City Governance Committee - 27/10/2025
At a MEETING of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held remotely on 27th October, 2025.
At a MEETING of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held remotely on 27th October, 2025.
Present:-
Lord Provost Bill CAMPBELL
Depute Lord Provost Nadia EL-NAKLA
BAILIES
Will DAWSON
Kevin KEENAN
Christina ROBERTS
Willie SAWERS
Fraser MACPHERSON
Derek SCOTT
COUNCILLORS
Heather ANDERSON
Steven ROME
George McIRVINE
Jimmy BLACK
Lynne SHORT
Wendy SCULLIN
Kevin CORDELL
Roisin SMITH
Pete SHEARS
Stewart HUNTER
Siobhan TOLLAND
Daniel COLEMAN
Ken LYNN
Georgia CRUICKSHANK
Michael CRICHTON
Lee MILLS
Jax FINNEGAN
Craig DUNCAN
Dorothy McHUGH
Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener, in the Chair.
The minute of meeting of this Committee of 22nd September, 2025 was held as read.
Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.
I DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
II MINUTE OF MEETING OF PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE AND PENSION BOARD
The minute of meeting of the Pension Sub-Committee and Pension Board held on 23rd June, 2025 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as Appendix I.
III MINUTE OF MEETING OF PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE
The minute of meeting of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee held on 26th September, 2025 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as Appendix II.
IV CITY CENTRE AMBASSADORS
This item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Bailie Macpherson and Councillor Duncan who asked the Committee to agree, further to the resolution of the Council to employ two City Centre Ambassadors (Article IV of the Minute of Meeting of the Personnel and Management Services Committee of 13th August, 2001 refers) and that the Council proceeds to make appointments to the two currently vacant posts and instructs officers to take this forward with immediate effect.
As an amendment, Bailie Sawers, seconded by Councillor Hunter, moved the direct negative and that no further action be taken.
On a division, there voted for the motion - Bailies Keenan, Macpherson and Scott and Councillors Cruickshank, Finnegan, McHugh, McIrvine, Scullin, Shears, Coleman, Crichton and Duncan (12); and for the amendment - the Depute Convener, Lord Provost Campbell, Depute Lord Provost El-Nakla, Bailies Dawson and Roberts and Councillors Anderson, Black, Cordell, Hunter, Lynn, Mills, Rome, Short, Smith and Tolland (15) - whereupon the amendment was declared carried and became the finding of the meeting.
V CITY PLAN FOR DUNDEE 2022/2032 - ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 310-2025 by the Chief Executive, presenting the third annual progress report on the City Plan for Dundee 2022/2032 for approval.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note the progress made since the first report on the City Plan for Dundee 2022/2032 in October 2023;
(ii) to note that the Strategic Leadership Groups would review performance indicators that had deteriorated and take measures to improve these going forward;
(iii) to remit the annual report to the Scrutiny and Audit Committee for further consideration; and
(iv) to remit the Council Leadership Team to monitor Dundee City Councils commitment and inputs to delivering actions supporting this plan.
VI CAPITAL EXPENDITURE MONITORING 2025/2026
There was submitted Report No 285-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, appraising of the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Plan 2025/2030.
The Committee noted the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Plan 2025/2030.
VII REVENUE MONITORING 2025/2026
There was submitted Report No 292-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing an analysis of the 2025/2026 projected revenue outturn as at 31st July, 2025 and the impact on the Councils overall revenue budget position.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note that as at 31st July, 2025, the General Fund was projecting an overall overspend for the year of 6.695m against the adjusted 2025/2026 Revenue Budget, the impact this had on the Councils General Fund Balances and the actions being taken to address the forecast budget shortfall;
(ii) to note the budget adjustments totalling 3.018m and detailed in the second column of Appendix A and (summarised in Appendix B) to the report as adjustments to the previously approved Revenue Budget;
(iii) to note that as at 31st July, 2025, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was projecting an overspend of 2.250m against the adjusted HRA 2025/2026 Revenue Budget and the impact this had on the projected Renewal and Repair Fund balance earmarked to HRA;
(iv) to note the information included in paragraph 3.6 to the report in relation to financial recovery and authorised the Executive Director of Corporate Services to continue to take actions to address forecast overspends with the objective of achieving a balanced budget; and
(v) to note that as outlined in paragraph 3.3 to the report, the report did not reflect projections and costs associated with the Voluntary Severance and Early Retirement (VSER) scheme and these would be reflected in future monitoring reports.
VIII ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 305-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, reviewing the Treasury Management activities for the period 1st April, 2024 to 31st March, 2025.
The Committee agreed to note the information contained in the report and agreed the limits as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.
IX DRAFT GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN 2026/2031
There was submitted Report No 283-2025 by the Chief Executive, presenting a draft Gaelic Language Plan for Dundee for 2026/2031 and providing an update on the process of producing a Gaelic Language Plan.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note the content of the draft Gaelic Language Plan 2026/2031 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;
(ii) that the draft Plan was submitted to Brd na Gidhlig for an informal assessment; and
(iii) to remit to officers to carry out a formal consultation on the draft Gaelic Language Plan 2026/2031 following feedback from the informal assessment.
X DUNDEES UNESCO CITY OF DESIGN DESIGNATION
There was submitted Report No 316-2025 by the Director of Leisure and Culture Dundee, providing an update on the evaluation of Dundees Quadrennial Membership Monitoring Report 2020/2024 to UNESCO and providing an overview of the proposed strategic priorities and action plan of Dundees City of Design designation for the period 2026/2029.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note the content of the report and its appendices; and
(ii) to note the evaluation of Dundees Quadrennial Membership Monitoring Report 2020/2024 as Excellent scoring 4.6 of 5.
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 item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.
The Convener agreed that the undernoted report be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.
XI DUNDEE AIRPORT
There was submitted Report No 317-2025 by the Executive Director of City Development seeking approval of the recommendations as listed.
Bailie Sawers, seconded by Councillor Hunter, moved that the report be agreed as submitted.
As an Amendment, Bailie Keenan, seconded by Councillor Cruickshank, moved the direct negative and that no further action be taken.
On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost Campbell, Depute Lord Provost El-Nakla, Bailies Dawson, Roberts, Macpherson and Scott and Councillors Anderson, Black, Cordell, Hunter, Lynn, Mills, Rome, Short, Smith, Tolland, Coleman, Crichton and Duncan (20); and for the amendment - Bailie Keenan and Councillors Cruickshank, Finnegan, McHugh, McIrvine, Scullin and Shears (7) - whereupon the motion was declared carried and became the finding of the meeting.
Willie SAWERS, Depute Convener.
At a JOINT MEETING of the PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AND THE PENSION BOARD held remotely on 23rd June, 2025.
APPENDIX I
Present:-
PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE
BAILIES
Willie SAWERS
Kevin KEENAN
COUNCILLORS
Ken LYNN
Steven ROME
Michael CRICHTON
PENSION BOARD
Bill DUFF
Stewart DONALDSON
Arthur NICOLL
George RAMSAY
Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener in the Chair.
I APOLOGIES
The Sub-Committee and Board noted apologies had been received from Councillor McHugh.
II DECLARATION OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were made.
III MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minute of meeting of 17th March, 2025 was submitted and approved.
IV TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS RISK REGISTER
There was submitted Report No 163-2025 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 no change from the previous quarterly report.
V TAYSIDE PENSION FUND INTERNAL ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 164-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services submitting the Annual Audit Report for 2024/2025 prepared by the Funds Internal Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of the Annual report.
VI PENSION ADMINISTRATION PERFORMANCE - UPDATE TO 31ST MARCH, 2025
There was submitted Report No 165-2025 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 by Audit Scotland at Appendix A to the report.
VII STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES REVIEW
There was submitted Report No 166-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing Statement of Investment Principles for Tayside Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the information within the report, noting the changes to benchmark in Appendix C effective from 1st April, 2025; and approved the Statements of Investment Principles contained in Appendix 1 to the report which had been revised in keeping with audit recommendations.
VIII FUNDING STRATEGY STATEMENT 2025
There was submitted Report No 167-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the Funding Strategy Statement for Tayside Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) approved the Statement, noting the introduction of alternative treatment of employer exit credits following the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 which came into force on 1st April, 2025; and
(ii) noted the introduction of alternative treatment of employer exit credits following the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 which came into force on 1st April, 2025.
IX TAYSIDE PENSION FUND INTERNAL AUDIT REPORTS - INVESTMENT STRATEGY REVIEW
There was submitted Report No 361-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services submiting the audit report prepared by the Funds Internal Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of the report on the audit review undertaken; and
(ii) approved the management response.
X TAYSIDE PENSION FUND ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND GOVERNANCE COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
There was submitted Report No 352-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services presenting the Annual Governance Statement and Governance Compliance Statement for approval and inclusion into the unaudited Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2025. This report set out the governance arrangements of Tayside Pension Fund and the extent to which it complied with regulations.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) approved the Annual Governance and Governance Compliance Statements which are included as an Appendix to this report; and
(ii) instructed the inclusion of the statements in the Annual Accounts for the year to 31st March, 2025.
XI TAYSIDE PENSION FUND ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 353-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services providing some additional commentary on the unaudited Annual Accounts 2024/2025 which were submitted to the Committee along with this report.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of the covering report;
(ii) noted the unaudited Annual Accounts which were submitted along with this report in Appendix A to the report;
(iii) instructed the Executive Director of Corporate Services to arrange for the unaudited Accounts to be signed as necessary; and
(iv) instructed the Executive Director of Corporate Services to submit the Annual Accounts to the Funds external auditor.
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.
XII TAYSIDE PENSION FUND
(a) TAYSIDE PENSION FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
There was submitted Report No 354-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing investment performance of the Funds investment managers for the quarter to 31st March, 2025. The report compared investment performance of the Fund with the Funds specific benchmarks which consist 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 SUMMARIES OF INVESTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS 1ST JANUARY, 2025-31ST MARCH, 2025
There was submitted Report No 355-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the investment activities of Tayside Pension Funds five Fund Managers for the quarter to 31st March, 2025 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 therein with regard to the performance of the Tayside Main Fund and their Fund Managers.
(c) QUARTERLY FUNDING UPDATE AS AT 31ST MARCH, 2025
There was submitted Report No 356-2025 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.
XIII SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT - ANNUAL REPORT
There was submitted Report No 357-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the progress by the Fund Managers regarding positive engagement in line with the Policy on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance approved by the Sub-Committee (Article XIV of the Minute of Meeting of the Pension Sub-Committee of the Policy and Resources Committee of 18th March, 2024, Report No 81-2024 refers).
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the information contained within this report with regards to the activities of the Fund Managers during the year ended 31st March, 2025.
XIV ASSET ALLOCATION - OPPORTUNISTIC MANDATE UPDATE
There was submitted Report No 358-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing an update as to the current exercise in relation to the procurement of an investment manager to manage the opportunistic asset allocation (5% value of the Fund (circa 250-290m). It also presented a recommended plan to enable successful selection and appointment of an opportunistic mandate manager for Tayside Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of report and approved delegation of authority to Officers to progress.
XV PORTFOLIO REVIEW - ADVISORS OUTCOME AND RECOMMENDATION
There was submitted Report No 359-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, informing of the findings and recommendations of the Funds investment advisors Isio, following an equity portfolio review with specific focus on one of the Fund Managers equity mandates to ensure that equity mandates remain capable of achieving Fund objectives.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) approved Isios recommendations summarised in section 7 of the report, noting the content of their full report (Appendix A to the report).
XVI PRESENTATION
Chris Lyons, Robert Rayner and John Daly from LGIM gave a short presentation to the Sub-Committee and Board.
After Mr Lyons, Mr Rayner and Mr Daly 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.
At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 26th September, 2025.
APPENDIX II
Present:-
COUNCILLORS
Ken LYNN
Heather ANDERSON
Dorothy McHUGH
Councillor Ken LYNN, Convener, in the Chair.
The minute of meeting of this Committee of 19th May, 2025 was held as read.
Unless marked thus * 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 GRIEVANCE APPEAL
It was reported that a grievance appeal from an employee of the Children and Families Services Service had been submitted.
The Sub-Committee heard the Appellant and the Appellants representative and thereafter, the Councils representative and witnesses.
After questions had been put and answers given by both parties to each other and the witnesses and by members of the Sub-Committee, the parties withdrew.
Thereafter, following careful consideration of all the information, the Sub-Committee agreed that the grounds of the appeal had been substantiated in part and the appeal be upheld to the extent that the length of time for the outcome of the Stage 2 Grievance process was excessive.
The Sub-Committee also recommended that the Children and Families Service, or the Human Resources Section, arrange independent professional mediation to facilitate the repair of the working relationship between the Appellant and the other person.
Ken LYNN, Convener.
At a MEETING of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held remotely on 27th October, 2025.
At a MEETING of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held remotely on 27th October, 2025.
Present:-
|
Lord Provost Bill CAMPBELL
|
|
Depute Lord Provost Nadia EL-NAKLA |
BAILIES
|
Will DAWSON |
Kevin KEENAN |
Christina ROBERTS |
|
Willie SAWERS |
Fraser MACPHERSON |
Derek SCOTT |
COUNCILLORS
|
Heather ANDERSON |
Steven ROME |
George McIRVINE |
|
Jimmy BLACK |
Lynne SHORT |
Wendy SCULLIN |
|
Kevin CORDELL |
Roisin SMITH |
Pete SHEARS |
|
Stewart HUNTER |
Siobhan TOLLAND |
Daniel COLEMAN |
|
Ken LYNN |
Georgia CRUICKSHANK |
Michael CRICHTON |
|
Lee MILLS |
Jax FINNEGAN |
Craig DUNCAN |
|
|
Dorothy McHUGH |
|
Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener, in the Chair.
The minute of meeting of this Committee of 22nd September, 2025 was held as read.
Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.
I DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
II MINUTE OF MEETING OF PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE AND PENSION BOARD
The minute of meeting of the Pension Sub-Committee and Pension Board held on 23rd June, 2025 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as Appendix I.
III MINUTE OF MEETING OF PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE
The minute of meeting of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee held on 26th September, 2025 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as Appendix II.
IV CITY CENTRE AMBASSADORS
This item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Bailie Macpherson and Councillor Duncan who asked the Committee to agree, further to the resolution of the Council to employ two City Centre Ambassadors (Article IV of the Minute of Meeting of the Personnel and Management Services Committee of 13th August, 2001 refers) and that the Council proceeds to make appointments to the two currently vacant posts and instructs officers to take this forward with immediate effect.
As an amendment, Bailie Sawers, seconded by Councillor Hunter, moved the direct negative and that no further action be taken.
On a division, there voted for the motion - Bailies Keenan, Macpherson and Scott and Councillors Cruickshank, Finnegan, McHugh, McIrvine, Scullin, Shears, Coleman, Crichton and Duncan (12); and for the amendment - the Depute Convener, Lord Provost Campbell, Depute Lord Provost El-Nakla, Bailies Dawson and Roberts and Councillors Anderson, Black, Cordell, Hunter, Lynn, Mills, Rome, Short, Smith and Tolland (15) - whereupon the amendment was declared carried and became the finding of the meeting.
V CITY PLAN FOR DUNDEE 2022/2032 - ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 310-2025 by the Chief Executive, presenting the third annual progress report on the City Plan for Dundee 2022/2032 for approval.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note the progress made since the first report on the City Plan for Dundee 2022/2032 in October 2023;
(ii) to note that the Strategic Leadership Groups would review performance indicators that had deteriorated and take measures to improve these going forward;
(iii) to remit the annual report to the Scrutiny and Audit Committee for further consideration; and
(iv) to remit the Council Leadership Team to monitor Dundee City Councils commitment and inputs to delivering actions supporting this plan.
VI CAPITAL EXPENDITURE MONITORING 2025/2026
There was submitted Report No 285-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, appraising of the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Plan 2025/2030.
The Committee noted the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Plan 2025/2030.
VII REVENUE MONITORING 2025/2026
There was submitted Report No 292-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing an analysis of the 2025/2026 projected revenue outturn as at 31st July, 2025 and the impact on the Councils overall revenue budget position.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note that as at 31st July, 2025, the General Fund was projecting an overall overspend for the year of 6.695m against the adjusted 2025/2026 Revenue Budget, the impact this had on the Councils General Fund Balances and the actions being taken to address the forecast budget shortfall;
(ii) to note the budget adjustments totalling 3.018m and detailed in the second column of Appendix A and (summarised in Appendix B) to the report as adjustments to the previously approved Revenue Budget;
(iii) to note that as at 31st July, 2025, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was projecting an overspend of 2.250m against the adjusted HRA 2025/2026 Revenue Budget and the impact this had on the projected Renewal and Repair Fund balance earmarked to HRA;
(iv) to note the information included in paragraph 3.6 to the report in relation to financial recovery and authorised the Executive Director of Corporate Services to continue to take actions to address forecast overspends with the objective of achieving a balanced budget; and
(v) to note that as outlined in paragraph 3.3 to the report, the report did not reflect projections and costs associated with the Voluntary Severance and Early Retirement (VSER) scheme and these would be reflected in future monitoring reports.
VIII ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 305-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, reviewing the Treasury Management activities for the period 1st April, 2024 to 31st March, 2025.
The Committee agreed to note the information contained in the report and agreed the limits as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.
IX DRAFT GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN 2026/2031
There was submitted Report No 283-2025 by the Chief Executive, presenting a draft Gaelic Language Plan for Dundee for 2026/2031 and providing an update on the process of producing a Gaelic Language Plan.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note the content of the draft Gaelic Language Plan 2026/2031 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;
(ii) that the draft Plan was submitted to Brd na Gidhlig for an informal assessment; and
(iii) to remit to officers to carry out a formal consultation on the draft Gaelic Language Plan 2026/2031 following feedback from the informal assessment.
X DUNDEES UNESCO CITY OF DESIGN DESIGNATION
There was submitted Report No 316-2025 by the Director of Leisure and Culture Dundee, providing an update on the evaluation of Dundees Quadrennial Membership Monitoring Report 2020/2024 to UNESCO and providing an overview of the proposed strategic priorities and action plan of Dundees City of Design designation for the period 2026/2029.
The Committee agreed:-
(i) to note the content of the report and its appendices; and
(ii) to note the evaluation of Dundees Quadrennial Membership Monitoring Report 2020/2024 as Excellent scoring 4.6 of 5.
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 item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.
The Convener agreed that the undernoted report be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.
XI DUNDEE AIRPORT
There was submitted Report No 317-2025 by the Executive Director of City Development seeking approval of the recommendations as listed.
Bailie Sawers, seconded by Councillor Hunter, moved that the report be agreed as submitted.
As an Amendment, Bailie Keenan, seconded by Councillor Cruickshank, moved the direct negative and that no further action be taken.
On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost Campbell, Depute Lord Provost El-Nakla, Bailies Dawson, Roberts, Macpherson and Scott and Councillors Anderson, Black, Cordell, Hunter, Lynn, Mills, Rome, Short, Smith, Tolland, Coleman, Crichton and Duncan (20); and for the amendment - Bailie Keenan and Councillors Cruickshank, Finnegan, McHugh, McIrvine, Scullin and Shears (7) - whereupon the motion was declared carried and became the finding of the meeting.
Willie SAWERS, Depute Convener.
At a JOINT MEETING of the PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE of the CITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AND THE PENSION BOARD held remotely on 23rd June, 2025.
APPENDIX I
Present:-
PENSION SUB-COMMITTEE
BAILIES
|
Willie SAWERS |
Kevin KEENAN |
COUNCILLORS
|
Ken LYNN |
Steven ROME |
Michael CRICHTON |
PENSION BOARD
|
Bill DUFF |
Stewart DONALDSON |
Arthur NICOLL |
|
|
George RAMSAY |
|
Bailie Willie SAWERS, Convener in the Chair.
I APOLOGIES
The Sub-Committee and Board noted apologies had been received from Councillor McHugh.
II DECLARATION OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were made.
III MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minute of meeting of 17th March, 2025 was submitted and approved.
IV TAYSIDE PENSION FUNDS RISK REGISTER
There was submitted Report No 163-2025 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 no change from the previous quarterly report.
V TAYSIDE PENSION FUND INTERNAL ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 164-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services submitting the Annual Audit Report for 2024/2025 prepared by the Funds Internal Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of the Annual report.
VI PENSION ADMINISTRATION PERFORMANCE - UPDATE TO 31ST MARCH, 2025
There was submitted Report No 165-2025 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 by Audit Scotland at Appendix A to the report.
VII STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES REVIEW
There was submitted Report No 166-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing Statement of Investment Principles for Tayside Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the information within the report, noting the changes to benchmark in Appendix C effective from 1st April, 2025; and approved the Statements of Investment Principles contained in Appendix 1 to the report which had been revised in keeping with audit recommendations.
VIII FUNDING STRATEGY STATEMENT 2025
There was submitted Report No 167-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the Funding Strategy Statement for Tayside Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) approved the Statement, noting the introduction of alternative treatment of employer exit credits following the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 which came into force on 1st April, 2025; and
(ii) noted the introduction of alternative treatment of employer exit credits following the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 which came into force on 1st April, 2025.
IX TAYSIDE PENSION FUND INTERNAL AUDIT REPORTS - INVESTMENT STRATEGY REVIEW
There was submitted Report No 361-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services submiting the audit report prepared by the Funds Internal Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of the report on the audit review undertaken; and
(ii) approved the management response.
X TAYSIDE PENSION FUND ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND GOVERNANCE COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
There was submitted Report No 352-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services presenting the Annual Governance Statement and Governance Compliance Statement for approval and inclusion into the unaudited Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2025. This report set out the governance arrangements of Tayside Pension Fund and the extent to which it complied with regulations.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) approved the Annual Governance and Governance Compliance Statements which are included as an Appendix to this report; and
(ii) instructed the inclusion of the statements in the Annual Accounts for the year to 31st March, 2025.
XI TAYSIDE PENSION FUND ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024/2025
There was submitted Report No 353-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services providing some additional commentary on the unaudited Annual Accounts 2024/2025 which were submitted to the Committee along with this report.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of the covering report;
(ii) noted the unaudited Annual Accounts which were submitted along with this report in Appendix A to the report;
(iii) instructed the Executive Director of Corporate Services to arrange for the unaudited Accounts to be signed as necessary; and
(iv) instructed the Executive Director of Corporate Services to submit the Annual Accounts to the Funds external auditor.
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.
XII TAYSIDE PENSION FUND
(a) TAYSIDE PENSION FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
There was submitted Report No 354-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing investment performance of the Funds investment managers for the quarter to 31st March, 2025. The report compared investment performance of the Fund with the Funds specific benchmarks which consist 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 SUMMARIES OF INVESTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS 1ST JANUARY, 2025-31ST MARCH, 2025
There was submitted Report No 355-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the investment activities of Tayside Pension Funds five Fund Managers for the quarter to 31st March, 2025 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 therein with regard to the performance of the Tayside Main Fund and their Fund Managers.
(c) QUARTERLY FUNDING UPDATE AS AT 31ST MARCH, 2025
There was submitted Report No 356-2025 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.
XIII SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT - ANNUAL REPORT
There was submitted Report No 357-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services reviewing the progress by the Fund Managers regarding positive engagement in line with the Policy on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance approved by the Sub-Committee (Article XIV of the Minute of Meeting of the Pension Sub-Committee of the Policy and Resources Committee of 18th March, 2024, Report No 81-2024 refers).
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the information contained within this report with regards to the activities of the Fund Managers during the year ended 31st March, 2025.
XIV ASSET ALLOCATION - OPPORTUNISTIC MANDATE UPDATE
There was submitted Report No 358-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, providing an update as to the current exercise in relation to the procurement of an investment manager to manage the opportunistic asset allocation (5% value of the Fund (circa 250-290m). It also presented a recommended plan to enable successful selection and appointment of an opportunistic mandate manager for Tayside Pension Fund.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) noted the content of report and approved delegation of authority to Officers to progress.
XV PORTFOLIO REVIEW - ADVISORS OUTCOME AND RECOMMENDATION
There was submitted Report No 359-2025 by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, informing of the findings and recommendations of the Funds investment advisors Isio, following an equity portfolio review with specific focus on one of the Fund Managers equity mandates to ensure that equity mandates remain capable of achieving Fund objectives.
The Sub-Committee and Board:-
(i) approved Isios recommendations summarised in section 7 of the report, noting the content of their full report (Appendix A to the report).
XVI PRESENTATION
Chris Lyons, Robert Rayner and John Daly from LGIM gave a short presentation to the Sub-Committee and Board.
After Mr Lyons, Mr Rayner and Mr Daly 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.
At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 26th September, 2025.
APPENDIX II
Present:-
COUNCILLORS
|
Ken LYNN |
Heather ANDERSON |
Dorothy McHUGH |
Councillor Ken LYNN, Convener, in the Chair.
The minute of meeting of this Committee of 19th May, 2025 was held as read.
Unless marked thus * 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 GRIEVANCE APPEAL
It was reported that a grievance appeal from an employee of the Children and Families Services Service had been submitted.
The Sub-Committee heard the Appellant and the Appellants representative and thereafter, the Councils representative and witnesses.
After questions had been put and answers given by both parties to each other and the witnesses and by members of the Sub-Committee, the parties withdrew.
Thereafter, following careful consideration of all the information, the Sub-Committee agreed that the grounds of the appeal had been substantiated in part and the appeal be upheld to the extent that the length of time for the outcome of the Stage 2 Grievance process was excessive.
The Sub-Committee also recommended that the Children and Families Service, or the Human Resources Section, arrange independent professional mediation to facilitate the repair of the working relationship between the Appellant and the other person.
Ken LYNN, Convener.
Dundee City Council
