Another varied week ahead of Council duties:
Monday
2.00 Meeting in Paisley with the Scottish Government's Housing Investment Division to discuss the future of the Clune Park Area (this meeting was postponed a few weeks ago)
4.00 Special meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board (which I Chair)
6.45 Meeting of the Clune Park Task Group (which I also Chair)
Tuesday
1.30 Interview with Inverclyde Radio
3.00 Meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee (which I Chair)
Wednesday
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
At work all day
Friday
1.30 Visits to the new All Saints and Aileymill Primary Schools
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Friday, 29 January 2010
Offer of budget discussions turned down
Last week I reported that I had offered to meet with the two main opposition groups on the Council to see if we could agree common ground with a view to submitting joint budget proposals to the Policy & Resources Committee on 9 February. I have now had responses from both groups (which is progress on previous years I have to say) declining my offer as they wish to submit their own proposals.
I suppose that's politics.
It is obviously more important to the SNP and Lib Dems to put forward proposals that they think will win a few headlines than it is to influence the decisions that are actually taken since they know that the Administration has the votes to have our proposals carried.
I suppose that's politics.
It is obviously more important to the SNP and Lib Dems to put forward proposals that they think will win a few headlines than it is to influence the decisions that are actually taken since they know that the Administration has the votes to have our proposals carried.
Funding for housing adaptations
Under the Housing (Scotland) Acts of 2001 and 2006 the Council has a statutory duty to provide financial assistance to homeowners and private rented sector tenants who are assessed as requiring adaptations, such as ramps and wet floor showers, to their homes to make them more suitable for their needs. Funding for housing association tenants is the responsibility of the individual associations, although they usually get this funding from the Scottish Government.
In the current financial year we have seen a significant increase in demand for adaptations from homeowners and private tenants, which has placed pressure on the Council's budget. Even after increasing the budget from £490,000 to £855,000 in October we still have a considerable number of people waiting on adaptations. In recognition of this I asked officers to look at how we could further increase the funding to reduce the length of time that people have to wait.
I am pleased to say that due to prudent financial management - and by being prepared to take some tough decisions on spending priorities - the Administration is now looking to commit substantial additional funding to meet the demand for adaptations.
Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in our community has been a priority for my Administration since we were elected in 2007. This additional funding will mean that more people will be able to remain in their own homes rather than being admitted to care homes or hospital. It will also help make life easier for carers looking after relatives and friends with disabilities.
I hope that all political groups within the Council will support this proposal when it is considered by the Council's Policy & Resources Committee on 9 February.
In the current financial year we have seen a significant increase in demand for adaptations from homeowners and private tenants, which has placed pressure on the Council's budget. Even after increasing the budget from £490,000 to £855,000 in October we still have a considerable number of people waiting on adaptations. In recognition of this I asked officers to look at how we could further increase the funding to reduce the length of time that people have to wait.
I am pleased to say that due to prudent financial management - and by being prepared to take some tough decisions on spending priorities - the Administration is now looking to commit substantial additional funding to meet the demand for adaptations.
Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in our community has been a priority for my Administration since we were elected in 2007. This additional funding will mean that more people will be able to remain in their own homes rather than being admitted to care homes or hospital. It will also help make life easier for carers looking after relatives and friends with disabilities.
I hope that all political groups within the Council will support this proposal when it is considered by the Council's Policy & Resources Committee on 9 February.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Demand for new community facilities
I was interested to read in today's Greenock Telegraph the article on Inverkip residents campaigning for a new community facility for the village. I did think it a bit ironic that SNP Councillor Innes Nelson is looking to spend the £600,000 due from Stewart Milne Homes when he was one of the leading opponents of the Hill Farm development when chair of the community council.
That having been said, my Administration does recognise the demand from Inverkip residents for a new facility and we are keen to work with them to bring this about. My Labour colleague Gerry Dorrian is very much behind the campaign.
Inverkip is not the only area where residents are looking for a new community facility. There are residents groups in Woodhall, Gibshill and Broomhill , for example, who have similar aspirations to residents in Inverkip.
Given the many competing demands on the Council's finances we are not in a position to provide 100% of the funding for any of these projects. We may be able however to make a contribution towards the costs if funding can be attracted from other sources.
The Council's budget for 2010/11 will be considered at the Policy & Resources Committee on 9 February. I am hopeful that we will be able to identify some additional funding for community facilities that residents' groups can access.
That having been said, my Administration does recognise the demand from Inverkip residents for a new facility and we are keen to work with them to bring this about. My Labour colleague Gerry Dorrian is very much behind the campaign.
Inverkip is not the only area where residents are looking for a new community facility. There are residents groups in Woodhall, Gibshill and Broomhill , for example, who have similar aspirations to residents in Inverkip.
Given the many competing demands on the Council's finances we are not in a position to provide 100% of the funding for any of these projects. We may be able however to make a contribution towards the costs if funding can be attracted from other sources.
The Council's budget for 2010/11 will be considered at the Policy & Resources Committee on 9 February. I am hopeful that we will be able to identify some additional funding for community facilities that residents' groups can access.
A hectic week so far
Apologies to regular readers for not updating the blog for a few days: it has been one of those weeks. I have been out every night so far, which is why I have not been able to find the time.
Tomorrow morning I will be attending the CoSLA Leaders' meeting in Edinburgh.
CoSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) is an umbrella organisation that the Council is a member of (it costs us £60,000 a year). Its role is to try to represent the collective views of Scottish Councils to Government and other bodies that we deal with.
The monthly Leaders meeting is attended by the Leaders and Chief Executives of all member Councils. The agenda for tomorrow's meeting includes discussion on care home fees; the Scottish Government's proposed National Housing Trust; the future of public information notices; and the Alcohol Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament.
The aim of the meeting is to try to agree a common local government position on these matters that all 32 Councils can sign up to. Given the different interests of each Council and the political allegiances of Council Leaders this can sometimes be quite challenging!
Tomorrow morning I will be attending the CoSLA Leaders' meeting in Edinburgh.
CoSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) is an umbrella organisation that the Council is a member of (it costs us £60,000 a year). Its role is to try to represent the collective views of Scottish Councils to Government and other bodies that we deal with.
The monthly Leaders meeting is attended by the Leaders and Chief Executives of all member Councils. The agenda for tomorrow's meeting includes discussion on care home fees; the Scottish Government's proposed National Housing Trust; the future of public information notices; and the Alcohol Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament.
The aim of the meeting is to try to agree a common local government position on these matters that all 32 Councils can sign up to. Given the different interests of each Council and the political allegiances of Council Leaders this can sometimes be quite challenging!
Monday, 25 January 2010
Things moving forward in Woodhall
I chaired a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group tonight. The Task Group is a multi-agency steering group charged with the responsibility of coordinating the regeneration of the Woodhall estate in Port Glasgow.
The Task Group includes representatives from the Woodhall Community Association, the Scottish Government's Housing Investment Division, River Clyde Homes, Riverside Inverclyde, various Council services, local churches, Tree Tops Nursery, the local shop owner and the Ward Councillors.
The main purpose of the meeting was to review the Group's draft action plan. We also received updates from River Clyde Homes (RCH) and Woodhall Community Association (WCA).
It was pleasing to hear that the ground works for the new housing in Broadfield/Parkhill is well under way and should be completed by April/May when the first house kits should be delivered on site.
The Task Group was also informed that RCH and WCA hope to appoint consultants shortly to develop proposals for community facilities within the estate.
The Task Group includes representatives from the Woodhall Community Association, the Scottish Government's Housing Investment Division, River Clyde Homes, Riverside Inverclyde, various Council services, local churches, Tree Tops Nursery, the local shop owner and the Ward Councillors.
The main purpose of the meeting was to review the Group's draft action plan. We also received updates from River Clyde Homes (RCH) and Woodhall Community Association (WCA).
It was pleasing to hear that the ground works for the new housing in Broadfield/Parkhill is well under way and should be completed by April/May when the first house kits should be delivered on site.
The Task Group was also informed that RCH and WCA hope to appoint consultants shortly to develop proposals for community facilities within the estate.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
The week ahead
Another varied week ahead with regard to my Council duties. It is often the case that on some nights I have to choose between a number of meetings that I am invited to. This week is no exception.
Monday
4.00 Visit to a constituent
5.30 Woodhall Task Group
7.00 Kilmacolm Parent Partnership (also invited to Port Glasgow High Parent Council at 6.30 and St Francis' Parent Council at 7.00)
Tuesday
6.00 Surgery at Kilmacolm Community Centre
7.30 Kilmacolm Community Council
Wednesday
2.00 Meeting with officers
2.30 Weekly meeting with Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group (hoping for a quick meeting so that I can make the football!)
Thursday
No meetings in the diary as working from 7.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Friday
At the monthly Leaders' meeting at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) in Edinburgh from 10.00 to 2.00 approx.
Monday
4.00 Visit to a constituent
5.30 Woodhall Task Group
7.00 Kilmacolm Parent Partnership (also invited to Port Glasgow High Parent Council at 6.30 and St Francis' Parent Council at 7.00)
Tuesday
6.00 Surgery at Kilmacolm Community Centre
7.30 Kilmacolm Community Council
Wednesday
2.00 Meeting with officers
2.30 Weekly meeting with Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group (hoping for a quick meeting so that I can make the football!)
Thursday
No meetings in the diary as working from 7.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Friday
At the monthly Leaders' meeting at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) in Edinburgh from 10.00 to 2.00 approx.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Bah Humbug!
I see that Inverclyde's very own Scrooge - SNP Group Leader Jim MacLeod - is unhappy that the Council's Events' Team paid X-Factor finalist Rikki Loney a relatively modest fee for appearing at November's switch on of the Christmas Lights in Greenock. Jim tells us that it is hard to justify paying celebrities in these hard financial times.
Bah humbug is what I've got to say to Jim. He clearly feels that he isn't getting himself in the paper enough if he has to come out with such rubbish.
If we took a hard nosed look at the Council's entire events programme anyone could argue that there are other things we could be spending the money on since the tangible benefits from such events are almost impossible to quantify.
I have to say that whether you like the X-Factor or don't - and I do for the record - thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people from Inverclyde tuned in every week during the series. Seeing one of the finalists live in your own area was I am sure exciting for many of the large crowd who turned up, particularly the younger generations.
Don't spoil the kids fun Jim!
Bah humbug is what I've got to say to Jim. He clearly feels that he isn't getting himself in the paper enough if he has to come out with such rubbish.
If we took a hard nosed look at the Council's entire events programme anyone could argue that there are other things we could be spending the money on since the tangible benefits from such events are almost impossible to quantify.
I have to say that whether you like the X-Factor or don't - and I do for the record - thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people from Inverclyde tuned in every week during the series. Seeing one of the finalists live in your own area was I am sure exciting for many of the large crowd who turned up, particularly the younger generations.
Don't spoil the kids fun Jim!
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Offer of budget discussions
A special meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee has been called for Tuesday 9 February to enable Members to consider changes to the 2010/11 budget we set last year as part of our two-year budget. There have been a number of factors that have impacted on the Council's financial position since last February so it is appropriate that we reflect on these.
We also need to consider the areas of the Council's budget that we want officers to look at as we try to identify savings to cover the projected £28m funding gap over the years 2011-2014.
As in previous years, I have written to the Leaders of the main opposition groups to invite them to meet with me to see if we can find any common ground with a view to agreeing joint proposals for the meeting on 9 February.
In 2008 the SNP Group took up my offer of talks and we were able to agree a joint budget. In 2009 the SNP decided to submit their own budget proposals. In both years the Lib Dems declined my offer of talks, although technically they did not actually reply to my letter.
Hopefully I will receive a more positive response this year.
We also need to consider the areas of the Council's budget that we want officers to look at as we try to identify savings to cover the projected £28m funding gap over the years 2011-2014.
As in previous years, I have written to the Leaders of the main opposition groups to invite them to meet with me to see if we can find any common ground with a view to agreeing joint proposals for the meeting on 9 February.
In 2008 the SNP Group took up my offer of talks and we were able to agree a joint budget. In 2009 the SNP decided to submit their own budget proposals. In both years the Lib Dems declined my offer of talks, although technically they did not actually reply to my letter.
Hopefully I will receive a more positive response this year.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Work starts on new homes
Driving down Port Glasgow's Kilmacolm Road this afternoon I was delighted to see that work has started on the new River Clyde Homes housing development off Oronsay Avenue. This development is part of a £26.6m project that will involve the construction of 195 houses at Oronsay, Woodhall and Moray Road.
It is great to see new social housing being built on this scale in Port Glasgow for the first time in many generations. These new houses will help transform our communities and the lives of the people who live in them.
It is great to see new social housing being built on this scale in Port Glasgow for the first time in many generations. These new houses will help transform our communities and the lives of the people who live in them.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Education, Education, Education
Today was all about Education.
First thing in the morning I faced the challenge of getting my 4 kids out to school as my wife, who usually has that pleasure, was attending a seminar in Stirling.
After spending the morning at work in Glasgow it was down to the Council in the afternoon for a couple of meetings.
The first was a presentation on the Council's Community Learning and Development Service. This was very informative, covering the service's role in adult learning and literacy and youth work.
The second was a meeting of the Council's Education and Lifelong Learning Committee. One of the report's on the agenda was on the recently published report by the Literacy Commission.
While we can be rightly proud of our education services in Inverclyde there are still too many of our young people leaving school without basic skills in reading and writing. It is important therefore that we carefully consider the Commission's recommendations and review our own literacy strategy.
Our Acting Director of Education, Albert Henderson, intends to establish a working group to do just that and report back to a future Committee with the outcome.
In the evening I attended a meeting of St Stephen's High School Parent Council.
I try to attend parent councils when I can but with 5 primaries and 2 secondaries covering my ward and my other commitments I don't get along as often as I would like.
First thing in the morning I faced the challenge of getting my 4 kids out to school as my wife, who usually has that pleasure, was attending a seminar in Stirling.
After spending the morning at work in Glasgow it was down to the Council in the afternoon for a couple of meetings.
The first was a presentation on the Council's Community Learning and Development Service. This was very informative, covering the service's role in adult learning and literacy and youth work.
The second was a meeting of the Council's Education and Lifelong Learning Committee. One of the report's on the agenda was on the recently published report by the Literacy Commission.
While we can be rightly proud of our education services in Inverclyde there are still too many of our young people leaving school without basic skills in reading and writing. It is important therefore that we carefully consider the Commission's recommendations and review our own literacy strategy.
Our Acting Director of Education, Albert Henderson, intends to establish a working group to do just that and report back to a future Committee with the outcome.
In the evening I attended a meeting of St Stephen's High School Parent Council.
I try to attend parent councils when I can but with 5 primaries and 2 secondaries covering my ward and my other commitments I don't get along as often as I would like.
Monday, 18 January 2010
Update on new Shared Campus
I chaired a meeting of the Council's working group on the proposed new shared campus for Port Glasgow and St Stephen's High Schools tonight.
Members of the working group heard reports from officers on preparations for the temporary shared campus at St Stephen's from Summer 2011 and the new campus planned for the Port Glasgow High site, which is scheduled to open in 2013. The group also heard from the two head teachers on how they are working together to prepare for the schools coming together in 2011.
Of particular interest was the update on the appointment of consultants to design the new campus. The closing date for tenders is tomorrow, with officers aiming to make the appointment before the end of February. It is hoped that the design team will be able to make a presentation to the working group at our next meeting on 1 March.
Members of the working group heard reports from officers on preparations for the temporary shared campus at St Stephen's from Summer 2011 and the new campus planned for the Port Glasgow High site, which is scheduled to open in 2013. The group also heard from the two head teachers on how they are working together to prepare for the schools coming together in 2011.
Of particular interest was the update on the appointment of consultants to design the new campus. The closing date for tenders is tomorrow, with officers aiming to make the appointment before the end of February. It is hoped that the design team will be able to make a presentation to the working group at our next meeting on 1 March.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
The end for the curfew?
I was interested to hear about the campaign on Facebook to have the Inverclyde curfew for admission to licensed premises lifted and the decision of the Licensing Board to hold a public consultation on this matter.
As I am not on the Licensing Board I won't have any say on what the Board decides. While the Board is composed of Councillors it is independent of the Council. Members act as individuals and are not subject to a political whip.
This debate has of course been going on for a long number of years - I remember moaning about the curfew when I had a social life - and I don't envy the members of the Board. While it is important that they listen to the views of those who socialise in local pubs and clubs they also have to be mindful of the concerns of residents who live in our town and village centres.
As I am not on the Licensing Board I won't have any say on what the Board decides. While the Board is composed of Councillors it is independent of the Council. Members act as individuals and are not subject to a political whip.
This debate has of course been going on for a long number of years - I remember moaning about the curfew when I had a social life - and I don't envy the members of the Board. While it is important that they listen to the views of those who socialise in local pubs and clubs they also have to be mindful of the concerns of residents who live in our town and village centres.
The week ahead
As usual, I have a number of meetings scheduled this week:
Monday
1.00 Long leeting of applicants for the Corporate Director of Education & Communities post
3.30 Policy & Resources Committee pre-agenda
4.30 Special meeting of Administration group to discuss the 2010/11 budget
6.30 Port Glasgow Secondary schools Working Group
Tuesday
3.15 Presentation by the Council's Community Learning and Development Service
4.00 Education and Lifelong Learning Committee
7.00 St Stephen's High School Parent Council
Wednesday
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of Labour Group
Thursday
7.00 Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association
Monday
1.00 Long leeting of applicants for the Corporate Director of Education & Communities post
3.30 Policy & Resources Committee pre-agenda
4.30 Special meeting of Administration group to discuss the 2010/11 budget
6.30 Port Glasgow Secondary schools Working Group
Tuesday
3.15 Presentation by the Council's Community Learning and Development Service
4.00 Education and Lifelong Learning Committee
7.00 St Stephen's High School Parent Council
Wednesday
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of Labour Group
Thursday
7.00 Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association
A working weekend
As a working Councillor I have to balance my work, Council and family commitments. That often means part of my weekend is taken up with reading papers in preparation for meetings in the week ahead. This weekend has been no different as I have had to read the agenda for the Policy & Resources Committee pre-agenda meeting on Monday and applications received for the post of Corporate Director for Education and Communities.
I also spent a few hours at work on Saturday and Sunday mornings making up for hours that I have taken off for Council duties. This is a busy time for me at work as I am preparing budgets for the new financial year starting in April.
Of course I also have to find time for other things - taking my sons' to the football and a trip to the supermarket being two of the highlights!
I also spent a few hours at work on Saturday and Sunday mornings making up for hours that I have taken off for Council duties. This is a busy time for me at work as I am preparing budgets for the new financial year starting in April.
Of course I also have to find time for other things - taking my sons' to the football and a trip to the supermarket being two of the highlights!
Friday, 15 January 2010
Opening of the Slaemuir Community Pod
I had the privilege this afternoon of officially opening the Slaemuir Community Pod.
What is the Slaemuir Community Pod I hear you ask?
It is a temporary community facility made from converted storage containers, located on the site of the now demolished former Slaemuir Primary School.
The Pod is an initiative by the Council's Safer Communities Service in response to issues highlighted by the local tenants' and residents' association.
The Pod will provide a base for a range of activities for young and old alike, such as music workshops, games nights, arts and crafts and film nights. It will also be used by a number of agencies to provide surgeries, including River Clyde Homes, Strathclyde Police and various Council services.
The Pod is an inter generational project and is open to all members of the community. Safer Communities would encourage more adults and young people to go along and get involved.
For more information on the Pod contact Safer Communities on 07766496622.
As one of the ward Councillors for Slaemuir, I am delighted to lend my support to this worthwhile initiative.
What is the Slaemuir Community Pod I hear you ask?
It is a temporary community facility made from converted storage containers, located on the site of the now demolished former Slaemuir Primary School.
The Pod is an initiative by the Council's Safer Communities Service in response to issues highlighted by the local tenants' and residents' association.
The Pod will provide a base for a range of activities for young and old alike, such as music workshops, games nights, arts and crafts and film nights. It will also be used by a number of agencies to provide surgeries, including River Clyde Homes, Strathclyde Police and various Council services.
The Pod is an inter generational project and is open to all members of the community. Safer Communities would encourage more adults and young people to go along and get involved.
For more information on the Pod contact Safer Communities on 07766496622.
As one of the ward Councillors for Slaemuir, I am delighted to lend my support to this worthwhile initiative.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Parklea pitch on schedule
I attended one of the quickest Regeneration Committees on record this afternoon: it lasted just over 50 minutes, rather than the normal 3 hours!
I was however able to get an update from officers on the progress of the new 3G pitch at Parklea, which is the first phase of an over all development costing £6.4m.
Subject to planning permission being granted in early February, the contract is ready to be awarded and work should start at the end of that month and be completed before the end of May. The pitch will cost £640,000.
Hopefully when work starts on this new pitch the doubters will start to believe that I am determined to make Parklea one of the best football centres in Scotland.
I was however able to get an update from officers on the progress of the new 3G pitch at Parklea, which is the first phase of an over all development costing £6.4m.
Subject to planning permission being granted in early February, the contract is ready to be awarded and work should start at the end of that month and be completed before the end of May. The pitch will cost £640,000.
Hopefully when work starts on this new pitch the doubters will start to believe that I am determined to make Parklea one of the best football centres in Scotland.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Mixed response on parking charges
I received a couple of emails today following the debate at the Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee yesterday over the proposed study into the possible introduction of parking charges in Greenock Town Centre.
The first correspondent was very much against the study believing that the money it will cost could be better spent and he held the firm view that parking charges would drive shoppers out of town to Braehead and Silverburn where parking is free (although not the petrol required to get you there).
The other email came from a couple who run a retail business in West Blackhall Street. They would very much welcome the study as they tell me that cars parked for long periods, often for the entire trading day, are affecting their business and their potential customers. They point out that they struggle to get deliveries without creating disruption on the road and that customers with mobility issues have little or no chance of parking.
For my part, I would certainly not support any system of parking charges that would drive shoppers out of Inverclyde. On the contrary, before I would support the introduction of charging I would need to be convinced that this would help support local shops; make the streets safer; and at the same time address the concerns of the many people who live in the town centre.
The first correspondent was very much against the study believing that the money it will cost could be better spent and he held the firm view that parking charges would drive shoppers out of town to Braehead and Silverburn where parking is free (although not the petrol required to get you there).
The other email came from a couple who run a retail business in West Blackhall Street. They would very much welcome the study as they tell me that cars parked for long periods, often for the entire trading day, are affecting their business and their potential customers. They point out that they struggle to get deliveries without creating disruption on the road and that customers with mobility issues have little or no chance of parking.
For my part, I would certainly not support any system of parking charges that would drive shoppers out of Inverclyde. On the contrary, before I would support the introduction of charging I would need to be convinced that this would help support local shops; make the streets safer; and at the same time address the concerns of the many people who live in the town centre.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
A busy day
After a morning at work, I spent the afternoon in the Council attending the Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee.
The Committee discussed a number of important issues, including an update on the development of our flood action plan and a proposal for a study into charging for car parking in Greenock Town Centre.
I was disappointed - although not surprised - that opposition councillors voted against the study into parking charges. It is clear that the opposition 'rainbow coalition' of the SNP, Lib Dems and Independent Charlie McCallum are looking for any opportunity to force a vote at Council meetings.
I made it clear at the meeting that the Administration's support for the study did not mean that we supported the introduction of charging. We have an open mind and will listen to the arguments before coming to a decision.
I was pleased that the Committee did agree to my suggestion that the new River Clyde Homes' housing development on the site of the former Holy Family Primary School in Port Glasgow be named 'School Road'. I believed that it was important that we recognised the important part that Holy Family played in the history of Port Glasgow. The Woodhall Community Association also backed this proposal.
In the early evening I held an advice surgery in Clune Park Resource Centre, dealing with a range of issues including a parking problem, a complaint about the handling of a planning application and a neighbour dispute.
Later on I attended a meeting of Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association where the main discussion centred around River Clyde Homes' investment proposals for the Oronsay estate. RCH Chief Executive Lynne Carr was present along with two of her staff to answer residents' questions.
The Committee discussed a number of important issues, including an update on the development of our flood action plan and a proposal for a study into charging for car parking in Greenock Town Centre.
I was disappointed - although not surprised - that opposition councillors voted against the study into parking charges. It is clear that the opposition 'rainbow coalition' of the SNP, Lib Dems and Independent Charlie McCallum are looking for any opportunity to force a vote at Council meetings.
I made it clear at the meeting that the Administration's support for the study did not mean that we supported the introduction of charging. We have an open mind and will listen to the arguments before coming to a decision.
I was pleased that the Committee did agree to my suggestion that the new River Clyde Homes' housing development on the site of the former Holy Family Primary School in Port Glasgow be named 'School Road'. I believed that it was important that we recognised the important part that Holy Family played in the history of Port Glasgow. The Woodhall Community Association also backed this proposal.
In the early evening I held an advice surgery in Clune Park Resource Centre, dealing with a range of issues including a parking problem, a complaint about the handling of a planning application and a neighbour dispute.
Later on I attended a meeting of Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association where the main discussion centred around River Clyde Homes' investment proposals for the Oronsay estate. RCH Chief Executive Lynne Carr was present along with two of her staff to answer residents' questions.
Monday, 11 January 2010
Budget discussions ongoing
The Administration Group on the Council - a coalition of the 8 Labour Councillors, Independent Ronnie Ahlfeld and Conservative David Wilson - met tonight for the second in a serious of budget discussions in the lead up to the setting of the Council's 2010/11 budget next month.
Due to our prudent approach to financial management in the past two budgets the Council is projecting a relatively good position for 2010/11, which will allow us to freeze the Council Tax for the third year running and continue to invest in our schools and leisure facilities and the regeneration of our waterfront. We will also use the 2010/11 budget as a platform for addressing the significant savings targets that we are likely to face over the following years.
Due to our prudent approach to financial management in the past two budgets the Council is projecting a relatively good position for 2010/11, which will allow us to freeze the Council Tax for the third year running and continue to invest in our schools and leisure facilities and the regeneration of our waterfront. We will also use the 2010/11 budget as a platform for addressing the significant savings targets that we are likely to face over the following years.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
A busy week ahead...
The coming week will give you an indication of the type and number of meetings that I attend in my role as a Councillor. Most mornings I spend at work in Glasgow, so my Council duties are usually carried out in afternoons and evenings.
Monday
5.00 Special meeting of Administration Group of the Council to discuss the 2010/11 Budget
7.00 St Francis' Primary School Parent Council
Tuesday
3.00 Safe Sustainable Communities Committee of the Council
6.00 Surgery at Clune Park Resource Centre
7.00 Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association
Wednesday
11.30 Meeting with the Scottish Government's Housing Investment Division in Paisley to discuss the Clune Park area
1.00 Meeting with Officers in my role as Convener of the Policy & Resources Committee
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
3.00 Regeneration Committee of the Council
Friday
2.00 Renfrewshire Joint Valuation Board meeting in Paisley (this is an outside body I attend on behalf of the Council)
4.00 Official launch of the Slaemuir Pod (a temporary community facility)
Monday
5.00 Special meeting of Administration Group of the Council to discuss the 2010/11 Budget
7.00 St Francis' Primary School Parent Council
Tuesday
3.00 Safe Sustainable Communities Committee of the Council
6.00 Surgery at Clune Park Resource Centre
7.00 Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association
Wednesday
11.30 Meeting with the Scottish Government's Housing Investment Division in Paisley to discuss the Clune Park area
1.00 Meeting with Officers in my role as Convener of the Policy & Resources Committee
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
3.00 Regeneration Committee of the Council
Friday
2.00 Renfrewshire Joint Valuation Board meeting in Paisley (this is an outside body I attend on behalf of the Council)
4.00 Official launch of the Slaemuir Pod (a temporary community facility)
Friday, 8 January 2010
Motion had been discussed
Letter published in Greenock Telegraph 08/01/10
It is difficult to know where to begin in responding to the SNP’s rising star, Innes Nelson (Telegraph 11 December), but I will give it a go.
If he does not believe that the opposition amendment was effectively a motion of no confidence in the Chief Executive I suggest that he actually speaks to John Mundell. Maybe then he will understand the implications of the proposals he supported.
For his information the motion that I moved, which amended one of the recommendations in the Chief Executive’s report, was fully discussed with Mr Mundell in advance of the meeting and he had no difficulty with what I proposed. The first Mr Mundell knew of the opposition amendment was when Councillor MacLeod read it out at the meeting.
Councillor Nelson alludes to the fact that the proposals contained within the Chief Executive’s report belonged to the Administration. That is simply not the case. The proposals came from Mr Mundell.
With regard to the issue of compulsory redundancies, the recommendation accepted by the Council related solely to a small number of individuals affected by the management re-structure. I am hopeful that there will be no need for any compulsory redundancies arising from this re-structure. It is worth noting that to date I have received absolutely no direct representations from the trade unions in connection with this matter. They seem to have a better understanding of the challenges faced by the Council than opposition Councillors.
Indeed Councillor Nelson’s hope that the pressures on public finances will be short-lived is nothing short of fanciful. He clearly has not been listening to the advice of the Council’s Chief Financial Officer or keeping abreast of the current national debate, which is surprising for someone who I believe is seeking to represent Inverclyde in the United Kingdom Parliament.
Councillor Nelson’s claim that Audit Scotland’s presence in the Municipal Buildings is so that they can keep an eye on my ‘struggling administration’ is utter nonsense. If he cares to read the most recent Audit Scotland follow up report he will find that the Council has come a very long way since the critical Best Value report of 2005 when the Lib Dems were in control. The continuing Audit Scotland presence is in connection with the ongoing annual audit of the Council’s financial systems and records. If he does not believe me he should speak to the Council’s Chief External Auditor, Peter Tait.
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to comment on the SNP Group’s desire to form a new Council Administration along with the Lib Dems and Independent Councillor Charlie McCallum.
Perhaps Councillor Nelson and his colleagues can be forgiven for forgetting the four disastrous years of Lib Dem control of the Council between 2003 and 2007. They have surely not forgotten however that recently a senior SNP Councillor approached me on behalf of his Group asking for my Group’s support for removing Lib Dem Leader Alan Blair as Chair of the Audit Committee?
If Councillor Nelson is looking for cracks in coalitions I would suggest he looks a bit closer to home.
It is difficult to know where to begin in responding to the SNP’s rising star, Innes Nelson (Telegraph 11 December), but I will give it a go.
If he does not believe that the opposition amendment was effectively a motion of no confidence in the Chief Executive I suggest that he actually speaks to John Mundell. Maybe then he will understand the implications of the proposals he supported.
For his information the motion that I moved, which amended one of the recommendations in the Chief Executive’s report, was fully discussed with Mr Mundell in advance of the meeting and he had no difficulty with what I proposed. The first Mr Mundell knew of the opposition amendment was when Councillor MacLeod read it out at the meeting.
Councillor Nelson alludes to the fact that the proposals contained within the Chief Executive’s report belonged to the Administration. That is simply not the case. The proposals came from Mr Mundell.
With regard to the issue of compulsory redundancies, the recommendation accepted by the Council related solely to a small number of individuals affected by the management re-structure. I am hopeful that there will be no need for any compulsory redundancies arising from this re-structure. It is worth noting that to date I have received absolutely no direct representations from the trade unions in connection with this matter. They seem to have a better understanding of the challenges faced by the Council than opposition Councillors.
Indeed Councillor Nelson’s hope that the pressures on public finances will be short-lived is nothing short of fanciful. He clearly has not been listening to the advice of the Council’s Chief Financial Officer or keeping abreast of the current national debate, which is surprising for someone who I believe is seeking to represent Inverclyde in the United Kingdom Parliament.
Councillor Nelson’s claim that Audit Scotland’s presence in the Municipal Buildings is so that they can keep an eye on my ‘struggling administration’ is utter nonsense. If he cares to read the most recent Audit Scotland follow up report he will find that the Council has come a very long way since the critical Best Value report of 2005 when the Lib Dems were in control. The continuing Audit Scotland presence is in connection with the ongoing annual audit of the Council’s financial systems and records. If he does not believe me he should speak to the Council’s Chief External Auditor, Peter Tait.
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to comment on the SNP Group’s desire to form a new Council Administration along with the Lib Dems and Independent Councillor Charlie McCallum.
Perhaps Councillor Nelson and his colleagues can be forgiven for forgetting the four disastrous years of Lib Dem control of the Council between 2003 and 2007. They have surely not forgotten however that recently a senior SNP Councillor approached me on behalf of his Group asking for my Group’s support for removing Lib Dem Leader Alan Blair as Chair of the Audit Committee?
If Councillor Nelson is looking for cracks in coalitions I would suggest he looks a bit closer to home.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Welcome for Planning Board Decisions
I am delighted that yesterday's meeting of the Planning Board granted planning consent for the £180m development of James Watt Dock and the new £10m Arts Guild Theatre at East India Harbour. These are key projects in the regeneration of Inverclyde's waterfront.
A great start to 2010!
A great start to 2010!
A busy afternoon
After spending the morning at work I came down to Port Glasgow in the early afternoon to attend a meeting with senior staff of Community Renewal at their base in Moss Road to discuss their concerns over a recommendation from officers of the Inverclyde Alliance that their funding should cease from 31 March 2010. The meeting was useful and should assist the Inverclyde Alliance Board, which I chair, to come to a decision on this matter at a special meeting within the next few weeks.
Later in the afternoon I attended a meeting of the Council's Health & Social Care Committee. The meeting lasted for two hours with a number of important reports being considered by Elected Members. I was particularly pleased that the Committee approved proposals to replace the Council's three children's residential units with three smaller more homely units.
Later in the afternoon I attended a meeting of the Council's Health & Social Care Committee. The meeting lasted for two hours with a number of important reports being considered by Elected Members. I was particularly pleased that the Committee approved proposals to replace the Council's three children's residential units with three smaller more homely units.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
A typical Wednesday
Following the morning at work in Glasgow, I came into the Council offices this afternoon for scheduled meetings with the Chief Executive (2.30), the Coalition Administration (4.30) and Labour Group (5.30). Due to the Planning Board meeting taking longer than usual the Coalition meeting did not start until 5.30, with the result that I did not set off for home until close to 7.00.
During my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive we discussed the Council's response to the current severe weather conditions. While praising Council staff for their sterling efforts we agreed that it would be appropriate to undertake a review of the Council's winter maintenance policies and practices to identify if there are any lessons that require to be learned in light of the exceptional circumstances we have faced over the last few weeks. The Chief Executive will arrange for this review to be undertaken and a report submitted to the Council's Safe Sustainable Communities Committee.
During my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive we discussed the Council's response to the current severe weather conditions. While praising Council staff for their sterling efforts we agreed that it would be appropriate to undertake a review of the Council's winter maintenance policies and practices to identify if there are any lessons that require to be learned in light of the exceptional circumstances we have faced over the last few weeks. The Chief Executive will arrange for this review to be undertaken and a report submitted to the Council's Safe Sustainable Communities Committee.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Praise for Pitches Strategy
On my first day back following the holiday period it was pleasing to receive an email from a coach of one of the local youth football teams praising Labour Councillors for keeping the promise we made when in opposition to make a major investment in upgrading the area's sports pitches.
To date new 3G pitches have been provided at Battery Park, Lady Octavia Park and Weymss Bay Primary School. Work is currently underway on new pitches at George Road in Gourock and Broomhill and Inverclyde Academy in Greenock, with work on the first 3G pitch at Parklea due to start next month.
It gives you a lift when you receive positive feedback like this.
To date new 3G pitches have been provided at Battery Park, Lady Octavia Park and Weymss Bay Primary School. Work is currently underway on new pitches at George Road in Gourock and Broomhill and Inverclyde Academy in Greenock, with work on the first 3G pitch at Parklea due to start next month.
It gives you a lift when you receive positive feedback like this.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Port Glasgow will not be second best
Letter published in the Greenock Telegraph 04/01/10
While I can well understand the anger of your correspondent Port Glasgow Council Taxpayer (‘Fed-up with slagging off of Port Glasgow’, 16 December), I can assure him or her that my Administration is seeking to address the needs of every part of Inverclyde.
Contrary to what your correspondent believes, the secondary shared campus is not about saving money. Any savings realised from the closure of the two existing schools will go towards the cost of the new campus, which will be in the region of £35-40m.
The purpose of the shared campus is to provide a modern learning environment for all our young people – including my own children - and at the same time provide a sustainable future for secondary education in Port Glasgow that does not rely on bussing in hundreds of children from Greenock each day. It will also deliver state of the art facilities for community use out with school hours.
I do accept that Port Glasgow Town Centre is in need of significant further investment and that is what is planned. The £600,000 received from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is being matched with £100,000 from the Council and a further £270,000 from our urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde, making a total of £970,000. This builds on earlier investment by the Council and RI in environmental improvements in the Town Centre. The Council is also funding a replacement for the Comet at a cost of £180,000.
I completely understand why some people will only believe that investment will take place at Parklea when they see work start. I can assure your correspondent that my Administration is absolutely committed to delivering on our promises and that with a fair wind the first phase of Parklea – a new third generation pitch – will start in February and be completed by May. This is part of an overall development costing around £6.4m, which will also see the upgrade of 8 grass pitches, a new community stadium and a new changing pavilion by June 2012.
Further major investment is being made in new housing in the town. River Clyde Homes have started work on 195 houses at Woodhall, Oronsay and Moray Road at a cost of £26.6m.
Riverside Inverclyde has recently started ground works at Kelburn to provide platforms for new businesses at a cost of nearly £1.8m.
I acknowledge that more needs to be done.
The long-term future of parts of the Town Centre needs to be addressed. The Council is working with RI on developing proposals for this.
The Council has been pressing Gallaghers to complete the non-food retail park beside Tesco’s. Unfortunately this development has been delayed due to the economic downturn.
Following my intervention, Riverside Inverclyde have been working up proposals for major improvements to Port Glasgow Industrial Estate in order to support the businesses that are already located there and potentially attract new job creating businesses.
Through the Clune Park Task Group I have been lobbying the Scottish Government to commit funding for the redevelopment of that area.
Anyone who knows me knows that Port Glasgow will not play second fiddle to any other part of Inverclyde as long as I am Leader of the Council.
While I can well understand the anger of your correspondent Port Glasgow Council Taxpayer (‘Fed-up with slagging off of Port Glasgow’, 16 December), I can assure him or her that my Administration is seeking to address the needs of every part of Inverclyde.
Contrary to what your correspondent believes, the secondary shared campus is not about saving money. Any savings realised from the closure of the two existing schools will go towards the cost of the new campus, which will be in the region of £35-40m.
The purpose of the shared campus is to provide a modern learning environment for all our young people – including my own children - and at the same time provide a sustainable future for secondary education in Port Glasgow that does not rely on bussing in hundreds of children from Greenock each day. It will also deliver state of the art facilities for community use out with school hours.
I do accept that Port Glasgow Town Centre is in need of significant further investment and that is what is planned. The £600,000 received from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is being matched with £100,000 from the Council and a further £270,000 from our urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde, making a total of £970,000. This builds on earlier investment by the Council and RI in environmental improvements in the Town Centre. The Council is also funding a replacement for the Comet at a cost of £180,000.
I completely understand why some people will only believe that investment will take place at Parklea when they see work start. I can assure your correspondent that my Administration is absolutely committed to delivering on our promises and that with a fair wind the first phase of Parklea – a new third generation pitch – will start in February and be completed by May. This is part of an overall development costing around £6.4m, which will also see the upgrade of 8 grass pitches, a new community stadium and a new changing pavilion by June 2012.
Further major investment is being made in new housing in the town. River Clyde Homes have started work on 195 houses at Woodhall, Oronsay and Moray Road at a cost of £26.6m.
Riverside Inverclyde has recently started ground works at Kelburn to provide platforms for new businesses at a cost of nearly £1.8m.
I acknowledge that more needs to be done.
The long-term future of parts of the Town Centre needs to be addressed. The Council is working with RI on developing proposals for this.
The Council has been pressing Gallaghers to complete the non-food retail park beside Tesco’s. Unfortunately this development has been delayed due to the economic downturn.
Following my intervention, Riverside Inverclyde have been working up proposals for major improvements to Port Glasgow Industrial Estate in order to support the businesses that are already located there and potentially attract new job creating businesses.
Through the Clune Park Task Group I have been lobbying the Scottish Government to commit funding for the redevelopment of that area.
Anyone who knows me knows that Port Glasgow will not play second fiddle to any other part of Inverclyde as long as I am Leader of the Council.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Happy New Year
I would like to wish all Inverclyde residents a happy and prosperous New Year.
Despite the economic challenges facing the country, 2010 should be another year of progress for Inverclyde.
Next month we will see the completion of two fantastic new primary schools in Greenock, Aileymill and All Saints, as part of our £80m 4-school PPP project. Work is progressing well on the new Clydeview Academy and Notre Dame High School, both of which should open in summer 2011. We will shortly appoint consultants to start designing our exciting new shared campus in Port Glasgow.
2010 will see further significant progress with our £23m Leisure Strategy. New 3G all weather pitches will open at Broomhill, Gourock, Inverclyde Academy and Parklea. Work should start on the refurbishment of Ravenscraig Stadium; a new changing pavilion and community stadium at Parklea; a new sports centre at Greenock’s Rankin Park; and the upgrading of Gourock Pool.
The Council’s urban regeneration company, Riverside Inverclyde, will continue to take forward the development of its priority geographies. Work will start on a new £10m theatre for Greenock Arts Guild at the East India Harbour; major infrastructure works will be carried out at James Watt Dock in preparation for the redevelopment of this key site and the Tall Ships Race in 2011; development platforms will be provided at Kelburn to encourage new businesses to locate there; and major improvements will be completed in the town centres of Gourock, Greenock and Port Glasgow.
2010 should see the completion of over 200 new homes by River Clyde Homes and the other local housing associations, many of these in my own ward in Port Glasgow.
Late 2010 will see the opening of Kilmacolm’s new community centre and public library.
As you can see, there is much to look forward to this year.
Despite the economic challenges facing the country, 2010 should be another year of progress for Inverclyde.
Next month we will see the completion of two fantastic new primary schools in Greenock, Aileymill and All Saints, as part of our £80m 4-school PPP project. Work is progressing well on the new Clydeview Academy and Notre Dame High School, both of which should open in summer 2011. We will shortly appoint consultants to start designing our exciting new shared campus in Port Glasgow.
2010 will see further significant progress with our £23m Leisure Strategy. New 3G all weather pitches will open at Broomhill, Gourock, Inverclyde Academy and Parklea. Work should start on the refurbishment of Ravenscraig Stadium; a new changing pavilion and community stadium at Parklea; a new sports centre at Greenock’s Rankin Park; and the upgrading of Gourock Pool.
The Council’s urban regeneration company, Riverside Inverclyde, will continue to take forward the development of its priority geographies. Work will start on a new £10m theatre for Greenock Arts Guild at the East India Harbour; major infrastructure works will be carried out at James Watt Dock in preparation for the redevelopment of this key site and the Tall Ships Race in 2011; development platforms will be provided at Kelburn to encourage new businesses to locate there; and major improvements will be completed in the town centres of Gourock, Greenock and Port Glasgow.
2010 should see the completion of over 200 new homes by River Clyde Homes and the other local housing associations, many of these in my own ward in Port Glasgow.
Late 2010 will see the opening of Kilmacolm’s new community centre and public library.
As you can see, there is much to look forward to this year.
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