Agenda reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 12 March 2025
Back to Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Committee — 12 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal Agus Bhòid Executive Director: Douglas Hendry Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 5 March 2025 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE will be held ON A HYBRID BASIS ON MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE SEIL ISLAND COMMUNITY HALL, EASDALE, PA34 4RQ on WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2025 at 11:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee - 11 December 2025 (Pages 3 - 10) (b) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group - 12 February 2025 (Pages 11 - 20) 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 5. PRIMARY SCHOOL UPDATE (Pages 21 - 38) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education 6. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ3 2024/25 (Pages 39 - 72) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services 7. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE (Pages 73 - 76) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services 8. HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE- STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN UPDATE (SHIP) (Pages 77 - 92) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth 9. ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRESS REPORT 2024-25 (Pages 93 - 106) Public Document Pack
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Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth 10. CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS & TRUST FUNDS (a) Miss Agnes Angus Bequest - Distribution of Funds (Pages 107 - 110) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services (b) John of Lorn Bequest Fund (Pages 111 - 114) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support E1 (c) John of Lorn Bequest Fund Appendix 1 (Pages 115 - 116) REPORTS FOR NOTING 11. DRAFT OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN (Pages 117 - 120) The Comittee will be asked to pass a resolution in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for items of business with an “E” on the grounds that it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 7a to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The appropriate paragraph are:- E1 Paragraph 6 Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority). Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Committee Councillor Kieron Green Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Willie Hume Councillor Andrew Kain (Vice-Chair) Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Julie McKenzie (Chair) Councillor Andrew Vennard Contact: Karen Campbell, Senior Committee Assistant - 01631 567855
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MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE held ON HYBRID BASIS IN CONNEL VILLAGE HALL, MAIN STREET, CONNEL, PA37 1AD AND MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2024 Present: Councillor Julie McKenzie (Chair) Councillor Kieron Green Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Andrew Kain Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Andrew Vennard Attending: Mark Calder, Project Manager, Roads and Infrastructure Melissa Stewart, Democratic Manager, Democratic Services Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Hume and Lynch. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee - 11 September 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, held on 11 September 2024 was approved as a correct record. (b) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group - 13 November 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, held on 13 November 2024 was noted. (c) Oban Common Good Fund - 11 November 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban Common Good Fund, held on 11 November 2024 was noted. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Questions 1 -3 – Alison Rennie, Oban Community Council in respect of Flood Prevention Page 3 Agenda Item 3a
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1. What actions have been, undertaken as a result of the Watercourse Inspection of January 2024? Mark Calder advised that following the inspection in January 2024 there had been a clearance of foreign objects in the watercourse, a river modelling is in progress and the contract has been awarded for the invasive species survey. 2. Since the receipt of two bids for the contract for an invasive species survey and clearance clear what progress has been made to appoint a contractor to carry out this work? Mr Calder advised the contract has been awarded to Japanese Knotweed Specialists (JKS) who have advised that surveys and treatment should be carried out in late May/early June as this is the optimal time. Some invasive plants are dormant in winter which makes them difficult to survey for and makes treatment less effective. 3. SEPA has been asked for permission to carry out various works on the Black Lynn. Have they been asked when they will reach a conclusion to enable to the works to progress? Mr Calder stated at this stage works can be carried out under SEPA’s General Binding Rules for specific low risk activities and the understanding was no further consents were required. Mrs Rennie asked what a Modelling Exercise was? Mr Calder explained that it is a measure of how rainfall and tidal elements affect the height and depth of the water. Mrs Rennie further asked why it has taken since January to appoint a specialist to remove the invasive species who will then take until next May/June to carry out the works? Mr Calder explained that this work was carried out by the same team who had to deal with the issues such as bridge damage, which cut off access and exit to Communities following the storms in October 2023 and while he understood the frustrations there was a risk based approach which meant that type of emergency work had to be prioritised. Mr Calder offered to send the Oban Community Council monthly or bi-monthly Roads and Infrastructure updates – to be agreed with Mrs Rennie off table the frequency of the updates. Question 4 - Duncan Martin, Oban Community Council Do the reports received, following the survey, mention the invasive species which is further upstream on private land and is it possible for Central Committee’s reports to be shared with Oban Community Council? Mr Calder agreed that reports could be shared and as mentioned earlier, he will liaise with Alison Rennie over the frequency of reports/updates, he also stated that the Council does not have any influence on private owners and their land. Page 4
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Question 5 – Phil Hamerton If the Council does instigate a visitor levy how does the Area Committee see funds being allocated and what engagement would there be on local needs? The Chair stated at this point no-one was sure if the visitor levy was going ahead and that the council had not yet determined whether to consult on a levy. If consultation was instigated, she would certainly speak to fellow members on the area committee to gauge their opinions. Phil then asked if the area committee had a function, for example would funds raised locally be retained locally to benefit the area? The Chair stated that her opinion was that if it was agreed to impose a levy then her view was any money raised in this area should stay in this area. Councillor Green agreed with the Chair and added that if it is agreed to go to consultation then everyone should be encouraged to respond. Councillor Martin was also in agreement with the Chair and stated that she intended to vote to go to a full consultation and that the Area Committee should have a large part in deciding where money should go. Councillor Kain stated that discussion over the outcome of a visitor levy was premature in the extreme. To compare with major cities and other areas in Europe in our diverse and fragile economy here and by imposing a levy and thinking that it will solve our problems on funding of different issues that are necessary across the council area is premature. He commented that the council has a range of very diverse communities, between the islands and the mainland and with different costings and needs across the communities this will raise major conflict on how the monies raised are apportioned between them. He further commented that the impact of other changes that have been put in place with regards to visitor economy was not yet known and that there is an issue where everyone has a view on this but not everyone will be paying it, therefore there is a disparity and unfairness built into it in the first place. Councillor Vennard advised that the Visitor Levy would be a reserved matter for full Council, commenting that if it went ahead it would be for full Council to determine if Area Committees would be involved. The chair again pointed out that no decisions have been made as yet and it would be the full Council who would agree on the question of whether to undertake a consultation. Councillor Hampsey agreed at this point it is all ifs and buts, however, what she has seen so far lacks detail and has multi-faceted issues across the board, which gives her grave concerns. Until it is outlined she would reserve her decisions and observations for that time. Question 6 – Colin Wight Page 5
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While I recognise that the levy is not in place, the Council has publicised that they are expecting an income of £9m per year if a levy was imposed, how was that figure arrived at and what would the net number be after the potential cost of implementation of the levy have been taken into account? The Chair stated her understanding was that the £9m was a financial projection and not cast in stone as there is not enough detail as yet. Should the Council go forward with the Consultation, financial projection should come after that. Councillor Green advised that he had been made aware that the projected costs would be around £6m obviously subject to further refinement after administration costs. Councillor Kain commented that any speculation of what can be raised is based on historical figures. As far as he is aware nothing has been taken into account of how many businesses have left the market and what the impact on short term lets is going to be, so it is purely speculative at this stage. Councillor Martin added that following discussion with officers the figure of £6m may be realised after they had taken into account exemptions and deductions. Question 7 – Phil Hamerton Should there be equitable free parking across Argyll and Bute, taking into consideration the population and the amount of free parking in each area, 2/3 of revenue comes from the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area. Oban in particular have 14 free spaces compared to 100s in other similar areas of Argyll and Bute and it seems unequitable distribution? Councillor McKenzie commented that it is not something she has considered before but she will certainly think about it now and would look into figures. Councillor Green commented you would need to look at putting more paid parking in other areas or more free spaces in Oban. This was introduced before and it was not cost effective as there was not a big turnover of parking and deliveries to local businesses were impeded. Oban does have a higher demand for parking and as a result , he believed there was a need for better enforcement and parking management within the town. The Chair reflected that the Enforcement Officers work hard but are a small team that cover a wide geographical area. Question 8 & 9 – Ross Wilson Oban Community Harbour Development Authority Now that Councillors have been provided with all the submissions made by a range of partners and been given a brief from OCHDA, do you Councillors now feel able to “give effective Council’s Community Engagement Strategy” and do your duty as elected members to represent your constituents’ views on this important policy issue and would a further briefing be helpful? The Chair pointed out that as was explained previously this Committee has no remit on the Harbour Revision Order, this sits with the Harbour Board and it is going through due process with Transport Scotland and Scottish Government Ministers at Page 6
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present, adding that the Council will be notified directly by them of the outcome. The Chair added that she feels very able to represent her constituents’ views. Councillor Kain agreed entirely with the Chair and that he endeavours to represent all his constituents’ views, not the most vocal, and also his interpretation of what is in the best interests of the whole community. Councillor Martin stated that she was able to represent her constituents but what should be remembered is that there is a large number of constituents in the area and depending on the matter a few loud voices do not necessarily represent the view of Oban, Lorn and the Isles. Councillor Green replied that he feels able to represent his constituents on matters he has responsibility for, noting that the Council does have a comprehensive scheme of delegation and is responsible for a wide range of services and therefore it is not possible for Councillors to be involved with detailed decision making on every aspect. There is a process of decision making by the Harbour Board and he has every confidence in members of the Harbour Board to act appropriately. Ross Wilson mentioned at the previous meeting, recorded in the minutes he had asked the members of the Committee if it was satisfactory that people taking family pictures, without advance approval of the Council, that they see it is satisfactory that the council is supportive of this. Councillor Martin had advised at that meeting that she would be happy to take this question back to the department responsible and Councillor Vennard thought it would be discussed at the Harbour Board Meeting the following day – he asked “could we have an answer please?” Councillor Vennard advised that the Harbour Revision Order was not on the agenda of the Harbour Board meeting, as he had thought. Councillor Martin pointed out that also, within these minutes, it was stated that The Chair had asked if Councillor Martin was a member of the Harbour Board, which she was not, therefore it was not appropriate for her to pose the question. Mr Wilson was not satisfied with the response and asked again if Councillors were happy that, according to Council Policy, families taking photographs required advance Council approval to do so? The Chair advised that she would require more clarity on the Policy in question, before she could give an answer. Mr Calder agreed to take the question away and get a response for Mr Wilson that would be circulated to members of the Area Committee. Page 7
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5. ARGYLL COMMUNITY HOUSING ASSOCIATION (ACHA) - ANNUAL REPORT Consideration was given to a presentation by the Chief Executive of ACHA, which provided an update on a number of areas including the investment programme for 2024/25; the Scottish Government Grant which has allowed the progression of a number of adaptations and essential aids for the most vulnerable customers across Argyll and Bute; the Exemplar Estates initiative; the Business, Energy, Industrial Strategy (BEIS); the Whole House Retrofit Programme; the Net Zero and Warm Homes Funds and the installation of air source heating pumps. These improvements could see tenants benefiting of saving up to 60% on their energy bills. Information on Welfare rights and Funding was provided from which a number of tenants and local groups, including Oban High School and Park Primary School have benefited. ACHA were also short listed in two categories, Working in Partnership and Excellence in Regeneration and Sustainability at the Chartered Institute of Scotland (CIS) Scotland Housing Awards 2024. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association Ltd, dated December 2024 submitted) 6. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ2 2024/25 The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 2 of 2024/25 (July to September 2024) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the performance and supporting commentary as presented. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 11 December 2024, submitted) 7. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP - PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ1 2024/25 (APRIL - JUNE) Consideration was given to the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Performance Report for financial quarter 1 of 2024/25 (April to June 2024). Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee: 1. Acknowledged performance for FQ1 2024/25 (April - June); Page 8
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2. Acknowledged performance update on the National Health & Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators (Appendix 1) and 3. Noted Delayed Discharge Sitrep as of 01 July 2024 (Appendix 2) (Reference: Report by Senior Performance and Improvement Manager, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 21 November 2024, submitted) 8. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided links to the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 11 December 2024, submitted) 9. CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS AND TRUST FUNDS (a) Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided details on proposals relating to the ongoing management and proposed distribution arrangements for Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds for which the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are Trustees. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee: 1. considered the financial position of the Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds as of August 2024; 2. agreed that the charities and trust funds, that have historically been awarded to Council Departments and Allied Partners, are awarded on the basis outlined in paragraph 5.5 and defined within appendix 1; and 3. noted that 4 funds, Miss F Mclucas Bequest, Mrs Mellors Bequest, Miss M M Camerons Bequest, and Dugald Mcphail Memorial Fund have no identified beneficiaries and that these are subject to ongoing consideration by officers. (Reference, Report by Executive Director with responsibility to Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 11 December 2024 submitted) Page 9
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(b) Coals for the Poor Oban - Award Recommendation The Area Committee gave consideration to a report providing information on an application received for the Coals for the Poor Oban Bequest. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed to award £50 to the applicant on the basis that they met the fund’s criteria. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated December 2024, submitted) 10. DRAFT OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN The Committee gave consideration to the Area Committee workplan for future meetings. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the workplan. (Reference: Area Committee Workplan, dated 11 December 2024, submitted) 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The date of the next OLI Area Committee is scheduled to take place on 12th March 2025. Councillor McKenzie proposed that in line with the Council’s newly endorsed priorities which include building stronger connections and collaborating with communities by meeting people where they live, the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee takes its meetings out into the communities in Wards 4 & 5, suggesting that the March meeting is held in Seil Island Hall, and the June 2025 meeting take place in Mull. The Chair further suggested that officers bring forward a report of suggested venues for the 2025/26 Area Committee meetings, once the Council had set its programme of meetings for 2025/26. The Chair also invited communities in Wards 4 & 5 to be involved by helping assist in identifying suitable venues which are capable of hosting hybrid meetings. Decision The members of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee unanimously agreed to the proposal that meetings should take place in venues around the area with appropriate wifi facilities and noted that a report on suggested venues for 2025/26 meetings would come to a future meeting of the Area Committee. Page 10
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MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE MCCAIG SUITE, CORRAN HALLS, OBAN AND ON MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2025 Present: Colin Buchanan (Chair) Councillor Julie McKenzie, Argyll and Bute Council Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Kieron Green, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Willie Hume, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Andrew Kain, Argyll and Bute Council Gordon Curran, Scottish Fire and Rescue Maureen Evans, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Jim Tolmie, Oban District Access Panel Catriona Petit, Hope Kitchen Duncan Martin, Oban Community Council Sue Barnard, Oban Community Council John McLuckie, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Kirsty McLuckie, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Carol Flett, Co-Ordinator, Living Well Network Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Andy MacPherson, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Linda Duncan, Crossroads Judith Hawcroft, North Argyll Carers Mary Braithwaite, Luing Community Council Jane Metcalf, Coll Community Council Susan McRae, Skills Development Scotland Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers Union (NFU Scotland) Attending: Milly Legget, Area Plans Officer, Argyll and Bute Lucy Dunbar, Area Plans Officer, Argyll and Bute Ian Woodcock, Manager, Transport Scotland Dr Lynda Mitchell, ALIenergy Shaun Sinclair, Oban Lorn Rugby Club Ronald Gordon, Oban Lorn Rugby Club Mark McQueen, Oban Lorn Rugby Club 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Joan Best, Crossroads Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Jim Lynch Caroline McArthur, NHS Highland Inspector Matthew Shaw, Police Scotland Page 11 Agenda Item 3b
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Gill Philpots, Kilmelford & Kilninver Community Council Theresa Bain, UHI Argyll Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance Tayna MacDougall, Family Mediation Argyll and Bute 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group 13 November 2024 The Minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday 13 November 2024 was approved as a correct record. 4. AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 and agreed that these be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over time; 2. considered and agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 and agreed that the membership of the group be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time; and 3. noted the future meeting dates of the Group as Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 13 August 2025, 12 November 2025, 11 February 2026 and 13 May 2026. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 5 February 2025, submitted) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Page 12
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The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 6 December 2024. The report provided information on a number of cross cutting themes such as the Census – Population Update; Joint Strategic Needs Assessment from NHS Highland, CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building; Argyll and Bute Council Equalities Outcomes Consultation and Audit Scotland’s Tackling Digital Exclusion. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council dated 4 February 2025, submitted) 6. ASPIRING PLACES - COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE The Group gave consideration to a presentation by the Project Manager and Project Officer from Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s Aspiring Places; Community Project in Argyll and Bute. The presentation provided background information in relation to the previous project approach; the project review undertaken between April and September 2024; the Council agreed priorities for 2024-2027; the Council decision in September 2024; the revised project vision; the one digital space for Community projects in Argyll and Bute; the project scope and the next steps. Discussion took place in relation to how Community Groups could get involved with the project and it was advised that the project would be launched towards the end of March and that they would be publicising information widely on how to access the online digital space. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Project Manager and Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 7. ALI-ENERGY The Group gave consideration to a report delivered by Dr Lynda Mitchell of ALIenergy, who highlighted the work and charities that they work in partnership with. Dr Mitchell confirmed that ALIenergy’s main objective is to work with individual households to alleviate fuel poverty and energy education, especially over the last couple of years with the cost of living crisis. Current projects are based on storage heaters, which are common place in a number of homes in rural areas, due to no mains gas being available and working with P7-S2 pupils on energy education; delivering climate change and heating workshops. A pilot programme is ongoing for Page 13
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free smart controls to be installed in homes to measure how much heat is within the property. ALIenergy have also worked in partnership with Hope Kitchen, Lorn Health Options and Atlantis Leisure in the set-up of the Re-Store Shop in George Street, Oban, this initiative has been successful in its first year and recently won an Innovation Award at the ScottishPower Foundation Awards 2024. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Dr Lynda Mitchell, ALIenergy, submitted) 8. TRANSPORT SCOTLAND (a) Transport Scotland Partner Update Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland in relation to recent and upcoming works within the area specifically the removal of a sizable boulder overhanging that A828 at Ledaig; which can be viewed by following this link - https://youtu.be/99uIlCSuOLs - installation of signage along the A85 at Tyndrum to Dalmally and along the A85 Oban to Connel. Discussion took place on who decides which sections of the road network will be resurfaced and the speed limits and who is best placed to respond to queries on such matters. Mr Woodcock confirmed he would welcome queries concerning the trunk roads to be sent directly to him. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: report by Ian Woodcock Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted) (b) A83 Rest and Be Thankful Operational and Landslip Management Consideration was given to a presentation from Ian Woodcock from Transport Scotland on the ongoing traffic management arrangements at the Rest and Be Thankful. Ian provided information in relation to the daily and weekly management of the hillside, how information is communicated to the public and the various teams involved both on site and remotely. He explained there are 7 alert levels informed by weather forecasts, previous and current rainfall and time lapse videography; which dictate what travel management is put in place each day. Traffic signals are expected to be on the Rest and Be Thankful until May 2025, after which it will be open to two way traffic. An interim safety measure of a flatbed mesh fence is in Page 14
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place, a more permanent solution to remove this should be installed by the end of this year; and ground works for the long term solution should be completed by May 2025. It was pointed out to Ian that the consultation talks on the Rest and Be Thankful had visiting Arrochar but there was no meeting held in Oban. Ian agreed to pass the request to hold an event in Oban on to the major projects team. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Area Manager, Transport Scotland) 9. FERRY CONSULTATION The Group gave consideration to a report submitted by Kelly McKellar, Project Manager for the Council’s Piers and Harbours. The report introduced Partners to the ‘Argyll & Bute Council Mainland Ferries Study – Comparative Analysis of Options for Council-run ferries’ carried out by Caledonian Economics (Mainland Ferries Study). Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:- 1. noted the content of this report; and 2. agreed to receive further updates on progress of the next stage of the study. (Reference: Report by Kelly McKellar, Project Manager Piers and Harbours, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 10. PARTNERS UPDATE (a) Police Scotland Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road safety and road crime; violent crime; public protection and issues and questions raised by Community Councils and Councillors to the Communities Team in January 2025. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Gordon Curran introduced himself to the Group as the new Station Page 15
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Commander in Oban. Gordon advised he is enjoying making himself familiar with the area and is very impressed with the Station at Soroba Road as well as the Officers. Gordon introduced a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period 2024-25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this period; unwanted fire alarm signals; the drowning incident review; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities; and home fire safety. Gordon advised the group that the local firefighters were undergoing Hot Fire training, which allows them to experience heat whilst doing their breathing apparatus training and that Wild Fire training will start in early spring as these have been on the rise over the last couple of years. Recruitment is also a priority with the hope that younger people get involved. Lucy Sumsion of NFU Scotland stated that members of the NFU community would benefit from advice on wild fires and that maybe the young farmers could be engaged with around recruitment opportunities. Maureen Evans of Community Learning reported that she had recently visited the Station with some young people for workshops which had been a well received and an enjoyable experience. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Public Health Update Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the Argyll and Bute Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which was published in December 2024; the expansion of the Community Link Working service; the launch of the Mental Health Hub – Living Well in Argyll and Bute digital resource and mental health awareness and suicide prevention training available. The report also provided information on the work undertaken as part of the alcohol and drugs partnership; the screening inequalities grant funding Page 16
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which has been awarded to Argyll and Bute; the end of the Waverly Care contract and the end of the existing Living Well Network coordination. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated February 2025, submitted) (d) Crossroads Update The Group considered a written report submitted by Crossroads, in the absence of Joan Best, the Chair, was happy to relay any questions on the report back to Crossroads. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Joan Best, Crossroads, submitted) (e) Living Well Network Update Carol Flett the Living Well Network Co-Ordinator for Oban, Lorn and the Islands advised that the funding for the Living Well Network was coming to an end as of March 2025. She was hopeful that funding could be secured to keep some of the current projects going. Carol confirmed that are still a couple of Network meetings to take place over Zoom and that the Public Health Team will take ownership of the Network Membership list going forward. Several third sector partners advised that they were not consulted over the decision to cut the Living Well Network Service and they were not aware of anyone who will be in a position to replace and/or replicate this service. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information provided; and 2. requested that their disappointment at the decision to withdraw the Living Well Network service be raised at the Community Planning Management Committee. (Reference: Report by Living Well Network Co-Ordinator, submitted) Page 17
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(f) Argyll and Bute TSI Consideration was given to an update from Petra Pearce from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information in relation to Chief Executive Officer, Takki Sulaiman’s, contribution to TSI Scotland Network’s document; activities of the Third Sector Support Advisor; Funding for third sector organisations; Day Services for Older People review; activities of the Wellbeing Development Manager; Winter welcome spaces and volunteer of the year awards 2025 which has two new categories for this year. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated January 2025, submitted) (g) UHI Argyll Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on January start courses that are available; commercial courses available and open events and taster sessions. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll dated 21 January 2025, submitted) (h) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Argyll and Bute Council, Economic Growth - Visitor Levy Consultation On behalf of colleagues in Economic Growth, the Committee Manager, advised that the Council is running a formal visitor levy consultation until 10 April 2025 and urged Partners to find out what it could mean for them and the area and to give their views. The consultation can be accessed here : council website. Stuart also confirmed that the Council will be hosting a series of drop-in events and online information webinars to help people in Argyll and Bute to find out more and get involved in assessing the possible introduction of a Visitor Levy. The online webinars will last one hour, to book a space please follow this link Visitor levy information events to take place across Argyll and Bute Stuart added that there is no requirement to book a space for the drop-in events which will be held across Argyll and Bute. Stuart highlighted that one such event will be hosted in Craignure Village Hall, Mull on 21 February from 1500-1800. Page 18
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11. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Argyll and Bute Climate Action: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action Project: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking recommendations for best groups at area level to inform development of the action plan and pilot projects. The Group discussed the possibility of setting up a short life working group on Climate Change Resilience; the Committee Manager outlined the considerations required to establish such a group. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report; 2. agreed to provide comments and feedback to the Project Manager (andy@act-now.org.uk) following the meeting; 3. agreed a Short Life Working Group be be formed to explore community resilience requirements as a consequence of climate change; 4. agreed that the Working Group would be led by the Chair; 5. agreed that any Partners who wish to be involved would confirm so to the Chair and that membership would be agreed at the first meeting of the Working Group; 6. agreed that the Working Group would meet monthly with regular reports of activity and progress reported to the Community Planning Group and updates also provided to the Management Committee; and 7. noted that any changes to the Working Group must be approved by the Area Community Planning Group (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 22 January 2025, submitted) (b) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives There were no verbal updates provided under this item. 12. COMMUNITY FOCUS Page 19
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(a) Oban Lorn Rugby Club Development Plans Consideration was given to a presentation by Ronald Gordon, Shaun Sinclair and Mark McQueen, members of Oban Lorn Rugby Club on their plans to develop a Community Sports Hub, which will incorporate the sports pitches at Glencruitten and Mossfield Stadium. The representatives confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the Council to lease and administer these facilities and that it was envisaged that the development would be progressed over eight phases, which would include the refurbishment and upgrading of the existing Rugby Club Building; a stand being built at the Glencruitten pitch; installation of flood lights, secure fencing and athletics track; drainage and levelling off the lower pitch; installation of storage facilities and wind turbines; a new access road being developed; facilities at Mossfield Stadium being upgraded; installation of car parking and the development of a Skate Park. Mr Gordon confirmed that the Rugby Club have held a number of positive conversations with local sports clubs and event organisers with support being secured from each, adding that with proper facilities in place larger events can be held and that Oban could become a key destination for sporting and cultural events. The representatives recognised that the plans are ambitious but achievable with the support of the local community and securing the required funding. Mr Sinclair added that this is a growth plan for future generations and that while a number of people from the area have achieved great success in sport, these individuals have only had the support of their families and local clubs. This Hub, with proper facilities, has the potential to support and encourages countless others. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Group:- 1. noted the information provided; and 2. wished the Rugby Club the very best of luck in their endeavours to develop a sporting hub within Oban. (Reference: Presentation by Oban Lorn Rugby Club, submitted) 13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY 2025 The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 10.00am by TEAMS. Page 20
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1 Education Service Primary Area Attainment Report: Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) March 2025 ‘Our Children, Their Future’ Argyll and Bute Council 2024 - 2025 Page 21 Agenda Item 5
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2 Introduction Within the OLI area there are 20 Primary Schools (Luing Primary School is currently mothballed). There is secondary school provision in Oban High School, Tiree High School and Tobermory High School. Nursery provision is provided within several of these schools and Gaelic Medium Education is provided at Bunessan Primary School, Strath of Appin Primary School, Rockfield Primary School, Salen Primary School and Tiree Primary School. Our primary school rolls vary considerably ranging from 5 pupils (Barcaldine Primary School) to 239 pupils (Rockfield Primary School). This report provides a range of key information about school provision from August 2024 to January 2025 and reports the National collection of attainment and achievement data from June 2024. This report contains the collective data and performance for the locality. More detailed information about school level successes and achievements can be found in each school’s Standards and Quality Report. In addition, each school’s Improvement Plan outlines their main priorities for improvement. Most schools have an active website where these documents can be accessed, and further links or information can be obtained from the Head Teacher. Page 22
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3 Oban, Lorn and the Isles School Profiles 2024-2025 Cluster Primary Schools 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 % change in Roll over 5 years1 Achaleven Primary School (closed) 7 0 0 0 0 -78% Barcaldine Primary School 10 13 14 3 5 -50% Bunessan Primary Gaelic Unit 3 7 10 10 13 250% Bunessan Primary School 21 11 10 12 13 -42% Dalmally Primary School 31 29 37 30 28 -9% Dervaig Primary School 22 22 19 15 11 -44% Dunbeg Primary School 90 88 89 94 84 -6% Easdale Primary School 17 20 25 31 30 81% Iona Primary School 17 14 15 11 9 -44% Kilchrenan Primary School (closed) 12 6 0 0 0 -150% Kilninver Primary School 29 26 23 22 13 -73% Lismore Primary School 11 11 9 6 9 -17% Lochdonhead Primary School 10 10 12 19 23 130% Lochnell Primary School 112 119 118 118 110 -2% Luing Primary School (mothballed) 0 0 0 0 0 0% Park Primary School 240 240 225 216 208 -13% Rockfield Gaelic Primary School 61 56 50 50 50 -19% Rockfield Primary School 276 259 250 236 239 -12% Salen Primary School Gaelic Unit 45 42 31 32 33 -25% Salen Primary School 29 25 26 32 30 3% St Columba's Primary School - Argyll 132 148 169 172 189 55% Strath of Appin Primary School Gaelic Unit 11 12 13 14 13 29% Strath of Appin Primary School 17 16 13 13 17 0% Taynuilt Primary School 67 70 66 55 56 -16% Tiree Primary School 27 23 16 17 9 -58% Tiree Primary School Gaelic Unit 36 40 38 36 34 -5% Tobermory Primary School 62 68 76 73 81 31% Ulva Primary School 8 16 12 9 10 25% Total 1403 1391 1366 1326 1317 -8% * Data for rolls provided at Census each year 1 Please note the % change in Roll over 5 years shows the percentage change in roll figures from 2020/21 to 2024/25 and is not an average. SIMD Profile SIMD is the Scottish Government's standard approach to identify areas of multiple deprivation in Scotland, with SIMD 1 indicating areas of highest deprivation and SIMD 10 indicating the least deprived. It can help improve understanding about the outcomes and circumstances of people living in the most deprived areas in Scotland. It can also allow effective targeting of policies and funding where the aim is to wholly or partly tackle or take account of area concentrations of multiple deprivation. Table below shows percentage of pupils residing in each decile/quintile of the SIMD in each area of Argyll and Bute. Page 23
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4 1 2 3 4 5 Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Unknown Bute and Cowal 16.4% 14.3% 18.0% 9.1% 23.0% 15.3% 2.4% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% HALCO 3.2% 5.7% 6.1% 3.3% 9.5% 13.7% 15.8% 20.8% 12.8% 8.9% 0.1% MAKI 0.0% 6.3% 8.5% 10.6% 9.5% 43.6% 21.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% OLI 1.4% 0.0% 0.2% 12.4% 24.9% 18.3% 34.0% 7.4% 0.0% 0.0% 1.9% *SIMD Data from January 2025 Footwear and Clothing Grant and Free School Meal Information for OLI Clothing and Footwear Grant (CFG) is not shown as a National Average as each authority set their own criteria and therefore cannot be compared accurately. Please note that 2024-2025 data for CFG and Free School Meals (FSM) is to date (end December 2024) and therefore may change as the year progresses. In January 2022, the Scottish Government launched the extension of free school meal universal eligibility to include all children in primary 1-5. The above figures only show those pupils in P6 and P7. In August 2021, the Scottish Government introduced a School clothing grant minimum for all authorities set at £120 for Primary pupils and £150 for Secondary pupils. Financial support is given during school holidays to all parents where their child receives free school meals under Scottish Government set criteria. Further information can be found at Help during the school holidays - mygov.scot Page 24
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5 Attendance and Exclusion Information for OLI Session 2023-24 under embargo by SG **2024-25 Data up to end December 2024 Authorised absence includes bereavement, short – term exceptional domestic situations, religious observance and weddings of immediate family. Unauthorised absence includes truancy, unexplained absence and most family holidays during term time. Attendance and absence is outlined in the recently updated Management Circular 3.03 During 2020/21 there were additional attendance codes added for COVID. These codes can count as attendance, authorised absence or unauthorised absence depending on the circumstance. Page 25
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6 There have been no exclusions in primary schools in the area since the 2021/22 session. Please note that attendance & exclusion data for 2023/24 remains under SG embargo. Please note that attendance & exclusion data for 2024/25 is up to the end of December 2024 and not a complete year. It is therefore subject to change. Pupil attendance has been highlighted nationally as a concern. Significant work at authority level has been undertaken to maximise pupil attendance. This includes the formation of a strategic group and working party, refreshed policy and guidance, staff training, and a media campaign highlighting the impact of non-attendance and individual school attendance targets. All these aspects are working together to ensure a sharpened focus and emphasis on pupil attendance. Additional Support Needs Table below indicates the numbers of pupils identified as having Additional Support Needs across the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area at each stage of primary schools. Student Needs P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 Grand Total Autistic spectrum disorder 9 9 8 11 6 4 12 59 Bereavement 1 2 2 2 7 Communication Support Needs 11 3 4 11 3 3 4 39 Dyslexia 4 6 5 8 13 36 English as an additional language 6 6 4 1 6 5 1 29 Family Issues 1 5 6 3 4 7 13 39 Hearing impairment 3 1 1 2 2 3 12 Interrupted learning 2 2 1 1 7 13 Language or speech disorder 9 4 6 13 8 10 6 56 Learning disability 8 4 3 7 4 7 4 37 Looked after 3 8 3 4 1 4 5 28 Mental health problem 1 1 1 1 1 3 8 More able pupil 2 6 1 4 13 Not disclosed / declared 1 1 1 3 Other 2 3 4 10 3 6 7 35 Other moderate learning difficulty 1 2 3 7 12 8 18 51 Other specific learning difficulty (eg numeric) 1 1 4 4 3 10 13 36 Physical health problem 3 3 3 4 3 5 5 26 Physical or motor impairment 2 3 5 5 10 6 10 41 Social, emotional and behavioural difficulty 14 11 18 15 16 17 27 118 Visual impairment 1 1 1 2 3 8 Young Carer 1 2 3 5 7 11 29 Care Experienced Children and Young People A Virtual Head Teacher took up post in April 2023. The core purpose of the role of the Virtual Head Teacher is to be relentless in driving improvements in the educational progress and attainment/ achievement of an identified group of young people, including Care Experienced, across Argyll and Bute. The core function of the Virtual Head Teacher in terms of planning is to ensure that all children have access to appropriate and timely support achieved by collaborating with relevant professionals to ensure plans are of a high quality, with impact and outcomes followed up. Table below shows the numbers of care experienced children in our primary schools across each area of the Council. Page 26
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7 Area Previously Away Home Total Bute and Cowal 16 19 13 48 HALCO 12 9 4 25 MAKI 20 9 4 33 OLI 18 9 3 30 Attainment of Curriculum for Excellence Levels over time Curriculum levels are national levels to describe different stages of learning and progress. For most children the expectation is: Throughout the Broad General Education, children and young people are assessed and professional judgements are made by teachers on when a child or young person has achieved learning at a particular level. This means that they have broadly covered the experiences and achieved the expected outcomes for that level. In making this decision, the teacher takes into account the evidence mentioned above, and considers the benchmarks produced by Education Scotland for each level as well as diagnostic feedback from the National Standardised Assessments (NSAs). Attainment of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) data is collected annually each June by the Scottish Government. The data collection collects information on pupil performance in four areas, known as organisers. Organisers consist of Numeracy and the three literacy components: Reading, Writing and Listening and Talking. A combined literacy measure is also produced based on the three literacy organisers: reading, writing and listening and talking. The data is collected for pupils at the key stages of P1, P4, P7 and S3. As an authority, we have made significant progress in raising attainment and closing the poverty related attainment gap. Authority level data for literacy and numeracy demonstrating increased attainment is displayed below. Further detail on progress towards closing the attainment gap between those residing in Quintile 1 and those in Quintile 5 can be found on pages 10 and 11. Page 27
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8 Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels across OLI schools: June 2021-June 2024 NOTES: There was no ACEL collection during session 2019/20 due to COVID. In English medium by June 2024: In listening and talking, 87% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 87% at authority level and 87% nationally. In reading, 87% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 82% at authority level and 81% nationally. Page 28
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9 In writing, 84% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 79% at authority level and 79% nationally. In numeracy, 90% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 84% at authority level and 85% nationally. In English medium by June 2024: In listening and talking, 84% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 87% at authority level and 87% nationally. In reading, 81% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 81% at authority level and 79% nationally. In writing, 75% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 75% at authority level and 74% nationally. In numeracy, 80% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 80% at authority level and 78% nationally. Page 29
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10 In English medium by June 2024: In listening and talking, 84% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 85% at authority level and 88% nationally. In reading, 78% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 79% at authority level and 81% nationally. In writing, 72% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 73% at authority level and 76% nationally. In numeracy, 76% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 77% at authority level and 79% nationally. In Gaelic medium by June 2024: Page 30
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11 In listening and talking, 95% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 97% at authority level and 89% nationally. In reading, 95% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 93% at authority level and 85% nationally. In writing, 95% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 93% at authority level and 85% nationally. In Gaelic medium by June 2024: In listening and talking, 71% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 76% at authority level and 87% nationally. In reading, 71% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 76% at authority level and 79% nationally. In writing, 65% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 62% at authority level and 74% nationally. Page 31
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12 In Gaelic medium by June 2024: In listening and talking, 71% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 77% at authority level and 86% nationally. In reading, 71% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 73% at authority level and 79% nationally. In writing, 76% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 77% at authority level and 75% nationally. Argyll and Bute Stretch Aims Session 2023-24 and onwards to 2026 (Authority Level) The Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) is about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. SAC funding is provided to all of Scotland’s local authorities to help tackle the attainment gap and support education recovery and improve outcomes for children and young people most impacted by poverty. The Scottish Attainment Challenge aims to raise the attainment of children and young people living in deprived areas, in order to close the equity gap. Attainment Advisors within Education Scotland’s regional improvement teams work with authorities to identify core attainment measures and specific aims (Stretch Aims) which, informed by local evidence and data, are identified as local priority areas for improvement. The stretch aims are intended to be both ambitious and achievable within local contexts and targets are specific to individual authorities. Progress towards achieving the current stretch aims will be reported on later in 2025. The Stretch Aims are intended to support recovery from the pandemic and accelerate progress in closing the attainment gap and include: Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (literacy P1/4/7 combined and numeracy P1/4/7 combined) The stretch aims for literacy and numeracy identify the percentage of young people who achieve their expected Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) level: An overall attainment target, which includes all young people An attainment target for young people who live in the most deprived areas (SIMD quintile 1) An attainment target for young people who live in the least deprived areas (SIMD quintile 5) A target to reduce the attainment gap between the most and least deprived young people The Argyll & Bute literacy and numeracy tables illustrate data from the most recent ACEL collection in 2024 Page 32
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13 (published December 2024), against the stretch aim for 2023-24 and also indicate the stretch aim targets in place for 2024-2026. The year-on-year trend in ACEL data has been positive; in the three-year period between 2022 and 2024 the overall proportions of primary school pupils achieving the expected levels in literacy had increased by 10 percentage points (62% to 72%), while in numeracy there had been an increase of 7 percentage points (73% to 80%). The percentage of Quintile 1 (most deprived) young people who achieved their expected CfE level has increased by 15pp in literacy and 5pp in numeracy between 2022 and 2024. Scottish Attainment Challenge - Stretch Aims 2023-26: Literacy In literacy, the attainment gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas of Argyll & Bute was 33 percentage points in 2021, by 2022 this narrowed to 27 percentage points and narrowed further to 13 percentage points by June 2023. At the end of the 2023/24 session the attainment gap had grown slightly to 15 percentage points, but remains smaller than 2021 and 2022. Argyll & Bute’s target is to reduce the attainment gap to 10.5 percentage points by June 2025 and to 10 percentage points by June 2026. Literacy (P 1/4/7 Combined) Stretch Aim Overall SIMD Q1 SIMD Q5 GAP (Q1-Q5) Stretch Aim 2023/24 71% 70% 81% 11pp Confirmed Dec 24 72% 68% 83% 15pp Interim Stretch Aim 2024/25 73.5% 72.5% 83% 10.5pp Final Stretch Aim 2025-26 76% 75% 85% 10pp Scottish Attainment Challenge - Stretch Aims 2023-26: Numeracy In numeracy, the attainment gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas of Argyll & Bute was 29 percentage points in 2021, by 2022 this narrowed to 18 percentage points and narrowed further to 14 percentage points by June 2023. By June 2024 the attainment gap had increased slightly to 15 percentage points. This was 2 percentage points below the national gap of 17pp. Argyll & Bute’s target is to reduce the attainment gap to 13.25 percentage points by 2025 and to 13 percentage points by June 2026. Numeracy (P 1/4/7 Combined) Stretch Aim Overall SIMD Q1 SIMD Q5 GAP (Q1-Q5) Stretch Aim 2023/24 78% 76.5% 90.5% 13.50pp Confirmed Dec 2024 80% 73% 88% 15pp Interim Stretch Aim 2024/25 81% 77.75% 91% 13.25pp Final Stretch Aim 2025-26 83% 78.5% 91.5% 13pp Page 33
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14 The table below outlines the National expectations of when most children and young people may achieve each level: CfE Level Stage Early The final two years of early learning and childcare before a child goes to school and P1, or later for some. First To the end of P4, but earlier or later for some. Second To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some. Third and fourth S1-S3, but earlier or later for some. Further information: National Improvement Framework for Scottish Education – https://www.gov.scot/policies/schools/national-improvement-framework/ Initiatives to raise attainment and achievement In response to data and evidence gathered in the areas of literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing, a range of work has been undertaken in order to drive forward improvement and raise attainment and achievement across the authority. Literacy Literacy work funded by Strategic Equity Funding (SEF) has centred around the Children and Young People’s Improvement Collaborative (CYPIC) Improving Writing Programme. The impact of this programme has been significant and has resulted directly in increased attainment in writing in all schools involved. Training and ongoing support has been provided to practitioners to improve pedagogy and use of data to secure improvement in writing at first level and across first and second in multi composite classes. Two teachers who have been involved in the programme are also supporting the delivery and support for the programme to ensure that a sustainable model of improvement is developed. 33 schools have been involved since the start of the programme. In Cohort 1; an average of 21-point increase from attainment at P4 in June 22 and June 23. In Cohort 2; an average of 2-point increase from attainment at P4 in June 22 and June 23. In Cohorts 3 and 4 combined there has been an increase of 10% in the number of children assessed by teachers as on track in writing from P3 to P7. In feedback all staff involved agree/strongly agree that this has improved writing within their class. In almost all cohorts of children there has been an improvement in writing attainment. A full evaluation of impact on writing will be completed during this school session. Numeracy Whilst it is too early to ascertain the direct impact of our numeracy and mathematics development work on attainment, progress has been made in a number of identified areas for improvement. These include: Page 34
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15 o The creation of the Counting on Excellence framework which ensures a seamless progression of learning, spanning early to third level outcomes. This provides teachers in Argyll and Bute schools with a clear and cohesive structure to support continuity in teaching and learning, enabling students to build a strong foundation in mathematics and numeracy across the BGE. The framework is designed to complement the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and its benchmarks, offering detailed guidance to teachers that enhances consistency and rigor in mathematics learning and teaching. By incorporating additional strands, the framework strengthens alignment with national priorities while allowing for flexible and context-sensitive teaching practices. o Support for Inclusive Mathematics Education: The expanded framework provides a robust support system for teachers, equipping them with tools and resources to address diverse learning needs. By integrating additional strands into the existing structure, it ensures that learners in Argyll and Bute schools benefit from a comprehensive, inclusive, and innovative mathematics education that prepares them for future academic and real-world challenges. This fits with the curriculum improvement cycle as well as recommendations from the OECD and the mathematics thematic inspection. o Enhanced Teacher Confidence Through Customised CLPL: The collaborative design and implementation of a professional learning programme, informed by the latest research and best practices, ensures tailored professional development for practitioners. Data gathered around teacher confidence in mathematics pedagogy, particularly in Helensburgh and Lomond schools as a test of change, demonstrates measurable improvements in teacher efficacy. This professional growth directly supports improved classroom practices, fostering better outcomes for learners across the authority. o Data-Driven Support and Continuous Improvement: Observations in targeted schools, combined with focused dialogue with practitioners and senior leaders, provide valuable insights into strengths and areas for development. The coordination of follow-up support by the numeracy lead, within specified timescales, ensures a responsive and adaptive approach to improvement. This data-driven strategy empowers schools to address gaps effectively, supporting consistent progress in mathematics teaching and learning authority-wide. Wellbeing: Readiness to Learn Two nurture teachers are funded through Strategic Equity Funding (SEF) and work has continued, in collaboration with partners, to progress with the implementation of our strategy for embedding effective nurture and relationship-based approaches across all establishments. Progress includes: o Our Children, their Nurturing Education (OCTNE) documents have been refined and now include an OCTNE Implementation Framework for Bronze to Platinum. A Self-Evaluation toolkit has also been developed to include How Good is Our School? 4 (HGIOS4) challenge questions that align with OCTNE. Supportive documentation has been developed and includes an exemplar Silver Action Plan, a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) exemplar and a bespoke nurture and relationships-based programme of professional learning for the Argyll and Bute Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) programme and the UHI PGDE course. o Whole-school accreditation has increased with 58 settings currently engaged with OCTNE, including 6 Partnership Providers, registered. 12 new settings are attending February 25 leadership training. The current accreditation levels are; 19 Bronze, 11 Silver and 1 Gold. o The uptake for targeted nurture has increased over the last school session. Referral for targeted nurture support comes via the link Educational Page 35
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16 Psychologist to ensure that involvement is relevant. All pupils referred for targeted nurture have remained in in-authority placements. Work has taken place in 18 schools (22 pupils) and is ongoing in 7 schools (7 pupils). Universal and targeted work in this area has improved approaches to embedding the principles of nurture within schools and settings involved, and for targeted pupils has demonstrated impact in terms of ability to access the curriculum and understand their own feelings and emotions. This work has enabled us to exceed our 2023/24 core plus stretch aim. School Contacts Establishment Head Teacher Telephone Number Barcaldine Primary School Bernie McMillan 01631 720391 Bunessan Primary Gaelic Unit Richard Gawthrope 01681 700283 Bunessan Primary School Richard Gawthrope 01681 700283 Dalmally Primary School Lynn Sinclair 01838 200359 Dervaig Primary School Richard Gawthrope 01688 400227 Dunbeg Primary School Marny McCulloch 01631 564781 Easdale Primary School Judith Frost 01852 300243 Iona Primary School Stephen Glen-Lee 01681 700348 Kilninver Primary School Sharon Burt 01852 316236 Lismore Primary School Debbie Harris 01631 760258 Lochdonhead Primary School Susie Carmichael 01680 812473 Lochnell Primary School Donald Feist 01631 720300 Park Primary School Shirley Stuart 01631 563941 Rockfield Gaelic Primary School Caroline Fothergill 01631 568090/568091 Rockfield Primary School Caroline Fothergill 01631 568090/568091 Salen Primary School Mairi Maclean 01680 300348 Salen Primary School Gaelic Unit Mairi Maclean 01680 300348 St Columba's Primary School – Argyll Michaelina MacLellan 01631 568090/568092 Strath of Appin Primary Gaelic Unit Natalie White 01631 730345 Strath Of Appin Primary School Natalie White 01631 730345 Taynuilt Primary School Bernie McMillan 01866 822343 Tiree Primary School Peter Bain 01879 220383/220790 Tiree Primary School Gaelic Unit Peter Bain 01879 220383/220790 Tobermory Primary School Shelley Carmichael 01688 302062 Ulva Primary School Susie Carmichael 01688 500246 Page 36
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1 ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 12 MARCH 2025 AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT – FQ3 2024/25 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 This paper presents the Area Performance Report for Financial Quarter 3 2024/25 (October to December 2024) and illustrates the agreed performance measures. 1.2 The features of the Performance Report are as follows:- Indicators are grouped by Corporate Outcome. The data table for each indicator is coded to identify the level of reporting. o Area level measures are blue o Council level measures are grey o COI measures are white Each indicator details the o Target, Actual and Performance status (Green / Red / No Target) for the current and four previous financial quarters. o Commentary for the current financial quarter only. o Narrative explaining the performance trend e.g. This indicator is above Target and performance has improved since the last reporting period. o Where appropriate a Performance Trend Line has been added. o The name of the Responsible Officer. o Where possible performance is presented at both Area and Council level. 1.3 The commentary for each indicator helps ‘Tell Our Story’ and enables Elected Members to put the performance data into perspective and understand if an issue is local in nature or should be escalated up to a Strategic Committee. 1.4 As part of our improvements to performance reporting and making best use of the digital technology available to us, the information contained in this report is also available in your online scorecard. If support is required to navigate the online scorecard please contact lorna.gillies@argyll-bute.gov.uk 1.5 To improve the response to performance queries, it is requested that should there be any queries that either the Responsible Person or Kay Owen are contacted. This should enable some queries being resolved or clarified prior to the Area Committee meeting, and therefore being carried forward as Actions at a subsequent meeting. Page 39 Agenda Item 6
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2 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Area Committee – a) Notes and considers the performance and supporting commentary as presented. 3.0 IMPLICATIONS 3.1 Policy All of the indicators in this report are based on agreed Council policy. 3.2 Financial All indicators with financial implications are actively managed through agreed budget monitoring processes. 3.3 Legal All appropriate legal implications are complied with. 3.4 HR All HR implications are actively managed through agreed Wellbeing and Management monitoring processes. 3.5 Fairer Scotland Duty See below. 3.5.1 Equalities All activities comply with Equal Opportunities/Fairer Scotland Duty policies and obligations. 3.5.2 Socio-economic Duty All activities comply with the council’s socio- economic duty. 3.5.3 Islands Duty All activities comply with the council’s islands duty. 3.6 Climate Change The Council is committed to working towards net zero. 3.7 Risk Without this information Elected Members are less informed of activities within their area. 3.8 Customer Service All activities with customer feedback or insight are rigorously monitored for improvement. 3.9 The Rights of the Child This report highlights examples of how the Council is (UNCRC) committed to, and working towards reducing child poverty and improving outcomes for every child. Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services Jane Fowler Head of Customer Support Services 11 February 2025 For further information, please contact: Kay Owen Team Lead - Organisation Development Project Office - Customer Support Services 01546 604073 Appendix 1: FQ3 2024/25 OLI Performance Report Page 40
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# Indicator Responsible Person Reported Page COI - Maximise distribution of Scottish Welfare Fund Fergus Walker A&B only 3 COI - Percentage of clients satisfied that they are better able to deal with their financial problems following our support and intervention Lee Roberts A&B only 4 Number of parking penalty notices issued Hugh O'Neill Area 5 Car parking income to date (cumulative) Hugh O'Neill Area 6 - 7 Number of dog fouling complaints Tom Murphy Area 8 COI - Increase the percentage of our care experienced young people that have the recommended additional tracking and monitoring plans in place Louise Chisholm A&B only 9 COI - Provide quality meals within cost margins to all pupils Christine Boyle A&B only 10 Maximise the percentage of 16-19 year olds participating in education, training or employment Jennifer Crocket Area 11 2024/25 FQ3 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Performance Report The information presented is a summary of the agreed measures. Unless stated otherwise, performance is presented at both Area and Council-wide levels. The measure shows the performance against target for the current previous three reporting periods with an explanation of performance trend. Where appropriate a trend line has been added to illustrate movement in 'Actual' over the reporting period. Corporate Outcome: People live active, healthier and happier lives Corporate Outcome: People live in safer and stronger communities Corporate Outcome: Children and young people have the best possible start Corporate Outcome: Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all Page 41
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# Indicator Responsible Person Reported Page Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum Kelly Ferns Area 12 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days Peter Bain Area 13 - 14 Average number of weeks to determine householder planning applications Peter Bain Area 15 - 16 COI - Number of new homeless applicants who required temporary accommodation this period Morven Macintyre A&B only 17 COI - Maintain the percentage of local suppliers that benefit from the award of contracts via the procurement portal Anne MacColl-Smith A&B only 18 COI - Increase the number of community benefits that are delivered through contracts we award locally Anne MacColl-Smith A&B only 19 Percentage of street lighting faults repaired within 10 days Tom Murphy Area 20 Number of waste collection complaints Tom Murphy Area 21 - 22 COI (part) - Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered John Blake Area 23 - 24 COI - Number of tonnes of waste sent to landfill John Blake A&B only 25 COI - LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) Tom Murphy Area 26 - 27 COI - Teacher sickness absence Jennifer Crocket (B&C and MAKI) Wendy Brownlie (H&L and OLI) Area 28 COI - LGE staff (including non-Teacher) sickness absence Carolyn Cairns Area 29 COI - Increase the percentage of all self-service automated contacts Robert Miller A&B only 30 Corporate Outcome: We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Corporate Outcome: Making it happen Corporate Outcome: Our economy is diverse and thriving Page 42
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 95.3% 79.7% -15.6% Red - Actual below Target As at 31 December 2024 , our expenditure stands at £423,302. This represents an underspend of £107,914 of our budgeted profiled amount. To date the number of applications is down by 10% compared to the same period last year, however the average award amount has increased by almost £50. As in previous years we expect an increase in both applications and awards in the final quarter of this year. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 138.2% 2023/24 FQ4 128.6% 2024/25 FQ1 94.0% 2024/25 FQ2 72.9% 2024/25 FQ3 79.7% Corporate Outcome - People live active, healthier and happier lives COI - Maximise distribution of Scottish Welfare Fund Responsible Person: Fergus Walker This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 is lower than the target however performance has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line As of 30 September 2024, our expenditure stands at £258,079. However as our confirmed budget allocation has increased to £708,284 which includes £458,284 from the Scottish Government programme fund and £250,000 provided by the Council to address cost pressures. Therefore this represents an underspend of £96,065 to date. The number of applications to the fund is down by 11% in this quarter, however the average amount of award is higher compared to last year. As the next 6 months can be the most challenging for our vulnerable claimants we expect increases in both applications and spend going forward. 3 Page 43
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 100% 100% 0% Green - Actual meets Target This is a voluntary survey with no obligation for clients to respond either in full or in part. It is also common for incomplete returns to be received. In FQ3 2024/25, 17 survey forms were distributed to clients. 9 were returned. Of these 9 returns, 8 responded to the question relating to being better able to deal with their financial problems. Of these 8 respondents, 8 responded positively, whilst 0 responded negatively. Accordingly, 100% of clients that responded were positive about their experience i.e. no negative comments or responses were reported. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 100% 2023/24 FQ4 100% 2024/25 FQ1 100% 2024/25 FQ2 100% 2024/25 FQ3 100% Actual trend line This is a voluntary survey with no obligation for clients to respond either in full or in part. It is also common for incomplete returns to be received. In FQ2 2024/25, 14 survey forms were distributed to clients. 4 were returned. Of these 4 returns, 4 responded to the question relating to being better able to deal with their financial problems. Of these 4 respondents, 4 responded positively, whilst 0 responded negatively. Accordingly, 100% of clients that responded were positive about their experience i.e. no negative comments or responses were reported. Corporate Outcome - People live active, healthier and happier lives COI - Percentage of clients satisfied that they are better able to deal with their financial problems following our support and intervention Responsible Person: Lee Roberts This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 meets the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. 4 Page 44
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI No Target 402 N/A N/A Up from last FQ3. Oban has remained busy throughout and this has impacted breaches in the TROs Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 307 2023/24 FQ4 493 2024/25 FQ1 527 2024/25 FQ2 603 2024/25 FQ3 402 2024/25 FQ3 A&B No Target 968 N/A N/A Decrease on previous FQ3 but within general range. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 1,015 2023/24 FQ4 1,196 2024/25 FQ1 1,763 2024/25 FQ2 2,302 2024/25 FQ3 968 This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of parking penalty notices has decreased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line There is a substantial increase since last year's FQ2, this is mainly due to the extra patrols in the Luss area on the back of the Traffic Regulation order being progressed and enforced as per the wishes of local Luss Village residents. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of parking penalty notices has decreased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line A slight increase in PCNs from last year's FQ2, however this is generally on par with what we would expect if the weather has been reasonable. Corporate Outcome - People live in safer and stronger communities Number of parking penalty notices issued Responsible Person: Hugh O'Neill This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 5 Page 45
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI £160,230 £163,785 £3,555 Green - Actual exceeds Target An increase in income but generally on track. Period Target Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 £564,477 £514,847 2023/24 FQ4 £685,489 £604,034 2024/25 FQ1 £177,897 £170,527 2024/25 FQ2 £238,595 £248,386 2024/25 FQ3 £160,230 £163,785 £9,246 £22,753 £9,388 £4,197 £59,523 £8,370 £2,487 £6,419 £4,712 £1,281 £23,739 £1,103 £558 £439 £9,570 £163,785 Trunk, Oban Fionnphort, Mull Total This indicator for FQ3 shows the cumulative amount of income has exceeded the cumulative target. Actual trend line There is no trend as this data is cumulative as of FQ1 each financial year. The Clipper event may well have had a positive effect on income through parking and reports back were that Oban was very busy during the event. Albany Street, Oban Oban Tweedale Street, Oban Market Street, Oban Esplanade, Oban Craignure, Mull Income Collected During FQ3 Corran No.1, Oban North Pier, Oban Corran No.2 Oban Longsdale, Oban Non-trunk, Oban Lochavullin, Oban Ganavan, Oban Corporate Outcome - People live in safer and stronger communities Car parking income to date (cumulative) Responsible Person: Hugh O'Neill This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 6 Page 46
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B £237,910 £248,502 £10,592 Green - Actual exceeds Target An increase in income but generally on track with targets. Period Target Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 £797,331 £807,348 2023/24 FQ4 £968,262 £937,090 2024/25 FQ1 £289,219 £247,216 2024/25 FQ2 £373,922 £391,990 2024/25 FQ3 £237,910 £248,502 This indicator for FQ3 shows the cumulative amount of income has exceeded the cumulative target. Actual trend line There is no trend as this data is cumulative as of FQ1 each financial year. Events in Oban, the new TRO in Luss as well as a full time warden in Dunoon has most likely been the source of extra income coming through our parking areas. Corporate Outcome - People live in safer and stronger communities Car parking income to date (cumulative) Responsible Person: Hugh O'Neill This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 8 Page 48
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI No Target 9 N/A N/A A total of 9 dog fouling complaints were received this quarter for the Oban, Lorn and Isles areas. The 9 complaints were all received for the Lorn area, there were no complaints received for Mull. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 4 2023/24 FQ4 10 2024/25 FQ1 8 2024/25 FQ2 4 2024/25 FQ3 9 2024/25 FQ A&B No Target 65 N/A N/A A total of 65 dog fouling complaints were received for the whole of Argyll and Bute this quarter. This may seem high, however it has been found that dog fouling can be seasonal with spikes in dark nights and dark mornings with a lot of dog walkers refraining from walking their dogs off the beaten tracks in the winter months. The warden service will continue to monitor as and when time allows. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 46 2023/24 FQ4 65 2024/25 FQ1 57 2024/25 FQ2 33 2024/25 FQ3 65 Actual trend line There were only 4 dog fouling complaints received this quarter, again they were for the Lorn area, no complaints were received for the Isle of Mull This indicator for 0 shows the number of dog fouling complaints has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line This quarter has seen the number of dog fouling complaints reduce significantly to 33 throughout the whole Argyll and Bute Council area, this is very good and is partyly down to the presence of the Warden Service. In August the service recruited another Amenity Warden who will cover the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay areas. This indicator for 0 shows the number of dog fouling complaints has increased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - People live in safer and stronger communities Number of dog fouling complaints Responsible Person: Tom Murphy This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 9 Page 49
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 100% 100% 0% Green - Actual meets Target Each care experienced child and young person (CECYP) enrolled in an authority school has tracking and monitoring plans in place via our education management information system known as Seemis. Data collated includes attendance, exclusion, progress and attainment and wellbeing information. We are continouosly working alongside schools and partner agencies to ensure the CE status is accurately reflected. Enhanced reporting and scrutinising of data, alongside greater awarness of our CECYP, has led to earlier and positive intervention. This is evidenced through our attainment data which shows a reduced learning gap between CE and non-CE learners since 2021 -22 (with both cohorts showing increased attainment). We continue to work with partner agencies to support cross authority tracking and monitoring to support CECYP hosted out with Argyll and Bute. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 100% 2023/24 FQ4 100% 2024/25 FQ1 100% 2024/25 FQ2 100% 2024/25 FQ3 100% Actual trend line Each care experienced child and young person enrolled in an authority school has tracking and monitoring plans in place via our education management information system knowns as Seemis. Data collated includes attendance, exclusion, progress and attainment and wellbeing information. The Virtual Head Teacher (VHT) for Care Experienced Children and Young People (CECYP) works closely with the education team and receives monthly reports specific to CECYP. The VHT has focussed attainment meets with Designated Managers for CECYP across authoriy settings. Our tacking and monitoring data is scrutinised during these meets to ensure each young person has the correct framework of support to help them achieve success. Our 2023 - 24 data (still embargoed to quality assurace process) evidences the positive impact of this enhaced level of scrutiny, support and challenge. The profile of our CECYP continues to be raised through system improvements, training opportunities, information sharing (as appropriate) leading to greater consideration of personalised support at all stages of the young peron's educational journey. Feedback evidences that wider school staff have increased awareness of the needs of our CECYP cohort. We are able to work with Virtual Head Teachers from Scottish wide local authorities to develop a data sharing agreeemnt to support cross authority tracking and monitoring to support CECYP hosted out with Argylll and Bute. Corporate Outcome - Children and young people have the best possible start COI - Increase the percentage of our care experienced young people that have the recommended additional tracking and monitoring plans in place Responsible Person: Louise Lawson This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 meets the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. 10 Page 50
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B +/-5.00% 0% 5% Green - Actual exceeds Target We continue to monitor schools that are not achieving the +/- 5% target. B&C 6.21, H&L -3.88%, MAKI -4.58%, OLI 1.68% Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 4.12% 2023/24 FQ4 -3.44% 2024/25 FQ1 0.48% 2024/25 FQ2 -1.37% 2024/25 FQ2 0.14% COI - Provide quality meals within cost margins to all pupiles Responsible Person: Christine Boyle This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 within the +/5.00% variance and performance has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line We continue to monitor schools that are not achieving the +/- 5% target. B&C -5.65%, H&L -5.52%, MAKI 6.55%, OLI 3.26 Corporate Outcome - Children and young people have the best possible start 11 Page 51
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI 94.00% 95.07% 1.07% Green - Actual exceeds Target As of 3rd February 2025 the participation figure (16–19-year-olds in employment, training or education) in Oban, Lorn and the Isles was 1023 young people, which equates to 95.07%. This is 1.07% above the target and 0.77% above the annual Argyll and Bute participation figure of 94.3% which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2024. The participation figure of 95.07% for FQ3 of 2024/25 is a decrease of 1.07% on the participation figure for FQ2 of 2024/25. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 95.93% 2023/24 FQ4 94.43% 2024/25 FQ1 95.57% 2024/25 FQ2 96.14% 2024/25 FQ3 95.07% 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 94.00% 94.19% 0.19% Green - Actual exceeds Target As of 3rd February 2025 the participation figure (16–19-year-olds in employment, training or education) across the whole of Argyll and Bute was 3921 young people, which equates to 94.19%. This is 0.19% above the target and 0.11% below the annual Argyll and Bute participation figure of 94.3% which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2024. The participation figure of 94.19% for FQ3 of 2024/25 is a decrease of 1.61% on the participation figure for FQ2 of 2024/25. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 94.37% 2023/24 FQ4 93.59% 2024/25 FQ1 94.99% 2024/25 FQ2 95.80% 2024/25 FQ3 94.19% Actual trend line As of 10th October 2024, the participation figure (16-19 year-olds in employment, training or education) for the whole of Argyll and Bute was 4,174 young people, which equates to 95.80%. This is 1.80% above the target and 1.50% above the annual Argyll and Bute participation figure of 94.30% which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2024. The participation figure of 95.80% for FQ2 of 2024/25 is an increase of 0.81% on the participation figure for FQ1 of 2024/25. Actual trend line As of 10th October 2024, the participation figure (16-19 year-olds in employment, training or education) in Oban, Lorn and the Isles was 1,075 young people, which equates to 96.14%. This is 2.14% above the target and 1.84% above the annual Argyll and Bute participation figure of 94.30%, which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2024. The participation figure of 96.14% for FQ2 of 2024/25 is an increase of 0.57% on the participation figure for FQ1 of 2024/25. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving Maximise the percentage of 16-19 year olds participating in education, training or employment Responsible Person: Jennifer Crocket This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 12 Page 52
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI 0 0 0 Green - Actual meets Target There were no completions in OLI in FQ3. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 0 2023/24 FQ4 0 2024/25 FQ1 0 2024/25 FQ2 6 2024/25 FQ3 0 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 6 6 0 Green - Actual meets Target Fyne Homes completed 6 x 3 bed general needs properties at Baddens, Lochgilphead in FQ3 Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 4 2023/24 FQ4 0 2024/25 FQ1 12 2024/25 FQ2 26 2024/25 FQ3 6 This indicator for FQ3 meets the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line There were 26 units completed during this period. B&C 0 H&L 0 MAKI 20 OLI 6 This indicator for FQ3 meets the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line Port Appin including 4 x social rent (1x1bed, 1x2bed, 2x3bed) and 2x New Supply Shared Equity (2x2bed). Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum Responsible Person: Kelly Ferns This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving 13 Page 53
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI 75.0% 84.2% 9.2% Green - Actual exceeds Target Performance across the Development Management Service is still being recovered and impacted upon by the management of a significant backlog of casework. Overall output and performance across the Service is improving as staff resource issues have been resolved, however timeliness measures continue to be adversely impacted through the prioritisation of older statutory 'legacy' casework for determination. In order to assist with managing customer expectations the target response period has been temporarily extended to 6 weeks. During FQ3 38 pre-apps were closed in OLI with over 80% being issued within 6 weeks continuing a period of impressive performance from the OLI team. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 87.5% 2023/24 FQ4 87.5% 2024/25 FQ1 87.5% 2024/25 FQ2 84.6% 2024/25 FQ3 84.2% Actual trend line Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted by a backlog of casework. Overall performance is improving across the Service as availability of staff resource has delivered improved output. During FQ2 94.9% of enquiries were responded to within 6 weeks. This continued level of excellent performance is indicative of the more settled position of the OLI DM Team. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days Responsible Person: Peter Bain This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 14 Page 54
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 75.0% 48.3% -26.7% Red - Actual below Target Performance across the Development Management Service is still being recovered and impacted upon by the management of a significant backlog of casework. Overall output and performance across the Service is improving as staff resource issues have been resolved, however timeliness measures continue to be adversely impacted through the prioritisation of older statutory 'legacy' casework for determination. In order to assist with managing customer expectations the target response period has been temporarily extended to 6 weeks. There continues to be a backlog of pre-application enquiries within the BCHL team which is impacting upon overall Service performance although many of the open enquiries are in fact progressing with ongoing dialogue. During FQ3 123 pre-apps were closed aross ABC. Please find links below for supplementary information on performance in this area: PPSL Committee - Development Management Performance Update: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s215679/DM%20Performance%20Update%202024-25%20FQ3%20PB%2010.01.2025.pdf Appendix 1: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s215680/Appendix%201%20DM%20Performance%20Update%20FQ3%202425.pdf Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 49.1% 2023/24 FQ4 55.0% 2024/25 FQ1 49.5% 2024/25 FQ2 49.2% 2024/25 FQ3 48.3% Actual trend line Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted by a backlog of casework. Overall performance is improving across the Service as availability of staff resource has delivered improved output, however timeliness measures are adversely impacted as older casework from the backlog is completed. To assist with the management of customer expectations the target for responding to pre-app enquiries has been temporarily extended to 6 weeks. During FQ2 there has been considerable effort to close older pre-app enquiries which has resulted in a slight reduction of in time responses despite good output. During FQ2 57.1% of enquiries were responded to within 6 weeks. This indicator for FQ3 is lower than the target and performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days Responsible Person: Peter Bain This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 15 Page 55
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI 8.0 7.5 -0.5 Green - Actual below Target Performance across the Development Management Service has been impacted by a significant backlog of casework. Whilst issues relating to staff resource availability have been resolved and output has significantly improved it is highlighted that KPI's measuring average time taken are adversely affected by the resolution of increasing volumes of 'legacy' casework which significantly skew reporting, particularly at area level where this relates to a small number of applications. During FQ3 13 'householder' applications were determined in OLI; however none of of these were 'legacy' items. The average time period of 7.5 weeks is a positive reflection of the efforts of the OLI team during this reporting period. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 9.2 2023/24 FQ4 5.2 2024/25 FQ1 7.9 2024/25 FQ2 6.1 2024/25 FQ3 7.5 This indicator for FQ3 is lower than the target and performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted by a significant backlog of casework although performance is now improving alongside improved staff resource availability. Improved output does however involve the determination of increasing volumes of older 'legacy' case work. The determination of a higher than normal volume of older cases has a significant adverse impact on average time reporting measures as a small number of old cases significantly skew the overall output. FQ2 has seen a period where the OLI team have not determined any legacy householder applications and have been in a position to progress new casework in a timely and effective manner. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving Average number of weeks to determine householder planning applications Responsible Person: Peter Bain This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 16 Page 56
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 8.0 15.9 7.9 Red - Actual exceeds Target Performance across the Development Management Service has been impacted by a significant backlog of casework. Whilst issues relating to staff resource availability have been resolved and output has significantly improved it is highlighted that KPI's measuring average time taken are adversely affected by the resolution of increasing volumes of 'legacy' casework which significantly skew reporting, particularly at area level where this relates to a small number of applications. During FQ3 60 'householder' applications were determined across all of ABC; these included 7 'legacy' items. Excluding the'legacy' items the average time taken to determine the other 53 applications was 10.2 weeks. Please find links below for supplementary information on performance in this area: PPSL Committee - Development Management Performance Update: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s215679/DM%20Performance%20Update%202024-25%20FQ3%20PB%2010.01.2025.pdf Appendix 1: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s215680/Appendix%201%20DM%20Performance%20Update%20FQ3%202425.pdf Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 16.8 2023/24 FQ4 20.0 2024/25 FQ1 16.1 2024/25 FQ2 26.1 2024/25 FQ3 15.9 Average number of weeks to determine householder planning applications Responsible Person: Peter Bain This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target however performance has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted by a significant backlog of casework although performance is now improving alongside improved staff resource availability. Improved output does however involve the determination of increasing volumes of older 'legacy' case work. The determination of a higher than normal volume of older cases has a significant adverse impact on average time reporting measures as a small number of old cases significantly skew the overall output. FQ2 has seen the determination of 11 legacy items amongst a higher volume of newer casework. It is highlighted that during FQ2 75% of all householder applications determined were less than 6 months old and that these were determined within an average timescale of 9.6 weeks. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving 17 Page 57
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B No Target 27 N/A N/A During FQ3, the housing service took 90 homeless applications and provided temporary accommodation for 27 new homeless households. B&C: Out of 25 Homeless Applications, 8 new households went in to temporary accommodation (4 x Serviced Accommodation, 4 x Bed & Breakfast). H&L: Out of 22 Homeless Applications, 8 new households went in to temporary accommodation (4 x Serviced Accommodation, 2 x Bed & Breakfast, 1 x Private Sector Lease, 1 x Council Retained). MAKI: Out of 23 Homeless Applications, 7 new household went in to temporary accommodation (3 x Private Sector Lease, 4 x Bed & Breakfast). OLI: Out of 20 Homeless Applications, 4 new households went in to temporary accommodation (3 x Supported Accommodation, 1 x Serviced Accommodation). Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 26 2023/24 FQ4 30 2024/25 FQ1 26 2024/25 FQ2 40 2024/25 FQ3 27 Actual trend line During FQ2, the housing service took 138 homeless applications and provided temporary accommodation for 40 new homeless households. B&C: Out of 39 Homeless Applications, 16 new households went in to temporary accommodation (3 x Registered Social Landlord, 6 x Serviced Accommodation, 7 x Bed & Breakfast). H&L: Out of 29 Homeless Applications, 4 new households went in to temporary accommodation (3 x Serviced Accommodation, 1 x Bed & Breakfast). MAKI: Out of 46 Homeless Applications, 12 new household went in to temporary accommodation (5 x Private Sector Lease, 7 x Bed & Breakfast). OLI: Out of 24 Homeless Applications, 8 new households went in to temporary accommodation (5 x Supported Accommodation, 1 x Registered Social Landlord, 1 x Serviced Accommodation, 1 x Bed & Breakfast). Please note: • The Registered Social Landlord and Private Rented Sector properties are leased by the Council and sub-let to homeless households as temporary accommodation. • Serviced Accommodation is available in Cowal and Helensburgh and is for single people providing an en-suite bedroom and shared kitchen facilities. • Supported accommodation is provided in Lorn by Blue Triangle Housing Association. • Emergency accommodation may on occasion be provided out with the location of the original presentation due to the pressure on the availability of temporary accommodation 0 Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving COI - Number of new homeless applicants who required temporary accommodation this period Responsible Person: Morven Macintyre This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of applicants has decreased since the last reporting period. 18 Page 58
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 20.0% 23.6% 3.6% Green - Actual exceeds Target From the 44 tender/quick quote contract awards during FQ3, 55 suppliers were successful, 13 of which were local suppliers. However, only 18 received local bids. The nature of the types of contracts awarded can impact on submission of local bidders. Of the 18 contracts, 13 were awarded to local suppliers (72.2%) with an estimated total contract value of £9.6m. The Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team will continue to support local suppliers by providing useful information on the Council's website. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 27.8% 2023/24 FQ4 14.3% 2024/25 FQ1 36.0% 2024/25 FQ2 10.5% 2024/25 FQ3 23.6% COI - Maintain the percentage of local suppliers that benefit from the award of contracts via the procurement portal Responsible Person: Anne MacColl-Smith This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line From the 49 tender/quick quote contract awards during FQ2, 57 suppliers were successful, 6 of which were local suppliers. However, only 12 received local bids. The nature of the types of contracts awarded can impact on submission of local bidders. Of the 12 contracts, 6 were awarded to local suppliers (50.0%) with an estimated total contract value of £140k. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving 19 Page 59
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B No Target 0 N/A N/A The next report covering FQ3 & FQ4 2024/25 will be available in April 2025. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 - 2023/24 FQ4 37 2024/25 FQ1 - 2024/25 FQ2 31 2024/25 FQ3 Actual trend line We have been working closely with our suppliers to deliver additional social, economic and environmental value to our society. 31 Community Benefits have been achieved through Contract Management, Contract Awards and the Request List during Q1 & Q2 2024/25. Corporate Outcome - Our economy is diverse and thriving COI - Increase the number of community benefits that are delivered through contracts we award locally Responsible Person: Anne MacColl-Smith This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported in FQ2 and FQ4. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for... 20 Page 60
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI 75% 97% 22% Green - Actual exceeds Target Continued Progress with the new tablets and software has seen a marked improvement across the service area. 126 faults reported in total this quarter - a high number. At what is generally busy period for the Service and at a time when staff do take annual leave. Some assistance was provided from other areas to help with the high number of faults reported in the OLI Area. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 50% 2023/24 FQ4 20% 2024/25 FQ1 81% 2024/25 FQ2 96% 2024/25 FQ3 97% 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 75% 92% 17% Green - Actual exceeds Target Continued Progress with the new tablets and software has seen a marked improvement across the service area. 341 faults reported in total this quarter - a high number but in general we deal with more faults in FQ3 and FQ4 each year. This has been a busy quarter for the Service and at a time when staff do take annual leave. Capital Improvement Schemes will have helped deal with lighting that was that was previously unrealiable. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 46% 2023/24 FQ4 49% 2024/25 FQ1 93% 2024/25 FQ2 97% 2024/25 FQ3 92% This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line Overall introducing the new tablets has had a positive impact on the service, our electricians are working more efficently and effectivly. Summer months also does mean less faults reported by the general public, however that may change in the upcoming winter months. We also have carried out our capital improvements in the Lorn area, and are in the midst of carrying out capital improvements on the Isle of Mull. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line Summer months, number of faults are lower still. We also have introduced the remote working tablets. Between the capital improvement scheme being completed in the Lorn area, and also works taking place on the Isle of Mull faults are being attended too in a more efficent way. Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Percentage of street lighting faults repaired within 10 days Responsible Person: Tom Murphy This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 21 Page 61
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 Lorn No Target 3 N/A N/A There were only 3 waste collection complaintes received for Lorn in October, November and December, this is very good given the number of properties. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 1 2023/24 FQ4 2 2024/25 FQ1 7 2024/25 FQ2 4 2024/25 FQ3 3 2024/25 FQ3 Mull No Target 0 N/A N/A Another excellent service provided by our team on the Isle of Mull, there were no waste collection complaints received this quarter. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 1 2023/24 FQ4 0 2024/25 FQ1 2 2024/25 FQ2 0 2024/25 FQ3 0 This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has remained the same since the last reporting period. Actual trend line There were no waste collection complaints received this quarter for the Isle of Mull. An excellent service provided by out team on the Island. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has decreased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line The Lorn area received 4 waste collection complaints over the months of July, August and September. This is a very good service. Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Number of waste collection complaints Responsible Person: Tom Murphy This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 22 Page 62
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B No Target 36 N/A N/A In total there were 36 waste collection complaints received for the whole Argyll and Bute Council area for the months of October, November and December. The majority of which were received in the Helensburgh and Lomond area due to vehicle breakdowns and resourcing. The teams are still delivering a very high level of service to the many properties throughout the areas ensuring the domestic, recycling, glass and food waste is uplifted. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 18 2023/24 FQ4 7 2024/25 FQ1 38 2024/25 FQ2 26 2024/25 FQ3 36 Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Number of waste collection complaints Responsible Person: Tom Murphy This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line There were only 26 waste collection complaints received this quarter for the whole of the Argyll and Bute Council area. Given the number of properties serviced and the various waste collected over the summer months this is a very good level of service. 23 Page 63
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 45.0% 65.4% 20.4% Green - Actual exceeds Target 65.4% recycling, composting and recovery (37.2% recycling/composting plus 28.2% recovery) . Target exceeded mainly due to high recovery levels for Helensburgh and Lomond's residual waste which now goes for refuse derived fuel (RDF) instead of landfill. Less garden waste composted during this quarter than FQ2 which is expected as green waste composting is higher during spring/summer periods. Recycling and composting rate of 37.2% is marginally higher than same quarter in previous year (which was 36.1%). Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 49.0% 2023/24 FQ4 74.0% 2024/25 FQ1 68.4% 2024/25 FQ2 70.5% 2024/25 FQ3 65.4% 2024/25 FQ3 Renewi No Target 52.4% N/A N/A 52.4% recycling, composting and recovery (35.3% recycling/composting plus 17.1% recovery) . Less garden waste composted during this quarter than FQ2 which is expected as green waste composting is higher during spring/summer periods. Recycling and composting rate of 35.3% is marginally higher than same quarter in previous year (which was 33.9%). Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 55.3% 2023/24 FQ4 66.5% 2024/25 FQ1 56.2% 2024/25 FQ2 61.3% 2024/25 FQ3 52.4% Actual trend line 61.3% recycling, composting and recovery (44.3% recycling/composting plus 17.0% recovery). Increased recycling during the quarter mainly due to over 1000 tonnes of stockpiled rubble at Renewi's Moleigh Waste and Recycling Facility being processed into materials for hardstanding at the site. There was also slight tonnage increase in blue bin recycling during the quarter. Actual trend line 70.5% recycling, composting and recovery (45.2% recycling/composting plus 25.3% recovery). Exceeds target due to increases in recycling and recovery. For example, a significant amount of over 1000 tonnes of stockpiled rubble at Renewi's Moleigh Waste and Recycling Facility was processed into materials for hardstanding at the site during the quarter. There was also slight tonnage increases in recycling of wood, blue bin materials and glass during the quarter. Recovery continues to improve compared to 2023 with the Helensburgh and Lomond general waste no longer going to landfill and instead going for refuse derived fuel (RDF)/energy from waste (EFW). This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI - Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Responsible Person: John Blake This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is by Council-wide service provision. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. 24 Page 64
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 Islands No Target 44.2% N/A N/A 44.2% recycling, composting and recovery (31.9% recycling/composting plus 12.3% recovery) . Less garden waste composted during this quarter than FQ2 which is expected as green waste composting is higher during spring/summer periods. Recovery rate of 12.3% in quarter is higher than same quarter in previous year (which was 0%) as residual waste from Coll and Tiree now goes for refuse derived fuel (RDF) instead of landfill. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 34.2% 2023/24 FQ4 41.5% 2024/25 FQ1 45.8% 2024/25 FQ2 51.8% 2024/25 FQ3 44.2% 2024/25 FQ3 H&L No Target 100.0% N/A N/A 100% recycling, composting and recovery (43.1% recycling/composting plus 56.9% recovery) . High recovery levels for Helensburgh and Lomond's residual waste which now goes for refuse derived fuel (RDF) instead of landfill. Less garden waste composted during this quarter than FQ2 which is expected as green waste composting is higher during spring/summer periods. Recycling and composting rate of 43.1% is marginally higher than same quarter in previous year (which was 40.8%). Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 41.5% 2023/24 FQ4 100.0% 2024/25 FQ1 100.0% 2024/25 FQ2 100.0% 2024/25 FQ3 100.0% Actual trend line 100% recycling, composting and recovery (48% recycling/composting plus 52% recovery). There was slight tonnage increases in recycling of wood, blue bin materials and glass during the quarter. Recovery continues to be high compared to 2023 with the Helensburgh and Lomond general waste no longer going to landfill and instead going for refuse derived fuel (RDF)/energy from waste (EFW). Actual trend line 51.8% recycling, composting and recovery (43.5% recycling/composting plus 8.2% recovery). There was slight tonnage increases in recycling of wood, blue bin materials and glass during the quarter. Recovery continues to improve compared to 2023 with the Tiree/Coll general waste no longer going to landfill and instead going for refuse derived fuel (RDF)/energy from waste (EFW). This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has remained the same since the last reporting period. This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI - Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Responsible Person: John Blake This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is by Council-wide service provision. 25 Page 65
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 5,100 2,846 -2,254 Green - Actual below Target Well within biodegradable municpal waste target for the quarter mainly due to the residual waste from Helensburgh and Lomond area now all going for refuse derived fuel (RDF)/ energy from waste (EFW) whereas this was previously sent to landfill in same quarter in 2023. Period Target Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 5,100 4,253 2023/24 FQ4 5,000 2,567 2024/25 FQ1 5,850 3,200 2024/25 FQ2 5,550 3,225 2024/25 FQ3 5,100 2,846 Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI - Number of tonnes of waste sent to landfill Responsible Person: John Blake This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 is lower than the target (lowest is best). Actual trend line Well within target partly due to increased recycling during the quarter e.g. rubble, wood, glass and blue bin recycling. A significant factor also is that the Helensburgh and Lomond general waste now goes for refuse derived fuel (RDF)/energy from waste (EFW) instead of going to landfill (which it was in 2023). 26 Page 66
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 Lorn 73 88 15 Green - Actual exceeds Target October, November and December in the Lorn area shows a high score of street cleanliness, the teams are working to ensure the area is well maintained Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 86 2023/24 FQ4 85 2024/25 FQ1 89 2024/25 FQ2 87 2024/25 FQ3 88 2024/25 FQ3 Mull 73 96 23 Green - Actual exceeds Target 96 is an excellent score for the Isle of Mull with regards street cleanliness, we hope to see this standard kept up throughout the year. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 93 2023/24 FQ4 93 2024/25 FQ1 93 2024/25 FQ2 94 2024/25 FQ3 96 Actual trend line Another good quarter with regards street cleanliness in the Lorn area. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI - LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) Responsible Person: Tom Murphy This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. Actual trend line The Isle of Mull is again showing the highest level of street cleanliness with a figure of 94, this is excellent service. 27 Page 67
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 73 84 11 Green - Actual exceeds Target The street cleanliness figure for the months of October, November and December for the whole of the Argyll and Bute Council area remains high. This means the areas scored show no or a very small amount of litter visible but not detracting from the look of the area. The teams on both the mainland and islands are providing a good service by ensuring weeds, detritus, litter, fly posting, grafitti etc are being dealt with timeously. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 85 2023/24 FQ4 83 2024/25 FQ1 84 2024/25 FQ2 85 2024/25 FQ3 84 This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - We have an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI - LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) Responsible Person: Tom Murphy Actual trend line For the months of July, August and September the overall figure for street cleanliness within Argyll and Bute is sitting at 85, this is a very good level of service provided by the teams on both the mainland and the Islands. This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 28 Page 68
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI No Target 2.87 N/A N/A Work days lost has increased by 0.83 of a day on the same quarter last year and has increased by 0.91 of a day from the previous quarter. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 2.04 2023/24 FQ4 2.75 2024/25 FQ1 2.11 2024/25 FQ2 1.96 2024/25 FQ3 2.87 2024/25 FQ3 A&B No Target 2.89 N/A N/A Work days lost has increased by 0.07 of a day on the same quarter last year and has increased by 1.12 of a day from the previous quarter. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 2.82 2023/24 FQ4 2.82 2024/25 FQ1 2.14 2024/25 FQ2 1.77 2024/25 FQ3 2.89 This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line Work days lost has increased by 0.52 of a day on the same quarter last year and has decreased by 0.37 of a day from the previous quarter. Main work days lost have been due to Mental Health related reasons. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line Work days lost has increased by 1.43 of a day on the same quarter last year and has decreased by 0.15 of a day from the previous quarter. Main work days lost have been due to Mental Health related reasons. Corporate Outcome - Making it happen COI - Teacher sickness absence Responsible Person: Jennifer Crocket (B&C and MAKI) / Wendy Brownlie (H&L and OLI) This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 29 Page 69
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 OLI No Target 4.53 N/A N/A Work days lost has increased by 0.09 of a day on the same quarter last year and has increased by 0.68 of a day from the previous quarter. Period Acutal FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 4.62 2023/24 FQ4 4.76 2024/25 FQ1 4.19 2024/25 FQ2 3.85 2024/25 FQ3 4.53 2024/25 FQ3 A&B No Target 4.40 N/A N/A Work days lost has increased by 0.67 of a day on the same quarter last year and has increased by 0.97 of a day from the previous quarter. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 3.73 2023/24 FQ4 4.12 2024/25 FQ1 3.85 2024/25 FQ2 3.43 2024/25 FQ3 4.40 Actual trend line Work days lost has increased by 0.25 of a day on the same quarter last year and has decreased by 0.42 of a day from the previous quarter. Main work days lost have been due to Mental Health related reasons. Actual trend line Work days lost has increased by 0.16 of a day on the same quarter last year and has decreased by 0.34 of a day from the previous quarter. Main work days lost have been due to Mental Health related reasons. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. Corporate Outcome - Making it happen COI - LGE staff (including non-Teacher) sickness absence Responsible Person: Carolyn Cairns This indicator is reported quarterly. The performance presented is at area level and Council-wide. 30 Page 70
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Period Area Target Actual Variance Status FQ3 Commentary 2024/25 FQ3 A&B 70.0% 82.7% 12.7% Green - Actual exceeds Target In FQ3 there were 33,666 customer transactions dealt with by Customer Service Agents (17.3%) and 160,491 were automated or self-service transactions (82.7%) so the 70.0% target was substantially bettered. This was largely due to the significant increase in customers using the improved Bin Day Uplift online resources. Period Actual FQ2 Commentary 2023/24 FQ3 72.7% 2023/24 FQ4 70.1% 2024/25 FQ1 71.6% 2024/25 FQ2 72.7% 2024/25 FQ3 82.7% Corporate Outcome - Making it happen COI - Increase the percentage of all self-service automated contacts Responsible Person: Robert Miller This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. This indicator for FQ3 exceeds the target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. Actual trend line In FQ2 there were 39,421 customer transactions dealt with by Customer Service Agents (27.3%) and 104,776 were automated or self-service transactions (72.7%) so the 70.0% target was bettered. 31 Page 71
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 12 MARCH 2025 SERVICES ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UPDATE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 A Roads and Infrastructure standing report was a fixture on Area Committee agendas throughout the life of the last Council. In the first two rounds of Area Committee meetings in the new Council feedback was sought on the value of these updates, and their format and frequency. Generally Members felt having a standard item was beneficial and it was acknowledged that the Roads and Infrastructure weekly briefings issued to all members each Friday afternoon provide for the main sources of live information on current activities. On top of these briefings there is a bank of resources on the new Member Zone system which include the weekly briefings, subject specific briefings, ad hoc short briefings on issues, relevant previous committee reports, operational service procedures, legislation and Council policies. 1.2 In the last Council the purpose of these reports was to provide an update on service activities but since weekly briefings these have largely superseded the original stated purpose of these reports. 1.3 On the basis of the above this new format has been agreed through the December 2022 round of area committees for this standing item. This format removes duplication for Officers and rather links to existing published information, with additional updates only in the body of the reports if these are specifically requested/noted from previous meetings. The report remains as a standing item and continues to provide the opportunity for Officer engagement at the committee meetings. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Area Committee: 2.1 Note and consider the contents of this report. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 Roads and Infrastructure Services provides Members with weekly briefings on topical service activities which are all available here. Page 73 Agenda Item 7
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3.2 As part of the resources on the new Member Zone system there are various key documents available in an online library here. 3.3 There are also additional online resources covering the streetlighting, footway, surface dressing and roads reconstruction programmes available on the website here. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 This report provides links to existing published information on service activities and provides for the opportunity for Officer attendance and engagement at committee meetings. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy – Roads and Infrastructure work to a number of policies across the range of service areas. 5.2 Financial – revenue and capital budgets are in place to deliver projects and cyclic work. 5.3 Legal – Roads and Infrastructure Services work to a number of different pieces of legislation such as the Roads Scotland Act 194 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 5.4 HR – none known. 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 5.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – where appropriate EqSEIAs will be carried out to identify any implications. 5.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – where appropriate EqSEIAs will be carried out to identify any implications. 5.5.3 Islands – where appropriate Island impacts assessments will be carried out to identify any implications. 5.6. Climate Change – due regard will be given to climate change with a view to minimising any climate change impact and these will be considered as and when they arise. 5.7 Risk – risk managed through toolbox talks, safety briefings and where appropriate risk registers – all of the above are monitored through the RIS leadership and management teams. 5.8 Customer Service – none known. Page 74
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5.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – none known. Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Councillor John Armour February 2025 For further information contact: Stephen Hall, Interim Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services Stephen.hall@argyll-bute.gov.uk Mark Calder, Project Manager mark.calder@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 75
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 12 MARCH 2025 HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) – ANNUAL UPDATE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The main purpose of this report is to update Members of Housing Services activity and progress with the Local Housing Strategy for the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. This report will detail the following housing activity:- • Housing Emergency • Housing Need and Demand • Homelessness • Affordable Housing Supply - Strategic Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) • Empty Homes • Private Sector Housing Grant Adaptations • Private Sector Housing Grant Repairs and Improvements • Energy Efficiency - Energy Efficiency Scotland: Area Based Scheme(EES:ABS) • Local Housing Strategy 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are asked to consider the content of the report. Page 77 Agenda Item 8
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 12 MARCH 2025 HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) – ANNUAL UPDATE 3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 The main purpose of this report is to update Members of Housing Services activity and the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. This report will detail the following housing activity:- • Housing Emergency • Housing Need and Demand • Homelessness • Affordable Housing Supply - Strategic Housing Investment Programme • Empty Homes • Private Sector Housing Grant Adaptations • Private Sector Housing Grant Repairs and Improvements • Energy Efficiency – Energy Efficiency Programme: Area Based Scheme • Local Housing Strategy 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Members are asked to consider the content of this report. 5.0 DETAIL 5.1 As the Strategic Housing Authority for this area, the Council has a series of important statutory housing functions to fulfil. A Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) is carried out every 5 years which enables Scottish Government funding to be brought into Argyll and Bute primarily to deliver affordable housing. A comprehensive revision of the local HNDA was approved as “robust and credible” by the Scottish Government’s Centre for Housing Market Analysis in December 2021. The Council also produces a Local Housing Strategy (LHS) every 5 years. The LHS 2022-27 was approved Page 78
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by Full Council in December 2021. It is subject to annual updates, which are published on the Housing Strategy pages of the Council website. The LHS has been developed in accordance with Scottish Government guidance and local priorities as identified in the new HNDA. .This sets out the vision for Argyll and Bute: “Everyone in Argyll & Bute has access to a suitable, high quality home which is affordable and located within a vibrant, sustainable and connected community.” This report will detail the housing activity taking place in Oban, Lorn and the Isles. 5.2 Housing Emergency In June 2023, Argyll and Bute Council became the first local authority to declare a housing emergency. A number of key statistics informed the emergency. • In 2023 there were just under 3,300 people on social rented housing waiting lists, representing an increase of 8% since the previous year. • The average housing price in 2022 was £206,000 which is 7 times the average income level in Argyll and Bute. • 11% of all homes are ineffective stock, with 6% second homes and 4% empty. • 42% of the property sales are made to people living out with the Argyll and Bute area. • There were 131 private house completions in the last 5 years representing only 17% of the expected rate. • Constructions costs have seen a 22% increase in 2022 with island construction costs significantly higher. This trend is continuing currently. • 92% of residents responding to the Housing Emergency survey said that housing shortage was having an impact on their community • Of employers who responded to the workforce housing survey, 75% said a shortage of housing was a barrier to recruiting or retaining staff A copy of the Housing Emergency Summit Report held in November 2023 and associated progress reports are available here The housing emergency action plan developed in conjunction with partners at the Housing Summit has been appended to the Local Housing Strategy Annual update 2024, and will be fully embedded in to the next Local Housing Strategy. Members requested regular updates on activity to tackle the housing emergency including a set of metrics, which could be used as a benchmark to monitor progress. The housing system is complex and wide-ranging; the following table of statistics and indicators, which were approved by Council in November 2024, give a balanced representation of the housing system based on the issues across the housing market. Page 79
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* Consents Figure is June23-March24, & will be corrected for next year 5.3 HOUSING NEED & DEMAND IN OBAN, LORN & THE ISLES HOMEArgyll WAITING LIST November 2024 – Active Applicants (excluding applicants with 0 points i.e. no need) Minimum Bedroom Size Required TOTAL 0/1beds 2beds 3beds 4+beds Lorn 316 127 90 29 562 Mull & Iona 43 16 4 3 66 Coll & Tiree 11 6 2 2 21 OLI Totals 370 149 96 34 649 In addition there was a registered demand from almost 297 applicants who received nil points according to the Common Allocation Policy and therefore would be deemed not to have a defined housing need. This included 245 applicants for Lorn; 45 for Mull & Iona; and 7 for Coll & Tiree. For the Oban Lorn and Isles area as a whole, the majority of applicants (57%) require one bedroom and 23% require 2 bedrooms.15% require 3 bedrooms and 5% need 4 bedrooms or more. However, to establish actual need, the available supply must be factored into this, based on the available lets within the RSL stock during a year. HOUSING EMERGENCY - METRICS Year Measures 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 Housing Completions – All Tenures 144 Planning Consents Granted 512* Resource Planning Allocation(RPA) £18.26m Resource Planning Allocation(RPA) spend Available Mid 2025 Strategic Housing Fund (SHF) spend £1.057m Number of Homeless Applications 492 Number of Households on social housing waiting list 3209 Multiple of median wage to median house price 5x (£35k / £175k) Number of Registered Short Term Lets 3031 Number of Second Homes 2811 Number of Empty Homes 2364 Page 80
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Applicants per available RSL Let (Pressure Ratios) HOMEArgyll Applicants RSL Lets 2023/24 (HOMEArgyll only) Pressure Ratio Lorn 562 136 4:1 Mull & Iona 66 21 3:1 Coll & Tiree 21 3 7:1 OLI Totals 649 160 4:1 While the pressure ratios are only one factor in determining need and demand, they are useful indicators of areas where further analysis may be required. The fully revised Argyll & Bute HNDA 2021 takes account of a wide range of factors to determine existing need and future demand for new build housing, and demographic projections have a critical role in this assessment. Although the default population projections suggest a significant and continuous decline across Argyll and Bute, and consequently minimal or zero requirement for new build housing, the council has developed ambitious Housing Supply Targets based on an alternative, positive growth scenario for all areas. In this instance, 28% of the Argyll & Bute Housing requirement would be apportioned to Lorn; 4% to Mull & Iona; and around 1% to Coll & Tiree. Over the next 5 years this could amount to at least 480 new builds across all tenures for the OLI area as a whole. 5.4 HOMELESSNESS Homeless applications across the area increased slightly (118 up to 125) in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area during 2023/24. These applications included 3 homeless application for Mull & Iona and 1 for Coll & Tiree. During 2023/24 there were 129 homeless cases closed in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. 127 of the cases were in the Oban and Lorn, 1 case in Coll & Tiree, and 1 case was on Mull. The figures below illustrate the number of homeless applications and cases closed for the period from 2019/20 to 2023/24. Page 81
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The main reasons for presenting as Homeless last year were “disputes with family/relationship breakdown – non-violent”, and “dispute with household violent or abusive”. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Applications Cases closed Applications Cases closed Applications Cased closed Coll & Tiree Lorn Mull & Iona Homeless Applications and Cases Closed 2019/20 - 2023/24 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 1. Termination of tenancy/mortgage due to rent… 10. Dispute with household/relationship… 11. Fleeing non-domestic violence 12. Harassment 13. Overcrowding 14. Asked to leave 15. Other reason for leaving… 2. Other action by landlord resulting in the… 3. Applicant terminated secure accommodation 4. Loss of service/tied accommodation 5. Discharge from prison/hospital/care/other… 6. Emergency (fire,flood,storm,closing order from… 7. Forced division and sale of matrimonial home 8. Other reasons for loss of accommodation 9. Dispute with household violent or abusive Oban, Lorn and The Isles Combined Reasons for Homelessness 2023/24 Page 82
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Rough Sleeping The Oban, Lorn and Isles area experienced an increase in the incidence of rough sleeping over the same period last year, with 16 cases (+3) in total across the area reporting that they slept rough the night preceding their presentation and 22 (+5) reporting that they had slept rough in the 3 months preceding their homeless application. These were disaggregated as follows:- AREA Number of Rough Sleepers in 2023/24 Night Before Application 3 Months Prior to Application Oban, Lorn area 16 22 Mull and Iona 0 0 Coll and Tiree 0 0 OLI Total 16 22 Argyll & Bute 33 56 5.5 AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUPPLY This continues to be a very challenging period for the construction sector and there is ongoing slippage in the new build programme due to disruption and shortages with materials and staffing. The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) delivered 66 new affordable homes in Lorn in 2023/24. RSL PROJECT Units Funding LINK Dunbeg Phase 3 66 £35,322,200 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Total 66 £35,322,200 The Council recognises that households in the area have difficulty in affording to buy property for principal occupation and in that regard the Council encourages RSL’s to deliver Shared Equity properties in their developments. The Shared Equity model enables eligible households to obtain mortgages from as low as 60% of the value of the property with the Scottish Government retaining the remaining equity in the property. Of the 66 units delivered as part of Dunbeg phase 3 in 2023/24, 11 were shared equity properties and 5 properties were marketed and occupied as Mid-market rent. During 2024 so far, 6 units were delivered through the Port Appin development by West Highland Housing Association. Further sites/projects in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area which are planned within the most current SHIP document: Page 83
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ACHA Tiree (10 units – 2026/27) Bay View Gypsy/ Traveller site (4 units – 2026/27) Additional commitment to 50 property acquisitions, across whole local authority area. LINK Dunbeg, Phases 4,5 & 6 (349 units in total – 2027/30) WHHA Tobermory, Mull Phase 3 (10 units – 25/26) Dalmally phase 1 (8 units – 25/26) Port Appin phase 2/3 (24 units – 26/27) Baliscate, Tobermory (12 units – 26/27) Campbell Street, Oban (4 units – 26/27) Lochawe phase 1 (16 units – 27/28) Salen (8 units 28/29) Craignure (12 units – 28/29) Dalmally phase 2 (6 units – 29/30) Ganavan (50 units – 29/30) Bunessan phase 2 (4 units – 29/30) In addition to the projects in the table above the Council has secured planning permission to deliver up to 12 houses for workers in Tobermory, Mull. This project is part of the housing element of the Rural Growth Deal. RSLs have also identified future opportunities, which they will continue to develop. These projects could be included in the later years of the SHIP. For example, ACHA is exploring options for sites in Appin, Coll, and on Mull such as Dervaig and Ulva. WHHA are considering sites in Oban town centre, as well as Craignure. LINK Group continue to scope options for development sites in Oban including Glencruitten. 5.6 EMPTY HOMES In 2023/24 there were 11 private empty homes brought back into use in OLI, with the assistance of the Empty Homes Officer, amounting to 37% all the empty homes brought back into use across Argyll and Bute last year (30). Council Tax Information on Empty Homes The following table breaks down the numbers of empty homes including those subject to premium Council Tax charge across the OLI area. The table does not include properties which are empty and exempt from Council Tax. The numbers of recorded empty homes can vary from day to day due to natural changes and reported numbers are snapshot from November reports. Page 84
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Council Tax Exemptions There are also a number of empty properties which are on the Council Tax register which are exempt from paying council tax. In OLI there are 206 properties which are empty and exempt from Council Tax. The categories for empty properties include: • Class 4A = Properties recently occupied but now empty and unfurnished (73); • Class 7A = Dwellings Empty Under Statute – Closing or Demolition Order (12); • Class 5A= Living/detained elsewhere (19); • Class 2A= Unoccupied-Renovation (10) • Class 6A= Deceased owner (92) Second Homes As at 1st November 2024 there were 751 registered second homes in Oban, Lorn and the Isles. This figure represents 28% of the total number of second homes in Argyll and Bute (2,666). Self-Catering Lets As at March 2024 there were 951 self-catering lets on the Rates register in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area 43% of the Argyll and Bute total (2,210). OLI Council tax data as at 01.11.24 Number of properties on Council Tax register Empty Homes Properties subject to 200% council tax levy Total EMPTY Lorn 8,398 160 176 336 Mull & Iona 1,715 36 82 118 Coll & Tiree 496 17 25 42 OLI TOTAL 10,609 213 283 496 OLI Rates data as at 01.03.24 Number of self-catering properties Lorn 541 Mull & Iona 325 Coll & Tiree 85 OLI TOTAL 951 Page 85
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Short Term Let Licence As at 1st March 2024, there were 1,352 applications for short-term let licences in OLI area. This was 44% total applications (3,031). These can apply to wide range of properties and can include home sharing, home letting, and secondary letting. There is a public register for all short-term lets, which can be accessed here. 5.7 PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING GRANT – ADAPTATIONS In 2023/24, there were 18 individual adaptations installed across OLI with PSHG aid. 5.8 PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING GRANT – REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS In 2023/24, there were a total of 5 PSHG repair and improvement grants completed in OLI, (across Argyll and Bute, the total was 41). Total cost of the works was £68,048.84 of which PSHG covered £25,876.72. 5.9 ENERGY EFFICIENCY (ENERGY EFFICIENT SCOTLAND: AREA BASED SCHEME (EES:ABS)) There were 61 individual energy efficiency measures fitted to 52 properties across Oban, Lorn and the Islands in 2023/24 via the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland – Area Based Scheme (EES-ABS), at a total cost of £362,562.39 with EES-ABS grants in support of this work amounting to £329,888.75. OLI Data as at 01.03.24 Number of short term let licence applications Lorn 803 Mull & Iona 443 Coll & Tiree 106 Bute & Cowal TOTAL 1,352 PSHG ADAPTATION COMPLETIONS 2023/24 HMA Grant Value Works Value ADAPTATION INSTALLED Ramp Stairlift Access Bathroom Adaptation Hoist Wash & Dry Unit External Drainage Connection Lorn £77,616.00 £117,732.70 2 3 2 9 1 1 0 Page 86
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Current estimates of Fuel Poverty are based on Home Analytics data (Scottish figure sourced from The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel):- Area Likelihood of Households in Fuel Poverty Extreme Fuel Poverty Lorn 36% 35% Mull and Iona 34% 38% Coll and Tiree 35% 42% Argyll and Bute 30% 25% Scotland (SHCS) 34% 23% 5.10 LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY (LHS) 2022-2027 As the strategic housing authority for Argyll and Bute, the Council has a statutory duty to develop, implement and monitor a Local Housing Strategy over a five-year planning cycle, based on a robust and credible Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) for the area. Following completion of the previous Argyll and Bute LHS (2016-2021) last year, a comprehensive revision and update of the strategy has been approved by the council and formally launched in March 2022. The planning process was based on a robust process of consultation and stakeholder engagement, which has been acknowledged as an exemplar model for other local authorities by the Scottish Government, the CHMA, and the Scottish Housing Network LHS Forum. The revised HNDA was approved as “robust and credible” by the Scottish Government’s CHMA in 2021, and this has informed the revised Housing Supply Targets set out in the new LHS. These targets are based on a positive demographic and economic growth scenario for Argyll & Bute and include ambitious and challenging Housing Supply Targets for the Lorn, Mull & Iona, and Coll & Tiree HMAs over the next 5 years and beyond. Work has commenced on the preparation of the next HNDA due to be approved in 2026. The Local Housing Strategy is subject to annual updates and the 2024 update can be found in the Housing Strategy pages of the Council website Microsoft Word - Local Housing Strategy Annual Update 2024 - FINAL as at 170924 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 This report provides the detail of the Council Housing Services team activity in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area and an overview of the progress achieved with the Local Housing Strategy Action Plan. There are a variety of housing issues within the area which are being tackled by Housing Services and partner agencies with the aim of delivering a functioning housing system which meets the needs of the communities we serve. The scale of the challenge is shown in statistical evidence and the declaration of the Housing Emergency and the subsequent Housing Emergency Summit has shown that many concerns are common across agencies and communities. Page 87
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7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy - Complies with approved SHIP and Local Housing Strategy. 7.2 Financial - None arising from this report. 7.3 Legal - We have a statutory duty to deliver statutory housing functions. 7.4 HR – None. 7.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: Positive in terms of delivering affordable housing. 7.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – None. 7.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - Positive in terms of delivering affordable housing. 7.5.3 Islands – Positive in terms of delivering affordable housing on the islands 7.6. Climate Change – The strategy and housing service deliver positive impacts for energy efficiency and climate change. 7.7 Risk – None. 7.8 Customer Service – None. 7.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – The housing activity described in the report will deliver affordable housing for families with children Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with the responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Councillor Jim Lynch Policy Lead for Economic Development, Islands and Rural Communities, Housing January 2025 For further information contact: Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth Fergus.murray@argyll-bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig, Development Policy and Housing Manager Matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte, Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Lorn Appendix 2 – Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Mull & Iona Appendix 3 – Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Coll & Tiree Page 88
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Appendix 1 - Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Lorn LORN HMA is centred on Oban and includes a number of the small, inner isles such as Easdale, Luing and Lismore. Despite the influence of in-migration, it is the most self- contained housing market in Argyll & Bute with 64% of house sales going to local residents. There was limited interaction with neighbouring HMAs in the local authority (3%) but over 17% of demand is from the rest of Scotland and over 13% from the UK. Overseas house purchasers have only marginal impact in this area, at just over 1% of sales. Average house prices are comparatively high and affordability remains an issue, with a high price-to-income ratio of 6.7 (lower quartile). There has been significant development activity in recent years, and the total dwelling stock increased by 8% between 2015 and 2020, with significant new builds in development or in the pipeline, particularly at Dunbeg. Lorn has 18% of the total housing stock in Argyll and Bute. However, 8% of the stock comprises second/holiday homes and long-term vacant properties. With 1,649 RSL homes in 2020 the area also has the highest provision of social rented stock – over 19% of the authority total. Nevertheless, this area still has the largest waiting list in Argyll and Bute by far, as well as one of the higher levels of homelessness (30% and 18% respectively of the authority totals). In addition HNDA analysis suggests that this area has the second greatest level of backlog need (21% of total backlog need). Population Households Dwellings Ineffective Stock (%) RSL Stock Waiting List Applicants RSL Lets (2019/20) Pressure Ratio Lower Quartile House Price Lower Quartile Income LQ Affordability Ratio 16,053 7,648 8,604 8% 1,649 737 139 5:1 £120,000 £17,892 6.7 Lorn Key issues for Lorn HMA: Increasing the supply of affordable housing remains a critical priority for this HMA. The provision of Housing Options advice and information; and targeted Tenancy Support also remains important. Fuel poverty is an issue and improving energy efficiency will be important too. Ensuring that sufficient specialist provision (accommodation, adaptations, support services etc.) is available to meet the requirements of the ageing population and those with particular needs will also be key to a well-balanced, effective housing system. Page 89
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Appendix 2 – Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Mull & Iona MULL AND IONA are combined for planning purposes as one HMA. As a housing market area, these islands exhibit the lowest level of self-containment in the authority area apart from Coll & Tiree, with less than 45% of house sales going to local purchasers. Around 16% of properties are bought by persons from elsewhere in Scotland; and over a third of all sales (34%) are to purchasers originating elsewhere in the UK, by far the highest proportion of any HMA in Argyll and Bute. Interaction with the rest of the authority is minimal with only 1.4% of sales originating in another local HMA. Mull & Iona have among the highest house prices in Argyll & Bute, well above the average for the authority as a whole and 3 times higher than Bute for example; and along with Islay, Jura & Colonsay; and Coll & Tiree, this is one of the least affordable housing markets for local residents. This area has seen less than 1% rate of growth in total stock, between 2015 to 2020; despite a range of RSL and community-led projects being proposed and progressed in recent years. This still amounts to only 4% of the total dwellings in Argyll & Bute. There is also a high proportion of ineffective stock here, with second/holiday homes and long-term vacant properties making up 15% of the total (albeit this is significantly lower than the last census recorded). The social rented sector totalled 236 homes in 2020, less than 3% of the sector total for Argyll & Bute as a whole and around 13% of the total housing stock on the two islands. There are around 6 applicants for every available let in the area, one of the higher pressure ratios in the authority. Population Households Dwellings Ineffective Stock (%) RSL Stock Waiting List Applicants RSL Lets (2019/20) Pressure Ratio Lower Quartile House Price Lower Quartile Income LQ Affordability Ratio 3,054 1,524 1,851 15% 236 113 20 6:1 £129,375 £18,189 7.1 Mull & Iona Key issues for Mull & Iona HMA: A small-scale targeted programme of affordable new build housing will help to sustain remote island communities. Tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency remain key targets; and ensuring sufficient specialist provision is available to meet the requirements of those with particular needs will also be important. Page 90
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Appendix 3 – Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Coll & Tiree Coll & Tiree constitute the smallest HMA in the authority, and are most affected by house purchasers from out with the area – less than 20% of sales are to local residents, with almost half of purchasers originating elsewhere in Scotland and a further quarter from elsewhere in the UK. More house buyers originate from overseas (5.6%) than from the rest of Argyll & Bute itself (1.4%). Average house prices have been among the highest in Argyll & Bute (albeit the number of sales are very small) and this area has been one of the least affordable to local households with the highest price–to-income affordability ratio of 7.7. Since 2015, the total number of dwellings on the islands increased by almost 8% while the number of households increased by around 12%. Proportionately, this HMA has the highest level of ineffective stock in Argyll & Bute, by far, with almost a third being second/holiday homes or long-term vacant properties. In 2020 there were 54 social rented homes, which amounts only 0.6% of the total RSL sector in the authority. Demand for RSL properties is numerically low but given the limited turnover in existing stock the pressure ratio remains high at 6:1 (i.e. 6 applicants per available let). Population Households Dwellings Ineffective Stock (%) RSL Stock Waiting List Applicants RSL Lets (2019/20) Pressure Ratio Lower Quartile House Price Lower Quartile Income LQ Affordability Ratio 753 452 680 32% 54 19 3 6:1 £128,750 £16,644 7.7 Coll & Tiree Key issues for Coll & Tiree HMA: There is evidence of unmet need on these islands and minimal new build in recent years. Small-scale development of affordable housing for social rent could help to address the demand. The requirement for some form of specialist provision, particularly on Tiree, remains a potential gap which could be addressed by joint working between Housing and the Health & Social Care Partnership. Fuel poverty and energy efficiency also remain priorities for this area. Page 91
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Oban Lorn and the Isles DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 12 March 2025 2024/25 Active Travel Progress Report 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1. This report provides an update to Members on the progress made in 2024/25 in relation to active travel projects in the OLI Area, informs Members of the significant changes in Scottish Government active travel funding and seeks continued support for the projects and wider active travel measures from Members. 1.2. Active travel encompasses accessible, everyday Walking, Mobility Assistance and child prams (sometime collectively termed “Wheeling”) and Cycling. The focus of active travel is on accessible provision including those with mobility impairments. 1.3. Active Travel can offer significant benefits to the area: • Access to essential services and employment: In OLI 18% of households (1,755 households) do not have access to a motor vehicle and are therefore reliant on public transport and active travel modes. Within the key settlements the proportion of households without access to a motor vehicle is 29% (1,153) in Oban, 19% (80) in Dunbeg, 14% (70) in Tobermory and 11% (25) in Connel. (2022 census) • Health benefits: being more active reduces the risk of premature morbidity and death, particularly from diseases related to inactivity. (NHS Scotland) • Economics: People who travel to shops by walking and/or cycling have a higher monthly spend than people who travel to shops by private car. (Pedestrian Pound, 2024) • Improving safety: high quality active travel infrastructure reduces the frequency of injuries from collisions with motor vehicles. (Transport Scotland) • A number of active travel projects link to schools, offering the opportunity to increase the numbers of pupils, parents and staff choosing to walk, cycle or wheel to school. While focus is improved physical and mental health, where new active travel infrastructure creates a safe route to school where one did not previously exist it could reduce the requirement to provide school transport on safety grounds, thereby creating a revenue saving to the Council’s school transport budget. Page 93 Agenda Item 9
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1.4. The Council’s Active Travel Team, 1.7 Full Time Equivalent employees, is part of the Strategic Transport Team within the Development and Economic Growth Service. No Council funding is currently received by the Active Travel Team. All project costs, including internal staff costs, have to be funded via successfully securing highly competitive external challenge funds. 1.5. The Active Travel Team work with communities, internal and external stakeholders across Argyll and Bute to develop and deliver active travel projects which provide new/improved accessible infrastructure (e.g. paths, cycle lanes) and behaviour change (e.g. access to bikes, walking/cycle training, promotional activities). 1.6. In 2024/25, the Active Travel Team secured £1.4M external funding for the development and delivery of a total of 16 projects across Argyll and Bute. 1.7. The Active Travel Team work to source and secure highly competitive funding from a range of sources, the main of which are Transport Scotland’s Places for Everyone (PFE) Programme (administered by Sustrans), the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Tier 1 (Tier 1) and Local Authority Direct Award (LADA) funds, Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF), and HITRANS Regional Active Travel Fund. It is recognised at a national level that the Active Travel Team in Argyll and Bute Council secure significantly more funding, and subsequently deliver more projects, than similar staffed teams in other Local Authorities. 1.8. Transport Scotland have informed Officers that, as of 25/26, the funding model for active travel will change. The primary change will be the reallocation of the significant funding previously disbursed via third-sector organisations (such as Sustrans with Places for Everyone fund) to a single Transport Scotland controlled Active Travel Infrastructure Fund Tier 2 fund. The new fund will remain as a competitive challenge fund and is expected to be significantly oversubscribed due to the number of high value projects being progressed across Scotland and will therefore be highly competitive. Transport Scotland have also indicated that they will require Local Authorities to provide up to 30% of the construction cost of projects from non-Transport Scotland derived sources. 1.9. In 24/25 Scottish Government behaviour change funding was transferred from the multitude of third sector organisations to the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs). This aimed to enable the development and delivery of behaviour change programmes/activities which are tailored to the specific requirements of each RTP area. Officers engaged with HITRANS and SPT to promoted projects which supported the wider delivery of active travel in Argyll and Bute. While this engagement was successful in relation to HITRANS and resulted in a number of community orientated projects being funded, SPT took a more competitive approach and focused on funding the national third sector Page 94
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organisations which have extremely high overheads and therefore only limited results were achieved for Argyll and Bute. 1.10. The Scottish Government committed a total of £185M to active travel in 24/25. The Scottish Government’s draft 25/26 budget commits a total of £165M to active travel in 25/26. 1.11. Separately, Officers are working to develop an Active Travel Strategy (ATS) for Argyll and Bute which will set out the policy and strategic context for the development and delivery of active travel across the whole of Argyll and Bute. Subsequent to this, an Active Travel Delivery Plan (ATDP) will be developed which will identify the specific projects to be developed in order to achieve the ambition set in the ATS. RECOMMENDATIONS 1.12. It is recommended that the Oban Lorn and the Isles members: 1.12.1. Welcome the progress made to date across a significant number of active travel projects by the small Active Travel Team. 1.12.2. Support the continuation of the projects and the submission of future funding applications to external challenge funds to continue to develop design and construction stages in order to deliver these projects. 1.12.3. Support the allocation of the Tier 1 active travel funding element in the Council’s 25/26 block grant to the development and delivery of appropriate active travel projects, including those already underway in OLI. 1.12.4. Instruct Officers to continue to identify and develop new active travel projects to benefit local residents, businesses and communities. Page 95
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Oban Lorn and the Isles DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 12 March 2025 2024/25 Active Travel Progress Report 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1. This report provides an update to Members on the progress made in 2024/25 in relation to active travel projects in the OLI Area and seeks continued support for the projects from Members. 2.2. Active travel encompasses accessible, everyday Walking, Mobility Assistance and child prams (sometime collectively termed “Wheeling”) and Cycling. The focus of active travel is on accessible provision including those with mobility impairments. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1. It is recommended that the Oban Lorn and the Isles members: 3.1.1. Welcome the progress made to date across a significant number of active travel projects by the small Active Travel Team. 3.1.2. Support the continuation of the projects and the submission of future funding applications to external challenge funds to continue to develop design and construction stages in order to deliver these projects. 3.1.3. Support the allocation of the Tier 1 active travel funding element in the Council’s 25/26 block grant to the development and delivery of appropriate active travel projects, including those already underway in OLI. 3.1.4. Instruct Officers to continue to identify and develop new active travel projects to benefit local residents, businesses and communities. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1. The Council’s Active Travel Team, 1.7 FTE (Full Time Equivalent employees), is part of the Strategic Transport Team within the Development and Economic Growth Service. No Council funding is currently received by the Active Travel Page 96
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Team. All project costs, including internal staff costs, have to be funded via successfully securing highly competitive external challenge funds. 4.2. It is recognised at a national level that the Active Travel Team in Argyll and Bute Council secure significantly more funding, and subsequently deliver more projects, than similar staffed teams in other Local Authorities. 4.3. The Active Travel Team work with communities, internal and external stakeholders across Argyll and Bute to develop and deliver active travel projects which provide new/improved accessible infrastructure (e.g. paths, cycleways) and behaviour change (e.g. access to bikes, walking/cycle training, promotional activities). 4.4. In 2024/25, the Active Travel Team secured £1.4M external funding for the development and delivery of a total of 16 projects across Argyll and Bute. Further details of the projects relevant to OLI are presented in Appendix 1. Active Travel Funding Model 4.5. Transport Scotland have informed Officers that, as of 25/26, the funding model for active travel will change. The primary change will be the reallocation of the significant funding previously disbursed via third-sector organisations (such as Sustrans or Paths for All) to a Transport Scotland controlled “Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) Tier 2” fund. The new fund will remain as a competitive challenge fund and is expected to be significantly oversubscribed due to the number of high value projects being progressed across Scotland and will therefore be highly competitive. The new Tier 2 fund is split into 2 sections, one for “Design” and the other for “Construction”. 4.6. Transport Scotland have indicated that they will require Local Authorities to provide up to 30% of the construction cost of projects under Tier 2 from other sources. 4.7. The application deadline for 25/26 projects to ATIF Tier 2 is 14 February 2025 and, at the time of writing, Officers are developing submissions for projects including development of an Active Travel Masterplan for Oban to satisfy the request of this Committee on 12 June 2024. 4.8. The Scottish Government committed a total of £185M to active travel in 24/25. The Scottish Government’s draft 25/26 budget commits a total of £165M to active travel in 25/26. 4.9. In 24/25 Scottish Government behaviour change funding was transferred from the multitude of third sector organisations to the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs). This aimed to enable the development and delivery of behaviour change programmes/activities which are tailored to the specific requirements of each RTP area. Officers engaged with HITRANS and SPT to Page 97
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promoted projects which supported the wider delivery of active travel in Argyll and Bute. While this engagement was successful in relation to HITRANS and resulted in a number of community orientated projects being funded, SPT took a competitive application approach and focused on funding the national third sector organisations which have extremely high overheads and therefore only limited results were achieved for Argyll and Bute. 4.10. Due to the continually evolving funding environment, Officers remain vigilant to potential funding opportunities and will submit applications for relevant projects as and when appropriate funding opportunities arise. Outgoing (2024/25) Funding Model 4.11. The Active Travel Team work to source and secure highly competitive funding from a range of sources, the main of which are Transport Scotland’s Places for Everyone (PFE) Programme (administered by Sustrans), the Scottish Government’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) fund and Delivery Resource Fund, Paths for All Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) programme, Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Transformation Fund (ATTF), and HITRANS Regional Active Travel Fund. Further funding has been secured for some projects via local community organisations and from willing businesses. It is recognised at a national level that the Active Travel Team in Argyll and Bute Council secure significantly more funding, and subsequently delivery more projects, than similar staffed teams in other Local Authorities and/or local authorities with similar populations. 4.12. The primary external funding route for active travel infrastructure design is Transport Scotland’s Places for Everyone (PFE) programme (which Sustrans are paid to administer). The PFE Programme is a competitive challenge fund structured around 8 project stages; with the 32 local authorities, 7 regional transport partnerships, two national parks and numerous community groups across Scotland competing against each other to secure the funding each project requires. In 24/25, the Active Travel Team secured £503,350 from the PFE Programme. It has been announced that the PFE Programme will by wound down with a final closure date of December 2025. 4.13. A minimum of three new competitive funding submissions are required to complete a project using PFE funding, with competitive applications required, as a minimum, prior to Stage 0 (Strategic Definition), Stage 3 (Developed Design) and Stage 5 (Construction). The full project stages are (0) Strategic Definition, (1) Preparation and Brief, (2) Concept Design), (3) Developed Design, (4) Technical Design, (5) Construction, (6) Handover & Close Out and (7) In Use. 4.14. The Scottish Government Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) fund was an annual ring-fenced fund which provides the opportunity for Local Authorities to identify and deliver lower value active travel infrastructure without the level of complexity and time required by the PFE route. In 24/25 the CWSR fund was Page 98
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retitled “Tier 1” fund. Also in 24/25, a new distribution methodology was implemented by Transport Scotland with approval from COSLA which focused funding on larger urban authorities, the new methodology resulted in a 27% reduction in the value of funding received by Argyll and Bute Council between 23/24 CWSR and 24/25 Tier 1. 4.15. Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Transformation Fund (ATTF) was launched in 23/24 and focuses on supporting Local Authorities, RTPs and National Parks with the additional cost of constructing very ambitious, high-quality active travel projects. Projects must be fully construction ready prior to submission to the ATTF. Officers submitted two applications to the 24/25 ATTF which were shortlisted on the reserve list. For 25/26 ATTF is being retitled “Active Travel Transformation Fund (ATIF) Tier 2 (Construction)”. Updated (2025/26) Funding Model 4.16. As part of Transport Scotland’s ongoing Active Travel Transformation, the most significant changes to the active travel funding model are due to be implemented in 2025/26 to achieve what Officers understand is planned to be the final distribution model. 4.17. For 25/26 the primary behaviour change funding streams will be via the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) People and Place programmes, which the Council can propose/bid projects into for consideration, and the Local Authority Direct Award (LADA) which is a ring-fenced reclaimable allowance provided to each local authority by Transport Scotland. 4.18. For 25/26 all infrastructure design and construction funding will be delivered to local authorities directly from Transport Scotland, under the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). ATIF replaces a number of previous active travel infrastructure funding streams, the largest of which was the Places for Everyone (PFE) programme administered by Sustrans. 4.19. ATIF is split into two ‘tiers’. ATIF Tier 1 which is now provided direct to the Council as part of the block grant with Transport Scotland monitoring the spend to ensure it is spent on appropriate active travel related projects as this is used by Transport Scotland as a determinant of future Tier 1 allocations and if the Council is eligible for award of ATIF Tier 2 funding. ATIF Tier 2 funding is a competitive challenge fund which eligible local authorities, regional transport partnerships (RTPs) and national parks can bid to for larger scale, ambitious active travel projects. ATIF Tier 2 will fund up to 100% of design costs and 70% of construction costs. 4.20. Table 1: Changes to relevant Active Travel Behaviour Change Funds Previous Fund(s) New Fund Notes Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) Local Authority Direct Award (LADA) 1. Council given an annual allowance which we can reclaim from Transport Page 99
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Local Authority Fund Scotland following spend. 2. Ring fenced for active travel behaviour change work. Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) Sustrans Behaviour Change Team Cycling UK Bothies and Rural Connections Cycling Scotland Community Fund HITRANS / SPT People and Place Programme 1. Funding from Transport Scotland provided to each RTP who can determine own distribution model or to take forward projects within RTP. 2. Each RTP decides its own distribution model. • HITRANS chose a collaborative approach which has been very positive with community orientated projects being funded. • SPT chose a challenge fund approach which resulted in ABCs top projects not being funded in 24/25. Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) Community Fund HITRANS / SPT People and Place Programme – Community Fund 1. Funding from Transport Scotland provided to each RTP who can determine own distribution model or to take forward projects within RTP. 2. Each RTP decides its own distribution model. • HITRANS have accepted funding applications from selected community organisations alongside those from Local Authorities /National Park. • SPT have chosen to set aside a portion of the funding and offer selected community organisations the opportunity to bid for funding. Bikeability (Cycling Scotland) Bikeability (Cycling Scotland) 1. Retained as a national project to keep training standard equivalent across all areas. 4.21. Table 2: Changes to relevant Active Travel Infrastructure Funds Previous Fund(s) New Fund Notes Cycling Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) Transport Scotland Active Travel Infrastructure Fund Tier 1 (ATIF Tier 1) 1. Delivered to Council as part of block grant. 2. Transport Scotland checking allocation is spent on appropriate active travel work in determining allocations of future Tier 1 funding and award of Tier 2 applications. Places for Everyone (PFE) Design Transport Scotland Active Travel Infrastructure Fund Tier 2 (Design) (ATIF Tier 2 (Design)). 1. Competitive Challenge Fund approach. 2. Separate lengthy application for each project. 3. Must have allocated Tier 1 funding to appropriate active travel work to be eligible for Tier 2 funding. 4. Competing against projects submitted by 32 local authorities, 7 regional transport partnerships and Page 100
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2 national parks. Places for Everyone (PFE) Construction Transport Scotland Active Travel Infrastructure Fund Tier 2 (Construction) (ATIF Tier 2 (Construction)). 1. Competitive Challenge Fund approach. 2. Separate lengthy application for each project. 3. Must have allocated Tier 1 funding to appropriate active travel work to be eligible for Tier 2 funding. 4. Competing against projects submitted by 32 local authorities, 7 regional transport partnerships and 2 national parks. 5. Transport Scotland request that LAs provide up to 30% of the construction cost from other sources. National Cycle Network (NCN) (Sustrans Scotland) National Cycle Network (NCN) (Sustrans Scotland) 1. Sustrans Scotland will continue to promote and develop the NCN and receive direct funding from Transport Scotland (£15M 24/25). 2. The majority of the NCN is owned and maintained by other organisations including Local Authorities, Scottish Canals, etc. Sustrans own and maintain c.2% of the NCN in the UK, but are funded to promote the whole NCN. Design guidance 4.22. Adherence to the latest design criteria for active travel (e.g. Cycle by Design for cycle projects) will continue to be a requirement to secure Scottish Government derived funding. However, the removal of national third-sector organisations from control of the main active travel funding steams should enable Officers to apply the guidance in a more flexible and specific manner to local circumstances. Utilising adopted design guidance provides a clear framework for development of designs which are appropriate, accessible, attractive and safe. Benefits of Active Travel 4.23. 18% of households (1,755 households) in the OLI area do not have access to any motor vehicles (2022 census) and are therefore reliant on public transport and active travel to move around. Within the key settlements the proportion of households without access to a motor vehicle is 29% (1,153) in Oban, 19% (80) in Dunbeg, 14% (70) in Tobermory and 11% (25) in Connel. 4.24. Transport poverty is defined as households and individuals who spend a significant percentage of their income to make the journeys they need (UK Government, 2019). In Argyll and Bute, where a higher than Scottish average of the population have low incomes (SIMD 2020), the cost of travel is a significant Page 101
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barrier to a substantial number of the community. This is highlighted by the higher than Scottish average number of households have multiple cars but shorter than Scottish average journey distances to work/study (2022 census), indicating that a significant number of households own multiple cars to travel short distances. Walking, wheeling (mobility aids/child prams) and cycling are much cheaper than running a car or using public transport, and improving opportunities to choose to walk/cycle for essential journeys can improve access to essential services, reduce social exclusion and increase opportunities to access education and employment. 4.25. Health benefits of enabling individuals and communities to choose to travel more actively are well documented and a significant body of research has identified that having active, healthy lifestyles helps to reduce fragility and reduce falls as individuals age, and increase social inclusion and accessibility. In particular, being more active reduces the risk of premature morbidity and death, particularly from diseases related to inactivity including cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, hip fractures and cancer. Active travel also has significant mental health benefits including increasing social inclusion and reducing depression. This means those who choose to be more active are less likely to require social care services in later life which could result in a future saving to the Council or HSCP (DfT, 2014; CIHT, 2016; Centre for Mental Health, 2016; Scottish Government, 2018; Dunoon Shaping Places for Wellbeing, 2022; World Health Organisation, 2022; Public Health Scotland, 2022; Public Health Scotland, 2023). 4.26. Economics: People who travel to shops actively by walking and/or cycling, while they spend less per individual visit, make more visits a month and have a higher monthly spend than people who travel to shops by private car (Pedestrian Pound, 2024). Improving public realm and routes to shops for pedestrians and cyclists can increase trade by up to 40% (Pedestrian Pound, 2024). 4.27. Improving safety through good design, in particular to protect more vulnerable individuals, pedestrians and cyclists, reduces injuries from car collisions (Public Health Scotland, 2022). Where people choose to travel actively to make a journey instead of using a private car, this reduces the number of car movements which makes streets cleaner, improves air quality, reduces traffic congestion and reduces demand for space to park in key hotspots. 4.28. A number of the active travel projects link to schools, thereby offering the opportunity to increase the numbers of pupils, parents and staff choosing to walk, cycle or wheel to school. While the main benefits are improved physical and mental health, such provision may also generate a saving on school transport provision. Argyll and Bute Council provide free school transport to some pupils on safety grounds. This is where pupils live less than the legislative minimum distance from school to qualify for free school transport provision but Page 102
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where there is no safe active travel route to school. Where new active travel infrastructure creates a safe route to school where one did not previously exist it could reduce the requirement to provide school transport on safety grounds, thereby creating a revenue saving to the Council. Active Travel Strategy (ATS) 4.29. Officers are working to develop an Active Travel Strategy (ATS) for Argyll and Bute which will set out the policy and strategic context for the development and delivery of active travel across the whole of Argyll and Bute. Subsequent to this, an Active Travel Delivery Plan (ATDP) will be developed which will identify the specific projects to be developed in order to achieve the ambition set in the ATS. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1. Significant changes to the funding model in 2025/26 will create opportunities for active travel projects to focus on local priorities, rather than projects which meet the aspirations and objectives of national organisations. However, continued delivery of new and improved active travel opportunities to the residents, businesses, communities and visitors in the OLI area will require Members to commit the Tier 1 active travel funding allocation in the 25/26 Council Block Grant to the development and delivery of active travel projects. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1. Policy Completion of this project will support the Council’s Outcomes Improvement Plan outcomes 1: Transport Infrastructure and 3: Community Wellbeing. The project also supports achievement of the Scottish Government’s objectives set out in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) and Let’s Get Scotland Walking - The National Walking Strategy. 6.2. Financial The development and delivery of active travel in Argyll and Bute is currently solely funded by external funding applications. To date, the Council has not contributed any funding to design or capital costs. Active travel infrastructure requires maintenance and consideration is required of commitment of future resources to maintain the new active travel infrastructure our communities are seeking as the external funding opportunities do not fund maintenance. Improved active travel provision could reduce the requirement to provide school transport on safety grounds, thereby creating a revenue saving. There is strong evidence that people who are more active, for example by walking or cycling, have better Page 103
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physical and mental health and are less likely to require social care services in later life which could result in a future saving to the Council or HSCP. 6.3. Legal Continued input will be required from Legal Services to support any land acquisition required for the creation of active travel routes. 6.4. HR None. 6.5. Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities Provision of new and improved active travel infrastructure and behaviour change options will provide enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors to choose to travel more sustainably and actively by walking, wheeling and cycling. All new active travel routes are designed to be accessible and DDA compliant to provide a safe and accessible route for those with mobility aids including wheelchairs and parents/guardians with a child’s pram or buggy. 6.5.2 Socio- economic Duty New and improved active travel routes will improve access to essential services, retail, leisure and employment opportunities for local residents, with studies demonstrating those who travelled actively had a higher monthly spend in local businesses than those who travel via motorised transport. The routes will also offer opportunities for individuals to travel for leisure, again encouraging spend in local businesses connected by the routes. 6.5.3 Islands A number of the active travel projects are based on islands, thereby providing the same opportunities for island residents/visitors to choose to travel actively as those on the mainland. Where visitors choose to travel actively in leu of taking a motor vehicle this can help reduce demand for the overstretched vehicle capacity on the ferry services. 6.6. Climate Change Active Travel is the least carbon intensive mode of travel. Providing the opportunity for residents and visitors to consider an alternative to having to use a private car to travel will help lower Argyll and Bute’s carbon footprint. 6.7. Risk There is a reputational risk to the Council if the projects are not completed within a reasonable timeframe. 6.8. Customer Services None. Page 104
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6.9. The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Active travel is the most accessible mode of travel to young people, as it does not have any minimum age limits, does not require any form of licence, is free to use and is not tied to any fixed timetable. All new active travel infrastructure is designed to be utilised by an unaccompanied 12 year old. Engagement with school pupils indicates that the vast majority of pupils strongly support the provision of new active travel infrastructure, even where it would adversely impact other modes of transport. Executive Director with the responsibility for Development and Economic Growth: Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads and Transport: Cllr John Armour 03 February 2025 For further information contact: Colin Young Strategic Transportation Delivery Officer colin.young@argyll-bute.gov.uk 01546 604275 Appendix 1: 2024/25 OLI Active Travel Projects Page 105
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Appendix 1: 2024/25 OLI Active Travel Projects Behaviour Change Projects Project Outline Programme Detail Active Travel Promotional Campaign Ongoing [subject to securing funding] Promotion of the Council’s new sustainable travel (walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport) promotional brand “Better Journeys” including a promotional campaign to raise awareness of opportunities to travel actively and sustainably across Argyll and Bute. External funding has been retained within the Council by working with the Council’s Communications Team to develop the brand, campaign materials including posters and social media clips. Pedestrian and Cycle Counters Ongoing [subject to securing funding] Argyll and Bute Council operate a network of automated pedestrian and cycle counters with 36 installed across the Council area. The data from these counters is used to monitor changes in pedestrian/cycle numbers, including from new routes, and by partners to support compilation of national statistics. The data is also publicly available via a dedicated website. ACT Bikes back to the community 2024/25: funded via HITRANS People and Place Programme 2025/25: continue to work with HITRANS to funding ACT to continue project. The Bikes back to the Community bike recycling scheme is delivered in partnership with local community group, ACT Now. The Bikes back to the Community scheme allows residents to apply for a free bicycle, with preference given to those who can demonstrate a reduction in car use and/or inability to access a bike commercially. The bicycles provided are safe and suitable, and follow up support from ACT Now staff and volunteers is available to ensure the bicycle is fully utilised. Page 106
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 12 MARCH 2025 DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS – MISS AGNES ANGUS BEQUEST 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are Trustees for a number of Charitable Bequests. One such Charitable Bequest is the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest. The purpose of the Bequest is for the funds to be used for “purposes of public utility and for the benefit and advantage of the community of Oban”. 1.2 The purpose of this report is to seek a firm commitment on the basis of the informal arrangement that the accumulated funds for distribution in respect of the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest be utilised for the purpose of making improvements at Mossfield Stadium. The accumulated funds available for distribution are £40,915. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are asked: 1. to allocate the funding available from the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest for use at Mossfield Stadium; and 2. to request that officers bring forward proposals for improvements at Mossfield Stadium, to a future meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, before the end of 2025. Page 107 Agenda Item 10a
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 12 MARCH 2025 DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS – MISS AGNES ANGUS BEQUEST 3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are Trustees for a number of Charitable Bequests. One such Charitable Bequest is the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest. This report provides information on an informal commitment in relation to the ongoing management of this Charitable Bequest and seeks agreement on proposed distribution methods of the fund. The accumulated funds available for distribution are £40,915. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are asked: 1. to allocate the funding available from the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest for use at Mossfield Stadium; and 2. to request that officers bring forward proposals for improvements at Mossfield Stadium to a future meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, before the end of 2025. 5.0 DETAIL 5.1 At the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee which took place in December 2024, Members gave consideration to a report which related to the distribution of Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds. 5.2 One such Charitable Bequest was the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest whose charitable purpose was “for purposes of public utility and for the benefit and advantage of the community of Oban”. 5.3 This Bequest has accumulated a total of £40,915 for distribution. Page 108
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5.4 The Area Committee have noted that at a Business Day meeting in 2018, the distribution of this Bequest was considered by its predecessors, and an informal arrangement had been put in place that suggested that the funds be used for improvements to Mossfield Stadium. It was further noted that the Mossfield Working Group (Mossfield Oban Sports & Events Stadium C.I.C) would work with Council officers to bring forward proposals on how this money should be spent and present them to a future meeting of the Area Committee. 5.5 To date a report to this effect has never been brought forward and it has been reported that Mossfield Oban Sports and Events Stadium C.I.C have now disbanded. 5.6 Given the recent disbanding of the Mossfield Oban Sports & Events Stadium C.I.C, this report seeks to confirm arrangements in relation to the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest and to task officers with bringing forward proposals for improvements to Mossfield Stadium, to a future meeting of the Area Committee before the end of 2025. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 This report has outlined the current position in terms of the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest and has proposed that the funding available for distribution be allocated for use at Mossfield Stadium, as per the informal arrangement at an Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Business Day in 2018. 6.2 The report also seeks to task officers to bring forward proposals for improvements at Mossfield Stadium to a future meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, before the end of 2025. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy – None 7.2 Financial – None 7.3 Legal – None 7.4 HR – To proceed with the proposed arrangement would require the allocation of officer time 7.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 7.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics - None 7.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - None 7.5.3 Islands - None 7.6 Climate Change – None Page 109
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7.7 Risk – None 7.8 Customer Service – None 7.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – None Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services Stephen Hall, Interim Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services February 2025 For further information contact: Tom Murphy, Operations Manager, Tel: 01436 658908 Page 110
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE LEGAL & REGULATORY SUPPORT 12 March 2025 XX MARCH 2021 JOHN OF LORN BEQUEST AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS 1.0 APPLICATIONS 1.1 This report gives Members information regarding a number of applications that have been received and processed for support from the John of Lorn Bequest. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are asked to consider the number of awards made since September 2024. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee on 09 September 2020 agreed new distribution arrangements for the John of Lorn Bequest, which had been established to support ‘poor persons resident in the Burgh of Oban’. In order to be considered for an award applicants must: 3.1.1 be in receipt of a qualifying benefit (Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, or Universal Credit) and for those people who are employed/self-employed, they must be in receipt of some amount of Universal Credit as well (a nil payment due to deductions for earned income would mean they do not qualify); 3.1.2 live within the Burgh of Oban; and 3.1.3 be over the age of 16. 3.2 Furthermore, it was agreed that successful individual applicants would receive £50 while those applying on behalf of their family would receive £100. 3.3 The Area Committee on 14 September 2022 agreed to delegate to the Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support or officers nominated by him, in consultation with the Chair, the authority to make awards from the John of Lorn Bequest using the criteria agreed in September 2020 and that reports be submitted to subsequent Area Committees to update trustees on awards made under this delegation. 3.4 Prior to this delegation those in need of support could wait up to 14 weeks for payment. Applications are now processed on receipt with payments made once applicants submit their banking details. Page 111 Agenda Item 10b
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3.5 A total of 22 applications have been received since the September 2024 meeting of the Area Committee. Officers, in consultation with the Chair have confirmed awards for 10 family and 8 individual application, with a total of £1400 being awarded to individuals living within the Burgh. 3.6 4 applications have been refused. Applications will only be refused if the applicant has either received a grant this calendar year or they live out with the Burgh of Oban. Details of each application can be found at appendix 1. 3.7 The total funds available for distribution from the John of Lorn Bequest at the time of preparing this report is around £2.2k. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 Members are asked to consider the applications that have received support from the John of Lorn Bequest. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy None 5.2 Financial None, the Council acts as trustee for the Fund, it does not represent assets of the Council. However, there is a risk that the Council would have to repay the Trust if an objection was raised as to the use of the funds. 5.3 Legal Area Committees, as Trustees, must ensure that the distribution arrangements comply with the terms of the funds, failure to do so would result in the Council being liable. 5.4 HR None 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty None 5.5.1 Equalities –protected characteristics None 5.5.2 Socio-economic Duty None 5.5.3 Islands None 5.6 Climate change None 5.7 Risk None 5.8 Customer Service None 5.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) None Douglas Hendry - Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support Policy Lead – Councillor Mark Irvine February 2025 For further information contact: Page 112
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Stuart McLean, Committee Manager Tel. No: 01436 658717 Email: Stuart.Mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES: Appendix 1: Table of applications (exempt) Page 113
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2024-25 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 12 March 2025 12 March 2025 Primary School Update Wendy Brownlie, Head of Education Annual Report 17 February 2025 12 March 2025 Area Performance Report FQ3 24/25 Improvement and HR – Claire McAlister Quarterly Report 17 February 2025 12 March 2025 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Development and Infrastructure - Stephen Hall Quarterly Report 17 February 2025 12 March 2025 Housing Services Activity Update- Strategic Housing investment plan Update (SHIP) Director of Development and Infrastructure – Douglas Whyte Annual Report 17 February 2025 12 March 2025 Active Travel Progress Report 2024-25 Colin Young, Development & Economic Growth Annual Report 17 February 2025 12 March 2025 Charitable Trusts and Bequests Stuart McLean Legal & Regulatory Support When required 17 February 2025 Cut off for applications 17 February 2025 12 March 2025 Area Committee Workplan Melissa Stewart Legal & Regulatory Support For updating 17 February 2025 Page 117 Agenda Item 11
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2024-25 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 12 March 2025 Distribution of Funds – Miss Agnes Angus Bequest Tom Murphy Development and Infrastructure 17 February 2025 11 June 2025 11 June 2025 Area Performance Report FQ4 24/25 Improvement and HR – Claire McAlister Quarterly Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Development and Infrastructure Stephen Hall Quarterly Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 HSCP Bi-Annual Update Report Health & Social Care Partnership – Charlotte Craig Bi-Annual Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Secondary School Reports - Oban High School Head Teacher Peter Bain Annual Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Secondary School Reports - Tiree High School Head Teacher Peter Bain Annual Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Secondary School Reports - Tobermory High School Head Teacher Shelly Carmichael Annual Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Charitable Trusts and Bequests Legal and Regulatory Support As required 19 May 2025 Cut off for applications 19 May 2025 Page 118
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2024-25 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 11 June 2025 Charitable Trusts, Bequests & Trust Funds – Review of Distribution Arrangements Stuart McLean, Legal & Regulatory Support Review following initial 12 Months’ operation 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Supporting Communities Fund 2024/25 End of Project Monitoring Report Rona Gold/Kirsty McLuckie Chief Executive Annual Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Supporting Communities Fund Applications Rona Gold/Kirsty McLuckie Chief Executive Annual Report 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Area Committee Meeting Venues Melissa Stewart Legal and Regulatory Support 19 May 2025 11 June 2025 Area Committee Workplan Melissa Stewart Legal and Regulatory Support For updating 19 May 2025 September 2025 September 2025 Area Performance Report FQ1 25/26 Improvement and HR – Claire McAlister Quarterly Report * August 2025 September 2025 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Roads and Infrastructure Services - Stephen Hall Quarterly Report * August 2025 September 2025 Annual Recycling Performance Report Roads and Infrastructure Services – Stephen Hall Annual Report * August 2025 Page 119
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2024-25 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment September 2025 Charitable Trusts and Bequests Stuart McLean, Legal & Regulatory As required *August 2025 Cut off for applications * August 2025 September 2025 Area Committee Workplan Legal & Regulatory Support- Melissa Stewart For updating * August 2025 December 2025 December 2025 Area Performance Report FQ2 25/26 Improvement and HR – Claire McAlister Quarterly report * November 2025 December 2025 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Development and Infrastructure - Stephen Hall Quarterly report * November 2025 December 2025 ACHA Annual Update Chief Executive ACHA Annual Report * November 2025 December 2025 HSCP Performance Report FQ1 25/26 Apr- Jun Charlotte Craig/Evan Beswick Argyll and Bute HSCP Annual * November 2025 December 2025 Charitable Trusts and Bequests Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean As required * November 2025 Cut off for applications * November 2025 December 2025 Area Committee Workplan Legal & Regulatory Support- Melissa Stewart For updating * November 2025 Page 120