high quality, high paying jobs into all of Stirling's communities.
      Key Priority Considerations:
      Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	Prosperous - People are part of a prosperous economy that promotes inclusive growth opportunities across our communities

      125

       

      Appendix 1

       

      Contents

      Introduction 3

       

      Stirling’s Economic Strategy

      January 2022

      

       

      

       

       

      Prepared by EKOS Ltd for Stirling Council and partners January 2022

      www.ekos-consultants.co.uk

       

      Map on front page shows Stirling Council wards, via https://statistics.gov.scot/ © Google 2021 Vector graphics used throughout the document have been sourced from flaticon.com

       

      Introduction

       

      Purpose of the Strategy

      This economic strategy sets out a bold vision for the future of Stirling’s economy. It is structured around three core themes: we will work to support an economy that is thriving, sustainable and inclusive. We want to support our local businesses to grow, attract jobs and investment, tackle inequality, and support the transition to net zero.

       

      The strategy will be used by Stirling Council and our partners to guide our economic development activity. It will help us to focus and prioritise our resources, and support conversations around both public and private investment in Stirling.

      

      Graphic setting out how the strategy will support increased collaboration, with a unified vision. Through setting out our shared vision, priorities and actions, and by pooling our skills and resources where appropriate, Stirling Council, our community planning partners and all our stakeholders will support our communities and businesses to thrive, driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the local and regional

      economy. Working together and with clear objectives, we will be well placed to both embrace the opportunities and face the challenges of the future.

       

      The previous economic strategy for Stirling was published in 2015. Since then, there have been a number of major changes to the economic and social context at a local, national and international level. This has included the UK’s exit from the European Union, clear recognition of the climate emergency, and the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, formally agreed in early

      2020, will see £214m invested in skills, innovation and infrastructure projects in the City Region over the next decade.

       

      This strategy has been developed following a wide programme of consultation and research. It sets out the specific economic development actions that will contribute towards tackling inequality and improving outcomes, with shared strategic goals with other documents including The Stirling Plan, Stirling Council’s 10 Year Strategy, and Locality Action Plans.

       

      An important aim is to support increased collaboration in economic development locally, regionally and nationally. To that end this strategy has been developed taking full cognisance of relevant current and emerging regional and national strategies.

       

      By setting out our priorities for Stirling now, we will be in a better position to take forward increased regional working, including the emerging Regional Economic Strategy, and to best secure and use existing and emerging major funding opportunities.

       

      Overarching Vision The Stirling Economy

       

       

       

      “Our vision is that Stirling is recognised as having one of the most vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economies in the UK, providing opportunities and an excellent quality of life for all of our residents. We are innovative, forward looking and ambitious, with clear roles and effective collaboration between the public, private and third sectors helping our economy, businesses and communities to flourish.

       

      Over time, and through regular reviewing of actions and progress, we will steadily reduce the socio-economic gap that has characterised our economy for so long, with more quality jobs, a thriving business base, and improved wellbeing for our growing population.”

       

      

      Stirling is home to...

       

      94,000 people

      Stirling’s population continues to grow, with a 1.3% rise between 2015 and 2020. But the population is ageing – those aged 65+ increased by 8% over the same period. This trend is expected to continue, and our population is forecast to reach 100,000 by 2031, driven mainly by net inward migration.

       

       

      3,900 businesses	48,000 jobs In 2020, Stirling’s largest employing sectors were wholesale & retail(12%), health and social care(10%), education (9%), accommodation and food service(9%) and business admin/services(8%). Some sectors, particularly tourism, were badly hit by the Covid- 19 pandemic.   Notably, the digital sector in Stirling has more than doubled in size since 2015, now with around 3,000 jobs.
      2,187 square kilometres of land	54% of Stirling’s working age population are qualified to SCQF Level 8 (HND level) or above Above the Scotland average (49%)
      85% rural & 15% urban
      GVA per job of £49,900
      Marginally lower than Scotland

       

      Our strengths

      97%

      of Stirling residents rate their neighbourhood as very good or fairly good

      Source: Scottish Household Survey, 2019

       

      A key strength is our location. Stirling lies at the heart of Scotland, where the lowlands and highlands meet. Covering a vast mix of urban and rural communities, we have beautiful scenery, a rich history and culture, an international university, and excellent transport links to the rest of Scotland. We have a growing range of innovative businesses across different sectors, from life sciences to digital, and traditional strengths in construction, food and drink and tourism. Stirling has much to offer – as a place to work, live, study, invest or visit.

      81%

      of businesses think the quality of life in Stirling is a strength or major strength

      Source: Economic Strategy survey, 2021

       

       

      The impact of Covid-19

      This has had a significant impact on Stirling’s (and others) economy and the lives of residents. At its height in mid-2020, fully one-third of employees in Stirling were furloughed. However, the potential scenario of mass unemployment and business closures has so far largely been avoided, partly through an effective multi-agency response to the crisis, which has had an important role in mitigating the worst economic effects. Nonetheless, total job numbers in Stirling declined by 3,000 between 2019 and 2020, with tourism particularly hard hit. There are indications that this has at least partially recovered, although there are now reported job shortages across many sectors.

      Opportunities for All

      Overall, Stirling performs well when it comes to most economic and social indicators, particularly compared to Scotland-wide averages. What this disguises, however, is that there are long standing inequalities in Stirling, with persistent pockets of deprivation and relative poverty.

       

       

      Across our seven council wards,the child povertyranges from 6% in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane to 22% in Stirling East and 24% in Bannockburn.	There is an 11 years gap in male life expectancy, and an 8 year gap for females, between those living in the 20% most deprived areas of Stirling and the 20% least deprived.
      The claimant count (i.e. those claiming out of work benefits who are required to seek work) is consistently three or four times higher in some wards than others, as a proportion of the working age population.	Among Stirling residents, the gapis among the widest of any local authority in Scotland. This reflects that there are many high earners who travel outside of the area to work, as the earnings gap in Stirling-based jobs is much smaller.
      14.6% of jobs in Stirling payFoundation hourly wage, which is based on an estimate of the real cost of meeting everyday needs.

       

      There is a direct correlation between areas with poorer social and health outcomes and poorer economic outcomes. Our economic strategy has a vital role to play in addressing these inequalities and creating opportunities and better outcomes for everyone.

       

      1. Support new and established businesses to develop and grow, through provision of the right support, training, workspace and infrastructure

       

      2. Work with employability partners, education providers and employers to ensure access to fair work and skills opportunities for all of our residents

       

      3. Take forward a Community Wealth Building approach to how anchor institutions in Stirling both purchase and use resources and assets, driving local benefits in terms of supply chain opportunities, new jobs, fair employment and shared ownership

       

      4. Support our city centre and town centres to be vibrant, sustainable and at the heart of community and business life

       

      5. Support Stirling’s rural economy to diversify and grow, ensuring our rural businesses and communities receive the support they need to thrive

       

      6. Embrace the economic opportunities of the green economy and the transition to net zero, and ensure that wider activity aligns with our 2030 and 2045 greenhouse gas targets

       

      1. Focus on higher value employment to reduce inequalities in Stirling and drive up median wage levels

          

      2. Attract and encourage investment in Stirling, promote our advantages, and maximise and build on the value of the City Region Deal and all other strategic funding opportunities

       

      Inclusive

      We will grow our economy in a way that tackles inequality and provides opportunities and benefits for everyone, with a focus on fair employment, good quality jobs, and ensuring that education and skills development are accessible and inclusive.

       

      Sustainable

      By ensuring we embrace the economic opportunities of net zero and meet the challenges of climate change, we will support Stirling’s long term resilience and prosperity and ensure no one is left behind by the transition.

       

      Thriving

      Providing infrastructure, workforce skills and support for new and established businesses to develop and grow. We will work to attract new private and public investment and support the creation of high value

      jobs.

       

      Vision

      “Our vision is that Stirling is recognised as having one of the most vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economies in the UK, providing opportunities and an excellent quality of life for all of our residents.

       

      We are innovative, forward looking and ambitious, with clear roles and effective collaboration between the public, private and third sectors helping our economy, businesses and communities to flourish.”

       

      Vision, Objectives & Priorities

       

      Key Actions

       

      Business

      Our aim: Support new and established businesses to develop and grow, through provision of the right business support, training, workspace and infrastructure

       

      Why is it important?

       

      Business creates jobs. Stirling is home to nearly 3,900 VAT or PAYE registered businesses and 5,500 self-employed people. The majority of these are micro enterprises (89%), with fewer than nine employees.

       

      Our key sectors include financial services, construction, the aquaculture cluster at the University of Stirling, food and drink, and tourism/hospitality. Growing our digital sector has been a priority for Stirling over recent years, during which time employment has more than doubled to take in nearly 3,000 jobs. Manufacturing is the largest contributor to GVA in Stirling and offers a wide range of jobs. This includes many local success stories which we will seek to build on.

       

      On the whole, Stirling performs well in terms of business start-up and survival rates. At present, 72% of Stirling’s businesses have said that the business support they have accessed in Stirling – from a range of organisations – has met their needs well or very well (and just 13% said it met their needs poorly).

       

      However, there is no room for complacency and we will continue to focus on supporting both new and existing businesses in all sectors to survive, thrive and ensure a sustainable long term future.

      This is particularly important as the economy recovers from the Covid- 19 pandemic. Through facilitating provision of the right support, training, workspace and infrastructure, we will work to increase productivity, improve the number of higher value jobs in Stirling, and increase exports.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Develop new high quality business space across Stirling, meeting demand from new and existing businesses, and support opportunities for repurposing vacant space in our town and city centres.

      • Work with local and regional partners to establish and support networks that will support collaboration and strengthen local supply chains.

      • Review how local business support is delivered to ensure we have an effective and efficient business support landscape, tailoring support to the specific needs of Stirling’s economy.

      • Develop a new strategy for culture and the creative industries in Stirling, placing culture and creativity at the centre of our plans for regeneration and growth.

       

      Skills and Fair Work

      Our aim: Work with employability partners, education providers and employers to ensure access to fair work and skills opportunities for all of our residents.

       

      Why is it important?

       

      It is important at two levels. Firstly to ensure that local and locating businesses have access to an appropriate talent pipeline and secondly to ensure that economic growth and success is more widely shared and is available to all residents.

       

      Access to workforce skills and training opportunities is something that Stirling’s employers recognise will be crucial to their future success. This work takes in a wide range of partners, including schools, Forth Valley College, the University of Stirling, Skills Development Scotland and Stirling Council employability services.

       

      The provision of a range of different pathways from school to final employment will be a key priority for us and the opportunity to offer a more seamless approach across all levels of education seems an attractive proposition. However, it is not just qualifications which are important and that experience is a key factor in employability.

       

      We need to ensure that all parts of the skills system match up and are fully integrated with the existing and future needs and opportunities within the local economy.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Continue to roll out the skills element of the City Region Deal, including the development of skills pathways in sectors stimulated by the CRD investments, with learning and skills routes connected to employment opportunities.

      • Ensure alignment of all existing employability provision and programmes with the vision and strategic objectives of this economic strategy.

      • We will work with employers and education providers to build skills where gaps have been identified – this will be particularly important as we get to grips with the demands of the transition to net zero, with a strong case for investment in technical green jobs in areas such as retrofitting.

      • Support the delivery of enterprise and meta-skills across our education sector.

         

      • In partnership with skills and employability partners, we will build bespoke skills support for those sectors where we know that future jobs will be available – specifically environment, digital, health and social care, and construction.

       

      Maximise Impact of Local Organisations

      Our aim: Develop and deliver a Community Wealth Building approach to how anchor institutions in Stirling both purchase and use resources and assets, driving local benefits in terms of supply chain opportunities, new jobs, fair employment and shared ownership

       

      Why is it important?

       

      Awareness of community wealth building has been growing in Scotland over recent years and is now a key priority within the Scottish Government, with a number of local authorities making it a core component of their approach to economic development. Stirling Council and our community planning partners are committed to developing this within Stirling and the wider Forth Valley.

       

      At its heart, community wealth building aims to ensure that the wealth generated through local economic activity is retained within communities, where income is recirculated, wealth is held broadly, and people are empowered through having more of a stake in their local economy. Community wealth building has the potential to deliver tangible benefits relatively quickly, as it seeks to utilise and build on existing resources.

       

      ‘Anchor institutions’ are large, locally-rooted organisations with a significant stake in a place, such as councils, education institutions and health authorities. Harnessing the economic power of anchor institutions – in term of how they spend their money, employ people and use their assets – is a crucial aspect of community wealth building.

       

      

      What we will do:

       

      Already, several key anchor institutions in Stirling have made a commitment to adopt community wealth building approaches. There are five pillars to community wealth building. Though pursuing actions within each pillar, we will drive local benefits and contribute to our vision of a thriving, sustainable and inclusive economy.

       

      Specifically, we will:

       

      • Through training, materials, awareness raising and policy implementation, develop a culture of community wealth building within local anchor institutions.

         

      • Aim to increase the local and regional procurement spending of Stirling’s anchor institutions, and encourage and support

       

      others to do likewise. We know that Stirling’s businesses and third sector are keen to access public contracts.

       

      City, Town & Local Centres

      Our aim: Support our city centre and town centres to be vibrant, sustainable and at the heart of community and business life

       

      Why is it important? Stirling City Centre and our town centres in Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Callander – alongside our other local centres – provide important services and act as a focal point for visitors, residents and businesses.

       

      They are vital to our collective sense of place and, through improved active travel and their role as public transport hubs, will be key to the transition to net zero.

       

      At the same time, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a long term decline in place-based retail and generated a shift towards online retail and service delivery. This is having a negative impact on our town centres, with an increase in vacancies, particularly for retail units. During consultation work for this strategy, this was identified as one of the main areas of concern among businesses and other stakeholders.

       

      We recognise that in the past the focus has been on cities or rural places, but that Stirling also has many urban centres with a key role to play in the local economy.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Diversifying and repurposing: A recent independent review of town centres in Scotland highlights opportunities to expand the range of services and facilities that city and town centres offer, to reuse redundant buildings and to provide new homes for a wide range of people. A vision for our urban centres is

      essential – including opportunities to develop flexible workspaces, provision of new leisure and cultural opportunities, and improving/increasing the hospitality offer.

      • Support the principles of ‘town centre first’ and 20-minute neighbourhoods, incentivising and encouraging people to shop locally, and cutting out unnecessary car travel, while encouraging entrepreneurship, investment and vibrancy in local high streets. Quality and experience are key drivers, for locals and visitors alike.

      • Leverage investment to support city and town centre upgrades to buildings and the public realm, improving their appearance and creating an improved sense of place. We will undertake this work alongside communities and business associations.

      • Use our plans for cultural and creative growth to galvanise a range of engaging and participative activities in our city, towns and villages, driving footfall and spend to local businesses and creating a sense of excitement around our streets and public spaces.

      • Deliver the vision and objectives of the Stirling City Centre Strategy.

    

   Rural Economy

   Our aim: Support Stirling’s rural economy to diversify and grow, ensuring our rural businesses and communities receive the support they need to thrive.

    

   Why is it important? Just over one third of Stirling’s population (34%), 40% of businesses, and 27% of jobs are in a rural area1, covering 85% of land in the local authority.

    

   Our rural areas face specific economic and social challenges, which can include poorer transport links, lack of suitable business space, and poorer digital connectivity. Rural employers often find it more difficult to recruit suitably qualified staff, in part due to a lack of affordable housing and a growing demographic gap, with rural areas typically ageing faster than urban centres. All of these factors have a constraining effect on economic growth and diversification. Tourism is a key driver of rural Stirling and influences the performance of other sectors such as construction, but faces issues of seasonality.

    

   There are however significant opportunities in rural Stirling. In a post pandemic world new working practices are fast developing. The localism agenda also offers potential opportunities for SMEs and for new approaches to how these are developed and delivered – for example, opportunities for producers to sell directly to consumers, like the Stirling NeighbourFood service.

    

   In particular, the ending of the European funded LEADER programmes leaves a clear gap in the support for rural communities.

    

   1. Defined using the Scottish Government Urban-Rural Classification for relevant datazones

      What we will do:

       

      • Business space: a shortage of appropriate business space can be an issue in rural areas, acting as a barrier to growth and diversification. We will develop new spaces for all types of businesses that will support collaboration, growth and job creation.

      • Transport: improving transport is an important priority in Stirling’s rural areas. The findings of the Forth Valley Connectivity Commission will help the regional partners to determine the main priorities for investment and help towards a net zero future. We must ensure that our rural communities are fully engaged in this.

      • Broadband and digital connectivity is vitally important for businesses across Stirling. Targeted investment has greatly improved the quality and availability of broadband over recent years. We will therefore continue to work with and support businesses and communities to address their connectivity issues.

      • Work with rural partners including VisitScotland, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Historic Environment Scotland, private investors and other key stakeholders on projects that will drive sustainable, inclusive growth.

         

        Green Economy

        Our aim: Embrace the economic opportunities of the green economy and the transition to net zero, ensuring that wider activity aligns with our 2030 and 2045 greenhouse gas targets

         

        Why is it important? Stirling Council has set out an ambition for Stirling to be fossil fuel-free and climate-ready by 2045, with a just transition that improves the lives of Stirling’s residents, helps the economy to thrive, and improves nature. By 2030, we will have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 75% from 1990 levels, and by 2045 we will have achieved net zero carbon emissions. It is therefore imperative that all decisions relating to Stirling’s economy are made with this critical ambition in mind.

         

        While our carbon emissions have reduced considerably over the last 15 years (-35%), per capita they remain higher than the Scottish average – road transport is a particular challenge.

         

        The transition to net zero, and the need to adapt to a changing climate, also present tremendous economic opportunities. We need to ensure that we are positioned to fully embrace and realise these opportunities as we radically transform how we heat our homes, travel, manage our resources and waste, and look after our natural environment. A number of Stirling-based businesses are already leading the way in this area, while the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College are developing a new International Environment Centre that will support jobs, innovation and skills development across Forth Valley.

        Stirling is also home to the Engine Shed, the national centre for building conservation. This gives us strong foundations to build on when it comes to developing green jobs.

         

        What we will do:

         

        • Work with education and skills providers, at all levels, and employers to ensure that we have the right workforce skills in place to support the green economy of the future. We know that there are both current and emerging opportunities from decarbonising our economy, including in renewables, sustainable land management, low carbon manufacturing and the circular economy. Realising these opportunities is an important national ambition, with current actions set out in the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan 2020-25.

        • Help create the conditions for innovation around low carbon and net zero tech development, with the aim of attracting and helping businesses in this sector to start-up and grow.

        • Support Stirling’s businesses to access funding, information and advice to help them adapt to net zero requirements, ensuring that they do not lose out from the transition.

        • Support the principles of the ‘20 minute neighbourhood’ concept – encouraging local spending and cutting out the need for unnecessary car travel.

        • Transport is a crucial enabler of Stirling’s economy and cuts across many of the objectives set out in this report. The Forth Valley Connectivity Commission is set to make recommendations on how this can be improved to meet the future needs of Stirling’s communities and support inclusive growth.

         

        • The Regional Energy Masterplan, developed through the City Region Deal, will set out how Stirling and Clackmannanshire can develop its heat, energy and renewables capacity over the coming decades, including the economic opportunities that this will bring.

         

        Tackling Inequalities

        Our aim: Reduce inequalities in Stirling and drive up median wage levels, with a focus on creating higher value employment and diversifying the economy

         

        Why is it important? Stirling is a relatively prosperous place and performs well across most social and economic indicators. However, it suffers from longstanding, structural inequalities that mean there is a wide gap between our most and least deprived communities.

         

        For example, while the average resident wage is higher than the Scottish average the average workplace ones are lower.

         

        In seeking to address this, it needs to be acknowledged that there are unlikely to be any quick fixes. But through effective partnership working and incremental progress, we will – over the course of a generation – address this structural weakness in the local economy.

         

        When it comes to the economy, the principles of Fair Work have an important role to play in reducing inequality, through driving up incomes of the lowest paid, tackling inequality, and providing more job security. Scotland level statistics show that more than half of those of working age experiencing poverty are in working households2.

         

        The key priority is to drive up median wage levels for Stirling residents. At present, we have one the largest gaps in the country between the highest and lowest earners. Developing workforce skills also has an important role to play here.

         

   2. https://data.gov.scot/poverty/

      What we will do:

       

      • Support the delivery of the CPP’s Locality Action Plans, which focus on neighbourhoods facing higher levels of multiple deprivation, with economic development activity specific to the needs of these localities.

      • We will promote and support Fair Work principles, including adoption of the ‘real’ Living Wage, particularly in sectors where pay is typically at or just above the national minimum wage.

      • Stirling’s anchor institutions will implement a community wealth building approach to economic development to help to spread the benefits of growth. This will support communities to have a greater stake in their local economy and encourage diverse and plural ownership models that more readily recirculate wealth within the area (e.g. small businesses, social enterprises, and community owned assets).

      • We will capitalise on our existing strengths, as well as new sectoral opportunities, to grow the number of Stirling-based jobs in high value sectors, including in digital and the green economy, with targeted business support.

      • We will attract inward investment to create a wider range of job opportunities and ensure that the community benefits of all such investments are fully maximised.

         

        Investment and Promotion

        Our aim: Attract and encourage investment in Stirling, promote our advantages, and maximise and build on the value of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and all other strategic funding opportunities

         

        Why is it important?

         

        Stirling has much to offer, as a place to locate, invest, live and work – it is not for nothing that the city of Stirling has been crowned the ‘happiest place to live in Scotland’3. Through pro-active engagement, promoting our strengths and clearly demonstrating the impact of our economic development work, we will encourage investment and confidence in Stirling.

         

        Recent consultation work has shown that the majority of Stirling’s businesses believe that the marketing and promotion of Stirling will be an important factor in their future success. At the same time, most rate the quality of life in Stirling as a strength or major strength – a key selling point.

         

        Over the last few years, the Stirling: Alive with Scotland branding campaign (and the associated Invest in Stirling service) have been well received and provided clear messaging and consistent branding with the promotion of Stirling to residents, visitors and investors, but this must continue to be developed and delivered in partnership with all key stakeholders in order to be most effective.

         

   3. https://news.stv.tv/east-central/stirling-crowned-happiest-place-to-live-in-scotland

      We will continue to leverage outside funding to support capital and revenue projects, and make a success of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD).

       

      At the same time, we need to remain alert to opportunities to access other sources of strategic funding, particularly in the emerging post- EU funding environment. This will be important in realising the ambitions set out in this strategy.

       

      What we will do:

       

      • Work to ensure that Stirling and the wider region receives maximum benefit from the City Region Deal, while remaining alert to other funding opportunities.

      • Place our culture and heritage at the heart of our plans for regeneration and growth, using these assets to promote Stirling on the national stage, while being rooted in local activities that build a sense of optimism about Stirling’s future.

      • Promote our advantages at a local, national and international level, building on the work undertaken by Invest in Stirling to date.

      • Develop a key customer approach to make it as easy as possible for businesses to locate in Stirling.

      • Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the current and developing funding opportunities and that we have a pipeline of projects (shovel ready) to be put forward when they become available.

 

An Implementation Plan

 

Economic Stakeholders

While Stirling Council has led on the development of Stirling’s Economic Strategy, it is not a strategy for the council alone and was developed with input from a wide range of public, private and third sector stakeholders. It is intended therefore to be a strategy for the whole of Stirling. The vision and priorities set out have been based on extensive consultation and reflect the views of employers, education providers, community and third sector organisations, and local and national elected officials. Through setting out this shared vision, we hope to support increased collaboration in economic development and inter-related areas such as skills, education, planning, housing, education, transport and many other aspects of public service delivery in Stirling. But, crucially, this goes well beyond Stirling Council.

 

Successfully achieving our vision and objectives will require a joined- up approach, which is why our Community Planning Partnership (CPP) have been involved in shaping the strategy from its early stages. As we look towards increased regional working, our neighbouring councils and Scotland’s other major cities will also have a key role to play in meeting shared objectives. There is an essential role for the business community as the key component in the strategy.

 

Funding the Plan

We will need funding to deliver the plan. While we recognise the tight financial constraints on the public sector there are a developing number of opportunities in terms of government funding – Community

Regeneration Funds, Levelling Up Funds, Shared Prosperity, and new rural funding, alongside our City Region Deal. In addition, there are a number of quasi-commercial funds which may be appropriate for consideration for specific projects and purposes.

 

Delivering the Plan

In terms of implementation, it is clear that Stirling Council on its own will be unable to deliver the full plan. Without resources and inputs from all stakeholders success will elude us. Our next challenge will be to work up the actions into detailed proposals, engage with stakeholders to agree clear resource requirements, roles and responsibilities for project development and implementation. A set of actions for the first year of the strategy are included below – this is a continually evolving document that will be reviewed and refreshed annually. An annual economic survey will be carried out to support the review and refresh of the action plan and to ensure industry input.

 

Governance

An annual report on progress will be made to Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee. However, in recognition of the shared ownership of the strategy, progress will also be reported to the Executive Group of the Community Planning Partnership.

 

Measuring Success

Finally, to monitor the progress of our strategy, we will develop and implement a performance measurement and evaluation framework which will be used to report progress to key stakeholders and based on our economic priorities. Headline indicators are as below:

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

 

Action Plan for 2022-23

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Planning Partners

               

 

Business Support Partners

 

Go Forth Stirling

149

 

Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 10

Stirling Council Date of

Meeting: 3 March 2022

Not Exempt

Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel on Antisocial Behaviour

 

 

 

Purpose & Summary

This report provides Stirling Council with the findings of the Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel (the “Panel”) on Antisocial Behaviour (“ASB”). The Panel was formed following agreement at the Council meeting of 7 October 2021.

 

Recommendations

Council is asked to:

1. note the contents of this report detailing the work of the Panel;

2. note that the Antisocial Behaviour Policy will now be further developed by officers and will be brought to a meeting of Council for discussion in 2022;

3. note that the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy will be reviewed this year;

4. approves the inclusion of the following matters to form part of the consultation process for the Housing Allocations Policy review:-

   1. The introduction of a sensitive lettings process;

   2. Increasing the length of suspension from the housing waiting list to more than 12 months for where an applicant or those who live with them are responsible for serious ASB or has been made subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order by the courts; and

   3. The introduction of additional housing points for victims of ASB; and

5. request that officers develop a draft policy proposal for the use of the streamlined eviction process, to be brought to the Environment & Housing Committee or its appropriate successor Committee for discussion.

 

Resource Implications

There are no specific resource implications in this report. Following Council’s approval, if resource implications emerge as the recommendations are implemented, these will be detailed during these processes.

 

Legal & Risk Implications

The Council’s approach to ASB policy and its interaction with its Housing Allocations Policy must be lawful and enforceable through the legal process. In this regard it would not be lawful for the Council to have a zero tolerance policy in respect of ASB, no matter the type of behaviour complained about. A zero tolerance approach would fetter the Council’s discretion to make a decision on each case; in effect by adopting such an approach the Council would have pre-determined the outcome of each case of ASB in advance. This is unlawful and such a policy would be quashed by the courts and risk reputational damage.

The Council’s approach to each case of ASB must be proportionate and guidance can be taken from recent case law around the streamlined evictions process. Although the streamlined eviction process is aimed at truncating the judicial process by establishing the grounds for eviction through a relevant conviction, it does not mean that a decree for eviction will be automatically granted by the courts. The individual circumstances of each case and the Council’s decision making in that context will still be assessed. The eviction sought must be a proportionate response to the established ASB. It is for the Council to assess whether seeking a decree of eviction is proportionate by reference to the circumstances of each individual case and this must still be evidenced.

The decision to proceed with an eviction action is an operational decision which will be made by the Chief Officer – Governance exercising delegated powers. This decision will be made following review of all the evidence provided by the Housing Service and Community Safety Team. The Chief Officer – Governance is also an officer of court and is under a professional obligation to the court to only raise proceedings where these have merit.

For context, the Panel was provided with copies of legal advice which had previously been provided to support the Housing Service and the Community Safety Team and which provide more detail on the legal position around ASB and streamlined evictions.

Scottish Government guidance on the use of the streamlined eviction process has been published and any decision to proceed with such an eviction has to have regard to that guidance. If the Council choses to introduce such a policy then that policy must take cognisance of the guidance but also of emerging case law in this area.

 

1. Background

   1. At the meeting of Stirling Council (the “Council”) on 7 October 2021, the following motion was agreed:

      Council recognises the significant and long-term impact that harassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour, including criminal activity, can have on those affected. It affects quality of life, mental health, and physical wellbeing for those involved and damages the wider community as a whole.

      Council agrees that there should be a wide consultation with tenants with regards to how the current allocations policy could look at supporting victims to relocate. Council also agrees that there should be a review of policies concerning Stirling Council tenants who persistently break their tenancy agreements through anti-social behaviour and/or criminal activity and the impact this has on neighbours and the wider community.

      Council instructs an Ad Hoc Scrutiny Panel be formed, working cross party, with the Housing Advisory Group and appropriate stakeholders to review these housing policies. Council agrees to appoint one member from each party and the independent member to the group and agrees to allow the group to appoint its own chair.

       

       

   2. The Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel met on 10 December 2021, 21 December 2021, 18 January 2022, and 2 February 2022. The Panel was supported by the Chief Officer Housing, the Senior Manager, Infrastructure and the Legal Manager. The Interim Head of Education supported the Panel as Independent Lead Officer.

   3. Councillor Maureen Bennison was appointed as the Chair of the Panel and support was requested from additional Council Officers from Safer Communities and Housing. Throughout the course of the work of the Panel a wide range of local and national documents have been shared, which outline the policies, procedures and legislation frameworks which underpin the work of both areas of Council operations. These documents have been provided as background papers.

   4. Consultations were organised to support the work of the panel. A survey was carried out on the Engage platform and the analysis of the feedback received is at Appendix 1. There were 111 responses to the survey. With the majority

      (63) being from homeowners. All wards were represented in the responses, to varied extents. The three most common antisocial behaviour concerns were in relation to noise from neighbours, littering/fly-tipping and drug use. The majority of respondents (17 of 24) were dissatisfied with the response to their report of ASB to the Council. Respondents provided suggestions about how improvements could be made.

   5. A special meeting of the Housing Advisory Group (the HAG”) was held on 11 February 2022, for the tenant membership of the Group, and Panel members were invited along to hear the views of the HAG to inform their considerations. It was evident that ASB is of significant concern to HAG members and they welcomed the opportunity to discuss potential amendments to policies. It was also noted that consultation with tenants in relation to the ASB policy was important. Tenants were broadly supportive of proposed recommendations although recognised that more detail would be required, such as the specific criteria for a Sensitive Letting Policy. The main considerations of the Group are noted in section 2 of this report. A note of this meeting is also included as Appendix 2.

   6. The Panel considered, current practice, partnerships, guidance, and policy in order to develop a range of recommendations for improvement to address concerns about antisocial behaviour and its impact on tenants in particular. The Panel expressed concern over time constraints placed on the Panel. Members felt they could not discuss and scrutinise all aspects they wanted to. There was no time to invite the Portfolio Holder for Housing to scrutinise political input. There was also no time to scrutinise resources, equipment and performance of the service during lockdown.

       

2. Considerations

   1. The Panel agreed that its focus was mainly on consideration of Housing policies through an ASB lens. Consideration was given to the Housing Allocations Policy, including the allocation of points for tenants in specific circumstances, such as ‘harassment points’ when a tenant has been the victim of antisocial behaviour or harassment. In the previous consultation and update to the Policy this category had not been identified as a top priority for the allocation of additional points. It was agreed by the Panel that this should be reconsidered when the policy is updated in summer 2022.

       

       

   2. The Panel reviewed national and local policy to seek to understand the constraints and timescales in place which appear to prevent or delay action in antisocial behaviour which affects Council tenants in particular. It was agreed that there is a need for robust policies to support the work of the Council in tackling antisocial behaviour. An opportunity is available to the Council to consider extending the suspension period for any applicants for housing who have been responsible for ASB or subject to an Antisocial Behaviour Order, when the Housing Allocations Policy is reviewed later in the year.

   3. The current processes in place to address antisocial behaviour were discussed. The ASB policy has been reviewed and is almost at the stage of being brought to Committee for discussion and approval. Recent improvements were described by the Team Leader, Community Safety including those developed in close partnership with Police Scotland and other partners including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Social Work Service Youth and Criminal Justice teams. Chief Inspector Gill Marshall was invited to a Panel meeting and provided information on the partnership between Police and Community Safety Team. The Panel heard about reductions in concerns about antisocial behaviour in the city centre as a result of this work, information leaflets which are used to support members of the public to know how to report antisocial behaviour and changes to improve the way that cases are allocated for support and investigation. For example, there is now a focus on contact with complainers, including an update no later than thirty days after the original complaint is received. There is an increased emphasis on agreeing communication timeframes with all parties involved, introducing a risk assessment and a specific action plan to clarify action being taken at the appropriate stage. Timeframes throughout the process have been reviewed and the initial contact timeframe has reduced from 5 to 3 working days.

   4. Streamlined evictions were considered and information provided on the procedure currently followed and variations in this across other local authorities and social landlords. For this approach to be successful the Council has to be able to evidence that the action they plan to take is proportionate. Some Councils and housing associations have a standalone policy for streamlined evictions which supports them in taking well-evidenced cases through the court system.

   5. A briefing note opened discussion about sensitive lets and whether practice in this area was currently preventing repeat housing management and antisocial behaviour problems, and if a sensitive lettings process would help build more sustainable communities.

   6. The benefits of interventions at an early stage, when difficulties between tenants first emerge, were discussed and this view seems to be supported by the findings of the public survey; half of the situations which were resolved, had been addressed within the first 1-2 weeks.

       

       

   7. The Panel considered the circumstances when an eviction would not be made, including when one householder is a victim of domestic violence. Officers explained the nature of these considerations, the individual nature of each case, which means that no blanket policies can be made for all cases of a particular nature. However, the protection and support offered to victims of domestic violence was explained. The Council has a duty to re-home people who are assessed as statutorily homeless, though in most cases anyone evicted from a tenancy would be classed as ‘intentionally homeless.’ In this latter situation, the Council would provide temporary accommodation to the person while an assessment was taking place then would continue to provide temporary accommodation for a reasonable time while providing advice and support to help them find permanent accommodation.

   8. The HAG recognised the complexity of the issues being covered by the Panel, however the HAG continued to raise concerns that tenants experiencing the impact of antisocial behaviour were not supported effectively enough. In respect of the review of antisocial behaviour, concerns were raised around process and the closure of cases, along with the case review periods, however the service notes that these are important operational activities to ensure best use of resources and to manage expectations.

   9. The HAG provided a strong message that they wished to see a greater emphasis on a preventative approach to antisocial behaviour, and they would expect to see continued improvements from the partnership working with Police Scotland and others. The Housing Service has responded by committing to reviewing the preventative approaches in the policy, and this will also be reflected in the future strategy. The service will also look to have a visible presence in communities experiencing periods of negative behaviours, and work closely with these communities.

   10. The recommendation to consider developing an antisocial behaviour policy specific to Stirling Council tenants is not a preferred option of the service, however the service will look to develop specific areas of the policy and strategy to support Council tenants in advance of consultation, and also consider how resources can be applied to these areas.

   11. Concern was raised around the limitations of the antisocial behaviour service during the pandemic, and the service have confirmed that it operated within the regulations at the time. The performance of the service and a detailed caseload breakdown is reported at all meetings of Environment & Housing Committee.

    

3. Implications

   Equalities Impact

   1. There is no requirement to produce an Equalities Impact Assessment to accompany this report, but any changes to policy resulting from the recommendations in this report will require this exercise to be undertaken at the point where the approval of Council or Committee is sought.

       

       

      Fairer Scotland Duty

   2. The contents of this report were considered in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty and were determined not to be of strategic importance. However any changes to policy following approval of the recommendations in this report will require to be implemented with due regard to reducing inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage.

      Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

   3. Not applicable.

      Other Policy Implication

   4. Information about recommended review and development of policies is included in the above report.

      Consultations

   5. Significant consultation was carried out in developing this report. Police Scotland attended a meeting of the Panel. An Engage survey gathered information and views from the public about antisocial behaviour the results of this are summarised in Appendix 1. A special meeting of the Housing Advisory Group was held to gather views. A summary of these views is found in Appendix 2.

    

4. Background Papers

   1. Housing Allocations Policy Report, Environment & Housing Committee, 14 November 2019.

   2. Stirling Council Housing Allocation Policy, November 2019.

   3. Stirling Council Draft Antisocial Behaviour Policy, Nov 2021.

   4. Legal Advice in relation to drug dealing in council tenancies.

   5. Streamlined Eviction Process Briefing Note.

   6. ASB Evictions – Legal Advice Note.

   7. Anti-Social Behaviour Background Note.

   8. Tenancy Agreement.

   9. Promoting Positive Outcomes: Working Together to Prevent Antisocial Behaviour in Scotland.

   10. Human Rights at home: Guidance for Social Housing Providers.

   11. The Scottish Social Housing Charter.

   12. Streamlined Evictions.

   13. Sensitive Lets.

   14. Social Housing Allocations Practice Guide.

   15. Antisocial Behaviour Leaflet.

   16. EqIA Relevance Check.

5. Appendices

1. Appendix 1 – Antisocial behaviour survey analysis.

2. Appendix 2 – Note from the Special Meeting of HAG, 11 February 2022.

   156

    

    

   Author(s)

    

   Name	Designation	Telephone Number/E-mail
   Bryony Monaghan	Interim Head of Education Independent Lead Officer	01786 233200 monaghanb60s@stirling.gov. uk
   Stephen Clark	Chief Officer Housing	01786 237652 clarks@stirling.gov.uk
   Drew Leslie	Senior Manager Infrastructure	01786 233333 leslied@stirling.gov.uk

    

   Approved by

    

   Name	Designation	Date
   Bryony Monaghan	Interim Head of Education Independent Lead Officer	16 February 2022

    

   Details of Convener(s), Vice Convener(s),	Councillor Gibson
   Portfolio Holder and Depute Portfolio	Councillor MacPherson
   Holders (as appropriate) consulted on this	Councillor Flannagan
   report:	Councillor Bennison
   	Councillor Davies
   	Councillor Tollemache

    

   Wards affected:	All
   Key Priorities:	C - We will create more affordable & social housing in all Stirling's communities. We will lead by example as an organisation in setting exceptional standards in building , environmental and employer practice, tenant relations & homelessness prevention
   Key Priority Considerations:
   Stirling Plan Priority Outcomes: (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan)	Resilient - People are part of safe and caring communities within an attractive and sustainable environment

   Anti-social Beh1a5vi7our Survey 2022

   Appendix 1

    

   Q1 Is anti-social behaviour a problem for you or your family?

   Answered: 111 Skipped: 0

    

    

   No

    

   Yes, has some

   impact

    

   Yes, has a major impact

    

   24						57
   			30

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   No	21.62% 24
   Yes, has some impact	51.35% 57

   Yes, has a major impact

   27.03% 30

    

   111

   TOTAL

    

    

    

   1 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a5vi8our Survey 2022

    

   Q2 What types of anti-social behaviour do you or your family suffer from?

   Please tick all that apply

   Answered: 82 Skipped: 29

    

    

   Noisy neighbours

    

   Threats or intimidating...

    

   Harrassment

    

   Drug use

    

   Drug dealing

    

   Misuse of alcohol

    

   Vandalism

    

   Litter/flytippi

   ng

    

   Other (please

   specify)

    

   0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Noisy neighbours	50.00%	41
   Threats or intimidating language	29.27%	24
   Harrassment	19.51%	16
   Drug use	37.80%	31
   Drug dealing	34.15%	28
   Misuse of alcohol	23.17%	19
   Vandalism	28.05%	23
   Litter/flytipping	51.22%	42

   Other (please specify)

   39.02% 32

    

   Total Respondents: 82

    

    

    

   2 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a5vi9our Survey 2022

    

   Q3 In the last 12 months have you reported Anti-social behaviour?

   Answered: 102 Skipped: 9

    

   31

   20

   27

   24

    

   No, I did not

   need to

    

   No, I did not know how to

    

   Yes, I contacted th...

    

   Yes, I contacted...

    

   Yes, I contacted my...

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   No, I did not need to	30.39%	31
   No, I did not know how to	19.61%	20
   Yes, I contacted the Police	26.47%	27
   Yes, I contacted Stirling Council	23.53%	24

   Yes, I contacted my Housing Association

   0.00% 0

    

   102

   TOTAL

    

    

    

   3 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a6vi0our Survey 2022

    

   Q4 When you contacted the Council, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the response?

   Answered: 24 Skipped: 87

    

   1

   2

   4

   5

   12

    

   Very satisfied

    

   Fairly satisfied

    

   Neutral

    

   Fairly dissatisfied

    

   Very dissatisfied

    

   0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Very satisfied	4.17%	1
   Fairly satisfied	8.33%	2
   Neutral	16.67%	4
   Fairly dissatisfied	20.83%	5

   Very dissatisfied

   50.00% 12

    

   24

   TOTAL

    

    

   4 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a6vi1our Survey 2022

    

   Q5 Did your reporting of Anti-social behaviour resolve the problem?

   Answered: 48 Skipped: 63

    

   4

   39

   5

    

   Yes

    

   No

    

   Don't know/Not

   sure

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Yes	8.33% 4
   No	81.25% 39

   Don't know/Not sure

   10.42% 5

    

   48

   TOTAL

    

    

    

   5 / 9

   Anti-social Beh1a6vi2our Survey 2022

    

   Q6 And how long did it take to resolve the problem?

   Answered: 6 Skipped: 105

    

   3

   1

   1

   1

    

   Less than a

   week

    

   1 to 3 weeks

    

   1 to 3 months

    

   4 to 6 months

    

   7 - 12 months

    

   More than a

   year

    

   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Less than a week	50.00% 3
   1 to 3 weeks	0.00% 0
   1 to 3 months	16.67% 1
   4 to 6 months	16.67% 1
   7 - 12 months	0.00% 0

   More than a year

   16.67% 1

    

   6

   TOTAL

    

    

   6 / 9

   163

    

   Q7 How could Stirling Council improve the way we deal with Anti-social behaviour?

   Answered: 84 Skipped: 27

    

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Suggestion 1:	97.62% 82
   Suggestion 2:	82.14% 69
   Suggestion 3:	50.00% 42

   Other suggestions:

   35.71% 30

   164

    

   Q8 Which Electoral Ward area of Stirling do you live?

   Answered: 91 Skipped: 20

    

   13

   1

   10

   13

   11

   12

   10

   21

    

   Ward 1 – Trossachs an...

    

   Ward 2 – Forth and Endrick

    

   Ward 3 – Dunblane and...

    

   Ward 4 – Stirling North

    

   Ward 5 – Stirling West

    

   Ward 6 – Stirling East

    

   Ward 7 - Bannockburn

    

   Don't knowNot

   sure

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Ward 1 – Trossachs and Teith	14.29%	13
   Ward 2 – Forth and Endrick	1.10%	1
   Ward 3 – Dunblane and Bridge of Allan	10.99%	10
   Ward 4 – Stirling North	14.29%	13
   Ward 5 – Stirling West	12.09%	11
   Ward 6 – Stirling East	13.19%	12
   Ward 7 - Bannockburn	10.99%	10

   Don't knowNot sure

   23.08% 21

    

   91

   TOTAL

    

   165

    

   Q9 And what type of housing do you currently live in?

   Answered: 91 Skipped: 20

    

    

    

   63
   		18
   1   1   2   6

    

   Home Owner

    

   Stirling Council tenant

    

   Forth Housing Association...

    

   Rural Stirling Housing tenant

    

   Other housing association...

    

   Student accommodation

    

    

   

   Private rented

   tenant

    

   Living with a friend or...

    

   Other (please

   specify)

    

   0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

    

   ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
   Home Owner	69.23%	63
   Stirling Council tenant	19.78%	18
   Forth Housing Association tenant	1.10%	1
   Rural Stirling Housing tenant	1.10%	1
   Other housing association tenant	2.20%	2
   Student accommodation	0.00%	0
   Private rented tenant	6.59%	6
   Living with a friend or family member	0.00%	0

   Other (please specify)

   0.00% 0

    

   91

   TOTAL

    

   166

   167

   Appendix 2

    

    

   NOTE OF MEETING - Tenant Members of Housing Advisory Group and Elected Members of Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel on Anti-Social Behaviour – Friday 11 February 2022

    

   Present

    

   Housing Advisory Group – Robert Cairney, William Derrick, Anna Johnston, Hugh McClung, Moira Robertson. Apologies – Philomena McClung

    

   Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel – Councillors Maureen Bennison, Rob Davies, Bryan Flannagan, Alasdair MacPherson, Alasdair Tollemache. Apologies – Councillor Danny Gibson.

    

   Officers – Stephen Clark, Jenny Evans, Gillian Findlay, Dan Hartles, Drew Leslie, Steven McCabe, Sheila McLean.

    

   Steven McCabe introduced the report, which invited tenant representatives from the Housing Advisory Group to comment on issues considered by the Ad-hoc Scrutiny Panel with a view to those views being incorporated into the final report to Council on 3 March 2022.

    

   Following detailed discussion and information provided by officers, the following points were noted:-

    

   1. Streamlined Evictions Policy

       

      • Officers to check position on European Human Rights with Legal and whether these still apply.

      • HAG members were supportive of further work being carried out to develop a Streamlined Evictions Policy that could be further consulted on.

         

   2. Anti-social Behaviour Policy

       

      • Support for people whose mental health is affected.

      • Make representation to Scottish Government to give Councils more powers – no confidence in Court process. Legal rights of tenants and protection offered by other organisations can present difficulties in dealing with ASB.

      • What steps are taking before deciding to close a case?

      • Case closure survey being introduced.

      • Training needed for officers.

      • Service has good working relationship with Police Scotland – but tenants concerned that Police don’t act unless violence involved.

      • Place greater emphasis on risk of losing tenancy due to anti-social behaviour.

      • Need for direct hotline when reporting anti-social behaviour, for all, not just Council tenants.

      • Concern that ASB Team does not, generally, work out of hours.

      • Concern over 30 day limit – report then elapses and reverts to being a new case.

      • Fear of reprisals, need to protect complainers.

      • Suggestion to split policy into Council tenants and others. Officer advice - best practice is to have just one policy.

        168

        Appendix 2

         

         

        • Noted distinction between responsibilities of Councils, Housing Associations, Registered Social landlords and private landlords.

        • Look at preventative, rather than reactive action, particularly in relation to young people.

        • Need to restart noise monitoring visits which had ceased during pandemic.

        • Review wording of paragraph 4.2.

         

   3. Housing Allocations Policy

       

      1. Sensitive Lettings process

          

         • If this is developed, has to be a robust process and HAG members felt that more work had to be carried out on the specifics of how such a process would work.

         • It was suggested that more research is carried out with other landlords who have a sensitive lettings process to get an idea of how successful they are.

         • Overall, HAG members are broadly supportive of progressing such a sensitive lettings process and consulting further on options in this area as part of the Housing Allocations Policy review.

            

      2. Introducing points for harassment or abuse

          

         • Having the right level of corroboration is critical in ensuring that any points awarded for harassment and abuse work and aren’t under or over awarded.

         • It was noted how difficult it would to ensure that the Housing Allocations Team weren’t seen to be gatekeeping but also that points weren’t automatically awarded with no requirement for corroboration.

         • HAG members noted that points wouldn’t reflect the difference in seriousness between certain cases. Though for more serious cases, being able to place victims of ASB into the Strategic Group may be an option. This area needs further consideration.

         • Overall, HAG members are broadly supportive of consulting further on the potential introduction of harassment and abuse points into the Housing Allocations Policy.

            

      3. Increasing the length of time applicants can be suspended from the housing list for anti-social behaviour

          

         • There was a difference in views in this area. Some HAG members felt that the current suspension length of one year was sufficient and that we had to take into account that people can change. Other HAG members felt that increasing the suspension length to two years was more appropriate.

       

   4. Probationary Tenancies

       

      • HAG members noted the comments of Shelter who opposed Probationary Tenancies when part of the Housing Scotland Bill in 2011, but felt that in

   169

   Appendix 2

    

    

   certain circumstances they could be a tool landlords could use to minimise housing management and ASB issues.

   • It was noted a blanket approach might not be appropriate and a case by case approach to deciding who would be placed on a probationary tenancy might be a better approach.

   • HAG members overall were generally supportive of probationary tenancies but not for all new tenants.

170

171‌

 

Stirling Council Agenda Item No. 11

Stirling Council Date of

Meeting: 3 March 2022

Not Exempt

Stirling Council Senior Management Update

 

 

 

Purpose & Summary

The purpose of this report is to update Council of the revised senior management structure.

 

Recommendations

Council is asked to:

1. note the revised senior management responsibilities and line management changes at Appendix 1 of the report, and the implementation of same by the Chief Executive;

2. note that in terms of the Council’s Scheme of Delegation (SOD) that it is for Council to determine the process of selection and appointment of the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officers, Senior Managers and Chief Officers. Council has delegated this power to an Appointments Panel, as set out in the SOD;

3. agree to delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance to make any necessary consequential changes to the Scheme of Delegation and to the Contract Standing Orders and to circulate amended documents to Elected Members for information;

4. note that the changes will be reflected in the Financial Regulations, which will be revised by the Chief Officer – Finance, as is set out in the decision of Council on 9 December 2021 in relation to the Contract Standing Orders; and

5. note that the Chief Executive will ask the Chief Officer - Governance to make all consequential changes to the Scheme of Sub Delegation and to circulate the amended scheme to Elected Members for information.

 

Resource Implications

A small saving will be achieved as a result of removing the Chief Operating Officer (People) and Chief Officer Education post.

 

(£6506)

Saving

Total savings of new posts

 

172

 

Legal & Risk Implications

There are no risks associated with the proposals outlined in the report. The proposed changes to the senior management responsibilities is an amendment to meet the demands of operations, enabling the Council to meet its financial and statutory functions and deliver the Council’s Key Priorities.

The Chief Executive is the Head of Paid Service in terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Every local authority had a duty to provide that officer with such staff as are in his/her opinion sufficient to allow his/her duties to be performed. The Head of Paid Service has a duty to report to Council, where he/she considers it appropriate, setting out his/her proposals in relation to strategic staffing matters.

 

1. Background

   1. The review of the strategic responsibilities brings forward an introduction of one new and a variation of other posts to strengthen management and leadership capacity, with a small number of service transfers between portfolios.

   2. The report deals with the posts for which an Appointment Panel would be convened.

       

2. Considerations

1. The Council’s current senior management structure has been in place since June 2019. Since that time the current structure has provided a sense of certainty as well as providing a good level of strategic assurance.

2. This has enabled the Council to develop a vision for Stirling and devise an ambitious programme of transformational change as laid out in The Stirling Plan, the 10 year Strategy - Thriving Stirling and 5 year Business Plan.

3. In addition, since March 2020, the constraints and opportunities presented by the pandemic have highlighted areas for strengthening how we work.

4. This has made it timeous and necessary for us to revise the focus of some of the responsibilities in the senior management team to continue to meet the current and future needs of our communities.

5. Job titles for all post holders currently entitled ‘Senior Manager’ will be retitled ‘Head of Service’ to bring clarity to the level of accountability associated with the current grading of these roles, to assist with internal governance, as well as future recruitment. This has been included in the detail provided within this report. The change will be effective from the new financial year, April 2022.

6. Following a period of consultation with the strategic management team and trade unions, minor amendments have been supported, as per the attached - at Appendix 1.

7. Appointment Panels are being convened for the posts of Head of Customer Service and Performance and Head of People and Community Wellbeing. Posts below ‘Head of Service’ will be recruited and appointed by the appropriate Head of Service.

173

 

 

Service Reporting/Structure Changes

1. Two Chief Operating Officer (COO) positions remain and their direct reports are as detailed below, along with changes to the reporting lines directly to the Chief Executive.

    

   Current reporting structure	Service Team	Transfer to:
   Chief Executive	Head of People, Communities and Wellbeing	COO Communities and Performance
   COO Communities and Performance	Head of Economic Development and Culture	COO Infrastructure and Environment
   COO Infrastructure and Environment	City Region Deal Senior Manager	End of Fixed term period
   COO Communities and Performance	Head of Customer Service and performance	New post
   COO (People) and Chief Education Officer	Head of Education, Chief Education Officer	Chief Executive
   COO (People) and Chief Education Officer	Head of Social Work, Chief Social Worker	Chief Executive

   Drivers for Change

2. The table below sets out by post the rationale for making the amendments as described in the report.

 

174

 

 

1. Implications

   Equalities Impact

   1. The contents of this report were assessed under the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment process. It was determined that an Equality Impact Assessment was not required.

      Fairer Scotland Duty

   2. The contents of this report were considered in terms of the Fairer Scotland Duty and were determined not to be of strategic importance.

      Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Impact

   3. Not applicable.

      Other Policy Implications

   4. Following consideration of the policy implications of this report no relevant issues have been identified.

      Consultations

   5. Consultation has taken place with Elected Members and the Corporate Management Team and Trade Union representatives have been informed. No external consultation was required.

       

2. Background Papers

   1. Stirling Council Organisational Review – Structure, May 2016.

   2. Stirling Council Organisational Review – Structure, May 2018.

1. Stirling Council Organisational Review – Structure, June 2019.

2. EqIA Relevance Check.

175

 

1. Appendices

   1. Appendix 1 – Agreed Council Structure June 2019.

   2. Appendix 2 – Council Structure February 2022.

 

Author(s)

 

 

Approved by

 

 

 

176

 

177

 

Appendix 1

STIRLING COUNCIL ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE TO SERVICE MANAGER LEVEL

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer Communities and Performance

 

 

Chief Operating Officer People

(CEdO or CSWO)

 

Chief Operating Officer Infrastructure & Environment

 

 

 

Senior Manager (CEdO or CSWO)

 

Senior Manager Infrastructure

 

Senior Manager Environment & Place

 

Senior Manager Delivery of CRD

 

Chief Officer Housing

 

Senior Manager Economic Development & Communities

 

Chief Officer HR & OD

 

Chief Officer Governance

 

Chief Officer Finance

Chief Officer Clackmannanshire & Stirling

H&SCP & Integration Joint Board

 

Early Years and Early Intervention;

 

Broad General Education;

 

Senior Phase Education and Youth Participation

Children and Families Social Services;

 

Strategy & Performance;

 

Safer Reducing Offending;

 

Additional Support Needs (ASN), Health & Wellbeing

Infrastructure delivery;

 

Regulatory Services;

 

Public Transport & Sustainable Development;

 

Planning & Building Standards

Waste Services;

 

Roads & Land Operations;

 

Fleet Management;

 

Facilities Management

Housing Management and Development

Economic Growth, Culture, Tourism & Events;

 

Regeneration & Inclusive Growth;

 

Communities;

 

Community Planning

Strategic Commissioning;

 

Digital & Technology;

 

Customer Services;

 

Transformation, Policy & Performance

Human Resources;

 

OD & Change;

 

Health & Safety;

 

Corporate Resilience & Risk

Democratic & Civic Services;

 

Legal; Licensing

Audit & Data Protection

Accounting Operations;

 

Revenue & Benefits

 

Committees:

Children & Young People Adult Social Care Panel

Committees:

Environment & Housing Finance & Economy

Joint Committee City Region Deal

Committees:

Community, Planning & Regeneration Environment & Housing

Finance & Economy

Committees:

Finance & Economy

 

 

Audit

Stirling Council

 

 

04 June 2019

178

179

 

Appendix 2

STIRLING COUNCIL SENIOR MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

Head of Strategic Planning & Health Improvement

 

Head of Community Health & Care

Head of Customer Service & Performance

 

Head of People and Community Wellbeing

 

Head of Housing

 

Head of Economic Development & Culture

 

Head of Environment & Place

 

Head of Infrastructure

 

Interim Chief Officer Finance

 

Chief Officer Governance (Monitoring Officer)

 

Head of Children & Families (CSWO)

 

Interim Head of Education (CEdO)

 

Chief Officer Clackmannanshire & Stirling

H&SCP & Integration Joint Board

 

Chief Operating Officer Communities and Performance

 

Chief Operating Officer Infrastructure& Environment

Chief Executive

 

 

 

08 Feb 22

180