Agenda and minutes

Prior to commencing the formal Agenda, the Provost highlighted that today was International Workers Memorial Day - a day to remember those who have lost their lives in the course of their work, no matter what their role. Councils across Scotland commit to marking this day, as part of a commitment to remembering those who have passed and to ensuring that there are improvements to working life today. Here in Argyll and Bute, our flags would be lowered today, and two of our buildings, McCaig’s Tower in Oban and Castle House in Dunoon, would be lit up in purple tonight, as a mark of remembrance and respect for International Workers Memorial Day 2022. 

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Douglas Philand.

There were no declarations of interest.

(a)  The Minutes of the meeting of the Special Argyll and Bute Council held on 24 February 2022 were approved as a correct record.

(b)  The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 24 February 2022 were approved as a correct record.

(c)  The Minutes of the meeting of the Special Argyll and Bute Council held on 21 April 2022 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 3 March 2022 were noted.

The Minutes of the Community Services Committee held on 10 March 2022 were noted.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Council considered a report outlining the Council Leader’s activity during the period from 25 November 2021 to 14 April 2022.  The report also included updates in relation of his Policy Lead portfolio.

The Leader then gave a vote of thanks to elected Members and Officers for their continued support and contribution over the course of this Council’s term.  He highlighted the many positive achievements and successes and wished everyone well for the future.

Decision

The Council -

1.    The content of the report.

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

(Reference: Report by Leader of the Council dated 19 April 2022, submitted)

Councillor Gemma Penfold joined the meeting during consideration of the foregoing item.

Report by Policy Leads

The Council considered 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 25 November 2021.

Decision

The Council noted the content of the report.

(Reference: Report by Policy Lead Councillors dated 19 April 2022, submitted)

Presentation and Report by Director of Public Health

The Council heard an informative presentation by Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health, together with a report on the issues of Mental Health and Suicide in the NHS Highland area.  Members were then given the opportunity of asking questions and the Provost formally thanked Dr Allison for his presentation.

Decision

The Council -

1.    Noted the Director of Public Health Annual Report.

2.    Supported the recommendations laid out in the report.

(Reference: Presentation and NHS Highland Director of Public Health Annual Report 2021, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council, at its meeting on 30 September 2021, endorsed a Best Practice review of current Political Management Arrangements and agreed to establish a Short Life Working Group which would review the current arrangements and work to make recommendation(s) to a new Council following the Local Government Elections in May 2022 regarding this matter.

The Council considered a report providing an outline of the work undertaken by the Short Life Working Group, and highlighting the areas which have been taken into consideration during the discussion.

Decision

The Council agreed to refer the findings of the Short Life Working Group to the first meeting of the new Council for consideration.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated February 2022, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Scottish Government have committed £4m against the Islands Programme for 2022/23.  The Islands Programme will be delivered in partnership with local government to support locally developed critical infrastructure projects which involved local communities, helping to deliver the National Islands Plan Strategic Objectives and critical, transformational projects.

A report detailing the proposed Council projects for Argyll and Bute was considered.

Decision

The Council agreed –

1.    That Officers progress developing options 1 to 7 and option 11 given these would best fit with the deliverability and criteria of the Islands Programme 2022/23.

2.    A delegation to the Executive Director with responsibility for Economic Growth, in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader, and Leader of the largest Opposition Group, to agree up to 5 Islands Programme projects to go forward for final submission by 10 June 2022.  This delegation allows for Officers to further develop the options and also allows for discussion to be held with Scottish Future Trust regarding fit with criteria ensuring that Argyll and Bute are able to submit suitable bids.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated March 2022, submitted)

At this point Councillors Robin Currie and Andrew Vennard advised that they were both appointed to the Board of ALIenergy by the Council.  With reference to the updated Standards Commission Guidance in relation to declarations (issued on 7 December 2021) with specific reference to section 5.4(c), this would not be considered a relevant connection and they remained in the meeting during consideration of the following item.  

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Following the announcement of COSLA Leaders and Ministers in regard to the Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery Fund, the Council delegated the decision as to how this money would be spent to the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the largest Opposition Group.

The Council considered a report providing Members with detail of the options agreed.  A further option for the continuation of 2 COVID Officers recommended to be paid from the monies within the Recovery and Renewal Fund was also included for Council approval.

Decision

The Council –

1.    Noted the suite of options that have been agreed under delegation by the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the largest Opposition Group on 4 April 2020.

2.    Approved that £70,000 of funding to support the continuation of 2 COVID Support Officers be funded from the Council’s Recovery and Renewal Fund.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated March 2022, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education

A report updating Members on the appointment of a Chief Education Officer for Argyll and Bute Council following the retirement of Louise Connor was before the Council for information.

Decision

The Council noted the appointment of Jennifer Crocket as Chief Education Officer for Argyll and Bute Council.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education dated 16 February 2022, submitted)

The Provost, as it was the last meeting in the life of the Council, gave his valedictory address.  He highlighted some of the positive work the Council had achieved over the last 5 years.  He thanked all Members of the Council for their work over the Council term and wished them well for the future.  He paid tribute to two former members who had sadly passed away during the Council term and he also expressed his appreciation to the external Chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee and the Religious and Education representatives, who participated in the Community Services Committee.