East Renfrewshire Neighbourhood Watch - Forum

Subject: CABINET COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday 27 March 2025 at 10.00am. - by: RM64

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:41:30 +0000

Department of Business Operations and Partnerships
Director: Louise Pringle
Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, G46 6UG
Phone: 0141 577 3000
website: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Date: 18 March 2025
When calling please ask for: John Burke (Tel: 0141 577 3026)
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TO: Councillors O O’Donnell (Chair); A Anderson (Vice Chair); D Devlin; and K Pragnell.

CABINET
A meeting of Cabinet will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters,
Eastwood Park, Giffnock, G46 6UG on

Thursday 27 March 2025 at 10.00am.

The agenda of business is as listed below.
Yours faithfully
Louise Pringle
LOUISE PRINGLE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

AGENDA
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda.

3. ESTIMATED REVENUE BUDGET OUTTURN 2024-2025
Report by Head of Finance (copy attached, pages 3 - 42)

4. TRADING UNDER BEST VALUE
Report by Head of Finance (copy attached, pages 43 - 52)

5. DEBT MANAGEMENT FOR SCHOOL MEALS
Report by Director of Education (copy attached, pages 53 - 56)

6. UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND 2025-2026
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 57 - 72)

7. NO ONE LEFT BEHIND
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 73 - 84)

8. ROADS SERVICE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME 2025-2026
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 85 - 98)

For information on how to access the virtual meeting, please e-mail:-
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A recording of the Council meeting will also be available following the meeting on the
Council’s YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/user/eastrenfrewshire/videos

This document can be explained to you in other languages and can be
provided in alternative formats such as large print and Braille. For further
information, please contact Customer First on 0141 577 3001 or email

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can read Reports/Papers on Council webpage here -

www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/cabinet-270325

Subject: Audit & Scrutiny Committee Meeting - Thursday, 27 March 2025 at 2.00pm. - by: RM64

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:35:38 +0000

Business Operations and Partnerships Department
Director of Business Operations & Partnerships: Louise Pringle
Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, G46 6UG
Phone: 0141 577 3000
website: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Date: 18 March 2025
When calling please ask for: Linda Hutchison (Tel. No 0141 577 8388)
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TO: Councillor Andrew Morrison (Chair), Tony Buchanan (Vice-Chair), Provost Mary
Montague and Councillors Paul Edlin, Annette Ireland, David Macdonald and Gordon
Wallace.

MEETING OF AUDIT AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee will be held in the Council Chamber,
Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Giffnock, G46 6UG on

Thursday, 27 March 2025 at 2.00pm.

The agenda of business is as listed below.

Yours faithfully
Louise Pringle
LOUISE PRINGLE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
AGENDA
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda.

3. CHAIR’S REPORT

4. INTERIM TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2024/25 – QUARTER 4
Report by Head of Finance (copy attached, pages 3 - 18).

5. REVIEW OF STRATEGIC RISK REGISTER – BIANNUAL REPORT
Report by Chief Executive (copy attached, pages 19 - 38).

6. EAST RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL – PROVISIONAL ANNUAL EXTERNAL AUDIT PLAN FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Report by External Auditor (copy attached, pages 39 - 90).

7. INTERNAL AUDIT STRATEGIC PLAN 2025/26– 2029/30
Report by Chief Auditor (copy attached, pages 91 - 102).

A recording of the Committee meeting will be available following the meeting on the
Council’s YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/user/eastrenfrewshire/videos

This document can be explained to you in other languages and can be provided
in alternative formats such as large print and Braille. For further information,
please contact Customer First on 0141 577 3001 or email

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can read Reports/Papers on Council webpage here -

www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/audit-and-scrutiny-committee-270325

Subject: EAST RENFREWSHIRE INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD MEETING - Wednesday 26 March 2025 at 11.00 a.m. - by: RM64

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:30:37 +0000

EAST RENFREWSHIRE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP

Date: 14 March 2025
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 0141 577 3023

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE EAST RENFREWSHIRE INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD

Dear Colleague
EAST RENFREWSHIRE INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD
HYBRID MEETING – WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

You are requested to attend a meeting of the East Renfrewshire Integration Joint
Board which will be held on

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 11.00 a.m.

in the Council Chamber, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG.

As this is a hybrid meeting, Board Members can attend in person or via Microsoft
Teams. The agenda of business is attached.

Yours faithfully
Councillor Katie Pragnell
Councillor Katie Pragnell
Chair, East Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board
Enc.

ACCESSING THE INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD MEETING AND ALTERNATIVE
FORMATS OF MEETING PAPERS

For information on how to access the virtual meeting please email

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This document can be explained to you in other languages and can be provided in
alternative formats such as large print and Braille. For further information, please
contact Customer First on 0141 577 3001 or email

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

EAST RENFREWSHIRE INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD

Wednesday 26 March 2025 at 11.00 a.m.

in East Renfrewshire Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock or via Microsoft Teams

AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence.
2. Declarations of Interest.

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 29 January 2025 (copy attached, pages 5 – 10).

4. Matters Arising (copy attached, pages 11 – 14).

5. Rolling Action Log (copy attached, pages 15 – 16).

6. Revenue Budget 2025/26 (copy attached, pages 17 – 34).

7. Revenue Budget Monitoring Report (copy attached, pages 35 – 56).

8. The Promise 5 th Anniversary Progress Report (copy attached, pages 57 – 80).

9. HSCP Strategic Plan 2025 – 2028 (copy attached, pages 81 – 136).

10. Public Sector Equality Duty Update (copy attached, pages 137 - 142).

11. Update on Greenlaw Medical Practice and Pollokshields Medical Practice
(copy attached, pages 143 - 148).

12. Presentation: Discharge without Delay – Position Update

13. Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 (HCSSA) Implementation,
Assurance and Reporting (copy attached, pages 149 - 164).

14. Appointment of Chief Officer (copy attached, pages 165 - 168).

15. Date of Next Meeting Wednesday 26 June 2025 at 11:00am

++++

DESPITE REPEATED REQUESTS THE BOARD HAS TAKEN A DECISION NOT TO RECORD THESE MEETINGS

++++

You can read Reports/Papers on Council webpage here -

www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/Integration-Joint-Board-260325

Subject: Audit & Scrutiny Response - Chair apparently taking £5,341 for chairing only 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024 - Remuneration Abuse? - by: RM64

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:05:07 +0000

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Cc: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Tuesday, March 11th 2025, 18:25
Subject: Apparent Abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration

To: Chair Audit & Scrutiny Committee Cllr Andrew Morrison and

Committee Members Cllr Tony Buchanan (Vice-Chair), Provost Mary Montague, Councillors Paul Edlin, Annette Ireland, David Macdonald, Gordon Wallace.

Cc: Chief Auditor Michelle Blair

Dear Chair and Committee Members

I would request that you raise this matter at the next Audit & Scrutiny Committee Meeting and investigate why East Renfrewshire Council Tax Payers are being denied access to The Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council by Council Officials.

It is a serious matter to deny access to the Chief Auditor to investigate transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

I really must protest in the strongest terms that on a matter where

a Councillor Committee Chair has apparently taken money for only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and apparently taking the full remuneration (apparently £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) and apparently taking this money for work they have not carried out,

that Council Officials have overturned Cllr Wallace's instruction to contact the Chief Auditor and denied access to the Chief Auditor to investigate transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Committee Member Cllr wallace has stated that he has responsibility -

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... '

- I wrote to the Chief auditor (16/2/2025) attached below on the instruction of Cllr Gordon Wallace.

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

Council Leader Cllr Owen O'Donnell also instructed that the Chief Auditor be contacted

'...it is an option for you to put your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Heaquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email:...'

I received this email (with no signature/name) denying me access to the Chief Auditor -
------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, February 21st 2025, 15:59
Subject: Chairing/Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees

OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE

Further to your e-mail of 16th February to Michelle Blair regarding the above issue, I write to advise that officers are of the view that you have already received a comprehensive response from the Leader of the Council in relation to this matter. As such, the Council does not intend to respond to any further requests from you for information on this topic .

Yours faithfully,
Legal Services

The Leader of the Council Cllr Owen O'Donnell did not address the issue of this apparent Senior Councillor Remuneration Abuse.

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees has only chaired 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

Only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and apparently taking the full remuneration (apparently £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) and apparently taking this money for work they have not carried out, would appear to be a serious abuse of the system.

Again,

I really must protest in the strongest terms that on a matter where

a Councillor Committee Chair has apparently taken money for only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and apparently taking the full remuneration (apparently £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) and apparently taking this money for work they have not carried out,

that Council Officials have overturned Cllr Wallace's instruction to contact the Chief Auditor and denied access to the Chief Auditor to investigate transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

It is a serious matter to deny access to the Chief Auditor to investigate transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

I would request that you raise this matter at the next Audit & Scrutiny Committee Meeting and investigate why East Renfrewshire Council Tax Payers are being denied access to The Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council by Council Officials.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Sunday, February 16th 2025, 10:10
Subject: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Apparent abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration

To: Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council

Dear Michelle

Please read below email (February 11th 2025, 07:21) from Cllr Gordon Wallace instructing me to write to you, and my reply (February 11th 2025, 10:58) below(to which he did not give response).

Would appreciate if you will give details of your involvement in these matters(apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration system), if they are referred to you.

Did you tell Cllr Wallace when he says

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

that you as Chief Auditor, East Renfreshire Council are the person to deal with this matter?

What investigations do you carry out?
What is considered an abuse?
Who do you contact for information?
What powers of investigation do you have to investigate if a case of apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration is made known to you?
What powers/penalties/sanctions do you have if remuneration has been abused?

It is my understanding -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

Can you request Elected Members bring forward such a motion to remove a Senior Councillor from their role ?

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees has only chaired 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

Only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking the full remuneration (including £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) would appear to be a serious abuse of the system.

Cllr wallace has also stated that he has responsibility -

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... '

What responsibility do you and Cllr Wallace have regarding investigating/applying sanctions in this matter?

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Subject: Council Leader Owen O'Donnell Response - Chair apparently taking £5,341 for chairing only 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024 - Remuneration Abuse? - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:29:24 +0000

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, November 15th 2024, 10:00
Subject: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees/Senior Council Salary of £25,128 as compared to basic salary of £20,099

Dear Council Leader Cllr Owen O'Donnell

Senior Councillors with special responsibilities payments of currently £25,128 as compared to basic salary of currently £20,099

The current Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair was appointed Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair in May 2022.

As a result, the current Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair was appointed a Senior Councillor and takes payment currently £25,128 as compared to basic salary of currently £20,099.

There have been 18 Planning Application Meetings and 15 Local Review Body(LRB) meetings since May 2022.

The Current Chair has Chaired 6 of 18 of these Planning Application Meetings and 2 of 15 of these Local Review Body meetings.

However,it appears the current Chair Planning Applications/LRB Committee continues to be classed as a Senior Councillor taking the renumeration of currently £25,128 as compared to basic salary of currently £20,099.

EAST RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL - 1 MARCH 2023 - Report by Director of Business Operations and Partnerships
SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2022/23

'EAST RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024

Basic Salary
Each Member of the Council will receive a basic salary of £20,099 per annum.

Senior Councillors
In terms of the 2007 Regulations the Council has resolved to pay Senior Councillor Salaries to Members with special responsibilities.

The remuneration paid to senior councillors currently stands at £25,128.'

POST - ANNUAL SALARY
Leader of the Council - £33,503
Provost - £25,128
Deputy Provost - £25,128
Convener for Education, Equalities, Culture and Leisure - £25,128
Convener for Environment and Housing - £25,128
Chair of Audit and Scrutiny Committee - £25,128
Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB - £25,128
Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB - £25,128
Chair of Licensing Committee - £25,128

It will be noted that at Agenda Item 19 at Full Council Meeting of 3 March 2022 the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB was not included -

EAST RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL - 3 MARCH 2022 - Report by Director of Business Operations and Partnerships
SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2022/23

POST/ANNUAL SALARY
Leader of the Council £32,622
Provost £24,467
Deputy Provost £24,467
Convener for Community Services and Community Safety £24,467
Convener for Education and Equalities £24,467
Convener for Environment £24,467
Convener for Housing and Maintenance Services £24,467
Chair of Audit and Scrutiny Committee £24,467
Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB £24,467
Chair of Licensing Committee £24,467

The scheme states - 'If a Member leaves office as a Councillor or ceases to be entitled to a Senior Councillor Salary, ...'

Under what circumstances/reasons can a Councillor cease to be entitled to a Senior Councillor Salary ?

How/Where/When was it decided to include the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

Who added the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

Why was the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB included as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

When was the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB included as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

When did the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB actually first get paid as as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

The current Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair was appointed Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair in May 2022.

There have been 18 Planning Application Meetings and 15 Local Review Body(LRB) meetings from since May 2022.

Would appreciate if you would give the reasons why the current Chair is still Chair when they have only Chaired 6 of these 18 Planning Application meetings and 2 of these Local Review Body Meetings.

Would appreciate if you would give the reasons why the current Chair has and would appear to be classed as a Senior Councillor with the renumeration paid of £25,128 when they have only Chaired 6 of these 18 Planning Application meetings and 2 of these 15 Local Review Body Meetings.

Would appreciate if you would say when non chairing of meetings by a Senior Councillor, who is a Committee Chair taking the renumeration of £25,128, would be investigated as a case of fraud.

From the available information below taken from Council webpages.

The Current Chair has Chaired 6 of 18 Planning Application Meetings and 2 of 15 Local Review Body meetings.

15 June 2022 - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair - LRB - Meeting Cancelled

10 August 2022 - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair - LRB - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair

24 August 2022 - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair

14 September 2022 - Councillor McLean in the Chair - LRB - Councillor McLean in the Chair

20 September 2022 - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair

(12 October 2022 LRB Cancelled)

9 November 2022 - Councillor McLean in the Chair - LRB - Councillor McLean in the Chair

7 December 2022 - Councillor Edlin in the Chair - LRB - Councillor Edlin in the Chair

30 January 2023 - Provost Mary Montague in the Chair ? (No miniutes on Council webpage - From recording Provost Mary Montague in the Chair )

15 February 2022 - Councillor McLean in the Chair - (No miniutes on Council webpage - From recording Councillor McLean in the Chair ) - LRB From recording Councillor McLean in the Chair

5 April 2022 - Councillor Edlin in the Chair - LRB - Councillor Edlin in the Chair

7 June 2023 - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair - LRB - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair

(9 August 2023 - LRB - Councillor Morrison in the Chair)

4 October 2023 - Councillor Lunday in the Chair - LRB - Councillor Lunday in the Chair

29 November 2023 - Councillor Cunningham in the Chair - LRB - Cancelled

14 February 2024 - Councillor McLean in the Chair - LRB - Councillor McLean in the Chair

14 March 2024 - Councillor McLean in the Chair (No mniutes on Council webpage - From recording Councillor McLean in the Chair )

3 April 2024 - Councillor McLean in the Chair - LRB - Councillor McLean in the Chair

(5 June 2024 - LRB - Councillor McLean in the Chair)

(7 August 2024 - LRB - Councillor Ireland in the Chair)

2 October 2024 - Councillor McLean in the Chair (No minutes on Council webpage - From recording Councillor McLean in the Chair ) - LRB - Councillor McLean in the Chair

31 October 2024 - Councillor McLean in the Chair (From recording Councillor McLean in the Chair )

Again, your help in giving this requested information will be appreciated.

Under what circumstances/reasons can a Councillor cease to be entitled to a Senior Councillor Salary ?

How/Where/When was it decided to include the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

Who added the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

Why was the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB included as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

When was the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB included as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

When did the Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB actually first get paid as as a Senior Councillor in SCHEME FOR MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2023/2024 ?

Would appreciate if you would give the reasons why the current Chair is still Chair when they have only Chaired 6 of these 18 Planning Application meetings and 2 of these Local Review Body Meetings.

Would appreciate if you would give the reasons why the current Chair has and would appear to be classed as a Senior Councillor with the renumeration paid of £25,128 when they have only Chaired 6 of these 18 Planning Application meetings and 2 of these 15 Local Review Body Meetings.

Would appreciate if you would say when non chairing of meetings by a Senior Councillor, taking the renumeration of £25,128, would be investigated as a case of fraud.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Subject: Chair apparently taking £5,341 for chairing only 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024 - Council Staff/Councillors join together to stop questions being asked - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:45:15 +0000

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Thursday, February 20th 2025, 15:19
Subject: Unacceptable Actions Policy
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL

I am writing as it has come to my attention that you have submitted a considerable number of requests to officers of the Council and Elected Members seeking information on Senior Councillor payments/Chairing of meetings.

The Leader of the Council responded on this matter on 26 November 2024 and further advised on 9 December 2024 that there was nothing further to add.

The Council’s Unacceptable Actions policy identifies unacceptable actions under three broad headings:

Aggressive or abusive behaviour
Unreasonable demands
Unreasonable level of contact

In line with this policy I would advise you that East Renfrewshire Council considers your level of contact to be unreasonable.

The matter has been responded to and you continue to email officers and Elected Members of the Council.

This is not the first matter that you have taken this approach with when contacting the council and this is starting to have a negative impact on our work and take up an excessive amount of time to the disadvantage of other customers and functions.

I would advise you that your repeated requests for information are in danger of becoming vexatious under the Council’s Unacceptable Actions policy which will be invoked unless you desist this practice.

Please find included a copy of the Council’s Unacceptable Actions policy for your information.

Your sincerely,

Sharon
Sharon Dick
Head of HR and Corporate Services
Department of Business Operations & Partnerships

Please note - If I am sending this email out of hours, I don’t expect you to read, respond or action it out of your own regular hours.

East Renfrewshire: Your Council, Your Future

Subject: Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor - Response - Abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration? - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:40:10 +0000

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Sunday, February 16th 2025, 10:10
Subject: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Apparent abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration

To: Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council

Dear Michelle

Please read below email (February 11th 2025, 07:21) from Cllr Gordon Wallace instructing me to write to you, and my reply (February 11th 2025, 10:58) below(to which he did not give response).

Would appreciate if you will give details of your involvement in these matters(apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration system), if they are referred to you.

Did you tell Cllr Wallace when he says

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

that you as Chief Auditor, East Renfreshire Council are the person to deal with this matter?

What investigations do you carry out?

What is considered an abuse?

Who do you contact for information?

What powers of investigation do you have to investigate if a case of apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration is made known to you?

What powers/penalties/sanctions do you have if remuneration has been abused?

It is my understanding -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

Can you request Elected Members bring forward such a motion to remove a Senior Councillor from their role ?

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees has only chaired 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

Only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking the full remuneration (including £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) would appear to be a serious abuse of the system.

Cllr wallace has also stated that he has responsibility -

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... '

What responsibility do you and Cllr Wallace have regarding investigating/applying sanctions in this matter?

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, February 21st 2025, 15:59
Subject: Chairing/Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE

Further to your e-mail of 16th February to Michelle Blair regarding the above issue, I write to advise that officers are of the view that you have already received a comprehensive response from the Leader of the Council in relation to this matter.

As such, the Council does not intend to respond to any further requests from you for information on this topic .

Yours faithfully,

Legal Services

Subject: Barry Tudhope, Democratic Services Manager- Response - Abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration? - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:20:18 +0000

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, February 3rd 2025, 09:21
Subject: Apparant Abuse of Senior Concillor Remuneration

To: Barry Tudhope - Democratic Services Manager

Dear Barry

Cllr Jim McLean has informed me that you have advised him regarding the current Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair chairing only 9 out of 34 meetings since appointment in May 2022 and apparently taking remuneration for meetings they have not chaired.

Would appreciate if you would give details of your involvement in the matter of this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration whereby the current Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair has only chaired 9 out of 34 meetings since appointment in May 2022 and apparently taking remuneration for meetings they have not chaired

Not Chaired 7 out of 12 meetings in 2022
Not Chaired 8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
Not Chaired 10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

The Senior Councillor has taken roughly £13,689, for Chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since May 2022(period of 31 months).

(Senior Councillors takes roughly £5,300 pa in addition to Basic Salary)

This is roughly £1521 for each meeting chaired.

and give details of your contact with Cllr Jim McLean and Council Leader Cllr Owen O'Donnell.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Wednesday, February 12th 2025, 21:24
Subject: Re: Apparant Abuse of Senior Concillor Remuneration

To: Barry Tudhope - Democratic Services Manager

Dear Barry

Would appreciate courtesy of response giving the requested information.

Thanks

Subject: Cllr Gordon Wallace Response - Chair apparently taking £5,341 for chairing only 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024 - Abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:04:32 +0000

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, January 20th 2025, 16:44
Subject: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Thank you for your email and for taking the time to raise your concerns.

Firstly, regarding the frequency of meetings, it is council officers, not councillors, senior or otherwise, who determine the number of meetings required.

Secondly, while formal meetings are a significant part of council business, they represent only a portion of the responsibilities and time commitments undertaken by senior councillors in their enhanced roles.

Finally, absences from scheduled commitments can occur for various reasons, some of which may be clear and others more private.

That said, I value the thought and care behind your concerns.

All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

While I believe I have addressed your concerns as fully as appropriate in this instance, if you feel these issues require further investigation, you may wish to consider raising them with another elected member or other relevant authority.

I trust this response provides clarity, and I thank you once again for bringing these matters to my attention.

Kind regards
Gordon

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, January 20th 2025, 19:29
Subject: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Thanks for this response.

However, sorry, but I do think it needs some clarification.

You say -

'Firstly, regarding the frequency of meetings, it is council officers, not councillors, senior or otherwise, who determine the number of meetings required.'

I did no ask asked who determines number of meetings. Don't understand the point you are making. Would appreciate if you would clarify.

Is there not a Calendar of Meetings produced yearly and approved by Councillors at Full Council.

You say -

'Secondly, while formal meetings are a significant part of council business, they represent only a portion of the responsibilities and time commitments undertaken by senior councillors in their enhanced roles.'

I am sure Members of Committees also take time and responsibilty to read papers etc and prepare themselves for their committee meetings.

Would appreciate if you can say what portion of responsibilities and time commitmets the Chair undertook when only chairng 9 of 34 meetings?

5 out of 12 in 2022
3 out of 11 in 2023
1 out of 11 in 2024

The Senior Councillor has taken roughly £13,689, for Chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since May 2022(period of 31 months).

(Senior Councillors takes roughly £5,300 pa in addition to Basic Salary)

This is roughly £1521 for each meeting chaired.

You say -

'Finally, absences from scheduled commitments can occur for various reasons, some of which may be clear and others more private.'

Yes I agree absences from scheduled commitments can occur for various reasons, some of which may be clear and others more private.

But surely questions have to be raised over the system being abused when a Chair does not chairi 25 of 34 meetings but is has taken roughly £13,689 and not chairing -

7 out of 12 meetings in 2022
8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

I don't think what you say above negates any proposition put forward that the system is not apparently being abused.

You say -

'That said, I value the thought and care behind your concerns. All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. While I believe I have addressed your concerns as fully as appropriate in this instance, if you feel these issues require further investigation, you may wish to consider raising them with another elected member or other relevant authority.'

If you say - 'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.'

Why are you not taking this responsibility yourself?

Why are you ' passing the buck' and puting this responsibility on another elected member by asking me to contact them and not initiating appropriate action yourself?

What other relevant authority do you suggest?

Your help in providing this clarity will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Tuesday, January 21st 2025, 09:15
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Sorry a few glitches with my keyboard. Have tidied up and below is more readable.

Would still appreciate response giving the requested clarification.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, January 27th 2025, 11:00
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Would appreciate if you give the clarification requested in this and below email.

I need clarification to enable me to progress the matter further, and contact other elected members should I so wish, with a better understanding of your position.

Especially regarding your responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, but your decision not to take this responsibility in this case.

Would appreciate if you can say what portion of responsibilities and time commitments the Chair undertook when only chairng 9 of 34 meetings?

5 out of 12 in 2022
3 out of 11 in 2023
1 out of 11 in 2024

But surely questions have to be raised/asked over the system being abused when a Chair does not chair 25 of 34 meetings, but has taken roughly £13,689 and has not chaired ? -

7 out of 12 meetings in 2022
8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

If you say - 'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.'

Why are you not taking this responsibility yourself?

Why are you ' passing the buck' and passing this responsibility on to another elected member by asking me to contact them and not initiating appropriate action yourself?

It would appear you are actually more concerned in making excuses and trying to protect the Chair rather than investigate and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, January 31st 2025, 11:20
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

As you have declined not to take responsibility I take it that you support

the current Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair in only chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since appointment in May 2022 and support them apparently taking remuneration of roughly £13,689 for work they may not have carried out

Chaired 5 out of 12 meetings in 2022
Chaired 3 out of 11 meetings in 2023
Chaired 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024

The Senior Councillor has taken roughly £13,689, for Chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since May 2022(period of 31 months).

(Senior Councillors takes roughly £5,300 pa in addition to Basic Salary)

This is roughly £1521 for each meeting chaired.

Would appreciate if you confirm my conclusion or give reason(s) why this conclusion is not correct.

Would appreciate if you give the clarification requested in this and below email.

Abuse of the system brings all Councillors into disrepute.

Remaining silent and hoping matters will disappear regarding payments to Councillors is never the correct way forward in these circumstances.

I would appreciate your action to confront this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, February 7th 2025, 13:16
Subject: Your Responsibilty Regarding Apparent Abuse of Senior Council Remuneration - Chairing of only 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 by Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees

Dear Cllr Wallace

I would still appreciate your action to confront this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration and would appreciate courtesy of response to this and previous unanswered emails below.

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees in only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- Has apparently taken in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- Has apparently taken in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- Has apparently taken in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

(Above updated from previous to reflect more accurate figures)

You have written to say it is your responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds...

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... if you feel these issues require further investigation, you may wish to consider raising them with another elected member...'

It would appear, by keeping silent and ignoring the matter, Councillors are actually more concerned in covering over this apparent abuse rather than ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds and investigating the apparent abuse.

Would appreciate if you can say what portion of responsibilities and time commitments Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees undertook when only chairng 9 of 34 meetings?

As you have not given a response, would also appreciate if you confirm my understanding that

- You support the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees in Chairing only 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and consider this acceptable behaviour by a Senior Councillor.

- You support and consider it acceptable the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,634, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and for meetings they have not chaired

Not Chaired 7 out of 12 meetings in 2022 (From May 2022)
Not Chaired 8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
Not Chaired 10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

Councillors appoint these posts/councillors.

A Motion to appoint is put before Full Council.

All Councillors vote for the Motion or an Amendment if one is submitted.

Therefor ALL Councillors are responsible for these appointments and it is perfectly reasonable to seek your response.

I am informed -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

It would therefore appear you are responsible, can investigate and depending on the outcome of the investigation either -

Bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role.

Suggest to a Senior Elected Member they step down from their role.

or

Give reasons why

the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,634, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking remuneration for meetings they have not chaired

Not Chairing 7 out of 12 meetings in 2022
Not Chairing8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
Not Chairing 10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

is acceptable and continue as is.

Council Leader Cllr Owen O'Donnell provided these answers to questions, avoiding giving any answers to if the Senior Councillor Remunerstion was being abused.

Q1. Under what circumstances/reasons can a Councillor cease to be entitled to a Senior Councillor Salary?

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Q8. Would appreciate if you would give the reasons why the current Chair has and would appear to be classed as a Senior Councillor with the remuneration paid of £25,128 when they have only Chaired 6 of these 18 Planning Application meetings and 2 of these 15 Local Review Body Meetings.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as outlined in my response to question 1 above.

Full Council Meeting - 25 May 2022
It would appear there is no archive recording available for this meeting on Council website.

From meeting minute -

(xvi) Appointment of Planning Applications Committee Chair and Vice Chair
Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor Devlin, moved that Councillor Cunningham be appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

Councillor Buchanan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved as an amendment that Councillor Ireland be appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

On the roll being called, Provost Montague and Councillors Anderson, Campbell, Cunningham, Devlin, Edlin, Macdonald, McLean, Morrison, O’Donnell, Pragnell and Wallace voted for the motion.

Councillors Bamforth, Buchanan, Convery, Ireland, Lunday, and Merrick voted for the amendment.

Accordingly, the motion was declared carried and Councillor Cunningham appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

The Council unanimously agreed that Councillor McLean be appointed Vice Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

Full Council Meeting - 29 June 2022
You can view recording on Council youtube channel here -

From the minute -

Apologies:
Councillors Betty Cunningham and Jim McLean

NOTICE OF MOTION – SENIOR COUNCILLOR ALLOWANCES
48. In accordance with Standing Order 25, the following notice of motion had been submitted by Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor Anderson.
That a Senior Councillor Allowance for the Vice Chair of Planning will be created and the Senior Councillor Allowance removed from the position of Convener of Environment.

Councillor Buchanan, seconded by Councillor Bamforth, moved an amendment in the following terms:-
That a Senior Councillor Allowance for the Vice Chair of Planning will not be created and the Senior Councillor Allowance not be removed from the position of Convener of Environment.

On the roll being called, Councillors Anderson, Campbell, Devlin, Edlin, Provost Montague, Morrison, O’Donnell, Pragnell and Wallace voted for the motion.

Councillors Bamforth, Buchanan, Convery, Ireland, Lunday and Merrick voted for the amendment.

Councillor Macdonald abstained.

There being 9 votes for the motion, 6 for the amendment and 1 abstention, the motion was declared carried.

The administration and the leader of Council do not appoint appoint Chair and Vice Chair etc.

A Motion to appoint is put before Full Council.

All Councillors vote for the Motion or an Amendment if one is submitted.

The appointment of Senior Councillors is an initiative that ensures monetory gain for those chosen as Senior Councillors.

Abuse of the system brings all Councillors into disrepute.

I would still appreciate your action to confront this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration.

As said, If you can prove to me and give reasons why there has been no abuse then I can accept that, rather than you just ignoring the matter, without any investigation.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Tuesday, February 11th 2025, 07:21
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Thank you for your email.

I believe I have addressed the concerns you raised and acknowledge your response, which indicates that you still believe an abuse of public funds may have occurred or is ongoing.

If that is indeed the case, you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,

Kind regards
Gordon
Gordon Wallace (Cllr)
Giffnock & Thornliebank (Ward 3)

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Tuesday, February 11th 2025, 10:58
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Thanks for taking the time to give response.

If you can prove to me and give reasons why there has been no abuse then I can accept that, rather than you covering over the matter, without any investigation.

Would appreciate if after reading below you can take a little time to phone me on ...

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

Where did you get the direction that Chief Auditor, East Renfreshire Council is the person to deal with this matter when you say

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... '

Why is it not your responsibility to deal with the matter?

As you can see below you can submit a motion -

'any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role'

Why will you not bring bring forward a motion to Council to remove this Senior Councillor from such a role?

Why do you not submit the concers to Chief auditor, East Renfreshire Council ?

Is it not of concern to yourself?

If not, why not?

It is my understanding -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

It would therefore appear you are responsible, can investigate and depending on the outcome of the investigation either -

Bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role.

Suggest to a Senior Elected Member that they step down from their role.

Again, If you can prove to me and give reasons why there has been no abuse then I can accept that, rather than you just ignoringcovering over the matter, without any investigation.

It is my understanding that

You support the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees in only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

(Above updated from previous to reflect more accurate figures)

Your help in giving response will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, March 3rd 2025, 11:34
Subject: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Chief Auditor

Dear Cllr Wallace

I am looking for an amicable resolution to this apparent abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration.

Would appreciate if after reading below you can take a little time to respond and/or phone me on ...

I did write to Chief Auditor(attached below) as instructed in your email.

However I have received this response and have been denied access to the Chief Auditor.

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, February 21st 2025, 15:59
Subject: Chairing/Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE

Further to your e-mail of 16th February to Michelle Blair regarding the above issue, I write to advise that officers are of the view that you have already received a comprehensive response from the Leader of the Council in relation to this matter. As such, the Council does not intend to respond to any further requests from you for information on this topic .

Yours faithfully,
Legal Services

- I wrote to the Chief auditor (16/2/2025) on your instruction. The Chief Auditor has not acknowledged/given response.

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

I really must protest in the strongest terms that on a matter where

a Councillor Committee Chair has apparently taken money for only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and apparently taking the full remuneration (apparently £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) and apparently taking this money for work they have not carried out,

that Council Officials have overturned your (Cllr Wallace's) instruction to contact the Chief Auditor and denied access to the Chief Auditor to investigate transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Sunday, February 16th 2025, 10:10
Subject: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Apparent abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration

To: Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council

Dear Michelle

Please read below email (February 11th 2025, 07:21) from Cllr Gordon Wallace instructing me to write to you, and my reply (February 11th 2025, 10:58) below(to which he did not give response).

Would appreciate if you will give details of your involvement in these matters(apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration system), if they are referred to you.

Did you tell Cllr Wallace when he says

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

that you as Chief Auditor, East Renfreshire Council are the person to deal with this matter?

What investigations do you carry out?

What is considered an abuse?

Who do you contact for information?

What powers of investigation do you have to investigate if a case of apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration is made known to you?

What powers/penalties/sanctions do you have if remuneration has been abused?

It is my understanding -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

Can you request Elected Members bring forward such a motion to remove a Senior Councillor from their role ?

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees has only chaired 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

Only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking the full remuneration (including £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) would appear to be a serious abuse of the system.

Cllr wallace has also stated that he has responsibility -

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... '

What responsibility do you and Cllr Wallace have regarding investigating/applying sanctions in this matter?

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Would appreciate if after reading above you can take a little time to respond and/or phone me on ...

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Subject: Cllr Jim McLean Response - Chair apparently taking £5,341 for chairing only 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024 - Is this Abuse of Senior Councillor Remunera - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:18:30 +0000

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, January 20th 2025, 20:57
Subject: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Your email has been passed onto the council for comment, when they reply, I will forward onto you.

Kind regards
Jim McLean
Councillor Jim McLean
Councillor, Ward 5, Eaglesham, Watefoot and Mearns South

Sent: 20 January 2025 21:20
To: McLean, J (Cllr) < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Subject: Re: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr McLean

Thanks for this.

Would appreciate if you would give name of person in Council to who you have passed email.

The choice of Senior Councillors is a political initiative that ensures monetory gain for those chosen as Senior Councillors.

As you know Senior Councillors are chosen, nominated and approved by Councillors.

As you are aware -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as outlined in above.

Not sure Council Officials would get involved, but I will be very interested in what they have to say.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Wednesday, January 22nd 2025, 14:06
Subject: RE: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Good afternoon

The email is forwarded to the general councillors email which is then passed onto the relevant department. At the moment I do not have a name of who is dealing with it.

When I receive a reply, I will know who is dealing with it.

Kind regards
Councillor Jim McLean
Councillor, Ward 5, Eaglesham, Watefoot and Mearns South

Sent: 31 January 2025 12:06
To: McLean, J (Cllr) < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Subject: Re: RE: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Clr McLean

Would appreciate update regarding any response you have received,

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, January 31st 2025, 14:48
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Many thanks for your email.

I was advised that the leader of the council replied to you on the 14th January.

I wasn’t copied into that email. Have you not received the response?

Many thanks

Regards
Councillor Jim McLean
Councillor, Ward 5, Eaglesham, Watefoot and Mearns South

Sent: 31 January 2025 19:54
To: McLean, J (Cllr) < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Subject: Re: RE: RE: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr McLean

Who advised you?

Would also appreciate your understanding of what the leader of the council replied to me on 14 January.

You did not answer -

Would appreciate if you would have the courtesy to raise the matter and investigate the apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration System, whereby Senior Councillors apparently take remuneration for work they have not carried out.

Abuse of the system brings all Councillors into disrepute.

I would appreciate your action to confront and investigate this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Sunday, February 2nd 2025, 11:59
Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

I was advised that the Council Leader has sent a full response to you.

This was confirmed by Barry Tudhope, Democratic Services Manager.

As I mentioned, I was not copied into the email which the council leader sent to you so I cannot comment.

If you want further clarification on his reply to you, I would suggest you contact him.

You asked me if I would raise the matter, which I have done.

You received a reply from the council leader, as far as I’m concerned, this issue is now closed.

As mentioned, if you want further clarification on this, take it up with the council leader.

I will not be entering into any further correspondence with you regarding this issue.

Councillor Jim McLean
Councillor, Ward 5, Eaglesham, Watefoot and Mearns South

Sent: 02 February 2025 15:12
To: McLean, J (Cllr) < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Subject: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr McLean

Thanks for this, however, your response is disappointing.

It would appear , by keeping silent and ignoring the matter, Councillors are actually more concerned in covering over this apparent abuse rather than ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds and investigating the apparent abuse.

If you can prove to me and give reasons why there has been no abuse then I can accept that rather than you just ignoring the matter without any investigation.

Would also appreciate if you confirm my understanding that

- You support the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees in Chairing only 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and consider this acceptable behaviour by a Senior Councillor.

- You support and consider it acceptable the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,689, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and for meetings they have not chaired.

The Senior Councillor has taken roughly £13,689, for Chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since May 2022(period of 31 months).

(Senior Councillors takes roughly £5,300 pa in addition to Basic Salary)

This is roughly £1521 for each meeting chaired.

- You do not consider the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,689, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and for meetings they have not chaired an abuse of the system.

The choice of Senior Councillors is a political initiative that ensures monetory gain for those chosen as Senior Councillors.

Abuse of the system brings all Councillors into disrepute.

I would still appreciate your action to confront this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, February 3rd 2025, 16:27
Subject: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

I will reply to you in this instance but this will be the last time.

I am not a member of the Labour Party nor part of the administration.

I will reiterate to you again.

These are questions for the administration and the leader to answer.

These are the people who appoint Chair and Vice Chair.

I can only assume you are unhappy with the response you received from the Leader in which case I would suggest you contact him again?

If you have any other issues I would be more than happy to assist you.

Regards
Councillor Jim McLean
Councillor, Ward 5, Eaglesham, Watefoot and Mearns South

Sent: 03 February 2025 20:07
To: McLean, J (Cllr) < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Subject: Thanks for taking the time to respond. However, I think you are wrong - Re: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees

Dear Cllr McLean

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

However, I think you are wrong, and would appreciate you giving your time to give response to below.

You say 'I am not a member of the Labour Party...'

Don't think I said you were a member of the Labour Party.

Correct me if I am wrong.

You say - 'I will reiterate to you again. These are questions for the administration and the leader to answer. These are the people who appoint Chair and Vice Chair.'

No they don't

A Motion to appoint is put before Full Council.

All Councillors vote for the Motion or an Amendment if one is submitted.

Therefor ALL Councillors are responsible for these appointments and it is perfectly reasonable to seek your response.

I am informed -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

It would therefore appear you are responsible, can investigate and depending on the outcome of the investigation either -

Bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role.

Suggest a Senior Elected Member step down from their role.

or

Give reasons why

the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,689, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking remuneration for meetings they have not chaired

Not Chairing 7 out of 12 meetings in 2022

Not Chairing8 out of 11 meetings in 2023

Not Chairing 10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

is acceptable and continue as as is.

This is all made clear below(and in previous emails).

Council Leader Cllr Owen O'Donnell provided these answers to questions, avoiding giving any answers to if the Senior Councillor Remunerstion was being abused.

Q1. Under what circumstances/reasons can a Councillor cease to be entitled to a Senior Councillor Salary?

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Q8. Would appreciate if you would give the reasons why the current Chair has and would appear to be classed as a Senior Councillor with the remuneration paid of £25,128 when they have only Chaired 6 of these 18 Planning Application meetings and 2 of these 15 Local Review Body Meetings.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as outlined in my response to question 1 above.

Full Council Meeting - 25 May 2022

It would appear there is no archive recording available for this meeting on Council website.

You were present at this meeting.

From meeting minute -

(xvi) Appointment of Planning Applications Committee Chair and Vice Chair
Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor Devlin, moved that Councillor Cunningham be appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

Councillor Buchanan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved as an amendment that Councillor Ireland be appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

On the roll being called, Provost Montague and Councillors Anderson, Campbell, Cunningham, Devlin, Edlin, Macdonald, McLean, Morrison, O’Donnell, Pragnell and Wallace voted for the motion.

Councillors Bamforth, Buchanan, Convery, Ireland, Lunday, and Merrick voted for the amendment.

Accordingly, the motion was declared carried and Councillor Cunningham appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

The Council unanimously agreed that Councillor McLean be appointed Vice Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

Full Council Meeting - 29 June 2022

You can view recording on Council youtube channel here -

You did not attend the Full Council Meeting on 29 June 2022.

From the minute -

Apologies:
Councillors Betty Cunningham and Jim McLean

NOTICE OF MOTION – SENIOR COUNCILLOR ALLOWANCES
48. In accordance with Standing Order 25, the following notice of motion had been submitted by Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor Anderson.
That a Senior Councillor Allowance for the Vice Chair of Planning will be created and the Senior Councillor Allowance removed from the position of Convener of Environment.

Councillor Buchanan, seconded by Councillor Bamforth, moved an amendment in the following terms:-
That a Senior Councillor Allowance for the Vice Chair of Planning will not be created and the Senior Councillor Allowance not be removed from the position of Convener of Environment.

On the roll being called, Councillors Anderson, Campbell, Devlin, Edlin, Provost Montague, Morrison, O’Donnell, Pragnell and Wallace voted for the motion.

Councillors Bamforth, Buchanan, Convery, Ireland, Lunday and Merrick voted for the amendment.

Councillor Macdonald abstained.

There being 9 votes for the motion, 6 for the amendment and 1 abstention, the motion was declared carried.

As said

The administration and the leader of Council do not appoint appoint Chair and Vice Chair etc.

A Motion to appoint is put before Full Council.

All Councillors vote for the Motion or an Amendment if one is submitted.

Therefor ALL Councillors are responsible for these appointments and it perfectly reasonable to seek your response.

Again,

It would therefore appear you are responsible, and can investigate

if the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,689, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking remuneration for meetings they have not chaired

Not Chairing 7 out of 12 meetings in 2022

Not Chairing 8 out of 11 meetings in 2023

Not Chairing 10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

and give reasons if this is an abuse of the system or not.

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Wednesday, February 5th 2025, 21:57
Subject: RE: Thanks for taking the time to respond. However, I think you are wrong - Re: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees

Many thanks for your email, I have asked the council for clarity on your points and I will reply to you when advised by them.

You are of course right in your assertion that it is indeed councillors who decide once a motion has been submitted, apologies for my earlier mistake.

Regards
Councillor Jim McLean
Councillor, Ward 5, Eaglesham, Watefoot and Mearns South

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Thursday, February 6th 2025, 19:22
Subject: Re: RE: Thanks for taking the time to respond. However, I think you are wrong - Re: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees

Dear Cllr McLean

Thanks for taking the time to respond and for your apology. It is appreciated.

Again, would appreciate if you would give name of who in council you have asked to provide clarity and on what specific points.

Is this a different request to council to the one in your January 20th response(20:57) - 'Your email has been passed onto the council for comment,...'

Perhaps I can help you regarding clarification on the points.

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Thursday, February 13th 2025, 19:10
Subject: Re: Re: RE: Thanks for taking the time to respond. However, I think you are wrong - Re: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees

Dear Cllr McLean

Would appreciate name/points you wish clarified and current update on progress.

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, February 24th 2025, 12:08
Subject: Re: Re: Re: RE: Thanks for taking the time to respond. However, I think you are wrong - Re: RE: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees

Dear Cllr McLean

You wrote on 5/2/2025 - 'I have asked the council for clarity on your points and I will reply to you when advised by them.'

Would appreciate if you can give update on if you have received this clarity/advice or if not, when you expect to receive it.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Subject: Questions to Councillors - Chair apparently taking £5,341 for chairing only 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024 - Abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration? - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:20:00 +0000

Basic Salary
Each Member of the Council will receive a basic salary of £21,345.00 per annum...

Senior Councillors
In terms of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2024, the Council will pay Senior Councillor Salaries to Members with special responsibilities.

Role ANNUAL SALARY(£)

Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB 26,686

Vice Chair of Planning Applications Committee/LRB 26,686

++ £26,686pa minus Basic £21,345pa = £5,341pa Remuneration ++

Using updated figures(not including 2025 meetings)

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees has only chaired 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

Only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and apparently taking the full remuneration (apparently £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) and apparently taking this money for work they have not carried out, would appear to be a serious abuse of the system.

Subject: Licensing Committee Meeting - Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 10.00am. - by: RM64

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:31:58 +0000

Business Operations and Partnerships Department
Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road,
Giffnock, East Renfrewshire G46 6UG
Phone: 0141 577 3000
Website: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Date: 4 March 2025
When calling please ask for: Lesleyann Burns (0141 577 3011)
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TO: Councillors P Edlin (Chair); Provost M Montague; Councillors D Macdonald; A
Morrison; K Campbell; C Lunday; and C Merrick (Vice Chair)

LICENSING COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Licensing Committee will be held in the Council Chamber, Council
Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Giffnock, on

Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 10.00am.

A pre-meeting for Elected Members will take place in the Council Chamber at
9.30am.

The agenda of business is listed below.
Louise Pringle
LOUISE PRINGLE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

1. REPORT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.

Resolution to Exclude Press and Public
It is recommended that the committee passes the following resolution:-
"That under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as
amended, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted item
of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act as appropriate".
Paragraph 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority) – all items.
Paragraph 14 – Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention,
investigation or prosecution of crime – all items.

3. PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE – APPLICATION FOR GRANT
Report by Chief Officer (Legal & Procurement) (copy attached, pages 3 – 6).

4. PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE – APPLICATION FOR GRANT
Report by Chief Officer (Legal & Procurement) (copy attached, pages 7 – 10).

5. REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE
Report by Chief Officer (Legal & Procurement) (copy attached, pages 11 – 14).

6. PRIVATE LANDLORD REGISTRATION
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 15 – 18).

7. PRIVATE LANDLORD REGISTRATION
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 19 – 22).

A recording of the public part of the meeting will also be available following
the meeting on the Council’s YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/user/eastrenfrewshire/videos

This document can be explained to you in other languages and can be
provided in alternative formats such as large print and Braille. For further
information, please contact Customer First on 0141 577 3001 or email

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Read information on Council webpage here -

www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/licensing-committee-110325

Subject: Cabinet Committee Meeting - Thursday 6 March 2025 at 2.00pm. - by: RM64

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:26:37 +0000

Department of Business Operations and Partnerships
Director: Louise Pringle
Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, G46 6UG
Phone: 0141 577 3000
website: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Date: 25 February 2025
When calling please ask for: John Burke (Tel: 0141 577 3026)
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TO: Councillors O O’Donnell (Chair); A Anderson (Vice Chair); D Devlin; and K Pragnell.

CABINET
A meeting of Cabinet will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters,
Eastwood Park, Giffnock, G46 6UG on

Thursday 6 March 2025 at 2.00pm.

The agenda of business is as listed below.
Yours faithfully
Louise Pringle
LOUISE PRINGLE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

AGENDA
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda.

3. GENERAL FUND CAPITAL PROGRAMME
Report by Head of Finance (copy attached, pages 3 - 24)

4. HOUSING CAPITAL PROGRAMME
Report by Head of Finance (copy attached, 25 - 32)

5. CARBON EMISSIONS REPORT 2023-24
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 33 - 46)

6. WRITE-OFF OF IRRECOVERABLE FORMER TENANT RENTS AND COURT EXPENSES
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 47 - 50)

7. OVERLEE PUMP TRACK
Report by Director of Environment (copy attached, pages 51 - 58)

8. CYBER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTRE – VARIATION OF CONTRACT PROPOSAL
Report by Director of Business Operations and Partnerships (copy attached, pages
59 - 62)

For information on how to access the virtual meeting, please e-mail:-

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A recording of the Council meeting will also be available following the meeting on the
Council’s YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/user/eastrenfrewshire/videos

This document can be explained to you in other languages and can be
provided in alternative formats such as large print and Braille. For further
information, please contact Customer First on 0141 577 3001 or email

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can read Reports/Papers on Council webpage here -

www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/cabinet-060325

Subject: WATCH LIVE - FULL COUNCIL MEETING - Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 10.00 a.m. - by: RM64

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:01:18 +0000

You can watch live on Council webcast page -

eastrenfrewshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

You can read papers/reports on Council webpage here -

www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/council-260225