City Governance Committee - 21/04/2025

At a MEETING of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 21st April, 2025.

Present:-

Lord Provost Bill CAMPBELL

Depute Lord Provost Kevin CORDELL

BAILIES

Will DAWSON	Kevin KEENAN	Fraser MACPHERSON
Willie SAWERS	Helen WRIGHT	Derek SCOTT

COUNCILLORS

Heather ANDERSON	Steven ROME	Dorothy McHUGH
Jimmy BLACK	Lynne SHORT	George McIRVINE
Mark FLYNN	Roisin SMITH	Wendy SCULLIN
Stewart HUNTER	Siobhan TOLLAND	Daniel COLEMAN
Ken LYNN	Georgia CRUICKSHANK	Michael CRICHTON
Lee MILLS	Jax FINNEGAN	Craig DUNCAN

Councillor Mark FLYNN, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 3rd March, 2025 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Tolland made declared an interest in the item of business at Article IV of this minute by virtue of her employment with the University of Dundee and her participation in Union activities in this regard and took no involvement in the discussion and withdrew from the Chamber during its consideration.

II MINUTE OF PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE AND PENSION BOARD

The minute of meeting of the Pension Sub-Committee and Pension Board held on 9th December, 2024 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as Appendix I.

III MINUTE OF PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE

The minute of meetings of the Personnel Appointments Sub-Committee held on 14th February, 5th March and 7th March, 2025 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as Appendix II.

IV UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE FINANCIAL AND JOBS CRISIS

The Committee acceded to a request for a joint deputation to address the Committee relative to this item of business by Tanaiste Custance, Incoming President of Dundee University Students Association, and Dr Dejan Stjepanovic, staff member at the University of Dundee. The Committee also acceded to a request for a deputation from Sheila Baillie on behalf of University of Dundee Students Services. After the deputations had stated their cases and answered questions from members of the Committee, they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

This item was placed on the agenda by Bailie Macpherson and Councillor Crichton who asked Committee to express its deep concern about the University of Dundees financial crisis and impacts on jobs at the university.

They requested a cross-cross party approach on actions the City Council could take to support the university, staff and students.

Thereafter, the Committee resolved as follows:-

The Committee notes with grave concern the financial and jobs crisis at the University of Dundee and stands in solidarity with the university staff and students at this extremely worrying time for all at the university.

It recognises that the University of Dundee has over many years played a hugely positive role in transforming peoples lives and life chances through education, research and innovation, and has contributed much to the economic, social and cultural life of the city and beyond.

Specifically committee:

- views the proposed loss of 632 full-time equivalent posts that the university suggests potentially impacting up to 700 staff members as completely unacceptable and that all efforts must be made to avoid redundancies and retain jobs at the university. It commends the work of the universitys trades unions in defending workers jobs and conditions at the university and supports their demands for an immediate withdrawal of this proposal.

- welcomes the establishment of the independent investigation into University of Dundee finances, to be overseen by Professor Pamela Gillies, former Principal at Glasgow Caledonian University.

- further welcomes the establishment of the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce to be chaired by former university principal Sir Alan Langlands.

- confirms that the City Council will take all practical steps it can to assist the process to ensure jobs are saved, that the university can be returned to financial stability and to ensure that the university and its staff and students have a positive future.

- calls on the university to restore previous levels of food support for students in financial difficulty as soon as it is possible to do so.

V EAST END COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

There was submitted a Joint Report No 117-2025 by the Executive Directors of Children and Families Service, Neighbourhood Services and Director, Leisure and Culture, providing an update on the results of the consultation and the review of the services which had been carried out and making recommendations on changes to be implemented.

Thereafter, Councillor Flynn seconded by Bailie Sawers moved:-

(i) to note the outcome of the consultation attached as Appendix 5 to the report;

(ii) to approve to support the continued operation of Douglas Community Centre and Library as set out in section 6.1. to the report;

(iii) to approve the closure of The Hub Library and Community facility and redistribution of services within a timeframe of six months for the services and building to be closed after the opening of the Drumgeith Campus, as set out in section 6.3 to the report;

(iv) to approve the closure of Whitfield Library (The Crescent) and redistribution of services with a timeframe of six months after the opening of the Drumgeith Campus as set out in paragraph 6.4 to the report;

(v) to defer a decision on the closure of Douglas Sports Centre and remit the Chief Executive to further review the operations and report back to a future Committee as set out in section 6.2 to the report;

(vi) to note the review currently being considered in respect of the model of operation where Dundee City Council would occupy, run and manage the Campus with Leisure and Culture Dundee providing services such as sport, leisure, and library activities as detailed in section 7 to the report; and

(vii) to delegate authority to Officers to review the charging model for Drumgeith Campus in line with Dundee City Councils agreed policy on charges.

As an amendment Bailie Macpherson seconded by Councillor Coleman moved:-

Committee approves the report subject to the alteration of the recommendations at 2.1. c and d being amended to read : 2.1.c Defer a decision on the closure of The Hub Library and Community facility and remit the Chief Executive to make a further review the operations and to report back to a future committee. The review should recognise that 91.5% of consultation respondents stated that the closure of this facility would negatively impact on them and that the viability of continued provision of this facility should be actively considered; 2.1.d Defer a decision on the closure of Whitfield Library (The Crescent) and remit the Chief Executive to make a further review the operations and to report back to a future committee. The review should recognise that 85.7% of consultation respondents stated that the closure of this facility would negatively impact on them and that the viability of continued provision of this facility should be actively considered.

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost Campbell, Depute Lord Provost Cordell, Bailies Dawson and Sawers and Councillors Anderson, Black, Hunter, Lynn, Mills, Rome, Short, Smith and Tolland (14); and for the amendment Bailies Keenan, Macpherson, Wright and Scott and Councillors Cruickshank, Finnegan, McHugh, McIrvine, Scullin, Coleman and Duncan (11) - whereupon the motion was carried and became the finding of the meeting.

VI CAPITAL EXPENDITURE MONITORING 2024/2025

There was submitted Report No 121-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, appraising of the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Plan 2025/2030.

The Committee agreed to note the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Plan for 2025/2030.

VII REVENUE MONITORING 2024/2025

There was submitted Report No 89-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing an analysis of the 2024/2025 projected revenue outturn as at 31st January, 2025 and the impact on the Councils overall balances position.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to note that as at 31st January, 2025 the General Fund was projecting an overall overspend of 5.008m against the adjusted 2024/2025 Revenue Budget and the impact this had on the projected Councils General Fund Balances;

(ii) to note the budget adjustments totalling 13.737m and detailed in the second column of Appendix A to the report as virements to the previously approved Revenue Budget;

(iii) to note that as at 31st January, 2025, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was projecting an overspend of 4.000m against the adjusted HRA 2024/2o25 Revenue Budget and the impact this had on the element of the projected Renewal and Repair Fund balance earmarked to HRA;

(iv) to approve the action to capitalise an additional 0.300m of HRA expenditure to reduce cost pressures, set out in paragraph 8.3 to the report, and note if implemented this would reduce the HRA projected overspend to 3.700m. This would also increase the HRA Renewal and Repair Funds projected balance at 31st March, 2025 to 1.022m;

(v) to note the key strategic, operational and financial risks being faced by the Council outlined in Appendix B to the report; and

(vi) to note the current position on Leisure and Culture Dundee (LACD), as set out in section 7.1 to the report.

VIII COMMON GOOD FUND REVENUE BUDGET 2025/2026

There was submitted Report No 91-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing details of the Council's Common Good Fund Revenue Budget for 2025/2026 and making recommendations for the disbursement of funds for the financial year.

The Committee agreed: -

(i) to approve the Common Good Fund 2025/2026 Revenue Budget as detailed in Appendix A to the report;

(ii) to agree that the 155k of available funding be distributed as follows:

	000
Festive Fund	50
Festival of Remembrance	3
Available via open application process	102
Total	155

(iii) to approve that the Executive Director of Corporate Services be delegated to approve any awards made through the application process following an assessment through the established process; and

(iv) to approve that the Common Good Fund application process would be promoted via the Dundee City Council Website, Dundee Partnership E-Bulletin, Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action weekly newsletter and also via Dundee City Council social media.

IX TREASURY POLICY STATEMENT 2025/2026

There was submitted Report No 119-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, reviewing the Councils Treasury Policy Statement which was intended to govern all borrowing and lending transactions carried out by the Council.

The Committee agreed to approve the policies and procedures as detailed in the Treasury Policy Statement 2025/2026 which was attached to the report as an Appendix.

X TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2025/2026

There was submitted Report No 118-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, introducing the Dundee City Council Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/2026, the preparation of which was a requirement of the Council's Treasury Policy Statement and the revised 2021 CIPFA Treasury Management Code, and Prudential Code.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to note that in terms of the Treasury Policy Statement, the Executive Director of Corporate Services was obliged to present the annual Treasury Management Strategy at the start of each financial year; and

(ii) to approve the strategy proposed by the Executive Director of Corporate Services as set out in the document "Treasury Management Strategy 2025/2026".

XI MAINSTREAMING EQUALITIES REPORT FOR 2025/2029

There was submitted Report No 122-2025 by the Chief Executive, presenting the Mainstreaming Equalities Report for 2025/2029, which set out the new equality outcomes and action for the next four years. It also provided an update on progress made to meet the outcomes of the 2021/2025 report.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to approve Dundee City Councils Mainstreaming Equalities Report 2025/2029 (incorporating the Education Authority report) as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report; and

(ii) to note the Employee Monitoring Information, including on the gender pay gap, and data gathered from our employees as detailed from page 22 to the report.

XII REVISED PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 2025/2028

There was submitted Report No 125-2025 by the Chief Executive, presenting the revised Performance Management Framework (PMF) 2025/2028. The report highlighted the revisions made to the 2021/2024 framework and detailed how these revisions would ensure the Council would be well placed to respond to the new Statutory Performance Indicator (SPI) direction, take action to address internal audit recommendations, continue to focus on progressing our strategic priorities and achieve best value.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to the revised framework attached as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report; and

(ii) to remit the Council Leadership Team to launch and deploy the framework across Council services.

XIII DUNDEE FAIRNESS LEADERSHIP PANEL

The Committee acceded to a request for a joint deputation to address the Committee relative to this item of business by Andrew Lorimer, Co-Chair of the Fairness Leadership Panel and member of Dundee Fighting for Fairness, and Linda Smith, member of the Fairness Leadership Panel and member of Dundee Fighting for Fairness. After the deputation had stated their case and answered questions from members of the Committee, they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

There was submitted Report No 132-2025 by the Chief Executive, presenting the latest report from the Dundee Fairness Leadership Panel (FLP) and seeking support in implementing its recommendations in collaboration with community planning partners.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to endorse the report and the recommendations of the Dundee Fairness Leadership Panel, which was attached to the report as Appendix 1;

(ii) to refer the recommendations to the Dundee Partnerships Child Poverty and Inequalities Strategic Leadership Group for further consideration and support; and

(iii) to instruct officers to incorporate these in the next Fairness and Child Poverty Action Report due to be published by the end of June 2025.

XIV SUPPORTING LOW INCOME FAMILIES THROUGH FOOD LARDERS AND CAFES

There was submitted Joint Report No 110-2025 by the Executive Director of City Development and Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing an update on measures to assist low-income families, through an updated approach to funding for Council owned property.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to approve the provision of grants as set out in the 2025/2026 budget; and

(ii) to instruct the Executive Director of Corporate Services to provide grant to support existing tenants in existing council owned properties for third sector organisations.

XV ATTAINMENT AND PROGRESS TRACKING SOFTWARE

Reference was made to Article XI of the minute of meeting of the Committee of 24th June, 2024, wherein it was agreed to commence with a tendering process.

There was submitted Joint Report No 133-2025 by the Executive Directors of Children and Families Service and Corporate Services, providing a further update on the development of a sourcing strategy for the tender process for Children and Families Services Tracking and Monitoring System, and seeking approval to direct award a contract to a supplier currently on the Scottish Government Software Value Added Reseller Services (SVARS) in place of commencing a tender process.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to approve the commencing of procurement of the Tracking and Monitoring System in respect of the project described, based on the sourcing strategy, from Computacentre (UK) Limited;

(ii) to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Corporate Services to direct award a contract to the selected supplier in compliance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations of 2015; and

(iii) to approves expenditure on the project to the total value described in section 3.1 of the report of 253,500.

The Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

XVI DELIVERY OF FUTURE PRIMARY EDUCATION

There was submitted the Joint Report No 138-2025 by the Executive Director of Children and Families Service and City Development on the delivery of new primary education.

The Committee agreed to the recommendations as listed in the report.

XVII CYBER SECURITY PLATFORM RENEWAL

There was submitted Report No 120-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, presenting a sourcing strategy and seeking approval to award the contract for purchase of cyber security platform.

The Committee agreed to the recommendations as listed in the report.

XVIII BUSINESS SUPPORT FUNDING

There was submitted Report No 78-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services on Business Support Funding.

The Committee agreed to note that in view of the timescales involved that this report had been approved by the Executive Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Convener of the City Governance Committee, Labour Group Spokesperson, Liberal Democrat Group Spokesperson and the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Member.

Mark FLYNN, Convener.

APPENDIX I

At a JOINT MEETING of the PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AND THE PENSION BOARD held remotely on 9th December, 2024.

Present:-

PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE

BAILIES

Willie SAWERS

Kevin KEENAN

COUNCILLORS

Steven ROME

Dorothy McHUGH

PENSION BOARD

Bill DUFF (Representing Angus Council)

Stewart DONALDSON (Representing Perth and Kinross Council)

George RAMSAY (Representing Unite the Union)

Arthur NICOLL (Representing UNISON)

Kenny DICK (Representing Social Care & Social Work Improvement Scotland)

Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener in the Chair.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II APOLOGIES

The Sub-Committee and Board noted apologies had been received from Councillor Lynn.

III MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minute of meeting of 23rd September, 2024 was submitted and approved.

IV TAYSIDE PENSION FUND RISK REGISTER

There was submitted Report No 347-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services seeking approval for the Quarterly Risk Register for Tayside Pension Fund.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) approved the Quarterly Risk Register for Tayside Pension Fund, noting that there were no changes from the previous quarter.

V PENSION ADMINISTRATION PERFORMANCE QUARTERLY UPDATE TO 30TH SEPTEMBER,2024

There was submitted Report No 348-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services providing information on the recent quarters operational performance in relation to Pension Administration and other general developments in this area over the above period.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) noted the content of the report.

VI TREASURY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY 2024/2025 (MID-YEAR REVIEW)

There was submitted Report No 349-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing Tayside Pension Funds Treasury Management activities for the period 1 April 2024

to 30 September 2024.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) noted the content of the report.

VII PROPOSED TIMETABLE OF MEETINGS FOR 2025

There was submitted Report No 329-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services proposing a suggested programme of meetings of the Pension Sub-Committee and Pension Board in 2025.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) examined the dates set out in the timetable in Appendix 1 to the report and agreed the proposed programme of meetings.

The Sub-Committee and Board resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 4, 6 and 11 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

VIII TAYSIDE PENSION FUND

(a) TAYSIDE PENSION FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

There was submitted Report No 350-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing investment performance of the Funds investment managers for the quarter to 30th September 2024. The report compared investment performance of the Fund with the Funds specific benchmarks which consisted of various stock and security market indices.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) noted the information contained therein with regard to the performance of the Tayside Main Fund and their Fund Managers.

(b) SUMMARIES OF INVESTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS 1ST JULY, 2024 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2024

There was submitted Report No 351-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the investment activities of Tayside Pension Funds seven Fund Managers for the quarter to 30th September, 2024 and summarising the transactions of each Fund Manager and showing the market values of the Pension Fund.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) noted the information contained in the report with regard to the performance of the Tayside Main Fund and their Fund Managers.

There was submitted Report No 352-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the current funding level of the Fund as assessed by the Fund Actuary.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) noted the report by the Fund Actuary.

IX ANNUAL ASSESSMENT OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES 2024

There was submitted Report No 353-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing information on the annual assessment of investment advisory service performance undertaken by Fund Officers as required by the Competition and Markets Authority.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) noted the content of the report.

X INVESTMENT STRATEGY REVIEW

There was submitted Report No 354-2024 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, recommending changes to the Funds Investment Strategy following a detailed review by the Funds investment consultants, and in the context of the recent Actuarial Valuation of the fund.

The Sub-Committee and Board:-

(i) noted the content of Investment Strategy Review as provided by the Funds Investment Consultants; which was attached to the report as Appendix 1; and

(ii) agreed to delegate officers to implement ISIO recommendations in relation to portfolios as outlined in the strategy document.

X PRESENTATION

Christine Baalham, Tom Record and David Barber from Fidelity gave a short presentation to the Sub-Committee and Board.

After Ms Baalham, Mr Record and Mr Barber had given their presentation and answered questions from members, the Chair thanked the presenters on behalf of members of the Sub-Committee and Board.

Willie SAWERS, Chair.

APPENDIX II

At MEETINGS of the PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held remotely on 14th February, 2025 and 5th March, 2025 and at Dundee on 7th March, 2025.

Present:-

On 14th February, 2025:-

BAILIES

Willie SAWERS

Kevin KEENAN

COUNCILLORS

Mark FLYNN	Siobhan TOLLAND	Georgia CRUICKSHANK
Lynne SHORT		Craig DUNCAN

On 5th March, 2025:-

BAILIES

Willie SAWERS

Kevin KEENAN

COUNCILLORS

Mark FLYNN	Siobhan TOLLAND	Georgia CRUICKSHANK
Lynne SHORT		Craig DUNCAN

On 7th March, 2025:-

BAILIES

Willie SAWERS

Kevin KEENAN

COUNCILLORS

Mark FLYNN	Siobhan TOLLAND	Georgia CRUICKSHANK
Lynne SHORT		Craig DUNCAN

Councillor Mark FLYNN, Convener, in the Chair.

Unless marked * all items stand delegated.

The Sub-Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES

At the meeting held on 14th February, 2025, there were submitted details of the applications received and the Sub-Committee agreed the candidates to be invited to attend the Assessment Centre Process.

At the meeting held on 5th March, 2025, the Sub-Committee considered a report on the Assessment Centre Process and agreed the interview programme.

At the meeting held on 7th March, 2025, the Sub-Committee conducted the interview programme. Following an exchange of views and after hearing the Officers, the Sub-Committee unanimously agreed to offer the post of Executive Director of Corporate Services to Mr Paul Thomson who intimated his acceptance.

Mark FLYNN, Convener.