Appendix 2 - PKC Action Plan in Response to TJHPP
Perth and Kinross Council · 11 June 2025
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 11 June 2025 and its agenda
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC Health Function & Lead Team/s Human Health Risk/Impact Control measures External audit/Stakeholders/P KC Profile Proactive Programmed Work/Predicted reactive work in 25-27 Emerging Issues for consideration Pandemic Response Executive Officers Team Operationally (Environmental Health, Food/Health & Safety and Trading Standards) Risk of illness/fatalities. Adverse impact on resources Pandemic Flu Plan Partnership working and policies established during C19 pandemic with other agencies i.e. Police Scotland NHS Tayside, Scottish Ambulance Service along with Scottish Government intervention. Avian Flu- PKC AW work coordinated by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) as lead agency. Police Scotland NHS Tayside (Pandemic Preparedness) Scottish Ambulance Service Scottish Government intervention Avian Flu - APHA re outbreak in domestic/wild birds Avian Flu - Liaison with relevant agencies in response to the active management and monitoring of avian influenza risks by PKC Animal Welfare Officers in conjunction with APHA. Avian Influenza Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy (DEFRA) Highly pathogenic and requires a coordinated multi agency response. Bio security measures in affected zones. Numerous poultry growers within PKC. PKC officers work with APHA. So far only a few outbreaks in PKC, mainly in wild birds. No human cases to date in Scotland. Concern re virus mutation. Infectious Disease/ Outbreaks Illness/fatalities due to cases of reportable infections (e.g. Salmonella, E. Investigation of cases to establish potential sources such as contaminated Close working relationship with NHS Tayside, and beyond with Public Health Scotland or Predicted reactive case referrals ~300 of which ~100 may require investigation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing by NHS Tayside, the only Scottish health board doing so, has seen increased case numbers in certain
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC Environmental Health/Food, Health & Safety coli, Legionella, Hepatitis etc) food/water, animal, leisure activities or travel, to identify the source and controls to minimise spread or an outbreak. Established outbreak response procedures. the UK Health Security Agency. Representation on the Joint Environmental Health and Health Protection Team Working Group Numbers of incidents/outbreaks unknown. Preventative programmed work resources of illness: Food inspection Private Water Supplies Assessment of planning applications for Environmental hazards (see below). diseases e.g. Campylobacter, Salmonella and E. coli. National outbreaks of Listeria & E. coli remain under investigation. Climate Change resulting in endemic diseases occurring in more northerly countries e.g. dengue fever in France/Spain carried by mosquitoes. National surveillance for ticks and invasive species such as mosquitoes. Re-emerging issues due to drop-in vaccination rates re whooping cough, mumps, rubella, TB etc Private Water Supplies (PWS) Housing Repairs and Improvements Team (recent transfer from Food, Health & Safety Team) Consumption, or use of, chemically or bacteriologically contaminated water by residents, or commercial businesses (i.e. food or tourist accommodation Sampling, risk assessment, provision of grants, enforcement powers, monitoring of water scarcity and provision of emergency water. Externally audit of annual data report by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator Representation on the Scottish Private Water Supply Working group Est population on Private Water Supply in P&K 31,300 individuals. 636 commercial supplies, 1,668 domestic supplies. During 24 –25, 505 samples were submitted. It would be anticipated that the same amount or an increased number will be taken annually. Climate change resulting in extreme flooding and therefore additional contamination of PWS. Water scarcity issues due to prolonged dry spells. PKC provides bottled water to those adversely affected. Contaminated Land Exposure to soil contaminants (heavy metals, hydrocarbons, asbestos etc.) Sites assessed for suitability of use through the planning process. Conditions Chair of Central & East Contaminated Land Working Group and Member of Scottish Government Continued preventative assessment of planning consultations and application of conditions to investigate/remediate Emerging contaminants i.e. microplastics – extent of impact on human health still unknown - new legislation will follow.
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC Environmental Health and/or ground gases (C dioxide, methane, vapours) through living, working or being on or within contaminated land. Includes exposure via water pipes. applied to sites where risk is identified, and further investigations required to discharge. Review of subsequent reports to ensure compliance with relevant standards. Contaminated Land Advisory Group new developments, predicted ~250. Completion of Contaminated Land Strategy update. Completion of internal PKC site investigations. GIS mapping project to be finalised to enable a full revision of the ‘potentially contaminated sites’ list. Climate change: Increasing extreme weather could see mobilisation of contaminants in soil and sudden pressure drops influencing ground gas generation – potential increase in explosion and asphyxiation risks. Increase in media attention around Contaminated Land issues. Soil health legislation to be released in coming years. Air Quality Environmental Health Exposure to pollution (nitrogen dioxide and particulates) primarily from vehicle emissions, affecting respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Monitoring to assess compliance with objective levels via Real Time Monitors and extensive tube network across Perth & Kinross. Implementation of Perth’s Air Quality Action Plan. Collaborative working on improvement Externally audit of annual progress report by SG and SEPA. Current Chair of Central & East Pollution Liaison Group and member of Scottish Pollution Control Co ordinating Committee. Ongoing monitoring of local air quality through a network of 80+ nitrogen dioxide tubes and 4 real time monitors. Submission of PKCs Air Quality Annual Progress Report to the Scottish Government (SG) and SEPA. Focused assessment on local air quality impacts from the opening of Destiny Bridge and the CTLR. Annual submission of funding bids to the SG for monitoring duties and improvement projects focusing on hot spot streets. Future tightening of objective levels in line with World Health Organisation /European Union, which may result in exceedances in P&K. Further assessment on the use and control of wood burning stoves as a growing source of particulate emissions Interim Cleaner Air for Scotland (CAFS) 2 report updating LA requirements. CAFS 2 expires in 2026, replacement Framework
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC projects across PKC Assessment of planning applications to assess and manage the air quality impacts. Endorsement of Perth’s Air Quality Action Plan. Committee submission - August 2025. Further integrated working with Climate Change colleagues expected to have a much longer timescale (2026-2045) Pollution Incidents (e.g. spillage of leaking tanks of oil, heating fuel) Environmental Health Contamination of private waters supplies, mains drinking water sources, land, or groundwater. Tayside protocol on managing pollution incidents including joint working arrangements and emergency responses Multi-agency engagement and investigations for pollution incidents i.e. fuel spills. Unknown number of incidents. 5 incidents (one major) in 24/25 New SEPA Groundwater legislation – could impact clean-up methods of pollution incidents i.e. fuel spills. Increasing public awareness of contaminated land – heightened anxiety from public during pollution incidents with added pressure to manage this. Food Safety Food/Health & Safety Risk of consumption of contaminated food be it from bacteria, allergens or chemicals Food inspection programme implemented, along with sampling and dealing with complaints. Enforcement of non-compliances. Issue of export certificates, street traders' certificate Audited by Food Standards Scotland. Service Plan produced annually. Projected inspections for year 25 - 26, 823 programmed inspections & based on last year's data there will be approx. an additional, 100 revisits, 140 new business inspections,130 intensive inspections, 200 export certificates issued, 350 enquiries, 60 food samples and 40 enforcement notices. The cost of living, legacy of Brexit, Covid and the lack of catering sector staff, is predicted to increase incidents of food fraud. New novel foods and health claims. Increase in investigation of legality of foods placed on the market
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC of compliance and venison licences. and in particular online platforms. Licensing including tattooists, skin piercers /cosmetic clinics) Food, Health & Safety Variety of public health risks relating to infections or major health implications through unauthorised cosmetic treatments. Application of appropriate licensing conditions and enforcement action where required. Representation on the Central Fife and Tayside H&S Liaison Group. Collaborative working across PKC services. Current licence numbers: 98 Tattooists/Piercers/Acupuncture 3 prohibition notices served in relation to the provision of non- surgical aesthetic treatments. Due to insufficient procedures/controls in place and the use/administration of unlicensed/unapproved substances. Scottish Government seeking to further regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Update expected to current licencing requirements. Temporary Gypsy/Travellers (GT) Environmental Health Significant health inequalities. Monitoring and management of roadside Gypsy/ Traveller encampments, implementation of the negotiated stopping pilot. Across service working and members of the SG Gypsy/Traveller Working Group. Reactive support of roadside encampments as they occur (approx. 12-20 per year) Assist the development of a transient site to provide better service to Gypsy/Travellers visiting the area. Assist the development of the updated Gypsy/Traveller Strategy. Review the outcomes of the SG’s negotiated Stopping Pilot in which PKC participated. Support the development of Gypsy/Traveller transient site. Ongoing issues with poor health outcomes with life expectancy 10-12 years below average. Presentation of serious conditions due to lack of access/trust in preventative health services. Lack of safe and well serviced transient/stopping sites. PKC to tackle through the development of a transient site.
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC Blue Green Algae Environmental Health Exposure to cyanobacteria via water sports, ingestion of untreated private water supplies, or consumption of fish contaminated with Blue Green Algae (BGA) toxins. Implementation of the BGA Monitoring & Action plan for Tayside NHS Display of warning signage at PKC water bodies Annual correspondence sent out to water course owners Water samples tested where required. Information warnings via social media. Work alongside SEPA and Centre of Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) for testing and confirmation of blooms. Annual meeting with the Tayside Water & BGA Working Group, and also Loch Leven Catchment Group meetings Respond to confirmed BGA conditions (approx. 5-10 per year). Notify the public through social media and promote reporting via the Bloomin Algae App. Alert all holiday resorts or water sports companies potentially affected by active blooms. Maintain or enhance advisory guidance displayed around all relevant water bodies. On going dialogue with Nature Scot and the Centre of Hydrology & Ecology regarding Loch Leven Summers are becoming hotter and drier and winter rainfall and storm frequency are predicted to increase. These climate change effects are ideal conditions to give rise to increased incidence of algal and blue-green algal (cyanobacteria) blooms in Scottish freshwaters. Health & Safety Food, Health & Safety Risk of injury, illness or fatalities for employees or others within industries falling within the H&S scope of PKC as the enforcing authority. Carry out reactive H&S inspections in response to complaints, RIDDOR reporting or issues highlighted during food safety or Environmental Health visits. Also, the Representation on the Central Fife and Tayside H&S Liaison Group. H&S Team investigated 3 H&S incidents, 16 visits to investigate H&S complaints, 5 improvement notices and 1 prohibition notice. Predicted level to be approximately the same for 25 –27. However, this work is reactive and can vary dependant on incidents that arise. Increase in non-surgical cosmetic treatments and until the sector is fully regulated increase expected in those experiencing complications.
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC investigation of fatalities or major incidents. Examples: Housing - adverse living standards giving rise to poor physical and mental health. Nuisance – complaints of noise, fumes, lights, pests etc adversely affecting health & wellbeing. Reactive response to complaints and enquiries including housing inspections and nuisance conditions. Provision of missing shares to private home or business owners to enable communal disrepair works. Chair of Central & East Pollution Liaison Group Representation on Scotland Public Health & Housing Working Group In 24/25 PKC, Environmental Health team responded to 233 housing standards enquiries e.g. dampness & disrepair associated with private, tenanted properties. Since inception in 2021, 230 enquiries and £78k missing shares paid enabling £1M private repair works. In addition, 880 nuisance enquiries/complaints were actioned in relation to e.g. notice, dust, sewage etc Increased national awareness of housing issues contributing to adverse health outcomes esp. respiratory conditions e.g. asthma. Awareness through missing share work of the breadth of disrepair of older properties esp. in Perth City. Increasing demand for large scale repairs. Evidence of adverse health outcomes associated with chronic noise exposure and the need to seek better methods to assess the impacts and improved mitigation. Numerous wider determinants of health- e.g. housing standards, statutory nuisance, planning applications for EH hazards etc Environmental Health
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC Numerous wider determinants of health- e.g. housing standards, statutory nuisance, planning applications for EH hazards etc Environmental Health Planning consultations with environmental risks re noise, odour etc 24/25 saw 500 planning applications conditioned to proactively minimise the likelihood of future environmental nuisance. Similar reactive/proactive work predicted for 25/26. Focus on robust conditioning at the planning stage to control the environmental risks associated with renewable technologies.
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Appendix 2Action Plan to ensure the Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 outcomes are met by PKC Scams- in vulnerable groups risk of loss of confidence and self-respect affecting mental and physical health. Criminal breaches investigated. Support provided for scam victims and potential victims by specialist officer. Work with community groups and individuals. Supply of call screening devices to those most vulnerable or previously scammed. Collaborative working with Police Scotland and across PKC. Work with UK Scams Hub (Compass Portal). Continued talks and visits to community groups by Scams Officer. Support provided to individuals at risk as required. Continued work with other agencies, UK Scams Hub and departments within PKC. Funding for Scams Officer post until 31/3/27. Unfunded beyond that- to continue work extension of funding required. New approaches by scammers emerging continually, local, national and international co- ordination used to address this. Scams and vapes Trading Standards Vapes - U18s obtaining Tobacco and related products leading to nicotine addiction & dangers of long- term use. Test purchasing, working with other agencies; specialist officer. Use of intel to direct work. Also overlap with enforcement of counterfeit products and HMRC sanctions re fake/non-UK tobacco. Formal report to Scottish Government via Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards (ETSEP). HMRC memorandum of understanding. For 24/25- 71 tobacco and/or Nicotine Vapour Products NVP advisory visits in 2024/25 out of 389 premises registered in P&K to sell tobacco and/or NVPs. Future work will follow this pattern in line with ETSEP and with enforcement against illegal tobacco and vapes. Funding of several £M provided in England for illegal vapes, from existing resources so no Barnett Consequential for Scotland. Current issue is banning of disposable vapes (June 2025). Vape industry is now producing cheap rechargeable vapes which will be regarded as disposable by users. Continuing uptake of vaping amongst young people is challenge in controlling selling.