Issue - decisions

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)