Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Julie McKenzie, Yvonne McNeilly and Dougie Philand.

The Head of Legal and Regulatory Support advised that in terms of Standing Order 14, the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Tommy MacPherson, seconded by Councillor Alastair Redman, had been received for consideration as a matter of urgency at this meeting –

 

Cost of Living in Argyll & Bute

 

The Council Notes:

 

•      The national announcement that Chief Executives of Scottish local authorities are set to receive a pay increase from 1 November 2026.

•      That nationally this represents a 12% across-the-board increase, compared with a 4% increase for frontline staff this year, and follows an average 9.5% rise in council tax bills nationally (and 9.9% in Argyll and Bute).

•      That in Argyll and Bute specifically, the Chief Executive’s salary is due to rise by £22,059, from £155,014 in 2025/26 to £177,073 from November 2026, representing an approximate 14% increase.

•      That the proposed increase would mean the Chief Executive earns more than five times the average yearly gross salary of a full-time employee in Argyll and Bute, based on the most recent available figures. 

•      This has become mainstream information in the past few days.  

 

The Council Agrees:

 

•      That households in Argyll and Bute – and across Scotland – have faced significant and sustained cost-of-living and pay pressures in recent years.

•      Household budgets are under severe strain and council tax bills have risen sharply in recent times. 

•      Councillors, as directly elected representatives of our communities, must show the moral integrity to do right by the people we serve and ensure decisions are proportionate, justified, and aligned with local realities.

•      That the perception of residents and businesses is that the Council’s reputation, trust, and wider “brand” have been damaged in recent times, making it all the more important that elected members decisions support confidence in our democratic institutions.

 

The Depute Provost ruled that she did not consider that the content of the Motion was a matter of urgency by reason that the cost of living crisis was an ongoing issue in Argyll and Bute. The Depute Provost advised that the Motion would come before the Council for consideration under Standing Order 13 at the next ordinary meeting of the Council.

Councillors Maurice Corry, Fiona Howard and William Sinclair advised in relation to item 25 of the agenda (Live Argyll – Business Plan and Scope of Services 2026/27 – Council Budget) that they had been appointed to the Live Argyll Board by the Council.  Having taken note of the updated Standards Commission Guidance in relation to declarations (issued on 7 December 2021) with specific reference to section 5.4(c) they did not consider that they had a relevant connection and as such would remain in the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business.

 

The Depute Provost ruled and the Council agreed to vary the order of Business and to consider Agenda items 24 (Oban Airport Business Park) and 25 (Live Argyll – Business Plan and Scope of Services 2026/27 – Council Budget) as the last items of Business to allow the Council to consider all Agenda items which could be taken in public before moving into private session.

The Minutes of the Special meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 20 September 2025 were approved as a correct record.

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

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 9 October 2025 were noted.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education

The Council gave consideration to a report advising on the findings of the independent review of the Education Service which was conducted between May and September 2025 and which included the detail of ten strategic recommendations that had been made.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the outputs from the Education Review as set out in the review report detailed at Appendix A;

 

2.     noted that Officers would now take forward the development of recommendations of the report, having regard to the Scottish approach to service design principles and with engagement with school communities as appropriate, under the direction of the Project Board;

 

3.     agreed that the efficiencies identified at section 4.8 of the report be considered as part of the council’s revenue budget process for 2026/27;

 

4.     agreed that reports on –

 

(a) all matters of a policy nature which require approval by members, and

(b) the progress of the review in general

 

are submitted to the Community Services Committee, which discharges the powers and duties of the Council as education authority; and

 

5.     approved funding of up to £150k to be made available from the Strathclyde Pension Fund Gain Earmarking set aside for spend to save or transformation to support the implementation of the review findings, including any further external resource required.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education dated 30 October 2025, submitted)

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

Report by Chair of Audit and Scrutiny Committee

The Council gave consideration to a report from the Chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee providing an annual overview of the Committee’s activity during the financial year 2024/25 and a summary of key developments since the commencement of 2025/26. The report set out how the Committee had fulfilled its remit and provided assurances to the Council.

 

Decision

 

The Council endorsed the Chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee’s Annual Report.

 

(Reference: Report by Chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee dated 26 November 2025, submitted)

 

The Depute Provost thanked Mrs Wason Hall for her annual report and for her 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 Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, for the period 15 September to 7 November 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 10 November 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 September 2025 to 7 November 2025.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the report.

 

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

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the budget outlook and outlining a number of options towards closing the budget gap in 2026-27.

 

Motion

 

It is recommended that Council:

 

a)    Endorse the management/operational savings outlined in Appendix 1 and note that these will be incorporated into the next budget outlook update due at Policy and Resources Committee in December 2025.

 

b)    Confirm that all savings options outlined in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 will remain as part of the budget process to be considered by Council on 25 February 2026.

 

c)     Note that statutory Trade Union consultation will commence on 27 November 2025 and be concluded by 22 January 2026.

 

d)    Note that, where required, Integrated Impact Assessments for savings options will be published on the Council’s website by 28 January 2026.

 

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

 

Amendment 1

 

It is agreed that the Council:

a)    Endorse the management/operational savings outlined in Appendix 1 and note that these will be incorporated into the next Budget Outlook update due at Policy and Resources Committee in December 2025.

 

b)    Agree that all savings options outlined in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 will remain as part of the budget process to be considered by Council on 25 February 2026, with the exception of the savings option RIS03 (Public Conveniences), which is to be removed from further consideration.

 

c)     Note that statutory Trade Union consultation will commence on 27 November 2025 and be concluded by 22 January 2026.

 

d)    Note that, where required, Integrated Impact Assessments for savings options will be published on the Council’s website by 28 January 2026.

 

Moved by Councillor Daniel Hampsey, seconded by Councillor Maurice Corry.

 

Amendment 2

 

It is agreed that the Council:

a)    Endorse the management/operational savings outlined in Appendix 1 and note that these will be incorporated into the next Budget Outlook update due at Policy and Resources Committee in December 2025.

 

b)    Agree all savings options outlined in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 will remain as part of the budget process to be considered by the Council on 25^th February 2026, with the exception of saving proposals RIS03 (Close, Sale or Transfer of Public Conveniences) and CSS01 (Close Service Points and Move all Phone and Email Traffic to CSC) – both of which are to be rejected by the Council as saving proposals and removed from further consideration.

 

c)     Note that the Statutory Trade Union consultation will commence on 27^th November 2025 and be concluded by 22^nd January 2026.

 

d)    Note that, where required, Integrated Impact Assessments for savings options will be published on the Council’s website by 28^th January 2026.

 

Moved by Councillor Jennifer Kean, seconded by Councillor Tommy MacPherson.

 

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

 

Cllr. Armour                       Cllr. Corner                       Cllr. Kean

Cllr. Blair                           Cllr. Corry                         Cllr. MacPherson

Cllr. Brown                        Cllr. A Hampsey

Cllr. Campbell-Sturgess     Cllr. D Hampsey

Cllr. Forrest                       Cllr. Mulvaney

Cllr. Green                        Cllr. Penfold

Cllr. Hardie                        Cllr. Redman

Cllr. Howard                      Cllr. Vennard

Cllr. Hume                         Cllr. Wallace

Cllr. Irvine              

Cllr. Kain

Cllr. Kennedy

Cllr. Kennedy Boyle

Cllr. Lynch

Cllr. Martin

Cllr. MacQuire

Cllr. McFadzean

Cllr. Moreland

Cllr. Paterson

Cllr. Sinclair  

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 20 votes, with Amendment 1 receiving 9 votes and Amendment 2 receiving 2 votes; and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 19 November 2025, submitted; Amendment 1 by Councillor Daniel Hampsey, seconded by Councillor Maurice Corry, tabled; and Amendment 2 by Councillor Jennifer Kean, seconded by Councillor Tommy MacPherson, tabled)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance

The Council gave consideration to a report providing the first comprehensive review of the Policy to Charge Double Council Tax on Second Homes impact across housing supply, financial performance and community response.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the key findings as set out in the submitted report and in Appendix 1;

 

2.    endorsed continued monitoring of second-home movements, empty dwellings, and self-catering reclassifications; and

 

3.    supported further engagement with Welsh councils to build the evidence base for potential future premium levels above 100%.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance dated 1 October 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Council’s Discretionary Housing Policy (DHP) which had been revised to ensure full compliance with the latest Scottish Governance guidance and to reflect feedback from stakeholders.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the statutory requirement to update the DHP policy in line with Scottish Government guidance;

 

2.    acknowledged the scale and importance of the DHP fund in preventing homelessness and mitigating welfare reforms;

 

3.    endorsed the implementation of the May 2025 guidance and refreshed policy following consultation with stakeholders, including the Citizens Panel and multi-agency FIAG; and

 

4.    approved the revised policy framework as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Financial Services dated 1 October 2025, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on progress for the second year of the Council’s Corporate Plan 2024/25.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the progress made against the outcomes specified in the 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan; and

 

2.    noted that an Annual Business Plan for 2025/2026 would be created to monitor progress on the current Council Corporate Plan and priorities.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 28 October 2025, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report which sought agreement to sign up to a Community Wealth Building Charter to signal commitment to embedding Community Wealth Building principles in advance of forthcoming national legislation.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the work undertaken by the Steering Group to review and develop recommendations for embedding Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute;

 

2.    recognised the Charter as a shared statement of intent by Community Planning Partnership partners and supporters; and

 

3.    agreed to sign the Charter to signal commitment to embedding Community Wealth Building principles in advance of forthcoming national legislation.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 10 November 2025, submitted)

Report by Monitoring Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing the full Written Decision of the Standards Commission’s Hearing Panel dated 14 October 2025 in respect of a complaint against councillor Tommy MacPherson.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the terms of the Standards Commission’s Written Decision attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, detailing the findings of the Hearing held on 7 October 2025.

 

(Reference: Report by Monitoring Officer dated 6 November 2025, submitted)

Report by Monitoring Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report providing the full Written Decision of the Standards Commission’s Hearing Panel dated 31 October 2025 in respect of a complaint against Councillor Liz McCabe.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the terms of the Standards Commission’s Written Decision attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, detailing the breaches of the Councillors Code of Conduct that were committed by Councillor Liz McCabe; and

 

2.    noted the Hearing Panel’s decision to impose the sanction of suspending the right of Councillor McCabe to attend all meetings of the Council and of any committee or sub-committee thereof, and of any other body on which she was a representative or nominee of the Council, for a period of one month with effect from 3rd November 2025.

 

(Reference: Report by Monitoring Officer dated 6 November 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, and asking the Council to make an appointment to the EJCC and note a change to the membership of the Policy and Resources Committee.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     elected Councillor John Armour as Joint Deputy Leader, in place of Councillor Audrey Forrest who had indicated her intention to step down from the role;

 

2.     confirmed the following appointments to the roles of Policy Lead, Depute Policy Lead, Community Services Committee Chair, Area Committee Chair and Area Committee Vice Chair:

 

Role	New appointee
Policy Lead for Planning and Regulatory Services	Councillor Gordon Blair
Depute Policy Lead for Planning and Regulatory Services	Councillor Kieron Green
Policy Lead for Education	Councillor Kieron Green
Depute Policy Lead for Education	Councillor Graham Hardie
Depute Policy Lead for Business Development	Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson
Policy Lead for Community Planning and Corporate Services	Councillor William Sinclair
Policy Lead for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Gaelic	Councillor Luna Martin
Depute Policy Lead for Community Planning and Corporate Services	Councillor Jan Brown
Chair, Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee	Councillor Gordon Blair
Vice-Chair, Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee	Councillor Kieron Green
Chair, Community Services Committee	Councillor Kieron Green
Chair, Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee	Councillor Kieron Green
Chair, Bute and Cowal Area Committee	Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle
Vice Chair, Bute and Cowal Area Committee	Councillor Gordon Blair
Chair, Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee	Councillor Fiona Howard
Vice Chair, Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee	Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess

 

3.     agreed the following changes to membership of the Council’s Strategic Committees:

 

Committee	New appointee	Previous appointee
Employee Joint Consultative Committee	Councillor Peter Wallace	Councillor Gary Mulvaney
Employee Joint Consultative Committee	Councillor Gordon Blair	Councillor Audrey Forrest
Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers	Councillor Kieron Green	Councillor Audrey Forrest
Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers	Councillor Graham Hardie	Councillor Fiona Howard
Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers	Councillor William Sinclair	Councillor Mark Irvine
Policy and Resources Committee	Councillor Peter Wallace	Councillor Liz McCabe
Community Services Committee	Councillor Jan Brown	Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson
Community Services Committee	Councillor Kieron Green	Councillor Gordon Blair
Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee	Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson	Councillor Jan Brown

 

4.     agreed the following changes to representation on COSLA Policy Boards:

 

COSLA Policy Board	New appointee	Previous appointee
COSLA Environment and Economy Board	Councillor Ross Moreland	Councillor Kieron Green
COSLA Children and Young People Board	Councillor Kieron Green	Councillor Audrey Forrest

 

5.     noted that Councillor William Sinclair had indicated his intention to step down as one of the Council’s representatives on the Loch Lomond, Trossachs and National Park Authority, and agreed to nominate Councillor Mark Irvine for consideration for appointment to the Authority by Scottish Ministers;

 

6.     noted the updated Shadow Policy Lead roles; and

 

7.     noted the updated Political Composition of the Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 23 October 2025, submitted; and Motion by Councillor Jim Lynch, Seconded by Councillor Ross Moreland, tabled)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report seeking agreement from the Council to extend the current appointment of the Independent Chairperson of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee, Janice Wason Hall, until the end of September 2027.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to extend the current appointment of Janice Wason Hall as Independent Chairperson of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee until the end of September 2027.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 30 September 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report seeking approval of a draft Programme of Meetings for the year 2026/27.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the draft Programme of Meetings for the year 2026/27.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 30 September 2025, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Resettlement

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the Argyll and Bute Refugee and Asylum Strategy 2025-30 for approval.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    approved Argyll and Bute’s Refugee and Asylum Strategy 2025 -2030;

 

2.    endorsed the delivery plan appended to the Strategy and noted future updates on the delivery of the outcomes would be brought to the Community Services Committee; and

 

3.    endorsed carrying out a review of the Resettlement Team structure with a view to right sizing to meet current demand and funding, with initial exploratory work being undertaken by officers on a detailed options appraisal and the formulation of proposals for permanence of the Resettlement Team.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Resettlement dated 31 October 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 Councillor Anne Horn.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 21 of the agenda (Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026/27 - 2030/31) noting that he was a Board Member and Chair of Dunbritton Housing Association.  Having reviewed the content of the reports, he did not feel that there was any substantive decision being taken and therefore advised that he would remain in the meeting during the consideration of this item of business.

 

Councillor Fiona Howard advised in relation to item 21 of the agenda (Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026/27 - 2030/31) that she had been appointed to the Board of Dunbritton Housing Association by the Council.  Having taken note of the updated Standards Commission Guidance in relation to declarations (issued on 7 December 2021) with specific reference to section 5.4(c) she did not consider that she had a relevant connection and as such would remain in the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business.

 

Councillor Mark Irvine declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 21 of the agenda (Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026/27 - 2030/31) noting that he was a Board Member and Vice-Chair of Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA).  Having reviewed the content of the report, he did not feel that there was any substantive decision being taken and therefore advised that he would remain in the meeting during the consideration of this item of business.

 

Councillor William Sinclair advised in relation to item 21 of the agenda (Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026/27 - 2030/31) that he had been appointed to the Board of Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) by the Council.  Having taken note of the updated 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 during the consideration of this item of Business.

 

Councillor Peter Wallace advised in relation to item 21 of the agenda (Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026/27 - 2030/31) that he had been appointed to the Board of Fyne Homes by the Council.  Having taken note of the updated 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 during the consideration of this item of Business.

 

Councillor Dougie McFadzean advised in relation to item 21 of the agenda (Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026/27 - 2030/31) that he had been appointed to the Board of West Highland Housing Association by the Council.  Having taken note of the updated 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 during the consideration of this item of Business.

 

Councillors Tommy MacPherson and Audrey Forrest declared a non-financial interest in item 21 of the agenda (Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026/27 - 2030/31) by reason that they were tenants of Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA). Having reviewed the content of the report, they did not feel that there was any substantive decision being taken and therefore advised that they would remain in the meeting during the consideration of this item of business.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Council gave consideration to a report recommending an increase in the standby rate to £130 per week across all services which would bring the Council more closely into line with the rates applied by other Councils.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the assessment of service sustainability risks set out in the submitted report, and the time-critical nature of addressing these risks to ensure continuity of essential services;

 

2.     approved an increase in standby rates, aligned with benchmarking and the National Agreement on Pay & Conditions of Service for Local Government Employees (Red Book) with implementation from the beginning of December 2025;

 

3.     approved a supplementary estimate of up to £13,000 from the unallocated general fund reserve to meet costs in the 2025/26 financial year and agreed that this increase be incorporated into future service budgets and reflected in salary templates for subsequent years as part of the Council’s budget setting process;

 

4.     approved the aspiration to move towards a 1 in 3 rota frequency for critical services, where operationally feasible, to improve service sustainability and staff wellbeing; and

 

5.     instructed service managers to lead consultation with trade unions, with HR providing support.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated 16 September 2025, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report detailing the proposed annual Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) covering the period 2026/27 to 2030/31 and summarised proposals for the revised Strategic Housing Investment Plan in line with statutory requirements and the latest guidance.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026/27 to 2030/31 to be submitted to the Scottish Government as the Council’s approved Strategic Housing Investment Plan document.

 

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

Councillor Anne Horn 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 detailing progress make on the outcomes within the Local Housing Strategy to date and incorporation of the Housing Emergency Action Plan within the Local Housing Strategy update.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    approved the content of the Local Housing Strategy Annual Update;

 

2.    noted the ongoing activity and progress in relation to addressing the Housing Emergency; and

 

3.    noted the metrics detailed in Section 4.13 of the submitted report which provided an annual measure on progress in tackling the Housing Emergency.

 

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

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update to actions following the decision by the Council at the meeting held on 24 September 2025 to pause the introduction of a visitor levy scheme.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted that the Council Leader had written to both the UK and Scottish Government and responses were awaited;

 

2.     agreed to discharge the remit of the Short Life Working Group (elected members only) to enable engagement with and seek advice from key industry and stakeholder representatives across the Argyll and Bute visitor economy through the Shadow Visitor Levy Forum; and

 

3.     agreed to expand the membership of the Shadow Visitor Levy Forum to include the Council Leader (Jim Lynch), Depute Leader (Ross Moreland) and Leader of the largest opposition group (Peter Wallace) to enable and promote greater transparency on the discussions and potential proposals on local exemptions with input and advice from Argyll and Bute visitor economy industry representatives and stakeholders who sit on forum.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 3 November 2025, submitted)

 

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess left the meeting during the consideration of the following item of Business.

Health and Social Care Emergency in Argyll and Bute

Council notes the publication of the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report and subsequent national documents including the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and Social Work Scotland’s sector response. Council further notes the publication of the Chief Officer’s Report to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) dated 17 September 2025, which outlines the scale of financial and workforce pressures facing health and social care services in Argyll and Bute.

Council recognises that Argyll and Bute face distinct challenges in delivering sustainable health and social care due to its rural and island geography, demographic change, and infrastructure limitations.

Council believes that urgent, coordinated action is required to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and ensure equitable access to care.

Council therefore resolves to:

1. Declare a ‘Health and Social Care Emergency’ in Argyll & Bute.
   
   
2. Call on the Scottish Government to urgently reassess the rural health and social care premium in national funding allocations, recognising the higher costs and logistical challenges of service delivery in areas like Argyll and Bute, recognising that action is needed to tackle inequalities across rural and urban Scotland.
   
   
3. Call on the Scottish Government to ensure that realistic funding is available for local authorities and HSCPs to deliver integrated care, and support sustained investment in early intervention, family support, and community-led services to reduce demand on crisis care.
   
   
4. Support further development of local training pathways and key worker housing initiatives; partnering with colleges and NHS Highland to create care apprenticeships and training for local residents to address recruitment and retention challenges in the health and social care workforce.
   
   

The Council instructs the Leader of the Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to convey this motion and request a meeting between the Cabinet Secretary and the Leader/Depute of the Council and the Leader/Depute of the Opposition  to set out how it proposes to address the issues identified in the 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report, in particular the specific steps that it will take to address the forecast gaps and to discuss targeted support for Argyll and Bute.

Proposed: Councillor Peter Wallace
Seconded: Councillor Amanda Hampsey

 

The following Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 13 was before the Council for consideration –

 

Health and Social Care Emergency in Argyll and Bute

 

Council notes the publication of the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report and subsequent national documents including the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and Social Work Scotland’s sector response. Council further notes the publication of the Chief Officer’s Report to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) dated 17 September 2025, which outlines the scale of financial and workforce pressures facing health and social care services in Argyll and Bute.

 

Council recognises that Argyll and Bute face distinct challenges in delivering sustainable health and social care due to its rural and island geography, demographic change, and infrastructure limitations.

 

Council believes that urgent, coordinated action is required to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and ensure equitable access to care.

 

Council therefore resolves to:

 

1.     Declare a ‘Health and Social Care Emergency’ in Argyll & Bute.

2.     Call on the Scottish Government to urgently reassess the rural health and social care premium in national funding allocations, recognising the higher costs and logistical challenges of service delivery in areas like Argyll and Bute, recognising that action is needed to tackle inequalities across rural and urban Scotland.

3.     Call on the Scottish Government to ensure that realistic funding is available for local authorities and HSCPs to deliver integrated care, and support sustained investment in early intervention, family support, and community-led services to reduce demand on crisis care.

4.     Support further development of local training pathways and key worker housing initiatives; partnering with colleges and NHS Highland to create care apprenticeships and training for local residents to address recruitment and retention challenges in the health and social care workforce.

The Council instructs the Leader of the Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to convey this motion and request a meeting between the Cabinet Secretary and the Leader/Depute of the Council and the Leader/Depute of the Opposition  to set out how it proposes to address the issues identified in the 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report, in particular the specific steps that it will take to address the forecast gaps and to discuss targeted support for Argyll and Bute.

 

Moved by Councillor Peter Wallace, seconded by Councillor Amanda Hampsey.

 

Amendment

Council notes the publication of the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report and subsequent national documents including the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and Social Work Scotland’s sector response. Council further notes the publication of the Chief Officer’s Report to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) dated 17 September 2025, which outlines the scale of financial and workforce pressures facing health and social care services in Argyll and Bute.

Council recognises that Argyll and Bute faces distinct challenges in delivering sustainable health and social care due to its rural and island geography, demographic change, and infrastructure challenges.

Council believes that national and local coordinated action is required to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and ensure equitable access to care and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Council therefore resolves to:

1.     Recognise the increases in investment in our Health and Social Care sector over recent years. Further, recognise the substantial achievements that have been made in Argyll and Bute - successes that have been possible thanks to the dedication of our hard-working front-line staff, and the opportunities for collaboration and improved working that have been opened up by our fully integrated structure.

2.     Recognise the positive progress our Health and Social Care Partnership has made over recent years, including increased use of technology, Hospital at Home, the physiotherapy ‘Phio App’, improved local service delivery, plus more.

 

3.     Continue negotiating within existing agreed structures and frameworks, which will be most likely to deliver positive results for Argyll and Bute - working with other rural areas within COSLA to influence allocations and recognising the higher costs and logistical challenges of service delivery in areas like Argyll and Bute.

 

4.     Commit to engaging directly with COSLA to ensure that the remote and rural components of those challenges are highlighted and accommodated through the implementation of the Service Renewal Framework, and in any ongoing discussions between COSLA and Scottish Government.

5.     Call on the Scottish Government to ensure that sufficient funding is available for local authorities and HSCPs to deliver integrated care, and support sustained investment in early intervention, family support, and community-led services to reduce demand on crisis care.

 

6.     Recognise that funding is only part of the challenge. There needs to be action taken to inspire confidence from the public in better outcomes being delivered through transforming services, rather than a reliance on models of care which may be outdated and require unsustainable staffing, given national shortfalls in suitable candidates for positions.

7.     Support further development of local training pathways and key worker housing initiatives; partnering with universities, colleges and NHS Highland to create care apprenticeships and training for local residents, to address recruitment and retention challenges in the health and social care workforce.

 

The Council requests the Leader of the Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to convey this motion and request a meeting between the Cabinet Secretary and the Leader/Depute of the Council and the Leader/Depute of the Opposition to set out how it proposes to address the issues identified in the 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report, in particular the specific steps that it will take to address the forecast gaps and to discuss targeted support for Argyll and Bute.

 

Moved by Councillor Dougie McFadzean, seconded by Councillor Kieron Green.

 

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

 

Cllr. Corner                       Cllr. Armour

Cllr. Corry                         Cllr. Blair

Cllr. A Hampsey                Cllr. Brown

Cllr. D Hampsey                Cllr. Forrest

Cllr. Kean                          Cllr. Green

Cllr. MacPherson               Cllr. Hardie

Cllr. Mulvaney                   Cllr. Horn

Cllr. Penfold                      Cllr. Howard

Cllr. Redman                     Cllr. Hume

Cllr. Vennard                     Cllr. Irvine

Cllr. Wallace                      Cllr. Kain

                                        Cllr.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess re-joined the meeting at this point.

 

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 two  items of business on the grounds that they were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6, 8 and 9 and Paragraph 6 respectively of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the progress of the Oban Airport Business Park project and how it fitted within the wider Lorn Arc Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) Programme.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the recommendations contained within the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services and Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 7 November 2025, submitted)

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

The Council gave consideration to a report in respect of the 2026/27 budget setting process and which contributed towards the longer-term view of financial and service planning specifically in relation to LiveArgyll.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the recommendations contained within the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services and Executive Director with responsibility for Financial Services dated 16 November 2025, submitted)

Councillor William Sinclair presented the Council with a certificate received when the Council had won the gold award for the Armed Forces Covenant Employers Recognition Scheme the previous week.

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

Paragraph 8  The amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

Paragraph 9  Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.

 

 

E2       Paragraph 6  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).