ߣsirÊÓƵ

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Liz McCabe.

The Chair referred to a request received from Councillor Andrew Vennard under Standing Order 22.1 to speak and vote in relation to item 12 (Rural Growth Deal – Update on Detailed Design Costs) and item 18 (October 2023 Weather Event – Update) of the agenda. The Chair advised that as the matters dealt with at these items related to issues of a strategic nature across the wider Council area and did not relate to a particular issue affecting Councillor Vennard’s ward, he was unable to grant this request but advised that he could participate in any general discussion on those items.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Policy and Resources Committee held on 9 May 2024

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on Thursday 9 May 2024 were approved as a correct record.

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 June 2024.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     noted the revenue budget monitoring report as at 30 June 2024;

2.     noted the financial risks for 2024-25;

3.     noted the capital plan monitoring report as at 30 June 2024 and approved the proposed changes to the capital plan as outlined in Appendix 4 of that report;

4.     noted the treasury monitoring report as at 30 June 2024;

5.     noted the reserves and balances report as at 30 June 2024;

6.     noted that there were no revenue virements over £0.200m between April and June 2024; and

7.     agreed to recommend to Council that the revenue budget virement over £0.200m outstanding from 2023-24 be approved, per paragraph 2.6.3 of the submitted report.

(Reference: Report by Section 95 Officer dated 6 August 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 9 May 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 23 July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education and Customer Support ߣsirÊÓƵ

The Committee gave consideration to a report detailing the technical and security challenges and investment required to transform and modernise the education network to improve service delivery and implement the local and national education strategies for digital learning whilst mitigating increased cyber threats.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     noted the need for the Education Service to deliver service improvements in ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute and broaden available curriculum offerings across schools through digital learning provision; and noted that Option 2 would transform and modernise the education network to deliver the same level of security, equity and flexibility to education users as corporate network users;

2.     noted the increased security threats and business continuity risks to the education and corporate networks by retaining the education network in its present state;

3.     noted the optimum approach was a combined use of technologies which could not be considered in isolation, with associated ICT resources to deploy and maintain this more complex environment; and noted there was no scope to only implement certain aspects highlighted in the paper as all were interlinked;

4.     noted that a total of £81,500 had already been secured from the ICT capital programme for investment in the education network in 2024/25 and 2025/26, and that a further capital investment of £245,550 and annual revenue investment of £295,000 was required to fund option 2 in 2025-26 and 2026-27 rising to £348,000 from 2027-28 onwards; and noted this represented an overall saving in year 1 of £1,692,900 against option 1;

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5.     agreed the allocation of identified education earmarked reserves of £460,000 in addition to reallocation of an estimated £60,000 underspend from the school wifi improvement project fund, reducing the year 1 capital and revenue requirement to £20,550;

6.     agreed the annual revenue requirement for specialist software licensing of £180,000 in 2025-26 and 2026-27, rising to £233,000 from 2027-28 onwards, as a future cost pressure to the education service; and

7.     agreed the annual revenue requirement for additional engineering resource of £115,000 as a future cost and demand pressure for ICT; noting that any pay uplifts associated with the new posts would be included as part of the routine salary budget setting process.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education and Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support ߣsirÊÓƵ dated July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Financial ߣsirÊÓƵ

The Committee gave consideration to a report introducing an update to the Council’s Corporate Debt Recovery Policy.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee approved –

1.     the updated Corporate Debt Recovery Policy detailed at Appendix 1; and

2.     the Vulnerability and Hardship Protocol detailed at Appendix 2.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Financial ߣsirÊÓƵ dated 9 July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Committee gave consideration to a report outlining a proposed response to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee Call for Views as part of its Stage 2 Scrutiny of the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed –

1.     the draft response detailed at Appendix 1; and

2.     that officers arrange for the approved response to be submitted by the 30 August 2024 deadline.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 24 July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report seeking approval to redirect Crown Estates Funding previously approved for solar powered CCTV on the island airports of Coll and Colonsay, towards the purchase of a new fire appliance vehicle.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed to redirect the Crown Estates Funding previously awarded for the provision of solar powered CCTV at the island airports of Coll and Colonsay, towards the provision of a backup fire appliance vehicle, to meet Civil Aviation Regulations in the provision of fire cover at island licensed airports.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the progress of the ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan project / programme interventions that were being delivered across ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     noted the content of the submitted report and the progress made; and

2.     agreed that officers engage with the UK Government on the requirement for some clarity on future funding streams, such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in light of the recent change of the UK Government.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 1 August 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing a background to the Scottish Government Islands Programme funding and advising of the proposed projects which would form the basis of applications to the Scottish Government.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     noted the process for applying to the Islands Programme and Carbon Neutral Islands Capital Fund and the 30 August 2024 deadline for applications;

2.     approved the recommended projects which would be submitted to the call for applications as detailed at paragraph 4.7 and 4.10 of the submitted report; and

3.     agreed to delegate authority to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leaders and the Leader of the largest Opposition Group, to approve the funding bids prior to submission to the Scottish Government and to manage the funding should the applications be successful.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 15 July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an overview of the proposed arrangements for the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund in 2024/25.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     noted the funding announced by the Scottish Government for 2024/25 financial year for Local Authorities with responsibilities for islands; and

2.     agreed that arrangements for the fund are the same as those initiatives agreed for 2023/24 and detailed in Table 1 of the submitted report to ensure that the support reaches communities as quickly and effectively as possible.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated August 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Rural Growth Deal which would deliver £50M of investment from the Scottish and UK Governments for projects that would be a driver for inclusive and transformational growth across the area.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     noted that a revised date for Full Deal Signing would be arranged once a new UK Government was formed;

2.     approved a further drawdown of funding from the Inward Investment Fund (up to £150k), noting that similar to previous arrangements, funds would only be drawn down subject to the Chief Executive and two Executive Directors of the Council being satisfied that the monies were for the purpose of delivering the Rural Growth Deal; noting that any further funding required in excess of the approved value would require further approval from the Policy and Resources Committee; and

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3.     approved spend of up to £250k to support the next stage of project development for Kintyre Seasports, including Detailed Design works.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated June 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support ߣsirÊÓƵ

The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting a new Data Strategy and Action Plan for 2024-2028 which would sit alongside the Council’s existing ICT and Digital Strategy for 2021-2024 and its forthcoming update for 2025-2028.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     endorsed the new Data Strategy and Action Plan for 2024-28, attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report; and

2.     recognised the value and importance of data for decision making.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support ߣsirÊÓƵ dated 15 August 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ

The Committee gave consideration to a report advising on the operation of the processes in regard to Asset Transfer Requests and Participation Requests in terms of the Community Empowerment Act 2015 and updates on Asset Transfer Requests, Expressions of Interest and Participation Requests to date.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee noted the content of the submitted report.

(Reference:Ìý Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ dated 5 July 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ

The Committee gave consideration to a report highlighting the Council annual carbon emissions for the period 2022/23.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee noted –

1.     the publication of the Council’s 2022/23 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report, confirming a 6% decrease in emissions reported for the year, noting that the Council’s carbon footprint reduced by 1,705 tCO₂e, from 28,217 tCO₂e in 2021/22 to 26,512 tCO₂e in 2022/23; and

2.     the Full Decarbonisation Tracker update attached at Appendix A to the submitted report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ dated 15 August 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing various updates in respect of the Council’s activities in relation to climate change.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     agreed the proposal to vary / redistribute existing funding amounts allocated to three funding activities via the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund based on subscription and feedback from our schools;

2.     noted the Council’s Officer-led response submitted to the Scottish Government’s draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 public consultation; and

3.     agreed to implement the Sustainable Scotland Network’s Leaders’ Climate Emergency Checklist to support the Council’s assessment and development of climate change capabilities, in line with SSN Guidance.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ dated 15 August 2024, submitted)

Recommendation from Planning, Protective ߣsirÊÓƵ and Licensing Committee held on 22 May 2024

The Committee gave consideration to a recommendation from the meeting of the Planning, Protective ߣsirÊÓƵ and Licensing Committee of 22 May 2024 in relation to the proposed closure of the Scottish Government Simplified Planning Zones Pilot Project.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed to the closure of the Scottish Government Simplified Planning Zones Pilot Project and to the return of unspent monies to the Scottish Government.

(Reference: Recommendation from Planning, Protective ߣsirÊÓƵ and Licensing Committee of 22 May 2024; and report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 7 February 2024, submitted)

The Chair advised that in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, Appendix A relating to the following item of business would require the exclusion of the press and public should any Member wish to discuss the content of those appendices on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the works that had been undertaken and completed and those that were ongoing in relation to the extreme weather event which occurred on the weekend of 7 October 2023.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.     acknowledged the sheer scale and severity of the impact on local infrastructure during the storms of October 2023 and recognised the complexity and speed of the response delivered by the Council at pace to restore vital routes and reinstate access to cut-off communities;

2.     noted the updates on works undertaken, completed and ongoing;

3.     noted the revised forecast overspend of £3.853m that was currently unfunded;

4.     agreed that the roads reconstruction schemes should continue and the overspend be funded as follows:

*It being noted that the Crown Estate Funding for 2024-25 had not been confirmed as yet and therefore requested the Section 95 Officer to advise Members by the end of the calendar year if funding had not been confirmed by that time or if funding confirmed was insufficient (further noting that £0.500m had already been confirmed as part of the 2024-25 budget).

**It being noted that much of the overspend was revenue in nature and that the Council could not borrow for revenue expenditure.Ìý Further noting that the funding created from the additional borrowing would be substituted towards capital programme expenditure that was originally being funded by earmarked reserves and those earmarked reserves used for the weather related revenue expenditure.Ìý The cost to borrow was estimated to be £130k and £50k could be used from the loans fund revenue set aside for street lighting, leaving a net cost pressure of £80k that should be built into future years budget estimates.ÌýÌý

5.     recognised that local authorities require additional support to cope with increasingly challenging and unforeseen impacts of severe weather and climate change, especially for ߣsirÊÓƵ and Bute whose rural and island communities absolutely depend upon reliable lifeline routes and infrastructure, and therefore agreed to lobby for both the funding that was needed now, and effective forward/longer term planning which addresses the need to maintain and safeguard infrastructure resilience as a key contributor to growing, thriving local and national economies.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure dated 5 August 2024, submitted; and Motion By Councillor Jim Lynch and seconded by Councillor Gary Mulvaney, tabled)

The Committee 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 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Helensburgh Waterfront Development Commercial Area and the selection of a preferred developer.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee agreed the recommendations as per the submitted report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial ߣsirÊÓƵ dated 23 July 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 15 August 2024.

(Reference: Policy and Resources Committee Workplan dated 15 August 2024, submitted)

E1ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Paragraph 6Ìý Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).

Paragraph 9Ìý 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.

E2ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Paragraph 6Ìý Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).