Issue - meetings

in terms of Standing Order 34.1, this matter was referred to the Council for consideration.

With reference to article 4, resolution (i) and article 8 of the minute of its previous meeting, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which provided management assurance on the Council’s compliance with its statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010, specifically in relation to our Public Sector Equality Duty.

The report recommended:

that the Committee -

(a)      note the management assurance on the controls in place for managing the Council’s compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty; and

(b)      note that the Annual Governance Statement, reported to this Committee as part of the annual accounts audited by Audit Scotland, will assess the effectiveness of our controls in this area, any residual risk and how we manage it, and that this will be reported here in April.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

that the Committee -

           (1)      agree the recommendations contained within the report; and

(2)             agree that the report has not fully explained why the Council was forced to defend itself at the Court of session on library closures and the proposed closure of Bucksburn Pool. Notes that a joint press release went out from Sport Aberdeen and the Council in the name of the leader of Aberdeen City Council stating that Bucksburn Pool was required for an extension to Bucksburn School. This was untrue. All of these factors require to be investigated therefore agree to instruct the Chief Internal Auditor to report back within 2 cycles. 

Councillor Allard, seconded by Councillor Radley, moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (4) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Bonsell and Tissera; for the amendment (5) – Councillors Allard, Clark, McLellan, McRae and Radley.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

In terms of Standing Order 34.1, Councillor Malik intimated that he would like this matter to be referred to full Council in order for a final decision to be taken. Councillor Malik was supported by Councillors Bonsell, Houghton and Tissera.