Technical Notes 2024, Issue 25 - Proposed Closure of Police Stations in Milngavie and Bishopbriggs

1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to update Members in relation to the ongoing Police Scotland consultation regarding the proposed closure of both the Milngavie and Bishopbriggs police stations.

2. Members will recall that at its meeting on 14th December 2023, Council instructed officers to submit a report to Council which would detail the outcomes of discussions with Police Scotland in relation to the proposed closure of the police stations in Milngavie and Bishopbriggs. 

3. Since this date, Police Scotland has issued a consultation document on its wider estates strategy, which includes the proposed closures.  The closing date for the consultation is 13th March 2024.

4. The next scheduled meeting of the Council is currently 28th March as the 22nd February meeting is a special meeting reserved for consideration of the Council’s budget.

5. Given that the closing date for the consultation pre-dates Council, Officers are preparing a report and consultation response, and this will be submitted to the meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee on 14th March. 

6. Prior to the Policy & Resources Committee meeting, officers will submit the response to Police Scotland.  This will include an explanation that the response is in draft and will be confirmed following the meeting on 14th March.

7. Any Member may attend the Policy & Resources Committee and speak on an item of business.  However only those who are appointed to the Policy & Resources Committee can vote on any item of business where there is no consensus.  Assuming that there is consensus in relation to the proposed response, its contents can be confirmed to Police Scotland immediately thereafter. 

8. In the event of a division at Policy & Resources Committee, the matter will subsequently require to be submitted to Council for final determination in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.