Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ian MacQuire and Iain Shonny Paterson.

The Provost advised that Councillor Andrew Vennard had submitted the following question in terms of Standing Order 15. 

The question is for the Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial Services (Councillor Moreland) and is as follows:-

"Can the policy lead for Finance and Commercial Services confirm whether he has had any discussions, meetings, or exchanged any correspondence since the last Harbour Board meeting on 20 March 2025 in relation to obtaining any alternative funding for the Council's Harbour Investment Programme with any of: (i) the Scottish Ministers; (ii) Transport Scotland; (iii) any other public bodies? If the policy lead for Finance and Commercial Services has had any such discussions, meetings, or exchanged any such correspondence in relation to alternative funding for the Council's Harbour Investment Programme, what details of any such discussions, meetings, or correspondence, can he provide?"

The Provost advised that in terms of the Order of Business and having regard to the Standing Orders it was his intention to deal with this question as the final item of business for the meeting.

Councillor Reeni Kennedy Boyle advised in relation to item 6 of the Agenda (Policy Leads Report), specifically the Update from the Policy Lead for Business Development, Councillor Math Campbell Sturgess, that she was the General Manager for Fyne Futures. As there was no substantive decision being taken on this item of  Business, Councillor Kennedy Boyle remained in the meeting during the consideration of this item.

Argyll and Bute Council held on 24 April 2025

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 24 April 2025 were approved as a correct record.

Councillor Maurice Corry joined the meeting during the consideration of the following item of Business.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 8 May 2024 were noted.

Arising from item 7 of these Minutes (Corporate Plan 2025-2027) the Council approved the new Corporate Plan 2025-2027 which contained the new Council priorities.

Arising from item 8 of these Minutes (Artificial Intelligence Policy) the Council approved the new Artificial Intelligence Policy.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 5 June 2025 were noted.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 19 June 2025 were noted.

Item 10 on page 6 of this Minute (Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders Charging and Advertising) asked the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee to “agree that the current Fees and Charges in relation to TTROs for events are suspended and the loss of income estimated to be up to £45,000 in 2025/26 is funded from the Priorities Investment Fund”.  The Council agreed that the current Fees and Charges in relation to TTROs for events are suspended and the loss of income, estimated to be up to £45,000 in 2025/26, be funded from the Priorities Investment Fund.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the activities of the Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, for the period 10 April 2025 to 6 June 2025.

Decision

The Council noted –

1.     the content of the submitted report; and

2.     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 11 June 2025, 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 covering the period 24 April 2025 to 13 June 2025.

Decision

The Council noted the content of the report.

(Reference: Report by Policy Lead Councillors dated 13 June 2025, submitted)

Reports by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an overview of the unaudited annual accounts for 2024-25 and a summary of the significant movements from 2023-24. The report sought approval of the unaudited annual accounts for 2024-25 for issue.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted that the Unaudited Annual Accounts for the Year ended 31 March 2025 had been considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee; and

2.    agreed that the Section 95 Officer submit the Annual Accounts to the auditor by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2025.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 19 June 2025, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report advising on the revenue budget position of the Council as at the end of the financial year 2024-25.  The report also summarised the movement in the General Fund balance.

Decision

The Council –

1.     noted the revenue budget monitoring position as at the end of financial year 2024-25;

2.     noted that the unallocated balance within the General Fund as at 31 March 2025, subject to approval of new earmarked reserves, amounted to £1.004m. This was in addition to the contingency amounting to £6.539m; and

3.     approved the revenue virements over £0.200m between January and March 2025.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 16 June 2025, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing information on the balances earmarked within the General Fund, transfers and funds used during 2024-25 and any new earmarking.

Decision

1.     approved the Policy on Year End Flexibility as included in Appendix 1;

2.     approved the three new earmarked proposals that total £2.600m as supported by business cases as outlined within Appendix 2;

3.     noted the £8.278m of earmarking that qualify for automatic carry forward in line with the Policy on Year End Flexibility as outlined within Appendix 3; and

4.     noted previously approved earmarked reserves as outlined within Appendix 4 with a balance of £94.284m as at 31 March 2025.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 16 June 2025, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing a summary of the financial position and progress on delivery of the approved 2024-27 Capital Plan as at 31 March 2025.

Decision

The Council –

1.     noted the actual expenditure incurred during the financial year 2024-25 and progress on delivery of the Capital Plan as at 31 March 2025; and

2.     approved the updated Capital Plan, as detailed within Appendix 1.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 9 June 2025, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing a review of treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2025/25 as required by the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities and the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (revised 2021), the Code.

Decision

The Council –

1.     noted that the report had been subject to prior scrutiny by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 12 June 2025 and subsequent to an agreed amendment, had been referred to council; and

2.     noted the content of the report as per the recommendation by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee at the meeting held on 12 June 2025.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 4 June 2025, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an annual update in the Strategic Housing Fund income and expenditure position for 2024-25, the current balance on the Strategic Housing Fund as at 31 March 2025 and all future commitments against this balance.

Decision

The Council –

1.     noted the report on income and expenditure for 2024-25 and the balance on the Strategic Housing Fund as at 31 March 2025; and

2.     noted the estimated future income for the Strategic Housing Fund for 2024-25.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 9 June 2025, submitted)

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report outlining the financial challenges facing the Council in the next financial year and outlining an approach to transformation, opportunities and savings over the medium term.

Decision

The Council approved the budget approach for 2026-27 and beyond noting that it provided a more strategic approach to savings planning.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 10 June 2025, submitted)

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report that followed on from a report presented to the Policy and Resources Committee on 8 May 2025 advising that the Integration Joint Board, Chief Officer and Chief Financial Officer were preparing a financial recovery plan in light of savings still to be identified to balance the Social Work budget in financial year 2025/26.

Decision

The Council noted the content of the submitted report.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 2 June 2025, submitted)

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an estimate of the costs associated with Storm Eowyn that struck Argyll and Bute on 24 January 2025, bringing wind speeds of up to 100mph and causing widespread damage.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the estimated costs associated with Storm Eowyn;

2.    agreed that the Council commit to Live Argyll to provide an additional service payment of £65k per month from November 2025 through to when the Leisure Centre reopens, and in addition to up to £65k per month for a further two months to allow the facility the breathing space to have normal level of service and income restored;

3.    agreed that Live Argyll can access the Council’s redundancy earmarked reserve up to the value of £100,000 to pay for the cost of any staff redundancies required due to their cost reduction plan following the storm; and

4.    agreed that the Council set aside a further £1.3m of funding towards Storm Eowyn costs with any funding not required for such purposes to be returned to the General Fund.  

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 16 June 2025, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the work of the Single Authority Model Short Life Working Group to date and other key activities in the interim period from the Council meeting held on 24 April 2025.

Decision

The Council endorsed, in general, the work that had been undertaken to date by the Short Life Working Group and wider Officer representation, specifically the activity being undertaken on a partnership basis to identify a joint preferred model for further consideration and consultation.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 4 June 2025, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report requesting the adoption of the principles of the Community Planning Improvement Board Guidance for Fair Funding of the Voluntary Sector which set out the principles of better ways of working with the voluntary sector.

Decision

The Council –

1.     noted the principles of the Guidance, set out at paragraph 4.1 of the submitted report and within the attached Appendix;

2.     noted the illustration of what the principles could look like in practice, set out at paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report and within the attached Appendix; and

3.     agreed that the Council signs up to the principles of the Guidance at the Community Planning Partnership meeting in September, and works towards the aspirations it contains.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 19 May 2025, submitted)

Report by Monitoring Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report advising of the outcome of a lessons learned review which had been undertaken in relation to the road closure of the C30 at Kilmaha in January 2024.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the relevant findings of the C30 (Kilmaha) Lessons Learned Review, as outlined within the submitted report;

2.    noted, in particular, the finding that there was no legal basis in place for Roads and Infrastructure Services to re-close the road as they did on 8^th January 2024 – thus breaching the requirements of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984;

3.    noted that the Council’s Monitoring Officer is required, under Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, to report to the Council if he considers that in the course of the discharge of the Council’s functions any proposal, decision or omission has resulted in a contravention “of any enactment or rule of law or of any code of practice made or approved by or under any enactment”; and

4.    noted that the Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services and the Interim Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services are taking steps to implement the Review findings, for the purpose of mitigating the risks of any similar breaches of legislation by the Service occurring in the future.

(Reference: Report by Monitoring Officer dated 10 June 2025, submitted)

The Council adjourned for lunch at 1.00pm and reconvened at 1.30pm with all those present as per the sederunt with the exception of Councillors Gary Mulvaney and Paul Kennedy who left the meeting at this point.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report setting out proposed revisions to the Health and Social Care Integration Scheme and detailing the next steps including the requirement for the Council and the Health Board to undertake a joint consultation with prescribed stakeholders.

Decision

The Council –

1.     agreed the revisions detailed within the updated Integration Scheme contained at appendix 1 and summary revisions document contained at appendix 2;

2.     agreed, subject to approval of 3.1, that Officers now proceed with arrangements for the joint consultation exercise as set out within section 4.2 of the report, and the Consultation and Engagement Strategy, as detailed in appendix 3; and

3.     agreed that, in the event that the consultation feedback suggests no further changes to the Scheme and voices no opposition to the proposed changes, that the two Chief Executive Officers are authorised to approve the draft revised Integration Scheme on behalf of the Council and the NHS Highland Board prior to submitting to the Scottish Government for approval.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 14 May 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education

The Council gave consideration to a report that presented information regarding devices which were not currently included in the Computer Rolling Replacement Programme (CRRP) and which sought agreement for funding to bring all school devices into a sustainable replacement programme.

Decision

The Council –

1.    agreed funding to expand the existing CRRP over the next 5 years as outlined in paragraph 4.12 of the submitted report and noted that a longer term funding option would need to be considered for beyond year 5 and this would be part of the capital review;

2.    noted the current ICT model for CRRP device allocation has resulted in an uneven distribution of devices across schools and to address this, the service will regularly redistribute devices from schools with declining pupil rolls to larger schools in order to ensure equity of access;

3.    noted that an appropriate device should be available to every pupil and provided to every permanent member of teaching staff, ensuring a centrally funded, fully sustainable device replacement program; and

4.    noted that Education recommends a flexible device strategy, providing a sufficient number and range of devices appropriate for diverse learning needs.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education dated 26 May 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report proving an update on progress with a project funded by Shelter and the Health and Social Care Partnership which aimed to identify empty properties and bring them into use for HSCP workers. The report sought funding to continue the project.

Decision

The Council –

1.     noted the content of the report; and

2.     approved £60,000 of funds from the Strategic Housing Fund to match fund the Shelter contribution for the 2 year extension to the post to cover all employers in Argyll and Bute.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated April 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report which sought approval of the award of a grant of £145,000 from Strategic Housing Fund for the purpose of enabling the delivery of worker accommodation on Islay which would provide a 2 bedroom working accommodation property.

Decision

The Council –

1.     approved a grant of up to £145,000 from the Strategic Housing Fund to enable an NHS Building in Bowmore, Islay to be brought back into use for HSCP staff delivering Health and Social Care services on the island; and

2.     noted that the contribution would be match funded by the NHS.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated May 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report which provided information on the pressures on the housing market on the island of Mull and outlined a proposal to buy a property in Dervaig, Mull to be used for affordable principal home, long term accommodation.

Decision

The Council –

1.     approved a grant of £12,000 from the Strategic Housing Fund to enable Mull and Iona Community Trust to acquire a property in Dervaig; and

2.     noted that this approval would be in addition to the £16,220 Council funding already provided to the project.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated May 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration a report advising that the development phase of the Tarbert Heritage Regeneration Scheme was completed, allowing for delivery phase applications to now be submitted.

Decision

The Council –

1.    agreed that an application is made to Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage and Place Programme for £1m;

2.    agreed that an application is made to National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Grants Fund for £850k; and

3.    agreed in principle that match funding of c£650k would be required over the five-year lifetime of the project and that Crown Estates was considered the appropriate source of this funding.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 9 May 2025, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Corporate Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2025 – 2028 for endorsement.

Decision

The Council –

1.    endorsed the Corporate Improvement Plan 2025 – 2028;

2.    noted the alignment with statutory Best Value duties and the Accounts Commission's expectations;

3.    acknowledged the Plan’s role in enabling transformational change across the Council; and

4.    noted that progress updates would be reported to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on an annual basis.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 20 May 2025, submitted)

Recommendation from meeting of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee held on 18 June 2025

The Council gave consideration to a recommendation from the meeting of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee held on 18 June 2025 in relation to recommended amendments to the Council’s Short-term Let Licensing Policy to reflect the renewal process with three-year licensing and the renewal fee.

Decision

The Council agreed the recommendation to support the introduction of a three-year renewal period for short-term let licences, the renewal fees, and revisions to the Council’s Short-term Let Licensing Policy.

(Reference: Recommendation from meeting of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee held on 18 June 2025 and report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 28 May 2025, submitted)

The following question had been submitted under Standing Order 15 by Councillor Andrew Vennard for the Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial Services, Councillor Ross Moreland.  

"Can the policy lead for Finance and Commercial Services confirm whether he has had any discussions, meetings, or exchanged any correspondence since the last Harbour Board meeting on 20 March 2025 in relation to obtaining any alternative funding for the Council's Harbour Investment Programme with any of: (i) the Scottish Ministers; (ii) Transport Scotland; (iii) any other public bodies? If the policy lead for Finance and Commercial Services has had any such discussions, meetings, or exchanged any such correspondence in relation to alternative funding for the Council's Harbour Investment Programme, what details of any such discussions, meetings, or correspondence, can he provide?"

The Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial Services provided a verbal response to the question.

Councillor William Sinclair, Armed Forces Champion, presented the Provost with a framed picture of the Royal Navy’s new Minesweeper Zulu Squadron which he had received on behalf of the Provost at an affiliation ceremony he attended in May.

The Provost, on behalf of the Council, expressed his condolences to Councillor Jan Brown on the loss of her partner Sandra.