Decision details

(i)       to note that officers have provided Trade Unions with answers to the questions raised and that these have also been circulated to all Elected Members for information;

(ii)       to note that the Council meeting in December 2022 only instructed the Chief Executive and Interim Chief Officer – Governance to discuss with the Scottish Government any opportunities to transfer functions through legislative change, and therefore agrees that it is premature to discuss the matter further at this time, as there is nothing further to be reported at present;

(iii)      to agree therefore that no action be taken in relation to the Notice of Motion, but that officers continue to engage with Trade Unions, particularly in relation to any outcomes from discussions with the Scottish Government, ahead of any report back to Council on any specific opportunities proposed to be progressed; and

(iv)      to note the ongoing commitment of COSLA and Scottish Government to the local governance review which is exploring fiscal, functional and community empowerment.