Falkirk Council Agenda - 26 March 2026, 10:00 
A meeting to be held at Grangemouth Community Education Unit, 69-71 Abbots Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8JB at 10:00 on 26 March 2026.
| Number | Item |
|---|---|
| In accordance with section 43 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Convener has directed that this meeting will be conducted in such a manner as to allow remote attendance by elected members. The meeting will be livestreamed at: Falkirk Council: Committees - YouTube | |
| 1 | Sederunt |
| 2 | Declarations of Interest Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in any item of business at the meeting, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of the interest. |
| 3 | Minutes |
| (a) | Minute of Meeting of Falkirk Council held on 11 December 2025; View Papers |
| (b) | Minute of Meeting of Falkirk Council held on 29 January 2026; View Papers |
| (c) | Minute of Special Meeting of Falkirk Council held on 12 February 2026, and View Papers |
| (d) | Minute of Meeting of Falkirk Council held on 5 March 2026. View Papers |
| 4 | Rolling Action Log View Papers |
| 5 | General Fund Capital Budget 2026-2031 Report by the Director of Transformation, Communities and Corporate Services and the Director of Place Services. View Papers |
| 6 | Minute Volume and Information Bulletin |
| (a) | Volume of Minutes - Volume 3 2025/26, and View Papers |
| (b) | Information Bulletin - Volume 3 2025/26. View Papers |
| 7 | Five motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 29 are set out below. Motions that refer to matters within the remit of the Executive, will stand referred to the appropriate body, without discussion, unless:- (1) special circumstances exist which, in opinion of the Provost (having consulted with the Council Leader and the Leader of the main Opposition groups) requires an exception to be made; (2) two thirds of the members present vote in favour of the matter being discussed; or (3) the motion raises an issue with significant impact on the Council area which the Provost, having consulted with the Leader of the Council and the Leaders of the main Opposition groups, considers suitable for debate at Council. The following motions stand referred to the Executive unless otherwise determined by the Provost, having consulted with the Leader of the Council and the Leaders of the main Opposition groups:- |
| (a) | Corporate Approach to Use of X (formerly Twitter) Council notes: 1. Ongoing concerns regarding governance, content moderation, and safety on X (formerly Twitter). 2. The Council's duty to promote safeguarding, protect staff wellbeing, and uphold equality and human dignity in its communications. 3. That many Council services, including education establishments, have already reduced or ceased use of X, and that engagement on the platform has declined. Council believes: 4. Council communications should take place on platforms that provide appropriate levels of safety, accountability, effectiveness, and public trust. Council agrees: 5. To request a short report from Corporate Communications on the Council's current and future use of X, including safeguarding, engagement, and alternative platforms. 6. That, pending this review, corporate use of X be limited to essential communications only. 7. To develop a managed transition, if appropriate, towards platforms that better meet the Council's communication and safeguarding standards. Proposed by Councillor Paterson |
| (b) | Becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer Council Notes: Endometriosis is a long?term, often debilitating condition affecting around 1 in 10 women. Employers have a crucial role in supporting those affected. People with endometriosis may lose between 1.9 and 15.8 work hours per week depending on severity. The Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme provides structured guidance on creating supportive work environments, improving culture, training managers, and raising awareness. Becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer has been shown to improve workforce retention, morale, wellbeing, and recruitment appeal. Council Believes: This Council should lead by example in tackling stigma around menstrual health and supporting staff affected by endometriosis and related conditions. Signing up to the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme would strengthen our commitment to employee wellbeing, equity, and inclusion. Taking proactive steps to improve awareness, provide staff with appropriate support, and reduce barriers to remaining in or progressing at work will benefit our employees, our organisational culture, and our wider community. Council Commits To: Formally apply to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer through Endometriosis UK. Commit to meeting all required standards, including: " Awareness?raising activities across the workforce. " Training for managers to understand symptoms, adjustments, and support pathways. " Reviewing relevant HR policies to ensure they include appropriate menstrual and gynaecological health provisions. " Implement necessary steps within 12 months to achieve accreditation. " Report progress to the relevant scrutiny committee within six months and annually thereafter. Proposed by Councillor Paterson The following motions are reserved to Council: |
| (c) | Recognising the Importance of Ward Councillor Involvement in Ward Issues Council agrees that press events such as openings attended by the Council Leader or Portfolio Holders should be, at a minimum, notified in advance to the local ward Councillors, and where appropriate and in particular where the opening is a facility for that ward, local ward Councillors should be invited to attend. Proposed by Councillor Hannah |
| (d) | Forth Green Freeport Governance Board Council was invited to appoint a member to the Forth Green Free Port Governance Board on 6 December 2023. At the time the Labour Group nominated Councillor Alan Nimmo. Following a vote Councillor Nimmo was appointed to the Board as the Council's representative. In light of the change in Councillor Nimmo's status, Council is now asked:- 1. whether it wishes to consider its appointment to this significant Board; and 2. if Council is so minded, Council is then asked is asked to appoint a member to the Forth Green Freeport Governance Board. Proposed by Councillor Hannah |
| (e) | Kinneil Museum The Kinneil Museum is currently scheduled to close on 31 March 2026 unless it is taken over by another body. Council understands that discussions are progressing well with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) but have not yet been concluded. Council agrees that it would be wrong for this valued resource to close by default while discussions remain ongoing. Council accordingly agrees to extend to the closure date by up to 6 months to allow discussions with HES to be concluded. Council notes the revenue costs of up to £42k to be met from reserves. Proposed by Councillor Ritchie |