Agenda Document Pack - Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee - 11/06/2025
Perth and Kinross Council · 11 June 2025
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 11 June 2025 and its agenda
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Ambition | Compassion | Integrity Our vision is for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 04/06/2025 A hybrid meeting of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 13:30. If you have any queries please contact Democratic 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 186
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Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Wednesday, 11 June 2025 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 SOCIAL WELLBEING COMMITTEE OF 26 MARCH 2025 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 6 4 PERTH AND KINROSS LOCAL POLICING AREA END OF YEAR POLICE REPORT - 1 APRIL 2024 - 31 MARCH 2025 Report by Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland (copy herewith 25/154) 7 - 36 5 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE REPORT - 1 APRIL 2024- 31 MARCH 2025 Report by Local Senior Officer, SFRS (copy hererwith 25/155) 37 - 54 6 ANNUAL UPDATE ON PERTH AND KINROSS LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY 2022-27 Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities and Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning (copy herewith 25/156) 55 - 114 7 TAYSIDE JOINT HEALTH PROTECTION PLAN 2025-2027 Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities (copy herewith 25/157) 115 - 160 8 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ANNUAL REPORT Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities (copy herewith 25/158) 161 - 172 9 LOCALITY PB FUND 2024/25 - FUNDING AWARDS Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities and Strategic Lead - Strategy, People and Performance (copy herewith 25/159) 173 - 178 10 FAIRER COMMUNITIES FOR ALL 179 - 186 Page 3 of 186
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Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities (copy herewith 25/160) Page 4 of 186
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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 26 March 2025 at 9.30am. Present: Bailies C Ahern, R Brock and C McLaren, Councillors P Barrett, B Brawn, A Forbes, I James, K Harvey (substituting for M Williamson), I MacPherson, C Mair, S McCole, T McEwan, F Smith, C Stewart and J Welch. In Attendance: E Ritchie, Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities, A Clegg, A O’Connell, S Auld (all Housing and Communities), D McArthur (Children, Families and Justice) (up to Item 7), S Hendry, J Guild, S Dockerill and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Also in Attendance: B Todd, C Sands, C Wallace and N Yeats (all Scottish Fire and Rescue Service), G Dickson (Police Scotland) (all up to Item 7). Apologies: Bailie M Williamson. Councillor T McEwan, Convener, Presiding. 1. Welcome and Apologies Councillor T McEwan welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies were noted as above. 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 Social Wellbeing Committee of 22 January 2025 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. Outstanding Business Statement The Outstanding Business Statement was noted, and it was agreed to remove the completed actions. 5. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Strategic Update There was a brief verbal update by B Todd, Area Commander and Local Senior Officer, updating Members on three key areas (1) the Friarton Road/Enva incident (2) the development of the new Strategic Plan, public consultation and next steps and (3) the Strategic Service Review Programme and options for change. Resolved: The verbal update, be noted. 3 Page 5 of 186
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6. Perth and Kinross Road Safety Partnership There was a joint slide-based presentation by Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Perth and Kinross Council’s Road Safety and Sustainable Travel Coordinator regarding the P&K Road Safety Partnership. Resolved: The contents of the presentation, be noted. 7. Allotment Site Regulations There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (25/65) (1) setting out the proposed Allotment Site Regulations for all allotment sites on land owned or leased by Perth and Kinross Council and (2) seeking approval for them. Resolved: The Allotment Site Regulations as set out in Appendix 1 for all allotment sites on land owned or leased by Perth and Kinross Council, be agreed. ~~~~~~~~~ Page 6 of 186
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DRAFT OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS Perth and Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Perth And Kinross Local Policing Area End Of Year Police Report 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025 Report by Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell Police Scotland D Division (Tayside) Report No. 25/154 1. Recommendation 1.1 It is recommended that members note and scrutinise this operational report. 2. Background 2.1 The purpose of this report (Appendix A) is to provide information to the Committee regarding the performance of Police Scotland to facilitate local scrutiny. 2.2 Appendix A 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. Performance 3.1 Appendix A will provide updates on: - 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 4 Page 7 of 186
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DRAFT OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS - 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 4. Financial Implications 4.1. There are no financial implications as a result of this report. 5. Staffing Implications 5.1 There are no staffing issues as a result of this report. 6. Environmental Issues 6.1 This report does not have any impact on the environment. 7. Summary 7.1 The attached report updates members regarding significant operational matters and performance of the local policing area. 8. Compliance Is the proposal; (a) Human Rights Act 1998 compliant? YES (b) Equality & Diversity compliant? YES Page 8 of 186
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Perth and Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Police Scotland End of Year Report – 2024-2025 4 Page 9 of 186
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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 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. Page 10 of 186
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OFFICIAL 3 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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 11 of 186
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OFFICIAL 4 | P a g e OFFICIAL Police Scotland’s strategic objectives Page 12 of 186
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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 4 817 777 858 5% -5% 35.1% 32% 37.9% 3.1% -2.8% ASB Incidents 6311 6022 7437 4.8% -15.1% - - - - - Violence Robbery 45 38 35 18% 30% 64.4% 86.8% 85% -22.4% -20.5% Serious Assault 81 106 80 -24% 0.7% 100% 86.8% 87.3% 13.2% 12.7% Common Assault (excl EW) 1218 1020 1000 19% 22% 74.2% 68.7% 68.7% 5.5% 5.5% Public Protection Overall Group 2 381 308 364 24% 5% 62.7% 61.4% 55.7% 1.4% 7.1% Rape 76 48 64 58% 18% 57.9% 37.5% 57.3% 0.6% 20.4% Domestic Abuse 82 48 45 71% 81% 74.4% 68.8% 64.3% 5.6% 10.1% Human Trafficking 6 4 3 50% 100% 50% 75% 73.3% -25% -23.3% Road Safety Speeding offences 214 323 1727 -34% -88% 99.1% 99.4% 11% -0.3% -0.9% Drink / Drug Driving 194 160 184 21% 5% 95.4% 110% 96% -14.6% -0.6% Acquisitive Crime HBs 75 78 88 -4% -14% 29.3% 26.9% 23.1% 2.4% 6.3% Dwelling HBs 81 64 83 27% -2% 59.3% 34.4% 45.8% 24.9% 13.5% Motor Vehicle Crime 239 209 228 14% 5% 39.8% 42.6% 37.6% -2.8% 2.2% Fraud 329 370 287 -11% 15% 17.6% 12.4% 18.3% 5.2% -0.7% Shoplifting 812 781 587 4% 38% 40.6% 53.3% 62.3% -12.6% -21.6% 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 14 of 186
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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. The last murder in Perth and Kinross took place during Q1 of 2023/24. The trial for this is set to take place in early 2026. Attempted Murders 6 Attempted Murders have been recorded during 2024/25 with 2 in the final quarter of the year. This is one more crime than the same 2023/2024. Of the 2 crimes committed, the first was the culmination of a dispute over property, the accused attended at the victims address with a chainsaw and carried out the assault. This was an unusual and unpredicted attack likely influenced by Mental Health challenges. The second crime had a domestic aggravator and was committed in the confines of a private dwelling. All attempted murders have been detected in this reporting period. Robberies Robberies have been a challenge during this period. 45 crimes have been recorded for the 2024/25 year, an increase of 7 over the previous year. The last 3 months saw improvement in comparison against the year prior with 5 less crimes committed. Unfortunately, that was not replicated over earlier months, Quarter 3 saw the biggest individual rise with 10 more crimes recorded, Quarter 2 broke even in terms of occurrences with Quarter 1 recording 2 more crimes. For the year, detections were 22.4% down on the year before. Detections in Perth and Kinross are similar to Dundee who improved their position this year highlighting that previous detection success in Perth and Kinross set a high bar. Page 15 of 186
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OFFICIAL 8 | P a g e OFFICIAL Within the mid–year report robbery detections were noted as being more than 10% lower than the final position for 2024/25. Every undetected robbery has been subject of regular review by the Criminal Investigation Department. There remain several robberies still under enquiry, and the detection rate is likely to improve further. One of the more challenging enquiries related to two suspects who attended an address in Letham brandishing a weapon and cash was stolen. This was thought to relate to controlled drugs. Another occurred at Loch Rannoch involving two suspects on bicycles and appeared to be a completely opportunist and spontaneous incident. The rural nature made investigation extremely challenging with limited scope to identify a suspect. 3 undetected crimes relate to the same domestic relationship where difficulty has been met reaching the evidential threshold. Those offences alone would have significantly impacted the detection rate for the year. Through robust reviews, we have established no real commonality. Offending is largely within private dwellings and limited to individuals known to one another or circumstances where parties are connected to the supply of controlled drugs. Mobile phones continue to feature prominently in items sought or obtained in robbery related offending. Often violence is either threatened or physically minimal amounting to a grab of the phone from the hand of the victim. This constitutes the offence and whilst some robberies have involved more significant violence and injuries many are recorded at this lower level without weapons featuring. Despite concerns that may be inferred from the occurrence and detection rates, deeper analysis confirms that Perth and Kinross is a safe place to live. Most residents are far removed from the potential of violent crime. Crime mapping data does not infer any hotspots. The City Centre and South Inch recorded the largest amount at 5. Next was Pitlochry at 4, 3 of which are linked to the previously mentioned domestic relationship. Serious Assaults Investigation of serious assaults has been positive with the overall occurrence rate being 23.6% lower than the previous year (25 crime reduction). Detections are also extremely positive with all reported serious assaults having been detected, unsurprisingly this is the best performance within the Division. Specifically, within Quarter 4 alone, 66 crimes were recorded a reduction of 12 from the same period the year before. Page 16 of 186
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OFFICIAL 9 | P a g e OFFICIAL Notable activities during 2024/25: • Arrest of a 21-year-old male following a violent attack in South Methven Street, Perth rendering the male unconscious • A 37-year-old male arrested following assault with a machete in Kinross • After an assault involving a knife whereby the victim sustained facial injuries, a 43-year-old male reported for assault with a weapon. • A 36-year-old male arrested following a robbery of cash within Mill Street, Perth. • Following theft of cash from a 38-year-old female in Charles Street, Perth a 50-year-old male reported for robbery. • Arrest of a 29-year-old male following the knife point robbery of another male at an address in Knowelea Place, Perth • A 38-year-old female previously the victim of a robbery, arrested after presenting a knife at another female and robbing her of drugs and cash. Focussed city centre patrols have undoubtedly contributed to the reduction in serious assault, with many previously occurring during the hours of the nighttime city centre economy. This has contributed towards a safer environment for both patrons and those employed in that sector. Work closely with HMP Perth along with enhanced collaboration has equally played some part in the improved rate of serious assaults committed within the prison estate. This had previously contributed significantly to overall figures. However, 9 serious assaults occurred within HMP Perth, accounting for 11% of the total for Perth and Kinross. Overall, across the 4 violent crime types referred to above, Perth and Kinross deliver a detection rate of 88.6%. This is above the percentage achieved in either of the other Local Authority areas within the Division and nearly 10% above the National average for Divisions across the country. 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. Page 17 of 186
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OFFICIAL 10 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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. There was a total of 267 crimes recorded during the reporting period which occurred within HMP Perth compared to 538 the previous year. Of the 267 reported offences, 239 were detected. Whilst the reduction in crime is encouraging, most of the reduction can be put down to a reduction in the number of illicit phones and SIM cards being recovered and Police will work with SPS to tackle crime within the prison estate. Common Assault (of an emergency worker) Assaults recorded on Emergency Workers have thankfully decreased from last year. There have been 122 crimes recorded which is down from 142 the previous year, a decrease of 14%. The detection rate is 97.5% 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 18 of 186
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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 4.8% when compared to LYTD and are 15.1% lower than the 5-year average. • 725 crimes of vandalism were recorded during the reporting period, an increase of 1.7% from LYTD (12 more crimes). This is however a reduction on the 5-year average of 8% or 36 crimes. • 43 crimes of fire raising were recorded during the reporting period, an increase of 72% when compared to LYTD (18 additional crimes). This also represents a similar increase on the 5-year average of 73.4% or 18.2 crimes. The detection rate this year is 55.8% compared to 20% last year and the 5-year average of 39.5%. Of the 24 detected crimes, 11 were committed by youths, one of whom was responsible for 3 separate crimes and another youth was responsible for 2 crimes within the care establishment where they reside. Of those not involving youths, 2 were committed at Murray Royal Hospital and 3 were committed by a male who had travelled to Perth from Edinburgh and was suffering a mental health crisis. 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 has 2 full ASBOs, 1 interim ASBO, 6 ABAs (Anti-Social Behaviour Agreements) and 35 live cases under review for information sharing and proactive sharing. For 2025 to date, officers in Perth and Kinross have proactively shared anti-social behaviour incidents on a weekly basis and received 345 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 2018 and the Anti-Social Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004. Page 19 of 186
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OFFICIAL 12 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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, early intervention and prevention work results in less exhaustive use of ASBO’s and ABA’s. In addition to the above work, PIP have also assisted the PKC Fly Tipping Co-Ordinator with 20 vehicle checks in 2025. These are carried out to confirm the registered keepers of vehicles involved in illegal fly tipping around the LPA, contrary to S.33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This has resulted in the issue of FPNs for each vehicle identified. Partner Intelligence Portal The Partners Intelligence Portal is a secure and confidential electronic system, developed by the Police Service to enable partner agencies to share important information they receive whilst working. The portal provides capable partners with the means to securely and discreetly submit key information, whilst maintaining safeguards which protect the source of the information. Partner Portal Training continues to be delivered, this is a system which allows partners to record any form of intelligence and is being positively received and widely used already. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Joint work has taken place with SFRS regarding recent local issues around youth issues including urban fire setting. This included shared messaging and signposting of Fire Safety Support and Education (FSSE) programme. New working group established between SFRS, PKC and Police (PIP) around vacant and dangerous buildings with the aim to minimise fire and ASB risks around the LPA. Other ongoing work with Police, SFRS and other partners with PAWS (Water Safety Scotland). Public Water Safety event planned at Loch Leven on 25th July as a means of engagement and education around safety on the water. Page 20 of 186
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OFFICIAL 13 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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. Under new structure there are 4 visitor rangers with a view to engage in joint training and re-establish support and information following staff changes. 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. We currently await the appointment of a new chair for the group. Licensing Between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025, the police licensing team processed 4189 licence applications for the Perth area. This included applications for occasional licenses to allow premises to have additional outdoor areas, grants and renewals for taxi operators/drivers. This also included renewals and grants of House of Multiple Occupancy and Short Term Lets. Page 21 of 186
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OFFICIAL 14 | P a g e OFFICIAL 133 recorded ASB incidents were at or in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises. There were 240 inspections carried out throughout Perth, with 1 premise identified as problematic during this period. This premise has been placed on an intervention plan and will be closely monitored. The licensing team have been promoting the ‘by-stander’ and `It’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 Short Term Lets. Wildlife Crime Police Scotland continues to work with the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit on several annual national Operations, such as. • Operation Easter – which relates to the theft of wild bird eggs. Police Scotland undertakes targeted proactive work relating to known nominals as well as nesting site visits. • Operation Owl – an overarching operation to tackle raptor persecution. Extra attention to vulnerable or well-known nesting sites across Scotland. • Operation seabird – which relates to cetacean disturbance, often caused by tour boats, jet skis, paddleboarders etc. Proactive engagement with tour operators, the public, and days of action. Social media work undertaken too. • Operation Thunder – this relates to the trade in endangered species, such as ivory, rhino horn, tiger claws etc. Regular engagement and targeted approaches to antique dealers and auction houses. Regular engagement and joint working with UK border force. • Operation Galileo – this operation focuses on hare coursing, which is a widespread issue across Scotland. Collating data and visiting hot spots to ensure police presence acts as reassurance and a deterrent simultaneously. Page 22 of 186
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OFFICIAL 15 | P a g e OFFICIAL Police Scotland has also been implementing two new pieces of wildlife crime legislation. The Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 was introduced primarily to tackle fox hunting and hare/deer coursing. Police Scotland have reported several cases to COPFS under this legislation and have secured the first conviction in our Northern Division. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 has introduced several key sections relating to wildlife crime, some of these are; • The licensing of grouse shooting – This means that you need a licence from NatureScot to commercially shoot grouse in Scotland. A breach of licensing conditions, such as committing certain wildlife crimes, could result in loss of license and the income stream that accompanies it. This is seen as a big deterrent for the minority in the grouse shooting industry who illegally target wildlife. • The banning of snaring in Scotland. • New regulations around the use of traps in Scotland. • Providing the SSPCA (already a reporting agency) with enhanced powers of search and seizure to assist with wildlife crime incidents. Police Scotland continues to deliver our two national training courses. A two-day introduction to wildlife crime course and a five day investigators course. These are both well subscribed and garner a lot of interest from officers across Scotland. Police Scotland hosted the 2025 Scottish Wildlife Crime Conference at the Scottish Police College Tulliallan in March. This was the first Scottish conference in over ten years and was very well attended. Police Scotland continue to attend community events across Scotland to engage with the public and promote an awareness of wildlife crime and suspicious behaviour Page 23 of 186
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OFFICIAL 16 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Tackle acquisitive crime and support victims 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. Crime Prevention opportunities are reviewed and where appropriate engagement carried out by trained crime prevention and architectural liaison officers within the Division or the National Rural and Acquisitive Crime Team. This is carried out to provide professional and sound advice to domestic and commercial victims. Domestic Housebreakings Domestic Housebreakings have improved slightly from the midyear report. There were 45 crimes in the first half of the year and 30 in the second half. This has brought about a finish with marginally less crime than the previous year (3 crimes). Detections are positive and up 2.4% against last. This also compares well against the 5-year average with occurrence rates down 14% and detections up 6.3% Data mapping does not identify any particular hotspot areas; the City Centre/ South Inch area recorded 5 crimes for the year which was the highest single count along with Tulloch/Inveralmond. Non-dwelling Housebreakings This includes sheds, garages and other outbuildings and was a crime type commented upon mid-year as showing a declining occurrence trend. This has continued throughout 2024/25 with a significant occurrence reduction of 42.5% on the previous year. 23 crimes were recorded for the annum, the detection rate is within 1% of the previous year. Crime volume across all types of housebreaking is down on 2023/24 (-1.1%) with detections 13.1% for the better. Page 24 of 186
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OFFICIAL 17 | P a g e OFFICIAL Housebreakings Other Premises Predominately commercial premises, this crime type has proven a challenge during 2024/25. 17 more crimes have been recorded something identified quickly as the increase emerged. Determined focus has provided that despite the increase detections are similarly improved up 24.9% on the year prior. Nearly 60% of this category of housebreakings are detected. Although there has been a significant increase year on year, the 81 reported crimes remains below the 5-year average of 83, the detection rate remains 13.5% higher than the 5-year average. As would perhaps be expected, most of these crimes are either focussed within the City Centre or residential areas with local amenities. Where rural premises have been targeted these have been one off crimes although there have been instances of neighbouring premises targeted during the same period. Theft of Motor Vehicles Analysis at mid-year indicated that motor vehicle thefts were a concern as figures had risen most years since 2019/20. This resulted in a specific enhanced review of crimes reported and work on trend analysis along with prevention messaging. There is evidence of success in this regard, having recorded 30 crimes in the second half of the year as opposed to 53 in the first 6 months. This has returned an overall reduction in the number of thefts of motor vehicles year on year (-8 crimes). Detections are also up by 1.6%. Vehicle thefts from rural areas are prominent, however mapping analysis confirms rural areas are not exclusively targeted. The Tulloch area saw the most crimes with 4, thereafter Luncarty, Dunkeld, the Carse of Gowrie and Comrie areas recorded 3 respectively. Quad thefts have been a trend Nationally throughout this year and something the Rural, Acquisitive & Business Preventions Team (RAB-PT) monitor country wide issuing Bulletins and linking up crimes across Divisions to maximise disruption. Overall motor vehicle crime is up on last year, 209 crimes against 239. Excluding thefts, that corresponds to 38 more crimes across other categories. Attempted thefts of Motor vehicles is the standout increase with 10 more crimes than the previous year. Work to remedy this has had some success given the detection rate increased by 6.5%. Nearly 43% of attempted thefts were resolved. No particular Page 25 of 186
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OFFICIAL 18 | P a g e OFFICIAL area has been disproportionately targeted, although Coupar Angus and Blairgowrie top the table. This again hints at the challenges encountered in policing the large rural area of Perth and Kinross. Shoplifting Reports of shoplifting have increased this year, up 30 crimes or 3.8% on the previous year. Nationally shoplifting increased by 15.8% and in Angus alone occurrence rates were up by 39.6%. Ongoing work with retailers has built strong relationships and greater engagement will of course lead to more active reporting likely playing some part in the increase. Fraud Fraud figures for Perth and Kinross are marginally reduced with 11 less crimes recorded. Monthly fraud analysis takes place to identify emerging trends quickly to promote prevention advice. Scams are ever changing; impersonation of family members and tickets frauds had been popular. More recently driving lesson frauds are an emerging trend. Notable Activities during 2024/2025 • A 15-year-old male from Edinburgh reported for 2 domestic housebreakings in Crieff and Perth during December 2024. • 3 males aged, 22, 17 and 15 charged by Perth CID with a crime series across North East Scotland and the Central belt. Offences included 8 housebreakings and 3 thefts of motor vehicles. • Following thefts from motor vehicles and an attempted housebreaking in Invergowrie during November 2024, a 24-year-old male from Dundee was reported • In response to a Commercial Housebreaking series across A and D Division, Perth and Kinross CID arrested and charged a 53- year-old male from Liverpool • A 36-year-old male from Glasgow arrested and charged with 18 offences linked to theft and associated offences following a crime series targeting golf courses around the country including Perth and Kinross • After a housebreaking to retail premises in Perth during July 2024 a 51-year-old male arrested and appeared at court. Page 26 of 186
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OFFICIAL 19 | P a g e OFFICIAL • Reactive CID led enquiry into caravan thefts in Perth and Kinross and Aberdeen. 3 males ages 20, 20 and 17 reported for 8 linked offences. • Males aged 17 and 24 from Dundee charged with 39 theft and related offences following a series in Dundee, rural Perthshire and Fife. • Following extensive offending in September 2024 targeting rural Perthshire, males aged 39, 27 and 24 reported to COPFS. Overall, Acquisitive Crime within the Local Authority is reduced year on year. This is not replicated in all areas within the Division. Nationally, total crime figures across Division’s has increased marginally. As a Division, Tayside is the second top performer in terms of reducing Acquisitive Crime. Well established links continue to be utilised in the investigation of crime in Perth and Kinross. Previous prevalence of cross border offending remains and requires this specific focus to ensure all investigative opportunities are achieved. Engagement with partners whether through prevention work or specific investigations continues to be key, Trading Standards being once such example. Private organisations such as the Co-op, a business targeted in a national crime series, have also collaborated positively to bring offenders to justice. Impact from Edinburgh based nominals has again featured this year and is referenced in notable activity below. Also recurring throughout the year has been evidence of Dundee based groups travelling into Perth and Kinross to commit crime. To counter, Road Policing colleagues have increased patrols along with other dedicated resource all strategically tasked to maximise chances to disrupt. The Chair for the Tayside Divisional Acquisitive Crime meeting is also the locality Detective Inspector within Perth and Kinross. This brings scrutiny locally. It also ensures local Reactive CID teams are on hand to review and investigate significant acquisitive offending. Through the established framework investigations and prevention work continue to be synchronized forewarning communities the moment particular risk is identified. The Division follows the Strategic monthly priorities identified by the Scottish Partnership against Acquisitive Crime, this ensures key crime types are considered ahead of what history suggests will be occurrence increases. Similarly Regional work which was particularly prevalent during 2024/25 continues to deliver strong results. Swift enforcement against a group of Romanian nationals targeting Whiskey Distilleries in the Northeast is an example of just how important that joint working is. Page 27 of 186
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OFFICIAL 20 | P a g e OFFICIAL Within Perth and Kinross, local Response and Community Teams continue to work well with locality based Reactive CID teams to deliver the strongest acquisitive crime focus achievable. 2024/25 has again demonstrated that Perth and Kinross is a gateway to the Northeast of Scotland for offenders. Somewhat uniquely within the Division a significant proportion of acquisitive crimes series are committed by individuals not resident in the area. Whilst a vulnerability, it is something policing within Perth and Kinross has adapted to overcome, numerous successes this year evidence that effectiveness. Page 28 of 186
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OFFICIAL 21 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Make our roads safer Tragically Perth & Kinross LPA have suffered 7 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 2024 – 31st March 2025 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 19/11/24 – A9 at Ballinluig – Four Vehicle RTC (1 fatality) 88 persons have been seriously injured because of collisions across Perth and Kinross, this is a slight increase comparable with the same period last year, where we saw 72 persons seriously injured. 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 29 of 186
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OFFICIAL 22 | 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 in the P&K Area; M90/A90 A9 A93 A85 A94 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 • Rider Refinement North • Vulnerable Road Users Campaigns • National Speeding Campaign • Operation Drive Insured • National Taxi Education & Enforcement Campaign • Festive Drink/Drug Driving Campaign • Fatal 5 Campaign • National Seatbelt Campaign • Commercial Vehicles Campaign 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. Page 30 of 186
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OFFICIAL 23 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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 partnership collaboration and campaigns. New Young Drivers Scheme The New driver Scheme (NDS) continues to be delivered and well received within Tayside Division. 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 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. 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. Delivery of RRN has received positive feedback with some excellent learning and opportunity to influence riding behaviour with candidates travelling from across Tayside to participate and this is about to re-commence this forthcoming year once again. National Motorcycle Campaign The National motorcycle campaign was run on several occasions and continues this year and will again see RP focused patrols on priority motorcycle routes throughout the division with joint working with neighbouring divisions and the SCU to detect and deter any motorcycle offences. Page 31 of 186
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OFFICIAL 24 | P a g e OFFICIAL Operation Closepass Operation Closepass has again been delivered in Perth & Kinross LPA by Road Policing Officers working closely with Community 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. Several days have been dedicated to specific community engagement with drivers at locations throughout Perth & Kinross, including A9 at Bruar and a Garden Centre in Perth as well as visits to schools and other community hubs and businesses. Taxi Education and Enforcement has been increased this year with positive feedback from P&K Council and the operators and drivers themselves ensuring the right drivers and vehicles are on our roads keeping people safe. Page 32 of 186
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OFFICIAL 25 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority Activity – Public Protection Rape and Sexual Crime 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. Police Scotland work with a range of partners to ensure victims are supported throughout the investigations and beyond. 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. This year has been challenging in respect of the increased occurrence of reported rape however the improved detection rate points to the dedication and hard work of the teams involved in investigating these harrowing crimes. 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. 76 rapes were recorded during the reporting period, which is a 58% increase when compared to the same period last year and a 18% increase on the 5-year average which is 64. The detection rate for Rape is up 20.4% from last year and up 0.6% on the 5year average. During this reporting period all the people reporting the crime of rape have known the suspects. Page 33 of 186
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OFFICIAL 26 | P a g e OFFICIAL • Overall sexual crime has seen an increase in reported cases from 308 last year to 381this year for the same period. The 5-year average is 364. • The detection rate for overall sexual offences has increased from 61.4% to 62.7% year on year. The 5-year average is 55.7%. Human Trafficking Police and PKC (SCT / VAW Partnership) have established a short life working group working on Sexual exploitation and Human Trafficking with the purpose to identify addresses/nominals involved in criminal exploitation in Perth & Kinross and to take appropriate action to disrupt activities. Utilising the Partners Intelligence Portal and current information sharing, the working group aims to expand on identification and disruption opportunities to improve the lives of residents, victims and visitors. Non-Fatal Overdose Pathway (NFOD) 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. For 2025 to date, there were 22 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. Page 34 of 186
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OFFICIAL 27 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Enable and support effective engagement and communication with the public 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 days of action. • Joint operation with trading standards targeting counterfeit goods. • Bike Marking Schemes. • 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. • Participation in knife angel while in Perth. • Joint operations with SPS at HMP Perth. • Seasonal events 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. Page 35 of 186
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OFFICIAL 28 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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. Regular engagement with the third sector agencies including the Perth Minorities Association and the Scottish Refugee Council. Fearless 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; most recently in relation to County Lines, Gang Culture and Knife Crime. This followed on from the momentum of the Knife Angel event in December and January and is ongoing with the Knife Crime Awareness Week in May 2025 (19th-25th). Page 36 of 186
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NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Perth And Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee 11 June 2025 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE REPORT 1 APRIL 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025 Report by Local Senior Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Abstract The report contains performance information relating to the twelve-month period (1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025) on the performance of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in support of Member scrutiny of local service delivery. 1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT 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 It is recommended that members note and scrutinise the statistical information contained in this report in conjunction with Appendix 1. 3 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 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. 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. 5 Page 37 of 186
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NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 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 is detailed on page 3 of the report. In addition, further sections are included to provide Members with an overview of a range of events undertaken by the local personnel/stations in support of community safety engagement and partnership working initiatives. 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 & Kinross area. Local Senior Officer Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee Fire and Rescue Headquarters Blackness Road, Dundee DD1 5PA Page 38 of 186
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Perth and Kinross Perth & Kinross Council Housing & Social Wellbeing Committee 2024-25 Scrutiny Report 5 Page 39 of 186
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Summary Trends Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADFs) Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Deliberate Fires Non-Domestic Fires Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) Non-Fire Casulaties Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Community Safety Engagement & Partnership Working Glossary of Terms Contents Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 About the statistics within this report The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They 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 a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2024-25 Scrutiny Report Perth and Kinross Perth & Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Page 40 of 186
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1. Summary 427 Fires 383 827 False Alarms 1,643 84 7 1 Fire Fatalities 104 19 231 UFAS During the reporting year SFRS attended a total of 1643 incidents across Perth & Kinross. This is a 6% reduction from 2023-24 (1755) and a reduction of 17% against the 3-year average (1989). False Alarms are by far the most attended incident type, totalling a combined 827 call outs, which is 50% of all incidents attended. We also attended 427 fires ranging from Domestic, Non-Domestic and Outdoor incidents, and 383 non-fire emergencies such as Road Traffic Collisions and Assisting Other Agencies incidents. Trend information charts can be found on the following page for 5 of the key incident types attended to give an understanding on the direction of travel over a 4-year period. 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Fire Incidents People Rescued by Firefighters People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Non-Fire) People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Fires) Non-Fire Fatalities Top 10 Incident Types False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) False Alarm (UFAS) Fire (Building) False Alarm (Good Intent) Fire (Outdoor) Inter-Agency Vehicle (Non-fire) Fire (Vehicle) Flooding / Water Rescue Humanitarian 394 231 202 191 168 129 101 57 44 43 2024-25 TBC Fire Safety Audits TBC Home Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) Page 41 of 186
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2. Trends 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 30 3340 19 25 29 37 26 30 21 26 21 2423 21 26 Deliberate Fires 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 53 26 15 42 1718 36 34 25 2624 24 31 26 23 18 Non-Domestic Fires 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 8 10 20 6 6 12 7 14 12 109 6 9 10 6 9 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 128 47 224 45 197 59 138156 165 60 68 152171 68 48 163 Road Traffic Collisions 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 11 20 30 10 19 27 29 21 27 27 18 21 25 27 20 26 Previous 16 quarters (4 years) Page 42 of 186
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3. Accidental Dwelling Fires Extent of Damage Incidents Limited to item 1st ignited 69 Not applicable 30 Limited to room of origin 20 Whole building 4 Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 2 Of the 125 Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADFs), 85 incidents were due to a cooking appliance, with damage being recorded at 6 incidents as having spread from room of origin. No firefighting actions were required at 52 incidents with the main action taken by SFRS being removal from heat source being undertaken at 34 incidents. 93 properties were fitted with smoke detection, 73 of which operated and gave early warning to the occupants. We continue to undertake Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) interventions following an ADF, which comprises of a HFSV’s and advice to prevent further incidents and where required, we ensure the relevant safeguarding or support service referrals are progressed. The SFRS continue to work with partners to ensure we positively contribute to reducing the risk to our communities by targeting those most vulnerable, particularly around unintentional harm in the home 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Not known Heating equipment Other domestic style appliance Smoking Related Matches and candles Electricity supply Other Chimney Electric Lighting Fuel/che… related Spread from secondary fire 85 7 6 6 6 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 30 40 125 Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period 2024-25 Incidents by Ward Perth City Centre Strathmore Perth City North Blairgowrie & Glens Strathearn Perth City South Highland Strathtay Strathallan Almond & Earn Carse of Gowrie Kinross-shire 23 16 15 13 11 10 9 8 7 6 4 3 Page 43 of 186
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4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties 5 Fatal Casualties 1 Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes; asphyxiation 3 Breathing difficulties (Other than 'Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes, asphyxiation') 2 Not known 1 Unfortunately, we have had one dwelling fire that resulted in a fatally injured casualty in the past reporting year. In addition to that, we had 5 fire related casualties, 1 casualty with slight injuries requiring hospital treatment and 4 casualties that required first aid only. A joint fire investigation was conducted between SFRS and Police Scotland following the fatal fire, and a report has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Initial multi-agency meetings have been held with Police, Local Authority, Housing Association and NHS to identify any initial learnings, with a more detailed learning review to be undertaken in due course. 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Perth City Centre Perth City North Perth City South Strathmore Strathtay 2 1 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 2 4 6 5 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 4 1 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 0 Hospital Serious Injuries 2024-25 Page 44 of 186
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5. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Grassland, woodland and crops 35 Refuse 30 Non Residential 12 Other outdoors (including land) 12 Outdoor structures 8 Road Vehicle 7 Dwelling 4 Outdoor equipment and machinery 3 Other Residential 1 Of the 112 Deliberate Fires attended in the reporting year, 37 were categorised as primary fires and 75 were secondary fires. 10 of the primary fires were within non-domestic buildings, such as schools, prisons and NHS premises. 7 were vehicle fires and 4 were within dwellings. The remaining 15 primary fires involved grassland, woodland, crops or outdoor structures. In relation to the secondary fires, 29 were involved refuse with the others being a wide range of outdoor fires. 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 initiatives. These include a targeted approach working with local schools along with national campaigns during the summer season to reduce this unacceptable anti-social behaviour. Hour of Day 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Perth City Centre Perth City North Strathmore Blairgowrie & Glens Carse of Gowrie Perth City South Kinross-shire Strathearn Strathtay Almond & Earn Highland Strathallan 34 12 10 9 9 7 6 6 6 5 4 4 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 40 60 112 Deliberate Fires in this period 2024-25 Page 45 of 186
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6. Non-Domestic Fires Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Residential Home 7 Retail 7 Permanent Agricultural 5 Education 3 Food and Drink 3 Industrial Processing 3 Public admin, security and safety 3 Hospitals and medical care 2 Hotel/motel 2 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 2 Entertainment and culture 1 Hostel (e.g. for homeless people) 1 Other buildings/use not known 1 Other holiday residence (cottage, flat, chalet) 1 Sporting venues 1 The SFRS attended 42 Non-Domestic Building Fires during the reporting year, with 5 fires spreading beyond the room of origin. 19 of the incidents required no firefighting or minimal fire service intervention. A fire alarm system operated on 26 occasions. Of the 42 incidents, 7 were within residential homes, 6 within other residential premises, 6 within retail shops and 5 within agricultural buildings. The remaining incidents were across a range of premises types with the only repeat attendances being at HMP and NHS premises. Following a non-domestic building fire, our dedicated Protection Officers audit relevant premises to ensure they are complying with their statutory responsibilities and to give advice to prevent any further incidents. 32 (76.2%) 10 (23.8%) Accidental Deliberate 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Perth City Centre Strathallan Almond & Earn Perth City South Strathearn Strathmore Strathtay Blairgowrie & Glens Highland Kinross-shire Carse of Gowrie Perth City North 15 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 Extent of Damage Limited to item 1st ignited Limited to room of origin Not applicable Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) Whole building Limited to 2 floors (not whole building) 24 8 5 2 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 42 Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2024-25 Page 46 of 186
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7. Road Traffic Collisions Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) account for a high number of casualties every year, with 5 fatal and 57 non-fatal casualties within the reporting year. Of the fatal casualties, this was from 4 separate RTCs, 2 of which within the Strathtay ward, 1 within the Highland ward and 1 RTC resulting in 2 fatal casualties within the Strathallan ward. In relation to the non-fatal casualties requiring hospital treatment for serious / slight injuries; Strathtay, Highland and Strathmore wards had the highest number of RTCs. A multi-agency approach is essential to reduce RTCs and the associated casualties, with the Perth & Kinross Road Safety Partnership working locally to establish reduction priorities and influence the content of the Perth & Kinross Road Safety Plan. 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Strathtay Highland Almond & Earn Kinross-shire Strathallan Strathmore Carse of Gowrie Perth City Centre Blairgowrie & Glens Perth City South Strathearn 18 14 13 13 12 10 9 6 3 3 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 25 30 103 Road Traffic Collisions in this period Non-Fatal Casualties 57 Fatal Casualties 5 26 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 1 38 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 18 Hospital Serious Injuries Property Type Incidents Car 84 Van 7 Multiple Vehicles 5 Motorcycle 2 Bus/coach 1 Caravan on tow 1 Lorry/HGV 1 Motor Home 1 Other 1 2024-25 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 101 Fire (Vehicle) 1 Other Non-Fire 1 Page 47 of 186
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8. Non-Fire Casualties 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on The SFRS attended 383 non-fire emergencies over the reporting year which resulted in 19 fatal and 104 non-fatal casualties. Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) contributed to 5 of the fatal casualties and 57 of the non-fatal casualties, with more detail provided in section 7 of this report. Of the 14 further fatal casualties, 8 were from assisting other agencies or effecting entry to a premises for another agency, 4 from water rescue incidents and 2 were from suicide / other rescue incidents. In relation to the non-fatal casualties, 46 casualties required hospital treatment, 10 of which for serious injuries, 13 for slight injuries, with 23 requiring first aid or a precautionary check at the incident. Casualties by Ward Strathearn Strathtay Highland Strathmore Almond & Earn Blairgowrie & Glens Kinross-shire Strathallan Perth City Centre Perth City South Carse of Gowrie Perth City North 26 19 15 12 9 9 9 9 6 4 3 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 40 60 Non-Fatal Casualties 104 Fatal Casualties 19 79 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 2 74 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 28 Hospital Serious Injuries Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Not known 38 Chest / Abdominal injury 13 Head injury 11 Back / Neck injury (spinal) 8 Fracture 8 Cuts/Lacerations 7 Bruising 6 Other 5 Chest pain / Heart condition / Cardiac arrest 4 Drowning 3 Other medical condition 3 Other physical injury 3 Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes; asphyxiation 3 Breathing difficulties (Other than 'Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes, asphyxiation') 2 Collapse 2 Hypothermia 2 Shock / Anaphylactic shock 2 Unconscious, fitting or unresponsive (no other evident significant injury) 2 2024-25 Page 48 of 186
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9. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Residential Home 99 Hotel/motel 43 Hospitals and medical care 25 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 13 Boarding School accommodation 6 Other holiday residence (cottage, flat, chalet) 5 Other Residential Home 5 Entertainment and culture 4 Food and Drink 4 Offices and call centres 4 Education 3 Religious 3 Sporting venues 3 Boarding House/B&B for homeless/asylum seekers 2 Hostel (e.g. for homeless people) 2 Retail 2 Youth hostel 2 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) from Automatic Fire Alarms 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 Dutyholder is undertaken when in attendance. Every UFAS incident that the SFRS attends is used as an opportunity to educate the Dutyholder on the impact UFAS has on their businesses, the community and the SFRS. The reduction in UFAS mobilisations within Perth & Kinross 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. 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Perth City Centre Highland Perth City South Strathearn Blairgowrie & Glens Strathallan Strathtay Kinross-shire Strathmore Perth City North Almond & Earn Carse of Gowrie 48 42 30 24 20 20 15 13 11 4 3 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 100 200 231 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2024-25 Page 49 of 186
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10. Community Safety Engagement & Partnership Working 2024-25 Poverty Themed Initiatives / Activities PPPPPPPPPPPPP Warm Space/Social Flock Partnership PPPPPPPPPPPPP Our Community Action Team (CAT) has obtained funding and established the warm space initiative PPPPPPPPPPPPP for the last 2 years at St Ninians Cathedral, which has been a great success at combating loneliness, PPPPPPPPPPPPP isolation and fuel poverty. Attendees were also able to benefit from hot food and drinks. PPPPPPPPPPPPP A clothing rail was also set up at the event with warm jackets provided by Social Flock for those in need, PPPPPPPPPPPPP for free. Social Flock are a charity clothing project based in Perth, who collect donations and make up PPPPPPPPPPPPP clothing packs for adults/children. CAT will be assisting with delivery of back-to-school packs around the PPPPPPPPPPPPP Perth & Kinross area later in the year. Electrical Safety First To help combat fuel poverty, we successfully obtained funding from Electrical Safety First for a second year, which was used to purchase of a stock of electric blankets and strip adaptors to be shared across the area. Electric blankets were distributed third sector partners including Perth & Kinross foodbank. They were also made available at the amongst various warm space initiative highlighted above. Safe electrical use information was distributed with each blanket along with the offer of a HFSV. Scottish Gas Network (SGN) Partnership Our partnership with SGN was recently agreed for a second year. Standalone Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are provided by SGN for SFRS to offer homeowners if required as part of HFSV, or to distribute at local events, along with additional information to raise awareness of CO risks. This includes a questionnaire to gauge pre/post visit knowledge of CO risks. Foodbank Referrals SFRS are registered as referrers on the P&K Foodbank referral portal allowing us to direct people to additional support when we encounter them during HFSVs or community events. Big Hoose We continue to work with the Big Hoose Charity and can send referrals to help if families that would benefit from certain goods or toys. Perth Community Fire Station Xmas Gift Appeal The station launched its Xmas appeal on the 28th of October with the goal of collecting 500 gifts for local children who might otherwise wake up to little or nothing on Christmas day. Thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals and businesses across Perth & Kinross, we surpassed our target by over 300 gifts, which were then delivered to local charities and families in need. The youngest recipient was just 3 months old and the oldest 97. Almost 40 different businesses supported by donating gifts and setting up collection points in their premises. In addition to the gift donations, a JustGiving campaign raised an impressive £3,450, further enhancing the impact of the initiative. The funds were used to provide gifts and support local charities and care organisations, ensuring that the festive spirit touched as many lives as possible. Santa Drive Thru On the 16th of December, the station at Perth hosted its second Santa Drive Thru. The appliance hall was transformed into a winter wonderland with Santa in attendance along with his elves and other helpers. Over 250 families attended, and 360 certificates were issued to local children, with £500 being raised for the Firefighters Charity. Blairgowrie Community Fire Station also ran their Drive Thru event on the 23rd of December, with over 150 families attending and £850 raised for the Firefighters Charity. PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP Coffee with the Crew / Cop PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP Blairgowrie Community Fire Station facilitated a number of events throughout December and PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP January inviting locals along to the station to meet the local crews and Police teams. The PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP objective of these events is to reduce social isolation, increase signposting of support services PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP from partner/third sector organisations and reduce poverty. Providing warm refreshments and PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP open discussion in an informal, inviting safe space, the initiative helps combat social isolation, PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP fostering a sense of belonging and community cohesion. PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Page 50 of 186
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10. Community Safety Engagement & Partnership Working 2024-25 Employability Themed Initiatives / Activities Fire Skills Courses Fire Skills courses were delivered in June and December with pupils from Perth Grammar and St Johns Academy attending. As part of the course students were visited by our Local Authority Liaison Officer (LALO) to receive input on completing an application form along with how to prepare for interviews. Students then attended a mock interview with the LALO and the schools Developing the Young Workforce Co-ordinator. Constructive feedback and coaching was given to students as part of developing employability skills as they approach the world of work beyond school. A 5-day course then took place at Perth Community Fire Station, throughout the week students are put through their paces with pump and ladder drills, RTC training, working in smoke and darkness, as well as being shown first aid including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. There are various other less Fire & Rescue specific training sessions throughout the week to build their skills and confidence. The week finishes with a graduation display in front of their families to showcase their new skills. The course is accredited, and students can achieve a SCQF level 4 Fire Skills employability award if all mandatory units are achieved. Our Community Action Team also completed a work experience placement for 2 students in partnership with Perth Autism Support. Health & Wellbeing Themed Initiatives / Activities Nursery/School Boxes New and updated Nursery and Primary school boxes were put together by local staff, these contain road safety resources and physical activities as part of the wider early year’s road safety project. The boxes also contain healthy eating messaging again with physical activity ideas and activities. Street Sports Street Sports was delivered in Blairgowrie over last summer in conjunction with Saints in the Community, Police Scotland, Safer Communities Team and Strathmore Centre for Youth Development. The main aims were increased physical activity, social opportunities for young people and reduction in Anti-Social Behaviour through the provision of diversionary activities. CPR Workshops Crieff Community Fire Station have facilitated several CPR and Defibrillator workshops in conjunction with Scottish Ambulance Service and Strathearn Defib, to up-skill members of the community on Basic Life Support and the use of Defibrillators. Other Initiatives / Activity Risk Recognition training continues to be delivered to partner agencies as part of the new HFSV pathway. Initial, catchup and refresher sessions have been delivered to PKC Housing, Sheltered Housing teams, Alzheimer Scotland, Home Energy Scotland and other organisations. Hoarding awareness for partner organisations is also delivered in addition to risk recognition training. The SFRS Fire Safety Support and Education (FSSE) programme is for those under the age of 18. Through the delivery of tailored interventions, the programme offers a flexible approach by specially trained advisors, to assist in the education of those who demonstrate an unsafe interest in fire or fire related anti-social behaviour. Fire Retardant resources continue to be issued to at risk individuals identified from HFSV’s or partnership working, this includes Fire Retardant bedding, throws and cellular blankets. Partnership working continues with Vision PK and Community Alarms to help with obtaining specialist smoke/heat detection resources for people with hearing impairment. SFRS continues to work to support Water Safety Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy and the accompanying Ministerial Action Plan. A Water Safety Partnership has been established in P&K to progress a number of initiatives, including the creation of a Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWs) plan. This partnership, looks at prevention and post-incident considerations and provides tools/data for the partnership to agree how best direct joint resources to reduce water fatalities. The PAWs group also undertake learning reviews of such incidents and consider any mitigation to prevent such incidents happening again. Water/Ice safety talks were delivered in a number of local Primary schools over the winter period. Kinloch Rannoch crews continue to carryout camper patrols in partnership with Forestry & Land Scotland, PKC Visitor Rangers as part of visitor management strategy. 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Page 51 of 186
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11. Glossary of Terms Term - What it means ADF Accidental Dwelling Fire. HFSV Home Fire Safety Visit. PDIR Post Domestic Incident Response, a term used to indicate actions taken following attendance at a fire or other incident in the home. PDIRs include amongst things the offer of a free follow up home fire safety visit. RTC Road Traffic Collision. Special Service Calls to incidents which are not fires or false alarms such as RTCs, rescues, flooding, incidents involving hazardous materials or the provision of assistance to other agencies. UFAS Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. When an automatic fire detection and alarm system is activated as a result of anything other than an actual fire the activation is classed as a false alarm. If an attendance is made to such an event by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, then the event is recorded as an UFAS incident. UFAS Policy Change In response to COVID, on the 6th May 2020, the SFRS decided to send 1 pump to UFAS premises that did not have their own Predetermined attendance (PDA). As of 1st July 2023, the COVID interim 1 pump response was ended and a new UFAS policy was implemented. The new policy is to call challenge all UFAS incidents with the intention of non-attendance. Hospitals, care homes, and sleeping risk premises are all exempt and receive either 2 pumps or their premise specific PDA. 202507/05/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Page 52 of 186
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Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team. Page 53 of 186
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Housing & Social Wellbeing Committee Date of Meeting: 11 June 2025 Report Title: Annual Update on Perth and Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Report Number: 25/156 Report Author: Hannah Maclean, Planning & Policy Officer – Planning & Housing Strategy Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead - Housing & Communities Serge Merone, Strategic Lead - Economy, Development & Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to note progress in implementing the Local Housing Strategy for Perth and Kinross previously approved at Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee on 15 March 2023 and to approve the priorities for the current year. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation(s) 3. Background and Context 4. Perth and Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Annual Progress Update Year 3 5. Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan 6. Implementation and Review 7. Monitoring 8. Conclusion 9. Impact and Value Assessment 10. Appendices 6 Page 55 of 186
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2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee: 2.1 Notes the progress made during 2024-2025 towards achieving the outcomes set out within the LHS Action Plan (Appendix 1). 2.2 Approves the priorities for 2025-2026 set out in Section 6 below. 3. Background And Context 3.1 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 places a statutory requirement on local authorities to prepare a Local Housing Strategy (LHS) supported by an assessment of housing need and demand. The LHS provides the direction for tackling housing issues and informs future investment in housing and related services. 3.2 The LHS outlines what the Council and its partners would like to deliver for all areas within Perth and Kinross during the five-year period 2022-2027. The LHS 2022-2027 was prepared in accordance with the Scottish Government’s Local Housing Strategy Guidance 2019 which sets out statutory requirements, essential links and outcomes that should be considered within the LHS framework. 3.3 LHS Guidance also states that Local authorities are required to report and review annually on progress against the target(s) as part of an annual report on how the LHS is implementing its priorities and plans for the delivery of housing and housing related services within the five-year period of the strategy. 3.4 The Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 was approved at Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee on 15 March 2023 (Report No.23/82). This report presents progress of the third year of the strategy covering the period 2024 to 2025. 3.5 Key partners and stakeholders underpin successful implementation and delivery of LHS actions which has continued positively in the third year of the strategy through ongoing engagement, quarterly newsletters, and an in- person workshop. 3.6 The LHS 2022-2027 is firmly aligned to the priorities and vision of the Corporate Plan 2022/23 – 2027/28 (December 2022) for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality. The LHS 2022-2027 reflects the views of our communities, elected members, stakeholders, and partner organisations. These views have helped influence the development of the LHS priorities and outcomes which are most important for Perth and Kinross, in enabling Perth and Kinross Council and partners to deliver high quality housing and housing services to meet the needs of local people in all housing tenures. Page 56 of 186
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4. Perth And Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Annual Progress Update 2024-2025 Year 3 4.1 The annual progress report for Year 3 (2024-25) is attached in Appendix 1. The Local Housing Strategy has the following four priorities for action including the key areas of progress: Priority 1: Providing more affordable homes to support liveable and sustainable communities: 4.2 The LHS’s aim is to evidence local housing need and set a strategic vision over the next five years for housing across public and private sectors, by providing the right size, type, and tenure of housing in sustainable, well- connected places. 4.3 During 2024-25, the following was achieved: New affordable homes for social rent and mid-market rent were delivered above target across the Perth and Kinross area. The Council’s own housing stock was increased through the purchase of buybacks and bringing empty homes back into use for affordable housing. A number of projects progressed to identify the potential for more housing in rural areas through housing needs assessments, feasibility studies and utilising the Self-Build Register. Initial design consultation was undertaken for refurbishment of a former primary school to be converted into affordable housing using the Sustainable Inclusive Homes Net Zero Carbon Design Guide 4.4 The impact of these activities has been to help meet housing need in the area and provide affordable housing across all tenures. The additional affordable housing has enabled turnover within the overall stock. By expanding our stock through buybacks and empty homes, we have ensured we have more homes of the right type and size in areas people want to live in. This has reduced waiting lists and met a range of housing needs in the area including overcrowding, under occupying, alleviating homelessness, and meeting mobility needs. Despite the ongoing national housing emergency and local housing supply and demand pressures, the number of new homelessness presentations in 2024/25 remained static with a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2023/24. The new affordable housing supply and buy-backs mentioned above has been vital in terms of preventing homelessness, meeting homelessness demand, and minimising the requirement for and duration spent in temporary accommodation. Page 57 of 186
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Priority 2: Providing a range of housing options that people can easily access, afford and keep 4.5 The LHS’s aim is to set out the role that housing can play in improving housing choice across all tenures and the LHS contribution to tackling child poverty and further development of the Council’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP), building on the Home First model. 4.6 During 2024-25, the following was achieved: Support provided to households to sustain their tenancy increased through initiatives such as our Tenancy Sustainment Fund, Financial Inclusion Project and Think Yes budget. A revised Common Allocations Policy was published which includes an enhanced Tenant Downsizing Scheme with improved incentives to enable better targeting of properties that are under-occupied. The Intensive Housing Support service continues to provide enhanced personalised transitional housing support to homeless households with the service remaining at capacity. Increased support through resettlement programmes and further development of our approach to Rapid Rehousing via the Home First model has contributed to reducing the need for temporary accommodation. 4.7 The impact of these activities has been to support people to have increased awareness and access to suitable housing options to mitigate the impact of housing induced poverty and poor housing affordability. We have undertaken work to reduce the stigma associated with homelessness and minimised the impact and duration of households experiencing homelessness in Perth and Kinross. Priority 3: Delivering housing for people with varying needs 4.8 The LHS’s aim is to deliver accessible homes, wheelchair homes and particular forms of provision such as supported accommodation for key client groups to enable people to live independently and well, for as long as possible, through investment in property adaptations, technology, care and support services. 4.9 During 2024-25, the following was achieved: Continued investment in adaptations to Council and Housing Association properties and support for private tenants and homeowners through the Care and Repair Scheme. A new Adaptations Policy for Council housing to support delivery of property adaptations was implemented. The Housing OT service supported wheelchair users and those with adaptation needs to move into fully adapted housing. Page 58 of 186
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Additional new build accommodation linked to 24/7 onsite staff support through technology was delivered for individuals identified through the ILP. New energy efficient chalets for the Gypsy Traveller site were delivered alongside the start of upgrades being installed to create a sustainable environment for residents and support climate change ambitions. 4.10 The impact of these activities has been to enable people to live independently and well for as long as possible through investment in property adaptations, technology, care and support services. Through increased partnership working, and an increase in preventative housing and support services, more people have been enabled to remain in their own home, leave hospital or out of area placements and to live in their chosen community independently with support, close to family and support networks. Priority 4: Delivering quality homes with affordable warmth, zero emission and SMART technology 4.11 The LHS’s aim is to provide the strategic framework for improving the quality and energy efficiency of homes across all tenures, driving improvement in housing induced poverty and proactively tackling fuel poverty through investment in housing condition and energy improvements; and setting a road map for reducing domestic carbon emissions. 4.12 During 2024-25, the following was achieved: The first Perth and Kinross Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) was implemented, setting out energy efficiency improvements across all tenures, with a LHEES Coordination Team being established to support delivery. Energy efficiency advice continued to be offered to households through working with Save Cash and Reduce Fuel (SCARF), resulting in savings for residents, reductions in carbon emissions and removing some residents from fuel poverty. There has been further investment in existing stock and new build housing with installation of energy efficiency improvements. The Missing Shares Service saw further investment in communal repairs for homeowners. In partnership with Registered Social Landlords, 63 new build properties benefited from fibre installation allowing residents much improved access. 4.13 The impact of these measures ensures that people can live in and benefit from homes which meet energy efficiency, climate change and housing quality ambitions. Investment in housing condition and energy improvements, including mechanisms and support to enable landlords and owners to invest in repairs and maintenance has improved the quality of housing for residents. Page 59 of 186
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5. Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan 5.1 All local authorities were required to develop a Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) to cover the period from April 2019 to March 2024. The purpose of RRTP’s was to set out a transition to a response to homelessness which is based on prevention, provides households with settled accommodation as soon as possible, and avoids the automatic and prolonged use of temporary accommodation. 5.2 Perth & Kinross Council’s RRTP was approved by the Housing & Communities Committee on 23 January 2019 (report 19/13 refers). An updated RRTP was approved by the same Committee on 03 February 2021 (report 21/16 refers). Both the initial Plan and the update were based on the successful Home First model which had been implemented in April 2017. The Home First model is based on three pillars – Prevention, Rapid Rehousing and Tenancy Sustainment. 5.3 During the 5-year period of the RRTP, the Scottish Government has provided annual implementation funding, and local authorities have been required to provide an annual update on progress and details of how the funding was used and the associated impact. The funding has been extended into 2024/25 and 2025/26 with reduced progress reporting, and no formal requirement to update the RRTP itself. 5.4 The overall RRTP period to 2025/26 has included the pandemic, the period of economic instability usually referred to as the ‘cost of living crisis’ and the more recent acute housing market pressures that resulted in the Scottish Government’s declaration of a national housing emergency in May 2024. 5.5 The collective and cumulative effect of these events and pressures has meant that very few local authorities could be considered to have made the transition to rapid rehousing. Nationally, homelessness and temporary accommodation use has increased during this period. 5.6 A transition to rapid rehousing is no longer a realistic ambition for most local authorities even with the Scottish Government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to ‘Ending Homelessness Together’. It seems more likely that the focus on rapid rehousing will be replaced by the ‘Prevention Duty’ which forms part of the Housing Bill introduced to the Scottish Parliament in March 2024. If it becomes law, the Prevention Duty will introduce a ‘no wrong door’ policy with a range of public sector organisations having a new duty to ‘ask and act’ about homelessness. 5.7 Perth & Kinross Council has delivered sector-leading outcomes for people experiencing homelessness during the period since Home First was launched in 2017. An overview of performance and outcomes is provided in Appendix 1. Work is ongoing to update the RRTP and it will be proposed that this is renamed simply as ‘Home First’ and that it is recognised as a homelessness and temporary accommodation strategy document which will continue to be a part of the Local Housing Strategy framework moving forward. Page 60 of 186
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5.8 The revised Home First strategy document and further updates on homelessness performance and outcomes, including our approach to the implementation to the Prevention Duty, will be brought to Committee through the existing LHS annual update reporting cycle. 6. Implementation and Review 6.1 A workshop held in January 2025 marked the midway point of the LHS, and allowed an opportunity to hear how work is progressing, and in considering current challenges, how we plan to prioritise areas of the LHS over the remaining two years. There were 60 stakeholders that attended the workshop representing a collective of public, private, third and community sectors who are all involved in helping to deliver positive housing outcomes for Perth and Kinross. Through the workshop, existing actions were reviewed and enhanced through including additional leads / coordinators and milestones to ensure actions can be achieved by 2027. These additional outputs will be reported in the annual progress update in June 2026. A summary of the workshop is available to view here. 6.2 During 2025-26 we intend to continue to work with partners to deliver progress on LHS actions, including the following priorities: Priorities for 2025-26 Priority 1: Accelerate delivery of our affordable housing programme of 1,050 homes over the five-year LHS period, through our Strategic Housing Investment Plan and actions to build the affordable housing land supply. Continue work on reducing Empty Homes and target investment in areas where housing pressure is evidenced. Continue to support delivery of local Housing Need Assessments and Community-led projects in rural areas. Work to develop Local Living and 20-minute neighbourhood analysis and definitions that enable partners, stakeholders, and investors to pursue placemaking which improves connectivity through investment in physical, social, and digital infrastructure. Report on the consultation results for a Short Term Let Control Area(s) in Northern Perthshire (agreed by Full Council on 7 May). Priority 2: Continue to develop and improve tailored debt advice and welfare assistance to households across Perth and Kinross. Monitor the potential of tenant incentive scheme to encourage tenants of larger properties to downsize. Continue to explore potential projects to deliver key worker housing in Northern Perthshire. Page 61 of 186
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Continue to work with partners to offer housing and support options to refugees in response to national dispersal and resettlement programmes. Increase engagement with private landlords in Perth and Kinross to improve awareness of proposed PRS reforms and investment regarding energy efficiency measures. Priority 3: Ensure planning policy, placemaking and housing investment contribute to health and wellbeing, particularly through development in rural areas in partnership with RSLs and HSCP. Develop and implement Dementia Friendly design for social rented newbuild developments. Engagement with developers to encourage more wheelchair accessible homes delivered through the Private Sector. All tenure wheelchair (Private) target to be considered for LDP3 for all sites. Continue to progress core and cluster projects through Independent Living Panel Continue to use, where required, the Buyback Scheme to purchase ‘particular / adaptable homes’ for households with varying needs to ensure existing adapted properties are matched to households with specific requirements. Priority 4: Support implementation of LHEES Delivery Plan to improve energy efficiency across all tenures. Encourage more third sector organisations to engage in the provision of energy advice and support. Continue with training and developing the understanding of the current and future skills and training requirements of the construction sector to deliver quality homes. Work with Scottish Government and other agencies to improve digital infrastructure particularly in rural communities. Use the learning from the existing Internet of Things pilot ‘Monitoring temperature humidity and CO2 in 50 homes to help tenants manage their energy, reduce fuel poverty and maintain their homes well’ with a view to scale it up. 6.3 It is recommended that Committee approve these priorities identified within the LHS Action Plan 2022-2027 (Appendix 1) for the year 2025-2026. 6.4 The Scottish Government’s More Homes Division have confirmed that the Resource Planning Assumption (RPA) for 25/26 will be £16,587,000. Page 62 of 186
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7 Monitoring 7.1 Actions are being implemented through the LHS Delivery Group and by operational teams. The LHS Delivery Group continues to build on the strong partnerships already in place, recognising that achieving LHS priorities will require a collective effort from delivery partners, stakeholders, communities, and residents of Perth and Kinross. 7.2 The LHS Communications Plan sets out regular consultation and engagement with stakeholders. It also ensures there is awareness of the key housing priorities for Perth and Kinross until 2027. 8. Conclusion 8.1 The report outlines the significant outcomes achieved by key action leads, coordinators and partners in the third year of delivering actions within the Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027, alongside key priority actions for 2025- 2026. 8.2 The Tenant Committee Report Panel was consulted on this report and provided the following comment: “Tenants support this report and are pleased to see that the strategy is progressing as planned. Congratulations to all staff who have contributed to this success – keep up the good work.” The Panel also reported that they value involvement in the LHS. 9. Impact and Value Assessment Annual_Update_on_Perth_and_Kinross_Local_Housing_Strategy_2022-2027.pdf 10. Appendices 10.1 Appendix 1 – Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2022-2027 Annual Progress Report Page 63 of 186
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Appendix 1 Perth and Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Annual Progress Report for 2024-2025 08 Fall 6 Page 65 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 2 Perth and Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Annual Progress Report for Year 3 The Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2022-2027 sets out Perth and Kinross five-year plan for the direction and delivery of housing for the area. Scottish Government guidance states that local authorities must review LHS actions annually to evidence progress on how the LHS is implementing its priorities and plans within the five-year period. This is the second annual progress update to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee in implementing the strategy and covers Year 3 (2024-25). The aim of the LHS 2022-2027 is: To achieve this vision and realise the wider ambitions set out in the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan 2022-2032, the four LHS priorities are: Within each LHS Priority there are a series of detailed Outcome Action Plans which set specific actions with timescales, resources, and partner responsibilities. The LHS Delivery Group continues to co-ordinate, monitor and guide implementation and delivery, and evaluate the impact of housing led activity, partnership, and investment. The LHS Action Plan, activities and targets will be reviewed annually to ensure services and partners are able to respond flexibly to changes in need across Perth and Kinross. A workshop held in January 2025 marked the midway point of the LHS, and allowed an opportunity to hear how work is progressing, and in consideration of current challenges, how we plan to prioritise areas of the LHS over the next two years. 60 stakeholders attended the workshop representing a collective of public, private, third and community sectors who are all involved in helping to deliver positive housing outcomes for Perth and Kinross. Through the workshop, existing actions were reviewed and enhanced through including additional leads / coordinators and milestones to ensure actions can be achieved by 2027. These additional outputs will be reported in the next annual update in 2026. A summary of the workshop is available to view here. Page 66 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 3 Achievements Priority 1: Providing more affordable homes to support liveable and sustainable communities In 2024-25: Delivered a total of 264 affordable homes including 234 for social rented housing, and 30 for mid-market rent. Delivered 37 Council new build homes and supported the completion of 70 new build affordable homes in partnership with RSLs across 9 developments Delivered new supply across the Perth and Kinross area, both in urban 53% and rural 47% areas. Purchased 116 buybacks to increase the Council’s housing stock. Brought back 18 empty homes for people in need of accommodation through the Empty Homes Initiative (EHI). Continue to use our first Self-Build Register to inform rural housing need with 30 self-build expressions of interested registered to date. Progressing 10 community-led projects with an estimated 60 homes planned. Undertook a phase of consultation and design of a former primary school using our Sustainable Inclusive Homes Net Zero Carbon Design Guide with the project intended to create 45 new build affordable homes. Undertook further feasibility for planning policy to be developed through LDP3 for Short Term Let (STL) control areas. Page 67 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 4 Achievements Priority 2: Providing a range of housing options that people can easily access, afford and keep In 2024-25: Supported 1413 households to sustain their tenancy through our Tenancy Sustainment Fund, Financial Inclusion Project and Think Yes budget. Supported 35 households in the Private Rented Sector to sustain their tenancies and prevent homelessness and hardship. Published a revised Common Allocations Policy following consultation which includes an enhanced Tenant Downsizing Scheme with the aim of freeing up larger homes for households experiencing overcrowding and clarifying the level of priority for key worker housing. Continued to provide enhanced personalised transitional housing support to 20 homeless households through our Intensive Housing Support service. Supported resettlement of 26 people into secure accommodation. Continued to deliver good outcomes for people experiencing homelessness despite sustained higher levels of demand. The number of live homeless cases remained stable at around 180 with the length of time spent in temporary accommodation and the overall duration of homelessness has remained at sector-leading levels, significantly below national averages. Page 68 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 5 Achievements Priority 3: Delivering housing for people with varying needs In 2024-25: Invested £491,702.66 following OT assessment in 330 minor adaptations and 74 major adaptations for local authority tenants. Supported 148 major adaptations for private tenants and homeowners through our Care and Repair Scheme. Implemented a new Adaptations Policy for Council housing to enhance the quality of life for tenants and maximise availability of housing for people with varying needs. Delivered 4 additional new build homes to support individuals to live independently with outreach support and technology through our Independent Living Panel. Continued to work collaboratively to promote the benefits of technology within a housing setting to enable people to live comfortably and independently in their own home. Rehoused 18 individuals through our Housing OT service into wheelchair accessible and adapted housing. Delivered 1 wheelchair accessible property and 12 adapted properties through our new build programme. In partnership with residents, delivered the first five of 20 new chalets to Double Dykes to replace existing older accommodation, and began wider improvements to the site. Page 69 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 6 Achievements Priority 4: Delivering quality homes with affordable warmth, zero emissions and SMART technology In 2024-25: Implemented the first Perth and Kinross Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) driven by Scotland’s overarching statutory targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and fuel poverty. Supported the implementation of LHEES including through establishing a LHEES Coordination Team and securing funding for a Strategic Heat Network Support Unit. Increased our work with SCARF to deliver our Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) service, providing free and impartial energy efficiency advice to 880 households which resulted in savings for residents, reductions in carbon emissions and removed 9.1% residents from fuel poverty. RSL partners have delivered 49 new build properties which all will benefit from built-in PV panels. RSL partners have improved the condition of existing stock through installation of 79 PV panels and 16 properties with air source heat pumps. £441,681 invested in communal repairs for homeowners through our Missing Shares service. Supported repairs and improvements through a programme of 441 sensors being installed across Council housing stock. Delivered fibre to 63 new build properties in partnership with RSLs. Page 70 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 7 Priorities for 2025-2026 Priority 1 Accelerate delivery of our affordable housing programme of 1,050 homes over the five year LHS period, through our Strategic Housing Investment Plan and actions to build the affordable housing land supply. Continue work on reducing Empty Homes and target investment in areas where housing pressure is evidenced. Continue to support delivery of local Housing Need Assessments and Community-led projects in rural areas. Work to develop Local Living and 20-minute neighbourhood definitions that enable partners, stakeholders, and investors to pursue placemaking which improves connectivity through investment in physical, social, and digital infrastructure. Make a further report on potential for Short Term Let Control Area(s) to the relevant committee. Priority 2 Continue to develop and improve tailored debt advice and welfare assistance to households across Perth and Kinross. Monitor the potential of the tenant incentive scheme to encourage tenants of larger properties to downsize. Continue to explore potential projects to deliver key worker housing in Northern Perthshire. Continue to work with partners to offer housing and support options to refugees in response to national dispersal and resettlement programmes. Increase engagement with private landlords in Perth and Kinross to improve awareness of proposed PRS reforms and investment regarding energy efficiency measures. Page 71 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 8 Priorities for 2025-2026 Priority 3 Ensure planning policy, placemaking and housing investment contribute to health and wellbeing, particularly through development in rural areas in partnership with RSLs and HSCP. Develop and implement Dementia Friendly design for social rented newbuild developments. Engage with developers to encourage more wheelchair accessible homes delivered through the Private Sector. All tenure wheelchair (Private) target to be considered for LDP3 for all sites. Continue to progress core and cluster projects through Independent Living Panel. Continue to use, where required, the Buyback Scheme to purchase ‘particular / adaptable homes’ for households with varying needs to ensure existing adapted properties are matched to households with specific requirements. Priority 4 Support implementation of LHEES Delivery Plan to improve energy efficiency across all tenures. Encourage more third sector organisations to engage in the provision of energy advice and support. Continue with training and developing the understanding of current and future skills and training requirements of the construction sector to deliver quality homes. Work with Scottish Government and other agencies to improve digital infrastructure particularly in rural communities. Use the learning from the existing Internet of Things pilot ‘Monitoring temperature humidity and CO2 in 50 homes to help tenants manage their energy, reduce fuel poverty and maintain their homes well’ with a view to scale it up. Page 72 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 9 LHS Outcome 1: Providing more affordable homes to support liveable and sustainable communities Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Tayside HNDA 2022, Perth and Kinross Housing Supply Targets 2022+, Planning Advice Note (PAN) 2/2010: Affordable Housing and Land Audits, Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), ‘A Place to Stay, A Place to Call Home: a Strategy for the Private Rented Sector in Scotland’, Public Health Priority, Scotland’s National Performance Network, Creating Places – A Policy Statement on Architecture and Place for Scotland, Designing Streets, Green Infrastructure: Design and Placemaking, Planning Advice Note 77: Designing Safer Places, Community Empowerment Act 2015, Place Standard, Town Centre First Principle, National Planning Framework 4, National Transport Strategy 2. Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Coordinator Progress 2024-2025 1.1 Deliver PKC’s affordable housing programme of 1,050 homes over the next five years 800 affordable homes (Target in LHS 2016- 2021) Urban (53%) / Rural (47%) split Affordable housing completions Monitor the Urban / Rural split to ensure representative distribution Achieve an average of 210 affordable housing completions each year 70% Social Rent (735/1050) 30% other affordable tenure (315/1050 - LCHO, MMR, Self- Build) Maintain 53% / 47% split across urban and rural areas 2027 Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) Registered Social Landlords (RSL) There were 264 affordable housing completions. New Supply PKC New Build 37 RSL New Build 70 Buybacks 116 HRA Purchase 18* Empty Homes as reported in 1.2 23 Total 264 Tenure Social Rent 234 MMR 7 Empty Homes for MMR 23 Total 264 Locality Split Urban 53% Page 73 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 10 Rural 47% *18 properties previously owned by the National Trust for Scotland in Dunkeld were purchased by PKC using funding from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Scottish Government Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) comprises a range of funding mechanisms to enable affordable housing providers to deliver homes for social rent, mid -market rent, and low-cost home ownership to support the LHS. AHSP funding allocated to RSLs per year is higher than funding allocated to PKC, which results in more RSL new build completions than PKC. Further localised targets for both urban and rural areas will be reflected in the SHIP report in October 2025. Page 74 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 11 1.2 Develop an Empty Homes Action Plan which targets investment in areas where housing pressure is evidenced Current Empty Homes evidence Current pressure analysis and local housing systems analysis Number of empty homes brought back into use Develop evidence base to demonstrate areas of housing pressure Consultation with stakeholders and partners on action plan development Develop and implement action plan Ongoing 2024 2025 Place Development (Steven Macdonald) Housing (Martin Smith) 93 properties (included in this is 23 properties supported by the Empty Homes Initiative) brought back into use through a variety of grants and initiatives. The Empty Homes Initiative Grants are distributed to enable long- term empty properties to be brought up to the Repairing Standard and used again as affordable housing as outlined in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. Grants of up to £7,500 per bedroom are available and are awarded on a discretionary basis, subject to availability. This funding is separate from the Scottish Government Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding as reported in 1.1. The Empty Homes Initiative is effective and is considered to be an exemplar model within Scotland. It is not currently clear what value an Action Plan or Strategy Page 75 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 12 would have but this is being kept under review. 1.3 Maximise the potential to generate more homes through brownfield regeneration which encourages mixed developments and change of use for vacant properties Vacant and Derelict Land Register Housing Land Audit Number of completions on brownfield regeneration sites Number of homes created as a result of use for vacant properties Develop a register of potential brownfield regeneration sites Develop a register of potential sites that would be suitable as housing subject to change of use Evaluate sites in line with SHIP criteria Carry out feasibility studies as required Deliver 50% affordable homes through brownfield regeneration and change of use for vacant properties 2023 2023 Ongoing Ongoing 2027 Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Brenda Murray) Place Development (Steven Macdonald) Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) The Urban Capacity and Brownfield Study continues to progress and inform the Vacant and Derelict Land Register and PKC acquisitions. We undertook a phase of consultation and design of the former Balhousie Primary School on Dunkeld Road, Perth using our Sustainable Inclusive Homes Net Zero Carbon Design Guide which details construction innovation and house design for affordable homes. The project is projected to create 46 new build social rented homes, including for those with amenity and ambulant design requirements. 1.4 Seek opportunities to deliver a wider range of affordable housing options e.g., intermediate Average number of completions for each tenure per annum Number of homes delivered by each tenure Carry out feasibility studies Identify and develop partnerships to deliver wider range of affordable housing options Ongoing Ongoing Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) Registered Social Landlords See 1.1 for update on completions Self-Build Register has 30 expressions of interest registered to date Page 76 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 13 housing, LCHO and affordable self-build etc. Establish a Self-Build Register and identify self-build opportunities using the Development Management process. Increase range of affordable housing options in rural areas working in partnership with private estates, landowners, developers, funders, and local communities Undertake a targeted Housing Needs Assessments Programme (HNAP) in rural settlements where tackling a lack of AH has been identified as a priority in Community Action Plans (CAPs) Work in partnership with rural housing specialists to enable Community Development Trusts to secure subsidy from Scottish Land Fund (SLF) and Rural Housing Fund (RHF), private and other funding sources to 2023 Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 4 Housing Need Assessments were completed across rural areas. Progressing 4 community- led projects with an estimated 30 homes planned (Aberfeldy; Kinloch Rannoch; Ballinluig) Pitlochry Area Projects Feasibility Study include 3 Projects in SHIP with a site start and completion now in 2029/30. Page 77 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 14 develop community- led housing projects Aim to deliver, via a community-led approach, up to 100 new affordable homes of various types and tenures that reflect HNAP outputs, to be delivered to Design Guide Standard over the period of the strategy 2027 1.5 Continue to develop partnership working to ensure collaborative investment approach towards locality leadership and place planning processes through Community Action Plans and Local Place Plans Existing community planning structures Current partnership projects Collaborative approaches to investment developed Joint projects identified and progressed Develop and implement capacity building opportunities to support master planning, delegated decision making and budget management Develop clear definitions for lifetime 20-minute neighbourhoods that enable partners, stakeholders, and investors to pursue placemaking which improves connectivity through investment in physical, social, and digital infrastructure Evaluation of existing structures to identify opportunities that will Ongoing 2026 2027 Place Development (Steven Macdonald) Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Nicola Sworowski) The LDP3 has progressed with the Evidence Report being submitted to the Scottish Government for assessment. As work continues on the Proposed Plan, further work will be undertaken on Local Living and 20- min neighbourhoods that will be incorporated into the LDP3. Local Place Plans were encouraged and two areas have submitted plans so far. Page 78 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 15 empower local teams to make a difference within their communities 1.6 Embed the values of the Perth and Kinross Offer to ensure investment and commitment across Services to develop and deliver the LHS Action Plan Existing structures and groups Demonstrate delivery of Perth and Kinross Offer Develop and improve existing structures to pursue innovation in placemaking, master planning, construction innovation and housing design Develop collaborative partnerships which test innovation in housing design and modern methods of construction 2023 Ongoing Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) A workshop was held in January 2025 to mark the midway point of the LHS, and to have an opportunity to hear how work is progressing, and considering current challenges, how we plan to prioritise areas of the LHS over the next two years. 60 stakeholders attended the workshop representing a collective of public, private, third and community sectors sharing valuable insight to help ensure our LHS continues to deliver positive housing outcomes for Perth and Kinross and the people who live here. Through the workshop, existing actions were reviewed and enhanced through including additional leads / coordinators and Page 79 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 16 milestones to ensure actions can be achieved by 2027. These will be reflected in the next annual update for 2026. A summary of the workshop is available to view here. Quarterly newsletters providing updates on LHS progress have been circulated online to stakeholders and elected members between April 2024 and March 2025. 1.7 Planning policy to be developed through LDP3 where appropriate for Short Term Let (STL) control areas Number of Short Term Lets by postcode district and HMA Outcome of analysis of impact of STLs on Housing Pressures, House Price, PRS, ASB, Community, Amenities and Facilities, Tourism, Economy Complete feasibility study in relation to STL Control Area Community Consultation Local Development Plan Policy to be developed and implemented where appropriate for STL Control Areas 2023 2026 Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Nicola Sworowski) A proposal for a Short Term Let Control Area was submitted to Economy and Infrastructure Committee in August 2024 seeking approval to commence the formal statutory process to introduce a Short-term Let Control Area informed by the results of the 2023 non- statutory consultation on the principle of a Control Area, and updated research by housing experts Arneil Johnston using the Licence register Page 80 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 17 of short-term lets (STLs). The Committee rejected the recommendations. Officers were asked to reconsider the planning considerations of the proposal and this was submitted to Full Council in May 2025 where it was agreed to commence the formal statutory process to introduce a Short-term Let Control Area in Northern Perthshire. 1.8 Pursue a pro- active master planning approach to assist development of planning and development frameworks and use powers where necessary to acquire land and property LDP2 and Housing Land Audit Master Plans in place Use placemaking principles to engage urban and rural landowners, developers, and providers Identify opportunities and adopt Master Planning approach to effective land supply where appropriate Ongoing Ongoing Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Nicola Sworowski) Estates (Jonathan Janes) The LDP3 has progressed with the Evidence Report being submitted to the Scottish Government for assessment. Work on the Proposed Plan is on- going and will incorporate masterplans for development sites. The New Build Delivery Group continue to identify potential sites for affordable housing-led redevelopment, including use of public-sector assets, and engaging with urban and rural landowners and developers. Page 81 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 18 LHS Outcome 2: Providing a range of housing options that people can easily access, afford, and keep Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan, Equally Safe -Scotland’s Strategy for Preventing and Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls and the Equally Safe Delivery Plan, Perth and Kinross Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, Scottish Social Housing Charter. Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Co- ordinator Progress 2024-2025 2.1 Ensure that tailored debt advice and welfare assistance is available to those most in need at an appropriate time Existing services Number of households assisted Services Provided Households assisted Income generated via assistance Review existing services provided and develop promotional opportunities to raise awareness of these 2024 Welfare Rights (Nicola Sutherland) Income Maximisation (Mark Weir) Community Learning and Development (Susan Guild) Private Sector Team (Jennifer Kent) Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Tenancy Sustainment Fund provided 564 households with a financial payment toward their rent arrears balance. The total budget was £203k. Financial Inclusion Project delivered by CAB supported a total of 677 tenants with a financial gain for those referred of £784,052. Our Think Yes budget supported a total of 172 households with a spend of £29,950. This £30k fund is used by Locality Housing Teams to provide assistance in meeting the costs of moving into a new home Page 82 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 19 and the one-off unexpected costs. Supported 35 households in the PRS to sustain their tenancies through the Private Sector Sustainment Fund with a spend of £37521.24. 2.2 Develop a range of options that achieve a better match of households to homes Current options New and improved options available Review mutual exchange process and raise awareness Review and enhance the tenant incentive scheme to encourage tenants of large properties to downsize 2023 2024 Housing (Martin Smith) Registered Social Landlords A revised Common Allocations Policy was approved by the Housing & Social Wellbeing Committee in January 2025. The new Policy takes affect from 1 April 2025 and includes an enhanced Tenant Downsizing Scheme which will be run as a 'test of change' project during 2025/26. This will initially be limited to PKC tenants and will offer cash and non-cash incentives up to the value of £2,000. If successful, the scheme will free-up larger accommodation which can be allocated to households experiencing overcrowding. 2.3 Review existing evidence base and consider Existing Build to Rent Models Review and feasibility study complete Complete review Carry out feasibility study and evaluate findings 2024 2024 Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) The review identified Build to Rent as a form of private market rent (PRS) Page 83 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 20 feasibility of Build to Rent models to deliver high quality, energy efficient market rent options that could be a positive contributor to more diverse market tenures. At a national level investment activity is currently low due to regulatory uncertainty. Officers will monitor the national climate and support interest in Perth and Kinross for developments in the future. 2.4 Continue to work with partners to offer housing and support options to refugees in response to national dispersal and resettlement programmes Existing housing and support provision Current national dispersal and resettlement programmes Number of refugees provided with accommodation and support Continue to respond and support requirements in relation to national programmes Ongoing Housing (Martin Smith / Jennifer Kent) One Afghan family have been resettled through the UKRS and a further two properties are matched to Afghan families. These 3 families contain a total of 26 people. Currently 22 non-UK nationals in temporary accommodation having presented as homeless. Several of these are former asylum seekers who have had positive decisions on their asylum claims and have been granted refugee or humanitarian protection status. We are still seeing higher levels of Page 84 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 21 homelessness presentations from EU nationals than was the case pre-Brexit. Immigration in the broadest sense is now a significant and growing pressure in terms of the Housing Crisis/Emergency. 2.5 Enhance personalised transitional housing support to homeless households with moderate to high support needs from temporary or supported accommodation to settled housing Existing house support provision Average number of households with moderate to high needs provided with support per annum Model developed Number of households assisted Develop and implement model of enhanced personalised transitional housing support 2023 Housing (Martin Smith) The Intensive Housing Support Service was launched in October 2023 and is ongoing. The service is subject to a 2- year contracts which runs to October 2025 with an optional 12-month extension. The plan is to extend the service to March 2026 in line with the separate Floating Housing Support service which needs to be recommissioned. The service is operating at capacity with around 20 service-users being supported. 2.6 Increase engagement with private landlords in Perth and Kinross to Current Landlord engagement opportunities Number of engagement opportunities provided Develop and implement framework of engagement opportunities for private landlords 2024/25 Licensing (Karen Engelberts) Private Sector Team (Aleksandra Pater) Advice and assistance continue to be provided to landlords on request or in response to complaints. Market conditions for the private- Page 85 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 22 improve awareness of proposed PRS reforms and funding options that may be available to invest in energy efficiency measures in PRS homes e.g., Home Energy Scotland, interest free loans Sources of information on responsibilities and future reforms Number of landlords supported Information source developed Environmental Health (Kirsty Steven) rented sector remain challenging and there is still an absence of detailed information or guidance available about energy efficiency expectations for private landlords. There is good communication between the Teams who deliver services for private landlords and engagement opportunities will be designed and delivered in a collaborative way when this is considered to be required or beneficial. 2.7 Continue to improve the Council’s approach to Rapid Rehousing via the Home First model RRTP 2022/23 Successful delivery of RRTP Housing options, support, and homeless prevention services materials available in range of accessible formats and channels Work in partnership to deliver RRTP Lead role in continued development, implementation, and delivery of RRTP Sustain or improve performance in relation to RRTP locally agreed targets for; o Number of homeless households waiting for an offer of secure accommodation Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Housing (Martin Smith) The future of Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans is unclear as a transition to rapid rehousing is no longer a realistic ambition for most local authorities. However, our RRTP remains fit for purpose in terms of the general objectives and targets. The Plan will be reviewed, taking account of any new guidance from the Scottish Government, but our ‘Home First’ approach to Page 86 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 23 o Average length of stay in temporary accommodation o Average homeless case duration Provide communication materials in accessible formats to raise public awareness of available of housing options, support, and homelessness prevention services Review existing advice and information Identify communication formats and channels required Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements Develop and implement improved materials, formats, and channels of communication 2024 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 homelessness will continue. In 2024/25, there were 861 new homelessness presentations, an increase of 0.6%. The number of live homeless cases (people waiting for permanent housing) remained stable at around 180 and the average case duration and average length of stay in temporary accommodation remained at sector- leading levels, significantly below national averages. LHS Outcome 3: Delivering housing for people with varying needs Page 87 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 24 Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Public Health Priority, National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes, 2022 Tayside HNDA, Good Mental Health for All, Keys to Life, Age, Home and Community –The Next Phase, Scottish Strategy for Autism, Race Equality Action Plan, Site Standards -Scottish Government guidance on minimum sites standards and site tenants' core rights and responsibilities, Scottish Social Housing Charter, Improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers 2019-21, Foundations for well-being: Reconnecting Public Health and Housing, Perth and Kinross Council Housing Contribution Statement, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Plan 2019-2022 / 2020-25, Perth and Kinross Sustainable Inclusive Homes Net Zero Carbon Design Guide 2023, Perth and Kinross Care and Repair and Scheme of Assistance. Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Coordinator Progress 2024-2025 3.1 Ensure planning policy, placemaking and housing investment programmes contribute to improved and sustainable homes, outdoor space, health, and wellbeing for all households including those with varying needs Local Development Plan Number of Care and Repair Services Adaptations SHIP completions Common Allocations Policy Delivery of SHIP including Independent Living projects Delivery Care and Repair Delivery of Adaptations Housing Options advice and assistance provided PKC New Build Design Guide Prepare LDP3 and PKC Mobility Strategy Encourage the pre- planning of PKC's property adaptations at the void stage to enable early management of adaptations budgets and programme Effective review, referral, prioritisation, and promotion of Occupational Therapy (OT) provision for all tenures to support the delivery of property adaptations Review Allocation Policy and Procedures Develop and implement Dementia Friendly design for 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 Housing (Nicola Lennon / Martin Smith) HSCP / Independent Living Panel Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Nicola Sworowski) Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) Registered Social Landlords The LDP3 continues to progress with first major milestone of submission of Evidence Report to Scottish Government and approval at Full Council on 5th March 2025. Informed by Big Place Conversation. The Mobility Strategy approved by Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 23 October 2024 included approval of 11 transport planning objectives (TPOs) which will support this action in terms of ensuring that future housing developments have adequate multi-modal Page 88 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 25 social rented newbuild developments Develop information, advice, and support in relation to provision of housing and related services for older people and those with dementia which enhance independence Engage with developers to encourage more wheelchair accessible homes delivered through the Private Sector. All tenure wheelchair (Private) target to be considered for LDP3 for all sites. Make improvements to Gypsy Traveller sites including energy efficiency chalets and renewable energy sources. Contribute to enabling greater tenure choice and avoid crisis interventions at a later stage by testing the development of flexible tenure models and developing a housing 2025 2025 2027 2027 transport links that enable access. Invested £491,702.66 in PKC Adaptations: 330 PKC Minor Adaptations and 74 PKC Major Adaptations. Completed 148 major adaptations through Care & Repair with an annual spend of £639,988.12 for grant approvals. Carried out 2508 Housing Options advice and assistance interviews. Revised Occupational Therapy (OT) / Adaptations Policy implemented following review. RSL Partners Hillcrest and Kingdom completed 12 major and 22 minor adaptations. Caledonia have not provided their adaptation figures. Ark have had 0 in Perth and Kinross. Page 89 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 26 options guide for older households and those with dementia The first five of 20 new replacement energy- efficient chalets arrived at Double Dykes permanent Gypsy / Traveller site in March 2025, a significant milestone in the £6.5m refurbishment project. Major additional improvement works are being carried out in full consultation and engagement with residents, with the project expected to be completed by September 2025. 3.2 Continue to improve working relationships, training, collaboration and knowledge exchange on equalities, advice and care and support services to enable independent living across Existing training and collaboration opportunities Existing knowledge exchange Register of information in relation to equalities, advice and Number of ILP meetings and matches Number of joint training opportunities Information/knowledge hub sharing Number of promotional opportunities to highlight ILP and Accommodation Guide to Independent Living Ensure all information and advice is available in accessible formats Review Accommodation Guide to Independent Living Develop information/knowledge hub of information and advice available Identify joint training opportunities and support delivery of same 2024 2024 2024 2024 Independent Living Panel (ILP) The Independent Living Panel (ILP) continues to meet monthly to discuss referrals for supported accommodation and match or refer individuals to suitable housing options. The ILP informs the Council’s new build housing programme (see also 1.1) to ensure, where possible, new build housing can meet Page 90 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 27 Perth and Kinross care and support Identify collaboration opportunities across equalities, care, support, and independent living, carry out feasibility studies where appropriate and delivery of same where outcomes indicate these are required 2024 the need for supported accommodation in future. The ILP also continues to offer signposting at an early stage to help people understand what housing and support they may need in future. ILP met 12 times and matched 5 referrals to various accommodation. The Accommodation Guide was reviewed and updated in line with accommodation options available. ILP and Accommodation Guide highlighted through 2 public events. An ILP Development Day is scheduled for May 2025 to identify joint training and further collaborative opportunities. See also 3.3 Page 91 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 28 3.3 Work jointly with agencies to ensure future housing developments address barriers to employment and link to transport and childcare provision in the delivery of person-centred care and support services, with a focus on areas of deprivation and rural communities Current workforce capacity Evidence bases in relation to transport and accessibility issues in remote rural areas 5% Rural communities HSCP Workforce Plan Housing Contribution Statement (HCS) PKC New Build Design Guide Workforce capacity increased Evidence of improved transport and accessibility Increase in person- centred care and support in areas of deprivation and rural communities Development of Independent Living projects Implementation / Adoption of PKC New Build Design Guide Implementation of PKC Mobility Strategy Progress core and cluster projects through Independent Living Panel which provide additional staff base / office space, and explore inclusion of other communal spaces Scope, develop and implement use of outreach and digital services Engage HSCP and Third Sector in promotion of PKC Mobility Strategy Update Housing Contribution Statement (HCS) Work with delivery partners to ensure that all new affordable homes meet standards set out in 4.1 External Spaces of PKC Net Zero Design Guide/Perth and Kinross Standard 2023. Take account of workforce capacity, transport and accessibility issues and site locations in Ongoing Ongoing 2024 2024-25 2027 2027 Planning, Transport and Housing Strategy (Nicola Sworowski) Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) HSCP Independent Living Panel (ILP) Mobility Strategy (Carlyn Morilly) Registered Social Landlords 4 new build cottage flats completed by RSL partner Kingdom HA in partnership with HSCP for individuals matched through ILP as requiring supported accommodation with TEC and staffing requirements. The ILP is currently working towards the transition of individuals moving into this accommodation, as well as working to inform future projects for independent living set out in the SHIP. Page 92 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 29 preparation of LDP3 and 20 min neighbourhood analysis 3.4 Continue to work collaboratively to promote the benefits, increase awareness and make better use of technology within a housing setting to enable people to live comfortably and independently in their own home Current assistive technology in use within housing Number of households receiving assistive technology Information/knowledge hub in relation to assistive technology Information and advice guide developed Develop information/knowledge hub in relation to assistive technology Consider / create development of ‘showcase’ property to demonstrate assistive technology available Develop and promote advice and information guide Ongoing Ongoing 2024 HSCP TEC (Anthony Clark) See update for 3.3 Updated data on devices via TEC webpage and continue to develop interactive experience within Smart Flat. Regular updates provided to carer forum. Attended community and NHS events, promoting availability and uses of TEC currently available. Discussions held on proactive approach to support residence and providers of residential and sheltered accommodation further. Review of HSCP website underway with a view to update and implement governance on content updates. Page 93 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 30 3.5 All affordable homes are built to revised HfVN standard and New Build Design Guide, with a minimum 10% of all affordable homes being built to wheelchair and adaptable standard Revised HfVN Standards Affordable Completions Average wheelchair completions per annum Existing flexible tenure models Need and demand for flexible tenure models Completions built to revised HfVN Standards Wheelchair Completions Research and testing complete 10% wheelchair homes delivered Determine future targets across all particular requirements through collaboration with key partners and service users (person centred) Test and research flexible tenure models for households with varying needs to create individual housing journeys as their needs and circumstances change Implement revised Housing for Varying Needs (HfVN) standard and New Build Design Guide Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 2025 Housing (Nicola Lennon) Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) Registered Social Landlords 1 wheelchair completion (0 PKC & 1 RSL) 12 ambulant completions (0 PKC & 12 RSL) Housing OT undertaken assessments for wheelchair users and 18 people have been rehoused into Council (13) and RSL (5) housing. Revised HfVN Guidance has not been published in 2024-25. PKC will adopt new guidance subject to further revisions and publication. 3.6 Consider widening the Buyback Scheme to purchase ‘particular / adaptable homes’ for households with varying needs to ensure existing adapted properties are Number of households whose needs are currently unable to be met Number of properties purchased to meet identified need Number of households receiving ‘particular / adaptable homes’ that meets their needs Review scope of Open Market Purchase Scheme to include purchases of ’particular / adaptable homes’ which are non- ex-Council properties Identify existing adapted properties on open market for sale Identify existing private sector properties with adaptations 2023 2024 2024 Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) The Buyback Policy was reviewed and includes a key outcome to support Health & Social Care to meet the accommodation needs of clients with complex and specific support requirements as identified by the Independent Living Panel. Page 94 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 31 matched to households with specific requirements Identify number and location of households whose needs cannot be met through existing social rented stock or by an in-situ solution. 2024 We undertook a phase of consultation and design of the former Balhousie Primary School on Dunkeld Road, Perth using our Sustainable Inclusive Homes Net Zero Carbon Design Guide. The project is projected to create 46 new build social rented homes, including for those with amenity and ambulant design requirements. 3.7 Work with Gypsy/Traveller community members to have a better understanding of their accommodation needs and preferences and explore and develop workable solutions HNDA Specialist Provision Chapter Scottish Government GT Count Local authority GT Information (LA Sites, Unauthorised Encampments etc) Forthcoming Gypsy Number of engagement opportunities Improved understanding of needs and preferences Workable solutions in place Update the Gypsy Traveller Action Plan: Continue to develop engagement opportunities with GT community Organise engagement events/surveys Scope out accommodation needs and preferences along with solutions Pilot delivery of proposed solutions where feasible Pursue the establishment of a transient site for Gypsy Travellers 2023 Ongoing Ongoing 2024 2024-27 2027 Housing (Andrea McCallum) Environmental Health (Kirsty Steven) Equalities (David McPhee) Provision of Gypsy/traveller Transient site progressing. Consultation on Transient Site with Gypsy/Travellers and local businesses has been carried out on proposed site plans. 12 roadside Gypsy/Traveller Encampments monitored and managed by Environmental Team during from 1/4/124 to 31/12/24. Encampments in several locations throughout Page 95 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 32 Traveller Action Plan P&K and for a total period of approx. 20 weeks across the year. Regular engagement with residents at Double Dykes and Bobbin Mill. See also update in Action 3.1. 3.8 Continue to improve PKC's central housing database (NEC Housing) with information of all existing property adaptations and accessibility features to maximise the use of limited resources and match suitable properties to appropriate households NEC Housing Property Information Improved intelligence gathering and reporting via NEC Housing Continue to gather intelligence and populate NEC Housing with existing property adaptations and accessibility features Enhance processes and procedures to ensure that the allocation of properties takes account of system-based intelligence about adaptations and accessibility features Ongoing 2024 Performance and Business (Linda Montgomery) Housing (Jennifer Kent) Work is progressing to provide better intelligence on demand for specific property types and sizes in certain locations to ensure effective use of all the social housing stock in Perth and Kinross. This will also help to identify unmet and future housing need that can then be addressed within the Strategic Housing Investment Plan. LHS Outcome 4: Delivering quality homes with affordable warmth, zero emissions and SMART Technology Supporting National Priorities, Plans and Targets and links to Corporate Plan and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan: Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES), Sustainable Housing: Fuel Poverty and Climate Change Advice Note, Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland Route Map, Fuel Poverty (Targets, Definition, and Strategy) (Scotland) Act 2019, Climate Action Plan (December 2021), Scottish Housing Quality Standard, Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing, Scottish Social Housing Charter, Scottish House Condition Survey, Local House Condition Survey (Council Sector). Page 96 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 33 Action No. Action(s) and Commitments for Outcome Delivery Baseline Indicator or Measure Milestone Target / End Point Action Lead / Co-ordinator Progress 2024-2025 4.1 Support implementation of Perth and Kinross Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) Current Projects LHEES Delivery Plan Energy Efficiency of Council / Social housing stock Energy Efficiency of PRS Properties Current funding opportunities Delivery of Actions within LHEES Delivery Plan LHEES Delivery Plan Developed Work in partnership to deliver identified projects and contribute to delivery and implementation of LHEES Delivery Plan Improving energy efficiency across all tenures by maximising the use of national funding programmes 2023 Ongoing Ongoing Climate Change and Sustainable Development (Divindy Grant / Shelley McCann) LHEES strategy published in July 2024 and the focus has turned to Strategy Delivery. Funding received from Heat Network Support Unit to progress the technical and commercial scope of the Strategic Perth Heat Network. Several other linked projects (e.g. Scalable Cities, IUK One -stop shop. IES Property) are all contributing to Strategy delivery. A new external working group structure is being established to ensure we are working with partners on key actions. Work continues to develop an agile and reactive Delivery Plan for targeting actions and triaging a pipeline of energy projects through to business case aligned to Regional Energy Page 97 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 34 Strategic Plans and DNO grid investment planning via the Local Energy Network Accelerator (LENZA Platform). RSL partners have installed PV panels to 79 existing social housing stock in Perth and Kinross to enhance energy efficiency for their tenants. 4.2 Improve capacity of energy and fuel poverty advice services and improve availability of information on fuel poverty and energy efficiency measures available to front line staff, service providers and to households most in need Current information on support services/sign posting in relation to energy efficiency and property condition Current supports in relation to energy efficiency and property condition Number of households Improved information and advice Accessibility, format and channels for advice and information Number of households accessing information and advice Target advice and support for landlords on how to access sources of funding combined with enforcement of the new standards when they come in Target income maximisation and fuel poverty support to households living in PRS Deliver heating and energy efficiency advice and support directly and through partners as aligned with the LHEES Explore existing data and insight to develop a risk framework to Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Housing (Nicola Lennon / Jennifer Kent) SCARF Energy Advice Network Child Poverty (Margaret Lynch) Data Services (Ewan Walker) Welfare Rights (Nicola Sutherland) 880 P&K households provided with energy efficiency and/or low carbon heating advice (PKC funded SCARF). This has resulted in savings for residents, reductions in carbon emissions and removed 9.1%* of residents from fuel poverty. *Out of the 880 households that Scarf provided with advice, 317 were in fuel poverty – 29 were removed from fuel poverty following Scarf interventions. This is 9.1% out of the 317. Please note this is for Page 98 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 35 currently accessing information households who are financially vulnerable and offer appropriate support Develop process to record number of households accessing information and advice 2024 Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) the Scarf service delivered as a result of the climate change funding which related to the 880 total engagements. Data Services team on behalf of the Child Poverty Working Group published a Child Poverty Risk Framework Report to demonstrate potential of using Council statistics to understand ‘financial need’ across P&K which is being utilised by various teams to target households most in need. 4.3 Build an understanding of the current and future skills and training requirements to “green” the construction sector to ensure we can deliver quality homes with affordable warmth, zero emissions and To be developed To be developed A number of studies are underway at a national and regional level to review the Green Skills opportunity and to define what is required for various sectors including construction. Once these have reported and further analysis has been undertaken at a local level more milestones can be determined. Ongoing / 2027 Housing (Nicola Lennon / Elaine Ritchie / June McColl) Registered Social Landlords Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) Training has been provided to the Repairs Service trades teams regarding renewables e.g. solar panels etc. Smart meters are fitted in every council property when vacant. LED lighting is also fitted in kitchens, rear gardens and close lighting. Climate change training is undertaken as part of Page 99 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 36 SMART technology. Work in partnership with the CITB, local construction companies and training providers including Perth UHI to ensure Perth and Kinross is well placed to provide appropriate re- skilling and training opportunities. Employability & Skills (Andy Brown) Tay Cities Skills Programme (Amparo Echenique) Nicky Inglis (UHI) LIGO training and 21% of repairs staff have completed this. Our Modern Apprentices training with SNIPEF, SECTT and CITB means that we work closely with Perth UHI and Dundee College to ensure our apprentices are fully versed in renewable energy practices. Monthly apprentice progress reports are supplied by each College on the progress of each MA. 4.4 Target investment to homes based on evidence and intelligence gathered Identify existing information (Home Analytics, SHQS sources and information provided) Forthcoming Information sources identified (LHCS, Housing IoT data, 2022 Census, Cold Home App data, etc.) Improved intelligence (Gypsy Traveller Consultation, energy advisors intelligence etc.) Identify and quantify existing information sources Integrate existing and forthcoming information sources Improve understanding of intelligence available, identify gaps and solutions to address these Develop a delivery framework, integrating the outputs of the Risk framework in Action 4.2 2023 2023 2023 2023 Housing (Nicola Lennon) Climate Change and Sustainable Development (Divindy Grant / Shelley McCann) Strategic Energy Programme evidence underlying LHEES, LAEP, Heat Network Zoning published to the LENZA platform to support targeting. Strategic Energy Programme work continues to develop an agile and reactive Delivery Plan for targeting actions and triaging a pipeline of Page 100 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 37 Conduct wider policy review update to map national and local policies, targets and strategies that are linked to, impact, or could be impacted by LHS (including LHEES, Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES), LDP, Local Area Energy Plans (LAEP) etc Align evidence underlying these policies to support policy integration and delivery 2023 2023 energy projects through to business case aligned to Regional Energy Strategic Plans and DNO grid investment planning via the Local Energy Network Accelerator (LENZA Platform) Ofgem funded platform. Work to improve energy digital infrastructure and publishing in the Council supported by the Corporate Data Team. Involves data improvements, aggregation, update and publishing including actions to identify data gaps. 4.5 Undertake a review of the Council’s Scheme of Assistance for private homeowners considering legislative changes Scheme of Assistance Number of households assisted annually Average Annual Spend Scheme of Assistance Reviewed Number of households assisted Annual Spend Review Scheme of Assistance 2024 Housing (Martin Smith) Environmental Health (Kirsty Steven) Missing Shares Officer Scheme of Assistance was reviewed in June 2023 and will only be reviewed again if any relevant updated legislation requires this. The Missing Shares Service received 57 new enquiries with 22 ongoing from previous years and 49 enquiries resolved/closed in this period. A total of 10 Page 101 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 38 buildings were supported with Missing Shares Payments in this period resulting in a repair value of £416,081 with a further 8 buildings supported with completing repairs with a total value of £25,600 with no Missing Shares required. Environmental Health responded to 28 enquiries in relation to both privately owned and rented properties during this period. Carried out 22 house pointing visits following requests from Housing Options team. The extended pilot term for the Missing Shares Service ended in September 2024 and was approved by committee for extension of the provision for a further 3 years until 2027 in order to collate further evidence of the success of the service, with updates to be provided in this period. Page 102 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 39 4.6 Build new affordable housing to enhanced energy efficiency standards and encourage private developers to do so too Newbuild completions (SR and Private) Newbuild completions to Gold Standard (SR and private) LDP Newbuild completions (SR and Private) Increase in newbuild completions to Gold Standard (SR and private) Implement Design Guide to ensure all new affordable housing meet Gold Standard Ensure Design Guide continues to meet SG guidance on sustainability standards and principles 2023/24 2027 Housing (Nicola Lennon) Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) LHS Partner Kingdom HA has built: 49 homes with PV panels 12 of these with wastewater heat recovery 16 homes with air source heat pumps 4.7 Work with Scottish Government and other agencies to improve digital infrastructure particularly in rural communities Existing digital connectivity across rural communities Increased number of rural households digitally connected Explore digital infrastructure opportunities in rural communities Ongoing Economic Development (Graham Pinfield) Housing (Michelle Dow) Communities (David Stokoe) Following the completion of the Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) program, which connected 136 of our buildings primarily in rural areas, PKC is continuing to collaborate with suppliers, government agencies, and other organizations to enhance connectivity. PKC hosted a Digital Engagement Project as part of our SPF funded regional investment initiatives. Officers from Tay Cities area, representing each of the four local authorities, engaged with suppliers to utilise broadband vouchers. This effort Page 103 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 40 aims to actively invest in infrastructure throughout the region, improving full fibre coverage whenever possible, as well as enhancing wireless connections where appropriate. Number of households receiving support: 2012 Number of premises with improved digital connectivity: 241 SBVS* 189 GBVS** A detailed report of the Broadband Voucher Project including maps showing areas where vouchers were claimed is available to view: UKSPF Taycities Digital Voucher Report *Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme **Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme 4.8 Take action to ensure that landlords and households are resilient to the Existing flood and climate change position within PKC Risk assessment of flooding and climate change in relation to Housing complete Understand existing flood and climate change risks Ongoing Ongoing Structures and Flooding (Rick Haynes) South Kinross Flood Protection Scheme: Scottish Government Notified, PKC Confirmed without modifications. Page 104 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 41 possible effects of climate change and flooding and makes a positive contribution to reducing the risks and impacts of flooding and climate change in the longer term. Mitigations identified and action plan developed Identify mitigations and develop and implement action plan Ensure Design Guide continues to reflect ongoing challenges as a result of climate change Ongoing Housing (June McColl) Scottish Flood Forum Planning (Brenda Murray) 194 properties to be protected. The South Kinross FPS has received objections and as such the statutory process is to explore the basis for the objections. ScGov has decided this will be a Local Authority Hearing. The outcome of that LAH is one of the following: Confirmed Scheme with modifications, Confirmed Scheme without modifications, Scheme rejected. Timeline uncertain. South Kinross FPS: Statutory process requires consultation to be undertaken. Comrie Flood Protection Scheme: Advance Construction Works commenced. 189 properties to be protected. Comrie FPS is now being constructed with Page 105 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 42 expected to run until the end of Q2 2025/26. Frequent consultation events pre-construction as part of the information gathering and potential design sharing stages. During construction: Community newsletters issued periodically to cover key milestones. Also, site boards and presence for accessibility. A new regional resilience partnership, Climate Ready Tayside has been developed along with Dundee and Angus Councils to help build individual and community resilience. 4.9 Develop and deliver exemplar pilot projects that incorporate net zero planning across a range of sectors including fabric first, retro fitting Identify potential partners and projects Pilot exemplar projects Identify potential partners and projects Explore feasibility of potential projects Pilot feasible projects and evaluate findings Ongoing Ongoing 2024-27 Housing (Nicola Lennon) Housing Strategy (Kevin Divin) Pilot projects to install LIND battery system and to investigate retrofit opportunities in test blocks of properties at Glengarry Road and Colville House are ongoing. Colville House Project has been given approval to proceed with the Contract Strategy Page 106 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 43 and transport planning etc. now in place and proceeding to obtain a contractor. Glengarry Road project has completed the first phase of works (external) and now the internal work is about to commence onsite. The LIND battery is still in development to achieve a unit of suitable size for a domestic. Housing is continuing to install iOpt Environmental Sensors as an extension to their pilot project and Aico Environmental Sensors continue to be installed in Multi-Storeys, and also in the new chalets at Double Dykes. 4.10 Set out plans to address any local authority domestic stock where abeyances (delayed works due to human SHQS Performance 2021/22 Existing abeyances Improved SHQS Performance Reduction in abeyances Reduction in exemptions Develop and implement plan for addressing SHQS abeyances (for social reasons) and exemptions (subject to technical, disproportionate cost or Ongoing Housing (Nicola Lennon) Registered Social Landlords Data is provided on an annual basis at the time of the ARC return and available to view at the Scottish Housing Regulator Page 107 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 44 or social factors) or exemptions are applied, to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) Existing exemptions legal reasons) in Council stock Work to address SHQS failures or abeyances is always ongoing; it is part of managing our Council housing stock and can change for various reasons. The information collated for this Action is also provided and monitored as part of the SHQS ARC return submitted at the end of May every year. The majority of our SHQS failures relate to EESSH; we have a planned programme to address the EPC Band E and F properties before end of December 2025 in line with Scottish Government requirements. We will then move on to tackling low Band D properties. There will be some Band E and F properties that we are unable to improve given challenges such as lack of tenant access, reluctance to remove solid fuel heating Page 108 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 45 systems and due to the technical nature of the properties e.g. Listed Building requirements. 4.11 Use the learning from the existing Internet of Things pilot ‘Monitoring temperature humidity and CO2 in 50 homes to help tenants manage their energy, reduce fuel poverty and maintain their homes well’ with a view to scale it up. Pilot learning collated Scaled-up Plan developed Scaled-up plan approved Scaled-up plan implemented 2024 2026 Housing (June McColl) Tenant Liaison Officer The Housing Service currently has a total of 441 tenancies with iOpt sensors installed across the mainstream housing stock. All calls to the repairs service reporting issues of condensation, mould or possible dampness have a property inspection appointment scheduled which includes the offer of the installation of sensors. Positive outcomes and feedback have resulted from data collated and relevant action taken as a result. The Housing Service also has approximately 80 Aico sensors installed within multi storey blocks as part of the Capital Multi Storey Page 109 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 46 Refurbishment Project to evidence impact. 4.12 Facilitate the delivery of low- cost, high- speed broadband into social housing in partnership with the private sector and investors using fibre infrastructure roll-out. TBD % of social housing with access to gigabit- capable broadband 10% of social housing by 25% of social housing by 50% of social housing by 60% of social housing by 2024 2025 2026 2027 Economic Development (Graham Pinfield) Registered Social Landlords 63 new build social homes built with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). Page 110 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 47 Glossary Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning Accessible home Home with additional, non-standard features that meets the needs of the occupier. Affordable home / Affordable housing Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework defines this as “Good quality homes that are affordable to people on low incomes. This can include social rented, mid-market rented, shared- ownership, shared equity, housing sold at discount (including plots for self-build), self-build plots and low-cost housing without subsidy.” Affordability Rents are considered to be affordable if a household pays no more than 25%-35% of their income on housing costs AHP Affordable Housing Programme AHSP Affordable Housing Supply Programme Ambulant Non-wheelchair adapted housing for people with disabilities ARC Annual Return on the Charter ASB Anti-Social Behaviour ASHP Air Source Heat Pump Below Market Housing Property where the market rent is below the average market rent for the size and location Brownfield Defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as “a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” The term typically describes areas of land that were once used for commercial or industrial purposes such as factories and warehouses. CAB Citizens Advice Bureau CAP Common Allocations Policy CHR Common Housing Register CLH Community Led Housing Projects are where the following three characteristics are in place: 1) Open, meaningful, community participation and consent takes place throughout the process 2. The community groups owns, manages, or stewards the homes in whichever way they decide 3) The housing development is of true benefit either for the local community, a specific group of people (an intentional community), or both. These benefits should be legally protected in perpetuity. Complex Needs As defined by the Scottish Government ‘Coming Home’ Report 2018, this is used to refer to people with learning disabilities who also have one or more of the following: Severe challenging behaviour (it is noted that this may include behaviour, which is not severe in itself, but becomes severe due to its high frequency) Forensic support needs Mental health needs Autism Profound and multiple disabilities Core and Cluster Typically, a cluster of 6 to 8 homes for people with independent living needs with a core staff based providing 24/7 shared support. COSLA Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Page 111 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 48 Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning CPP Community Planning Partnership EBI Estate-Based Initiatives EESSH Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing EHI Empty Homes Initiative EPC Energy Performance Certificate EqIA Equalities Impact Assessment EST Energy Savings Trust FIT Feed In Tariff Floating Housing Support services A short-term, flexible, responsive service aimed at enabling vulnerable individuals who are at potential risk of losing their tenancy to live independently or to maximise their independence. GIRFEC Getting it Right for Every Child Greenfield A greenfield site is an undeveloped land that can be used for commercial or residential development. HAG Housing Association Grant HCS Housing Contribution Statement HEAT Home Energy Advice Team commissioned by PKC and provided by SCARF HEEPS-ABS Home Energy Efficiency Programmes Scotland - Area-Based Scheme HES Home Energy Scotland HfVN Housing for Varying Need HHCRO Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation HIBS Heat in Buildings Strategy HLR Housing Land Requirement HMA Housing Market Area HMO House in Multiple Occupation HNDA Housing Need and Demand Assessment Home First model In Perth and Kinross, Home First provides a settled home as a first response when homelessness occurs with the aim of minimising the impact of homelessness for individuals and families, avoiding the stigma, cost, and uncertainty of temporary accommodation where possible. See Advice for people who are or become homeless - Perth and Kinross Council (pkc.gov.uk) HOSA Housing Options Self-Assessment Tool Housing Stock The total number of houses and flats in an area. HRA Housing Revenue Account HSCP Health and Social Care Partnership HST The Housing Supply Target is a policy view of the number of homes PKC has agreed will be delivered in each housing market area over the periods of the Local Development Plan and the Local Housing Strategy. It considers wider economic, social, and environmental factors, issues of capacity, resources, and deliverability. ILP Perth and Kinross Independent Living Panel IOT Internet of Things Page 112 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 49 Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning Intermediate Housing Refers to privately rented housing that is below the cost of market rented housing but above the cost of housing for social rent. Sometimes called mid-market rent or below market rent. LAEP Local Area Energy Plans LCHO Low Cost Home Ownership LDP Local Development Plan Learning Disability The keys to life explains this is a significant lifelong condition which is present prior to the age of 18 and which has a significant effect on a person’s development. People with a learning disability will need more support than their peers to: Understand information Learning skills and Lead independent lives LHA Local Housing Allowance LHCS Local House Condition Survey LHEES Local Housing Energy Efficiency Scheme LHS Local Housing Strategy Mainstream Housing General needs housing is housing with no adaptations or particular features and can be of various sizes and types. MAPPA Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements Market Housing Housing in a community which has rent or payment at a rate at or near Average Market Rent Missing Share Local authorities have the power to pay 'missing shares' when 1) one or more owners are unwilling or unable to pay 2) the owner cannot be found after reasonable enquiries 3) it is unreasonable to ask an owner to pay where a minority of owners do not pay their share of common repairs MMR Mid-Market Rent OT Occupational Therapy Out of Area This is when a person with support needs is living within a placement that is not within their own funding authority and could include living in either an NHS or private hospital. Owner-occupied Property which is lived in by people who have bought it rather than people who pay rent PRS Private Rented Sector RHI Renewable Heat Incentive RRTP Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan RSL Registered Social Landlord (Housing Association) RTO Registered Tenant Organisation SCARF Save Cash and Reduce Fuel SDP Strategic Development Plan SDS Self-Directed Support Self-Build Homes built or commissioned by individuals or groups of individuals for their own use. Homes built this way, offer a unique alternative to standard market housing, and offer the opportunity to create innovative, greener, and more affordable homes than currently offered through standard housing options. Page 113 of 186
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Perth and Kinross LHS Annual Progress Report 2024-2025 June 2025 50 Acronym / Word / Term Definition / Meaning SG Scottish Government SGN Scottish Gas Networks SHCS Scottish House Condition Survey SHIP Strategic Housing Investment Plan SHQS Scottish Housing Quality Standard. The SHQS was introduced in 2004 and is the main way to measure housing quality in the social rented sector. It is the minimum standard which all social rented properties must meet SHR Scottish Housing Regulator Shared Equity A type of housing tenure where ownership is shared between the occupier and a third party, usually a council or Scottish Government SLES Smart Local Energy Systems SMART technology Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology include sensors and devices, systems and applications that use WiFi and technology to help support with a range of housing related services which can range from everyday practical tasks, independent living, and ensuring the home environment is energy efficient. Social Housing Properties provided by local authorities or Housing Associations which are more affordable than housing on the open market. STLs Short Term Lets Supported Housing This is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of housing- based options for people with support needs. See Accommodation Guide to Independent Living for more info. TEC Technology Enabled Care Tenure Refers to legal method of housing ownership and occupation, for example, owner occupied, private rented, below market rent, shared equity, social rent, shared ownership. ‘All tenure’ refers to all housing assets across the tenure categories listed above VAWP Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership Page 114 of 186
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Housing & Social Wellbeing Committee Date of Meeting: 11 June 2025 Report Title: Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 2025-2027 Report Number: 25/157 Report Author: Kirsty Steven, Principal Officer, Environmental Health Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead – Housing & Communities 1. Purpose 1.1 This report seeks agreement on the adoption and implementation of Tayside’s Joint Health Protection Plan 2025-2027 (TJHPP), see Appendix 1. 1.2 This plan provides an overview of the public protection measures across NHS Tayside and the partner Local Authorities for the period of the plan, in relation to: Health protection priorities, provision, and preparedness. The joint working arrangements in place for the protection of public health across Tayside. Ongoing mechanisms to improve the level of “preparedness” in relation to responding effectively to health protection incidents and emergencies. Developing learning across the agencies. Ensuring methods for reviewing and recording outcomes and achievements. 1.3 Appendix 2 contains an action plan which highlights PKC’s core activities, including programmed actions and predicted reactive response mechanisms to ensure the outcomes of the plan are met. This plan also highlights emerging issues requiring ongoing consideration in terms of future preparedness. 7 Page 115 of 186
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2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Agrees the adoption and implementation of the TJHPP 2025-27 and provides an authorised signatory to approve the plan on behalf of PKC. 2.2 Supports the attached action plan objectives to ensure the outcomes of the plan can be met by PKC. 2.3 Acknowledges the ongoing requirements to ensure preparedness in terms of emerging issues. 3. Background/Context 3.1 In accordance with the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008, NHS boards and local authorities (LAs) have a duty to co-operate in exercising their functions to protect public health. This includes the production and implementation of a Joint Health Protection Plan every two years. This is the fifth edition of the TJHPP. 3.2 The latest plan created by NHS Tayside Health Protection Team, in consultation with the three Tayside local authorities, details an overview of the core health protection functions across the NHS Board area. 3.3 The TJHPP has already been approved by NHS Tayside, but to be concluded requires approval and sign off by an authorised signatory from each of the three Tayside Local Authorities. Once full approval is reached the plan will be publicly available. 3.4 NHS Tayside and PKC maintain ongoing collaborative working and learning arrangements, along with all other relevant agencies responsible for public protection associated with animal/human & environmental health risks. Such agencies include the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water (SW), the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR), Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS). 3.5 As part of these joint working arrangements prevention measures and rapid responses to incidents are manage based on agreed national and local health protection plans. These plans cover a variety of potential incidents, examples include the Scottish Waterborne Hazard Plan, the Pandemic Flu Plan and Health Protection Incident Response Plan. 3.6 In addition several areas of PKC’s core health protection functions are regularly audited by external agencies, including the Drinking Water Quality Regulator in relation to private water supplies, food safety by the FSS and air quality monitoring and management by SEPA and the Scottish Government. Page 116 of 186
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4. Main Issues 4.1 The core health protection functions within PKC are provided by the Environmental Health & Food/Health & Safety Teams, and primarily involve: • Ensuring the safety and quality of food, water, air, land, and the general environment. • Preventing the transmission of infectious disease (e.g. E. coli/Salmonella/Legionella); and • Managing outbreaks and other incidents which threaten the health of the public. However, there are a variety of other work streams undertaken by PKC teams, mentioned in the TJHPP and detailed in the action plan, that tackle the wider determinants of health. Examples include reactive work associated with poor housing standards, the investigation of statutory nuisance or health & safety incidents, and the proactive work by Trading Standards regarding scams and vapes. 4.2 Many aspects of local authorities’ health protection work is statutory. It largely involves monitoring, inspection, surveillance, sampling and the investigation and resolution of issues/incidents across a broad scope of both programmed (preventative) and reactive activities, often combining education/engagement/ enforcement actions. 4.3 Although there are similar health protection risks across the whole of Tayside, each local authority has its own unique profile, and these health protection considerations are recognised within the plan. For Perth & Kinross Council examples include: the substantial number of rural private water supplies, the variety of food businesses and the air quality issues in Perth City. It also acknowledges those vulnerable groups employed in local food processing facilities or agricultural work where health inequalities associated with the wider determinants of health are often more prevalent. 4.4 To fulfil the above duties requires a rich and diverse skill set from officers with ‘can do’ attitudes to deal with complex problems. These competencies range from empathy and understanding, speaking to family of extremely unwell cases to the formal enforcement of legal requirements with local businesses. 4.5 Similar to the other two Tayside LA’s PKC relies on our emergency response process and the co-operation and action by officers out with working hours. In terms of capacity, officer numbers under the public protection remit mirror Angus Council’s but are lower than that of Dundee City Council. 4.6 Horizon Scanning & the determination of emerging threats is primarily a core function of NHS Tayside but requires collaboration with LAs in the development of resilience and emergency plans. Page 117 of 186
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4.7 Examples include pandemic preparedness in relation to the ongoing threat of avian influenza or horizon scanning regarding the risks to vulnerable populations, such as TB or vaccine preventable diseases. 4.8 The migration of diseases north from warmer continents due to climate change remain under close national scrutiny, particularly in relation to ticks and mosquitoes. 4.9 More modern activities are also giving rise to increased concerns regarding the supply of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as facial fillers/fat dissolvers or the impacts of emerging novel food trends. However, these rapidly developing areas are often difficult to deal with where the legislation has not caught up with the science or public demand. 5. Proposals 5.1 In approving the TJHPP, PKC recognises and supports the well-established and positive working relationship between PKC and NHS Tayside in collaboratively monitoring and managing health events through optimisation of capacity and powers across the two agencies. 5.2 The action plan within Appendix 2 provides an insight into the robust methods of preparedness/prevention and response by PKC. There is a strong investment in programmed monitoring, inspection and sampling work to identify issues at source and reduce the more costly demand on services in reacting to incidents/outbreaks, or pressures on the NHS in treating ill health. 5.3 Through the work detailed in the action plan there is a constant gathering of valuable data and intelligence which not only highlights local issues but is shared to inform the national picture in terms of horizon scanning for emerging issues and the development of future actions. 5.4 Many of the topic areas within the TJHPP and the action plan are evolving work streams but highlights the ongoing need for officers to continue to do what we are good at, on a day-to-day basis, to protect public health. 6. Conclusion 6.1 Life expectancy has stalled, the nation is living unhealthier lives and becoming sicker earlier, health inequalities are rising, and public health issues and interventions are becoming more complex. 6.2 Therefore, it is essential that PKC remains committed to adequately resourcing and effectively undertaking the preventative and reactive functions required to tackle both the acute and chronic conditions affecting local public health within this plan, and beyond. 6.3 This plan also provides an opportunity to add value to the shared goals of PKC to provide strong prevention and a strong response to improve local health outcomes by tackling the wider root causes of poorer health. Page 118 of 186
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7. Impact and Value Assessment Impact and Value Assessment 8. Appendices Appendix 1 – Tayside’s Joint Health Protection Plan 25-27 Appendix 2 - PKC Action Plan, in response to the TJHPP. Page 119 of 186
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Appendix 1 Appendix 1 Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 2025 – 2027 NHS Tayside Health Protection Team dd/mm/yyyy 7 Page 121 of 186
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2 Contents Preface....................................................................................................................................................3 1. Introduction to the Joint Health Protection Plan............................................................................4 1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................4 1.2 Context..................................................................................................................................4 1.3 Developments since the previous JHPP................................................................................5 2. Overview of the Tayside area.........................................................................................................7 2.1 Geography and demography.................................................................................................7 2.2 Particular health considerations for Tayside.........................................................................8 3. Health Protection Planning Infrastructure....................................................................................10 3.1 Remit of agencies................................................................................................................10 3.2 Health protection planning.................................................................................................12 3.3 Scottish Health Protection Network....................................................................................13 4. Health Protection Priorities and Emerging Issues.........................................................................14 4.1 National priorities................................................................................................................14 4.2 Local priorities.....................................................................................................................15 4.3 Our priorities for 2025-2027................................................................................................18 4.4 Health Protection Incidents.................................................................................................20 5. Resources and Operational Arrangements...................................................................................23 5.1 Staffing.................................................................................................................................23 5.2 IT and Communications Technology....................................................................................24 5.3 Collaborative working...........................................................................................................25 5.4 Standard Operating Procedures...........................................................................................25 5.5 Maintaining knowledge, skills and competencies................................................................26 6 Capacity and Resilience................................................................................................................28 6.1 NHS Tayside...........................................................................................................................28 6.2 Local Authorities....................................................................................................................28 7 Public involvement and feedback.................................................................................................29 8 Summary.......................................................................................................................................30 Page 122 of 186
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3 Preface Health protection is the area of public health practice responsible for the surveillance, prevention, investigation and management of communicable diseases and environmental hazards, in addition to incident and outbreak management. It encompasses a set of activities which seek to protect the public from infectious and environmental threats to health, and where these threats cannot be avoided, to mitigate their impacts on population health and health inequalities. The health protection function for Tayside is jointly delivered by NHS Tayside Health Protection Team and the three local authorities of Angus, Dundee City, and Perth and Kinross. NHS boards and local authorities have a duty to co-operate in exercising their functions under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 20081, and to plan together to protect public health. This includes the production of a Joint Health Protection Plan (JHPP) every two years, the main purpose of which is to provide an overview of health protection priorities, provision and preparedness for the NHS Board area. This is the fifth Tayside JHPP, with the first published in 2010. The previous JHPP (published in 2019) had been due for review and update in April 2021, but this was not possible to achieve due to the competing priorities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges this placed upon each of the four organisations party to the production of the JHPP. This experience was not unique to Tayside, with similar challenges facing all NHS Boards and local authorities across Scotland. The current plan covers the period from 2025 to 2027 and will be next updated in two years’ time, in accordance with legislative guidance. The JHPP is a public document and is openly available on the NHS Tayside website and on request. We hope that you will find this plan to be of interest, and of value, and that its production will contribute to protecting the health of the people who visit, work and live in the Tayside area. Signatories Authority Authorised Signatory Position Approving Committees Date Chief Executive Team 17/02/2025NHS Tayside Emma Fletcher Director of Public Health Population Health Committee 11/03/2025 Angus Council Dundee City Council Perth and Kinross Council 1 Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2008/5/contents (accessed 15 October 2024). Page 123 of 186
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Appendix 1 1. Introduction to the Joint Health Protection Plan 1.1Purpose This Joint Health Protection Plan (JHPP) has been prepared in accordance with the requirements set out in the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. The purposes of the plan are: i. To provide an overview of health protection priorities, provision and preparedness for NHS Tayside and partner local authorities. ii. To outline the joint arrangements which NHS Tayside and partner local authorities have in place for the protection of public health. iii. To improve the level of “preparedness” in relation to responding effectively to health protection incidents and emergencies. iv. To clarify local health protection priorities for the period of the plan (2025 -2027). v. To develop learning across the agencies. vi. To provide a mechanism for reviewing and recording outcomes and achievements. 1.2Context Health protection encompasses a set of activities within the Public Health function. It involves: ensuring the safety and quality of food, water, air and the general environment. preventing the transmission of communicable disease; and managing outbreaks and other incidents which threaten the health of the public.2 NHS Health Boards have a health protection function relating to the control of infectious disease and diseases arising from contact with substances hazardous to health. Similarly, local authorities have a health protection function, which is predominantly delivered through the local authority environmental health service. The NHS Board is coterminous with the three local authority areas of Angus, Dundee City and Perth & Kinross, and in practice, health board and local authority functions are co-ordinated. Tayside’s Joint Health Protection Plan (JHPP) 2025-2027 has been collated jointly by NHS Tayside, Angus Council, Dundee City Council and Perth and Kinross Council. 2 Public Health Scotland, Health Protection. https://publichealthscotland.scot/population-health/health- protection/ Page 124 of 186
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5 1.3Developments since the previous JHPP Whilst the core function of health protection in both the NHS board and Tayside local authorities has largely remained the same since the last JHPP, there have been several key contextual changes nationally and internationally that are worth noting which have shaped and influenced the landscape of health protection in NHS Tayside. These have led to dynamic practices and new ways of working, with some of the key events and changes outlined below: COVID-19 Pandemic: Health protection and environmental health services across Scotland experienced an extended period of unprecedented increased workload and demand due to the emergence of the pandemic and its short- and longer-term impacts on population health and service delivery. Many non-urgent workstreams were paused, but reactive response to the management of other infectious diseases and environmental hazards continued. Despite the challenges faced, the nature of the pandemic led to strengthening of effective partnership working between the NHS board and local authorities, as well as other partnership agencies in social care, education and business. These partnerships have put health protection in good stead during the recovery phase. During the pandemic, other notifiable diseases, e.g. pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza, reduced in incidence as a result of the control measures and restrictions introduced to reduce transmission of COVID-19. The epidemiology of these infections has since rebounded and returned to pre-pandemic patterns within the UK and internationally, with some giving rise to notable surges in activity, such as measles and pertussis in 2024. Emerging from the pandemic, the spotlight on communicable disease and health protection has continued to shape the workload, with partners within and outside of the NHS generally having an appropriately lower threshold for seeking health protection expertise. In addition, preparatory planning for emerging new infectious diseases of concern continues as an important focus, e.g. Mpox and Avian Influenza. New public health agencies: Health Protection Scotland has amalgamated with the former Information Services Division of National Services Scotland and NHS Health Scotland, evolving into Public Health Scotland, with a renewed remit as the “lead national body for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of all of Scotland’s people”3. Public Health England has transitioned into the UK Health Security Agency. Through the pandemic and the emergence of these new organisations, new relationships and ways of working were fostered, enhancing governance structures and improving 3 Public Health Scotland. Our vision and values. https://publichealthscotland.scot/about-us/who-we-are/our- vision-and-values/ Page 125 of 186
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6 collaboration and communication in response to health protection issues. For example, there are now three weekly national meetings between Public Health Scotland and Health Boards’ Health Protection Teams (HPTs) facilitating dissemination of updates on national and local issues and shared responses to emerging issues and guidance. Service delivery changes: It was necessary to identify additional staff resource to manage the increased demand for specialist health protection input during the pandemic. Due to the sustained increased activity post-pandemic, a small proportion of this additional resource remains. Training and maintaining professional development have therefore been important foci, as well as maintaining relationships with partnership organisations between all team members. An introduction of more sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for gastrointestinal diseases in NHS Tayside has led to increased detection of gastrointestinal diseases, such as Shiga-toxin producing E. coli disease and Giardia. This has led to closer working between the HPT, laboratories and local authorities in co-ordinating an efficient and seamless response to these notifications. As diagnostic testing evolves, further collaboration with national organisations and guidance bodies will be required to ensure the health protection response remains adequate and proportionate. Page 126 of 186
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Appendix 1 2. Overview of the Tayside area 2.1Geography and demography The geographical area covered by Tayside comprises the three local authority areas of Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross (Figure 1). In 2023, the estimated total population of Tayside was 417,7704 living in an area of 7,527 sq. kilometres with a mixed urban and rural population distribution. The population of Tayside accounts for approximately 7.6% of the total Scottish population. A detailed population profile for the Tayside area is provided in the NHS Tayside Director of Public Health Annual Report 20235, with key population statistics summarised below (data sources: National Records of Scotland2 6 7, Scotland’s 2011 Census8, and the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020v2 local and national share calculator9). 4 National Records of Scotland. Mid-2023 Population Estimates Scotland. https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by- theme/population/population-estimates/mid-year-population-estimates/mid-2023 (accessed 15 Oct 2024). 5 NHS Tayside Director of Public Health Annual Report 2023. https://www.nhstaysidecdn.scot.nhs.uk/NHSTaysideWeb/idcplg?IdcService=GET_SECURE_FILE&Rendition=web&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestR eleased&noSaveAs=1&dDocName=prod_370969 (accessed 15 Oct 2024). 6 National Records of Scotland. Urban Rural Dashboard 2021. https://scotland.shinyapps.io/nrs-urban-rural-dashboard/ (accessed 15 Oct 2024). 7 National Records of Scotland. Sub-National Population Projections (2018 based). https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and- data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-projections/sub-national-population-projections (accessed 15 Oct 2024) 8 Scotland’s Census 2011. Ethnicity. https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/census-results/at-a-glance/ethnicity/ (accessed 15 Oct 2024). 9 Scottish Government. Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020v2 local and national share calculator. https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-index-of-multiple-deprivation-2020v2-local-and-national-share-calculator-2/ (accessed 15 Oct 2024 Angus Total population = 114,820 (27% of Tayside) 28% live in rural areas (0.4% remote rural) and 72% in urban areas Popn density = 53 persons per square km 8% of the popn live in areas of greatest deprivation (SIMD1) Dundee City Total population = 150, 390 (36% of Tayside) 99% live in urban areas Popn density = 2,515 persons per square km 37% of the popn live in areas of greatest deprivation (SIMD1) NHS Tayside Total population = 417,770 (51% female, 49% male) 16% of the population are <16 years old and 21% are >65 years old Tayside has an ageing population, with the proportion of residents aged ≥75 years projected to increase by 33% between 2018 and 2033 Net migration into Tayside in 2023 was +5,460 persons (71% international) In 2011, 93% of the population self-identified as White Scottish, British or Irish Figure 1: Tayside population statistics by area Perth & Kinross Total population = 152,560 (37% of Tayside) 47.4% live in rural areas (10.3% remote rural) and 52.6% in urban areas Popn density = 29 persons per square km 6% of the popn live in areas of greatest deprivation (SIMD1) Large geographical area presents challenges e.g. response times Page 127 of 186
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8 2.2 Particular health considerations for Tayside While there are shared health protection risks nationwide, the unique profile of each local authority, health board and regional area across Scotland presents its own specific challenges. Some of the health protection considerations particularly relevant to Tayside are described below, alongside a note of the measures which can be taken to reduce the risk of harm or mitigate impacts (Table 1). Table 1: Health protection considerations for Tayside Consideration Relevance to health protection Mitigation measures Port Health Tayside is host to two large seaports and a domestic airport. Note aircraft from outwith the UK do use the airport. These locations may potentially serve as entry points for imported disease. In addition, Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) sites are located at both Dundee and Montrose Ports. NHS Tayside works closely with Public Health Scotland’s Border Health and Emerging Infections team to monitor any emerging risks, as well as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the event of any coastal incidents. NHS Tayside also liaises with local authority Port Health colleagues. Host to several universities and colleges There are four higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Tayside with a combined UK and international student body of over 43,000. High numbers of students mixing and living in shared accommodation may increase opportunities for the introduction and spread of infection. NHS Tayside maintains close working relationships with HEIs regarding monitoring, prevention (including vaccination), and control of infection, such as mumps and meningitis. Local Authorities regulate HMOs, registration of private sector landlords and housing conditions including gas and electrical safety, Legionella risk assessments etc. Private water supplies There are around 2,000 private water supplies (PWSs) in the local authority areas of Angus and Perth and Kinross (9% of all PWSs in Scotland).10 These serve both commercial and private premises including holiday accommodation with a transient population. Compared to mains supplies, the consumption of water from PWSs is associated with an increased risk of contracting infection. Climate change related drier summers interspersed with heavy rain may increase the risk of raw water contamination and water-borne illness, whilst prolonged dry spells may lead to water scarcity impacting some PWSs. Local authorities maintain regular monitoring and review of private water supplies, with close liaison with NHS Tayside and Drinking Water Quality Regular for Scotland (DWQR) where problems arise. Response measures are co-ordinated through this partnership approach. Air quality In 2023, although 3 of the 5 highest monitoring locations in Scotland for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) annual mean were in Tayside, all were compliant with the current Scottish Air Quality Objective limit. 2 of the 5 highest monitoring locations for particulate matter (PM10) were in Tayside . Perth city, and up until recently Crieff Dundee City Council introduced a Low Emission Zone scheme in May 2022 with enforcement of the LEZ commencing in May 2024. Air quality remains a high priority for all 3 local authorities with Air Quality Action Plans and Air Quality Strategies being renewed/created during 2024/25 alongside 10 Drinking Quality Regulator for Scotland. Annual report 2023. https://dwqr.scot/information/annual-report/ (accessed 21 October 2024). Page 128 of 186
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9 regular monitoring and reporting in line with statutory duties. High prevalence of problematic drug use The prevalence of illicit drug use in Dundee is amongst the highest in Scotland.11 People who inject drugs are at increased risk of contracting infections due to blood borne viruses, invasive group A streptococcus, and other pathogens requiring public health management. A local early warning system, alongside an action plan, is in place for NHS Tayside relating to drug related harm events. NHS Tayside works alongside local authority alcohol and drug partnerships, and drug and alcohol recovery services, to enact these plans and respond to any incidents. NHS Tayside has also partnered with Dundee University to implement a targeted treatment intervention programme, progressing to Hepatitis C elimination. Agricultural work Tayside is a major producer of soft fruits and several farms within the area employ large numbers of seasonal agricultural workers from outside the UK. There has been an increase in the incidence of TB in migrant agricultural workers in recent years12, with people from this community at risk of experiencing intersectional difficulties in accessing healthcare, social support and stable accommodation. Tayside hosts several food processing facilities with substantial numbers of non-UK nationals in their workforces. Additionally, Tayside has the highest number of kept birds in Scotland, with an associated risk of avian influenza13 NHS Tayside maintains a multi-sectional approach to vulnerable communities, liaising with local authorities and partnership organisations and the third sector to enhance outreach and engagement, e.g. Perth & Kinross Council currently monitor and, when required, inspect all seasonal worker accommodations to ensure adequate living conditions. NHS Tayside also has a pandemic plan for high-risk communicable diseases, such as avian influenza, working closely with Public Health Scotland and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to keep abreast of guidance and response measures. Other vulnerable communities Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) have the highest number of Gypsy/Travellers within the settled community compared to other Scottish local authorities.14 Tayside’s local authorities host refugees and people seeking asylum in several hotels and other group setting placements arranged with the Home Office. Members of these communities often have complex health needs, including prior exposure to TB and other infectious disease. PKC officers monitor and manage Gypsy/ Traveller roadside encampments assisting with welfare needs. Provision of a transient site to provide better accommodation and access to services etc. is estimated to complete construction by 2026. NHS Tayside works with local authorities and other third- party sectors to improve health support (e.g. screening, vaccination) as needed for Gypsy/Traveller and migrant communities. 11 Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership. Drug and alcohol services indicators. [report to Performance & Audit Committee, 2022]. https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/reports/reports/PAC33-2022.pdf (accessed 21 October 2024). 12 Ward E, Connell D, Allam M, et al. Complexities in Tuberculosis care in seasonal farm workers in Scotland. Thorax 2022;77:A165. https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/Suppl_1/A165.2 (accessed 21 October 2024). 13 Scottish Kept Bird Register. https://keptbirdregister.service.gov.scot/ 14 National Records of Scotland Statistical Bulletin. Must-haves Page 129 of 186
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Appendix 1 3. Health Protection Planning Infrastructure 3.1 Remit of agencies The health protection function in Tayside is jointly provided by NHS Tayside Health Protection Team (HPT) and colleagues from the three local authority areas: Angus Council, Dundee City Council, and Perth and Kinross Council. The overall purpose of the health protection function across Tayside is “to maintain safe, resilient and effective communicable disease and environmental protection services, supported by continuous learning and improvement”.15 Further detail on the health protection remits of the health board and local authority environmental health departments within Tayside is provided below. 3.1.1 NHS Tayside The health protection remit for NHS Boards covers communicable diseases, environmental hazards and the deliberate release of biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear hazards. It is further described in the letter of 2 February 2007 from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Scotland16 and has been clarified by the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. NHS Tayside delegates this remit to the Director of Public Health, with statutory functions carried out by the Health Protection Team (HPT) in relation to surveillance, investigation, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication activities, amongst others. HPT are supported in executing these duties by colleagues from across the wider organisation and by partners from local authorities and other external agencies. Examples of areas of health protection work undertaken by NHS Tayside, together with relevant partners, include: The public health management of cases of notifiable diseases and notifiable organisms (alongside Environmental Health partners where appropriate) o Includes gastrointestinal and zoonotic infections, vaccine-preventable diseases, tuberculosis and other respiratory infections The management of public health incidents and outbreaks of communicable diseases (alongside Environmental Health partners where appropriate) Environmental public health (alongside Environmental Health partners) o Includes maintaining clean air, safe water, land quality etc. o Includes responding to environmental exposures with potential to adversely impact health Emergency planning, response, and management - particularly relating to pandemic planning, health protection incident planning and STAC planning, in conjunction with the Local Resilience Partnership Preparation and response to hazardous material incidents, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents: in conjunction with Public Health Scotland and relevant national bodies 15 Tayside Joint Health Protection Plan 2019-2021. https://www.nhstaysidecdn.scot.nhs.uk/NHSTaysideWeb/idcplg?IdcService=GET_SECURE_FILE&Rendition=web&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestR eleased&noSaveAs=1&dDocName=prod_281252 (accessed 22 Oct 2024). 16 Scottish Executive Health Department. (2007). NHS Boards’ Health Protection Remit. https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files_legacy/sehd/cmo/CMO(2007)02.pdf (accessed 22 Oct 2024). Page 130 of 186
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11 Co-ordination and delivery of vaccination programmes – directed by the Immunisation Co- ordinator and vaccination team based in the Directorate of Public Health Healthcare associated infections – in conjunction with the NHS Tayside Infection Prevention and Control Team and Occupational Health team. Sexual health and blood borne viruses – primarily governed by the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses Managed Clinical Network (MCN) Undertaking local surveillance and reporting and contributing to national and international monitoring of the evolving epidemiology of cases, clusters and outbreaks of notifiable diseases and pathogens 3.1.2 Local authorities Local authorities have a broad health protection remit, which is delivered by a range of professional staff including Environmental Health Officers (EHOs). Many aspects of local authority health protection work are requirements of statute, and may involve monitoring, inspection, surveillance, sampling, and the investigation and resolution of enquiries and complaints. In addition, local authorities work in collaboration with NHS Tayside to prepare for and respond to public health incidents and other emerging threats to health. Examples of local authority environmental health functions and areas of health protection related work undertaken by local authorities include: Directly related health protection functions: Investigation of reportable infectious diseases Investigation and response to suspected outbreaks of infectious disease Monitoring air quality / standards Contaminated land Pest control Drinking water quality – including Private Water Supplies Blue green algae surveillance and management Food safety – inspections, standards, investigation of complaints and incidents Food sampling Environmental incivilities (dog fouling, fly-tipping, litter etc). Regulating standards at public events Maintaining standards of premises licensed for alcohol sale and other purposes such as tattooists, skin piercers, cosmetic clinics Activities related to animal health Response to poor Health & Safety practices adversely impacting health e.g. COPD (for premises that are required under Local Authority delegation). Implementation of smoking legislation Indirectly related health protection functions: Housing standards Statutory nuisances – noise, odour, dust, light, accumulations, sewerage etc. Page 131 of 186
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12 Planning consultation Licensing (HMOs, events, caravan sites) Resettlement Gypsy/traveller community liaison 3.2 Health protection planning The prevention, investigation and control of communicable diseases and environmental hazards requires specialist health protection knowledge and skills. Whilst this knowledge and skill set can be applicable to a wide range of potential incidents or scenarios, the provision of an effective response is often facilitated by the existence of agreed plans or procedures. There are many such national and local plans. Health protection related plans commonly prepared by NHS Tayside, singly or in partnership with local authorities and other agencies, are detailed in Table 2. Health protection plans maintained by each local authority are detailed in Table 3. It has not been possible to update some of these plans in accordance with the normal timeframes due to the pandemic response and this is therefore a priority for teams over the period covered by the JHPP. Table 2: Summary of NHS Tayside health protection-related plans Plan Owner Last updated Review date Exercised STAC (Scientific and Technical Advice Cell) Response Plan Health Protection Incident Response Plan Pandemic Flu Plan Tayside Cyanobacteria (Blue- green algae) Plan Scottish Waterborne Hazard Plan Tayside Resilience Partnership/HPT NHS Tayside Health Protection Team/ Dr Simon Hilton CPHM Tayside Resilience Partnership/HPT HPT/Local authorities/Scottish Water/SEPA Scottish Water/HPT/Local Authorities Feb 2024 Dec 2021 June 2024 March 2024 December 2016 Feb 2026 Dec 2023 October 2025 March 2025 2025 Training sessions held between 2023-2024 Exercised regularly through real-time management of incidents and outbreaks Exercised in practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, with national work ongoing to develop learning and future exercise plans Not applicable Pre-pandemic. Next exercise planned early 2025 Page 132 of 186
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13 Table 3: Summary of local authority plans applicable to health Angus Dundee City Perth and KinrossPlan / x / x / x Food Safety Service plan Air Quality strategy / Air Quality Action Plan Contaminated Land Strategy Ports Authority Emergency Plan x x All Tayside local authorities implement a variety of policies, procedures and plans associated with health protection legislation. Examples include the above plans. In addition, services are audited externally for food by Food Standards Scotland, private water supplies by DWQR, and air quality by Scottish Government and SEPA. Furthermore, for plans more directly linked to public health, Local Authorities (and NHS Tayside) contribute to the Local Resilience Partnership, which maintains a joint Pandemic Flu Plan, Mass Fatalities Plan and a Mass Casualties Plan. 3.3 Scottish Health Protection Network The Scottish Health Protection Network (SHPN) is an obligate and highly valued network of existing professionals, organisations and groups within the health protection community across Scotland. It aims to enable national and local health protection organisations, across sectors and disciplines, to work together cooperatively to promote and support a cohesive ‘health protection service for Scotland’.17 Through the Network, Public Health Scotland works with NHS Boards and other partners to write, review, adapt, publish and disseminate core guidance and resources covering the full breadth of health protection practice. Colleagues from Tayside participate in the SHPN, and parties to the JHPP recognise its role as a lynchpin in the national health protection planning infrastructure. 17 Public Health Scotland. (2023). Overview of the SHPN. https://publichealthscotland.scot/our-areas-of-work/health- protection/scottish-health-protection-network-shpn/overview-of-the-shpn/overview/ (accessed 22 Oct 2024). Page 133 of 186
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Appendix 1 4. Health Protection Priorities and Emerging Issues 4.1National priorities The Scottish Government and COSLA agreed a set of six public health priorities for Scotland in June 2018. These priorities (Table 4) are intended to provide a ten-year focus for improving population health, although it is acknowledged that they do not reflect all activities which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s communities. Although there are no specific priority areas for health protection listed, the public health priorities report18 does reflect that “work to protect the health of the population from serious risks and infectious diseases through vaccination, infection control and incident response (health protection), will continue to be an essential public health function and must be maintained.” Table 4: Public health priorities for Scotland Priority 1 A Scotland where we live in vibrant, healthy and safe places and communities Priority 2 A Scotland where we flourish in our early years Priority 3 A Scotland where we have good mental wellbeing Priority 4 A Scotland where we reduce the use of and harm from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs Priority 5 A Scotland where we have a sustainable, inclusive economy with equality of outcomes for all Priority 6 A Scotland where we eat well, have a healthy weight and are physically active NHS Tayside and partners are also cognisant of health protection priorities as stated from time to time by the Scottish Government and Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Several of the national priorities for health protection listed in the CMO letter on health protection priorities published in 200819 (and outlined below), remain just as important today and are reflected within our selected local priorities. National priorities for health protection published in 2008 CMO letter: A potential pandemic of influenza; including preparation and planning. Healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. Vaccine preventable diseases. Environmental exposures which have an adverse impact on health, including incident response. Gastro-intestinal and zoonotic infections, including case and outbreak response. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is the national public health body and has a health protection remit to protect the people of Scotland from infectious and environmental hazards. The Clinical and Protecting Health directorate within PHS also notes a number of priority health protection topic areas in Scotland20, with those relevant to the core work of the HPT and/or local authority partners in Tayside including: Emerging infections – such as Mpox and Ebola. 18 Scottish Government and COSLA. (2018) Scotland’s Public Health Priorities. https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-public-health-priorities/ (accessed 23 October 2024). 19 Scottish Government Chief Medical Officer Directorate. (2008). Priorities for Health Protection in Scotland 2008-2010. https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/cmo-2008-00a.pdf (accessed 23 October 2024). 20 Public Health Scotland. (2024). What is health protection? https://publichealthscotland.scot/our-areas-of-work/health-protection/overview-of- health-protection/what-is-health-protection/ Page 134 of 186
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15 Environmental public health – such as responding to pollution or contamination incidents to preserve safe water and clean air. Gastrointestinal and zoonotic infections – such as E. coli and Campylobacter. Immunisations and vaccine-preventable diseases – such as measles and pertussis. Respiratory infections – such as COVID-19, tuberculosis and influenza (flu). Travel and international health – such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Tick Borne Encephalitis, and vector-borne diseases associated with climate change. Blood borne viruses, such as Hepatitis B and HIV. 4.2 Local priorities 4.2.1 Review of Tayside JHPP 2019-2021 The 2019-2021 Tayside JHPP identified a number of priorities for NHS Tayside and for each of the local authority areas.12 These included two joint health priorities which were shared by the health board and all three local authorities, and related to: i) the management of incidents and outbreaks in line with national guidance; and ii) air quality improvement. For both of these priorities, a series of actions and intended outcomes were proposed, with the current assessment of the progress against these outcomes detailed below (Table 5). Table 5: Review of joint health protection priorities identified in 2019-21 Tayside JHPP Priority (2019-2021 JHPP) Assessment of progress Management of incidents and outbreaks in line with national guidance 24/7 local disease and incident surveillance service maintained, with the structures and response facility of the health protection response plan maintained. This was due to be rehearsed regularly, however, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic this was implemented in practice at a far greater frequency than pre-pandemic levels with subsequent improved understanding and response to incidents. Additionally, further experiential learning opportunities were made available, as well as strengthened collaboration and communication pathways. The NHS HPT and local authorities have continued to prioritise responding to notifications of notifiable disease in accordance with the local Communication Pathway for gastrointestinal disease, and further developed this in a mutually beneficial manner as PCR testing for gastrointestinal infections has been onboarded in Tayside, resulting in an increased detection rate of certain notifiable gastrointestinal diseases. Preventative work (including routine premises inspections) to reduce the risk of future outbreaks, have returned to normal operations after a period of disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, where local authorities enhanced their focus on prevention and response to premises in context of COVID-19. This has now returned to an increased focus on food-preparation and reducing risks of food- borne illness, as well as the usual wider Environmental Health remit as mentioned previously. Additionally, implementation of the nationally directed Vaccination Transformation Programme was completed in April 2022, centralising arrangements for the delivery of all routine and targeted childhood and adult Page 135 of 186
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16 immunisations by NHS Tayside, including those offered for post-exposure protection and as part of specific health protection incident and outbreak response. A risk framework for care homes responding to COVID-19 was produced by the SHPIR network21, and is being developed into a new PHS-led guidance for the public health management of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in community, social and residential care settings. This will provide a robust, cohesive overview of how to respond to respiratory disease in care homes, working with partners to enable this response, and has been developed through collaborative input of the NHS boards. Areas for progress which remain ongoing include meeting performance review framework targets of 100% of IMT reports and completed actions to be within 6 months of the incident. This has been in part impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent public health emergencies of international concern, such as Mpox. However, it remains a priority area. Air quality improvement Dundee City Council successfully introduced a low emission zone 22 in May 2022, with enforcement commencing in May 2024. Improvements to bus fleets and the removal of LEZ non-compliant vehicles in readiness for the commencement of enforcement are considered to be main contributors to the reduction in NO2 annual mean levels in recent years, with all NO2 monitoring locations now complying with current Scottish Air Quality Objective levels. Perth and Kinross Council revoked the Crieff Air Quality Management Area in December 2024 due to compliance with air quality objectives. However, implementation of Crieff’s Air Quality action plan will continue to avoid any future exceedances. Across Perth & Kinross as a whole, there have been no air quality exceedances since 2018, with the exception of Atholl Street, although this is thought to be due to building works in the vicinity of the Real Time Monitor and less likely due to road traffic congestion. The local authorities remain committed to improving air quality, implementing and working with partners to deliver actions contained within the Scottish Government’s initial 2016 Cleaner Air for Scotland strategy and revised 2021 Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 strategy, while also continuing to regularly monitor and report on air quality 23. Local authorities are working towards the revocation of Air Quality Management Areas. NHS Tayside remains committed to supporting growing the evidence on health impacts of air pollution. NHS Tayside and the Local Authorities continue to work in co-ordination to responding to environmental incidents, such as large fires or hazard materials incidents, that may impact air quality and require a multi-sectoral response to effectively manage. 21 Scottish Health Protection Information Resource. COVID-19 - information and guidance for social and residential care settings. https://www.shpir.hps.scot.nhs.uk/web-resources/covid-19-information-and-guidance-for-social-and- residential-care-settings-version-29/ 22 Dundee City Council. Dundee Low Emission Zone Scheme. https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/city- development/sustainable-transport-and-roads/dundee-low-emission-zone-scheme-lez 23 Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 - Towards a Better Place for Everyone . Scottish Government. https://www.gov.scot/publications/cleaner-air-scotland-2-towards-better-place-everyone/ Page 136 of 186
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17 4.2.2 Selection of priorities Key partners from NHS Tayside and each of the local authority areas were consulted in selecting the health protection priorities listed in this updated JHPP. This process included discussion with senior Environmental Health colleagues as well as a survey of core HPT members and other public health professionals who contribute to the on-call health protection rota. The selection of priorities was informed by national and local context, and takes account of current work, challenges, and emerging issues, as well as the degree to which the priorities presented in the previous version of the JHPP were considered to remain relevant. Priorities from the NHS Tayside HPT and Local authorities were compiled and overlapping areas used to inform the joint health protection priorities for 2025-2027: Our joint health protection priorities for 2025-2027 and how these will be addressed are discussed in section 4.3. It is recognised that there are a number of important areas of health protection work which are not captured within the priorities of this plan, including Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses (SHBBV), Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI), and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). These topics have purposively not been included because in Tayside the strategic oversight and primary responsibility for progressing work on these areas does not sit with the HPT or local authority environmental health, as outlined below. SHBBV: The Tayside Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network (SH & BBV MCN) is a multi-agency group which provides strategic direction and governance regarding work to improve population sexual health and wellbeing and the prevention, identification and treatment of BBVs. The group is responsible for ensuring the outcomes in the national SH & BBV Framework are delivered locally, and for the delivery of Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) Sexual Health Standards, HIV Standards and Hepatitis C Quality Indicators. HAI: The NHS Tayside Infection Prevention and Control Team, under the management of the Nurse Director, provides direction, leadership, monitoring and guidance to support the response to Hospital Acquired Infections. This is directed under the Scottish Government Healthcare Associated Infection Strategy 2023-2025 and facilitated by deliverables for the phases of the response . • Reducing incidence of vaccine preventable diseases • Pandemic preparedness • Inclusion health NHS Tayside HPT Priorities • Investigate communicable disease cases and outbreaks within required timescales • Food Hygiene and Standards Enforcement • Monitor air, water and land quality and respond to related incidents Local Authority Priorities • Outbreak management of communicable disesases • Incident management of environmental health hazards • Horizon scanning and emerging threats Shared Priorities Page 137 of 186
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18 AMR: The NHS Tayside Infection Prevention and Control Team similarly supports the response to antimicrobial resistance, in collaboration with Microbiology and Infectious Diseases teams. This is guided by the UK government UK 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance 2019 to 202424 and the UK government policy paper on Confronting antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 202925. 4.3 Our priorities for 2025-2027 Table 6: Joint health protection priorities in Tayside for 2025-2027 Priority W hy is this a priority? How will this priority be addressed: ACTIONS Expected achievements/outcomes at end of JHPP 25-27 Outbreak management and prevention of communicable diseases Co-ordinated efforts to limit the spread of infectious diseases are essential in minimising harm within the local and wider population. This remains both relevant and subject to increased focus as new threats emerge (e.g. Mpox, Avian Influenza), and the incidence of older, highly infections vaccine- preventable diseases, such as measles and pertussis, exhibit resurgence. This is also a core remit of Local authorities, particularly where infections are GI or zoonotic related, and premises and food hygiene standards may be implicated. Similarly, other infectious diseases, such as Legionella, may be related to premises, requiring co- ordinated actions between the HPT and local authorities to effectively control. Demonstrate effective HP incident responses, involving local authority partners at an early stage wherever relevant. Aim to respond in line with national guidance and ensure effective partnership working and sharing of learning. Further strengthen collaborative approach and partnership working through shared training and exercising of plans. Enhanced opportunistic and proactive work with partners to increase vaccine uptake of relevant notifiable diseases. Effective collaborative response to outbreaks, within nationally recommended and locally agreed timelines26. Continued quarterly HPT and local authority joint meetings to discuss preparedness and response. At least one joint exercise of a Health Protection Incident relating to communicable disease (aiming to be held before the end of 2025). Formal debriefing and learning events from any jointly managed outbreaks. Incident management and prevention of Environmental health hazards have both short- and long-term impacts on population health, with added critical importance Incidents to be responded to in line with national guidance on the management of public health incidents . This includes Effective collaborative response to incidents, within nationally recommended and locally agreed timelines. 24 Department of Health and Social Care. UK 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance 2019 to 2024. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-5-year-action-plan-for-antimicrobial-resistance-2019-to-2024 25 UK Government Policy Paper. Confronting antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-5-year-action-plan-for-antimicrobial-resistance-2024-to- 2029/confronting-antimicrobial-resistance-2024-to-2029 26 Example of monitoring of targets can be found in Dundee Council planning documents. Neighbourhood Services Service Plan, p. 27. https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/neighbourhood_services_service_plan_2023_-_27.pdf Page 138 of 186
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19 environmental health hazards in context of planetary health, biodiversity and climate change. The frequency of environmental hazards relating to Pollution & Waste Services is also anticipated to increase due to impacts of climate change, e.g. flooding, storms or algae blooms. Climate change and associated environmental health hazards are an increasing public health priority.27 Develop and consult on the development / update of relevant strategies as required e.g. Contaminated Land strategies Increase working relationships with wider partners, e.g. SEPA, to ensure appropriate actions are taken and enforced At least one joint exercise of a Health Protection Incident relating to environmental health hazards (aiming to be held by mid-2026). Formal debriefing and learning events from any jointly managed incidents. Horizon scanning and emerging threats Resilience and emergency planning are integral to both the response to emerging threats, and the recovery of organisations to core functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasised the need for this, in addition to the international outbreaks of Mpox in recent years. Pandemic preparedness is included in this, particularly in context of the continued threat of avian influenza. Inclusion health is also important to consider as part of horizon scanning, in view of the increased risks posed to vulnerable populations, including TB, BBV, vaccine- preventable diseases and climate change. NHS Tayside HPT to consult and collaboratively involve local authorities on relevant sections of health protection plans, e.g. the Pandemic flu plan. NHS Tayside HPT to keep local authorities abreast of any emerging threats/ infections from national and international intelligence, and vice-versa. NHS Tayside and local authorities to strengthen working relationships with wider partners, e.g. APHA, to ensure appropriate planning and preparedness. All partners to ensure business continuity/ resilience plans are in place, particularly with any consideration of potential impacts on service delivery. Increased attention, proactive actions and targeting of preventative actions to be considered for vulnerable communities at specific and increased risk from emerging outbreaks and threats, including collaboration with Up to date emergency and resilience plans for all partners, e.g. pandemic flu plan. A tabletop exercise or learning event focussed on responding to emerging threats, pandemic planning and considering other potential threats (including resource limitations). Aiming to be held before the end of 2026. Increased consideration of inclusion health in regular preventative work, e.g. in preparations for the resettlement of people who are refugees or asylum seekers (including living conditions, vaccination, access to health services). 27 Public Health Scotland. Climate Emergency and Environmental Health. https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/population-health/environmental-health-impacts/climate-emergency/phs-s- strategic-approach-to-climate-and-sustainability/delivering-phs-s-strategic-approach/ Page 139 of 186
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20 wider partners and third sector. 4.4 Health Protection Incidents The NHS Tayside HPT, alongside the local authorities and wider partners, manage numerous cases, outbreaks and incidents each year to limit actual and potential harm to the wider population. A number of recent situations and incidents are outlined below, along with lessons learned and subsequent improvements made. Table 7: Overview of significant health protection incidents since last JHPP Situation Date Description, Lessons Learned, and improvements made to plans and services where applicable to better address future incidents Significant infectious disease incidents/outbreaks COVID-19 pandemic 2020-2023 Learning on local and national resilience has been developed in light of the pandemic, with considerations of future pandemic preparations, staffing capacity, response pathways and co-ordination of resources and guidance. Relationships with local authorities were also strengthened during this time, with inspection of premises complementing outbreak response management. Mpox 2022-2024 The Mpox outbreak highlighted the need for collaborative working, particularly with sexual health and the third sector to effectively respond to this incident in view of the associated stigma, and difficulties with effectively communicating messaging. Pathways for managing high consequence infectious diseases (HCID) cases have also been discussed and worked through at local and national level to better respond to any future possible cases of infections such as Ebola or MERS. Measles preparedness 2023-2024 Single cases have been managed in Tayside over recent years, often requiring Problem Assessment Groups and Incident Management Teams to effectively facilitate the response, co-ordinate actions, and limit spread through robust contact tracing. An emphasis on vaccination uptake has been highlighted by the upsurge in cases in other parts of the UK and internationally, with improved working with the vaccination team developed to facilitate post-exposure vaccination when needed. Other infectious diseases and Food-borne incidents Increase in Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) cases, and associated clusters 2022-2024 Since the introduction of PCR testing in NHS Tayside, there has been an increased detection rate of STEC cases. This has required a revised way of working with local authorities to facilitate effective case response. These new processes have been well received with NHS Tayside and the Local Authorities, allowing cases to be adequately responded to without overwhelming either team. Additionally, this shared working and learning has led to closer working relationships between HPT, local authorities and the microbiology teams. Research into the most appropriate actions for the different subtypes and serotypes of STEC has also been carried out, along with collaborative input into national meetings when national clusters of certain E. coli subtypes have been identified. Page 140 of 186
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21 Pertussis 2024 Over 2024 there has been a significant rise in the number of pertussis cases. Pertussis is a cyclical infection with increases seen every 3-5 years. This is also in the context of a reduction in the uptake of routine childhood vaccinations. While uptake in Scotland remains above that in other areas of the UK, this reduction emphasises a continued requirement to encourage the uptake of routine vaccinations. The HPT has worked to streamline management of pertussis cases, as well as working with GPs and OOHs to arrange treatment where needed. Avian influenza 2022-2024 Avian influenza remains an annual threat, with infected wild and domestic birds identified each year. NHS Tayside HPT works closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to respond to relevant situations. Of particular concern is spread to humans, with cases of Avian influenza in wild birds as well as farms being identified in Tayside in recent years, requiring extensive and detailed follow up, and co-ordination with national bodies. Streamlining communication between agencies remains a priority to enable rapid and effective responses. In 2023, the HPT was called on to manage a temporary resident of Tayside who had been exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza in an incident in England, which generated an extensive response and considerable media interest. The HPT contributed to subsequent whole system UK-level debrief and process improvement discussions. Other hazards Environmental situations 2024 NHS Tayside HPT has worked closely with local authorities and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency to respond to environmental situations with the potential to impact human health, e.g. fuel spills with risk of contaminating land, or blue-green algae impacting lochs and reservoirs. Due to there being a theoretical risk but no actual documented harms to human health in the specific situations concerned, enforcement of actions relating to such incidents on private land remains difficult, but an area of continued focus. Infections relating to water bodies 2020-2024 Infection, and the risk of wider transmission, of water bodies poses a relatively common threat to Tayside, requiring an assessment of risk, involvement of local authorities and Scottish Water, and potential actions where relevant. Examples include contaminated private water supplies, failed samples from holiday complexes, and infections relating to swimming pools (e.g. cryptosporidium). Occasionally, this has necessitated closure of premises with close working with the local authorities, and tailored advice to the public to minimise the potential threat. Local authorities carry out regular sampling of recreational water bodies (including blue-green algae) and private water sources to minimise this threat, whilst water-related infections are investigated for potential sources by the HPT to minimise risks. Additionally, SEPA also undertake sampling of bathing waters during the bathing season (sampling takes place May – September), with a number of Tayside beaches included 28. Chemical incidents 2020-2024 NHS Tayside has managed several chemical incidents in recent years, with close collaboration with the Scottish Fire and Rescue service, and police authorities. Often these are contained rapidly by these services without requiring HPT input. However, there have been a few incidents requiring specific public health input to ascertain the risk and consider 28 SEPA. https://beta.sepa.scot/news/2024/record-number-of-excellent-bathing-waters-in-scotland-for-2025/ Page 141 of 186
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22 wider actions. Key learning from these events has centred around communication between various partners and organisations, and the involvement of the Local Resilience Partnership where appropriate to help co-ordinate the response. Reports of the Incident Management Teams (IMT) established to coordinate the management of such incidents are reviewed through clinical governance structures within NHS Tayside, including the Health Protection Management group and Public Health Governance group, and are available on request. Debrief events following such incidents are usually held to help capture learning and improve processes going forward. Joint meetings between HPT and Local Authorities, alongside other partners e.g. Scottish Water and SEPA, are also held quarterly as a means of improving collaboration, reviewing processes, sharing good practice and reflections, providing advice and learning, and discussing recent incidents to improve future responses. Page 142 of 186
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Appendix 1 5. Resources and Operational Arrangements 5.1 Staffing As outlined previously, the health protection function in Tayside is provided jointly by NHS Tayside and the three partner local authority areas of Angus, Dundee City, and Perth and Kinross. Across these four organisations there are almost 50 people designated as “competent persons” under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008, and who are able to exercise the relevant powers specified in the Act. The staffing provision for delivering health protection services within each organisation is outlined below. However, it should be noted that these figures may fluctuate during the period of time covered by the JHPP. Further details of individual roles and responsibilities are available from each department if required. 5.1.1 NHS Tayside Health Protection Team The NHS Tayside Health Protection function is continuously operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are 10 Consultants in Public Health (Medicine) (CPH(M)), and 1 Advanced Specialist Nurse designated as competent persons under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 within NHS Tayside. In-hours: During office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays), a small multidisciplinary team operates to deliver the full range of services (Table 8). Table 8: NHS Tayside HPT staff contributing to the provision of health protection function (in hours) Role FTE Consultant in Public Health (Health Protection) 2.4 Health Protection Nurse Specialists 6.5 (1 WTE Band 8a Advanced Specialist Nurse; 1 WTE Band 7 Senior Specialist Nurse; 4.5 WTE of Band 6 Specialist Nurse) Personal Assistants 1 Administrative Assistant 1 Out-of-hours: A named CPH(M) is available at all times out of hours and can be contacted via Ninewells Hospital switchboard. To provide this on-call service, the Consultants in Health Protection participate in a weekly rota together with the Director of Public Health (DPH) and other CPH(M)s who do not work within the HPT during weekdays. The on-call CPH(M) is supported by a Health Protection Nurse during the hours of 9am-5pm on weekends and on public holidays, and at times by a training grade specialty registrar contributing to the on-call rota on a 1 in 7 FTE basis (Table 9). Table 9: NHS Tayside staff contributing to the provision of health protection function (out of hours) Role Period covered CPH(M) / DPH 24/7 evenings and weekends Health Protection Nurse Specialists 9am-5pm weekends and public holidays Specialty Registrars in Public Health Variable ‘first on’ coverage, typically 1-2 evening or weekend shifts per week Personal Assistants / Public Health Surveillance Officers No on-call coverage Page 143 of 186
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24 5.1.2. Angus Council In-hours: Angus Council has 13.5 FTE Environmental Health Officers (EHO) who are designated as competent persons under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. Additional members of staff who contribute to the provision of the public health function in Angus include: one Food Safety Officer, two Environmental Health Technicians, one Contaminated Land Officer and 1.4 FTE Animal Health Officers. Out-of-hours: There is no formal on-call arrangement or standby Environmental Health coverage out of hours. However, in the event of a major public health outbreak or incident with the potential to impact Angus, a locally agreed process is in place for on-call Public Health to attempt to make contact with senior members of staff within the Vibrant Communities or Environmental Health teams. 5.1.3. Dundee City Council In-hours: Dundee City Council has 14 FTE Environmental Health Officers (EHO) who are designated as competent persons under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008, including three middle managers, and three supervisory posts / senior EHOs. There are a further 22.6 FTE staff who contribute to public health protection functions including: Food Safety Officers, Licensing Standards Officers, Contaminated Land Officers, Pest Control Officers, Public Health Technician, and Environmental Compliance Officers, etc. Out-of-hours: A locally agreed process is in place for on-call Public Health to attempt to make contact with senior EHOs or other members of the Regulatory Services team in the event of a major public health outbreak or incident with the potential to impact Dundee. 5.1.4 Perth and Kinross Council In-hours: Perth and Kinross have 7.0 FTE Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) who are designated as competent persons under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. In addition, there are a further 11 FTE officers who contribute to public health protection functions including: Environmental Health, Contaminated Land, Food Safety, Air Quality, Private Water Supplies. It is noted that animal welfare/licencing/dog control is currently enforced by PKC’s Trading Standards service. Out-of-hours: There is an informal Environmental Health on-call arrangement out of hours. In the event of a public health incident with the potential to impact Perth and Kinross, a local emergency response process is in place whereby on-call Public Health can contact senior management to advise relevant Environmental Health officers. 5.2 IT and Communications Technology All partners have access to IT equipment and tools relevant to their roles, including desktop and laptop computers, mobile telephones and e-mail. In common with all other territorial NHS boards in Scotland, NHS Tayside HPT and on-call health protection staff use the HPZone case and incident management system to manage workflow and to act as the formal record of HPT activity. Page 144 of 186
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25 5.3 Collaborative working NHS Tayside HPT and Environmental Health partners from each of the local authority areas work closely together and with wider partners to deliver statutory health protection functions in Tayside. Organisational arrangements in place to facilitate effective collaborative working include the participation of NHS, local authority and other partners in health protection related multi-agency groups such as the Joint Environmental Health & Health Protection Team Group for Tayside and the Tayside Water and Blue-Green Algae Group (Table 10). A number of other formal and informal arrangements are in place to facilitate collaborative working including ad hoc meetings, phone calls, teleconferencing and emails, as well as occasional joint training exercises. Table 10: Inter-organisational health protection groups in Tayside Group Remit Membership Joint Environmental Health & Health Protection Team Group for Tayside (meeting frequency: four- monthly) Overseeing the development, publication, dissemination and implementation of the JHPP, or subsequent alternative planning processes. Discussing case management and sharing good practice Collaborating in the development and implementation of local policies and protocols for the investigation, management and communication of communicable disease and environmental hazards where joint working is required to protect the public. NHS Tayside HPT, Environmental Health from Angus, Dundee, and Perth & Kinross councils Scottish Water SEPA NHS Tayside microbiology Others invited as necessary where attendance is felt likely to bring experience of expertise beneficial to the group Tayside Water and Blue-Green Algae Group (meeting frequency: annual) Overseeing the development, publication, dissemination and implementation of the Tayside Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Action Plan Providing a forum for discussing guidance updates, sharing good practice, and reflecting on learning from significant water events NHS Tayside HPT Environmental Health from Angus, Dundee, and Perth & Kinross councils Scottish Water Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) 5.4 Standard Operating Procedures Within NHS Tayside, Health Protection Standard Operating Procedures are formulated within a Health Protection Manual that outlines the respective actions and guidance required for each notifiable disease, as well as commonly encountered environmental, chemical and other incidents, and infectious diseases. Members of the Health Protection Team are responsible for different sections within this manual, with a requirement to update these sections whenever there are national updates to the relevant guidance, emerging evidence, or on an approximate biennial basis. Page 145 of 186
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26 5.5 Maintaining knowledge, skills and competencies This section outlines the corporate arrangements for the maintenance of knowledge, skills and competencies of staff within the health board and local authorities who have health protection duties. 5.5.1 NHS Tayside NHS Tayside staff who contribute to the delivery of health protection functions undergo an annual appraisal to ensure their knowledge and skills remain up to date. All Consultants and Specialty Registrars who participate in the day duty and on-call rotas are required to maintain their skills and record continuing professional development (CPD) activities with the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) or alternative Royal College. Similar arrangements are in place for Health Protection Nurses, in accordance with the Agenda for Change Knowledge and Skills Framework process and nursing revalidation requirements set out in The Code (Nursing and Midwifery Council standards of practice and behaviour). HPT run monthly update and education sessions for core health protection staff and all Consultants and Registrars who contribute to the on-call rota, as well as any other colleagues across the Directorate of Public Health with a health protection related role. Staff from NHS Tayside’s laboratory services are regularly invited to join these meetings and will occasionally lead teaching sessions on microbiology or virology related topics. Environmental Health teams from local authorities are also invited to relevant meetings to share their experience and input, helping build a shared understanding and approach on topics. All staff are encouraged to identify their own learning needs and to attend external conferences, meetings, and events when able as part of wider CPD activities. 5.5.2 Local authorities Local authority Environmental Health professionals generally follow a Performance Development Review appraisal process, or equivalent, on a regular basis, E.g. the Employee Review Development process in Perth and Kinross Council Regular ‘in-house’ training and CPD activities covering a range of public health and environmental matters are available for new starts and established staff members Meet Food Standards Scotland’s terms of ongoing CPD and experience required for food enforcement (Food Law Code of Practice (Scotland) is under review at the moment) Voluntary participation in Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) scheme of CPD Participation in external meetings/events/conferences/liaison groups/working groups e.g. REHIS Public Health & Housing Working Group, The REHIS Scottish Pollution Control Co-ordinating Committee, the East of Scotland Liaison Group which is a subgroup of Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee. Planning, training and exercising public health plans at the Local Resilience Partnership level, arranged jointly with resilience teams. Page 146 of 186
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27 5.5.3 Joint training NHS Tayside and local authority partners aim to ensure that details of relevant training opportunities and conferences that may be of interest are shared between agencies. There are occasional joint training sessions between NHS Tayside HPT, local authority environmental health staff, and other partners. For example, since the publication of the last JHPP, staff contributing to health protection functions in Tayside have had the opportunity to attend a Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) training session. All partners consulted in the preparation of this updated plan considered joint training exercises to be helpful, and one of the actions for the joint priorities, as outlined in Table 6, is to have more shared training exercises to further enhance learning and collaboration. Page 147 of 186
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Appendix 1 6 Capacity and Resilience 6.1 NHS Tayside NHS Tayside Public Health Directorate has a business continuity plan and an escalation plan which incorporates the Health Protection Team, and priorities this service in the event of major disruption. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, core HPT staffing levels were increased to enable the service to respond to a sustained rise in workload associated with the pressures of the pandemic response. Staffing capacity and resilience were last reviewed within the plan in April 2024 with contingencies measures and preparations put in place. The Director of Public Health and Assistant Directors of Public Health provide added resilience in the event of the duty HPT consultants being unable to fulfil their duties. Further considerations relating to resilience are within the Business Continuity Plan, with actions being taken to ensure future resilience, including mutual aid at a local level and prioritisation of areas of delivery across the Directorate. The business continuity plan is reviewed on an annual basis, with the next review planned for April 2025. In addition, Tayside is an active member of the North of Scotland Regional Resilience Partnership, as part of the ‘Ready Scotland’ initiative29, (alongside Grampian, Highland and the Island Health Board Areas), with mutual aid arrangements in place for the North of Scotland Public Health Network should further capacity be required, e.g. in the event of a major outbreak or incident30 . 6.2 Local Authorities Each local authority has its own resilience team, and associated resilience and business continuity plans. This includes their public health function remit, and abilities to maintain this service aspect in the event of future challenges. Staffing capacity and resilience is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Key resilience considerations relating to significant public health threats, relate to Local Resilience Partnership (LRP) arrangements, which are also in place in Tayside. NHS Tayside and the Local Authorities contribute to this arrangement, including preparations and planning for any major incidents or emergencies affecting the local region. This includes the LRP Working Group and the LRP Strategic Group as well as specific constituents, e.g. the Pandemic Flu, Mass Fatalities and Mass Casualty plans. The aim is to provide clear structures, pathways and roles in the event of an incident. 29 Ready Scotland. Preparing for and dealing with emergencies. https://ready.scot/how-scotland- prepares/preparing-scotland-guidance/purpose-regional-resilience-partnerships-risk/regional-resilience- partnerships-risk-preparedness 30 Scottish Government. Scottish Regional Resilience Partnerships' framework: August 2022. https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-regional-resilience-partnerships-framework-exotic-notifiable- animal-diseases-contingency-plans-august-2022/pages/7/ Page 148 of 186
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29 7 Public involvement and feedback Typically, there is no direct public involvement in the planning and delivery of health protection services. However, vaccination programmes, which are closely linked to health protection services, typically seek public involvement and user experience, such as focus groups, to understand how best to deliver services to meet the needs of the local population 31. Additionally, in line with the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, NHS Tayside seeks patient feedback, comments, complaints and concerns on an ongoing basis and through a range of different methods, to improve patient experience of using health services, and to support people to become more involved in their health and health care. The range of different methods used to elicit feedback and the governance structure, as well as findings on common themes and actions taken in response are published annually.32 Feedback and complaints received from the public on case management and incidents are responded to promptly and used to reflect on practices, develop learning and improve the service wherever possible, for example, strengthening consistent and transparent communications, or how pathways between services, including the laboratories, are organised. The Tayside HPT and local authorities also provide opportunity as a matter of course for questions/concerns when following up and interviewing members of the public about health protection issues. Furthermore, the three local authorities have inbuilt mechanisms to engage with the public/offer the opportunity to provide feedback. This includes public consultation on various environmental plans and strategies, community engagement events, directed surveys and open invites though web services and social media. Similarly, local authorities often provide direct advice and awareness on health protection precautions to the public through social media e.g. attendance at petting farms/zoo’s, blue green algae incidents, food alerts etc. 31 Public Health Scotland. Scotland's 5-year Vaccination and Immunisation Framework and Delivery Plan. https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/scotlands-5-year-vaccination-and-immunisation-framework- and-delivery-plan/ 32 NHS Tayside. Feedback Report (2021-2022). https://www.nhstaysidecdn.scot.nhs.uk/NHSTaysideWeb/idcplg?IdcService=GET_SECURE_FILE&Rendition=we b&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&noSaveAs=1&dDocName=prod_368529 (accessed 22 Oct 2024). Page 149 of 186
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Appendix 1 8 Summary The landscape of health protection has seen several significant changes over recent years, not least in context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These have shaped processes, plans, and collaboration opportunities. Consequently, the Joint Health Protection Plan for 2025-2027 provides an opportunity to strengthen the networks established over recent years and build on developments and progress. The shared priorities for the next two years encompass this and consider the recent and present health protection context. The priorities focussing on outbreak management and prevention of communicable diseases, incident management and prevention of environmental health hazards, and horizon scanning and emerging threats, reflect the shared focus of NHS Tayside HPT and local authorities on being able to effectively respond to situations and threats to public health, and strengthen activities and plans to prevent them. The actions and outcomes encapsulate the importance of planning, and joint preparation and learning, to enable this, particularly where situations can be unpredictable. Moreover, critical to any response is good communication, and this plan seeks to build on established relationships to effectively deliver the shared health protection activities and responsibilities in NHS Tayside. The JHPP will aim next to be reviewed and updated in consultation with colleagues in the local authorities in 2027, with the current priorities and actions being kept under review to facilitate implementation. Page 150 of 186
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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 7 Page 151 of 186
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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. Page 152 of 186
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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 Page 153 of 186
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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 Page 154 of 186
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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. Page 155 of 186
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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. Page 156 of 186
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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 Page 157 of 186
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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. Page 158 of 186
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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. Page 159 of 186
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f PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Date of Meeting: 11 June 2025 Report Title: Community Empowerment Annual Report Report Number: 25/158 Report Author: Sarah Kimmet, Community Empowerment Officer communityempowerment@pkc.gov.uk Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead for Housing and Communities ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 This report seeks approval of the Community Empowerment Annual Report for 2024/25. The Annual Report provides an overview of the work done to promote and respond to interest in Community Asset Transfer and Participation Requests. 1.2 Sections: Section 4: Background/Main Issues Section 5: Summary of Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Activity Over Financial Year 2024-25 Section 6: Related Community Empowerment Work by Other Council Services Section 7: Participation Requests Section 8:Conclusion Section 9: Impact Value Assessment Section 10:Appendix: Community Empowerment Annual Report 2. Recommendation It is recommended that Council: 2.1 Approves the Community Empowerment Annual Report 2024/25 8 Page 161 of 186
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3. Background / Main Issues 3.1 The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 sets out rights for communities to have more significant influence or control over decisions and services which are most important to them. These rights are summarised as follows: Part 3 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 enables communities to request to participate in processes to improve outcomes in their local community. Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 gives community groups the right to request ownership, lease, or access assets owned by the Council and other public bodies. 3.2 The Council has a statutory duty to report on the number of both Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Requests and Participation Requests it receives every year and the Council's activity to promote these rights. 3.3 This Annual Report outlines the Community Asset Transfer interest and Participation Requests the Council has received from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The Report sets out some of the outcomes from these requests and the full report in Appendix one details the pro-active work done to promote CAT and Participation Requests to communities as well as the support given to groups. This work reflects the corporate priority of working in partnership with communities. 4. Summary Of Community Asset Transfer (Cat) Activity Over Financial Year 2024/2025 4.1 Since April 2024, Perth and Kinross Council has supported thirty-four community organisations who have expressed interest in the Community Asset Transfer process in Perth and Kinross. This report summarises some of the key activities that have taken place, and how Perth and Kinross Council has supported these community organisations with their Expressions of Interest (EOI) in a Community Asset Transfer. The full report is provided as Appendix 1. 4.2 This report also includes a summary of the activities that have been undertaken in partnership with the Estates team to support community organisations who have been looking towards community ownership out with official Community Asset Transfer route. The Community Learning and Development Team work closely with Estates to support groups to find the most appropriate route to ownership or access. Cloichard Depot, Pitlochry 4.3 Sprout are a Pitlochry based group looking to create an upcycling centre and climate café. They work closely with the local Men’s Shed. Page 162 of 186
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Following the initial interest in Burnside Toilets, Sprout submitted an EOI in December 2023 for the Cloichard Depot. They hope to house their upcycling centre, climate café, and a workshop for the Men’s Shed. Initial feedback has been provided by the CAT team and the group will continue to be supported to submit a full CAT application. Over the last year the group have had support to engage with architects to begin feasibility work which will be carried out during 2025. Pitlochry Town Hall, West Moulin Road, Pitlochry 4.4 Following initial interest resulting from the Pitlochry Asset Review, the Pitlochry Town Hall group have made progress since their initial EOI. They are now a registered charity and have secured funding to begin feasibility work. They have recently received funding from the PKC Advancing Community Assets Fund towards staffing costs. As well as having the support of a Development Officer, this funding will now allow the group to be able to hire an Operations Manager for the Hall. Following discussions with local Elected Members a proposed Management Agreement with PKC has been agreed and it is expected that this experience will help to inform their CAT application. Dewars Centre, Perth 4.5 Following discussion on the future of the Dewars Centre, Scottish Curling is exploring the possibility of a community-led ice facility. The initial goal would be to take the building on through a long-term lease. Scottish Curling have secured funding from PKC to carry out a feasibility study during the first quarter of 2025/26. Alyth Museum 4.6 Following the closure of the museum in Alyth, Alyth Youth Partnership approached PKC about using the building as a youth hub. The group have started community consultation, and the young people are actively involved in a steering group for this. They have commitment from local trades people to help with much of the capital works and are working on a business plan with the aim of submitting a proposal in Summer 2025. 5. Related Community Empowerment Work by Other Council Services 5.1 Community groups and organisations are often referred directly to PKC’s Estates Team who work with other Services to grant leases and sale of assets. Additionally, many groups who approach the Community Empowerment Team find solutions with Estates out with the typical Community Asset Transfer Route. This section of the report offers a summary of some of the activity since 1 April 2024. Page 163 of 186
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45 High Street, Perth - St Johnstone Community Trust 5.2 Estates have agreed Heads of Terms and are progressing with a new lease of 45 High Street to St Johnstone Community Trust. The property has been vacant since late last year when Visit Scotland moved out. The proposal is for a retail offering selling St Johnstone FC tickets, memorabilia, office space, St Johnstone Museum, and a space for community events, which will showcase the activities and programs available to the local community and increase footfall within Perth city centre. Primrose Park, Auchterarder - Auchterarder Community Sports + Recreation 5.3 A new lease was completed in January 2025 with Auchterarder Community Sports + Recreation which will allow the community group to create an 'all wheeled pump track' along with a sperate 'mountain bike skills area', both located within Primrose Park. The pump track opened to the public at the end of March. South Inch Pavilion, Perth - Fair City Juniors Football Club 5.4 Terms have been agreed with Fair City Juniors Football Club for a lease of the non-café parts of the South Inch Pavilion building, and the Club has received Building Warrant approval to convert the former public toilets into changing rooms. Fair City Juniors is entirely run by volunteers, and they coach around 500 children at the South Inch. The new lease will enable the Club to significantly improve the facilities available to home and away players. Former Slaughterhouse Site, Aberfeldy - Aberfeldy Development Trust 5.5 Aberfeldy Development Trust have submitted an offer to purchase the former slaughterhouse site at the end of Appin Place, Aberfeldy, and the Council have issued a Qualified Acceptance. The Trust were awarded grant funding by the Scottish Land Fund in December 2024 to purchase this site and an adjacent area of ground for the purpose of developing a small affordable rural housing scheme to address the local community’s concerns over housing availability and affordability. It is anticipated that the development will comprise six homes for sale and rent. Wellmeadow Public Toilets, Blairgowrie - Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust 5.6 Following the Council’s decision to close the Wellmeadow public toilets, the Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust (BRDT) submitted a proposal to take on the operation of the toilets. The Trust signed a lease, and the toilets were handed over by the Council in July 2024. BRDT are being supported by local businesses, organisations, and volunteers, and in 2025 were awarded Scottish Government funding to carry out a feasibility study for adding a gift shop and local information centre to the toilets building. Page 164 of 186
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Wildwood, Stanley - West Stormont Woodland Group & Tayside Woodland Partnerships 5.7 In 2024 the Council ran a community consultation on the future of a Council- owned half-acre woodland located in Stanley known as Wildwood or Rookery Wood. The consultation found a strong preference for the Council to explore the willingness of any suitable community groups for taking on responsibility for managing the woodland under a lease or sale. West Stormont Woodland Group (WSWG) and Tayside Woodland Partnerships (TWP) registered their interest, and the Council has engaged with these groups to facilitate a sale of the woodland to TWP, with WSWG taking on woodland management responsibilities. 6. Participation Requests 6.1 PKC have received two participation requests in 2024/25. Comrie Community Council 6.2 Comrie Community Council submitted a valid participation request on 26 November 2024. This was accepted on 27 January 2025 and was a request to work with PKC and Culture Perth and Kinross around the future of Comrie Library. Crieff Community Council 6.3 Crieff Community Council submitted a valid participation request on 18 February 2025. This request was to be involved in wider community consultation around future development of the former Drummond Arms Hotel site. This request was refused on 4 April 2025. The refusal grounds explained that PKC were not able to support with community consultation at this time, as officers focused on the safety and demolition of the site. However, PKC have committed to community consultation in partnership with Crieff Community Council once demolition is underway at the site. 7. Conclusion 7.1 The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires the Council to produce an Annual Report, setting out the work done to promote and respond to Community Asset Transfer Requests and Participation Requests. In 2024/25, seven Expressions of Interest were received for Community Asset Transfer, and two Participation Requests were received. 8. Impact and Value Assessment Community_Empowerment_Annual_Report_2024_25_- _IVA_Summary_Report_pdf.html.pdf Page 165 of 186
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9. Appendices 9.1 Appendix 1 – Full Community Empowerment Annual Report 24/25 Page 166 of 186
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APPENDIX 1 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024/205 1. Structure Of Report 1.1 This report is structured over the following sections: Section 2: Participation Requests Section 3: Community Asset Transfer Section 4: Our Approach Section 5: Promotion Section 6: Progress Made Over 24/25 and Improvement Actions for 25/26 Section 7: Conclusion 2. Participation Requests 2.1 In the year 2024/25 PKC received two Participation requests. 2.2 A participation request from Comrie Community Council was accepted with the intended outcome that CCC, PKC, and CPK can work together to explore opportunities for sustainable library provision in the rural area. 2.3 A participation request from Crieff Community Council was refused, however, PKC have committed to exploring their outcome in partnership at a later date. The community in Crieff would like to explore options for the future development on the former Drummond Arms Hotel site. 2.4 The recent Scottish Government Review into Participation Requests has highlighted that more work is done nationally to highlight when Participation Requests should be used and provide a better understanding on the Outcome Improvement Process. PKC officer will continue to attend meetings and respond to consultations on this matter and keep others in PKC informed of any changes and updates. 8 Page 167 of 186
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3. Community Asset Transfer 3.1 The following table gives an overview of the number of community groups who have approached PKC to enquire about purchase, lease, or management of an asset. Examples of some of these groups are detailed in the summary report. Number Groups approaching the Council about an asset in 2024/25 34 Groups who have withdrawn before an Expression of Interest submitted 7 Expressions of Interest received 7 Groups who have withdrawn after an Expression of Interest submitted 4 Number of live cases 16 Groups who reached an alternative outcome 7 CAT Requests received 0 CAT Requests agreed to 0 CAT Requests refused 0 CAT Requests withdrawn 0 CAT decisions appealed 0 CAT decisions appealed successfully 0 3.2 Groups who have reached an alternative outcome typically discuss options with the Community Empowerment Officer and are then introduced to our Estates team who can co-ordinate a lease or negotiated sale. Not included in these figures are groups who are referred to Estates through other Services. An overview of some of the work co-ordinated by Estates was provided in the summary report. 4. Our Approach 4.1 The Council is committed to working with community organisations to explore the options for community ownership which are open to them. Groups will initially meet with the Community Empowerment Officer who will discuss which routes, support and funding streams may help them achieve their goal of community ownership. If CAT is considered an option the Community Empowerment Officer can explain this route to the group, as well as providing the group with the PKC CAT Toolkit and Toolkit Workbook. Groups will also be introduced to the Perth and Kinross advisor from the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) which is part of the Development Trust Association Scotland. This service works closely with Local Authorities and with community groups to support the CAT process. We have held joint information evenings where communities have been able to learn from PKC and COSS about the process. Groups are also introduced to representatives from key funders, such as the Scottish Land Fund. Page 168 of 186
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4.2 We take a customer-centred approach to CAT Requests. Community groups are allocated a dedicated officer to act as a single point of contact and coordinate with staff across the Council to find the relevant information before feeding back. Groups are supported by the Community Empowerment Officer to prepare the various documents and pieces of work needed to form a CAT application. Throughout this process the Community Empowerment Officer keeps other relevant officers updated including the CAT Team (including representatives from CLD, Estates, Property, Legal, and Finance), and via the Corporate Property Asset Management Group. Any feedback from these forums is provided to the group before they are encouraged to submit a formal CAT application. During this process officers can often support groups with alternative solutions and therefore not all groups will proceed to full CAT application. A full description of the PKC CAT approach can be found on our webpage at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/19819/Community-Asset-Transfer 5. Promotion 5.1 Both CAT and Participation Requests are promoted to the public via dedicated web pages. Each page contains all the information a group would need to undertake either process, with an animated via example of a hypothetical example of both CAT and a Participation Request. 5.2 As part of a proactive approach to make communities aware of Community Asset Transfer the Community Empowerment Officer has met with communities where assets which are being considered for closure by PKC and its ALEOs. Meetings have taken place regarding Live Active Leisure (LAL) venues including Tulloch Community Centre in Perth, Aytoun Hall in Auchterarder, and Scone Public Hall. There has been little community interest in pursuing CAT whilst LAL management is still seen as an option at these sites. A group has formed around Dunning Town Hall and it is expected that they will submit a request for lease by the end of the year. Groups taking ownership of such large-scale buildings requires considerable capacity building work and funding for communities to make these successful and sustainable. 5.3 Following an invitation from Culture Perth and Kinross (CPK) to attend community meetings on the future of libraries, in January and February the Community Empowerment Officer attended meetings at four libraries to advertise the support available in relation to the Community Empowerment Act. These were held at the CPK libraries in Auchterarder, Scone, and Alyth to discuss CAT and Comrie to highlight Community Right to Buy. In March, an information evening was held in partnership with CPK and the Community Ownership Support Service covering community ownership of library services. Again, there was little interest in community-led solutions with community preference being for CPK services to continue. Page 169 of 186
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6. Progress Made Over 24/25 And Improvement Actions For 25/26 Funding 6.1 A Meet the Funder event took place in November 2024 where groups were invited to come and speak with funders about their projects. This event was well attended by groups and funders and both reported that they found it useful. This is an event which can be repeated in future. 6.2 The Advancing Community Assets Fund was launched in February 2025 as a means of allocating PKC budget funding to groups to help them with their community ownership goals. To date three applications have been received and have been successful in securing funding towards costs associated with CAT, revenue costs, and small capital works. Other groups have indicated what they would like to apply to the fund for, and applications are expected to follow shortly. Training and Support 6.3 Discussion is currently underway with groups regarding the establishment of a Community Ownership Forum. This would provide a regular opportunity for learning, skills sharing, and collaboration. It is hoped that this additional learning opportunity for groups will support them to move their projects forward. 6.4 The Community Empowerment Officer is working with Community Learning and Development Workers to develop a standard initial training session which can be offered to interested community groups. 6.5 Officers are working towards updating PKCs internal e-learning module on Community Empowerment. 6.6 The Community Empowerment Officer attends the National Asset Transfer Action Group, where the work of PKC towards community ownership outwith the CAT process has been recognised. The recent Scottish Government Review on Community Asset Transfer has identified that this group should be refreshed and reconsider its remit. Additionally, the review has highlighted that more needs to be done to support smaller and/or more disadvantaged communities to make the most out of the Act. PKC officers will continue to be involved as the next stage of the review occurs and will share information and updates. Improvement Actions for 2025/26 6.7 The Council will continue to support community groups to explore opportunities in owning, leasing, or accessing Council assets. Reflecting on performance in 2024/25 and the potential to build on this in 2025/26, the following improvement actions have been identified: Page 170 of 186
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Identified Issue Action Lead Service Timescale More support and learning opportunities needed for groups to move projects forward at a steadier pace. Establishment of a Community Ownership Forum to provide a regular and collaborative opportunity for support. Establishment of new resources to support groups with new topics such as feasibility studies and business planning. Creation of standard training for groups which can be offered by the Community Learning and Development Team Community Learning and Development Team June 2025 Communication around CAT and what is happening The new CLD Newsletter will contain a section on Community Ownership which can provide an update to interested parties on a regular basis. Community Learning and Development Team October 2025 Knowledge of the Community Empowerment Act across Council Services. Particularly in relation to Participation Requests Development of E-learning on Participation Requests and Community Ownership. Community Learning and Development Team December 2025 7. Conclusion 7.1 The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires the Council to produce an Annual Report, setting out the work done to promote and respond to Community Asset Transfer Requests and Participation Requests. In 2024/25, seven Expressions of Interest were received for Community Asset Transfer, and two Participation Requests were received. Page 171 of 186
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Housing & Social Wellbeing Committee Date of Meeting: 11 June 2025 Report Title: Locality PB Fund 2024/25 – Funding Awards Report Number: 25/159 Report Author: Jacob Dudgeon Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead – Housing & Communities/Greg Boland, Strategic Lead – Strategic Planning, People & Performance ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 This report informs Committee of the funding commitments made through Participatory Budgeting in the 2024/25 Locality PB Fund across four targeted localities based on deprivation data. £101,008 was awarded to 28 projects which will help tackle poverty and alleviate the cost of living. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation(s) 3. Background 4. Summary of Funding Awarded 5. Projects Funded in Each Locality 6. Project Evaluation 5. Impact Value Assessment 6. Appendices 2. Recommendation(s) It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 notes the funding awarded through participatory budgeting in the Locality PB Fund for 2024/25 and recommendations for future community grant processes. 2.2 agrees that this report will compliment Report Fairer Communities for All 25/160 detailing future community grant programmes for 2025/26 at this meeting. 9 Page 173 of 186
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3. Background 3.1 In June 2024, the Council approved £100,000 for a participatory budgeting (PB) exercise in 2024/25. As agreed in Report 24/194, the monies would be used in four targeted localities based on data analysis from ACORN and the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). These local localities were identified as Central & North Perth; Rattray; South Crieff and Coupar Angus, Meigle & Alyth. Allocations were divided across the localities based on income-deprived population ratio from SIMD data. 3.2 Following a successful online PB exercise in 2023/24, officers returned to the Consul platform to accept proposals and allow online voting from local residents. Offline paper voting was planned into the process at an early stage, which allowed this to be fully implemented into the Consul system and for CLD staff to arrange events and voting stations. 3.3 Proposals were accepted from 2nd December 2024, with CLD colleagues offering workshops during the submission window. By the 7th February, 54 proposals had been submitted across all four localities. One proposal was screened out due to being incomplete. The number of proposals received across all localities and those progressed to the voting stage is detailed below. Locality Funding Available Proposals Received Funding Requested Proposals Progressed Funding Requested Central and North Perth £47,837.22 18 £153,339 18 £153,339 Coupar Angus, Meigle & Alyth £16,690.60 10 £34,412 10 £34,412 Rattray £16,625.41 9 £32,469 9 £32,469 South Crieff £18,846.76 17 £50,809 16 £49,609 TOTALS £100,000.00 54 £271,029.00 53 £269,829.00 4. Summary of Funding Awarded 4.1 Public voting open on 17th February. Across the three weeks, 13,310 votes were cast in total, with 2069 made online and 11,241 made in-person at events or long -term locations with 2518 voters participating (940 online and 1578 in-person). A breakdown of these numbers in each locality is detailed below. Locality Online Participants Offline Participants Total Participants Online Votes Offline Votes Total Votes Central and North Perth 508 178 686 990 667 1657 Coupar Angus, Meigle & Alyth 103 508 611 272 3895 4167 Rattray 116 171 287 371 1234 1605 South Crieff 213 721 934 436 5445 5881 TOTALS 940 1578 2518 2069 11241 13310 Page 174 of 186
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4.2 Out of 53 projects that were put forward to the voting stage, 28 projects received a total of £101,008.39 across the four localities. This is detailed further in the table below. Locality No. of Projects No. of Funded Projects Total Awarded Central and North Perth 18 6 £47,837.22 Coupar Angus, Meigle & Alyth 10 8 £18,846.76 Rattray 9 6 £17,699.00 South Crieff 16 8 £16,625.41 TOTALS 53 28 £101,008.39 5 Projects Funded in Each Locality 5.1 The following voting stage results were made in each locality area, with awards to be paid out to successful applicants by the end of March 2025. These are presented in alphabetical order of group. It should be noted that in the locality of Rattray, two projects were deemed eligible for partial funding through being tied runners up. With agreement from Finance officers, both projects were awarded their full award. Central and North Perth Project Group Amount Awarded The Community Fridge Project Letham4All £10,000.00 North Muirton Community Allotments North Muirton Community Group £7,000.00 Partizan Allstars Partizan Gymnasium £8,436.00 Making Rugby Accessible for Every Child in Perth and Kinross Perthshire Rugby £13,000.00 School Uniform Bank - Back to School & Nursery (Central and North Perth) Social Flock £9,001.22 The Decider Skills for Self Help Walled Garden £400.00 TOTAL £47,837.22 Page 175 of 186
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Coupar Angus, Meigle & Alyth Project Group Amount Awarded Wonderland Event - Coupar Angus Adventure Circus £2,250.00 Get Into Tennis and Bowling - Under 12s Free Memberships for 2025-2026 Alyth Bowling & Tennis Club £544.76 AYP Revamp, Repair, Replace and Re- Wear! Alyth Youth Partnership SCIO £2,320.00 Family Food Creation and Learning Burrelton PSPC £1,100.00 CAYAG Adventure Seekers CAYAG £5,500.00 Coupar Angus PS Toast For All Coupar Angus PS Parent Council £2,132.00 DIY Lunch Food for Thought £2,500.00 Preventing Crisis Together in Coupar Angus , Meigle and Alyth Letham4All £2,500.00 TOTAL £18,846.76 Rattray Project Group Amount Awarded Free outdoor activities for kids Mantalk £3,080.00 Rattray Kids Party Time Rattray Hall Community Hub £1,450.00 Access to Adventure Rattray PS Parent Council £5,134.00 School Uniform Bank Social Flock £2,270.00 Wellmeadow ABC wants to make boxing accessible to all Wellmeadow ABC £5,000.00 For the love of moving Wisecraft £765.00 TOTAL £17,699.00 South Crieff Project Group Amount Awarded Crieff Community Garden Crieff Community Gardeners £3,100.00 Souper Good Crieff Connexions £528.41` Crieff Juniors Walking Football Crieff Walking Football £1,269.00 Cycle Crieff access to renovated and repaired low cost bikes and training Cycle Crieff £2,000.00 Kids Week in Crieff 2025 Kids Week in Crieff £2,455.00 Logos, Eat, Repeat Logos Youth Project £2,000.00 Strathearn Building Bridges Strathearn Building Bridges £2,343.00 Helping overweight men with poor mental health & reducing social isolation Strathearn United FC £2,930.00 TOTAL £16,625.41 Page 176 of 186
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6. Project Evaluation 6.1 This year, events were held during the application stage to support applicants and during the voting stage to give projects the chance to pitch to local voters. Applicants fed back that they benefited from networking opportunities at voting events, however many suggested that opportunities in advance of the application stage would have supported the planning of more meaningful and collaborative projects based on local needs. This was initially featured in the project plan but did not come to fruition due to staff working on the Warm Welcome Fund in the run-up to the launch of the Locality PB Fund. 6.2 Publicity from applicant groups proved to be very effective in encouraging local residents and supporters to get involved in the voting stage. Officers believe that this could be utilised further by having events hosted by community groups to increase voter engagement locally. 6.3 Community groups have expressed their confusion and misunderstanding over several funding pots, such as fund names, processes, and criteria of funding of similar themes. It could be considered more practical to consolidate funding in fewer pots, which would also increase the chances of smaller and more rural groups receiving funding and minimising duplication by preventing groups from receiving multiple funding allocations for similar activities across various pots. 6.4 While both online and paper voting methods were viewed positively, increasing online participation would require using a simplified platform to reduce barriers for those with limited digital skills and to better engage younger voters. In any future PB exercise, It has been carefully considered that a voting method allowing participants to select up to three projects, in place of the current wallet- based ‘knapsack’ approach, should be used to improve clarity for voters and reduce the potential for invalid voting where the voting system has not been followed. 6.5 Further detail on the feedback and evaluation of the process can be found in the CLD Evaluative Report in Appendix 1. 7. Conclusion 7.1 The Locality PB Fund supports community-led projects which tackle poverty and the cost of living. This PB exercise has seen £101,008 committed to support 28 separate projects across four targeted localities in Perth & Kinross and engaged 2,518 local residents in the voting process. This report compliments the content of Report Fairer Communities for All 25/160 at the same committee covering the next rounds of Community Grants in 2025/26. Page 177 of 186
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8. Impact Value Assessment https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/53913/Locality-PB-Fund-2024-25-Funding- Awards/pdf/Locality_PB_Fund_2024- 25___Funding_Awards.pdf?m=1743674683177 9. Appendices None. Page 178 of 186
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Date of Meeting: 11 June 2025 Report Title: Fairer Communities for All Report Number: 25/160 Report Author: Karen Evans, Team Leader, Community Learning and Development Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead, Housing and Communities. ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to seek approval on proposed changes to the delivery of the Community Investment Fund (CIF) and Participatory Budgeting (PB) funding 2025/26. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation(s) 3. Background/Context 4. Main Issues 5. Proposals 6. Conclusion 7. Impact Value Assessment 8. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee: 2.1 Approves an amalgamation of PB and CIF funding in communities with the highest socio-economic need. 2.2 Approves a single application and assessment process incorporating CIF and PB Fund under the title ‘Fairer Communities for All.’ 10 Page 179 of 186
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2.3 Approves the proposals for a new decision-making process for CIF. 2.4 Approves the proposals for the geographical funding allocation for 2025/26 based on identified needs. 3. Background/Context 3.1 The Community Investment Fund was established in 2018/19 with two main goals: Involve local people and communities in decisions about how Council funding is distributed. Support investment in projects which tackle local inequalities and improve quality of life. 3.2 Council allocated a further £200,000 for 2025/26. 3.3 Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a process through which residents of a community of place have the opportunity to decide how public money is invested within their own communities. 3.4 Following two successful rounds of Small Grants PB in 2017 and 2018, further funding was allocated to PB over the last two financial years. 2016/17 and 2017/18 – £320,000 delivered in conjunction with Health and Social Care Partnership across Perth and Kinross. 2023/24 Green Living Fund - £220,000 which was Perth and Kinross wide. 2024/25 Locality PB Fund - £100,000 which focussed on the communities of highest socio-economic need – South Crieff, Coupar Angus, Rattray, Meigle, Perth City and Perth City North 3.5 Council allocated a further £100,000 for locality PB in 2025/26. 4. Main Issues 4.1 Community groups have become familiar with the CIF process, resulting in a recurring pattern where the same groups receive funding year after year. This situation poses a challenge for community groups, as they must continually reinvent or create new projects to secure funding. 4.2 The allocation of CIF funding has historically been managed by ward panels, consisting of local elected members and community representatives. However, it has proven challenging for these panels to represent a diverse cross-section of their local community and to involve new groups. Despite the best efforts of elected members and council officers, some ward panels have met and allocated funding with only a few attendees. Additionally, some community representatives often have a vested interest in certain applications, necessitating their recusal from decision-making. Page 180 of 186
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4.3 The current set up of two separate funds (PB and CIF) and two distinct processes (ward panels and public voting), despite having similar criteria focused on costing of living and inequalities, has been confusing for groups and creates additional work for officers. Feedback from community groups has indicated a preference for a simplified process that allows for better forward planning and a more strategic approach to grant funding. 4.4 Community groups are best positioned to understand the issues and needs within their communities and the most effective ways to address them. This new process, starting with an initial engagement phase, will enable groups to identify needs upfront, providing evidence base alongside PowerBi data. 5 Proposal 5.1 The 2025/26 revenue budget allocated £200,000 to CIF and £100,000 to PB Fund. 5.2 The proposal would be to amalgamate the CIF and PB funds, with the £100,000 being used to supplement funding in areas of highest need. Any current CIF underspends would be combined and redistributed equally to these areas unless an underspend already exists. The proposed breakdown of the funding is as follows: Ward Population (Census 22) Per Capita Allocation CIF 2025/26 2024/25 CIF underspend top up PB Funding additional allocation based on need Total 1 – Carse of Gowrie 9916 £13,137.69 £0 £0 £13,137.69 2 - Strathmore 15,458 £20,480.28 £11,814 £20,000 £59,294.28 3 – Blairgowrie & Glens 11,248 £14,902.45 £11,814 £20,000 £46,716.45 4 - Highland 8927 £11,827.37 £0 £0 £11,827.37 5 - Strathtay 12,302 £16,298.90 £0 £0 £16,298.90 6 - Strathearn 10,419 £13,804.11 £11,814 £20,000 £45,618.11 7 - Strathallan 11,727 £15,537.08 £0 £0 £15,537.08 8 – Kinross- shire 14,119 £18,706.24 £0 £0 £18,706.24 9 – Almond & Earn 10,162 £13,463.61 £0 £0 £13,463.61 10 – Perth City South 16,641 £11,047.63 £0 £0 £11,047.63 11 – Perth City North 12,379 £16,400.91 £0 £20,000 £36,400.91 12 – Perth City Centre 17,657 £33,393.73 £11,814 £20,000 £65,207.73 Page 181 of 186
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5.3 It is recommended that the CIF and PB funds be rebranded under a single umbrella as the Fairer Communities for All. This rebranding reflects the changes in the fund’s process, links to the focused work with localities and encourages innovative thinking and development in communities. 5.4 It is recommended that the entire funding delivery process be revised as outlined in the flowchart in (Appendix 8.1). The process enables: Greater engagement with residents and organisations to identify priority needs in communities, particularly in relation to tackling poverty and inequalities. Elected members and council officers to screen the feasibility of the application and ensure it meets the fund criteria while cross referencing with existing community and public service provision to avoid duplication and to establish if external funding could also be used to fund the project. Local community groups to meet to determine what can be delivered and by whom to address the identified needs. Project proposals to go to a public vote unless alternative funding can be identified externally. Unsuccessful projects to be offered support to explore alternative funding. Collaboration in communities and supports the approach of tackling ‘local issues with local solutions,’ a tried and tested method through the allocation of the Warm Welcome funding. 5.5 Consultation will be conducted over an 8-week period through face-to-face engagement in communities and the use of an online form to maximise responses. Residents of all ages across Perth & Kinross will be given a menu of priorities and the option to add anything not already considered. This will be themed under the following corporate priorities to gather ideas on projects that would address these priorities: 1. Working in partnership with Communities 2. Tackling Poverty 3. Developing a resilient, stronger and greener local economy 5.6 Screening for feasibility and affordability will be carried out over a 3-week period by elected members and council officers on a ward basis. 5.7 Final proposals will be published online, and residents will be encouraged to cast 5 votes for their favoured projects. Microsoft Form, with enhanced security, will be used as the voting method to remove barriers associated with signing up to voting portals. Pop-up voting events will also take place in all ward areas to assist with digital access and ensure inclusivity. 5.8 Projects proposed as part of the Green Living Fund will also be voted on at the same time as those under the Fairer Communities for All. Page 182 of 186
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This ensures residents participate in a single voting process while deciding on multiple funding streams. A marketing strategy and key messaging will be developed to clearly communicate the different funding streams and their related priorities to residents. 5.9 The proposed timeline for the delivery of the revised funding process for 2025/26 would be: • Engagement: Mon 16th June – Fri 8th August • Screening: Mon 11th August – Friday 29th August • Collaboration Meetings: Mon 1st Sept – Fri 12th Sept • Submission of applications: Mon 15th Sept – Fri 3rd Oct • Voting opens: Mon 27th Oct – Fri 14th Nov • Final validation of votes: Mon 17th Nov – Fri 21st Nov • Results events: Between Mon 24th Nov and Sat 29th Nov • Payments made to successful projects w/b 1st Dec 6. Conclusion 6.1 The amalgamation of the funds will establish a single funding stream across all areas of Perth & Kinross branded as the Fairer Communities for All. 6.2 The consolidation will empower resident with greater decision-making powers throughout the whole process, enabling them to develop local solutions to local issues. 6.3 Additionally, the amalgamation of funds will streamline the process for community groups and significantly reduce the administrative burden on officer. This will enable officers to redirect their efforts towards collaborating with groups and achieving the best possible outcomes for the residents of Perth and Kinross. 7. Impact and Value Assessment https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/54067/Fairer-Communities-For- All/pdf/Fairer_Communities_For_All.pdf?m=1748339830057 8. Appendices 8.1 Appendix 1 - Proposed delivery model Page 183 of 186
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