Agenda Document Pack - Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee - 20/03/2024
Perth and Kinross Council · 20 March 2024
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 20 March 2024 and its agenda
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Securing the future… • Improving services • Enhancing quality of life • Making the best use of public resources Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 13/03/2024 A hybrid meeting of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 at 09:30. If you have any queries please contact Committee Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Councillor Tom McEwan (Convener) Councillor Sheila McCole (Vice-Convener) Councillor Jack Welch (Vice-Convener) Bailie Chris Ahern Councillor Peter Barrett Councillor Bob Brawn Bailie Rhona Brock Councillor Stewart Donaldson Councillor Angus Forbes Councillor Michelle Frampton Councillor Ian James Councillor Brian Leishman Councillor Iain MacPherson Bailie Claire McLaren Councillor Frank Smith Page 1 of 34
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Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Wednesday, 20 March 2024 AGENDA MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO DECLARE ANY FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL INTEREST WHICH THEY MAY HAVE IN ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF HOUSING AND SOCIAL WELLBEING COMMITTEE OF 24 JANUARY 2024 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 8 4 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (OBS) (copy herewith 24/91) 9 - 10 5 PRESENTATION - SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE WATER SAFETY CAPABILITIES 6 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND 2023/24 - 2ND ROUND Report by Head of Culture and Communities Services (copy herewith 24/92) 11 - 18 7 GREEN LIVING FUND 2023/24 - FUNDING AWARDS Report by Head of Culture and Communities Services (copy herewith 24/93) 19 - 34 Page 3 of 34
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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 24 January 2024 at 9.30am. Present: Bailies R Brock and C McLaren; Councillors L Barrett (substituting for Councillor P Barrett), B Brawn, S Donaldson, J Duff (substituting for Bailie C Ahern), A Forbes, M Frampton, K Harvey (substituting for Councillor S McCole), D Illingworth (substituting for Councillor I James), B Leishman, I MacPherson, T McEwan, F Smith and J Welch. In Attendance: B Renton, Executive Director (Communities), E Ritchie (up to and including Item 6), S Coyle, N Lennon, J McColl (up to and including Item 6), M Smith (up to and including Item 6) and M Dow (up to and including Item 6) (all Communities); H Robertson, E Lindsay and N Rogerson (all Education and Children’s Services), S Hendry, A Taylor, R Ramsay, and M Pasternak (all Corporate and Democratic Services). Also in Attendance: Chief Inspector T Leonard, Chief Inspector G Burns and Constable P Morgan (all Police Scotland) (up to and including Item 5); E Mackie, Tayside MAPPA Co-ordinator (from Item 7 onwards) and L Palmer (Tenant Representative) (for Item 6 only). Apologies for Absence: Bailie C Ahern, Councillors P Barrett, I James and S McCole. Councillor T McEwan, Convener, Presiding. The Convener led the discussion on Items 1-6 and Vice-Convener J Welch on Items 7 and 8. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Councillor T McEwan welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence and substitutions 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 Communities Committee of 29 November 2023 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT The Outstanding Business Statement was noted. 3 Page 5 of 34
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5. PRESENTATION ON MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM Constable Paul Morgan, Leader of Police Scotland Mountain Rescue Team provided a slide-based presentation covering all aspects of the work of the Mountain Rescue Team in Tayside. Constable Morgan answered Members’ questions thereon. The Convener thanked Constable Morgan for his very informative presentation and thanked them for his attendance. AT THIS POINT CHIEF INSPECTOR T LEONARD, CHIEF INSPECTOR G BURNS AND CONSTABLE P MORGAN ALL HAVE LEFT THE MEETING 6. HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) STRATEGIC FINANCIAL PLAN INCORPORATING THE 5 YEAR CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME AND RENT STRATEGY TO 2028/29, RESERVES STRATEGY AND OTHER HOUSING CHARGES FOR 2024/25 There was submitted a joint report by Executive Director (Communities) and Strategic Lead – Finance and Business Support (24/24) (1) seeking approval of the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for five years from 2024/25 to 2028/29, (2) outlining recommended increases to rents for houses and other HRA property service charges, and an appropriate level of reserves, and (3) seeking approval of the proposed budget for the next five years of the Capital Investment Programme, totalling £97.5 million from 2024/25 to 2028/29. Resolved: (i) It be noted that the HRA 30-year Business Plan has been updated to reflect and confirm the affordability of the proposals. (ii) The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2024/25 and provisional budgets for financial years 2025/26 to 2028/29 as set out in Appendix 1 of Report 24/24, be approved. (iii) The proposed Housing Revenue Account Capital Investment Programme for 2024/25 to 2028/29 as set out in Appendix 4 of Report 24/24, be approved. (iv) The Rent Strategy for 2024/25 and a provisional Rent Strategy for the following 4 years to 2028/29 as stated in Section 9 of Report 24/24, be approved. (v) The rent increase of 6.0% in line with option 1, for the year commencing 1 April 2024 for all Council houses. Meaning an average weekly rent increase of £4.51 per week, giving an average weekly rent of £79.74 per week based on 52 weeks, be approved. (vi) The rent increase of 6.0% for the year commencing 1 April 2024, be approved for: • all lock-ups • all garage sites • dispersed tenancies owned by the HRA • Greyfriars Hostel. (vii) The Housing Revenue Account Reserves Strategy proposed in Section 10 of Report 24/24, be approved. Page 6 of 34
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(viii) The final movement in the Housing Revenue Account in 2023/24 is transferred to a Covid-19 earmarked Reserve (HRA) as proposed in Section 10.10 of Report 24/24, be approved. (ix) The proposal to set Housing service charges from 1 April 2024 as stated in Section 13 of Report 24/24, be approved. (x) It be endorsed and approved, where necessary, the revised level of all housing related charges as detailed in Appendix 6 of Report 24/24. (xi) The progress made to date in delivering and maintaining the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) for improving and managing the housing stock as set out in Section 7 of Report 24/24 and the related Business Cases, be endorsed. THERE FOLLOWED A SHORT RECESS AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 11.25AM. 7. COMMUNITY JUSTICE UPDATE REPORT 2022-23 There was submitted a report by Executive Director (Education and Children’s Services (24/25) providing an update on (1) the work of council services and partners to meet local and national outcomes for Community Justice for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, and (2) the effectiveness of the arrangements for the supervision of serious offenders and the approaches being used to help people make positive changes in their lives and tackling the underlying causes. Resolved: The approach undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) teams in respect of the Perth and Kinross Community Justice and Safety Partnership (PKCJ&SP), and the content of the 2022-23 Perth and Kinross Annual Outcome Activity Return, as detailed in Appendix 1 of Report 24/25, submitted to Community Justice Scotland (CJS), be noted. 8. TAYSIDE MAPPA ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 There was submitted a report by Executive Director (Education and Children’s Services) (24/26) introducing the Tayside Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Annual Report for 2022-23. Resolved: (i) The contents of the Tayside MAPPA Annual Report 2022-23, as detailed in Appendix 1 to Report 24/26, be endorsed and noted. (ii) The Executive Director (Education and Children’s Services) be requested to bring forward future annual reports to this Committee. ~~~~~~~~~ Page 7 of 34
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HOUSING AND SOCIAL WELLBEING OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (OBS) (Report No. 24/91) Please note that this statement sets out outstanding decisions of this committee along with an update and estimated completion date. Actions which are overdue are shaded for ease of reference. Where an update reflects that an action is complete then agreement will be sought to its removal from the OBS. No Date / Minute Reference / Report Number Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due/completed Action Expected 13. 29 November 2023 Item 5. Report 23/336 Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2024/25 – 2028/29 Provide a Briefing Note on the Pilot Project being carried out targeting key workers detailing exactly what the Project involves. Information circulated to Members via Elected Member Briefing Note 19- 024 on 26 February 2024. K Divin / E Ritchie COMPLETE 29 February 2024 14. 29 November 2023 Item 8. Report 23/339 5th Local Child Poverty Action Report Share with Committee Members the Plan for the rollout of the multi-disciplinary teams. Officers are developing a wider rollout plan for locality working and have held ward level briefings with the pilot localities being Highland, Coupar Angus and Letham. Crieff and Perth City wards member briefings have taken place and are the localities next to be developed. An update on the project was presented to the Transformation Board on 20 Feb 2024 with the approach and a draft rollout plan for a wider rollout across P&K. C Mailer COMPLETE 29 February 2024 4 Page 9 of 34
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No Date / Minute Reference / Report Number Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due/completed Action Expected Further elected member briefings as part of the overall comms plan for this work will take place. 15. 24 January 2024 Item 6. Report 24/24 HRA Report Provide comparative data on average rents with the private sector Information provided by Elaine Ritchie and circulated to Members via email on 15 February 2024. E Ritchie COMPLETE 20 March 2024 Page 10 of 34
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee 20 March 2024 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND 2023/24 – 2ND ROUND Report by Head of Culture & Communities Services (Report No. 24/92) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 This report informs Committee of the funding commitments made for the second round of the 2023/24 Community Investment Fund (CIF) in Carse of Gowrie and Kinross-shire. Ward Panels allocated £19,800 to support 15 projects which contribute to the delivery of the priorities outlined in the Council’s Corporate Plan. The report also seeks Committee agreement on a future paper for a further round of CIF in 2024/25. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: (i) notes the funding decisions taken by Ward Panels for 2023/24 CIF (ii) agrees that a further report will come to Committee on 19 June 2024 with proposals for a future round of CIF in 2024/25 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: CIF Funding Decisions • Section 6: CIF 2024/25 • Section 7: Conclusion 4. BACKGROUND 4.1 In 2018/19, the Council established a Community Investment Fund (CIF) as part of its commitment to devolve more decisions to local communities. Since then, a total of £2.5m has been distributed to approximately 500 community- led projects. 4.2 In March 2023, the Council approved £400,000 in addition to £68,677.64 CIF underspend from 2022/2023, for a further round of Community Investment Fund in 2023/24. This provided a total budget of £468,677.64 for CIF 2023/24. 6 Page 11 of 34
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4.3 Report 23/194 set out the process for running CIF 2023/24. The original application process opened on 26 June and closed on Friday 18 August. Ward Panels met throughout September to consider the applications and agree any funding to be awarded. In Ward 8, the Kinross-shire Committee has delegated authority over CIF funding and approved the Ward Panel’s recommendations in early November 2023. The awards from all wards were then noted by Housing & Social Wellbeing Committee later in November 2023. 4.4 Following the conclusion of the original funding round, specific requests were made in Ward 1 (Carse of Gowrie) and Ward 8 (Kinross-shire) to allow the underspends (£11,496.90 in Ward 1 and £8,306.02 in Ward 8) to be made available to further bids from community groups in those Wards. As a result, the application process was reopened for these Wards, with a closing date of 22 November for Ward 1 and 15 December for Ward 8. The Ward Panel for Ward 1 met and made their decisions on 12 December 2023. The Ward 8 Panel met on 21 February 2024. The number of applications received for these rounds and the funding requested is set out below. Ward Funding Available Number of Applications Funding Requested 1 – Carse of Gowrie £11,496.90 10 £39,004.59 8 – Kinross-shire £8,306.02 7 £15,996.60 TOTALS £19,802.92 17 £55,001.19 5. CIF FUNDING DECISIONS 5.1 The following CIF funding decisions were made in each ward area, with funding paid out to successful applicants: Ward 1 – Carse of Gowrie Group Project Funding Inchture Parent Council Be More Ruby Bench £500.00 Errol Community Council Errol Local Place Plan £2,511.91 Inchture Village Hall Trust Annual Village Fete £1,350.00 Carse Voices Community Support £647.00 Carse of Gowrie Group Carse Communities' Resilience £1,080.00 Thera-Pony CIC Thera-Pony Wellness Project £1,600.00 Bullionfield Recreation Club Hall Upgrade £1,377.99 Invergowrie & Kingoodie Light Nights Group Kingoodie Christmas Lights £2,430.00 TOTAL £11,496.90 Page 12 of 34
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Ward 8 – Kinross-shire (LAC Approval pending) Group Project Funding KGV Playing Field Management Committee Kinross KGV Pavillion Extension – Disabled Access Lift £1,743.82 Portmoak Village Hill Village Hall Storage Areas Reroofing £700.00 Carnbo and District Community Hall Association Carnbo Hall £2,000.00 Kinross-shire Climate Café Kinross-shire Repair Café £2,200.00 Crook of Devon Hall Car Park Security Lights £405.60 Kinross-shire Volunteer Group & Rural Outreach Scheme Supporting Referral & Cost of Living Fares £1,000.00 Milnathort Core Paths Group Core Path Flail (Top-up) £256.60 TOTAL £8,306.02 6. CIF 2024/25 6.1 As a result of the Council budget setting process a further £300,000 has been allocated for CIF, ensuring that another round of funding will be delivered in 2024/25. It is recommended that a report be brought to Committee on 19 June 2024 setting out plans for this funding round. Following positive feedback from applicants, staff and ward panel members on the 2023/24 process, the use of the online portal will be maintained for 2024/25. Areas for improvement have been noted and will be addressed with colleagues to ensure a smooth process can be delivered for all involved. 6.2 Areas of improvement include: • amendments to the online application to make the process clearer for applicants and ward panel members, including easier access to attached additional documents for panel members and clearer questions for applicants • encouraging in-person ward panel meetings to promote meaningful roundtable discussion between members. • consideration of the impact of final scoring compared to panel discussion input as justification for final decisions. Additional detail on the above will be contained in the Committee Report on 19 June 2024. 7. CONCLUSION 7.1 Community Investment Fund supports new and innovative community projects that tackle inequalities and improve quality of life. This second round of 23/24 CIF has seen £19,802.92 committed to support 15 separate projects across two wards from the remaining underspend. A further round of CIF will be delivered in 2024/25, with a report coming to the June Committee with detailed proposals. Page 13 of 34
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Authors Name Designation Contact Details Lee Haxton David Stokoe Community Planning Team Leader Service Manager - Communities 01738 475000 ComCommitteeReports@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Barbara Renton Executive Director (Communities) 11 March 2024 • APPENDICES - NONE Page 14 of 34
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Local Outcomes Improvement Plan Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial Yes Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment Yes Strategic Environmental Assessment Yes Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) Yes Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal Yes External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 Supporting and investing in community-led solutions to locally identified issues contributes to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Community Plan / LOIP in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Corporate Plan 1.2 Supporting and investing in community-led solutions to locally identified issues contributes to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Council Corporate Plan in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. Page 15 of 34
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2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 Community Investment Fund has a budget of £410,000 for 2022/23 and funding decisions of £362,391.06 have been made, leaving an underspend of £47,608.94. 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. 3.2 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment Process (EqIA) and has been assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.3 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.4 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. Sustainability 3.5 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 the Council has a general duty to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the community, environmental and economic impacts of its actions. 3.6 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 There has been consultation with the Finance Department, Communities and the Executive Leadership Team. Page 16 of 34
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2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (other than any containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to a material extent in preparing the above report. Page 17 of 34
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee 20 March 2024 GREEN LIVING FUND 2023/24 – FUNDING AWARDS Report by Head of Culture & Communities Services (Report No. 24/93) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 This report informs Committee of the funding commitments made through Participatory Budgeting in the 2023/24 Green Living Fund across the seven Local Action Partnership (LAP) localities. . £215,386 was awarded to 37 projects which impact on themes relating to climate action and helping people with the cost of living. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: (i) notes the funding awarded through participatory budgeting for 2023/24 Green Living Fund and recommendations for any future participatory budgeting exercise. (ii) approves the carry-forward of £7,146 to be retained for further allocation. (iii) agrees that a report on 2024/25 funding will be brought to Committee on 19 June 2024. 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: Funding Decisions • Section 6: Areas for Improvement for Future PB • Section 7: Conclusion 4. BACKGROUND 4.1 In March 2023, the Council approved £200,000 for Local Action Partnerships (LAPs) to jointly deliver a Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme with officers in Culture and Communities Services. Report 23/194 set out the proposed process for running PB in 2023/24, later titled the Green Living Fund. Committee further agreed that this should focus on supporting communities with the cost of living and responding to climate change. 7 Page 19 of 34
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4.2 The £200,000 allocated for PB was divided, as agreed by Committee, on the basis of population in each of the seven LAP localities. This was then added to remaining underspends in each LAP area. 80% of that figure was then made available for the PB exercise, with the remaining 20% retained for future LAP allocation. The total funding for PB available in each locality is summarised below. LAP Locality Total PB Budget Eastern Perthshire £38,360 Highland £19,663 Strathtay £41,112 Strathearn & Strathallan £25,716 Kinross-shire £23,863 Almond and Earn £23,899 Perth City £49,919 TOTAL £222,532 4.3 The Participatory Budgeting process was delivered through the CONSUL platform. This is a participation platform with capabilities to run PB exercises, citizen debates, polling and collaborative legislation processes. It is provided through COSLA, who offer free access to local authorities. 4.4 The Green Living Fund opened for proposal submissions at the end of October 2023. Community groups were asked to submit project ideas that help their communities with the cost of living, whilst also making a positive contribution towards tackling climate change. 5 themes were identified, with proposals required to impact on at least one of them: • Energy - reducing consumption, promoting efficiency • Transport - encouraging active travel, decarbonising transport • Waste - reduce, reuse and recycle • Resilience - improving greenspace, biodiversity, local food growing • Engagement - increasing public awareness and engaging communities 4.5 Submissions were received through the PKC Community Choices website, designed using the CONSUL platform, with support from COSLA. Groups were asked to describe their proposals and how much funding they needed. Bids were also required to provide a full cost breakdown and assurances of any required licenses or permissions being approved, or applied for. 4.6 The deadline for proposals was 22 December, with 53 proposals received across all LAP localities. Screening of the proposals took place in January 2024, with Council officers from relevant departments assessing the proposals to ensure they were deliverable. Members of active LAPs were then asked to share their feedback on the proposals to complete the screening stage. In the areas where LAPs are currently inactive, elected members were approached for their views. 51 proposals were progressed to the voting stages. One proposal in Perth City was withdrawn at the request of the applicant, and one in Eastern Perthshire was unable to complete the required elements of the proposal. Page 20 of 34
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4.7 In all but one locality, the value of the proposals going to public vote exceeded the budget available, meaning that a PB voting process was required. In Strathtay, the total value of proposals received was less than the budget available, meaning a public vote was not required. The Convenor of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee and local ward members agreed that approval for these proposals would be decided by the ward members, with funding subsequently awarded. The number of proposals received across all localities and those progressed to the voting stage is detailed below: LAP Locality Funding Available Proposals Received Funding Requested Proposals Progressed Funding Requested Eastern Perthshire £38,360 14 £94,491 13 £87,491 Highland £19,663 7 £34,315 7 £34,315 Strathtay £41,112 5 £33,966 5 £33,966 Strathearn & Strathallan £25,716 5 £29,350 5 £29,350 Kinross-shire £23,863 9 £39,133 9 £39,133 Almond and Earn £23,899 3 £29,108 3 £29,108 Perth City £49,919 10 £121,504 9 £111,904 TOTALS £222,532 53 £381,867 51 £365,267 4.8 Voting took place from 12 February to 1 March 2024. 2,050 users cast 4,978 votes online, with support being offered through drop-ins with local Community Learning and Development (CLD) teams and IT access in local libraries. Local community members registered on the PK Community Choices website, using their own details or a series of unique pre-registered accounts provided by COSLA. CLD and Culture Perth and Kinross (CPK) libraries staff received training on the voting process to allow them to support residents with the voting process where necessary. 4.9 The voting process allowed individuals to vote for as many projects as they wished to support until they reach the funding limit for their locality. Page 21 of 34
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5. FUNDING DECISIONS 5.1 The following voting stage results were made in each LAP locality area, with awards to be paid out to successful applicants by the end of March 2024: Eastern Perthshire Group Project Funding Kirkmichael Community Garden Kirkmichael Community Garden £7,500 Wisecraft Wisecraft Blooms: Renewal and Wellbeing £5,435 Tayside Upcycling & Craft Centre Learn How to Upcycle Furniture £5,000 Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust Reducing Surplus Food Waste and making it available to all £3,433 Biodiversity Blair BaRI Growers – learning how to grow your own food £340 Madoch Centre Net Zero – sustainable future for Madoch Centre £8,000 Rattray Community Garden Rattray Community Garden – water collection & running costs £2,576 Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council Rooted in Blairgowrie & Rattray – A fruit tree planted for each baby born in B&R £2,930 Blairgowrie and Rattray Day Opportunities Our Garden Community Opportunity £3,146 TOTAL £38,360 Highland Group Project Funding Handam Tool Library in Aberfeldy and Pitlochry £6,000 Pitlochry Garden Share Community Food Growing in Pitlochry £5,415 Birks Cinema Empowering folk to envisage tangible action through film screenings discussions £2,000 Draft and Flow CIC Cycle Hub and Workshop in Aberfeldy £6,248 TOTAL £19,663 Page 22 of 34
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Strathtay Group Project Funding Bankfoot Foodshare Indoor Pantry No cost, Low cost Pantry £10,156 Perthshire Organic Gardeners From Soil to Seed and Back Again: food growing for a changing planet £3,482 Rewilding Denmarkfield Denmarkfield Allotments Community Hub £9,988 Climate Cafe Hub Climate Chat & Action - Events & workshops £5,390 West Stormont Woodland Group Wizzy-WARP24 £4,950 TOTAL £33,966 Strathearn & Strathallan Group Project Funding Cycle Crieff CIC Cargo bikes and increased bike access and recognition £5,000 Auchterarder Community Bus Group Auchterarder Town Bus Service £10,000 Crieff in Leaf Crieff in Leaf £3,110 Remake Scotland Remake Refills High Street Relocation £7,606 TOTAL £25,716 Kinross-shire Group Project Funding Glenfarg Community Transport Group Glenfarg Connectivity £3,000 Kinross Mens Shed Mens Shed Insulation and Heating £5,000 Milnathort and Orwell Community Council Milnathort Core Paths £1,456 Greener Glenfarg Greener Glenfarg Group £250 Freewheelers Glenfarg Better Batteries for our Community E- Bikes – Glenfarg Freewheelers £1,570 Kinross-shire Climate Café Kinross-shire Repair Café* £1,495 Broke Not Broken Broke not Broken: Reducing Food Poverty and Food Miles across Kinross-shire £8,162 Glenfarg Community Centre A Greener Glenfarg Community Centre £2,930 TOTAL £23,863 Page 23 of 34
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Almond & Earn Group Project Funding Dunbarney & Forgandenny Parish Church A Greener Flexible Space for the Community £13,000 Earn Community Council Bus Shelter – Ember All Electric Inter City Bus Service £6,538 Green Shoots Countryside Climate Champions £4,361 TOTAL £23,899 Perth City Group Project Funding Social Flock Social Flock – School Uniform Bank £10,625 Letham Climate Challenge Letham Climate Action – Supporting a Greener Letham £2,324 CATH On the Mend £11,744 Letham4All Waste Not, Want Not £6,627 YMCA Tayside YMCA Tayside – Eco Ambassadors Programme £8,287 Giraffe Perth Good Food Network £3,438 Perth Minorities Association EcoHarmony – Nurturing Sustainable Lifestyles £3,437 Plus Perth Creating a city centre space for nature and nurture £3,437 TOTAL £49,919 5.2 The results of the public vote were announced at a celebration event on 12 March 2024. Over 70 individuals, including representatives from over 40 groups, as well as staff from local support services and elected members were in attendance. The event included an introduction and reminder about the fund and its purpose, before a short presentation from the Council’s Climate Change Team about longer-term support. Results were then announced on a locality-by-locality basis, with further offers of support and advice given to all groups who submitted a bid. 5.3 It is recommended that the remaining underspends be retained for future LAP PB exercises. LAP Locality Funding Available Funding Awarded Underspend Eastern Perthshire £38,360 £38,360 - Highland £19,663 £19,663 - Strathtay £41,112 £33,966 £7,146 Strathearn & Strathallan £25,716 £25,716 - Kinross-shire £23,863 £23,863 - Almond and Earn £23,899 £23,899 - Perth City £49,919 £49,919 - TOTALS £222,532 £215,386 £7,146 Page 24 of 34
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6. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT FOR FUTURE PB 6.1 Through the use of a new system and process, there have been a number of lessons learned and areas of improvement identified. These will be used to improve the user experience for future PB activity through Perth and Kinross Council. 6.2 A fully online process allowed officers to work efficiently and evaluate the proposals quickly in collaboration with colleagues from other service areas. However, concerns were raised about the digital access needs and capabilities of those submitting proposals. The same concerns were raised for the voting process. Accommodations were made to ensure that all could be supported by CLD and CPK libraries staff during voting drop-ins and library opening hours. Further opportunities to increase accessibility will be considered ahead of any future PB exercises. 6.3 It was intended that a more collaborative approach would be conducted with interested groups and staff to co-produce proposals for each area, but this was not feasible due to staff capacity. The Fund opened, inviting proposals from groups who wished to be involved. Some groups attended drop-ins to discuss ideas with CLD staff, however there were also many groups who applied without consulting with staff. In future PB exercises, it may be useful to hold some pre-consultation events facilitated by CLD staff and representatives from relevant PKC services to held co-design applications prior to submission, as this could result in better bids and a smoother process for those applying for funds. 6.4 The Council budget setting process provided a further £400,000 for “investment in local communities,” with £300k for Community Investment Fund and a further £100k for Local Action Partnerships. A further paper will be brought to the meeting of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee on 19 June setting out proposals for how this funding will be used. 7. CONCLUSION 7.1 The Green Living Fund supports community-led projects which tackle climate change and the cost of living. This PB exercise has seen £215,386 committed to support 37 separate projects across all seven LAP localities in Perth & Kinross and engaged 2,050 local residents in the voting process. Page 25 of 34
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Authors Name Designation Contact Details Lee Haxton David Stokoe Community Planning Team Leader Service Manager - Communities 01738 475000 ComCommitteeReports@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Barbara Renton Executive Director (Communities) 13 March 2024 APPENDICES • Appendix 1 – Green Living Fund Proposal Summaries Page 26 of 34
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Local Outcomes Improvement Plan Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial Yes Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment Yes Strategic Environmental Assessment Yes Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) Yes Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal Yes External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 Supporting and investing in community-led solutions to locally identified issues contributes to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Community Plan / LOIP in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Corporate Plan 1.2 Supporting and investing in community-led solutions to locally identified issues contributes to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Council Corporate Plan in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. Page 27 of 34
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2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 Community Investment Fund has a budget of £410,000 for 2022/23 and funding decisions of £342,588.14 have been made, leaving an underspend of £68,077.64. 2.2 An additional £200,000 of funding was made available for a Participatory Budgeting exercise to be run in conjunction with Local Action Partnerships. A future report will set out how this funding has been used. 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. 3.2 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment Process (EqIA) and has been assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.3 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.4 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. Sustainability 3.5 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 the Council has a general duty to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the community, environmental and economic impacts of its actions. 3.6 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. Page 28 of 34
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4. Consultation Internal 4.1 There has been consultation with the Finance Department, Communities and the Executive Leadership Team. 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (other than any containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to a material extent in preparing the above report. Page 29 of 34
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APPENDIX 1 GREEN LIVING FUND PROPOSAL SUMMARIES Eastern Perthshire Project Purpose Kirkmichael Community Garden Contributing to the development of the garden and new supplies. Wisecraft Blooms: Renewal & Wellbeing Creating a new greenspace for growing fruit, vegetables and wildflowers. Learn How to Upcycle Furniture Running a series of upcycling workshops Reducing Surplus Food Waste and making it available to all Contributing to the running cost of Community Fridge spaces in Blairgowrie and Rattray BaRI Growers – learning to grow your own food Purchasing growing equipment such as growbags, planters and seeds Net Zero - sustainable future for Madoch Centre Purchasing and installing a heat pump to reduce emission in heating. Rattray Community Garden - water collection & running costs Investing in water collection resources for reusing water, and purchasing additional resources. Rooted in Blairgowrie & Rattray - A fruit tree planted for each baby born in B&R Establishing a Biodiversity Park where trees are planted each year for the babies born in the town that year, inspired by Blairgowrie & Rattray's new town twinning with Brebieres in France Our Garden Community Opportunity Enhancing their community garden and involve the local community. 7 Page 31 of 34
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HIGHLAND Project Purpose Tool Library in Aberfeldy and Pitlochry Supporting the start-up costs of two tool libraries for Aberfeldy and Pitlochry for community members can borrow tools or equipment that they need for their projects, reducing barriers to tool access and saving money or those in the community. Community Food Growing in Pitlochry Building new garden infrastructure including polytunnels, a child-friendly area and fruit tree nursery Empowering folks to envisage tangible action through film screenings discussions Raising awareness and promoting discussion about climate change through thought provoking film, lived experience and information sharing by delivering a monthly programme over the next year. Cycle Hub and Workshop in Aberfeldy Purchasing tools and equipment for the cycle workshop STRATHTAY Project Purpose No cost, Low cost Pantry Supporting the running of Bankfoot Foodshare Indoor Pantry From Soil to Seed and Back Again: food growing for a changing planet Enhancing the Perthshire Seed Library, by developing vegetable growing plots, raising awareness and running workshops Denmarkfield Allotments Community Hub Building a Community Hub for Denmarkfield Allotments Climate Chat & Action - Events & workshops Running a series of events based on transport, repair and reuse and food Wizzy-WARP24 Running various outdoor activities from those with disadvantages, challenges and additional needs Page 32 of 34
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STRATHEARN & STRATHALLAN Project Purpose Cargo bikes and increased bike access and recognition Running a feasibility study on setting up a Community Cargo Bike Delivery Service Crieff in Leaf Purchasing additional equipment such as composting bins to make local composting easier. Auchterarder Town Bus Service Maintaining at least a three-day a week timetable on Auchterarder Town Bus Service from April 2024 Remake Refills High Street Relocation Relocating Remake Refills to centre of Crieff KINROSS-SHIRE Project Purpose Glenfarg Connectivity Expanding existing offering in the form of an hourly service to Perth for Glenfarg residents Mens Shed Insulation and Heating Insulating the roof space, replacing the boiler with an efficient one and replacing the radiators to reduce heating costs Milnathort Core Paths Renting a storage container for their Flailing Machine and other equipment for an initial 12-month period before a more permanent option can be found Greener Glenfarg Group Supporting activities for early 2024, including an Energy Fair, cinema events, clothes swaps, tool shares etc. Better Batteries for our Community E-bikes - Glenfarg Freewheelers Upgrading two foldable e-bikes for community use, following a successful trial Kinross-shire Repair Café Setting up a Repair Café encouraging locals to reduce waste through repairing broken items Broke Not Broken: Reducing Food Poverty and Food Miles across Kinross-shire Trialling an online food voucher distribution service A Greener Glenfarg Community Centre Installing solar panels and batteries to reduce electrical costs Page 33 of 34
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ALMOND & EARN Project Purpose Bus Shelter - Ember All Electric Inter City Bus Service Contributing to the cost of a Bus Shelter for the Ember Bus Stop in Bridge of Earn A Greener Flexible Space for the Community Purchasing and Installing an Air Source Heat Pump Countryside Climate Champions Starting a new Green Shoots initiative including designing a distributing a newsletter, Community Education talk, teaching days and other practical costs PERTH CITY Project Purpose Social Flock - School Uniform Bank Supporting the costs of running a School Uniform Bank and providing new school bags for each child Letham Climate Action- Supporting a Greener Letham Improving water supply for plot holders and installing raised flower beds to increase opportunities On The Mend Supporting the continuation of On The Mend through renting a High Street property, engaging the community in recycling, opening for longer hours, share skills across the community with increased volunteer involvement Waste Not, Want Not Purchasing a Blast Freezer after returning a borrowed appliance to distribute fresh foo safely YMCA Tayside - Eco Ambassadors Programme Training a group of young people to co- design and deliver a wide range of climate action activities and workshops across Perth. Perth Good Food Network Establishing a Good Food Network for Perth & Kinross including employing a Project Co-ordinator, Event Costs, Appliances etc EcoHarmony: Nurturing Sustainable Lifestyles Running a selection of activities including workshops, cooking classes and surplus food distribution. Creating a city centre space for nature and nurture. Transforming a sizeable overgrown garden on Ropemakers Close into a health promoting public asset and nature garden to be enjoyed by people passing or living in the neighbourhood. Page 34 of 34