Decisions

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing a brief summary of the progress with Argyll and Bute Council’s Scottish Government Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency Framework project (NDEEF1) which was delivering a range of energy efficient projects at 12 Council properties.  The delivery of the project had been instrumental in reducing energy costs and had made a significant contribution to the Council meeting Climate Change Carbon Reduction Targets.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the progress made to date on the NDEEF project completing 47no. out of 50no projects so far; and

2.    noted the climate change projects outlined at Section 4 of the submitted report that would be developed in 2023 onwards and would form NDEEF Project 2 that would commit a further £1.5m into projects relating to energy efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing efficiency.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 5 April 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update to two important projects being undertaken by the Climate Change Board to help to get domestic properties to be more heat efficient and also setting out a wider heat and energy efficiency strategy.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the emerging requirements to develop a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES); and

2.    commended and agreed to promote the successful installation of over £3.4m worth of property upgrades in the region to make homes more heat efficient through working in partnership with Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) and other partners.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 5 April 2023, submitted)

The Policy and Resources Committee work plan was before the committee for noting.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee noted the content of the work plan.

(Reference:  Policy and Resources Committee work plan as at May 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to a report highlighting the Council’s overall emissions for the most recent period 2021/22 and confirming that the Council’s emissions were 28% down since records began. The report also advised that the Council had achieved the nationally recognised Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation Award.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the publication of the Council’s 2021/22 carbon emissions report that confirmed a small 6% increase in emissions reported for the year, but that carbon dioxide emissions had still reduced by 28.4% in the past 7 years; and

2.    commended and agreed to promote the Council achievement of the Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) accolade noting that further training will be rolled out for staff, Councillors and Communities via ACT and Council.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 5 April 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing the latest update to the Council’s Decarbonisation Plan Tracker.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee noted the updated Decarbonisation Plan Tracker.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 5 April 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to a report raising awareness of, and outlining the implications for Argyll and Bute as a result of the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme which had been due to come into effect on 16 August 2023, but had been delayed for 7 months to March 2024. The deposit return scheme would require everyone who purchased a glass or plastic bottle, or drinks can to pay a 20p deposit which would be redeemable at a point of purchase when they returned their empty bottle or can.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the content of the report and endorsed the work of officers across the Council to implement the Deposit Return Scheme;

2.    agreed that officers should continue to highlight the concerns of businesses and the potential negative impacts on matters such as Free School Meals to the Scottish Government seeking greater clarity and response on operational matters;

3.    agreed that the Policy Lead for Climate Change and Environment Services be authorised to make representations to the Scottish Government on behalf of the Council; and

4.    noted that the Scottish First Minister announced on 18th April 2023 that the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) would no longer launch this August, with a seven month delay and new implementation date of March 2024 to allow de-risking and operational issues to be addressed.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 4 April 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an overview of the emerging public sector reform and associated legislation that was likely to result in fundamental changes to how public services were delivered and, equally important, how decisions around public services were made.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed that –

1.    there be further exploration of the option for a Single Authority Model for Argyll and Bute; and

2.    exploratory discussions with the Scottish Government be commenced and that the Chief Executive seek inclusion in the Single Island Authority meetings already in train.

(Reference:  Report by Chief Executive dated 6 April 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the budget approach for 2024-25 and providing a high level draft budget timetable.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed –

1.    the 2024-25 budget approach as set out in the submitted report; and

2.    the creation of a Budget Working Group as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report.

(Reference:  Report by Section 95 Officer dated 21 April 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the further call for applications in respect of Round 5 – 2023/24 (referred to as Round 5.2) of the Council’s Strategic Events and Festivals Fund (SEF). The report provided details of the applications submitted and recommendations regarding all eligible applications put forward to receive grant funding.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    agreed to the award of eligible SEF Round 5.2 grants amounting to £48,371 as detailed in Table 1 of the submitted report;

2.    agreed that any SEF grant offer only be formally issued upon confirmation from the individual event organisation that the event is formally confirmed and is definitely going ahead and still meets the SEF Round 5 criteria.  These grants were detailed in Appendix 1, Table 1 of the submitted report;

3.    agreed to continue delegation of powers to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth to allow any subsequent amendment to existing grant requests to be made brought about as a consequence of changes to the event/event budget. Any amendment to a current grant request/offer would only be considered if the amendment related to either the same level or a reduction in the request from and constitute up to 75% of legitimate and eligible expenditure; and

4.    noted that £14,204 would be left to be earmarked towards a future SEF round as previously agreed by Committee in February 2022.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 25 April 2023, submitted)

As part of the equalities duties set out in the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), the Council, Education Authority and Licensing Board are required to report on their equalities mainstreaming activities every 2 years. The Committee gave consideration to the Equality Mainstreaming Report for the period 2021-2023.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    approved the Equality Mainstreaming Report; and

2.    noted the findings of the Equal Pay Audit, which had been carried out as part of duties under equality legislation.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated 6 April 2023, submitted)

Councillor Fiona Howard declared a non-financial interest in item 8 of the agenda (Strategic Events and Festivals Fund – Round 5.2 2023/2024) due to her appointment as a trustee to the Helensburgh Winter Festival.  She advised that she would leave the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business.

Councillor Dougie Philand noted a connection in relation to item 11 of the agenda (Kilmartin Museum – Request for Funding) due to him being one of the local members for that Ward and advised that he would leave the meeting during the consideration of this item of business.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 16 February 2023 were approved as a correct record.

The Committee gave consideration to a report summarising the budget outlook covering the period 2024-25 to 2028-29, taking into consideration the decisions made at the Council Budget Meeting on 23 February 2023. This was the first outlook of the financial year which rolled forward previous estimates as well as updating some estimates, and also extending the budget outlook to 2028-29.  The assumptions would continue to be updated as the year progressed.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee noted the current estimated budget outlook position for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29.

(Reference:  Report by Section 95 Officer dated 21 April 2023, submitted)

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

The following Motion proposed by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess was before the Council for consideration –

Disposable single use vapes represent a significant danger to both the environment and also the health of our young people.

At least 1.3 million disposable vapes are binned every week in the U.K. The improper disposable of these is not only a squandering of valuable recyclable materials but can also lead to potential damage of council and private facilities.

16% of young people say they have used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days (The Annual report of the Director of Public Health NHS Highland) and according to research by ASH (action on smoking and health) Vaping among the 11-17 year old age group doubled over the last year with this increase in use likely driven by the growth in cheap, disposable single use vapes, this represents a significant risk to the health of our young people especially as the long term effects of these products remains unknown.

Argyll and Bute council therefore calls on the Scottish Government to use its existing powers to implement a ban on single use disposable vapes as soon as practicably possible.

Moved by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess.

Decision

The Council agreed the terms of the Motion and the Motion was carried.

(Reference: Notice of Motion by Councillor Ross Moreland, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, submitted)

A report providing an update on the outcome of the Dunoon BID Ballot held on Thursday 2 March 2023, and advising of the appointment of Councillor Ross Moreland to the Dunoon BID Board, was before the Council for noting.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the outcome in regard to the Dunoon BID Ballot; and

2.    noted that Councillor Ross Moreland was appointed by the Council to the Dunoon BID Board and would attend meetings during the Third Term, 2023-2028.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated March 2023, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Political Composition of the Council.  The report also advised of the requirement to appoint a member to the Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee having regard to the requirement for political balance.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the updated Political Composition of the Council as set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report; and

2.    agreed to appoint Councillor Gordon Blair to fill the vacancy on the Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee (PPSL).

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 31 March 2023, submitted)

The following Motion proposed by Councillor Tommy Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Alistair Redman, was before the Council for consideration –

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla takes place on Saturday 6^th May 2023, following the King’s Accession to the throne on 8^th September 2022 upon the sad passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Coronation itself precedes a weekend of celebration across the nation, with a particular focus on community and volunteering, culminating in The Big Help Out on Monday 8^th May – a national day of volunteering and service to the community. This theme is in line with the King’s particular wishes for a meaningful and lasting legacy which makes a difference to local life, and in recognition of His own personal dedication to public service.

Argyll and Bute Council therefore:

1. Welcomes the work being carried out by communities around Argyll and Bute who are arranging celebratory events of all kinds to mark the Coronation, and who are planning to make their own very significant contributions to the national Big Help Out at a local level;

2. Acknowledges, on this historic occasion, the tremendous dedication and commitment of Argyll and Bute’s volunteers and local groups, which makes a difference all year round, and thanks them for their ongoing contributions to community life; and

3. Sends its congratulations and best wishes to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the occasion of His Coronation on Saturday 6^th May 2023, and agree that the Provost write to the King expressing these sentiments on behalf of the Council and the communities of Argyll and Bute.

Moved by Councillor Tommy Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Alistair Redman.

Decision

The Council agreed the terms of the Motion and the Motion was carried.

(Reference: Notice of Motion under Standing Order 13 by Councillor Tommy Macpherson, seconded by Councillor Alistair Redman, Submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report detailing the current Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) process in place within Argyll and Bute Council and advising that Scottish Ministers had agreed to an increase to Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fees to £80 (£40 if paid within 14 days) Lower and £100 (£50 if paid within 14 days) Higher fee dependent on what the Local Authority considered appropriate.

Decision

The Council agreed the Higher Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which was set at £100, but reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, was adopted with immediate effect.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated March 2023, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on key areas of activity for each Policy Lead Councillor with an aim to providing updates from all Policy Leads as regularly as possible, so that all Members were informed, up-to-date and able to engage with current issues.

Decision

The Council noted the content of the submitted report.

(Reference:  Report by Policy Lead Councillors dated 14 April 2023, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to the Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2022.  The theme of the report was prevention of ill health and contained recommendations for action for both NHS Highland and for partners.

Decision

The Council –

1.    noted the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2022; and

2.    supported the recommendations contained within the submitted report.

(Reference:  Report by Director of Public Health dated 27 April 2023, submitted)

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the activities of the Council Leader, Councillor Robin Currie, for the period 11 November 2022 to 10 April 2023.  The report also included notes on activities relating to the Leader’s Policy Lead portfolio of Strategic Development.

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, and noted that some confidential reports provided by external organisations such as COSLA could be restricted.

(Reference:  Report by Leader of the Council dated 12 April 2023, submitted)

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 9 March 2023 were noted.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 2 March 2023 were noted.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 23 February 2023 were approved as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mark Irvine and Iain Shonny Paterson.