Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mark Irvine and Iain Shonny Paterson.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Argyll and Bute Council held on 23 February 2023

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 23 February 2023 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 2 March 2023 were noted.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 9 March 2023 were noted.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the activities of the Council Leader, Councillor Robin Currie, for the period 11 November 2022 to 10 April 2023.  The report also included notes on activities relating to the Leader’s Policy Lead portfolio of Strategic Development.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the content of the report; and

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

(Reference:  Report by Leader of the Council dated 12 April 2023, submitted)

Report by Policy Leads

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on key areas of activity for each Policy Lead Councillor with an aim to providing updates from all Policy Leads as regularly as possible, so that all Members were informed, up-to-date and able to engage with current issues.

Decision

The Council noted the content of the submitted report.

(Reference:  Report by Policy Lead Councillors dated 14 April 2023, submitted)

Report by Director of Public Health

The Council gave consideration to the Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2022.  The theme of the report was prevention of ill health and contained recommendations for action for both NHS Highland and for partners.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2022; and

2.    supported the recommendations contained within the submitted report.

(Reference:  Report by Director of Public Health dated 27 April 2023, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Political Composition of the Council.  The report also advised of the requirement to appoint a member to the Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee having regard to the requirement for political balance.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the updated Political Composition of the Council as set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report; and

2.    agreed to appoint Councillor Gordon Blair to fill the vacancy on the Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee (PPSL).

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 31 March 2023, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Council gave consideration to a report detailing the current Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) process in place within Argyll and Bute Council and advising that Scottish Ministers had agreed to an increase to Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fees to £80 (£40 if paid within 14 days) Lower and £100 (£50 if paid within 14 days) Higher fee dependent on what the Local Authority considered appropriate.

Decision

The Council agreed the Higher Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which was set at £100, but reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, was adopted with immediate effect.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated March 2023, submitted)

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla takes place on Saturday 6^th May 2023, following the King’s Accession to the throne on 8^th September 2022 upon the sad passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Coronation itself precedes a weekend of celebration across the nation, with a particular focus on community and volunteering, culminating in The Big Help Out on Monday 8^th May – a national day of volunteering and service to the community. This theme is in line with the King’s particular wishes for a meaningful and lasting legacy which makes a difference to local life, and in recognition of His own personal dedication to public service.

Argyll and Bute Council therefore:

1.    Welcomes the work being carried out by communities around Argyll and Bute who are arranging celebratory events of all kinds to mark the Coronation, and who are planning to make their own very significant contributions to the national Big Help Out at a local level;

2.    Acknowledges, on this historic occasion, the tremendous dedication and commitment of Argyll and Bute’s volunteers and local groups, which makes a difference all year round, and thanks them for their ongoing contributions to community life; and

3.    Sends its congratulations and best wishes to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the occasion of His Coronation on Saturday 6^th May 2023, and agree that the Provost write to the King expressing these sentiments on behalf of the Council and the communities of Argyll and Bute.

Proposer: Councillor Tommy Macpherson

Seconder: Councillor Alastair Redman

The following Motion proposed by Councillor Tommy Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Alistair Redman, was before the Council for consideration –

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla takes place on Saturday 6^th May 2023, following the King’s Accession to the throne on 8^th September 2022 upon the sad passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Coronation itself precedes a weekend of celebration across the nation, with a particular focus on community and volunteering, culminating in The Big Help Out on Monday 8^th May – a national day of volunteering and service to the community. This theme is in line with the King’s particular wishes for a meaningful and lasting legacy which makes a difference to local life, and in recognition of His own personal dedication to public service.

Argyll and Bute Council therefore:

1. Welcomes the work being carried out by communities around Argyll and Bute who are arranging celebratory events of all kinds to mark the Coronation, and who are planning to make their own very significant contributions to the national Big Help Out at a local level;

2. Acknowledges, on this historic occasion, the tremendous dedication and commitment of Argyll and Bute’s volunteers and local groups, which makes a difference all year round, and thanks them for their ongoing contributions to community life; and

3. Sends its congratulations and best wishes to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the occasion of His Coronation on Saturday 6^th May 2023, and agree that the Provost write to the King expressing these sentiments on behalf of the Council and the communities of Argyll and Bute.

Moved by Councillor Tommy Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Alistair Redman.

Decision

The Council agreed the terms of the Motion and the Motion was carried.

(Reference: Notice of Motion under Standing Order 13 by Councillor Tommy Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Alistair Redman, Submitted)

Disposable single use vapes represent a significant danger to both the environment and also the health of our young people.

At least 1.3 million disposable vapes are binned every week in the U.K. The improper disposable of these is not only a squandering of valuable recyclable materials but can also lead to potential damage of council and private facilities.

16% of young people say they have used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days (The Annual report of the Director of Public Health NHS Highland) and according to research by ASH (action on smoking and health) Vaping among the 11-17 year old age group doubled over the last year with this increase in use likely driven by the growth in cheap, disposable single use vapes, this represents a significant risk to the health of our young people especially as the long term effects of these products remains unknown.

Argyll and Bute council therefore calls on the Scottish government to use its existing powers to implement a ban on single use disposable vapes as soon as practicably possible.

Proposed by Councillor Ross Moreland 

Seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess

The following Motion proposed by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess was before the Council for consideration –

Disposable single use vapes represent a significant danger to both the environment and also the health of our young people.

At least 1.3 million disposable vapes are binned every week in the U.K. The improper disposable of these is not only a squandering of valuable recyclable materials but can also lead to potential damage of council and private facilities.

16% of young people say they have used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days (The Annual report of the Director of Public Health NHS Highland) and according to research by ASH (action on smoking and health) Vaping among the 11-17 year old age group doubled over the last year with this increase in use likely driven by the growth in cheap, disposable single use vapes, this represents a significant risk to the health of our young people especially as the long term effects of these products remains unknown.

Argyll and Bute council therefore calls on the Scottish Government to use its existing powers to implement a ban on single use disposable vapes as soon as practicably possible.

Moved by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess.

Decision

The Council agreed the terms of the Motion and the Motion was carried.

(Reference: Notice of Motion by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

A report providing an update on the outcome of the Dunoon BID Ballot held on Thursday 2 March 2023, and advising of the appointment of Councillor Ross Moreland to the Dunoon BID Board, was before the Council for noting.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the outcome in regard to the Dunoon BID Ballot; and

2.    noted that Councillor Ross Moreland was appointed by the Council to the Dunoon BID Board and would attend meetings during the Third Term, 2023-2028.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated March 2023, submitted)