Agenda and minutes

Prior to the commencement of Business, the Provost made the following address to the Council –

 

Before we press on with today’s business, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge yet another world-class success for Inveraray and District Pipe Band.

 

They have brought home the Grade 1 World Championship Pipe Band trophy to Inveraray for the fourth time – an amazing achievement for a group of musicians that, in pipe band terms, are relatively young. This is their twentieth anniversary, they were formed in 2005 as a Novice Juvenile band. Their progress since then has been astronomical under the leadership of Pipe Major Stuart Liddell MBE and his team. As well as their four Grade 1 wins, they have previously taken home a number of other world championship titles as they moved up the grades.

 

They have also been named Champion of Champions for 2025. Well done!

There are very many skilled Argyll and Bute pipers and drummers who compete at World Championship level both in local bands and others. We have a wealth of talent here and my congratulations go to all of them.

 

Continuing the world championship theme, Helensburgh Highland dancer Eilidh Gammons retains her Junior World Champion title after her winning performance at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering. This makes a hat-trick for Eilidh, having won the Juvenile trophy in 2024 and her first Junior title last year. Again, congratulations to Eilidh for keeping one of those coveted Cowal World Championship trophies here at home in Argyll.

 

The Provost also referred to the success of the Argyll and Bute Freedom Ceremony which had taken place on Saturday 20 September 2025 and, on behalf of the Council, thanked all those involved in the organisation of the event. He thanked all Council Members and particularly the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Lynch and the Armed Forces Champion, Councillor William Sinclair.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Math Campbell Sturgess, Daniel Hampsey, Jennifer Kean and Liz McCabe.

The Provost ruled, and the Council agreed, to vary the order of Business and to take item 12 of the Agenda (Chief Social Work Annual Report 2024/25) immediately following item 4 of the Agenda (Minutes of Committees) to allow the Chief Social Work Officer to present the report and leave the meeting to attend another commitment.

There were no declaration of interest intimated.

Argyll and Bute Council held on 26 June 2025

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

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 21 August 2025 were noted.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 28 August 2025 were noted.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 11 September 2025 were noted.

Report by Chief Social Work Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report 2024-2025.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the key activities outlined in the attached Chief Social Work Report 2024/2025;

 

2.    acknowledged 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 25 August 2025, submitted)

 

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 6 June to 12 September 2025.

 

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 15 September 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 26 June 2025 to 9 September 2025.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Policy Lead Councillors dated 15 September 2025, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the 2024/25 Council Annual Report.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the content of the 2024/25 Council Annual Report.

 

(Reference: Report by chief Executive dated August 2025, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report providing a further update on the development work that had been undertaken in respect of exploring options for a Single Authority Model (SAM) and making recommendations in terms of proposed next steps.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the ongoing collaborative working that had been undertaken by local partners in respect of developing potential options for a SAM in Argyll and Bute;

 

2.     accepted the recommended views of the Short Life Working Group that options 4 and 5 be reported to the Scottish Government by the end September as the preferred models at this point in time, subject to further investigation to support the development of detailed proposals; and

 

3.     agreed that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Policy Lead for Care Services, to utilise the Invest to Save Fund in accordance with the spend conditions set out by the Scottish Government.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 5 September 2025, submitted)

Councillor Gary Mulvaney left the meeting during the consideration of the following item of Business.

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report updating members on the external audit of the Council’s Trust Funds Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted that an unqualified audit certificate has been issued for the Council’s Trust Funds Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024;

 

2.     authorised for issue, the Trust Funds Audited Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, given as Appendix 1;

 

3.     considered Forvis Mazar’s Annual Audit Report follow-up letter, given as Appendix 2;

 

4.     approved for signature, the ISA 580 Letter of Representation, given as Appendix 3; and

 

5.     noted that a copy of the Council’s Trust Funds Audited Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 will be submitted to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee for information.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 1 September 2025, submitted)

Councillor Gary Mulvaney re-joined the meeting during the consideration of the following item of Business.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report proposing changes to the Council Constitution as part of the annual review.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 24 July 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report setting out the updated political composition of the Council.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the updated Political Composition of the Council as outlined in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 3 September 2025, submitted)

Councillor Amanda Hampsey left the meeting during the consideration of the following item of Business.

Report by Chief Officer, Argyll and Bute HSCP

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the annual Child Poverty Action Plan Review for 2024-2025.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the annual Child Poverty Action Plan Review for 2024-2025.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Health and Social Care Partnership dated 4 September 2025, submitted)

Councillor Amanda Hampsey re-joined the meeting during the consideration of the following item of Business.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting findings of an independent analysis of responses to a consultation on draft proposals for the introduction of a Visitor Levy Scheme across Argyll and Bute.

 

Motion

 

It is understood that, in a letter dated 22^nd September 2025, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee MSP, has stated that ‘the Scottish Government is now actively considering extending powers to local authorities, including the option to introduce a single flat rate or tiered flat model alongside the existing percentage based approach’, and that consideration is now being given to how that may be achieved. In light of this and considering the consultation results, the Council agrees:

 

1.    To pause the implementation of a Visitor Levy Scheme in Argyll and Bute in its current form, with an update to a full Council meeting to be called no later than the end of January 2026;

 

2.    To ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Scottish Government to ask for clarity on the possible changes to the legislation, in particular with regards to a flat or tiered rate; and to ask that any possible changes take into account work already done by councils;

 

3.    To request that the Leader of the Council writes also to the UK Government in relation to concerns around the VAT threshold in the context of a Visitor Levy;

 

4.    To note that, should a Visitor Levy Scheme for Argyll and Bute be agreed, this will be on the basis that the Council will put in place arrangements to identify and engage with relevant stakeholders and partners via the Visitor Levy Forum on the potential use of funds raised;

 

5.    To ask officers, in the interim, using the evidence collected in the consultation report, to give consideration to the possibility of local exemptions, including proposals for an exemption for residents of Argyll and Bute, paying particular attention to rural and island communities and the requirements for overnight stays in regards to island travel, medical appointments, and other essential purposes.

 

Moved by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Jim Lynch.

 

Amendment 1

 

1.    Council notes the findings of the Visitor Levy consultation report and representations from residents and businesses across Argyll & Bute.

 

2.    Council rejects the draft Visitor Levy proposal.

 

3.    Council requests the Councillor Leader and Leader of the Opposition write jointly to the Scottish Government, to request clarity on any proposed amendments to the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 and a timeline for proposed implementation.

 

4.      ⁠In the event of any amendments being made to the terms of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, officers are requested to present a report to the first ordinary meeting of the council following that information being available updating members on that position. 

 

5.    Council agrees that any future consideration of a visitor levy will be subject to further consultation with stakeholders that demonstrates that it delivers tangible benefits to the residents of Argyll and Bute.

 

Moved by Councillor Gary Mulvaney, seconded by Councillor Andrew Vennard.

 

Amendment 2

 

1.    Council notes the findings of the Visitor Levy consultation report and representations from residents and businesses across Argyll & Bute.

 

2.    ⁠Council rejects the draft Visitor Levy proposal.

 

3.    Council requests the Councillor Leader and Leader of the Opposition write jointly to the Scottish Government, to request clarity on any proposed amendments to the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 and a timeline for proposed implementation.

 

4.    In the event of any amendments being made to the terms of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, officers are requested to present a report to the first ordinary meeting of the Council following that information being available updating members on the position.

 

5.    Council agrees that any future consideration of a Visitor Levy should have regard to clear public endorsement and measurable evidence that it delivers tangible benefits to the residents of Argyll & Bute.

 

Moved by Councillor Amanda Hampsey, seconded by Councillor Yvonne McNeilly.

 

Councillor Andrew Kain, having noted during debate his interest in this item as a former B&B owner and involvement in a business liable for VAT, was asked by the Head of Legal and Regulatory Support to provide clarification that he was not declaring an interest in terms of the Councillors Code of Conduct, which would preclude him from remaining in the meeting and participating in the consideration of this item of Business. Councillor Kain confirmed that he was not making a declaration in terms of the Councillors Code of Conduct.

 

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 1                      Amendment 2         

Councillor Armour                Councillor Corry                   Councillor Corner

Councillor Blair                     Councillor Mulvaney           Councillor A Hampsey

Councillor Brown                 Councillor Penfold               Councillor MacPherson

Councillor Forrest                Councillor Vennard             Councillor McKenzie

Councillor Green                  Councillor Wallace              Councillor McNeilly

Councillor Hardie                                                                 Councillor Redman

Councillor Horn

Councillor Howard

Councillor Hume

Councillor Irvine

Councillor Kain

Councillor Kennedy

Councillor Kennedy-Boyle

Councillor Lynch

Councillor Martin

Councillor MacQuire

Councillor McFadzean

Councillor Moreland

Councillor Paterson

Councillor Philand

Councillor Sinclair

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 21 votes, with Amendment 1 receiving 5 votes and Amendment 2 receiving 6 votes; and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 16 September 2025, submitted; Motion by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Jim Lynch, tabled; Amendment 1 by Councillor Gary Mulvaney, seconded by Councillor Andrew Vennard, tabled; and Amendment 2 by Councillor Amanda Hampsey, seconded by Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, tabled)

The Provost ruled, and the Council agreed, to adjourn for a comfort break between 1.45pm and 2.15pm.

 

Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson left the meeting at this point.

 

The Council reconvened at 2.15pm with all Members present as per the sederunt, with the exception of Councillors Garret Corner, Paul Donald Kennedy and Iain Shonny Paterson.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report examining the future of the rural economy in a rapidly changing national and global context.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     approved the key interventions and lobbying points contained within the submitted report;

 

2.     instructed officers to approach other rural councils to seek collaboration in relation to a manifesto for rural change; and

 

3.     noted that a further report would be brought back to a future meeting of the Council.

 

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

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report requesting the use of Strategic Housing Funding to support three different housing projects; which would make valuable contributions to tackling the Housing Emergency.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     approved a grant of £175k from the Strategic Housing Fund to LINK RSL to cover additional unfunded development costs incurred in Phase 3 Dunbeg;

 

2.     agreed the use of up to £100k from the Strategic Housing Fund to cover feasibility studies exploring the delivery of serviced self-build plots on Council owned land in Balemartine and Crossapol, Tiree; and

 

3.     agreed the use of up to £50k from the Strategic Housing Fund to cover feasibility studies for delivering footpath improvements on Glencruitten Road to facilitate affordable housing at Glencruitten Rise, subject to the requirements on the developer to first demonstrate a contractual agreement with an RSL to develop the site; or provide written acknowledgment that any offsite road improvement would be financed by the development of the site as more particularly set out in paragraph 4.23 of the submitted report.

 

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

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Housing Annual Assurance Statement for 2025.

 

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 24 September 2025, submitted)

Councillor Gary Mulvaney made a statement to the Council advising that he would be standing down as Leader of Largest Opposition Group and as Conservative Group Leader but remaining a Councillor, effective from the end of September 2025. He expressed his thanks to all officers, staff and Councillors for their guidance; he also expressed his thanks to the Leader of the Council for their working relationship during his time as Leader of the Largest Opposition Group, and to his Group colleagues. He expressed his best wishes to the new incoming Leader of the Largest Opposition Group.

 

The Provost, on behalf of the Council, thanked Councillor Mulvaney for his contribution as Leader of the Largest Opposition Group.