Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mark Irvine, Jim Lynch, Luna Martin and Yvonne McNeilly.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Policy and Resources Committee held on 15 August 2024

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on Thursday 15 August 2024 were approved as a correct record.

The Chief Executive welcomed the Interim Head of Financial Services, Carolyn Earl, to her first meeting.

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing a summary of the financial monitoring reports as at the end of August 2024.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the revenue budget monitoring report as at 31 August 2024;

2.    noted the financial risks for 2024-25;

3.    noted the capital plan monitoring report as at 31 August 2024 and approved the proposed changes to the capital plan outlined in Appendix 4 of that report;

4.    noted the treasury monitoring report as at 31 August 2024;

5.    noted the reserves and balances report as at 31 August 2024;

6.    agreed to recommend to Council that the revenue virements over £0.200m during July and August 2024 be approved; and

7.    noted the commitments/drawdowns from the Strathclyde Pension Fund gain Transformation/Spend to Save projects earmarking.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 6 September 2024, submitted)

Report by Section 95 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update to the budget outlook covering the period 2025-26 to 2029-30 as reported to the Policy and Resources Committee on 15 August 2024.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee noted the current estimated budget outlook position for the period 2025-26 to 2029-30.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 27 September 2024, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the development of alternative governance models, such as a Single Authority Model (SAM).

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the updates regarding the ongoing work in respect of a SAM, as set out at paragraphs 4.3 and 4.4 of the report; and

2.    noted that further progress reports would be prepared for future meetings of the Committee.

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

Report by Chief Executive

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update to the progress of the Annual Business Plan 2023 – 2024.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the progress made against the outcomes specified in the 2023 – 2024 Annual Business Plan; and

2.    noted that a revised Corporate Plan and associated Annual Business Plan would be created following decisions by the Council in regard to priorities.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 3 September 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report detailing the draft Council Communication Strategy.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee approved the draft Council Communication Strategy.

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

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report outlining the steps which have been taken to develop a new British Sign Language plan, and detailing the proposed new plan.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee approved the Argyll and Bute Council British Sign Language Plan 2024-2030.

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

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

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the development of Oban Airport Business Park.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the project update relating to Oban Airport Business Park; and

2.    noted that another update report including the Full Business Case would be reported back to Members for consideration in December 2024.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services and Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 11 September 2024, submitted)

The Policy and Resources Committee Workplan was before the Committee for noting.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee noted the content of the Workplan as at 10 October 2024.

(Reference: Policy and Resources Committee Workplan dated 10 October 2024, submitted)