Agenda and minutes

Prior to the commencement of Business, the Provost, on behalf of the Council recognised recent achievements in Argyll and Bute in respect of Inveraray and District Pipe Band, Oban Pipe Band, Highland Dancer Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh, Paralympic Medal Winner Gordon Reid from Helensburgh and Wilma MacKenzie from Tarbert who did the engraving on the Mastermind trophy.

 

The Provost, congratulated Councillor Jennifer Kean on her recent marriage; and congratulated Evan Beswick on his recent appointment as Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership.

 

 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mark Irvine and Gary Mulvaney.

Councillor Jim Lynch advised in relation to item 19 of the agenda (Clipper Race Bid 2026) that he had been appointed to the Oban BID Board by the Council.  Having taken note of the Standards Commission Guidance in relation to declarations (issued on 7 December 2021), with specific reference to section 5.4(c), he did not consider that he had a relevant connection and as such would remain in the meeting.

 

The Provost ruled and the Council agreed that, in order to facilitate smooth running of the Agenda, to vary the order of Business and to consider item 26 of the Agenda (Rothesay Pavilion Update) as the last item of Business allowing consideration of all the items to be taken in public before the exclusion of the press and public.

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 27 June 2024 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 15 August 2024 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 15 August 2024 were noted.

 

Arising from item 4 of these Minutes (Financial Reports Monitoring Pack – 30 June 2024) the Council agreed that the revenue budget virement over £0.200m outstanding from 2023-24 be approved as per paragraph 2.6.3 of the submitted report.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 22 August 2024 were noted.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 12 September 2024 were noted.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Audit Scotland Digital Exclusion National Performance Audit which had been published on 22 August 2024.  Audit Scotland were in attendance at the meeting to present their findings and recommendations.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the report and the presentation by Audit Scotland;

 

2.     noted the specific issues facing argyll and Bute in digital exclusion; and

 

3.     noted the progress that the Council was making in tackling digital exclusion and that further work would be undertaken by officers to address recommendations in the report where appropriate.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated 26 September 2024, submitted)

 

The Provost thanked David Love and Jillian Matthew of Audit Scotland for their presentation and attendance at the meeting.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the activities of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Lynch, for the period 15 June to 13 September 2024.

 

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, noting that some confidential reports provided by external organisations such as COSLA may be restricted.

 

(Reference: Report by Leader of the Council dated 13 September 2024, 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. The report aimed to provide 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 13 September 2024, submitted)

Report by Returning Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing the results of the Ward 2: Kintyre and the Islands By-election which had been held on 18 July 2024.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the election of Councillor Anne Horn to Ward 2: Kintyre and the Islands following the By-election held on 18 July 2024.

 

(Reference: Report by Returning Officer dated 19 July 2024, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report inviting Members to reconsider the Council priorities for the remainder of the life of the Council following the change of Council Administration in April 2024.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the Council Priorities for the remainder of the life of the Council 2024 - 2027, as moved by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Lynch and seconded by the Depute Leader of the Council, Councillor Audrey Forrest, and as set out at Appendix 1 to this Minute.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 2 September 2024, submitted; and Council Priorities moved by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest, tabled)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report recommending an alternative approach to the development of Area Plans in light of the change in Administration in April 2024, to ensure that any approach was in line with any revision to Council priorities.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to –

 

1.     rename the initiative as ‘Aspiring Places: Community Projects in Argyll and Bute’;

 

2.     adopt Consul Democracy, a COSLA supported tool for civic participation, as a user friendly digital platform to which constituted community groups could promote their proposals (regardless of stage of development);

 

3.     engage with all community groups over the same period of time rather than a phased approach on an area basis;

 

4.     provide guidance to inform community groups of potential funding opportunities; and

 

5.     with the emergence of a live community digital platform, no longer create the publication of 8 ‘Area Plan’ documents and subject to a trial period, alternatively report to members on a) the outcomes of the initiative through a formal evaluation and b) future recommendations on the long term viability and retention of the Aspiring Places – Community Projects in Argyll and Bute initiative.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 2 September 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report setting out vacancies both within the Council and external organisations, advising of a change of membership of the Budget Working Group and providing an updated Political Composition of the Council.

 

Decision

 

The Council:

 

1.     agreed the following appointments to Council committees and external organisations:

 

a)    Argyll Islands Sounding Board – Vice Chair, Cllr Anne Horn

b)    Community Services Committee – Cllr Anne Horn

c)     Argyll and Bute Harbour Board – Cllr Andrew Kain (in place of Cllr Fiona Howard)

d)    West Highland Housing Association Board – Cllr Dougie McFadzean

e)    Clyde, Kintyre and the Islands Ferry Stakeholders Group – Cllr Anne Horn

f)      Argyll and Bute Licensing Board – Cllr Andrew Kain

g)    Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group – Cllr Anne Horn (in place of Cllr Dougie McFadzean); 

 

2.     agreed to consider the following vacancies at a future meeting of the Council:

 

a)    Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (ICCI), The Gaelic Centre, Islay

b)    SOILLSE, National Network for Gaelic Research Consultative Committee;

 

3.     appointed Cllr Jim Lynch as Policy Lead for Economic Development, Islands, Rural Communities and Housing;

 

4.     appointed Cllr Audrey Forrest as Policy Lead for Gaelic;

 

5.     noted the updated membership of the Budget Working Group; and

 

6.     noted the updated Political Composition of the Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 17 September 2024, submitted; and Motion by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Ross Moreland, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report proposing amendments to the Council Constitution since the previous annual review in 2023.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the adjustments to the Council Constitution as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 16 August 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education

The Council gave consideration to a report setting out the findings of the 10 week consultation that was carried out between 22 April and 30 June 2024 in fulfilment of action 2.11 of the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     acknowledged and thanked everyone who took the time to engage with and respond to the consultation;

 

2.     recognised the role Gaelic had played in the history of Argyll and Bute and the continued efforts to promote the language and its culture to our communities;

 

3.     commended the Education Service for the continued delivery and growth of Gaelic Medium Education and Gaelic Learner Education across the authority;

 

4.     reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that the Council complies with its duties under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, including delivery of the Gaelic Language Plan;

 

5.     noted that of the 673 respondents to the survey, 55% were not in favour, while 45% were in favour of pursuing an all Gaelic School in Argyll and Bute; and

 

6.     agreed that, against a backdrop of reducing budgets and competing priorities, the Council was not in a position to pursue this matter any further at this time, and would continue to pursue a more equitable approach of provision of Gaelic in existing schools across the wider area, thereby ensuring more pupils had access.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education dated 2 September 2024, submitted; and Motion by Councillor Audrey Forrest, seconded by Councillor Jim Lynch, submitted))

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing the outcome of a review undertaken of all earmarked reserves currently held.  The review looked at whether each earmarked reserve was still required for the originally intended purpose and had asked Services to provide updated plans of spend.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     approved that the Earmarked Reserves detailed in Appendix 2 totalling £1.444m be released to the General Fund to help bridge the budget gap in 2025-26;

 

2.     approved that the Earmarked Reserves detailed in Appendix 3 totalling £0.114m be released to the General Fund to help bridge the budget gap in 2025-26 and that cost pressures totalling £0.023m be included in the next update of the Budget Outlook;

 

3.     noted that expiry dates had been added for all earmarked reserves and agreed that the default position was that any earmarked reserves that had not been fully utilised by that date would be returned to the General Fund unless otherwise agreed by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leaders; and

 

4.     approved the non-financial amendments to the presentation of the Earmarked Reserves as outlined at section 7.1 of the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 19 August 2024, submitted)

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report advising of the conclusion of the audit of the Charitable Trusts for 2022-23. The external auditors Mazars had issued their Annual Report for 2022-23 and were invited to present the report to the Council.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted that an unqualified certificate had been issued for the 2022-23 Charitable Trusts Accounts;

 

2.     approved for signature the Charitable Trust Accounts for 2022-23 and the ISA 580 letter of representation; and

 

3.     noted Mazar’s Annual Audit Report for 2022-23.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 18 September 2024, submitted)

 

The Provost thanked Mark Outterside and Gregory Odour of Mazars for their attendance at the meeting.

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report examining the implementation and impact of the policy granting authority to impose a council tax premium of up to 100% on second homes in Argyll and Bute which had been introduced from April 2024.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the submitted report and that regular updates would be provided as part of the routine revenue budget monitoring reports throughout the year.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support and Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report inviting formalisation of the Council’s official membership on the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership and highlighting its activities and progress from an Argyll and Bute perspective to elected members through regular reports to the Policy and Resources Committee.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     agreed formally that its official representatives on the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) should be the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive, given the strategic significance of HIREP’s focus and activity;

 

2.     acknowledged the contributions that its officers had made to date to the progress of HIREP through their involvement in, and input to, the Senior Officers Group and associated sub-groups; and

 

3.     requested that officers provide regular reports on HIREP’s activities and progress in relation to Argyll and Bute, to the Policy and Resources Committee, as appropriate in line with the schedule of HIREP meetings; noting that to allow for recent amendments noted at the HIREP meeting on 28th August to be addressed, a report on the HIREP Regional Economic Strategy would be presented for endorsement at the Argyll and Bute Council meeting on 21 November 2024.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support and Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 26 September 2024, submitted)

Councillor Daniel Hampsey left the meeting at this point.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report proposing the adoption of a Delivery Programme setting out how Local Development Plan 2 could be implemented and showing the actions required to deliver it’s sites, proposals and policies. Adoption and Publication of a Delivery Programme following the adoption of Local Development Plan 2 was a statutory requirement.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the content of the submitted report and the proposed Local Development Plan 2 Delivery Programme contained at Appendix 1; and

 

2.     agreed to adopt and publish the Local Development Plan 2 Delivery Programme.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated September 2024, submitted)

 

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report providing information supporting a potential bid for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to return to Oban in the summer of 2026.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to make a bid for the Clipper Race to return to Oban in 2026, with a bid fee not exceeding £30,000 to be funded from the Council’s Unallocated General Fund; noting that it was intended that the costs of the event be met by private sponsorship as far as possible and that  a further report would be submitted in due course.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 5 September 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report advising on the progress of developing the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy in accordance with the Council’s statutory duties to prepare, publish and update a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan as prescribed by the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order 2022.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the proposed Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan for publication as contained at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 26 September 2024, submitted)

The Provost ruled and the Council agreed to adjourn the meeting for lunch at this point.

 

The Council reconvened at 1.25pm with all those present as per the sederunt with the exception of Councillor Daniel Hampsey who had left the meeting prior to the adjournment.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Annual Assurance Statement for 2024 as required by the Scottish Housing Regulator.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the Annual Assurance Statement as contained at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 26 September 2024, submitted)

Councillor Jan Brown left the meeting at this point.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Scottish Government’s announcement on the long term solution for the Rest and Be Thankful.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     reaffirmed its commitment to the overall position that a permanent solution for the A83 Rest and Be Thankful must be delivered and put in place as soon as possible;

 

2.     welcomed the investments made and actions taken to date while reiterating the need for this to continue at pace given the vital significant of the route to all aspects of life in Argyll and Bute;

 

3.     agreed that this would remain a strategic priority for the life of this Council, and;

 

4.     agreed to continue to speak up for Argyll and Bute and its communities on this matter at every possible opportunity, directly with national government when needed as well as through the A83 Taskforce.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated August 2024, submitted)

 

Report by Chief Social Work Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO) Report for the financial year 2023-24.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the key activities outlined in the CSWO Report 2023/2024;

 

2.     acknowledge the continued commitment of Social Work and Social Care staff in the delivery of services; and

 

3.     noted that the Report would be submitted to the Office of the Child Social Work Adviser to the Scottish Government.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Social Work Officer dated 11 September 2024, submitted)

Report by Chief Social Work Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report outlining the changes that had occurred since the previous Children’s Rights Report in terms of legislation and obligations placed on public bodies.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the 2022-23 Review of the Children’s Rights Report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Social Work Officer dated 16 July 2024, submitted)

Report by Chief Officer – Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Argyll and Bute Child Poverty Action Plan Review for 2023 – 2024.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the Argyll and Bute Child Poverty Action Plan Review for 2023 – 2024.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Health and Social Care Partnership dated 12 August 2024, submitted)

Condemnation of the Cuts to Winter Fuel Payments by the UK and Scottish Governments

 

This Council:

 

1. Expresses deep concern over the decision by the UK Government to cut winter fuel payments, a vital support mechanism for pensioners across the country.

 

2. Further condemns the Scottish Government's decision to enact the same cut, disregarding the specific needs and circumstances of Scotland's aging population, particularly in colder, rural areas like those in Argyll and Bute.

 

3. Recognizes that such cuts will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable among us, increasing the risk of fuel poverty among our elderly citizens during the harsh winter months.

 

4. Acknowledges the negative impact these cuts will have on our local communities, where many pensioners rely on these payments to heat their homes adequately.

 

5. Calls upon the UK Government to reconsider its decision in light of the hardship it will cause to millions of elderly citizens.

 

6. Urges the Scottish Government to use its devolved powers to restore these payments at least for residents in Scotland, to protect our elderly from the severe cold and associated health risks.

 

7. Mandates the Council Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, expressing the Council's opposition to these cuts and detailing the potential impacts on our community.

 

8. Requests that this motion be forwarded to all local authorities in Scotland, encouraging them to pass similar resolutions and to collectively lobby for the reversal of these decisions.

 

Justification:

 

The decision to cut winter fuel payments is not only a removal of essential financial support for our elderly but also a disregard for their health and well-being. This Council must stand firm in advocating for the needs of our residents, ensuring they are not left in the cold. By uniting with other councils, we can amplify our voice and pressure both the UK and Scottish Governments to reconsider these detrimental cuts. Let us be clear in our message: our pensioners deserve better, and we will not remain silent.

 

End of Motion

 

This motion is designed to express the Council's strong disapproval of the cuts to winter fuel payments and to initiate action that might safeguard our community's elderly population.

 

Moved by Councillor Alastair Redman, seconded by Councillor Andrew Vennard.

The following Notice of Motion moved by Councillor Alastair Redman, seconded by Councillor Andrew Vennard was before the Council for consideration –

 

Condemnation of the Cuts to Winter Fuel Payments by the UK and Scottish Governments

 

This Council:

 

1. Expresses deep concern over the decision by the UK Government to cut winter fuel payments, a vital support mechanism for pensioners across the country.

 

2. Further condemns the Scottish Government's decision to enact the same cut, disregarding the specific needs and circumstances of Scotland's aging population, particularly in colder, rural areas like those in Argyll and Bute.

 

3. Recognizes that such cuts will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable among us, increasing the risk of fuel poverty among our elderly citizens during the harsh winter months.

 

4. Acknowledges the negative impact these cuts will have on our local communities, where many pensioners rely on these payments to heat their homes adequately.

 

5. Calls upon the UK Government to reconsider its decision in light of the hardship it will cause to millions of elderly citizens.

 

6. Urges the Scottish Government to use its devolved powers to restore these payments at least for residents in Scotland, to protect our elderly from the severe cold and associated health risks.

 

7. Mandates the Council Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, expressing the Council's opposition to these cuts and detailing the potential impacts on our community.

 

8. Requests that this motion be forwarded to all local authorities in Scotland, encouraging them to pass similar resolutions and to collectively lobby for the reversal of these decisions.

 

Justification:

 

The decision to cut winter fuel payments is not only a removal of essential financial support for our elderly but also a disregard for their health and well-being. This Council must stand firm in advocating for the needs of our residents, ensuring they are not left in the cold. By uniting with other councils, we can amplify our voice and pressure both the UK and Scottish Governments to reconsider these detrimental cuts. Let us be clear in our message: our pensioners deserve better, and we will not remain silent.

 

End of Motion

 

This motion is designed to express the Council's strong disapproval of the cuts to winter fuel payments and to initiate action that might safeguard our community's elderly population.

 

Amendment

 

The Council:

 

1.     Recognises that decisions on benefits policy are made at a national government level without recourse to local government, which has no direct control in this regard;

 

2.     Agrees that, while this Council does and will continue to lobby on issues of significance, as a priority the Council will focus primarily on actions that it takes to directly support people in Argyll and Bute who may be affected by these decisions, including: 

 

a)    Building on the work already under way by the Welfare Rights team and looking at ways the team can support and encourage uptake of benefits like Pension Credit and other benefits, where people are eligible but not currently making a claim, and where this may help them to access the help they need;

 

b)    Through the multi-agency Financial Inclusion and Advice Group, established by the Council to address cost of living challenges, further exploring ways to support people to cope with cost of living challenges of various kinds.

 

Moved by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest.

 

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

 

Motion                                                 Amendment

Councillor Garret Corner                        Councillor John Armour

Councillor Maurice Corry                       Councillor Gordon Blair

Councillor Amanda Hampsey                 Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess

Councillor Jennifer Kean                        Councillor Audrey Forrest

Councillor Tommy MacPherson              Councillor Kieron Green

Councillor Liz McCabe                           Councillor Graham Hardie

Councillor Yvonne McNeilly                    Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Gemma Penfold                    Councillor Fiona Howard

Councillor Alastair Redman                    Councillor Willie Hume

Councillor Andrew Vennard                    Councillor Andrew Kain

Councillor Peter Wallace                        Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy

                                                            Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle

                                                            Councillor Jim Lynch

                                                            Councillor Luna Martin

                                                            Councillor Ian James MCQuire

                                                            Councillor Dougie McFadzean

                                                            Councillor Julie McKenzie

                                                            Councillor Ross Moreland 

                                                            Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson

                                                            Councillor Dougie Philand

Councillor William Sinclair

 

Decision

 

The Amendment was carried by 21 votes to 11 votes and the Council resolved accordingly

 

(Reference: Notice of Motion by Councillor Alastair Redman, seconded by Councillor Andrew Vennard, submitted; Amendment by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest, tabled)

 

The Council resolves and agrees as follows:

 

1.     That an additional meeting of the Harbour Board is duly convened on Thursday 17 October 2024 (which said additional meeting of the Harbour Board is hereafter referred to as “the Meeting”);

2.     That the purpose of the Meeting shall be to receive, note, and consider the Briefing Note circulated to Harbour Board Members on 11 September 2024;

 

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Vennard

 

Seconded by Councillor Amanda Hampsey

 

The following Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Andrew Vennard, seconded by Councillor Amanda Hampsey was before the Council for consideration –

 

The Council resolves and agrees as follows:

 

1.     That an additional meeting of the Harbour Board is duly convened on Thursday 17 October 2024 (which said additional meeting of the Harbour Board is hereafter referred to as “the Meeting”);

2.     That the purpose of the Meeting shall be to receive, note, and consider the Briefing Note circulated to Harbour Board Members on 10 September 2024.

 

Amendment

 

The Council:

 

1)    Notes the significant works undertaken by the Council in regards to the Oban Harbour revision order, including multiple consultations, communication between Harbour Board members and officers with local groups, and direct responses to all objections raised during the consultation process.

 

2)    Further notes that the matter now sits with Transport Scotland to take forward a process of written representations to assist them in advising Scottish Ministers on the next steps.

 

3)    Agrees that officers be requested to submit a report to the Harbour Board updating them on the position as soon as any meaningful feedback is received from Transport Scotland in regard to the work they are currently undertaking, this further report going to a special meeting of the Board if necessary.

 

4)    Notes that, with reference to the Harbour Board’s decision on 12^th September that financial and other reports relating to piers, harbours and other maritime facilities managed by the Council should be prepared and provided for consideration by the Harbour Board no later than the last ordinary meeting of the Board during the 2025 calendar year, the Chief Financial Officer has now confirmed that it would be her intention to bring these reports forward earlier, by the end of this calendar year, 2024.

 

Moved by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor John Armour.

 

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

 

Motion                                                 Amendment

Councillor Garret Corner                        Councillor John Armour

Councillor Maurice Corry                       Councillor Gordon Blair

Councillor Amanda Hampsey                 Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess

Councillor Jennifer Kean                        Councillor Audrey Forrest 

Councillor Liz McCabe                           Councillor Kieron Green

Councillor Yvonne McNeilly                    Councillor Graham Hardie

Councillor Gemma Penfold                    Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Alastair Redman                    Councillor Fiona Howard

Councillor Andrew Vennard                    Councillor Willie Hume

Councillor Peter Wallace                        Councillor Andrew Kain

                                                            Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy

                                                            Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle

                                                            Councillor Jim Lynch

                                                            Councillor Luna Martin

                                                            Councillor Tommy MacPherson

                                                            Councillor Ian James MCQuire

                                                            Councillor Dougie McFadzean

                                                            Councillor Julie McKenzie

                                                            Councillor Ross Moreland 

                                                            Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson

                                                            Councillor Dougie Philand

Councillor William Sinclair

 

Decision

 

The Amendment was carried by 22 votes to 10 votes and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference: Notice of Motion by Councillor Andrew Vennard, seconded by Councillor Amanda Hampsey, submitted; Amendment by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor John Armour, tabled)

The Council resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the press and public for the following item of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services and Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth and Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Rothesay Pavilion tender position for the works to complete Stages 2 and 3 and on the latest funding position.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the terms of a Motion tabled by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services and Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth and Financial Services, submitted; and Motion by Councillor Jim Lynch, seconded by Councillor Audrey Forrest, tabled)

 

E1      Paragraph 6  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).