Agenda and minutes

Prior to the commencement of the Business the Depute Provost invited the Council Leader to address the Council with a tribute to former Councillor, Donnie MacMillan, who had passed away on 28 May at the age of 98.  Following the Leader’s tribute, the Council was invited to take a moment of silence to reflect and remember former Councillor, Donnie MacMillan.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Math Campbell-Sturgess, Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Iain Shonny Paterson, Gemma Penfold, Dougie Philand and Andrew Vennard.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Depute Provost ruled and the Council agreed that to facilitate a smooth running of the Agenda, to vary the order of business and to take Agenda item 20 as the last item of the meeting. This was to allow the Council to deal with all of the business which could be taken in public before moving into private session.

Argyll and Bute Council held on 29 April 2026

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 29 April 2026 was approved as a correct record.

Councillor Anne Horn left the meeting at this point.

Councillor Luna Martin joined the meeting during consideration of the following item of Business.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 21 May 2026 were noted.

 

Arising from item 8 of this Minute (Social Media Policy), the Council was invited to agree the recommendation to approve the updated Social Media Policy.

 

Motion

 

That the Council approve the updated Social Media Policy.

 

Moved by Councillor Jan Brown, seconded by Councillor Jim Lynch.

 

Amendment

 

That the Council do not approve the updated Social Media Policy.

 

Moved by Councillor Peter Wallace, seconded by Councillor Maurice Corry.

 

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

 

Motion                                       Amendment

 

Councillor John Armour               Councillor Garret Corner

Councillor Gordon Blair                Councillor Maurice Corry

Councillor Jan Brown                   Councillor Amanda Hampsey

Councillor Audrey Forrest            Councillor Daniel Hampsey

Councillor Kieron Green              Councillor Tommy MacPherson

Councillor Graham Hardie            Councillor Liz McCabe

Councillor Fiona Howard              Councillor Julie MacKenzie

Councillor Willie Hume                 Councillor Yvonne McNeilly

Councillor Mark Irvine                  Councillor Gary Mulvaney

Councillor Andrew Kain                Councillor Alastair Redman

Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy  Councillor Peter Wallace

Councillor Jim Lynch

Councillor Luna Martin

Councillor Dougie McFadzean

Councillor Ross Moreland

Councillor William Sinclair

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 16 votes to 11 and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

Arising from item 9 of this Minute (Transformation Strategy 2026-2031) the Council agreed the recommendation to approve the Transformation Strategy.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 4 June 2026 were noted.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 18 June 2026 were noted.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the activities of the Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, since the last report provided to Council on 29 April 2026 and up to 12 June 2026.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the content of the submitted 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 12 June 2026, 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 since the previous update provided to Council on 29 April 2026.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Policy Lead Councillors dated 12 June 2026, submitted)

Councillor Anne Horn joined the meeting during consideration of the following item of Business.

Reports by Section 95 Officer

 

 

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an overview of the Council’s Unaudited Annual Accounts and the annual accounts for the Charitable Trusts administered by the Council for the year ended 31 March 2026.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted that the Council’s Unaudited Annual Accounts and the annual accounts for the Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2026 would be considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 26 June 2026; and

 

2.     agreed that the Section 95 Officer would submit the Annual Accounts to the auditor by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2026 subject to approval by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 24 June 2026, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report advising of the revenue budget position of the Council as at the end of the financial year 2025-26. 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 2025-26;

 

2.    noted that the unallocated balance within the General Fund as at 31 March 2026, subject to approval of new earmarked reserves, amounted to £1.045m. This was in addition to the contingency amounting to £7.241m; and

 

3.    approved the revenue virements over £0.200m between January and March 2026.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 12 June 2026, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing information on the balances earmarked within the General Fund, transfers and funds used during 2025-26 and any new earmarking requested. There were two new earmarking proposals which required approval.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    approved the Policy on Year End Flexibility as included in Appendix 1, including the approval of one new category for the automatic carry forward of unspent Ferries grant to allow for smoothing of the income over multiple years to be utilised when large value maintenance spends are required;

 

2.    approved the three new earmarking proposals totalling £2.198m, supported by the business cases in Appendix 2; noting, the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), in consultation with the Leader, Deputy Leaders and relevant Policy Lead, would have delegated authority to authorise expenditure from the contingency for increased costs arising from the conflict in Iran. Any related virements would be reported retrospectively through routine financial monitoring;

 

3.    noted the £12.988m of earmarked balances that qualified for automatic carry forward in line with the Policy on Year End Flexibility as outlined within Appendix 3;

 

4.    noted that a review of Earmarked Reserves was carried out as part of the year end processes, resulting in the release of £0.648m back to the General Fund; and noted expiry dates were also reviewed and extended where appropriate as part of this exercise; and

 

5.    noted previously approved earmarked reserves as outlined within Appendix 4 with a balance of £95.047m as at 31 March 2026.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 12 June 2026, submitted)

 

The Council gave consideration to a report providing a summary of the financial position and progress on the delivery of the approved 2025-2028 Capital Plan as at 31 March 2026.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the actual expenditure incurred during the financial year 2025-26, as detailed in Appendix 1; and

 

2.     approved the updated Capital Plan, as detailed within Appendix 3; a total budget for 2026-29 of £237.083m with an underlying borrowing requirement of £170.956m.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 2 June 2026, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to the Treasury Management Annual Report 2025/26 covering the 2025/26 Strategy, borrowing and investment activity, 2025/26 capital expenditure and the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR); overall treasury position (debts and investments); and compliance with Prudential and Treasury Indicators.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the report had been subject to prior scrutiny by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee at the meeting held on 11 June 2026 and had been referred to Council; and

 

2.     noted the content of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 24 June 2026, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an annual update on the Strategic Housing Fund income and expenditure position for 2025-26, the current balance on the Strategic Housing Fund as at 31 March 2026 and all future commitments against this balance.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted the report on income and expenditure for 2025-26 and the balance on the Strategic Housing Fund as at 31 March 2026; and

 

2.     noted the estimated future income for Strategic Housing Fund for 2025-26.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 24 June 2026, submitted)

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Council gave consideration to a report seeking approval for an increase in mileage reimbursement rates paid to Council Members and casual car users’ from 45p to 55p per mile in line with the revised HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate announced on 21 May 2026 and backdated nationally to 6 April 2026.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     approved the increase in the mileage reimbursement rate for Council Members and casual car users from 45p per mile to 55p per mile from 6 April 2026 in line with the revised HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment announced on 21 May 2026; and

 

2.     noted that officers were engaging with the supplier of the Council’s HR and Payroll System to assess the most timeous and practical approach to apply the new rate for mileage claims already processed for the period from 6 April 2026 onwards.

 

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 11 June 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Financial Services

The Council gave consideration to a report proposing the introduction of a formal appeals framework for Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) decisions and Business Improvement District (BID) levy appeals to ensure statutory compliance, strengthen governance and address an Internal Audit recommendation.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     agreed the introduction of a formal NDR and BID Appeals Process;

 

2.     agreed the establishment of a NDR and BID Appeals Committee comprising elected Members; and

 

3.     agreed the progression of the necessary amendments to the Council’s Constitution and Scheme of Delegation.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance dated 4 June 2026, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Council gave consideration to a report providing information about a visit by the Chief Executive and Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess to the annual People’s Meeting event in Denmark on 11-13 June 2026 and recommending that the Council proceed with advancing a submission of interest and finer details in advance of a final decision by the Council at an appropriate time.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     endorsed in principle support for a Scottish democracy event to be held on Bute, based on the People’s Meeting model developed in Denmark;

 

2.     agreed that officers, working with the People’s meeting project team, progress further exploratory work to develop a Scottish model, establish a set of core principles, assess feasibility—particularly in relation to transport and infrastructure—and engage with national stakeholders, including political parties and key partners;

 

3.     approved funding of up to £10,000 from the Unallocated General Fund to support the exploratory work, including any reciprocal visits by project partners;

 

4.     noted that no significant financial commitment was required at this stage and that the Council retained full discretion over any future participation; and

 

5.     noted that a further report would be submitted to Council before any final decision was required.

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 15 June 2026, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report inviting appointment of one Member to the Policy and Resources Committee, to make a nomination to the Regulatory Cohort and to appoint one Member from that Cohort to the Licensing Board.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     appointed Councillor Andrew Kain to the Policy and Resources Committee in place of Councillor Audrey Forrest;

 

2.     appointed Councillors Willie Hume and Luna Martin to the Regulatory Cohort in place of Councillors Audrey Forrest and John Armour, who has indicated his wish to step down;

 

3.     noted that Cllr John Armour will remain a member of the Regulatory Cohort meantime for the sole purpose of completing 2 specific Local Review Body processes and, following conclusion of this process, will step down from the Regulatory Cohort with immediate effect;

 

4.     appointed Councillor Willie Hume to the Argyll and Bute Licensing Board;

 

5.     noted that Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess had advised the Leader of his intention to stand down from the role of Policy Lead for Business Development with immediate effect, and that in the meantime that remit would be covered by the Leader of the Council; and

 

6.     noted that Councillor John Armour had been appointed Depute Leader of the SNP Group and requested that the Political Composition of the Council be updated to reflect this.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 4 June 2026, submitted and Motion by Council Leader, tabled)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an overview of the work undertaken regarding the Council priority “Take forward a piece of work to support Area Committees to reshape their business, decision-making and overall activities to align with existing/emerging local plans and issues” and making recommendations for agreement. The report also gave details of the proposed application process for the Area Committees Priorities Funding which was agreed at the Council Budget meeting in February.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the detail provided in the report and the work undertaken by officers and Area Chairs to reshape Area Committee meeting arrangements;

 

2.    agreed that from August 2026 the number of Area Committees would be increased to 6 meetings per year at a cost of £45k per annum; noting that within the current financial year 2026-27, only half of this amount would be required (£22,500) and it was recommended, following consultation with the Council’s Section 95 Officer, that this was funded from the Unallocated General Fund, with the full year pressure built into the budget outlook going forward;

 

3.    delegated authority to the Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support to make the relevant changes to the Council Constitution and the programme of meetings;

 

4.    agreed the updated protocol for business days as set out at Appendix 1;

 

5.    agreed the proposed application process for the delivery of the Area Committee Priority Funding; and

 

6.    noted that the funding was for the 2026/27 financial year only and would require to be allocated prior to 31 March 2027.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 24 June 2026, submitted)

The Council adjourned for lunch at 1.10pm and reconvened at 1.40pm with all those present as per the sederunt, with the exception of Councillors Paul Kennedy and Liz McCabe who had left the meeting.

 

The Head of Legal and Regulatory Support advised that the following item of Business sought to alter a decision within a period of six months from the original decision being taken. The Depute Provost confirmed in terms of Standing Order 16 that she was content that there had been a material change in circumstances which would allow the Council to consider this item of Business.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Council gave consideration to a report seeking to amend the Fees and Charges for Network Management to reflect those agreed at the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 18 December 2025.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted that revised Fees and Charges were approved by the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in December 2025 and ratified by Council in February 2026;

 

2.     noted that the approved amendments were not reflected in the Fees and Charges Schedule included within the finalised budget documentation due to an administrative error; and

 

3.     agreed the amended Fees and Charges Schedule to ensure alignment with previously agreed Committee and Council decisions. 

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated May 2026, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure

The Council gave consideration to a report seeking approval to develop a comprehensive parking strategy for Argyll and Bute, informed by previous reviews and existing evidence.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     approved the development of a 10 year strategy for the Council’s parking services;

 

2.     agreed the strategic objectives and principles set out in paragraphs 5.6 and 5.10 of the submitted report; and

 

3.     agreed that a further report would be brought back to a future meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee with detailed proposals, including any required changes to Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), tariffs, and operational delivery.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated 24 June 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting the new Performance and Improvement Framework which underpinned the Council’s new performance management system as it established the Council’s overarching, end-to-end approach to planning, performance management, reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring delivery of Best Value and alignment to corporate priorities.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     noted that the submitted report presented the new Performance and Improvement Framework (PIF) that underpinned the Council’s revised system for performance management;

 

2.     approved the adoption of the PIF as the final deliverable of the Performance Excellence Project; and

 

3.     agreed that the PIF would be applied corporately as the Council’s primary framework for performance management, improvement and public performance reporting.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated May 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Council gave consideration to a report seeking approval for the Council’s updated Wellbeing Strategy which had been developed through a review of wellbeing data, engagement with staff and managers, and alignment with the Council’s People Strategy Outcomes.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the progress made in supporting wellbeing; and

 

2.    approved the updated Workforce Wellbeing Strategy.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated May 2026, submitted)

Councillor Yvonne McNeilly left the meeting during 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 requesting endorsement of the Isle of Bute Business Improvement District Renewal Ballot BID Proposal and the Draft Business Plan 2026-2031, Live Bute, Love Bute, Visit Bute.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.     agreed the ballot request, the Isle of Bute Business Improvement District Renewal Ballot BID Proposal at Appendix 1 and the Isle of Bute BID Draft Business Plan 2026-2031, Live Bute, Love Bute, Visit Bute at Appendix 2;

 

2.     agreed to instruct the Returning Officer to conduct a ballot over 42 days in 2026 from 30^th July to Thursday 10^th September (the ballot day);  

 

3.     authorised the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth to cast the votes on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council in favour of the BID; 

 

4.     agreed that the Council would charge £9,445.48 (incl. VAT) per annum, to the Isle of Bute BID for administering the levy charge to businesses, with charges thereafter increased annually. The first increase would apply on 15th April 2027 and annually thereafter for the subsequent term of the BID; 

 

5.     agreed, if the Isle of Bute BID was successful in the ballot, that the Council would pay an estimated £12,400 per annum in levy contributions for council properties on the Isle of Bute; and

 

6.     noted that if the BID was successful in the renewal ballot, two representatives from the Council would be appointed to the Isle of Bute BID Board, one elected member to serve as a Board Director and one officer to attend Board meetings as a non-voting observer.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 1 May 2026, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report setting out a coordinated, place based policy approach to addressing Argyll and Bute’s declared Housing Emergency, while continuing to support a sustainable and resilient visitor economy.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed that the Council use the submitted paper as the basis for developing an engagement strategy which should contain clear and consistent messaging that articulates the reasoning behind these combined actions in order to:

 

1.     allow Elected Members, businesses and communities to understand the overarching strategy that is being promoted and the inter-dependent relationship between tourism and housing;

 

2.     ensure strategic messaging is coherent, consistent and clearly explained in plain language; and

 

3.     gather and evaluate the responses to the separate consultations in a manner that ensures the Council and stakeholders understand how these inter-relate in any final formulation of policy approaches adopted by the Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 26 May 2026, submitted)

 

 

Councillor Paul Kennedy 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 setting out reasons for considering the introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area (STLCA) in the Housing Market Areas of Mull and Iona; Coll and Tiree; Islay/Jura and Colonsay; and Lorn and the Inner Isles. The report set out the proposed approach for the operation of a STLCA and recommended consultation on an approach which sought to reduce the number of Secondary Let Short Term Lets.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed that –

 

1.     officers undertake a public consultation in compliance with the statutory requirements on:

 

a)    the proposed reasons for introducing a Short Term Let Control Area as set out in the submitted report;

 

b)    the proposal for introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area in the following Housing Market Areas: Mull and Iona; Coll and Tiree; Islay/Jura and Colonsay; and Lorn and the Inner Isles; and

 

c)     the proposed policy in paragraph 12.3 which would be used to determine planning applications for use of dwellings as Short Term Lets inside and outside the proposed Short Term Let Control Area; and

 

2.     officers report back to Council on the results of the public consultation with final recommendations.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated June 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Financial Services

The Council Tax premium on second homes was found to have delivered positive early outcomes, but future decisions regarding its use were acknowledged to involve complex trade-offs affecting housing, communities, and the local economy. The Council gave consideration to a report proposing public engagement which was expected to provide valuable insight into public views on these issues and to support a transparent, evidence-led approach to future policy development. The report advised that the engagement would form one part of a wider evidence base, alongside financial modelling, housing data, and benchmarking with other authorities.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    approved the proposed programme of public engagement on the future use of Council Tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties;

 

2.    agreed that the engagement would focus on policy principles rather than specific tax rates;

 

3.    agreed that the findings of the engagement would be reported back to Council to inform future policy decisions; and

 

4.    agreed the proposed timeline, with engagement to be undertaken over Summer 2026 and findings reported in November 2026 to support policy development.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance dated 11 May 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Council gave consideration to a report proposing the rationalisation of the library location on Tiree in a manner which created the potential to create residential worker accommodation immediately adjacent to the school in an operationally efficient location for the Education Service.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    approved an allocation of £40,000 from the Strategic Housing Fund to upgrade space at Tiree School for a new permanent library;

 

2.    approved an allocation of £15,000 from the Strategic Housing Fund for design works to progress with a proposal to convert the existing library building back into residential use for worker accommodation;

 

3.    approved for valuation work and due diligence to be carried out to develop a proposal to dispose of the existing schoolhouse at Balemartine for worker accommodation that is no longer fit for purpose; and

 

4.    noted that updates on these items will be brought back to future relevant Committees for Member information and approval.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 15 May 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

The Council gave consideration to a report advising the Housing Delivery Group had reviewed surplus sites in Lochgilphead, including the former Lochgilphead Primary School and Whitegates Offices, to assess their immediate housing potential. The report advised that officers had prioritised progressing their disposal to support regeneration and housing delivery, with authority delegated to the Executive Director for Commercial Services to proceed with this action.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    noted the content of the submitted report; and

 

2.    noted that former Primary School and Whitegates sites would be disposed of by sale to a Registered Social Landlord for residential development.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 26 May 2026, submitted)

Councillor Andrew Kain left the meeting during 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 a potential model for a Visitor Levy Scheme for Argyll and Bute complete with associated consultation questions for residents, visitors and businesses and draft impact assessments.

 

Motion

 

That Argyll and Bute Council:

 

1.     Considers and endorses the content of this paper and its appendices:

a)    Appendix 1: Revised proposed Visitor Levy Scheme.

b)    Appendix 2: Revised consultation questions for residents, visitors and businesses.

c)     Appendix 3: Revised draft impact assessments to be informed by the consultation exercise.

 

2.     Considers and approves that the revised proposed Visitor levy Scheme goes out to a formal 12-week consultation

 

Moved by Councillor Jan Brown, seconded by Councillor Ross Moreland.

 

Amendment

 

Argyll & Bute Council:

 

a)    Considers the content of this paper and its appendices:

·       Appendix 1: Revised proposed Visitor Levy Scheme.

·       Appendix 2: Revised consultation questions for residents, visitor and businesses.

·       Appendix 3: Revised draft impact assessments to be informed by the consultation exercise.

 

b)    Expresses strong opposition to the introduction of any Visitor Levy Scheme within Argyll and Bute, considering the negative economic and administrative impacts such a levy would have on the tourism industry, local businesses, and residents.

 

c)     Rejects the need for any further consultation on the Visitor Levy Scheme, deeming it an unnecessary expense and an undue burden on council resources.

 

d)    Instructs officers to discontinue any plans related to the preparation, consultation, or implementation of a Visitor Levy Scheme.

 

e)    Calls on the Council Leader to strongly advocate to the Scottish Government and other relevant authorities against imposing a Visitor Levy on local authorities, highlighting the potential harm to the tourism-dependent economy of Argyll and Bute.

 

f)      Agrees that no additional council resources or officer time should be allocated to developing or promoting a Visitor Levy Scheme.

 

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

 

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 John Armour               Councillor Garret Corner

Councillor Gordon Blair                Councillor Maurice Corry

Councillor Jan Brown                   Councillor Amanda Hampsey

Councillor Audrey Forrest            Councillor Daniel Hampsey

Councillor Kieron Green              Councillor Tommy MacPherson

Councillor Graham Hardie            Councillor Julie MacKenzie

Councillor Anne Horn                  Councillor Alastair Redman

Councillor Fiona Howard              Councillor Peter Wallace

Councillor Willie Hume

Councillor Mark Irvine

Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy

Councillor Jim Lynch

Councillor Luna Martin

Councillor Ian James MacQuire

Councillor Dougie McFadzean

Councillor Ross Moreland

Councillor Gary Mulvaney

Councillor William Sinclair

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 18 votes to 8 and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 2 June 2026, submitted)

The Council adjourned for a comfort break between 5.20pm and 5.30pm.

As had been previously agreed, the Council re-ordered the Business at this point and took items 21 and 22 of the Agenda, before the exclusion of the press and public for item 20 of the Agenda.

 

Council notes the financial pressures faced by residents on low incomes, including those in receipt of Benefits, particularly where they are required to meet unexpected household costs such as the replacement and uplift of essential household items.

Council recognises that the current uplift charge may, in some circumstances, present an additional hardship for households already experiencing financial difficulty.

Accordingly, Council agrees to request Roads and Amenity Services to review the issue, explore potential options for support or discretion in relation to uplift charges for Argyll and Bute residents who receive Benefits, consider the implications and practicalities of any such arrangements, benchmark approaches adopted by other local authorities and report back to the Environmental, Development and Infrastructure Committee with findings and recommendations.

 

Proposer :     Cllr Audrey Forrest

Seconder :     Cllr Luna Martin

 

 

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

 

Council notes the financial pressures faced by residents on low incomes, including those in receipt of Benefits, particularly where they are required to meet unexpected household costs such as the replacement and uplift of essential household items. Council recognises that the current uplift charge may, in some circumstances, present an additional hardship for households already experiencing financial difficulty. Accordingly, Council agrees to request Roads and Amenity Services to review the issue, explore potential options for support or discretion in relation to uplift charges for Argyll and Bute residents who receive Benefits, consider the implications and practicalities of any such arrangements, benchmark approaches adopted by other local authorities and report back to the Environmental, Development and Infrastructure Committee with findings and recommendations.

 

Proposed by Councillor Audrey Forrest, seconded by Councillor Luna Martin.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the terms of the Motion and resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference: Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 13, moved by Councillor Audrey Forrest, seconded by Councillor Luna Martin, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

A report providing detail on the minor revisions made by the Scottish Government and confirming that the revised Health and Social Care Integration Scheme had been approved was before the Council for noting.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted –

 

1.     that the Integration Scheme had been approved by the Scottish Government and that arrangements would now be put in place by the two partner bodies to publish the document; and

 

2.     that a similar report would also be tabled at the NHS Highland Board and the Integration Joint Board (IJB) to advise of the position.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 2 April 2026, submitted)

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 8 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

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

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update to the forecast Programme and Anticipated Final Cost (AFC) for completing the construction works under the Stage 2b/2c Contract.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the recommendations as set out within the submitted report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services and Section 95 Officer dated 16 June 2026, submitted)

E1       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.