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 2021Decision

   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 2021Decision‌‌

   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 2021Decision

   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 2021Decision

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 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 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 Jeremy McDonald
   Councillor Ross Oxburgh
   Councillor Alasdair Tollemache

    

   Not Voting

    

   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.

• Food insecurity- increased partnership working with communities and third sector organisations, and investment via the Good Food Fund to be launched during Challenge Poverty Week.

   

• A refreshed Economic Strategy placing inclusive and sustainable economic growth at the heart of Stirling’s future.

   

• Digital Inclusion- mainstreaming of digital inclusion workers within the
  Economic Development and Communities Service and the provision of
  devices and connectivity via the Connecting Scotland Programme.

   

• Refocused activity to support the economic inclusion of women, families on low income; children and young people; Gypsy Travellers and people in the community justice system through specific interventions within the CPP.

   

• Ongoing commitment to increase the availability of social housing.

   

• The intentional use of sport and physical activity as ‘sport for change’ to make a difference in the outcomes for vulnerable people through contractual and partnership arrangements.

   

• Direct payments during the school holidays to families in receipt of free school meals to offer choice and treat families with dignity.