Perth and Kinross Council

The meeting’s main procurement-related themes were the proposed short-term let control area for Highland Perth and the northern part of the eastern housing market area, including planning resources, fees, and monitoring arrangements; a new responsible busking code of conduct for Perth city centre, including enforcement and non-licensing delivery; and a governance change to roll out additional area committees, alongside clarification updates to standing orders and committee appointments.

The meeting focused on two major procurement-related themes: the future operating model and funding for library services, and the statutory consultation on a proposed visitor levy for Perth and Kinross. Members discussed transformation of libraries into community hubs, the need for recurring revenue support, partnership working, and potential use of council estates and external funding. The visitor levy debate centred on consultation design, fixed-rate options, exemptions, VAT treatment, administrative arrangements, economic impact modelling, and how revenues would be ring-fenced for tourism and community impacts. The council approved both reports at this stage, with the visitor levy proceeding only to consultation.

The committee considered an update on short-term let licensing, focusing on compliance activity, enforcement against unlicensed properties, and a decision to keep fees unchanged for the first renewal cycle while maintaining full cost recovery. It then heard a major environmental health case seeking revocation of a caravan site licence at Burnbank Park, due to repeated breaches, failed enforcement notices, and concerns that the operator was no longer fit and proper to hold the licence. The discussion also covered resident protection, interim management, and the council’s ability to recover enforcement costs.

The meeting focused on two major planning decisions with clear procurement and delivery implications: a council-led affordable housing expansion at Balonluig and a proposed gypsy/traveller transit site at Eye Place. Members discussed drainage, surface water and flood mitigation measures, consultation with residents and working groups, and the need for infrastructure and site management controls. A proposal application notice for residential development at Dun Taylor Avenue also raised construction-phase issues around tree protection, runoff and traffic management.

The meeting focused on renewing the Hartland Festival public entertainment license for 26-28 June 2026 at Pit Lockery Recreation Ground. Key procurement-relevant points include: robust multi-agency SAG process and noise mitigation planning, a shift to enhanced transport and park-and-ride arrangements, and engagement with acoustic consultants (KSG Acoustics). The decision approved the license subject to conditions, with an emphasis on updating the noise management plan before the event and continued community engagement.

The leader’s day focused on place-based economic activity and council asset planning. Key procurement-relevant discussion areas included support for city centre retailers and police on anti-social behaviour, engagement with a local business promotion platform around upcoming events, and a strategic update on leisure assets and major facilities such as PH2O, Bell’s Sports Centre, and future developments in Crieff and Kinross. The transcript also notes regular leadership catch-ups to review current issues and prepare for upcoming council decisions, but no specific contracts or spend approvals were stated.