Agenda item

With reference to Article 1 of the minute of its meeting of 6 February 2014, the Council had before it a report by the Chief Executive which provided information on the arrangements being made by officers in light of the Council’s decision to terminate its membership of COSLA with effect from 1 April 2015, and advised of the formation of the Scottish Local Government Partnership.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)       note that the Council’s membership of COSLA would terminate with effect from 1 April 2015;

(b)       note the arrangements being made by officers in light of the Council no longer being a member of COSLA;

(c)        agree that the Council joins the Scottish Local Government Partnership and plays an active role in its development; and

(d)       agree that further reports be brought to committee on these matters as necessary.

Councillor Laing moved, seconded by Councillor Boulton:-

That the Council approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Yuill moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Malone:-

            That the Council -

(1)       note that the Council’s membership of COSLA would terminate with effect from 1 April 2015;

(2)       note the arrangements being made by officers in light of the Council no longer being a member of COSLA;

(3)       note the formation of the Scottish Local Government Partnership;

(4)       agree that the best interests of the citizens of Aberdeen are at present best served by Aberdeen City Council not being a member of any central belt dominated local government association;

(5)       agree that no “exit payment” will be paid to COSLA unless approved by the Council; and

(6)       agree that further reports be brought to committee on these matters as necessary.

Councillor McCaig moved as a further amendment, seconded by Councillor Jackie Dunbar:-

That the Council withdraw the notice to terminate its membership of COSLA and agree to remain as a member of COSLA.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

During the course of summing up, Councillors Dickson, Jackie Dunbar and McCaig declared interests by virtue of their employment by Kevin Stewart MSP, who had been referred to in the debate. Councillor Blackman declared an interest by virtue of her employment by Mark McDonald MSP and Councillor Young declared an interest by virtue of his employment by Richard Baker MSP. None of the Councillors considered that the nature of their interest required them to leave the meeting.

There being a motion and two amendments, the Council first divided between the amendment by Councillor Yuill and the amendment by Councillor McCaig.

On a division, there voted:-

For the amendment by Councillor Yuill  (7)  -  Lord Provost; and Councillors Delaney, Forsyth, Greig, Malone, Jennifer Stewart and Yuill.

For the amendment by Councillor McCaig  (14)  -  Councillors Blackman, Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Dickson, Jackie Dunbar, Jaffrey, Kiddie, MacGregor, McCaig, Noble, Samarai, Sandy Stuart and Townson.

Declined to vote  (21)  -  Depute Provost; and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Carle, Cooney, Crockett, Donnelly, Lesley Dunbar, Finlayson, Graham, Grant, Ironside, Laing, Lawrence, Malik, Milne, Jean Morrison, Nathan Morrison, Taylor, Thomson and Young.

The Council then divided between the motion and the amendment by Councillor McCaig.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Carle, Cooney, Crockett, Donnelly, Lesley Dunbar, Finlayson, Forsyth, Graham, Grant, Ironside, Laing, Lawrence, Malik, Milne, Jean Morrison, Nathan Morrison, Taylor, Thomson and Young.

For the amendment by Councillor McCaig  (14)  -  Councillors Blackman, Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Dickson, Jackie Dunbar, Jaffrey, Kiddie, MacGregor, McCaig, Noble, Samarai, Sandy Stuart and Townson.

Declined to vote  (5)  -  Councillors Delaney, Greig, Malone, Jennifer Stewart and Yuill.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

In terms of Standing Order 15(6), Councillors Blackman, Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Dickson, Jackie Dunbar, Jaffrey, Kiddie, MacGregor, McCaig, Noble, Samarai, Sandy Stuart and Townson intimated their dissent against the foregoing decision.