Agenda and minutes

Venue: BY TEAMS

Contact: Sandra Campbell Tel: 01546 604401 

Media

Items
Note No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillors Kelly and McCuish.

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minutes:

Councillor Jim Findlay declared a non-financial interest in the Fyne Homes Appointment at Item 11 of the Agenda (Political Management Arrangements) due to his wife’s position on the Fyne Homes Board. He advised that he would leave the meeting and take no part in the consideration of this element of the agenda item.

3.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 244 KB

Argyll and Bute Council of 24 June 2021

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 24 June 2021 were approved as a correct record.

4.

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES

*

4a

Policy and Resources Committee of 12 August 2021 pdf icon PDF 225 KB

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 12 August 2021 were noted.

 

Arising under Item 4 (Financial Reports Pack), the Council approved:

 

  1. the following amendments to the Annual Treasury Management Strategy:

                      I.        Increase the investment limit for term deposits with UK banks from £15m to £20m.

                    II.        Increase the investment limit for terms deposits with all other banks from £10m to £15m.

  1.  the revenue virements over £0.200m during April to June 2021.

4b

Community Services Committee of 25 August 2021 pdf icon PDF 231 KB

Minutes:

The Minute of the Community Services Committee held on 25 August 2021 were noted.

4c

Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee of 2 September 2021 pdf icon PDF 211 KB

Minutes:

The Minute of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee of 2 September 2021 were noted.

5.

LEADER'S REPORT pdf icon PDF 871 KB

Report by Leader of the Council

Minutes:

The Council gave consideration to a report outlining the Council Leader’s activity during the period from 24 June to 10 September 2021. The report also included updates in relation to the Policy Lead portfolio.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted –

 

  1. The content of the report.

 

  1. That any reports, briefings or copy correspondence referred to in the report could be requested as appropriate through Leadership Support staff, noting that some confidential reports provided by external organisations, such as COSLA, may be restricted.

 

(Ref: Report by Leader of the Council dated 14 September 2021, submitted)

6.

POLICY LEADS REPORT pdf icon PDF 635 KB

Report by Policy Leads

Minutes:

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the key areas of activity for each Policy Lead Councillor since the last update provided to the Council at the meeting held on 24 June 2021. Councillor Green provided an update to his report on the autism strategy.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the contents of the report.

 

(Ref: Report by Policy Lead Councillors dated 21 September 2021, submitted)

7.

CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER

7a

Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 116 KB

Report by Chief Officer, Health and Social Care Partnership

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which presented the Argyll and Bute Chief Social Work Officer report for the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 which provided an oversight and accountability within the local authority for all social work and social care services delegated to the Integrated Joint Board.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

  1. Noted and approved the contents of the Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report for 2020 to 2021.
  2. Acknowledged the efforts of social work and social care staff across all sectors, as well as unpaid carers in continuing to support the people of Argyll and Bute, particularly as we continue to work within a Pandemic situation.
  3. Approved the publication of the report.
  4. Noted that once approved, the report will be forwarded to the Scottish Government.

 

(Ref: Report by Chief Social Work Officer dated 30 September 2021, submitted)

7b

Appointment of Chief Social Work Officer pdf icon PDF 189 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which updated on the appointment of David Gibson, Head of Children, Families and Justice to the statutory role of Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO).

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the appointment of David Gibson, Head of Children, Families and Justice to the statutory role of Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO) with effect from 14 September 2021.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 7 September 2021, submitted)

8.

REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT pdf icon PDF 243 KB

Report by Chief Executive

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which set out the primary findings of a review of Performance Management and recommendations to simplify our existing performance management framework, empower Members to scrutinise performance, shape policy and ultimately improve outcomes.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

a)    Agreed a proposal suite of Corporate Outcome indicators (as set out in appendix 1) to be reported to Strategic Committees as set out in paragraph 4.10 and remove Business Outcomes.

 

b)    Agree to pilot a more immersive method of assessment of performance.

 

c)    Agree Members’ review priorities within the Local Government Benchmarking Framework.

 

d)    Noted that the changes will take effect for financial year 2022-2023 with a review to come back to a future meeting of the Council.

 

(Ref: Report by Chief Executive dated 31 September 2021, submitted)

9.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS - A NATIONAL CARE SERVICE FOR SCOTLAND / COVID RECOVERY pdf icon PDF 368 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which provided Members with an awareness of two consultations which have been recently launched with the Scottish Government.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

  1. Noted the work that is ongoing by Officers to prepare a response to both consultations.

 

  1. Agreed to convene a Special Council meeting on 28 October 2021 to consider and agree the final submissions for both consultations.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 10 September 2021, submitted)

10.

BEST PRACTICE REVIEW OF POLITICAL MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS pdf icon PDF 202 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which invited Members to consider future local democratic and governance arrangements for the Council and whether they wished to make any recommendations to a new Council in this regard.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

  1. Endorsed a Best Practice review of current political management arrangements in order to make recommendations to a new Council following Local Government Elections in May 2022.

 

  1. Determined the basic principles for the review of the Political Management Arrangements;

 

  1. Agreed to the establishment of a Short Life Working Group (SLWG) to progress the review with a final report being submitted to the Council in April 2022 in readiness for a new Council; and

 

  1. Agreed to the membership of the SLWG being 10 Members comprising 6 from the Administration being Councillors Currie (Chair), Green, McCabe, McNeilly (Vice Chair), Vennard and Morton and 3 from the largest opposition group being Councillors Lynch, Forrest and Taylor and 1 from the remaining groups being Councillor Freeman.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 27 August 2021, submitted)

 

Councillor Jim Findlay, having declared an interest in regard to the appointment to the Fyne Homes Board, left the meeting and took no part in the consideration of that item of business.

11.

POLITICAL MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS pdf icon PDF 350 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which updated Members of the current political composition of the Council and invited Members to nominate representatives to the Fyne Homes Board, Area Support Team and the Community Services Committee.

 

Motion

 

Nominate Councillor McCabe to be the representative to the Fyne Homes Board.

 

Moved by Councillor Currie, seconded by Councillor Mulvaney.

 

Amendment

 

Nominate Councillor Armour to be the representative to the Fyne Homes Board.

 

Moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Trail.

 

As the meeting was being held on a virtual basis the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows –

 

Motion

Amendment

 

Councillor Colville

Councillor Anderson

Councillor Currie

Councillor Armour

Councillor Devon

Councillor Blair

Councillor Good

Councillor Douglas

Councillor Green

Councillor Forrest

Councillor Hardie

Councillor Freeman

Councillor Kinniburgh

Councillor Horn

Councillor MacMillan BEM

Councillor Lynch

Councillor McCabe

Councillor McKenzie

Councillor Sir McGrigor

Councillor Moffat

Councillor McNeilly

Councillor Paterson

Councillor Morgan

Councillor Philand

Councillor Morton

Councillor Taylor

Councillor Mulvaney

Councillor Trail

Councillor Penfold

 

Councillor Redman

 

Councillor Reid

 

Councillor Robertson

 

Councillor Vennard

 

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 19 votes to 14 and became the finding of the Council.

 

Motion

 

  1. Nominate Councillor McCabe to be the representative to the Argyll and Bute Area Support Team.

 

  1. Nominate Councillor McCabe to fill the vacancy on the Community Services Committee.

 

  1. Note the political composition of the Council, and the consequent changes within the Administration as at the date of this report as set out in appendix 1.

 

Moved by Councillor Currie, seconded by Councillor Mulvaney.

 

Amendment

 

  1. Nominate Councillor Forrest to be the representative to the Argyll and Bute Area Support Team.

 

  1. Nominate Councillor Taylor to fill the vacancy on the Community Services Committee.

 

  1. Note the political composition of the Council, and the consequent changes within the Administration as at the date of this report as set out in appendix 1.

 

Moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Trail.

 

As the meeting was being held on a virtual basis the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows –

 

Motion

Amendment

 

Councillor Colville

Councillor Anderson

Councillor Currie

Councillor Armour

Councillor Devon

Councillor Blair

Councillor Good

Councillor Douglas

Councillor Green

Councillor Findlay

Councillor Hardie

Councillor Forrest

Councillor Kinniburgh

Councillor Freeman

Councillor MacMillan BEM

Councillor Horn

Councillor McCabe

Councillor Lynch

Councillor Sir McGrigor

Councillor McKenzie

Councillor McNeilly

Councillor Moffat

Councillor Morgan

Councillor Paterson

Councillor Morton

Councillor Philand

Councillor Mulvaney

Councillor Taylor

Councillor Penfold

Councillor Trail

Councillor Redman

 

Councillor Reid

 

Councillor Robertson

 

Councillor Vennard

 

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 19 votes to 15 and became the finding of the Council.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 27 August 2021, submitted)

12.

PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE SCHEME OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS pdf icon PDF 290 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which sought agreement to amending the existing Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Argyll and Bute for a consultation on a proposal for meetings to take place on a remote or hybrid basis.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed –

 

  1. To launch an 8 week public consultation on a proposed amendment to the 2018 local Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils 2018 to incorporate an alternative option for community councils to choose to meet remotely, or by a combination of remote and face to face, with any meetings held being open to the public, as in accordance with existing provisions within the local Scheme.

 

  1. That the existing temporary departure regarding holding remote meetings continue until the outcome of the consultation can be considered by a specially convened meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee on 9 December 2021.

 

  1. To endorse the timetable for next year’s community council elections, as set out in Appendix 1; and

 

  1. In principle to conduct a more detailed review of the local Scheme when the new National Scheme is launched, noting that the anticipated timescales for this work to conclude would most likely see proposals coming before a specially convened Policy and Resources Committee on 17 February 2022.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 8 July 2021, submitted)

13.

MICROSOFT TEAMS/HYBRID MEETINGS/LIVE STREAMING UPDATE pdf icon PDF 340 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which updated Members on the project which has seen Microsoft Teams becoming the preferred platform for meetings and gives detail on the work which is ongoing to facilitate hybrid meetings and live streaming.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

  1. Noted the progress made to date in relation to the rollout of Microsoft Teams as the preferred meeting platform, including the options relating to hybrid meetings and live streaming; and

 

  1. Agreed that the Council will, for the time being, continue to operate by way of remote on-line meetings with a further update report to be submitted to the November 2021 meeting of Council.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 9 September 2021, submitted)

14.

COUNCIL CONSTITUTION pdf icon PDF 197 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which advised of proposed changes to the Council Constitution and provided an overview of the key changes.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed -

 

  1. To update Part A of the Constitution to reflect current terminology, key document references, changes in Strategic Management Team working arrangements and job titles as set out in Appendix 1.

 

  1. To agree to amend Part B in respect of Standing Orders for Meetings as set out in Appendix 1, which facilitates arrangements for remote participation on a virtual and/or hybrid basis and webcasting of key strategic meetings subject to installation of appropriate technology and noting that the practical elements of these arrangements will be subject to a further report to Council in November.

 

  1. To amend Part C, Scheme of Delegations as set out in Appendix 1.

 

  1. To amend Part D, Financial and Security Regulations, to incorporate changes in the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer, the arrangements for risk management and the updated Procurement Manual as previously agreed by Council and set out in Appendix 1.

 

  1. To note the updated Procurement Manual as previously agreed by Council in February 2021 has been inserted at Part E, Contract Standing Orders and as set out in Appendix 1.

 

  1. To amend Part F, Ethical Framework to reflect revisions to Executive Director job Titles, insertion of the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing) Policy as a standalone document and any decision made by Council in respect of virtual/hybrid meetings as set out in Appendix 1.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 17 August 2021, submitted)

15.

PROGRESS REPORT: DANGEROUS BUILDING: 5-7 EAST CLYDE STREET, HELENSBURGH pdf icon PDF 217 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Council considered an update report in relation to a dangerous building at 5/7 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh in order to secure a permanent solution.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

  1. Noted the report and the favoured option of a developer-led scheme, with agreement by the multiple owners and Council support, and

 

  1. Agreed that the work continues to secure a permanent solution and provide a further report to Council in 3 months.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Development and Economic Growth dated 10 August 2021, submitted)

16.

CIVIC AWARDS AND UK CITY OF CULTURE COMPETITION pdf icon PDF 222 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development an Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which advised of the launch of a number of rare civic competitions in honour of the Queen’s platinum jubilee in 2022.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the report and approved the submission of an application for City status for Oban and look to prepare a further application for UK City of Culture status in 2029.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Development and Economic Growth dated 30 September 2021, submitted)

17.

HOUSING ANNUAL ASSURANCE STATEMENT 2021 pdf icon PDF 398 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development an Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which outlined the details of the proposed housing annual assurance statement for 2021.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the Annual Assurance Statement as detailed within the appendix to the submitted report.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Development and Economic Growth dated 30 September 2021, submitted)

18.

STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) 2022/23 - 2026/27 pdf icon PDF 388 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which detailed the proposed annual Strategic Housing Investment Plan which covered the period for 2022/23 – 2026/27.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the Strategic Housing Investment Plan proposals as summarised in the submitted report to be submitted to the Scottish Government in October 2021.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Development and Economic Growth dated 30 September 2021, submitted)

19.

ISLE OF BUTE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT - OUTCOME OF BALLOT AND NOMINATIONS FOR BUTE BID BOARD pdf icon PDF 304 KB

Report by Executive Director with the responsibility for Development & Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which updated Members on the outcome of the Isle of Bute BID Ballot held on 9 September 2021 which sought a nomination of one Elected Member to sit on the Board of the Business Improvement District company for the island of Bute.

 

Motion

 

1.    Note the outcome in regard to the Bute BID ballot.

 

2.    Appoint Councillor McCabe to attend the Isle of Bute BID Board meetings for the first term of the BID, 2021-2026.

 

3.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth to nominate a Council Officer to attend the Isle of Bute BID Board meetings for the first term of the BID, 2021- 2026.

 

Moved by Councillor Currie, seconded by Councillor Mulvaney.

 

Amendment

 

1.    Note the outcome in regard to the Bute BID ballot.

 

2.    Appoint Councillor Findlay to attend the Isle of Bute BID Board meetings for the first term of the BID, 2021-2026.

 

3.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth to nominate a Council Officer to attend the Isle of Bute BID Board meetings for the first term of the BID, 2021- 2026.

 

Moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Trail.

 

As the meeting was being held on a virtual basis the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows –

 

Motion

Amendment

 

Councillor Colville

Councillor Anderson

Councillor Currie

Councillor Armour

Councillor Devon

Councillor Blair

Councillor Good

Councillor Douglas

Councillor Green

Councillor Findlay

Councillor Hardie

Councillor Forrest

Councillor Kinniburgh

Councillor Freeman

Councillor MacMillan BEM

Councillor Horn

Councillor McCabe

Councillor Lynch

Councillor Sir McGrigor

Councillor McKenzie

Councillor McNeilly

Councillor Moffat

Councillor Morgan

Councillor Paterson

Councillor Morton

Councillor Philand

Councillor Mulvaney

Councillor Taylor

Councillor Penfold

Councillor Trail

Councillor Redman

 

Councillor Reid

 

Councillor Robertson

 

Councillor Vennard

 

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 19 votes to 15 and became the finding of the Council.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Development and Economic Growth dated 14 August 2021, submitted)

20.

UK LEVELLING UP FUND - POTENTIAL BIDS FOR FUNDING pdf icon PDF 257 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Council considered a report which provided information on the identification and proposed submission of two comprehensive bids to the next round of the UK Levelling Up Fund.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed that officers continue to develop the bids based on the themes and projects as contained within this report and report back to the Council prior to submission to the UK Government.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Development and Economic Growth dated 30 September 2021, submitted)

21.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW LICENSING REGIME UNDER THE ANIMAL WELFARE (LICENSING OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING ANIMALS (S) REGULATIONS 2021 pdf icon PDF 176 KB

Recommendation by Planning, Protective and Licensing Committee of 18 August 2021

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a recommendation by the PPSL Committee of 18 August 2021 with regard to the implementation of a new licensing regime under the animal welfare (S) Regs 2021.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the fees and charges as outlined in Section 4.5 of the Executive Director’s report.

 

(Ref: Recommendation by the PPSL Committee and report by Executive Director for Development and Economic Growth dated 9 August 2021, submitted)

22.

ARDENCRAIG GARDENS - NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 13 pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Recommendation by the Bute and Cowal Area Committee of 31 August 2021

Minutes:

The Council considered a recommendation by the Bute and Cowal Area Committee of 31 August 2021 with regard to a Notice of Motion which was agreed in relation to Ardencraig Gardens.

 

Motion

 

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee request that the Council pause, for a period of 18 months from August 2021, the implementation of the decision of the budget meeting of 25 February 2021, regarding the future of Ardencraig Gardens making a saving of £5000 for the council and ask that the relevant service, in the meantime, find that saving from existing budgets. This will enable the community and other interested parties time to develop a business plan to still achieve the savings for the council and allow the gardens to remain open and operate commercially on a basis to be agreed. This would allow an opportunity for a very strong community group to get the required business plan and income revenue in place to continue the running and advancement of the gardens at no cost to the council whilst achieving the savings identified in the budget. This may also provide an income for the council.

 

Moved by Councillor Moffat, seconded by Councillor Findlay.

 

Amendment

 

(i)            Notes that all Councillors present at the Budget vote on 25 February 2021 voted to save £10,000 by stopping the nursery growing service at Kilmory and Ardencraig;

 

(ii)        Notes that this decision has no impact on the continued operation of Ardencraig Gardens;

 

(iii)       Welcomes the formation of the Ardencraig Garden Interest Group (AGIG) and the engagement of officers from Roads and Infrastructure with that group;

 

(iv)       Thanks AGIG for carrying out their visitor survey and for engaging with the Council over the future of Ardencraig gardens and nursery; and

 

(v)        Requests that Council officers continue their dialogue with AGIG and submit a paper to the December meeting of the EDI Committee with their recommendations regarding AGIG’s plans for the gardens and nursery.

 

Moved by Councillor Good, seconded by Councillor Reid.

 

As the meeting was being held on a virtual basis the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows –

 

Motion

Amendment

 

Councillor Anderson

Councillor Colville

Councillor Armour

Councillor Currie

Councillor Blair

Councillor Devon

Councillor Douglas

Councillor Freeman

Councillor Findlay

Councillor Good

Councillor Forrest

Councillor Green

Councillor Horn

Councillor Hardie

Councillor Lynch

Councillor Kinniburgh

Councillor McKenzie

Councillor MacMillan BEM

Councillor Moffat

Councillor McCabe

Councillor Paterson

Councillor Sir McGrigor

Councillor Philand

Councillor McNeilly

Councillor Taylor

Councillor Morton

Councillor Trail

Councillor Mulvaney

 

Councillor Penfold

 

Councillor Redman

 

Councillor Reid

 

Councillor Robertson

 

Councillor Vennard

Decision

 

The Amendment was carried by 19 votes to 14 and became the finding of the Council.

 

(Ref: Recommendation by the B&C Area Committee and Notice of Motion, submitted)

23.

EXECUTIVE ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY SITUATION pdf icon PDF 552 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Minutes:

The Council noted a report which advised of two situations in recent weeks where such measures have required to be invoked subject to appropriate consultation for the Afghan Relocations and a variation to Fees and Charges for an event in Oban.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

  1. Noted the decisions that have been taken with regards to participation in the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Scheme as set out at paragraph 3.1.3 of the submitted report.

 

  1. Noted the decision that has been taken with regards to a request for a variation to the Council’s Fees and Charges in relation to an event in Oban.

 

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 8 September 2021, submitted)

24.

NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 13 pdf icon PDF 318 KB

Moved by Councillor Robin Currie, seconded by Councillor Yvonne McNeilly

 

Climate Emergency – Argyll and Bute

 

Argyll and Bute Council:

 

1.    Renews the commitment made by this council two years ago, in September 2019, to playing its part in the global effort to address climate challenges, and declares a climate emergency.  

 

2.    Acknowledges the United Nations’ warning of a ‘Code Red for Humanity’ situation in relation to tackling climate change, following the publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis’;

 

3.    Welcomes the significant actions that the council has been taking in recent years, highlighted in Appendix 1, to ensure that Argyll and Bute improves even further its current positive position and low carbon emissions levels and continues to make a significant contribution, with our communities and partners, to fighting the critical impact of climate change;

 

4.      Reaffirms our determination to contribute to tackling the impacts of climate change at local, regional and national levels wherever possible, by agreeing together today that this vital work will continue as a priority for this council, expanding where possible and where necessary as identified through the Action Plan and ongoing monitoring that is already in place.

Minutes:

The following Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 13 was before the Council for consideration:-

 

Motion

 

Climate Emergency – Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute Council:

  1. Renews the commitment made by this council two years ago, in September 2019, to playing its part in the global effort to address climate challenges, and declares a climate emergency.  

 

  1. Acknowledges the United Nations’ warning of a ‘Code Red for Humanity’ situation in relation to tackling climate change, following the publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis’;

 

  1. Welcomes the significant actions that the council has been taking in recent years, highlighted in Appendix 1, to ensure that Argyll and Bute improves even further its current positive position and low carbon emissions levels and continues to make a significant contribution, with our communities and partners, to fighting the critical impact of climate change;

 

  1. Reaffirms our determination to contribute to tackling the impacts of climate change at local, regional and national levels wherever possible, by agreeing together today that this vital work will continue as a priority for this council, expanding where possible and where necessary as identified through the Action Plan and ongoing monitoring that is already in place.

 

Moved by Councillor Robin Currie, seconded by Councillor Yvonne McNeilly.

 

Amendment

 

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change report shows that we still have time to limit warming below 1.5ºC if we act decisively and immediately. The International Energy Agency’s last report supported the halting of all new oil and gas exploration, something the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) is currently funding. The Strathclyde Pension Fund, which represents 12 Local Authorities including Argyll and Bute Council, currently invests over £508 million in fossil fuel companies such as BP and Shell, which are still exploring for new oil fields. 

Fossil Fuel divestment is a practical, legal and responsible way for pension funds to respond to climate change and avoid financial risk. Although the SPF has agreed to assess the climate credentials of its investments, it is important that they set strict enough criteria and work to a timescale which reflects the urgency of the crisis. 

Council therefore agrees to request the trustees of the SPF (Strathclyde Pension Fund) divest from any investments in fossil fuels which have warmed the planet already to 1.1°C above pre industrial levels. 

Council agrees with the view held by the movement Time for Change that we have a “Climate Emergency” which needs urgent political action on a global scale to return us to a safe operating space within our planetary boundaries.  In declaring a Climate Emergency we will be joining over 230 local authorities in recognising the immediacy and severity of the crisis and holding ourselves accountable for implementing a scientific pathway to limit warming to less than 1.5ºC. 

Council agrees to write to the UK and Scottish Government’s in these terms urging them to take immediate action to tackle this grave issue and do all within their power to return us to  a pathway of less than 1.5ºC warming. 

Moved by Councillor Philand, seconded by Councillor Moffat.

 

As the meeting was being held on a virtual basis the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows –

 

Motion

Amendment

 

Councillor Anderson

Councillor Freeman

Councillor Armour

Councillor Moffat

Councillor Blair

Councillor Philand

Councillor Colville

 

Councillor Currie

 

Councillor Devon

 

Councillor Douglas

 

Councillor Findlay

 

Councillor Forrest

 

Councillor Good

 

Councillor Green

 

Councillor Hardie

 

Councillor Horn

 

Councillor Kinniburgh

 

Councillor Lynch

 

Councillor MacMillan BEM

 

Councillor McCabe

 

Councillor McKenzie

 

Councillor McNeilly

 

Councillor Morton

 

Councillor Mulvaney

 

Councillor Paterson

 

Councillor Penfold

 

Councillor Redman

 

Councillor Reid

 

Councillor Robertson

 

Councillor Taylor

 

Councillor Trail

 

Councillor Vennard

 

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 29 votes to 3 and became the finding of the Council.