Agenda Document Pack - Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee - 27/11/2024
Perth and Kinross Council · 27 November 2024
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 27 November 2024 and its agenda
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Securing the future… • Improving services • Enhancing quality of life • Making the best use of public resources Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 20/11/2024 A hybrid meeting of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 27 November 2024 at 09:30. If you have any queries please contact Committee Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Councillor Tom McEwan (Convener) Councillor Sheila McCole (Vice-Convener) Bailie Chris Ahern Councillor Peter Barrett Councillor Bob Brawn Bailie Rhona Brock Councillor Angus Forbes Councillor Ian James Councillor Iain MacPherson Councillor Carol Mair Bailie Claire McLaren Councillor Frank Smith Councillor Colin Stewart Councillor Jack Welch Bailie Mike Williamson Page 1 of 102
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Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Wednesday, 27 November 2024 AGENDA MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO DECLARE ANY FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL INTEREST WHICH THEY MAY HAVE IN ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE OF 2 OCTOBER 2024 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 8 4 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (copy herewith 24/335) 9 - 14 5 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE END OF THE YEAR PERFORMANCE REPORT - 1 APRIL 2024 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Report by Local Senior Officer, SFRS (copy herewith 24/336) 15 - 30 6 PERTH AND KINROSS LOCAL POLICING AREA MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE REPORT - 1 APRIL 2024 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Report by Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland D Division (Tayside) (copy herewith 24/337) 31 - 58 7 COMMUNITY PAYBACK ORDER ANNUAL RETURN 2023-24 Report by Strategic Lead - Children, Families and Justice (copy herewith 24/338) 59 - 80 8 PRESENTATION ON 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE Presentation by Jennifer McOmish APPENDIX 1 - 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE (copy herewith) 81 - 86 Page 3 of 102
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9 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND 2024-25 Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities (copy herewith 24/339) 87 - 102 Page 4 of 102
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HOUSING AND SOCIAL WELLBEING COMMITTEE Minute of hybrid meeting of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee held in the Council Chambers, 2 High Street, Perth, on 2 October 2024 at 9.30am. Present: Bailies and C McLaren and W Williamson; Councillors H Anderson (substituting for Councillor A Forbes), P Barrett, B Brawn, D Cuthbert (substituting for Bailie R Brock), J Duff (substituting for Bailie C Ahern), M Frampton, I James, I MacPherson, S McCole T McEwan, F Smith and J Welch. In Attendance: E Ritchie, Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities, M Dow, K Divin, R Ross, J McColl, K Divin (all Housing and Communities), S Hendry, D Williams, S Dockerill and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance) Also in Attendance: Sergeant A Neary (Police Scotland), Group Commander S Kabamba, Watch Commander N Yeats and Area Commander B Todd (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service) (all up to Item 7); L Palmer (Tenant Representative). Apologies: Bailies C Ahern and R Brock, and Councillor A Forbes. Councillor T McEwan, Convener, Presiding. The Convener led the discussion on Items 1-6 and 9 and Vice-Convener S McCole on Items 7 and 8. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Councillor T McEwan welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no apologies. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no Declarations of Interests in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct 3. MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING The minute of the meeting of the Housing and Communities Committee of 19 June 2024 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT Resolved: The Outstanding Business Statement was noted, and it was agreed to remove the completed actions. 3 Page 5 of 102
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5. POLICE SCOTLAND PRESENTATION ON PREVENTIONS, INTERVENTIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS Police Scotland provided a slide-based presentation, Seargent A Neary and R Ross, Safer Communities Team Leader answered Members’ questions. 6. SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PRESENTATION BY COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM Scottish Fire and Rescue Service provided a slide-based presentation, N Yeates, Watch Commander Local Area Liaison Officer, B Todd, Area Commander and S Kabamba, Group Commander answered Members’ questions. THERE FOLLOWED A SHORT RECESS AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 11 7. PERTH AND KINROSS TENANT PARTICIPATION STRATEGY 2024-27 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (24/277) seeking approval for the newly revised Perth and Kinross Tenant Participation Strategy for 2024-27 and its implementation. Resolved: (i) The approach and development of the Perth and Kinross Tenant Participation Strategy 2024-27, be noted. (ii) The Strategy and its implementation as outlined in the Action Plan (Appendix 1), be approved. 8. ANNUAL ASSURANCE STATEMENT 2023/24 – SCOTTSHO HOUSING REGULATOR There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (24/278) providing a brief overview of the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Regulatory Framework and appends the Annual Assurance Statement 2023/24 for approval by Committee. Resolved: (i) The requirement to submit an Annual Assurance Statement, be noted. (ii) The Annual Assurance Statement as detailed in Appendix 2, be approved. Page 6 of 102
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9. STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN 2025/26-2029/30 Three was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities and Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (24/276) seeking approval of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2025/26 – 2029/30. (Appendix 1). Resolved: (i) The content of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2025/26 – 2029/30, be approved. (ii) The ongoing development of the SHIP, and delegated authority to the Strategic Affordable Housing Board to ensure that where projects fall out of the plan, alternative projects are prioritised, be approved. (iii) It be approved, SHIP, contained in the appendices, being submitted to the Scottish Government. ~~~~~~~~~ Page 7 of 102
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HOUSING AND SOCIAL WELLBEING OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (OBS) (Report No. 24/335) Please note that this statement sets out outstanding decisions of Council / this committee / sub-committee along with an update and estimated completion date. Actions which are overdue are shaded for ease of reference. Where an update reflects that an action is complete then agreement will be sought to its removal from the OBS. No Date / Minute Reference / Report Number Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due/completed Action Expected 24. 2 October 2024 Item 9. Report 24/276 Strategic Housing Investment Plan Update to Cllr MacPherson re vacant brown sites. E Ritchie COMPLETED 27 November 2024 25. 2 October 2024 Item 9. Report 24/276 Strategic Housing Investment Plan Copy of briefing to Bailie McLaren re rural housing and 4 housing needs assessments. E Ritchie COMPLETED 27 November 2024 4 Page 9 of 102
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OFFICIAL: POLICE ONLY OFFICIAL: POLICE ONLY Appendix 1 In relation to the actions raised at the previous Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee meeting pertaining to Police Scotland, I have the following to report. Action 17 – Provide further information on age demographic of individuals reporting sexual assaults or rape offences. The below table shows information on the age demographic of individuals reporting Sexual Assaults and Rape for the period 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 for Perth and Kinross. Age/Sex Female Male Total Under 16 44 9 53 16-17 22 1 23 18-24 19 5 24 25-34 29 6 35 35-44 17 1 18 45-54 3 1 4 55-64 2 1 3 Over 65 2 0 2 Total 138 24 162 Of note you will see that there is a split, 53 under 16 years of age and 109 over the age of 16. The majority of those reporting sexual assault identify as female. Serious offending against children is dealt with by the divisional Child Protection Investigation Unit who are based in each of the 3 Local Authority areas. Serious offending against adults is investigated by several departments including the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit, Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit and Reactive CID. We also have access to national assets such as the National Rape Task Force and Domestic Abuse Task Force who have officers based within Tayside. Allocation of the investigation depends on factors such as whether it is a domestic offence and the severity of the incident. We also reach out to partners to assist victims of sexual crime by submitting referrals to local social work teams and organisations such as Perth and Kinross Domestic Abuse Service (Barnardos), RASAC Perth and Kinross, Women’s Aid, Victim Support Service, PKC Safer Communities Team and the Caledonian Women’s Project (part of Criminal Justice SW team). 4 Page 11 of 102
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OFFICIAL: POLICE ONLY OFFICIAL: POLICE ONLY Action 18 - Provide examples of implementation of good practice within Perth and Kinross This action specifically related to Angus Local Policing Area (86%) having performed better than Perth and Kinross Local Policing Area (78%) in respect of overall satisfaction taken from the Your Police surveys which are carried out. A difference of 9% however important to highlight that Perth and Kinross had 74 responses compared to 54 in Angus. Perth and Kinross are not doing anything different from other areas of Tayside in respect of current good practice relating to our service and engagement with our local communities. Providing timeous updates and providing advice in relation to next steps and outcomes remains one of the most important aspects for people when they engage with the police and is something that we prioritise. We are also making efforts to increase our social media output regarding positive community engagements to highlight visibility and community engagement. Action 19 – Provide statistics regarding assaults on Police Officers The below table shows the number of assaults on Police Officers and the detection rate for that crime type for Perth and Kinross between the 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024. Reported Detected Detection Rate 141 139 98.60% Thankfully most of these crimes are detected given they predominantly occur while being arrested or following providing their details to officers, however 2 remain undetected. The first of the undetected offences relates to a plastic bottle being thrown at an officer. Unfortunately, the bottle was thrown from a crowd and the suspect could not be identified. The other undetected assault on an officer occurred in similar circumstances whereby a female within a group pushed an officer and made off as officers were trying to deal with the wider disturbance. Unfortunately, the female was not traced. Following any incident involving an officer being assaulted, welfare provision is provided by their line manager. This includes being provided with medical attention where required, notification to the Scottish Police Federation where required and access to counselling if required. Page 12 of 102
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OFFICIAL: POLICE ONLY OFFICIAL: POLICE ONLY On all occasions, relevant paperwork is completed in relation to exposure to violence to comply with health and safety legislation. Figures for 1st April 2024 to 30th September 2024 are included in the Housing and Wellbeing Mid-Year Report and show a slight reduction in the number of assaults year on year. Action 20 – Provide breakdown of Road Traffic Collisions in relation to the A9 only This action related to the number of fatal road traffic collisions on the A9 in Perth and Kinross between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024, of which there was 1 reported fatal road traffic collision. Action 21 – Include information/statistics on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery within next report to Committee Of note there were no incidents last year and so far, this year we have 2 recorded crimes (included in the next committee update). It should be noted that both offences will likely be removed from figures as one has been investigated and no criminality identified and the other is an English crime reported in Perth and Kinross which we are awaiting confirmation of the transfer. Page 13 of 102
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NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Perth And Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee 27 November 2024 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE REPORT 1 APRIL 2024 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Report by Local Senior Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Report No. 24/336) ABSTRACT The report contains performance information relating to the six-month period (1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024) of 2024-25 on the performance of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in support of Member scrutiny of local service delivery. 1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT 1.1 To provide information for the Committee regarding the performance of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, against the priorities, performance indicators and targets detailed within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth and Kinross 2020-23, to facilitate local scrutiny. 2 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that members: (i) note and scrutinise the statistical information contained in this report in conjunction with Appendix 1. 3 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 3.1 None. 4 PERFORMANCE 4.1 A performance management framework has been developed to facilitate the monitoring of performance against the agreed priorities and outcomes ensuring effective targeting of resources and the principles of Best Value are met. 5 Page 15 of 102
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NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 4.2 The Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross 2020-23 was approved by the Housing and Communities Committee on the 2nd of December 2020. 4.3 The priorities and outcomes contained within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan reflect ‘place’ and the contribution of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to the Perth and Kinross Community Plan (LOIP) 2022-32 and Community Planning Partnership. 4.4 In summary the following local priorities and targets are detailed within the plan: Priority 1 - Improving Fire Safety in the Home Priority 2 - Improving Fire Safety and Resilience in the Business Community Priority 3 - Minimising the Impact of Unintentional Harm Priority 4 - Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Priority 5 - Reducing Deliberate Fires Priority 6 - Effective Risk Management and Operational Preparedness 4.5 Appendix 1 attached to this report provides a detailed breakdown and analysis of all data collected during the reporting period. A performance summary and scorecard is detailed on page 5 of the report. In addition, further sections are included to provide Members with an overview of a range of notable incidents and events undertaken by the local personnel/stations in support of prevention activities and preparation for emergency response. 5 EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT 5.1 Not applicable. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 6.1 There are no environmental issues arising as a consequence of this report. 7 SUMMARY 7.1 The attached report updates members regarding significant community safety engagement activities and operational matters; and gives context to the performance of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in the Perth and Kinross area. Local Senior Officer Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee Fire and Rescue Headquarters Blackness Road, Dundee DD1 5PA Page 16 of 102
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Appendix 1 April - September: 2024/25 MONITORING REPORT Covering the activities and performance in support of the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross. 5 Page 17 of 102
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2 ABOUT THE STATISTICS IN THIS REPORT The activity totals and other statistics quoted in this report are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be differences in the period totals quoted in our reports after original publication which result from revisions or additions to the data on our systems. From 2015-16 onwards responsibility for the publication of end-year statistical data transferred from the Scottish Government to the SFRS. This change of responsibility does not affect the status of the figures quoted in this and other SFRS reports presented to the Committee. Page 18 of 102
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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introduction Performance Summary Performance Highlights 4 5 6 Priority 1 - Improving Fire Safety in The Home HI 1 – Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) HI 2 – ADF Fatal Casualties HI 3 – ADF Non-Fatal Casualties Priority 2 - Improving Fire Safety and Resilience in the Business Community HI 4 - Non-Domestic Building Fires HI 5 – Fatal Casualties in Non-Domestic Buildings HI 6 – Non-Fatal Casualties in Non-Domestic Buildings Priority 3 - Minimising the Impact of Unintentional Harm HI 7 – Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Incidents HI 8 – Fatal RTC Casualties HI 9 – Non-Fatal RTC Casualties Priority 4 - Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals HI 10 – Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Priority 5 - Reducing Deliberate Fires HI 11 – Deliberate Primary Fires HI 12 – Deliberate Secondary Fires Priority 6 - Effective Risk Management and Operational Preparedness APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY SAFETY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMMES APPENDIX 2: NOTABLE INCIDENTS 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Page 19 of 102
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4 INTRODUCTION This report covers the SFRS’s performance and activities in support of the six priorities in the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross, namely: • Priority 1 - Improving fire safety in the home • Priority 2 - Improving fire safety and resilience in the business community • Priority 3 - Minimising the impact of unintentional harm • Priority 4 - Reducing unwanted fire alarm signals • Priority 5 - Reducing deliberate fires • Priority 6 - Effective risk management and operational preparedness As well as supporting the six priorities within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross, this monitoring report shows how SFRS activities and performance contribute to the wider priorities of the Perth & Kinross Council Community Planning Partnership (CPP), as set out in the Perth & Kinross Community Plan (LOIP). The figures in this report are provisional, to provide the Committee with the SFRS’s direction of travel within the Perth & Kinross area, in terms of performance against headline indicators and targets. Most figures will not change; however, members should note that there may be some small variations for some indicators when the final confirmed figures are published by the SFRS. The Perth & Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee agreed the new Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross on 2 December 2020, covering a three-year period. In support of delivering the priorities in this plan, 12 headline indicators and targets have been set, and form the basis of this quarterly monitoring report. Page 20 of 102
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5 PERFORMANCE SUMMARY The table below provides a summary of year to date (YTD) performance against annual targets. It aims to provide, at a glance, our direction of travel during the current reporting year. HI 1 Accident Dwelling Fires (ADF) HI 2 ADF Fatal Casualties HI 3 ADF Non-Fatal Casualties 67 Incidents YTD – 67 Incidents Annual Target – 110 Incidents 0 Casualties YTD – 0 Annual Target – 0 3 Casualties YTD – 3 Annual Target – 15 HI 4 Non-domestic Building fires HI 5 Fatal Casualties in Non-Domestic Building Fires HI 6 Non-Fatal Casualties in Non- Domestic Building Fires 12 Incidents YTD – 12 Incidents Annual Target – 30 Incidents 0 Casualties YTD – 0 Annual Target – 0 0 Casualties YTD – 0 Annual Target – 9 HI 7 Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Incidents HI 8 Fatal RTC Casualties HI 9 Non-Fatal RTC Casualties 55 Incidents YTD – 55 Incidents Annual Target – 80 Incidents 4 Casualties YTD – 4 Annual Target – 0 44 Casualties YTD – 44 Annual Target – 60 HI 10 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals HI 11 Deliberate Primary Fires HI 12 Deliberate Secondary Fires 135 Incidents YTD – 135 Incidents Annual Target – 400 Incidents 22 Incidents YTD – 22 Incidents Annual Target – 32 Incidents 38 Incidents YTD – 38 Incidents Annual Target – 76 Incidents Year-to-Date Legend Below headline target Less than 10% above headline target More than 10% above headline target Page 21 of 102
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6 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS During the reporting period the SFRS attended a total of 880 incidents across Perth & Kinross. Of the 12 headline indicators and targets, the following Q1-Q2 performance should be noted: HI 1 - There were 67 Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) reported. The main source of ignition at 49 incidents was due to a cooking appliance, with damage being recorded at 11 incidents as limited to the room of ignition. No firefighting actions were required at 30 incidents with the main action taken by SFRS being removal from heat source being undertaken at 20 incidents. 52 properties were fitted with smoke detection, 39 of which operated and gave early warning to the occupants. All properties were offered a HFSV and where required, smoke detection fitted and advice given by Firefighters. HI 2 / HI 3 - There were 0 ADF Fatal Casualties and 3 ADF Non-Fatal Casualties which is a reduction on the previous reporting period. HI 4 - There were 12 Non-Domestic Building Fires, 9 incidents were limited to item first ignited, 1 limited to room of ignition, 1 limited to floor of ignition and 1 whole building. At 4 of these incidents’ Firefighters extinguished the fire using a main jet or hosereel. HI 5 / HI 6 – There were 0 Non-Domestic Fatal Fire Casualties and 0 Non-Domestic Casualties recorded during this period. HI 7 - We attended 55 Road Traffic Collision’s (RTCs) to assist with scene safety or to extricate occupants trapped as a result of a collision. Of the 55 incidents attended, 15 incidents required technical extrication to release casualties. HI 8 / HI 9 - Of the 55 RTC incidents we attended, there were 4 RTC Fatalities which represents an increase from the previous reporting period (0). 44 Non-Fatal Casualties were recorded within the reporting period which represents an increase from the previous reporting period (18) of which 16 appeared to have serious injuries. HI 10 - The SFRS mobilised to 135 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) incidents from a total of 534 False Alarms during the reporting period. HI 11 / HI 12 - There were 22 Deliberate Primary Fires reported. 4 involved vehicles, 6 woodland, 3 Prison and remaining 9 property types having single incidents being recorded. There were 38 Deliberate Secondary Fires reported which represents an increase of 11 on the previous reporting period (27). There were no trends identified regards locality however all involved grassland or refuse. Our firefighters continue to train in all aspects of their role to ensure they are operationally prepared, and we continue to gather information on local risks to assist us in an emergency through our Operational Intelligence visits. We continue to deliver face to face engagement in partnership within our communities to ensure we can continue to help those who are most vulnerable. Page 22 of 102
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7 Indicator Description HI 1 – Accidental Dwelling Fires The largest single type of primary fire within P&K, our aim is to reduce the rate of ADF’s in the home and their prevention is a key focus of SFRS community safety activity. HI 2 – ADF Fatal Casualties People for whom fire has been clearly identified as the cause of death, even if they die some-time after the actual fire. HI 3 – ADF Non-Fatal Casualties This counts all types of non-fatal fire injury in the home, including precautionary checks. What we aim to Achieve Priority One: Improving Fire Safety in the Home, meeting the headline targets will also support a long-term vision in the Perth & Kinross LOIP objectives: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management Within Perth & Kinross we continue to work with our partners to ensure we positively contribute to reducing the risk to our communities and staff by analysis of our operational activities and targeting those most at risk and vulnerable, particularly around unintentional harm in the home. These targeted initiatives delivered in partnership will continue to develop and improve as we move forward together to ensure we provide the most appropriate support for our communities with regards to unintentional harm. 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI1 52 44 56 67 110 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI2 0 0 2 0 0 HI3 8 3 11 3 15 PRIORITY 1 - IMPROVING FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOME 0 5 10 15 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 2 & HI 3 ADF Fatal Fire Casualties ADF Non-Fatal Fire Casualties Page 23 of 102
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8 Indicator Description HI 4 - Non-Domestic Building Fires Applicable to the Act Non-domestic buildings applicable to Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (‘The Act’) (e.g. care homes, hotels and hospitals etc.) HI 5 – Fatal Fire Casualties in Non-Domestic Building Fires applicable to the Act People for whom fire has been clearly identified as the cause of death, even if they die some-time after the actual fire. HI 6 – Non-fatal Fire Casualties in Non-Domestic Building Fires applicable to the Act Counts all types of non-fatal fire injury in non-domestic buildings, including precautionary checks. What we aim to Achieve Priority Two: Improving Fire Safety and Resilience in the Business Community, we also link this headline target to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcomes: • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management In-line with our Fire Safety Enforcement Plan, Fire Safety Enforcement Officers support local businesses to enable suitable and timely legislative fire safety guidance and enforcement to be undertaken. We also continue to engage and support local and national business forums to ensure the right level of consistent information is provided to the business community. 124 Audits were undertaken during the reporting period including: 58 Self-Catering premises; 24 Care Homes; 12 HMOs; 12 B&B/Guest Houses; 7 Hotels; 2 Schools; 2 Laundrettes; 7 other premises types. Of these, 8 were Post Fire Audits to provide support and guidance following an event. No patterns or trends were identified across these premises and support and guidance were given to improve fire safety management in the workplace in relation to the cause of the incident. There were no enforcement/formal notices issued within any business in Perth and Kinross. 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI5 0 0 0 0 0 HI6 0 0 0 0 9 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI4 10 18 10 12 30 PRIORITY 2-FIRE SAFETY AND RESILIENCE IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 5 & HI 6 Fatal Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Fire Casualties Page 24 of 102
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9 Indicator Description HI 7 - RTC Incidents The SFRS has become increasingly involved in more non-fire related prevention work, in support of its role in promoting the wider safety and well-being of its communities, including minimising the impact of unintentional harm. HI 8 – Fatal RTC Casualties As a headline target, the aim is to reduce the risk of death from RTC’s in Perth & Kinross. HI 9 - Non-fatal RTC Casualties As a headline target, the aim is to reduce the risk of injury from RTC’s in Perth & Kinross. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority three: Minimising the Impact of Unintentional Harm, we also link these headline targets to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcomes: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management RTCs account for a high number of casualties every year which requires a multi-agency partnership approach to reduce these risks to those on our roads. P&K Road Safety Partnership is a multi-agency group working locally to establish reduction priorities and influence the content of the P&K Road Safety Plan. Delivered within schools and local business the Young Driver Programme utilises VR headsets to provide an immersive experience to users on Road Safety. We continue to focus on education, changing attitudes and behaviours and to date have delivered to approximately 1000 young people within the P&K area including HMP Perth and HMP Castle Huntly. The P&K Road Safety Partnership evaluation has now concluded and with the findings being extremely positive. 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI7 29 46 37 55 80 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI8 2 2 4 4 0 HI9 16 25 30 44 60 PRIORITY 3 – MINIMISING THE IMPACT OF UNINTENTIONAL HARM Page 25 of 102
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10 Indicator Description HI 10 – Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Automatic Fire alarms (AFA’s) are fundamental to providing early warning from fire, giving people the chance to evacuate safely. However, to be effective, they must be properly installed, maintained, and supported by a robust fire safety management regime implemented by the Duty Holder. As a headline target, the aim is to improve fire safety management and awareness, by reducing the number of attendances to UFAS from automatic systems in Non-Domestic buildings. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Four: Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals, we also link this headline target to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcome: • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy Performance Management UFAS from AFA’s has an impact in terms of unnecessary blue light journeys, redirecting SFRS resources away from other activities such as community safety engagement and causing considerable disruption to businesses. Operational crews continue to investigate the cause of every UFAS incident to ensure the appropriate level of engagement with the Duty Holder is undertaken when in attendance. Every UFAS incident that the SFRS attends is used as an opportunity to educate the Duty Holder on the impact UFAS has on their businesses, the community and the Fire and Rescue Service. The reduction in UFAS mobilisations within P&K has continued to provide opportunities for reinvesting the released capacity into areas that would deliver greater value, such as upskilling, training and further prevention work. 75% 22% 4% All False Alarms (449) - UFAS = 30% Equipment Faliure Good Intent Malicious 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI10 352 309 211 135 400 Property Types Residential Home / Care Home 41 Secondary Schools 33 Primary School 24 Hotel 22 Sheltered Housing 17 PRIORITY 4 - REDUCING UNWANTED FIRE ALARM SIGNALS Page 26 of 102
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11 Indicator Description HI 11 – Deliberate Primary Fires These indicators account for all types of fire that are believed to have been started intentionally. • Fires in the home • Fires in non-domestic buildings • Fires in motor vehicles HI 12 – Deliberate Secondary Fires These deliberate fires cover the majority of outdoor fires including grassland and refuse fires and include fires in derelict buildings, but not chimney fires. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Five: Reducing Deliberate Fires, we also link this headline target to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcomes: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management The proactive approach adopted particularly around youth engagement endeavours to reduce the number of deliberate fires, particularly secondary fires, as part of a wider youth awareness education initiative. These include a targeted approach working with local schools along with national campaigns during the summer season to reduce this unacceptable, anti-social behaviour. This continual programme of input with regards deliberate fire raising is delivered alongside other educational safety programmes across Perth and Kinross particularly within the Perth City area. Work is ongoing in the leadup to Bonfire Night with operational crews doing presentations to P6/7 at the majority of primaries within Perth. Talks are also scheduled with secondary schools, or the SFRS power point has been shared with guidance teachers if requested. We have also distributed letters to businesses in relevant areas to provide advice on waste storage. 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI12 61 52 57 38 76 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 Annual Target HI11 16 9 16 22 32 PRIORITY 5 - REDUCING DELIBERATE FIRES 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 11 All Deliberate Primary Fires 0 10 20 30 40 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 12 All Deliberate Secondary Fires Page 27 of 102
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12 Risk Management and Operational Preparedness is a key area of work for the SFRS. In Perth & Kinross, this means: • Knowing what the risks are in Perth & Kinross and then making plans, so we are resilient to respond to any event • Being prepared to respond to national threats or major emergencies • Developing flexibility to deploy crews, to take on a broadening role within the community • Firefighters being equipped to deal with emergencies safely and effectively and our stations being in a constant state of readiness • Safe, secure, vibrant and sustainable communities • An inclusive and sustainable economy • An enhanced, protected and enjoyed natural and built environment • Improved physical, mental and emotional health and well-being What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Six: Effective Risk Management and Operational Preparedness, our activities also support improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP objectives: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations During the reporting period we have delivered our training commitment to operational firefighters, whereby we trained and confirmed their preparedness to deal with: • Breathing Apparatus • Casualty Care • Water Awareness / Safe Working at Height • Road Traffic Collisions • Tactical Ventilation • Foam Within P&K, our On-Call Volunteer stations, Kinloch Rannoch, Kirkmichael and Glenshee have enhanced capabilities which allows them to be mobilised to RTCs ensuing resilience in our more remote communities. In addition Flood Response Stations (Kinross, Comrie, Blairgowrie and Aberfeldy,) are now fully operational and are utilised during spate weather events to support Swift Water Rescue Stations. Alyth and Pitlochry have been designated as Wildfire Response Stations and have been issued with specialist PPE and equipment with training underway. Firefighters continue to conduct Operational Intelligence visits to sites gathering information to support Water Incident Response Plans, Wildfire Plans, Domestic Site Specific Information along with Heritage and Commercial buildings within their station area. The addition of new tablets on appliances allows Firefighters to review incident risk information enroute to incidents ensuring they are familiar with the associated risks and hazards and can take effective actions in dealing with incidents on arrival. They also continue to conduct Home Safety Visits, ensuring that all high risk properties are visited, and telephone contact made with all medium and low risk properties. Our Development Firefighter yearly assessments are also continuing to ensure that they are developing their skills in line with their 3-year Modern Apprenticeship. We are also continuing our advertising campaign with a view to filling a number of vacant posts within our On-Call stations. PRIORITY 6 - RISK MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS Page 28 of 102
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13 This section provides details of Community Safety Engagement initiatives undertaken within P&K. The Safer Communities Partnership work together to provide community safety messages, education, training and support. This compliments risk reduction strategies to support our communities, particularly those most vulnerable. Working collaboratively, it also supports the priorities within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan, Perth & Kinross Local Outcomes Improvement Plan and the wider Perth & Kinross Council Community Planning Partnerships priorities. APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY SAFETY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Page 29 of 102
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14 SFRS attended 880 incidents of which a number had a serious impact on members of our communities and their families. Milnathort, Kinross Crews were mobilised to reports of a building that was well alight in Milnathort. 4 Rescue Pumps and a High Reach Applaince attended the incident within a residential block of flats. On arrival, the fire had broken through the roof and was venting from all windows, Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using main jets extinguished the fire and undertook a systematic search of the flats to confirm all persons were accounted for. SFRS were assisted throughout the incident by partners including Police Scotland, SAS SORT and PKC Emergency Response Officer. APPENDIX 2: NOTABLE INCIDENTS / EVENTS Page 30 of 102
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS Perth And Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee 27 November 2024 PERTH AND KINROSS LOCAL POLICING AREA MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE REPORT -1ST APRIL 2024 – 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024 Report by Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell Police Scotland D Division (Tayside) (Report No. 24/337) 1. RECOMMENDATION 1.1 It is recommended that members note and scrutinise the statistical information contained in this report in conjunction with Appendix 1. 2. BACKGROUND Appendix 1 –Police Report (1st April 2024 – 30th September 2024) 2.1 The purpose of this report (Appendix 1) is to provide information to the Committee regarding the performance of Police Scotland to facilitate local scrutiny. 2.2 Appendix 1 will provide information in relation to some of the work which has taken place within Perth and Kinross Local Policing Area. 2.3 The content in this report is for information purposes to allow Members to conduct their scrutiny responsibilities. 3. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 3.1. There are no financial implications as a result of this report. 6 Page 31 of 102
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS 4. STAFFING IMPLICATIONS 4.1 There are no staffing issues as a result of this report. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 5.1 This report does not have any impact on the environment. 6. SUMMARY 6.1 The attached report provides an update to members regarding significant operational matters and performance of the local policing area during quarters 1 & 2 of policing year 2023/24. 7. COMPLIANCE 7.1 Is the proposal; (a) Human Rights Act 1998 compliant? YES (b) Equality & Diversity compliant? YES Page 32 of 102
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Perth and Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Police Scotland Mid-Year Report – 2024-2025 Appendix 1 6 Page 33 of 102
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OFFICIAL 2 | P a g e OFFICIAL Contents Introduction and Overview of Local Policing Priorities Police Scotland’s strategic objectives Perth and Kinross Local Policing Plan 2023-2026 Performance on a Page • Local Priority/Activity – Address violence through preventative and enforcement measures • Local Priority/Activity – Deal with disorder and antisocial behaviour • Local Priority/Activity – Tackle acquisitive crime and support victims • Local Priority/Activity – Make our roads safer • Local Priority Activity - Public Protection • Local Priority/Activity – Enable and support effective engagement and communication with the public Page 34 of 102
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OFFICIAL 3 | P a g e OFFICIAL Introduction and Overview of Local Policing Priorities As from April 2013, the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 has required Divisional Commanders to produce and publish a Local Policing Plan (LPP) for each local authority area. The Perth and Kinross LPP 2023-2026 clearly sets out the policing objectives for Perth and Kinross and will report to the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee. Quarterly reports are produced to allow scrutiny by Perth and Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee. This mid-year report covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024. In line with the Perth and Kinross LPP, these Performance Reports provide a more holistic overview of progress across the service to meet our strategic outcomes. This approach provides a wider and more detailed picture of traditional policing performance measures, supplemented with additional insight and narrative to the many different aspects of policing and corporate support functions. The measures are longer term focussed rather than reflecting the ongoing performance of the day-to-day operational challenges we face and aim to provide evidence of the effectiveness and impact of our services as a whole. We have introduced several key performance measures and insights questions in support of our local police plan to focus attention on impact and outcomes. For example: • How effective are the diversionary activities provided? • How effective are the processes in place to prevent acquisitive crime? • How well are we engaging with the public? • What progress has been made in terms of collaboration and what percentage of the divisional estate is co-located with partners? To enable a more detailed examination by the Committee of specific local priorities and strategic outcomes, a ‘Spotlight’ focus will be provided on one of the priority areas on a quarterly basis. The Spotlight focus will rotate each quarter in line with the expected updates outlined in the Perth and Kinross LPP. Page 35 of 102
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OFFICIAL 4 | P a g e OFFICIAL Police Scotland’s strategic objectives Page 36 of 102
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OFFICIAL 5 | P a g e OFFICIAL Page 37 of 102
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OFFICIAL 6 | P a g e OFFICIAL Performance on a Page - 1st April 2024 to 30th September 2024 Recorded Crimes Change Detection Rate % point Change CYTD LYTD 5 Yr Av. From LYTD From 5 Yr Av. CYTD LYTD 5 Yr Av. From LYTD From 5 Yr Av. ASB and Disorder Overall group 4 446 462 459 -3.5% -2.8% 34.3% 34.6% 40.2% -0.3% -5.9% ASB Incidents 3379 3256 4104 3.8% -17.7% - - - - - Violence Robbery 24 22 19 9.1% 23.7% 54.2% 86.4% 75.3% -32.2% -21.1% Serious Assault 43 50 41 -14% 5.9% 104.7% 86% 87.7% 18.7% 17% Common Assault (excl EW) 621 566 523 9.7% 18.6% 72.9% 66.4% 68.7% 6.5% 4.3% Public Protection Overall Group 2 186 177 184 5.1% 1.1% 55.4% 65.5% 59% -10.1% -3.6% Rape 40 26 34 53.8% 18.3% 37.5% 46.2% 60.4% -8.7% -22.9% Domestic Abuse 50 28 23 78.6% 117.4 66% 75% 61.7% -9% 4.3% Human Trafficking 2 0 - 200% - - - - - - Road Safety Speeding offences 151 190 894 -20.5% -83.1% 100% 98.4% 99.9% 1.6% 0.1% Drink / Drug Driving 120 87 100 37.9% 20.5% 95.8% 101.1% 94% -5.3% 1.9% Acquisitive Crime HBs 111 104 113 6.7% -1.8% 35.1% 26.9% 31.4% 8.2% 3.7% Dwelling HBs 45 44 40 2.2% 11.4% 24.4% 22.7% 24.8% 1.7% -0.3% Motor Vehicle Crime 160 114 118 40.4% 35.6% 26.9% 36.8% 33.6% -9.9% -6.7% Fraud 161 200 144 -19.5% 11.7% 18% 8% 16.6% 10% 1.4% Shoplifting 426 421 303 1.2% 40.5% 37.3% 53.2% 62.2% -15.9% -24.9% Overall Group 2’ All Sexual Crimes including Rape & Attempts, Indecent & Sexual Assaults, Prostitution Offences and ‘Other’ Group 2 Crimes. Overall Group 4’ All Fireraising, Vandalism, Reckless Conduct and ‘Other’ Group 4 Crimes. Page 38 of 102
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OFFICIAL 7 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Address violence through preventative and enforcement measures Murders No Murders have been recorded during this reporting period. This is a reduction from 1 murder during Q1 in 2023/24. The accused for that murder is set to serve at least 16 years before being eligible for parole. Attempted Murders 3 have been committed this period, this mirrors occurrence rates for the previous year. The first formed part of a wider domestic abuse enquiry and took place within a domestic setting. The second involved a family dispute at home whereby the victim’s brother assaulted her with a knife. The last related to a violent attack with a glass on a staff member within licenced premises. 2 of the 3 matters are detected. The remaining crime (domestic abuse) has positive lines of investigation and will likely be detected once all enquiry is complete. Robberies 24 robberies or attempts were recorded during this reporting period. This is a slight rise (2 crimes) from the same period last year. Central Perth and the South Inch is joint top as a crime location with 3 crimes. Pitlochry has recorded a similar number of crimes; these crimes are part of a domestic abuse series. In terms of detections, currently half of all reported robberies are resolved. This is down on the previous year although as stated crime volume is slightly increased. Page 39 of 102
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OFFICIAL 8 | P a g e OFFICIAL A significant number of the undetected robberies relate to domestic relationships where arguments have resulted in mobile phones being taken and minor or no injury sustained. Whilst still significant, victims are known to offenders and crimes take place in a domestic setting often with limited witnesses. The rise in occurrence rates for robberies has not gone unnoticed, there is no discernible commonality in offending beyond links to domestic relationships and drug addiction. All robberies continue to be subject of oversight by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Serious Assaults 43 Serious assaults were committed in the first two quarters of 2024/25. This is a decrease of 7 crimes from the same YTD period. Detection rates for serious assaults are very positive with all currently detected. HMP Perth accounts for 7 crimes alone although this is 4 crimes less than the same period LYTD. Locality based detectives continue to have oversight of all serious violent crime. All undetected crimes have been subject to enhanced scrutiny, and this will continue with the aim of achieving a more positive resolution for victims. There is a significant prospect that the current detection rates will improve. HMP Perth continues to represent a significant influence in the serious assault occurrence rates. This is however an improved position from last year and evidence that the violence control strategy in place is working. Notable activities during the reporting period include: • A 27-year-old male arrested following an assault with a bladed weapon within premises in South William Street, Perth • Following an attack involving a knife in the area of Glasgow Road, Perth a 39-year-old man was arrested • 7 separate incidences of serious injury detected following prisoner assaults within HMP Perth • 15 and 14-year-old males reported following the violent assault of a 14-year-old male in Blairgowrie Page 40 of 102
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OFFICIAL 9 | P a g e OFFICIAL • A 43-year-old male arrested having been responsible for assault with a weapon in Auchterarder • 3 males aged 41, 37 and 32 respectively arrested following the robbery of a male in Bute Drive, Perth. • A 44-year-old male arrested after intimidating another into the transfer of funds. • A male aged 49 years arrested after attempting to rob retail premises in County Place, Perth In the main serious and violent crime figures are positive. Previously the nighttime economy within Perth Centre had caused concern in terms of spontaneous offending. Concerted effort has been made to increase presence in the town, evidently with the appropriate dividend. Police Scotland are committed to working with partners to ensure Perth and Kinross remains a safe place to live, work and visit. Police Prison Liaison We continue to work closely with partners at Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to deter and detect offences within HMP Perth. A variety of operations have taken place in and around HMP Perth resulting in offences being identified. A joint operation between Police Scotland and the SPS specifically targeting visitors who had the intention of introducing contraband into the prison. The operation utilised specialist resources from the SPS National Tactical Search Unit and Police Scotland Operational Support Unit. As a result, one male was arrested, charged and reported near to the perimeter of the prison for possession of an offensive weapon. In addition, 92 Standard Prosecution Reports were submitted to the Procurator Fiscal for offences which occurred within HMP Perth during the reporting period. Of which 17 were in relation to crimes of violence. Common Assault (of an emergency worker) Page 41 of 102
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OFFICIAL 10 | P a g e OFFICIAL Assaults recorded on Emergency Workers have thankfully decreased from last year although are still high. There have been 69 crimes CYTD which is down from 78 recorded LYTD. This is a decrease of 11.5% and is slightly higher than the 5-year average of 66 crimes. The detection rate is 101.4% CYTD which is to be expected given the nature of the offence. Police Scotland take the safety of staff and officers extremely seriously with a national strategy being delivered via the “Your Safety Matters” campaign which is led directly by the Force Executive. Page 42 of 102
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OFFICIAL 11 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Deal with disorder and antisocial behaviour • Overall, incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour showed a slight increase of 3.8% when compared to LYTD and are 17.7% lower than the 5-year average. • 394 crimes of vandalism were recorded during the reporting period, a decrease of 5.7% from LYTD (24 less crimes). • 20 crimes of fire raising were recorded during the reporting period, an increase of 53.8% when compared to LYTD (7 additional crimes). Perth and Kinross LPA continue to work closely with partners delivering a multi-agency response alongside Housing, Visitor Rangers, Community Safety and SFRS conducting reviews of all ASB calls, thereafter, sharing with the relevant partner to mitigate the risk and reduce harm. Regular meetings are attended by Partnerships Interventions and Preventions (PIP) officers to discuss recurring ASB issues ensuring proportionate action is taken from a multi-agency perspective, with joint visits conducted when required to ensure a co-ordinated approach. For the period under review, Perth and Kinross has had 1 Anti-Social Behaviour Order and 7 Anti-Social Behaviour agreements and only 1 breach of ASBO. There are 117 active cases being monitored and reviewed by the ASB team. For 2024, officers in Perth and Kinross have proactively shared 116 anti-social behaviour incidents and received 227 requests for information. Information is shared with the Community Safety Team as part of our joint working at St Martins House, Perth in line with the Data Protection Act. This includes information on reported disturbances, loud music, nuisance, and criminal damage all of which are reviewed and receive a collaborative approach to tackle the issue. The collaborative approach allows effective engagement with youths, installation of sound monitors, ASBOs or referrals to VSS. Active engagement and early intervention and prevention work results in less exhaustive use of ASBO’s and ABA’s. Page 43 of 102
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OFFICIAL 12 | P a g e OFFICIAL Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Joint work has taken place with SFRS regarding recent local issues around youth issues including hay bale fires and urban fire setting. This included shared messaging and signposting of Fire Safety Support and Education (FSSE) programme. COMMUNITY WARDENS Safer Community Wardens react to and share information daily with Police Scotland around the prevention and detection of crime, identification of witnesses or protection of vulnerable person as well as reassurance and high vis patrols. Recent examples include issues with youths engaging in anti-social behaviour in Perth City Centre and at the Community School of Auchterarder. VISITOR RANGERS The Perth and Kinross Visitor Rangers react to and share information daily with Police Scotland around the prevention and detection of crime, identification of anti-social behaviour hot spots and any new trends or community tensions in rural areas. Regular engagement by the Visitor Rangers significantly reduces the amount and impact of ASB on our rural communities by persons visiting the area. This may involve simple noise nuisance, vandalism or even fire setting. Partnership Against Rural Crime (PARC) The Perth and Kinross PARC meet regularly to discuss issues from fire and water safety to anti-social behaviour, thefts and fly tipping. The group provides a platform for information sharing, advice and support for partners in jointly addressing issues affecting our rural communities. Page 44 of 102
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OFFICIAL 13 | P a g e OFFICIAL LICENSING Between 1st April 2024 and 30th September 2024, the police licensing team processed 2760 licence applications for the Perth area. This included applications for occasional licenses to allow premises to have additional outdoor areas, renewals and grants for taxi operators & drivers and applications for grants of Short Terms. 71 recorded ASB incidents were at or in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises. There were 212 inspections carried out throughout Perth, with no single premises identified as problematic during this period. The licensing team have been promoting the ‘by-stander’ and `It I’ll Cost You’ training and campaign and, were assisted by Police Scotland Youth Volunteers carrying out public engagement within our communities and Premise Licence Holders. The Licensing Team are continuing efforts to deliver training to licenced premises in respect of keeping people safe particularly during the nighttime economy. The Police Licensing team have carried out several joint visits in Licensed Premises including Second-Hand Dealers. These activities will continue as we move forward with our Festive policing plans. Page 45 of 102
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OFFICIAL 14 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Tackle acquisitive crime and support victims Domestic Housebreakings Are broadly similar to last year, 45 crimes committed across Q1 and 2 which is just 1 more crime than the same period in 2023/24. The detection rate is also similar just 0.5% reduced. Perth City Centre, Alyth, Auchterarder and Stanley/Luncarty are areas with slightly higher occurrence rates (3). Non dwelling housebreakings Such as garages and outbuildings continue to show signs of a decline which has now been evident over several years. 21 crimes for this period which is down 3 on last year. Alyth has again been a particular hotspot this reporting period recording nearly a quarter of the total crime volume. Enquiries into that series remain ongoing with some positive avenues to be pursued. This will hopefully significantly improve the current detection rates. Commercial Housebreakings have been a challenge this year with 44 recorded during this period, a jump of 8 over the same period last year. This has required some determined focus to counter as can be shown by a near 25% uplift in the detection rate for this crime type. Just short of 2 out of 3 commercial housebreakings have been detected this period which is significant and higher than any similar period in the last 6 years. Across all types of housebreaking, occurrence rates are fractionally higher with 6 more crimes recorded. Despite that increase, overall detection rates have improved by 8.6%. Theft of Motor Vehicles Were a challenge last year returning to occurrence rates seen in 2019/20. This unfortunate trend remains high with 53 crimes recorded this period, 5 more crimes than the previous year. Detections have however remained fairly static with just a 3% dip. Page 46 of 102
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OFFICIAL 15 | P a g e OFFICIAL North Muirton, Almondbank and Pitlochry areas have been hotspots this period recording 4 crimes each. Particularly with the latter two, it is clear criminals from out with have travelled to commit crime targeting our more rural communities. Such is the scale of rural Perthshire, predicting the targeted areas inclusive of anticipating when they will be visited is extremely problematic. CID, LPA and road policing colleagues have been working collaboratively in this area. This period 105 additional crimes across the remaining motor vehicle crime categories were recorded. This is 39 more crimes than the same YTD period. The largest single rise comes from thefts from insecure vehicles with an increase of 18 more CYTD. Analysis indicates offending is relatively opportune. We will continue with our crime prevention campaigns across our social media feeds. Overall, the other categories not including theft of a motor vehicle have seen a drop in the detection rate by -9.6%. This emphasises the challenge posed in detecting rural offending particularly by travelling criminals. Shoplifting figures for the year to date are aligned with those from 2023/24. There was a significant increase in reporting last year in part attributable to better retailer engagement. Work around fraud prevention has been positive with a significant decrease in occurrence rates compared to the same period last year (43 crimes). Detection rates are nearly 11% improved on the same period. As has been commented upon previously, Perth and Kinross continues to see disproportionate impact from non- resident offenders in relation to Acquisitive Crime. There has been an upsurge in repeat offenders from Dundee, Edinburgh and Fife travelling into Perth and Kinross during hours of darkness. This is a divisional wide issue. Current crime trends are discussed at the Divisional Acquisitive Crime meeting. Increasingly acquisitive crime is a cross-border issue that requires collaborative working to resolve. Trends identified a shared initially Regionally and then Nationally to ensure wide acknowledgment. National analytical work is available to identify any links between offending. This framework facilitates the rapid dissemination of threats ensuring Divisions are on the front foot in relation to potential offending. Page 47 of 102
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OFFICIAL 16 | P a g e OFFICIAL Locality based detectives routinely take ownership of any local emerging series. This has proven to be effective and has led to detections, that may otherwise have taken much longer to resolve. As reflected above, the rural landscape of Perth and Kinross with numerous small residential towns and villages is a significant attraction for offenders from more urban areas. Crime Prevention advice along with enhanced patrols are routinely utilised to counter this. Police routinely pool resources across several departments to allow tactical pursuit options should offenders be disturbed. Such activity is however resource intensive and even with enhanced patrols, the geography of Perth and Kinross and the indiscriminate targeting of areas by offenders, creates real challenges. Notable activities during the reporting period include: • 55 and 26-year-old males arrested for high value housebreakings and linked offending including caravan theft throughout Tayside and further afield. Subsequent guilty outcomes. • A 42-year-old male arrested for multiple Housebreaking and linked offences in Perth Centre. • 53-year-old male arrested in relation to housebreaking to retail premises in Blairgowrie. Linked to a similar crime in Aberdeenshire and wider offending Nationally • Numerous housebreakings, thefts and fraud crimes detected to a 39-year-old male who had recently moved to Perth • A 17-year-old male from Dundee arrested in relation to retail housebreakings and theft of a motor vehicle in rural Perthshire • 27 and 17-year-old males from Dundee arrested and charged with close to 40 acquisitive related crimes including housebreakings, theft of vehicles and attempts • A 19-year-old male from Edinburgh arrested for reset of a motor vehicle stolen form the Pitlochry area During the reporting period our Partnerships, Interventions and Preventions Officers have sought opportunities to engage with partners and the wider public to tackle acquisitive crime. Page 48 of 102
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OFFICIAL 17 | P a g e OFFICIAL Neighbourhood Watch Scotland In Perth and Kinross, we have promoted sign-up and engagement with our partners at Neighbourhood Watch Scotland. Police and Safer Communities Team staff have recently been trained to issue alerts and prevention advice via NHWS with more training pending. 1,818 members of the public are now signed up locally to receive alerts and that number is increasing weekly. Alerts are now regularly issued in relation to local acquisitive crime providing advice and seeking information. Additionally, this has been used as a platform to signpost our support services such as Victim Support Scotland. Regular advice and information is shared online via social media in response to new crime trends or local issues to alert the public on how to keep safe and how to contact services for support where needed. Examples of this included recent car thefts and rural housebreakings. Page 49 of 102
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OFFICIAL 18 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Make our roads safer Tragically Perth & Kinross LPA have suffered 6 adult fatalities for the period under review, this is an increase comparable with LYTD where we saw 4 fatalities. Locations of Fatal Road Traffic Collisions in Perth and Kinross 1st April – 30th September 2024 17/05/24 – A822 Amulree – Motorcyclist 28/05/24 – A9 Perth bypass – Pedestrian 14/06/24 – A823 Gleneagles – Two vehicle RTC (2 Fatalities) 23/06/24 – A9 at Calvine –Motorcyclist 01/09/24 – B9099 by Stanley – One car RTC 57 persons have been seriously injured because of collisions across Perth and Kinross, this is an increase comparable with the same period last year, where we saw 37 persons seriously injured. Positively, Perth & Kinross LPA have had a significant reduction of 22% in persons slightly injured because of road traffic collisions. Road Safety enforcement continues to be carried out as part of routine business by the Road Policing Unit in Perth & Kinross LPA. Focused patrol work will be complemented using available technology and databases, intelligence target packages and specific tasking resulting from local Tasking & Coordinating processes to tackle criminality. Local Policing and RPU Officers have been able to target driving behaviour which we believe will have the greatest impact on casualty reduction and address community concerns. Enforcement activity has concentrated on the Fatal 5 which are Dangerous/careless driving, drink/drug driving, Speeding, Seatbelts, and mobile phones. Page 50 of 102
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OFFICIAL 19 | P a g e OFFICIAL Based on strategic assessment several priority locations have been identified within Perth & Kinross which were subject to focussed operation activity. Tayside Division priority routes include the following roads; M90/A90 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A9 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A923 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A93 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A85 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A92 During the period under review Road Policing officers took part in several National Campaigns. • Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign • National Mobile Phone Campaign • Motorcycle Safety campaign and weekend of Action • Rider Refinement North • Vulnerable Road Users – Child Safety Campaign • Drug Driving Week • National Speed Campaign • Young Drivers Fatal 5 Campaign Page 51 of 102
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OFFICIAL 20 | P a g e OFFICIAL Road Policing officers continue to provide high visibility and support to divisional officers throughout the Perth & Kinross area. It is recognised that positive engagement with road users is vital to improve driver and road user behaviour. Police resources are being challenged by the driving habits of vulnerable road users. However, we are committed to working effectively with partners locally to address these issues through education, enforcement, engineering, encouragement and evaluation all of which are delivered successfully through several mediums and campaigns. Emerging threats and risks/ Updates Looking into the coming month’s darker nights, adverse weather, especially in North Perthshire conditions continue to be identified as emerging threats and risks. We will be working closely with our partners to ensure we are well; prepared for any eventuality. New Young Drivers Scheme The New driver Scheme (NDS) will be implemented within Tayside Division in 2022. The NDS is a hard-hitting presentation to raise awareness of road safety issues. The joint presentations, delivered by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue service, will provide a solid reminder of the individual responsibilities that the driver has, both for themselves and for other road users. NDS has been delivered to several businesses and educational establishments throughout Perth & Kinross with very positive feedback. Rider Refinement North (RRN) Rider Refinement North (RRN) has been run through the period under review with the last engagement session taking place in October. The RRN initiative is an opportunity for members of the public to purchase a day’s motorcycle awareness with Road Policing Advanced Riders accompanied by an observer from the IAM. Page 52 of 102
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OFFICIAL 21 | P a g e OFFICIAL The course includes a presentation, demo rides and observational rides, the course is designed as a gateway to advanced riding and is run in partnership with Local Authority, Road Safety Scotland, IAM & RoSPA. The course costs attendees £40 which includes a lunch. Unfortunately demand always exceeds supply with only limited places available. Initial delivery of RRN has received extremely positive feedback with some excellent learning and opportunity to influence riding behaviour with candidates travelling from across Tayside to participate. National Motorcycle Campaign The National motorcycle campaign continues and will again see RP focussed patrols on priority motorcycle routes throughout the division with joint working with neighbouring divisions and the SCU to detect and deter any motorcycle offences. C division have recently launched an unmarked motorcycle initiative which on first outing was very successful, as such efforts are being made to utilise similar techniques within Tayside Division, this includes a media strategy prior to deployment. Operation Closepass Operation Closepass has again been delivered in Perth & Kinross LPA by Road Policing Officers, the message is that everyone deserves to be able to use Scotland’s roads safely, and it is for all road users to take responsibility, whether they are on two, four or more wheels, powered or on foot. Driver Engagement North Driver engagement north has been held across Tayside in the for the period under review, this is an opportunity for older drivers and their families to take part in an interactive driving session. Driver engagement is aimed at highlighting potential driving weaknesses the Driver Engagement North project makes use of an interactive driving simulator to assess and highlight a participant's reactions, hazard awareness and any potential vulnerabilities. Page 53 of 102
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OFFICIAL 22 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority Activity – Public Protection 40 rapes were recorded during the reporting period, which is a 53.8% increase when compared to the same period last year and a 18.3% increase on the 5-year average which is 34. The detection rate for Rape is down 8.7% from last year and down 22.9% on the 5year average. During this reporting period all of the people reporting the crime of rape have known the suspects. • Overall sexual crime has seen an increase in reported cases from 177 last year to 186 this year for the same period. The 5-year average is 184. • The detection rate for overall sexual offences has dropped from 65.5% to 55.4% year on year. The 5-year average is 59%. Rape and Sexual Crime Page 54 of 102
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OFFICIAL 23 | P a g e OFFICIAL The crime of Rape and other serious Sexual offences can have a profound impact on victims both psychologically and physically and can affect community confidence. Police Scotland is committed to protecting people considered vulnerable and prevent all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation including domestic abuse, child sexual abuse & exploitation, rape and sexual crime, and hate crime. The focus of any Rape or Sexual crime investigation must be victim focused with the safety and wellbeing of victims being our primary concern. Rape and sexual crime inquiries can be complex and difficult to investigate, evidence and progress to prosecution. Investigations can be protracted, and, in some cases, victims will have waited to report offences for a few years. In several cases, multiple crime reports will have been raised in respect of one report from one victim, detailing multiple incidents over a period. So far this year we have seen challenges in relation to both the increased occurrence of reported rape and the decrease in detection rate. However, the reported figures will include several investigations that remain under active investigation by specialist units including the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit and National Rape Task Force. All rape investigations are conducted by specially trained officers and are overseen by an experienced Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and are subject to regular review to ensure that all available lines of enquiry are identified and progressed. Human Trafficking There are 2 crimes recorded during the reporting period, one of which was reported in Perth and Kinross however occurred in England and the other is assessed as not a crime following enquiry meaning that for this reporting period there has been no Human Trafficking in Perth and Kinross. Non-Fatal Overdose Pathway (NFOD) Page 55 of 102
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OFFICIAL 24 | P a g e OFFICIAL Officers within the Partnerships team continue to attend the daily Multi-Agency Near-Fatal Overdose meetings sharing relevant information in relation to any person who has experienced a non-fatal overdose because of the consumption of suspected illicit substances. Over the period of April 1st 2024, to 30th September 2024 there were 32 discussions held at the Perth and Kinross NFOD with a multi- agency response developed to ensure a holistic approach is taken to the interventions applied, with positive engagement and harm reduction delivered for those involved. Local Priority/Activity – Enable and support effective engagement and communication with the public Community Policing Teams continue to arrange “Coffee with a cop “sessions throughout Perth and Kinross and in particular in rural communities to allow people an opportunity to speak with Officers about their concerns. We strive to ensure regular attendance of locality-based Officers across Perth and Kinross at the local Community Council meetings to provide visibility and assistance, discuss topical issues and provide context to communities about ongoing issues. Our Community Policing Teams have also carried out further engagement in the community including the below snapshot, • Perth City Centre shoplifting day of action in May. • Joint operation with trading standards targeting counterfeit goods. • Bike Marking Schemes Page 56 of 102
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OFFICIAL 25 | P a g e OFFICIAL • Speeding initiatives • Attendance at a PKAVS event to promote breaking down barriers between police and young people. • Engagement sessions at schools and colleges throughout Perth and Kinross. Asylum Seekers The Police Partnerships, Interventions and Prevention team has continuous engagement with the two Perth hotels housing asylum seekers run by MEARS. The daily contact and weekly visits seek to review any community safety issues, protests, welfare issues or hate crime. Guidance is regularly issued to local policing around use of Migrant Help services and contacts for dealing with incidents to enhance service delivery and experiences of asylum seekers. Keep Safe Keep Safe is the award-winning initiative developed in partnership with Police Scotland and I Am Me Scotland. The initiative works with a network of local businesses to create 'Keep Safe' places in the community for anyone feeling lost, frightened or who has been a victim of crime. There are currently 37 Keep Safe premises across Perth and Kinross with venues re-visited to ensure compliance to the required standards. The third sector organisation Inclusive Living Perth obtained National Lottery Funding to secure a staff member to assist Police in checks and training delivery. Training is due for the Safer Community Wardens from the Community Safety Team who will support awareness raising and compliance checks moving forward. Fearless Page 57 of 102
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OFFICIAL 26 | P a g e OFFICIAL Fearless is a part of the Crimestoppers charity. It is a site where young people can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. The website provides a safe place to give information about crime through a secure online form which is 100% anonymous. Fearless is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - 365 days a year. Crimestoppers have been actively advertising the resource to school and partners. Page 58 of 102
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Perth and Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee 27 November 2024 COMMUNITY PAYBACK ORDER ANNUAL RETURN 2023-24 Report by Strategic Lead – Children, Families and Justice (Report No. 24/338) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 places a duty on local authorities to submit an annual return about the operation of Community Payback Orders (CPOs) to Community Justice Scotland (CJS). In turn CJS have a duty to collate all local authority reports and lay a summary report before the Scottish Parliament. The power to direct local authorities on the content of the return remains with Scottish ministers. 1.2 This report introduces the Perth and Kinross CPO Annual Return for 2023-24 in compliance with that requirement. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: • Takes assurance about the work being undertaken by the Community Justice Social Work (CJSW) team and the Unpaid Work (UPW) teams in respect of CPOs in Perth and Kinross; • Endorses the contents of this report; and • Requests the Strategic Lead for Children, Families and Justice brings forward an annual report regarding the activity and performance of CPOs. 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: Conclusion • Appendices 7 Page 59 of 102
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4. BACKGROUND 4.1 The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, as amended, introduced CPOs as the new statutory community disposal. CPO is therefore a generic term which covers a range of disposal options which includes the following: • An offender supervision requirement. • A compensation requirement. • An unpaid work or other activity requirement. • A programme requirement. • A residence requirement. • A mental health requirement. • A drug treatment requirement. • An alcohol treatment requirement. • A conduct requirement. • A restricted movement requirement 4.2 When these requirements are imposed by the Court, it is mandatory that they are overseen by a suitably qualified social worker, except for low-level UPW which includes ‘other activity’. The level of the latter is determined by the number of hours imposed. The CPOs are managed and delivered by the Council’s Justice and Community Safety Service, specifically, the CJSW team and the UPW team. 4.3 CPO Annual Return 4.3.1 The Perth and Kinross CPO Annual Return for the period 2023-24 (Appendix 1) was submitted to CJS in October 2024 and records pertinent CPO activity. 4.3.2 Table 1 below indicates the number of new CPOs imposed and the number of individuals who received this Order. Although a risk was anticipated due to Courts clearing their backlog of cases, the number has remained similar to 2022-23. However, and accepting this is not within this reporting period, it is noted that since April 2024, there has been an increase in new CPOs. This is being closely monitored as this will inform points for discussion with local Sherriffs. Table 1: Number of new CPOs and individuals for the preceding three years, excluding 2020-21 but including 2019-20 which was the last full reporting year before the Covid pandemic Activity 2019-20 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 New CPOs 353 215 296 294 Individuals with new CPOs 311 202 259 258 Page 60 of 102
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4.3.3 Table 2 below highlights the total number of CPOs with a supervision requirement. Requirement numbers reflect a minor decrease against 2022-23, with the average length in months almost returning to pre Covid pandemic levels. The average length of a supervision requirement continues to remain reasonably stable. Table 2: New Supervision Requirements and average length (months) for the preceding three years, excluding 2020-21 but including 2019-20 which was the last full reporting year before the Covid pandemic Activity 2019-20 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 CPO with a Supervision Requirement 219 133 193 188 Average length of a Supervision Requirement (months) 14.4 15.3 15.5 14.25 4.3.4 Table 3 below highlights that the average length of an UPW CPO in hours has remained similar over the previous three years. However, the volumes of UPW requirements while increasing, remain 26% lower than pre Covid pandemic levels. As is noted in the CPO Annual Return, this situation is being monitored with the view that, as demand increases, UPW is flexible enough to manage this rise and service these Orders. Table 3: New UPW requirements and average length (hours) for the preceding three years, excluding 2020-21 but including 2019-20 which was the last full reporting year before the Covid pandemic Activity 2019-20 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 New number of UPW CPOs 271 145 197 200 Average length of UPW CPOs (hours) 142.2 131.9 126.3 133.8 4.3.5 The ‘unpaid work and/or other activity’ requirement was the most imposed of the requirements available to the Court. UPW can be imposed for any period between 20 and 300 hours and ‘other activity’ for 30 hours to 30% of the Order and depends on whichever is lower. The expectation of the order is that the individual’s payback through work and learning will be of benefit to the community. The activities and visibility of UPW is designed to enhance the confidence of the public and improve their understanding of community sentences. The work offered also provides opportunities for individuals to learn new skills which can lead to enhancing their employability prospects and a practical alternative route out of offending. To accommodate and support people to complete their Orders, sessions are delivered over evenings and weekends which allows those who work to continue with their employment or ensure they can manage their childcare and/or family commitments. Page 61 of 102
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4.3.6 Table 4 below highlights a steady increase in the number of terminations over the preceding three years, with a slight percentage decrease in successful completions during 2023-24. Revocation occurs following either a breach or review of a CPO. A breach is usually because of an individual’s non-compliance with the conditions of their CPO whereas revocation at a review takes place where there are concerns about a person’s progress and their level of risk and potential to re-offend. Following a referral back to Court, the original order may be revoked and the person made subject to a new and potentially longer CPO or a period in custody if their risk is not deemed to be manageable in the community. Although the revocation of Orders has increased, specifically when an Order is reviewed, this is often due to a change in circumstances or behaviour which suggests there is an increased likelihood and risk of re- offending. Table 4: Reasons for CPO terminations for the three preceding years, a excluding 2020-21 but including 2019-20 which was the last full reporting year before the Covid pandemic Year CPO Successfully Completed CPO Revoked (Review) CPO Revoked (Breach) Total 2019-20 273 (67.9%) 23 (5.7%) 80 (19.9%) 402 2021-22 112 (61.5%) 6 (3.3%) 25 (13.7%) 182 2022-23 167 (65.7%) 12 (4.7%) 55 (21.7%) 254 2023-24 188 (61.1%) 25 (8.1%) 62 (20.1%) 308 5. CONCLUSION 5.1 The Council’s Justice Social Work Service remains focussed on improving outcomes for individuals in the justice system and our communities. 5.2 From the data over the previous three years it is apparent that, while the volume of activity has increased, it has yet to return to pre Covid pandemic levels. This is set against the continued backlog of work which the Courts are attempting to address as well as the challenges for the Scottish Prison Service and the increasing prison population. These challenges to date have been addressed at Government level through the promotion of early intervention approaches like Bail Supervision and Diversion from Prosecution. These approaches were adopted early by CJSW to help support and manage people at a lower level in the justice system without Court involvement and remain connected to their families and community. However, when necessary and if merited by the seriousness of the offence, it does not negate the requirement for Court intervention and the imposition of a CPO or custodial sentence when appropriate. Page 62 of 102
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5.3 Irrespective of the disposal received by a person in the justice system, the aim of CJSW is to manage and support those individuals to address the reasons why they offend and live a more purposeful and productive life. Author Name Designation Contact Details Nicola Rogerson Service Manager – Justice Social Work FBSCommittee@pkc.gov.uk 01738 475000 Approved Name Designation Date Arun Singh Strategic Lead – Children, Families and Justice 14 November 2024 Page 63 of 102
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes/None Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial None Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment None Strategic Environmental Assessment None Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) None Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal None External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 This section sets out how the proposals relate to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. This report relates to Objective No. (v). Corporate Plan 1.2 This section sets out how the proposals relate to the achievement of the Council’s Corporate Plan Objectives: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy; Page 64 of 102
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(iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. This report relates to Objective No. (v). 1.3 The report also links to the Education and Learning; and the Children, Families and Justice Services Vision, Values and Priorities in respect of the following key Priority area: • Safe and Protected 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 This report contains no proposals which would have a financial impact on the Council. Workforce 2.2 There are no workforce implications arising from this report. Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.3 There are no asset management implications arising from this report. 3. Assessments 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. 3.1.1 The proposals have been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) with the following outcome: (i) Assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.2.1 The proposals have been considered under the Act; however, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. This is because the Committee are requested to note the contents of the report only and the Committee are not being requested to approve, adopt or agree to an action or to set the framework for future decisions. Page 65 of 102
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Sustainability 3.3 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 the Council also has a duty relating to climate change and, in exercising its functions must act: • In the way best calculated to delivery of the Act’s emissions reduction targets. • In the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaption programmes. • In a way that it considers most sustainable. 3.3.1 There are no issues in respect of sustainability from the proposals in this report. Legal and Governance 3.4 This report contains no proposals which would have a legal or governance impact on the Council. 3.5 Not applicable. Risk 3.6 There are no issues in respect of risk from the proposals in this report. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 Not applicable. External 4.2 Not applicable. 5. Communication 5.1 There are no communication issues in respect of the proposals in this report. 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (and not containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to a material extent in preparing the above report. 3. APPENDICES 3.1 Appendix 1 - Perth and Kinross CPO Annual Return 2023/24 Page 66 of 102
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Appendix 1 COMMUNITY PAYBACK ORDER (CPO) ANNUAL RETURN FINANCIAL YEAR: 2023/24 LOCAL AUTHORITY: Perth and Kinross Council TEMPLATE RETURN DATE: 4 October 2024 Background Under the Community Justice (Scotland) Act (2016), local authorities have a statutory duty to report on the operations of Community Payback Orders (CPO) within their area on an annual basis to Community Justice Scotland (CJS). CJS will then collate these returns and summarise them in a report which is laid before Scottish Parliament. 7 Page 67 of 102
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To assist with this reporting duty, CJS, in collaboration with representatives from Justice Social Work, the Scottish Government, and Social Work Scotland, has developed a template of questions for local areas to complete. This template is designed to support the reporting requirement. 1) Reducing risk of reoffending In Perth and Kinross (P&K) there are a number of services that work directly with individuals to address the underlying causes of their offending behaviour, to help reduce future risks of reoffending. The One-Stop Women’s Learning Service (OWLS) continues to work in collaboration with other services to offer women in the justice system a safe space where they can access relevant agencies and supports. OWLS offers a trauma informed environment which is conducive to supporting women in their life to improve their mental health and address their offending behaviour. Being trauma informed means that staff are able to recognise when someone may be affected by trauma; collaboratively adjusting how they work to take this into account; responding in a way that supports recovery which does not cause further harm and recognises and supports the person’s resilience. Although OWLS was initially established to work with women on Community Payback Orders (CPOs), it expanded over time to include those on a Throughcare Licence; Supervised Release Order; Bail Supervision; Diversion from Prosecution; Voluntary Throughcare and women who occasionally need support after completing their statutory order. OWLS supported 82 women during the reporting period. The Caledonian System continues to be available in P&K and is a behaviour programme for men convicted of domestic abuse offences while also providing support services for their partners and children. It is an integrated approach to dealing with men's domestic abuse and improve the lives of women, children, and men. Court reports for offences that required an assessment of suitability for the programme reduced slightly over the past year, with a total of 96 being completed. This is compared to previous years where there was a total of 52 in 2020-21, 85 in 2021-22 and 103 in 2022-23. As was noted in the previous year, training in the use of Spousal Assault Risk Assessment-Version 3 (SARA-v3) has continued which now means that all social workers can assess for domestic offences. In addition, fifteen social workers/senior practitioners have completed the Caledonian Case Manager training, which allows them to supervise individuals subject to a two-year Caledonian Programme Requirement. Currently the Caledonian Women’s Worker and Children’s Worker roles are carried out by staff who are employed by Action for Children. However, those roles are expected to be brought in-house to the Community Justice Social Work (CJSW) team at some point in 2024/early 2025. The anticipated benefit of this change will be closer working relationships between all workers and improved access to information and how this is shared. Page 68 of 102
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Both CJSW and the Safer Communities Team have worked closely with the P&K Trauma Approach co-ordinator prior to the post becoming vacant in January 2024. This work was carried through into the Community Justice and Safety Partnership (CJSP) who promoted the launch of locally developed Trauma eLearning modules that incorporates the learning from NHS Education for Scotland (NES). This is available to all community justice and safety partners including the P&K Third Sector Collaborative. An action achieved during the reporting period was the incorporation of a commitment to Trauma Training for all new service contracts. Work is also underway to better understand the experiences of those subject to community disposals via a tool called the Wellbeing Wheel. The Wheel is outcome focused and looks at the persons specific needs including those linked to their offending behaviour. The tool is a co-produced plan which helps the person to develop strategies and skills that assist them to navigate away from offending. It is also a dynamic tool and is subject to regular review providing evidence to the person and their worker of progress. It was initially tested within the Evolve project (men on CPOs) and has been extended across the CJSW client group. It is also a priority action for CJSW in the CJSP Outcome Improvement Plan for 2024-25. In the interim, individual’s views are routinely sought via CPO review paperwork. 2) Support for underlying needs The Evolve project, like OWLS, is a gender specific service and at this point focuses mainly on men who are subject to CPOs. The approach is trauma informed using a combination of intensive one to one work, and a focussed programme of group work called Connectere which in Latin means ‘join together’. Connectere focuses on activities designed to increase positive life chances and pro-social decision making, helping men to find purpose, improve their wellbeing, and rebuild relationships within their communities and families. The project incorporates the latest theory and research in desistance including alternative approaches to working with men in the justice system, a notable number having been subject to significant adverse childhood experiences. While the plan is and has been to deliver the groupwork programme on a rolling basis, it was also recognised following independent evaluation that there could be benefits to delivering elements of the programme on an individual basis. This was deemed beneficial given the areas covered in the Connectere programme are universal and include addressing self-confidence, self-worth, personal responsibility for behaviour and its impact on self and significant others. A two-year Test of Change commenced in January 2023, whereby two Specified Workers (Community Justice Assistants) were employed by CJSW and based within the CJSW team. A Test of Change provides the opportunity to try out and evaluate new ideas or processes within an organisation to determine their effectiveness and whether implementation would be viable. The plan with this Test of Change was to promote closer working relationships with drug and alcohol services and improve Page 69 of 102
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delivery for those on CPOs with substance use issues. The workers assess a persons’ suitability for a CPO Drug and Alcohol Treatment Requirement and work directly with those who have this requirement imposed. Pivotal to this service is the information sharing and close working links with the Integrated Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team (IDART). This has proved effective for individuals in accessing treatment and monitoring their progress on this planned intervention. Tayside Council on Alcohol (TCA) have a long-standing partnership with CJSW in P&K providing mentoring support to men and women on Court Orders via the OWLS service for women and for men through the Perth Mentoring for Men Service. Both services have one referral route which is via CJSW. The mentoring interventions are delivered on a collaborative, person-centred basis which is formulated in a bespoke agreement / contract between the mentor, mentee and the referrer. From this a programme is developed which adapts to the changes that take place for the person over time. The provision of mentoring in P&K has proven to help support a person’s engagement with services and their compliance with mandatory requirements and interventions. As the relationship builds between the mentee and mentor, the person is encouraged and supported to identify their personal goals which increases self- confidence, self-esteem and helps promote positive life choices. Those who have experience of the service report that is has helped to increase their motivation and ability to comply with their CPO. This has included reducing their alcohol consumption; illicit drug use; supporting them to sustain their accommodation; enabling them to engage in education and training and improvement in their financial situation. In recognition of understanding the evolving challenges for those in the justice system all staff have received training in recognising and managing the needs of people who have Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This was promoted given the increased numbers of people diagnosed with this condition and the requirement that a more flexible approach might be required to better understand and address their offending behaviour and needs. 3) Unpaid work In P&K the Unpaid Work (UPW) team actively engages in national and local initiatives to support visible reparation in communities. The following examples provide evidence of both large-scale projects as well as individual small-scale pieces of work. Listening Benches have for some years been part of a national initiative to combat loneliness and isolation and encourage people to talk to each other. The UPW team were asked if some could be built and placed in relevant locations. In the picture below, this is an example of one which sits in the courtyard garden at the Cornhill Macmillan Centre in Perth. Page 70 of 102
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Representatives from Aberdalgie Parish Church contacted the UPW team and asked for assistance to repair a stone perimeter wall which had deteriorated in parts at the church community gardens. The repair was important for not only the church but the community as the garden was to be used as a children’s play area as well as a family picnic area and for social gatherings. The work undertaken is illustrated in the pictures below. Page 71 of 102
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The UPW team often works in partnership with other agencies both internal and external to the Council. In this example it was Blairgowrie Housing office who asked for assistance with a very neglected property which required quick action in order so that it could be allocated to and occupied by a local family. While Housing arranged for the upgrade of the interior of the property, the UPW team tackled the overgrowth in the garden as illustrated in the pictures below. While this might not be viewed as a major project, the importance of having this work done can have a significant and beneficial impact, not only for the person / family but their neighbours and the surrounding community. In this instance, the person had serious health issues which negated them from being able to undertake this work. Page 72 of 102
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By virtue of an UPW order, the expectation is that a person makes reparation through activity which benefits the community. In considering this principle, every effort is made to offer instruction and training in certain skills, so people are better equipped to undertake the required task and learn skills which will better equip them to find employment. This is evident in the construction of outdoor furniture which is donated to local schools and communities. An example of this in the reporting period is illustrated below and includes equipment made by the UPW team which was delivered to Milnathort Primary School, i.e. picnic tables, planters and a bench. 4) Other activity A proportion of a CPO UPW requirement can consist of ‘Other Activity’ which refers to 30% of the Order or 30 hours, whichever is the lower. The types of of ‘Other Activity’ carried out during the reporting period include: • Courses enhancing employability opportunities – Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training, Forklift training, Curriculum Vitae creation etc. • Working in community gardens. • Charity / Voluntary work. • Counselling / wellbeing support including trauma counselling. • Parenting / education classes. • Community Cook It Programme to help with life and practical skills. Page 73 of 102
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A person-centred approach is taken in the arrangement of ‘Other Activity’. As part of the UPW requirement, consideration is not only given to a person’s level of risk but their needs and the outcomes they are looking to achieve. The drivers for ‘Other Activity’ include improving employability opportunities and access to mental health services and equipping people with new life skills. Regarding OWLS, it is noted that two women during this reporting period completed the Venture Trust’s five-day wilderness programme and have continued to promote and utilise their learning in their daily lives. Graces Chocolates is a confectionery company and social enterprise based in Stirling which supports women in the justice system. During this reporting period, they supported one woman to complete their health and wellbeing programme which has led her to make more considered personal choices and opened up opportunities for her future. 5) Feedback Justice Services in P&K actively seek the views of individuals who have been subject to supervision and unpaid work, to help improve the service offered. The following is a selection of feedback received: People subject to a supervision requirement • "The work we've been doing is really useful and I am taking a lot away from it. I can recognise when I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and take a step back." • “I have found that having someone to talk to about my problems helps me move forward. I made the decision to get clean from drugs and being on my order has helped, along with my treatment. Working with Chris has really helped me” • “I think that OWLS has helped me a lot in the last 9 months, and it’s helped me as a person not just stay out of trouble but better myself and realise a lot of things that has helped me grow as a person.” • “I do not know where I would be without OWLS and the support I have had over the past few months. I cannot believe that getting a criminal record has given me the much-needed help and support I need. I have been through so many services that has not helped, and this is the first time in my life I feel someone is truly there for me and listens to me. OWLS is brilliant! Thank you!” People undertaking UPW or other activity requirement Page 74 of 102
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A survey of people completing their UPW requirements was caried out through the reporting period which illustrated the following findings: • Eighty-four people completed the UPW survey during the reporting period. • All who completed the survey confirmed that the UPW requirement had been explained clearly and sufficient information was received. Comments included, “Everything was explained clearly about times, requirements and expectations”. • 98% of respondents to the survey felt their circumstances were considered illustrated by comments such as, “Occasionally had to miss days with work or childcare was always understood”. • 98% found the work worthwhile with 88% enjoying their work. • 41% reported learning new skills; 45% made new friends; 13% learned how to work on their own; 49% learned how to work in a group; 45% learned how to use specialist materials; 19% enjoyed being able to talk about the work and 10% felt they did not learn anything. Of this cohort, one person commented on the opportunity to learn about different types of work. • 46% of respondents completed a Learning Skills Assessment during their UPW activity. • 17% of respondents confirmed they had contact with other agencies during their period of UPW with 65% of those respondents confirming that the additional support was beneficial. • 100% of the cohort reported being treated with courtesy and respect while completing their UPW order, with all reporting good support and encouragement from their Case Manager and the Project Officers. • Form respondent comments what they liked most about UPW was: “The supervisors”, “Meeting new people”, “Helping people and clients that genuinely need it”, “Going new places”. • 87% of respondents felt that unpaid work had helped them and 91% felt that UPW had helped them to stop or reduce their offending behaviour. Comments included: “Keeping away from people”, “Having a routine”, “Time taken consequences”, “Not wanting to risk having to come back”, “Just realising what you have to do”. Page 75 of 102
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The community and beneficiaries of UPW • “On behalf of the church and our outreach programme we would like to extend our gratitude for the contribution of your team during June. As a community project run by a church charity, we could never achieve our goals without external support, volunteers and unpaid work teams. This year we are striving to develop an under-11s play area in the Green Shoots community garden. We would have been unable to achieve this goal without repairs to the adjacent stone perimeter wall - a job too big for our dedicated project stonemason. However, with the combined efforts of 20 clients from your team working under your supervision the wall is now on track to be completed in time for the next phase of development in July. We and the local families who will enjoy the facilities later this summer are greatly indebted to you and your team for the work carried out. It would be a pleasure to invite you back to Green Shoots, Aberdalgie.” • “I just wanted to pass on our appreciation for the beautiful seating that was created and delivered over the Easter holidays. I will be sharing with the children at assembly in the morning ready for our story book garden to be reopened for the summer term and this lovely weather! The children will be delighted!” • “Many thanks to the Community Payback Team for tidying up the recent Taymount Wood car park fly tipping.” • “I am writing to you on behalf of Blair Atholl & Struan Initiative to express our heart-felt thanks to the Unpaid Work Team for their recent work on the Memorial Park here in Blair Atholl. The team was with us for two full weeks during which time they repaired and repainted the fence around the sports courts, tidied pathways and weeds, and repaired and repainted a picnic bench and seats at the playpark. The quality of work done was extremely high, and the behaviour and respect shown by the workers to the community was exceptional. Special mention must be made of John, who led from the front throughout, teaching, encouraging and supporting the workers, always taking time to explain what was being done and why. I have placed photos on the Blair Atholl and Struan Community Council Facebook page. In addition, community members expressed their thanks through gifts of teas, coffee and biscuits, and sandwich lunches were provided by House of Bruar. Two volunteers also worked on the wooden planks alongside the team. This was a great example of a community coming together to make something happen! The unpaid work team has done us proud over the years, We are very grateful, not least because we are a community with a very high percentage of older residents, not many of whom could have done the work themselves.” Page 76 of 102
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6) Benefits and challenges of other CPO requirements The following are the types of requirements that were imposed by Court during the reporting period. ☒Compensation requirement ☒Programme requirement 14 orders were made – 13 for the Caledonian System (details in section 1 of this report) ☐Residence requirement No orders were made ☐Restricted movement requirement No orders were made ☒Conduct requirement 10 Conduct orders were made – the restrictions imposed were generally complied with. ☒Alcohol treatment requirement 20 orders were made - The introduction of Specified Workers (see section 2 of this report) has improved the chances of successful outcomes for these orders. A review of this role will be carried out in January 2025. ☒Drug treatment requirement 13 orders were made - The introduction of Specified Workers (see section 2 of this report) has improved the chances of successful outcomes for these orders. As above, a review of this role will be carried out in January 2025. ☒Mental health treatment requirement 1 order was made – the issue with access to mental health services is outlined in section 7 of this report. 7) Organisational improvements and ongoing challenges As reported last year’s report (2022-23), the main barrier was and continues to be prompt access to health services. In P&K, as elsewhere, there can be long waiting lists for clients to access services and specifically, mental health provision. This Page 77 of 102
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results in people losing motivation, not engaging or being unable to attend when an appointment is offered due to their deteriorating health. Additional challenges are: • Ongoing short-term nature of Justice Social Work funding which is year on year including the Caledonian System and inhibits longer term budget forecasting, planning and management. • Reduction in Local Authority budgets post COVID-19 albeit there was short term additional funding to manage pandemic pressures. • Staff turnover and fixed term contracts which inhibits staff investment and limits career progression. • The service landscape continues to feel cluttered where many services are offering specific supports which can lead to confusion about which service may be best to meet the needs of a person in the justice system. • While the number of CPO’s imposed by the Court remains stable and is not at 2019-20 levels, the number of UPW hours imposed has increased. While this is currently manageable, the rise is being monitored as this may impact on the ability to complete these Orders in a reasonable amount of time. • There is also a rising concern about the impact of the backlog of cases waiting to be heard at Court and the potential impact on CJSW resources. This became more evident at the end of this reporting period with an increase in Court report requests. This is compounded by the additional work required if the request pertains to the Caledonian System which merits a more in-depth assessment. 8) Collaborative working across justice partnerships Delivering services in collaboration with key partner agencies, ensures individuals are provided with holistic support through these arrangements. In P&K, the Employability Partnership (LEP) and the Community Justice and Safety Partnership (CJSP) demonstrates this through supporting: • local employment, education and training providers to respond to the needs of those with convictions and are confident and competent in providing effective conviction disclosure support. • local employers to develop more inclusive recruitment processes and employ people with convictions. Referral pathways are in place to connect people to appropriate services and support them at commencement of, during and at the end of a CPO. The P&K Community Safety Third Sector Collaborative routinely meets ahead of the quarterly CJSP meetings in order that any developments and updates can be incorporated into these meetings. Below is a graphic illustration of the landscape of relationships and activity including the gaps to be addressed as identified by the P&K Third Sector Collaborative. Page 78 of 102
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9) Additional information Westbank Project The Westbank Project is co-located with the UPW team and based on a foundation of investment at Westbank House in Perth. Although the project is funded to provide a service to its core client group which is UPW, it has also carefully considered the benefits of this site to the local community and how this can best be utlised and capitalised by different groups. In essence it has been developed to be a community asset and provides a diverse resource for the community from nursery school children to those with learning disabilities and mental health issues. The Westbank hub hosts the following groups: • The Community Farm • Early Years Nursery • Activities for Adults with Learning Difficulties • Programmes for Young People who have disengaged from school • UPW • Structured Deferred Sentence also known locally as Right Track • Projects with prisons (HMP Perth and HMP Castle Huntly) • Employability support for people experiencing long term unemployment The project continues to consider new opportunities for development and is flexible in its approach to meet the needs of the local community if that request can be delivered in a safe manner. Funding opportunities are actively sourced and are not seen as a Page 79 of 102
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barrier. On occasion, there are groups who can pay or contribute towards the service which helps fund other areas and those who cannot afford to make any payment. There are young people who have disengaged from school and are invited to Westbank to experience work activities and try out different work trades. They often require a long-term approach which is designed to change their view on learning and their mindset about work. The placement often provides an opportunity to prepare those young people to become work ready and motivate them to consider involvement in vocational training courses. Through engagement, the young people learn new skills which promotes their self-confidence and self-esteem. Often and after appropriate risk assessments, they can be trained alongside adults which affords an element of pro-social modelling, peer support and mentoring. The Westbank Project is a Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) accredited training centre funded through the European Social Fund (ESF), delivering training in Forklift, Telehandler and Elevated Platform work. The funding ceased in 2022, but the team have continued to provide training at a reduced level and successfully applied for new funding through the Local Employability Partnership (LEP) which will see these opportunities continue. In addition, there are also skills training available in mowing and strimming; basic woodwork; building; mechanic; horticulture and a variety of garden projects as well as painting and decorating. Page 80 of 102
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Appendix 1 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence PROGRAMME 2024 22nd November – 10 December Date Time Event Location Friday 22nd November 1100 Launch and a performance by Rock Choir First Minister Mr Swinney will be the Key Note Speaker launching the event Tickets available: www.ticketsource.co.uk/perth-kinross- council Marketplace stalls Horsecross Concert Hall Saturday 23rd November 11 am Soroptimists International Silent Vigil at Perth High Street Perth High Street outside M&S Saturday 23rd November Doors Open at 1145 Brunch at Midday Soutar Theatre, Page 81 of 102
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Performances Followed by a Q&A after wards Event runs until 1500 hours “The Universal Story" A Safe and welcoming space for Women- Hosted by Lubna Kerr "An invitation to lunch with performances of poetry, spoken words, true life stories and music. Followed by a QA to discuss the issues around violence against women and girls" Ticket price: Free but ticketed (advance booking is recommended) This is a free event supported by the Violence Against Women Partnership Tickets available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/perth-kinross- council AK Bell Library POSTER to be made AVAILABLE Tuesday 26th November 9:30am- 1:00pm Gender Based Violence (Online Training) Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis Please email training@rasacpk.org.uk for more information or to book your place Online Wednesday 27th November 1400-1600 Drop-in Session - Perthshire Women’s Aid Information and Networking event No booking necessary Perthshire Women’s Aid Office Thursday 28th November 9.30-3.30 Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence (In Person Training) 14 New Row, Perth, PH1 5QA Page 82 of 102
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Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis Please email training@rasacpk.org.uk for more information or to book your place Thursday 28th November 1945 Perth Film Society “She Said” American drama following the reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey and their investigation that exposed Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual misconduct against four women. Screened as part of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. More information and tickets available Perth Film Society: She Said (perththeatreandconcerthall.com) Perth Theatre Joan Knight Studio Friday 29th November 0900-1600 hours Mentors In Violence Conference 'Promoting Positive Masculinity' There will be a range of workshops from local agencies and groups including RASAC, White Ribbon as well as MVP Mentors and MVP staff looking at misogyny in the classroom, which delegates can attend to learn more about the supports and issues our children and young people are experiencing. In the afternoon, there will be a group conversation to look at the supports and structures in place for our young men and boys, and consider where there may be gaps and how we may be able to fill them. Perth Salutation Hotel Page 83 of 102
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We have keynote speeches from Learning and Families Councillor, Cllr John Rebbeck who is going to open the conference and Alan Bissett, Scottish Author and Playwright to set the scene for the conference. Saturday 30th November 2000-2200 An evening of universal comedy Hosted by Lubna Kerr Headline Act Laura Davis Booking is essential Tickets priced at £10.00 plus booking fee Tickets available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/perth-kinross- council Tickets also available on the door The Venue Perth Sunday 1st December Midday-12.25 Ringing of the bells to raise awareness of this campaign. St Johns Church St Johns Place Perth Sunday 1st December 1830 hours “IT ENDS WITH US” Screening of the film it Ends with US Tickets are priced at £5.00 Tickets available at https://www.birkscinema.co.uk THE BIRKS CINEMA ABERFELDY Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd December 1000-1600 hours “What were you wearing exhibition” TBC St Johns Centre or Perth UHI Page 84 of 102
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Wednesday 4th December 1730 hours March leaves at 1800 Reclaim the Night March to show solidarity with women around the world living with fear and violence and demonstrate their right to walk the streets at night Just turn up on the night. 2 High Street Perth Thursday 5th December Seminar 10.12.30 1 HUMAN TRAFFICKING- A LOCAL ISSUE Human Trafficking- the Scottish and Local Context – Focus on demographic and economic changes. Presentations delivered by SOHTIS Scotland, (Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland) Women’s Support Project and Police Scotland. Tickets available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/perth-kinross- council Art Gallery Lecture Theatre George Street, Perth Friday 6th December 12.15-13.45 Young People Online - Experiences and Impacts This 1.5 hour session will highlight the key findings from recent research Online Session Page 85 of 102
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carried out on Cool2Talk – A safe space for young people age 12 and over Over 300 Tayside young people between the ages of 16 and 25 answered questions around where they go online, what they do there and how this makes them feel. There was a focus on gender, sexual health and relationships. The session will explore the feedback and consider how we support young people around the issues they raised. POST EVENT Wednesday 11th December. 1300-1400 hours Multi-agency networking lunch at the RASAC P&K Centre to hear about the range of services they provide and how to make referrals into their services. Please email training@rasacpk.org.uk for more information or to book your place RASAC Perth & Kinross Centre, York Place Perth Page 86 of 102
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Perth And Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee 27 November 2024 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND 2024/25 Report by Strategic Lead – Housing & Communities (Report No. 24/339) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 This report informs Committee of the funding commitments made for the 2024/25 Community Investment Fund (CIF) across the 12 Council wards. Ward Panels allocated just over £326,000 to support 114 projects which contribute to the delivery of the priorities outlined in the Council’s Corporate Plan. The report also provides an update on progress with the Locality PB Fund for 24/25. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: (i) notes the funding decisions taken by Ward Panels for 2024/25 CIF (ii) approves the carry forward of £47,520.20 for disbursal to community grassroots projects in 2024/25 and 2025/26, for use in the wards where the underspends have arisen. (iii) notes the progress made with the Locality PB Fund 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: Applications • Section 6: Funding Decisions • Section 7: Conclusion 4. BACKGROUND 4.1 In 2018/19, the Council established a Community Investment Fund (CIF) as part of its commitment to devolve more decisions to local communities. Since then, a total of £2.4m has been distributed to approximately 500 community- led projects. 4.2 In June 2024, the Council approved £300,000 in addition to £65,799 CIF underspend from 2023/2024 for a further round of Community Investment Fund in 2024/25. This provided a total budget of £365,799.24 for CIF 2024/25. The Council also approved a further £100,000 for a Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme for 2024/25, now titled the Locality PB Fund. 9 Page 87 of 102
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4.3 Report 24/193 set out the process for running CIF and PB in 2024/25. For CIF the application process opened on 22 July and closed on 6 September. Ward Panels met between mid-September and mid-October to consider the applications and agree any funding to be awarded. In Ward 8 the Kinross- shire Committee has delegated authority over CIF funding and approved the Ward Panel’s recommendations on 21 November 2024. 4.4 CIF 2024/25 continued the use of the one-system approach through MyPKC, following positive feedback on its introductions last year. 5. CIF APPLICATIONS 5.1 The number of applications received for CIF 2024/25 and the funding requested is set out below. Ward Number of Applications Funding Requested Funding Available 1 – Carse of Gowrie 10 £46,167.21 £22,353.27 2 – Strathmore 14 £61,971.41 £35,970.05 3 – Blairgowrie & The Glens 11 £40,006.35 £23,676.84 4 – Highland 13 £77,770.41 £21,370.52 5 – Strathtay 14 £81,544.36 £24,724.17 6 – Strathearn 23 £121,378.46 £26,904.20* 7 – Strathallan 17 £64,149.80 £24,948.87 8 – Kinross-shire 19 £66,214.38 £26,529.68 9 – Almond & Earn 5 £24,006.80 £30,139.71 10 – Perth City South 8 £30,046.23 £41,158.10 11 – Perth City North 10 £48,977.80 £57,907.13 12 – Perth City Centre 17 £97,953.11 £30,116.70 TOTALS 161 £760,265.32 £365,799.24 *Strathearn had previously awarded £8,100, but this was not paid out as the project had not met the conditions of funding. The Ward Panel agreed to reallocate this funding for 2024/25 and therefore there was a budget of £35,004. Page 88 of 102
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6. CIF FUNDING DECISIONS 6.1 The following CIF funding decisions were made in each ward area, with funding paid out to successful applicants in October and November: Ward 1 – Carse of Gowrie Group Project Funding Inchture Bowling Club Inchture BC Storage £1,900.00 Inchture Parent Council Inchture Community Light Switch On £900.00 St Madoes and Kinfauns Parish Safe inclusive play space £5,509.06 Ward 1 – Carse of Gowrie Group Project Funding Perth Autism Support Support for Parents/Carers of Autistic Children / Young People £1,920.00 Tayside Upcycling & Craft Centre Basic to Advanced Upcycling and Upholstery £3,406.69 St Madoes Community Association St Madoes Community Food Growing Project £1,949.00 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £782.52 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award – P&K Association SCIO Starfish Way - Employability Skills and Support & Independent Living £5,986.00 TOTAL £22,353.27 Ward 2 – Strathmore Group Project Funding Guildtown Hall & Playing Fields Association Guildtown Larder Freezer £897.99 Kettins Community Hub Schools Out at The Hub £4,000.00 Coupar Angus Youth Action Group Y Music Makers £3,710.86 Strathmore Community Hub Hub Lounge & Larder £3,000.00 Strathmore Cycle Hub Coupar Angus Pathway to Cycling £8,000.00 Burrelton and Woodside Village Hall Committee Disabled Access and renovation of lesser hall £10,000.00 Happy to Chat, Happy to Listen Blether & a Brew Coupar Angus £1,760.00 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £2,601.20 Alyth Youth Partnership School Holiday Sessions £2,000.00 TOTAL £35,970.05 Page 89 of 102
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Ward 3 – Blairgowrie & The Glens Group Project Funding Elder Voice Sanding Rattray Hall Community Floor £2,000.00 Our Heritage Blairgowrie & Rattray Blairgowrie, Rattray And District Heritage Trail £2,000.00 Kirkmichael Session House Community Engagement £725.14 Blairgowrie & Rattray CFT BRCFT Wider Reach Project £4,490.00 Ward 3 – Blairgowrie & The Glens Group Project Funding Perth Autism Support Support for Parents/Carers of Autistic Children & Young People £1,804.09 Blairgowrie Tennis Club tbc Pickleball Pioneers: Bridging Play and Leadership £1,800.00 Happy to Chat, Happy to Listen Mini Medics Blairgowrie and The Glens £5,000.00 Mantalk Mantalk Winter Support £2,000.00 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £2,557.61 Blairgowrie International Cafe International Cafe & Ukrainian Kids Club £1,300.00 TOTAL £23,676.84 Ward 4 – Highland Group Project Funding Breadalbane Community Larder £2,000.00 Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy Meeting Centre - the Friday Club £2,500.00 Draft & Flow, CIC Draft & Flow Youth Programme £1,500.00 Friends Of Dysart and Fonab Cemeteries £1,450.00 Healthiest Town Aberfeldy Food for People and Planet £2,000.00 Pitlochry Garden Share Garden Improvements £1,200.00 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £782.52 The Birks Cinema Trust Young Film Programmers Group £1,500.00 The Breathe Project, Aberfeldy Parish Church Youth Committees £1,000.00 TOTAL £13,932.52 Page 90 of 102
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Ward 5 – Strathtay Group Project Funding St Columba’s Episcopal Church Stanley Disabled access and environmental improvements 2 £3,000.00 Luncarty Youth Soccer Academy Luncarty Soccer Academy Development £5,834.00 Taybank Growers Cooperative Growing the skills for life £2,350.00 Ward 5 – Strathtay Group Project Funding Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £2,131.31 Dunkeld and Birnam Men's Shed Mens Shed Installation £4,000.00 Pitcairngreen Village Association Pitcairngreen Park Improvements £5,000.00 Dunkeld, Birnam & District Community Development Trust Therapeutic Gardening £2,408.86 TOTAL £24,724.17 Page 91 of 102
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Ward 6 – Strathearn Group Project Funding Crieff AED Defibrillator for Dollerie, Hollybush and South Crieff £5,082.00 Friends of Legion Park Comrie Shelter in the Legion Park Comrie £2,000.00 Richmond Community Richmond Community Friendship Group - Community Choir £1,000.00 Nature Connects CIC Community Wellbeing Sessions £1,125.00 St Fillans in Bloom Reinstating “Still” in Loch Earn £1,000.00 Strathearn Building Bridges Tuesday Club on Tour £2,820.00 Remake Scotland Remake Food for Good £2,500.00 Perth Autism Support Support for Parents/Carers of Autistic Children / Young People £3,697.00 Bertie Bus Cinema Group Bertie Bus Cinema Group £1,488.00 Crieff Community Council Crieff Community Events £2,000.00 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £1,348.79 Comrie Kidds Strings Comrie Kidds Strings inclusion project £2,000.00 CPS Parents in Partnership PiP £3,000.00 Strathearn Building Bridges Growing Tuesday Club £3,880.00 Strathearn Artspace SCIO Building for the Future £1,800.00 TOTAL £34,740.79 Page 92 of 102
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Ward 7 – Strathallan Group Project Funding Muthill Community Transport Group MIDAS Training for Volunteer Drivers £900.00 Muthill Village Trust Muthill to Crieff Cycle Path Maintenance £4,500.00 The Auchterarder Horticultural Society Auchterarder Horticultural Show £405.00 42nd Perth Scouts Outdoor Activities £500.00 Aberuthven Village Hall Trust Grow Community Youth £2,880.00 Dunning Town Hall Group Dunning Hall Tea Dances £1,500.00 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £1,348.79 Auchterarder Community Sports & Recreation (ACSR) Promoting Participation in Pickleball £1,058.00 Dunning Town Hall Dunning Hall Accessibility £4,946.00 Muthill Golf Club Tractor Replacement £2,500.00 Auchterarder Community Sports & Recreation (ACSR) ACSR Cycle Hub £2,500.00 Muthill Baby & Toddler Group Support Muthill Baby & Toddler Group £1,900.00 TOTAL £24,937.79 Page 93 of 102
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Ward 8 – Kinross-shire Group Project Funding Milnathort in Bloom Polytunnel floor replacement £1,000.00 Scotlandwell in Bloom The Well Restoration £1,000.00 Kythe The Youth Scotland Awards Project £1,000.00 Kinross Centre Green Fingers £588.00 Orwell 70 Orwell 70 plus Christmas Tea 2024 £1,000.00 Kinnesswood in Bloom Kinnesswood in Bloom £1,929.67 Glenfarg Community Transport Group Additional bus support £4,000.00 KLEO Upgrade electricity points at Market Park for community events £1,000.00 Milnathort Core Paths Group Trimmers and Secure Storage £3,235.60 Ward 8 – Kinross-shire Group Project Funding Broke not Broken School Uniform Bank £1,969.41 Kinross District Men’s Shed KDMS Workshop Extension £3,500.00 Kinross-shire Trishaws and Community Cycling SCIO Developing Bike Buses and Inclusive Learn to Cycle Program £3,000.00 Kinross-shire Partnership Survival of www.kinross.cc £1,098.00 Kinross-shire Volunteer Group and Rural Outreach Scheme Rebrand of the Charity £459.00 Crook of Devon Village Hall Replacement of Radiators £1,000.00 Kinross Curling Trust Curling for All £750.00 TOTAL £26,529.68 Page 94 of 102
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Ward 9 – Almond & Earn Group Project Funding Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £1,000.00 Bridge of Earn Tennis Club Bridge of Earn Tennis Club £5,000.00 Earn Community Council Prepare a Local Place Plan £5,700.00 TOTAL £11,700.00 Ward 10 – Perth City South Group Project Funding Craigie and Moncrieffe Church Families and Youth Project £4,735.00 Moncreiffe Community Cafe Moncreiffe Community Cafe £2,635.98 Perthshire Welfare Society Digital Inclusion for ethnic minority communities £4,000.00 Men and Children Matter Men and Children Matter Weekly £2,453.25 Perth Community Flood Aid (PCFA) Flood Resilience Group £5,123.00 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £4,906.50 Creative Catalyst Digital Art Club £1,275.00 ESOLPerth Language Bridge £4,080.00 TOTAL £29,208.73 Page 95 of 102
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Ward 11 – Perth City North Group Project Funding Perth Parrots Floorball Club £6,000.00 Bob's Brew Mens Health and Wellbeing £2,407.29 TullochNet S1/P7 drop in and Christmas Tree lighting event - Joint application £3,831.50 Men and Children Matter Men and Children Matter weekly £4,108.71 Social Flock Winter Warmer Packs £6,744.00 Letham Community Sports Club Getting in the Game £3,338.00 Perth Businesswomen's Network Empowerment & Resilience Training - Accountability £5,600.00 Creative Catalyst Digital Art Club £1,275.00 Perth Autism Support Support for Autistic Children, Young People and their Families £11,424.00 ESOLPerth Language Bridge £4,080.00 TOTAL £48,808.50 Ward 12 – Perth City Centre Group Project Funding Kinnoull Parish Church Teen Connect Group £4,000.00 Perth Minorities Association Unity Hub - A Space for growth and Support £3,946.70 Trinity Church of Nazarene Perth Perth Care Van Outreach £5,000.00 Creative Catalyst Scotland Digital Art Club £2,550.00 Beyond Incredible Beyond Incredible £3,000.00 North Muirton Community Group North Muirton Shops Defibrillator £2,160.00 Y Centre Ltd. Food for Young People by Young People £3,800.00 Neuro Central Expanding opportunities for people with Neurological Conditions £5,340.00 TOTAL £29,796.70 Page 96 of 102
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6.2 The table below summarises the overall spend and confirms underspend of £47,520.20 spread across seven wards: Ward Funding Available Funding Awarded Underspend 1 – Carse of Gowrie £22,353.27 £22,353.27 - 2 – Strathmore £35,970.05 £35,970.05 - 3 – Blairgowrie & The Glens £23,676.84 £23,676.84 - 4 – Highland £21,370.52 £13,932.52 £7,438.00 5 – Strathtay £24,724.17 £24,724.17 - 6 – Strathearn £35,004.02 £34,740.79 £263.41 7 – Strathallan £24,948.87 £24,937.79 £11.08 8 – Kinross-shire £26,529.68 £26,529.68 - 9 – Almond & Earn £30,139.71 £11,700.00 £18,439.71 10 – Perth City South £41,158.10 £29,208.73 £11,949.37 11 – Perth City North £57,907.13 £48,808.50 £9,098.63 12 – Perth City Centre £30,116.70 £29,796.70 £320.00 TOTALS £365,799.24 £326,383.04 £47,520.20 6.3 It is recommended that Committee agree in principle to the remaining underspends being retained for community use, subject to approval by the Finance and Resource Committee. 7. POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT 7.1 Experience of the 2024/25 Community Investment Fund and a follow-up survey for Ward Panels and applicants have identified possible improvements if CIF were to be repeated in future years. These include: • Perth City being considered as one pot of funding, to better reflect the location of applicants and beneficiaries; • Further amendments to the portal to improve user experience • Clarity on ward panel recruitment and organisation 7.2 These points will be covered in more detail within a future paper to Committee if CIF returns for a further round in 2025/26. 8. LOCALITY PB FUND 8.1 In March 2024 Councillors approved an allocation of £100,000 towards a Participatory Budgeting (PB) project for 2023/24, following the successful Green Living Fund PB last year. The process for running the Participatory Budgeting project was agreed through Report 24/193, with support to be given to community-led initiatives that focus on tackling poverty and the cost of living, including supporting the upskilling and resourcing of volunteers within these projects. Page 97 of 102
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8.2 The PB project is being run in conjunction with Local Action Partnerships and has been branded the “Locality PB Fund”. The project will be delivered as set out below: • w/c Monday 2 December 2024 – Fund opens for applications and promotion on social media and partnership networks. • Friday 9 February 2025 – Final proposals submitted and screened with Officers. • w/c Monday 17 February 2025 – voting opens on the webpage with in- person voting available in key locations in each locality. • Friday 7 March 2025 – voting closes. • w/c Monday 17 March 2025 – celebration event held to announce the result on a locality or region-wide basis. 8.3 It was also agreed by Committee in June 2024 that the budget should be split to target specific localities where evidence shows the highest levels of income deprivation. The localities are listed below, alongside their allocated budgets: Locality Initial Fund Population Income deprivation % Population Ratio Proportion of Funding Total Funding Old Scone, Central & North Perth £12,500.00 28,362 14.87% 4217.43 £35,337.22 £47,837.22 Rattray £12,500.00 2,942 17.00% 500.14 £4,190.60 £16,690.60 South Crieff £12,500.00 4,103 12.00% 492.36 £4,125.41 £16,625.41 Coupar Angus, Meigle & Alyth £12,500.00 8,110 9.34% 757.47 £6,346.76 £18,846.76 TOTALS £50,000.00 43,517 53.21% 5967.40 £50,000.00 £100,000.00 8.4 A report will be brought to Housing & Social Wellbeing on XXXX 2025 summarising the delivery of the Locality PB Fund Project. 9. CONCLUSION 9.1 Community Investment Fund supports new and innovative community projects that tackle inequalities and improve quality of life. This round of CIF has seen £326,383.04 committed to support 114 separate projects across Perth and Kinross. 9.2 Work to deliver the Locality PB Fund is progressing and will open for bids next month, with final decisions via public vote in March 2025. Page 98 of 102
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Authors Name Designation Contact Details Lee Haxton David Stokoe Community Planning Team Leader Service Manager – CLD and Equalities lhaxton@pkc.gov.uk dstokoe@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Elaine Ritchie Strategic Lead – Housing & Communities 18 November 2024 • APPENDICES – NONE Page 99 of 102
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Local Outcomes Improvement Plan Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial Yes Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment Yes Strategic Environmental Assessment Yes Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) Yes Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal Yes External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 Supporting and investing in community-led solutions to locally identified issues contributes to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Community Plan / LOIP in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Corporate Plan 1.2 Supporting and investing in community-led solutions to locally identified issues contributes to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Council Corporate Plan in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. Page 100 of 102
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2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 Community Investment Fund has a budget of £365,800 for 2024/25 and funding decisions of £326,383.04 have been made, leaving an underspend of £47,520.20. 2.2 An additional £100,000 of funding was made available for a Participatory Budgeting exercise to be run in conjunction with Local Action Partnerships. A future report will set out how this funding has been used. 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. 3.2 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment Process (EqIA) and has been assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.3 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.4 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. Sustainability 3.5 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 the Council has a general duty to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the community, environmental and economic impacts of its actions. 3.6 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. Page 101 of 102
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4. Consultation Internal 4.1 There has been consultation with the Finance Department, Communities and the Executive Leadership Team. 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (other than any containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to a material extent in preparing the above report. Page 102 of 102