Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 6 March 2024
Back to Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Committee — 6 March 2024 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 28 February 2024 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 MCCAIG SUITE, CORRAN HALLS, OBAN on WEDNESDAY, 6 MARCH 2024 at 10:00 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 - 13 December 2023 (Pages 5 - 14) (b) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group - 7 February 2024 (Pages 15 - 24) (c) Special Meeting of Oban Common Good Fund - 12 December 2023 (Pages 25 - 26) 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 5. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ3 2023/34 (Pages 27 - 74) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services 6. PRIMARY SCHOOL AREA ATTAINMENT REPORT - OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES (Pages 75 - 90) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education 7. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE (Pages 91 - 94) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services 8. ROADS CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME (Pages 95 - 100) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services Public Document Pack
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9. HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) - ANNUAL UPDATE (Pages 101 - 114) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth 10. ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRESS REPORT 2023-24 (Pages 115 - 128) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth 11. SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - 2022-23 PROJECT MONITORING REPORT (Pages 129 - 136) Report by Chief Executive 12. AREA PLANS (Pages 137 - 150) Presentation by Coroporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council 13. CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS AND TRUST FUNDS (a) Distribution Arrangements (Pages 151 - 158) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support (b) John of Lorn Bequest Award Recommendations (Pages 159 - 162) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support E1 (c) Exempt Appendix (Pages 163 - 164) REPORTS FOR NOTING 14. COMMUNITY SPORTS HUB, OBAN LORNE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, GLENCRUITTEN DRIVE, OBAN (Pages 165 - 172) 15. DRAFT OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN (Pages 173 - 178) The Committee 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 is:- 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 (Vice-Chair) Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Willie Hume Councillor Andrew Kain (Chair) Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Julie McKenzie Councillor Andrew Vennard
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Contact: Melissa Stewart, Governance Officer - 01546 604331 Karen Campbell, Senior Committee Assistant - 01631 567855
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MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE held ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE MCCAIG SUITE, CORRAN HALLS, OBAN AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2023 Present: Councillor Kieron Green (Chair) Councillor Willie Hume Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Luna Martin (Item 4 Onwards) Councillor Andrew Vennard Attending: Melissa Stewart, Argyll and Bute Council (Clerk) Hugh O’Neill, Argyll and Bute Council Sonya Thomas, Argyll and Bute Council Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive ACHA Seymour Adams, CHARTS 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received by Councillor Andrew Kain and Councillor Amanda Hampsey. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee - 13 September 2023 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, held on 13 September 2023 was approved as a correct record. (b) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group - 8 November 2023 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group held on 8 November 2023 was noted. (c) Oban Common Good Fund - 13 November 2023 The minute of the Oban Common Good Fund meeting held on 13 November 2023 was noted. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME The first two questions were received in advance of the meeting from Luing Community Council; Question 1 The two conservation villages of Cullipool and Toberonochy experienced flooding during the heavy rains early October, and it is the second time that flooding in Cullipool has Page 5 Agenda Item 3a
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damaged homes. On the advice of the Community Planning Group administrator we have emailed the Roads and Infrastructure Dept to ask if there is a possibility of obtaining technical advice from their flooding engineers (though we are aware of how much pressure they are under right now). It would be useful to know if this is the best route or if there is anyone else that we can contact to obtain technical advice on how to prevent or minimise future flooding risks. Hugh O’Neill advised that he had passed the query onto the Design Services, who met with Luing Community Council on Monday and will progress their query. Question 2 How does the Council know which houses are second-homes? I note that a number of people are on the electoral register here who are second-home owners. Is this legitimate, and might this allow them, for instance, to avoid the council tax increase for second- homes when it is introduced, or to benefit in other ways (eg free University fees for a child if their home is in England)? Fergus Walker had provided a response which was read out by the Committee Clerk. “A property is defined in law as a second home if it is no-one’s sole or main residence and it is lived in for at least 25 days per annum”. “In terms of compliance we conduct reviews of second homes and ask for details such as electricity/utility bills, insurance documents and other verification to support the fact that a property is a second home. There are other tools that we use to identify sole or main residences, ie:- where people are trying to avoid their property being classed as a second home we would use credit referencing tools and sharing data with other local authorities to track and trace people”. Question 3 – Andrew Spence BID4 Oban On Saturday 7th October 2023 Oban and the surrounding area experienced severe flooding issues resulting in roads being washed away, landslides, disruption, and serious flooding in the Lochavullin area of Oban. The deluge happened very quickly and numerous busineses were unable to take any precautions. The impact was catastrophic for many busineses in the area. Similar flooding happened in 2017 and 2018. At that time, we were told the reason for the flooding was that pumps had failed. In 2023, the same pumps failed again. There has been flood impact surveys undertaken in Oban. The most recent being published in June 2019, 33 pages, with various short-term and long-term options. To date the only visible change has been the introduction of plastic walls along a very short length of the Black Lyn adjacent to the Guide Hall. Impact to business and community: • Numerous premises flooded some to a level of over a metre. • Huge losses to those businesses in terms of infrastructure and revenue. • We estimate that property and equipment damage will be in excess of £2m • Serious pollution issues with raw sewerage and oil washed out of garages. • Some businesses unable to open effectively for a considerable period. Page 6
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• The costs of the cleanup operation have been significant and financed by those businesses. It should also be highlighted that many premises in the Lochavullin area are now unable to obtain flood insurance cover and they are unable to claim against their losses in any other way. • Tesco lost its dot.com operation and suffered from severe flooding. This has had a huge impact on their operation and significant impact on their customers who rely on home delivery. • Tesco have also suffered significant damage to is petrol station and it is still not operational. • M&S, Argos, Pets at Home were unable to trade for three days, and they suffered significant losses including colleague’s cars in the carpark. • Homebase became an island and the only access was on foot, they remained open as a public service but suffered significant losses. • It should be noted that the council are the landlords for many of the flooded premises. Social impact. This time Oban nearly lost all its supermarkets to flooding and had the water level been about 20cm higher this would have occurred causing a serious social impact to the area. No supermarkets, no food! The owners of the businesses, staff and customers have all suffered with some of the businesses community stating they will not be able to carry on if there is another flood. This has had an impact on mental health. What next? • What have the council done to mitigate flooding in Oban over the last five years? • What did the council do to support the business community during the most recent flooding? • What is the councils long term plans? • What is the council’s contingency should we be flooded again and have no supermarkets? • Have the council applied for flood prevention funding for Oban? • When will the council engage positively with the businesses and produce some short-term plans and support to mitigate future events? Hugh O’Neill advised that this be taken off table for a detailed response, to which Mr Spence agreed. Question 4 & 5 – Linda Robb, Dunbeg Community Council Linda advised that she had been in dialogue with the Council’s roads department over a blocked drain on Meadow Road, Dunbeg, over the years. The recent bad weather had caused the overflow of this drain to ice over the road making it unsafe for vehicles using the road. On reporting it again she was advised by Traffic and Development that this was a Trunk Road and therefore the Council could not do anything about it. Meadow Road is not on the trunk road therefore very disappointed in the unsatisfactory response from the Council. Hugh O’Neill apologised for the lack of response and asked that Ms Robb pass her details on to the Clerk and he would pick up on this and respond directly. Page 7
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When will the works on the proposed cycle track from Dunbeg to Connel start? Councillor Green advised that he had received a lengthy email in response to the cycle track and will forward it on to Linda. The Council has been liaising with SAMS and Sustrans but are disappointed in the lack of engagement from Transport Scotland. Question 6 – Duncan Martin Firstly Mr Martin questioned whether the meeting was quorate due to lack of members present? The Clerk advised that the quorum is 3 and confirmed the meeting was quorate. Mr Martin then went on to ask the Area Committee what role does it see for itself in the future management of Oban Harbour Board and what do councillors see as their role? Councillor Green advised that constitutionally the Area Committee would not have direct accountability for the Oban Harbour, the Harbour Board would have overall responsibility, along with 4 members of the Area Committee who were also members of the Harbour Board. He asked the Clerk to clarify, which she did. Mr Martin also asked if there was any review within the Council as to how communities are empowered and engage with Council Officers? Councillor Green stated there was a Scottish Government Local Democracy Review and Consultation ongoing at the moment that would encompass community engagement and decision making. Question 7,8 & 9 – Frank Roberts, Oban Community Council Frank also voiced his disappointment at the lack of members in attendance at the meeting. With concerns for the longer term development of the harbour, I have 3 simple questions:- Will there be a strategic marketing plan developed and implemented, and how will the views of townspeople be assessed and taken into account? How will this committee be involved in this critical decision-making process on behalf of its OLI Area constituents? Will the development of a marketing plan and its subsequent implementation be considered to be an operational or a policy matter? Councillor Lynch advised that Policy decisions will be made by the Council and the Harbour Board, that fees and charges will be the decision of the Council. All income from Piers and Harbours is put in a central pot. The Clerk clarified the setting of fees and charges was reserved to the Council. Councillor Green addressed the concerns about members attendance stating that there were reasons why members had had to submit their apologies, reminding the public that Page 8
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the Council policy was to facilitate remote attendance at meetings. He stated that if the Council had not allowed remote participation in meetings, it would have been likely that there would have been more absences. Mr Roberts then asked if there could be clarification given as to whether there would be separate accounts published for Oban Harbour when the HRO was adopted? There was no finance officer present and it was agreed to raise this question with the Director of Finance and respond after the meeting. Question 10 – Phil Hamerton, OCHDA If decision making of the Oban Harbour is made at a Policy Level, at what point can the Area Committee put forward a view to the Harbour Board, and how do you as an Area Committee formulate your views to the Harbour Board as representatives of members of the Community? The Chair advised that it would be in the form of a Motion at an Area Committee Meeting, making recommendation to the Harbour Board. He then asked the Clerk to clarify the rules within the Constitution. Councillor Vennard stated that it was possible for non-members of the Harbour Board to attend meetings of the Harbour Board and express views and that there would also be a user group set up that would be chaired by the Harbour Master. Question 11 – John McAllister, OCHDA Are the Council going to start looking towards business and development of wind and tidal power and what is the Council doing in the harbour to let businesses get involved? Councillor Vennard advised that there are plans to expand the North Pier, however the Harbour Review Order has to be in place before development. With no representative attending from the Economic Development Team, clarification would be sought on what all renewable plans were as this might go beyond the harbour. Question 12 – Neil MacIntyre What had Economic Development done for the town of Oban in the last 5 years and what do the local councillors see for the future of Oban? There was talk of a new School at Dunbeg, due to the amount of the new housing development, the roundabout at Dunbeg has not happened; no affordable houses within the town; £20m funding from the Government for development and nothing is happening. Economic Development should be working with local businesses for an Action Plan and proper framework. Councillor Green advised that he had seen outline plans, that cannot be shared at the moment, however, he hoped to be in a position to share them with the Oban Community Council at their next meeting in January, after wider input had been received on officer proposals. Councillor Green also pointed out that Education looked at the need for a new school at Dunbeg, the outcome being that the school that already exists within the village is fit for Page 9
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purpose, due to the ages of the children living in the area and the phased development of the housing. Councillor Green stated that he would like to see more housing in the centre of Oban but that the gap sites within the town currently could not be developed. Councillor Martin advised that she had held several surgeries and not one person had turned up to any of them to bring any points to the Council, and that she would be more than happy to engage with the public present. She clarified the development she would like to see was cycle lanes, accessible and repaired pavements, parking (specifically issues with parking at schools) and opportunities for apprentices which would increase growth within the business community. Councillor Lynch commented the plan was necessary to see what can and can’t be done. He would also like to see development in the centre of town and accepted that the flood risk would not just disappear. He mentioned issues with shops not opening due to footfall and that there was a need to look at what can be done differently in terms of innovation. Question 13 & 14 – Mr Ross Wilson, OCDA Will members of Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee be attending the Public Meeting tomorrow night (14th December) which has been set up by OCHDA and Oban Community Council to discuss the consultation which will run from 30th November to 10th January? Unfortunately, the majority of members in attendance at today’s meeting will be unable to attend as they have prior engagements but Councillor Vennard confirmed he would attend. Councillor Green asked if the meeting would be available to attend virtually, to which the response was it was not possible as the Rockfield Centre did not have that facility, Mr Wilson expressed his disappointment and urged the Councillors to change their priorities. Mr Wilson stated that at the last meeting Councillor Kain intimated that he would see the business case for Oban Harbour, he asked if anyone present could clarify if Councillor Kain has seen the business case and if not has he chased it up? In Councillor Kain’s absence this could not be clarified, although Councillor Vennard advised that the Director of Finance had given a brief up date and is now trying to finalise the fees charged to Calmac which will be the last piece of the financial projection. Mr Wilson asked if, in view of the financial case not being in place, the Area Committee would put forward a motion to the Harbour Board to stop the consultation now. The Clerk explained that there was no substantive item on the agenda during which it would be possible to move such a motion, and it was not possible to move a motion as part of public question time. Question 15 – Dougie Graham, Oban Community Council What are the exact legalities of the finances of a Harbour Authority being published. I understand that as it is an Act of Parliament that each Harbour Authority’s Financial Accounts should be published? Page 10
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Phil Hamerton of OCHDA advised that he could answer that question. Councillor Green commented that this was question time for the Committee or officers. Councillor Vennard stated that it would be helpful to him if Mr Hamerton could be given the opportunity to respond, which the Chair agreed to allow. Mr Hamerton advised that under Section 42 of the 1964 Harbour Act each municipal port requires every single income and expenditure to be published on an annual basis. Mr Graham then questioned why the Council felt this did not apply to them? Councillor Green advised that this could be interpreted differently and confirmed that the Harbour Board would receive its own legal advice. 5. 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 2023/24; 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. Information on Welfare rights and Funding was provided from which a number of tenants and local groups have benefited. 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, submitted) 6. CHARTS UPDATE The Committee gave consideration to a presentation by the Vice-Chair of the Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) for Argyll and the Isles. The presentation included information on the impact of partnership working on both regional and local areas and provided highlights of key projects throughout the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. Mr Adams also provided information in relation to funding streams and the benefits of the continued support received from Argyll and Bute Council. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Vice-Chair, Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly, submitted) 7. AREA SCORECARD FQ2 2023/34 Consideration was given to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 2 of 2023/24 (July to September 2023) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. Page 11
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Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee: 1. noted and considered the performance and supporting commentary as presented; 2. noted that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee should contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries; and 3. noted that work was ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report and Scorecard. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 1 November 2023, submitted) 8. PLAY PARK ENGAGEMENT - UPDATE REPORT NO 2 The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the proposed works and estimated costs for the Tobermory play park. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed to:- 1. note the proposed works on the Tobermory Play Park. 2. Agree a further update report will be brought back to the Area Committee after engagement with Mull Community Council. 9. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 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 considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated November 2023, submitted) 10. CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS AND TRUST FUNDS (a) Annual Report 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. Page 12
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Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee: 1. note the financial position of the Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds as of December 2023; 2. agree 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; 3. agree that officers submit proposals for distribution arrangements for the Mackinnon Ledingham Bequest, Archibald Dow Bequest, Coals for Poor, Oban and Kilmore and Kilbride for later consideration by members; and 4. note that there remain 4 funds, Miss F Mclucas Bequest, Mrs Mellors Bequest, Miss M M Camerons Bequest, and Dugald Mcphail Memorial Fund with no identified beneficiaries and that these are subject to ongoing consideration by officers. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated November 2023, submitted) (b) JOHN OF LORN BEQUEST AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS The Area Committee gave consideration to a report providing information on a number of applications received and processed for support from the John of Lorn Bequest. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the number of awards made from the John of Lorn Bequest since August 2023. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated November 2023, submitted) 11. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP - PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ1 (APRIL-JUNE 2023/24) The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on performance against each of the service areas and the 93 supporting Key Performance Indictors, as well as an update from the Heads of Service giving a wider context and identifying risks and mitigations. The report also provided an update on the National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators and information in relation to delayed discharges. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted: 1) The performance for FQ1 (April - June 2023/24) Page 13
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2) The summary overview of the Heads of Service Performance update 3) The performance update on the National Health & Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators (Appendix 1) 4) The System Pressure Report for August 2023 (Appendix 2) 5) The Delayed Discharge Sitrep for August 2023 (Appendix 3) 12. DRAFT OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee workplan was before members for information. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Committee noted the contents of the workplan. (Reference: Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee workplan, dated 13 December 2023) FIELD_SUMMARY Page 14
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MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held by TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2024 Present: Colin Buchanan (Vice Chair) Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Robert Taylor, Scottish Fire and Rescue Maureen Evans, Community Learning, Live Argyll Mary Holt, Criminal Justice, Argyll and Bute Council Ailie Law, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Amie Dow, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council John McLuckie, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Stuart Green, Corporate Support Manger, Argyll and Bute Council Carol Flett, Argyll and the Islands Living Well Network Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Theresa Bain, UHI Argyll Jim Tolmie, Oban District Access Panel Jane Metcalf, Coll Community Council Sue Barnard, Oban Community Council Catriona Petit, Hope Kitchen Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute TSI Rory Munro, Argyll and Bute HSCP Joan Best, Crossroads Yvonne Angus, ACHA Seonaid Cameron, ACHA Attending: 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:- Councillor Jim Lynch, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Andrew Kain, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Willie Hume, Argyll and Bute Council Kirsty McLuckie, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Jane Fowler, Head of Customer & Support Services, Argyll and Bute Council Inspector Lee Page, Police Scotland Chief Inspector Simon Shanks, Police Scotland Michelle Mundie, ACHA Aileen Jackson, Oban High School George Turner, Scottish Ambulance Service Page 15 Agenda Item 3b
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2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group 8 November 2023 The Minutes of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group meeting held on 8 November 2023 were approved as a correct record. 4. GOVERNANCE (a) Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements 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 in this report (Appendix 1) and to agree 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 as attached (Appendix 2) and to agree 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 submitted in this report. (Reference: Report by, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2024, submitted) (b) Appointment of Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group The group gave consideration to a report providing information relating to the appointment of Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information on the role. Decision Page 16
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The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group agreed to continue the report to the next meeting in May. (Reference: Report by, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2024, submitted) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE The group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 12 January 2024. The report provided a summary of a presentation in relation to the Council’s Area Plans, as well as information on matters arising from previous Area Community Planning Group meetings across Argyll and Bute. The report also included updates on a number of cross cutting themes such as Climate Change; Financial Inclusion; Digital Communities; the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP) for 2024-34; and Community Wealth Building. 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 31 January 2024, submitted) 6. AREA PLANS UPDATE Consideration was given to a presentation by the Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s Area Plans. The presentation provided background information in relation to the Plans, as well as details of the 8 Locality Plans across Argyll and Bute, and the purpose and principles of the Plans. The presentation also included context about the scope of the Plans; the importance of community engagement and efficient use of resources in the development of the plans; the overall approach, governance and phasing of the Plan’s development; and the ways in which information from the development of the Plans would be utilised. The Corporate Support Manager noted that it was hoped that the Area Plans would maximise the opportunities for funding for local projects. It was anticipated that the Plans would be developed and owned by the communities, and the Area Community Planning Groups would have an important part to play in the development of the Plans. He emphasised that the Plans were not seeking to take ownership of projects away from local community groups. The presentation provided details of how partners could assist with the Area Plans by identifying community groups in the area; identifying physical locations suitable for hosting consultation documents; and encouraging community partners to engage with the development process. The Corporate Support Manager advised that he would provide a list of currently identified community groups for circulation to the Group following the meeting, in order to reduce duplication in identifying any additional groups for consultation. Page 17
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Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 7. INCLUDEM - YOUTH JUSTICE The Committee Manager advised that David Gould, Associate Researcher, Includem, was not in a position to join the meeting. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group agreed to continue the report to the next meeting in May. (Reference: Leaflet by Includem, submitted) 8. DRAFT ARGYLL AND BUTE COMMUNITY JUSTICE PLAN 2023-2027 Consideration was given to a presentation which provided information in relation to the draft Argyll and Bute Community Justice Plan 2023-27. The report provided details in relation to the National Strategy for Community Justice; the core membership of the Community Justice Partnership; the overall strategic context of the Vision for Justice in Scotland and National Strategy for Community Justice; the development of the Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan (CJOIP); the Community Justice Pathways Assessment process; and the timescales for the consultation and publication of the plan. The Community Justice Co-Ordinator particularly highlighted work being carried out to address the identified priorities, including collaboration with the Alcohol and Drug Partnership; the Justice Advocacy pilot with Lomond & Argyll Advocacy Service. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Community Justice Co-Ordinator, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 9. ARGYLL & BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP - PUBLIC HEALTH (a) Argyll and Bute Health & 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 Page 18
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wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the Argyll and Bute Public Health Annual Report; the development of children and young people’s health and wellbeing profiles; ongoing health and wellbeing profile workshops; the Cool2Talk online support service for young people; and the annual Director of Public Health Report, which will be presented at the next cycle of the Area Community Planning Groups. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted) (b) Presentation on Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Profiles The group gave consideration to a presentation by Rory Munro, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team, on the Children and Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Profile for the Bute and Cowal area. The presentation provided information in relation to the Profile themes; the purposes of the Profiles; the layout of the report and how to navigate it; the reasons for any gaps in the Profiles; and the type of data in the Profiles and ways in which this could be used by partners. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Public Health Team, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership) 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 yearly crime statistics; fraud prevention and awareness, specifically relating to scam calls; personal safety inputs provided to Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service staff; the continued work of the Designated Youth Engagement Officer within Oban and in particular working in Oban High School; Community Police Officer visited Salen Primary School and spent time with Primaries 1 – 4; the success at the Divisional Recognition Awards 2023 and the support on the 16 days Against Gender Based Violence campaign. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Page 19
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considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted) (b) Scottish Fire & Rescue Update The group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the performance and activity of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area during financial quarter 3 of 2023/24. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; local incident statistics; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer activities and home fire safety. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which provided statistical information on the number of clients who had contacted the Bureau between January and December 2023; the Volunteer Advisor training programme; the annual programme of energy efficiency advice sessions and services that the Bureau provide; last year the Bureau in Argyll and Bute assisted 2000 clients which resulted in £1.5m financial gain to these clients. Jen Broadhurst highlighted that the Bureau was in the process of updating their Development Plan for the next 3 years and would welcome input from elected members and community representative groups. The Development Plan will be presented to the Board in April for final agreement. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted) (d) Living Well Network Update Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the Page 20
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ongoing work of the Living Well Network across Mull, Iona, Coll and Tiree. Carol Flett also advised that 3 local charities had been successful in obtaining funding through the Third Sector Interface. An event has been arranged for 14 May in Rockfield Centre, Oban. The morning session is for Living Well Network Members and the afternoon session is open to the public where they will be able to gather information from charities, organisations, people who provide support about the support that is available for them. A further day is arranged for 28th August 2024 at An Talla, Isle of Tiree. Mainland based organisations, charities etc. will be welcome to come to Tiree for the day to share information about the support they can provide to people on Tiree. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information. (Reference: Report by Oban, Lorn and the Islands Living Well Network, submitted) (e) Oban District Access Panel Consideration was given to the written report submitted by Oban Access Panel, the report provided an update on the Braille Labelling Campaign, which has been discussed in Holyrood. The petition remains open to anyone who has not registered their interest and can be found at:- http:/petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE1997 In addition to the report, Jim Tolmie highlighted a discussion that took place at the Oban Access Panel’s November meeting regarding the lack of opticians serving Island communities and those unable to travel. Mr Tolmie advised that none of the franchised opticians are serving much of the locality. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:- 1) considered and noted the reports; and 2) agreed that the Oban, Lorn and the Islands Living Well Network, TSI and Crossroads would work with the Oban District Access Panel to explore solutions to encouraging greater access to Optical Services within the rural and island based communities. (Reference: Report by Oban District Access Panel, submitted) (f) Argyll and Bute TSI Page 21
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Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI), which provided an update on their recent work. The update included information in relation to funding grants from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund 2023-24; the commissioning of a Community Wealth Building strategy and action plan as part of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership; funding available from the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Fund, the deadline for the funding has been extended to 17 February 2024; future consultation and development of a TSI Strategy for 2024-29;; future consultation and development of a TSI Strategy for 2024-29; the launch of the new TSI website on 20th February; and work with the SCVO on a fairer funding campaign. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated January, submitted) (g) UHI Argyll Consideration was given to an update from UHI Argyll highlighting the list of courses which are available; UHI have also been commissioned to deliver the UK Government’s Multiply Programme. The scheme offers free tutoring, digital training, and flexible courses to improve adults’ numeracy skills; a successful open day was held on 11 January at all UHI Centres across Argyll with an additional day being planned for mid-March. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles considered and noted the report. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, submitted) (h) Live Argyll - Community Learning Update The group gave consideration to a report from Live Argyll - Community Learning. The update provided information relating to adult literacy and numeracy provision; the HMI Community Learning and Development Progress Visit of Argyll and Bute Council and the newly elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Argyll and Bute. Partners were encouraged to look at the Community Learning Development Review Survey, which can be accessed by following this link – https://consult.gov.scot/lifelong-learning-and-skills/community- learning-practitioners-stakeholders/ Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services, submitted) Page 22
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(i) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Crossroads Joan Best highlighted that Crossroads are now supporting 79 carers with around 195hrs of respite offered per week. Crossroads have also been in discussions with key stakeholders to establish the service on Tiree with referrals expected soon. Hope Kitchen Catriona Petit advised that the Climate Hub is open and Time for Change hold a café within Hope Kitchen each month. Support work around alcohol and addictions continues, focusing on recovery and reducing stigma. Food Poverty, Cost of Living Crisis and Mental Health support will be delivered from the new shop space in George Street which should be open in March. Community Development Team Ailie Law highlighted that the Supporting Communities Fund is now open and will run until 18 March 2024. Anyone wanting further information can contact any of the Community Development Team or follow the link:- https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/my-community/communities-and- partnerships/supporting-communities-fund Skills Development Scotland Susan MacRae advised that a new careers advisor is now in post, covering the High Schools in Oban, Mull, Tiree and Lochgilphead and a School Leavers Information paper is going to the Council for consideration. Susan encouraged anyone on Facebook to follow the DYW Argyll and Bute to see all the good work that is being carried out between employers and our schools. 11. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group Update The group considered a report from the Climate Change Project Manager, which provided an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action project. The update included information in relation to the background and work of the Climate Change Working Group; funding requirements to support the implementation of a Climate Change Project Manager post; an overview of the work of the Climate Change Project Manager to date and future plans; collaboration with the Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network Hub; and updated governance arrangements for the Climate Change Working Group. Decision Page 23
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The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the approach and status of the project, as outlined in the report. (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, ACT Now, dated 6 February 2024, submitted) 12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - 8 MAY 2024 The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would be Wednesday, 8 May 2024. Page 24
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MINUTES of the SPECIAL MEETING of OBAN COMMON GOOD FUND held in the MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2023 Present: Councillor Kieron Green (Chair) Councillor Kieron Green Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Luna Martin Attending: Melissa Stewart, Governance Officer Marri Malloy, Observer 1. APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Councillor Andrew Kain and Rev Margi Campbell. It was agreed that in Councillor Kain’s absence that Councillor Green would Chair the meeting. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Marri Malloy declared an interest in Items 4c and 4d of these minutes as she is a member of Oban Community Council, and therefore would leave the meeting whilst these items were discussed. 3. DRAFT ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2022/23 The draft annual accounts detailing the current position of investment transaction for period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023 were presented by David MacGregor with Trustees being invited to note them. Decision The Trustees noted the draft annual accounts. (Ref. Draft Annual Accounts 2022/23 as prepared by Simmers & Co dated 31st March 2023) E1 4. ADDITIONAL SUBMISSIONS (a) Dunollie Preservation Trust Additional information was received prior to the meeting to allow the Trustees to consider the application further. Emma Sutcliffe, joined the meeting to respond to any additional information the Trustees may require to support application by the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust. The Trustees were satisfied with the response and therefore had no further questions. Ms Sutcliffe left the meeting. Page 25 Agenda Item 3c
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The Chair, suggested that the agenda be taken out of sequence, to allow Marri to be present for decision on the application by Dunollie Preservation Trust to allow her leave the meeting thereafter. (b) Dunollie Preservation Trust The Trustees considered the application and the additional supporting information from the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust. Decision The Trustees agreed to award the sum of £4750 towards the project. Marri Malloy left the meeting at this point. (c) Oban Community Council The Trustees heard from Laura Corbe, Sue Barnard and Elaine Robertson, with the additional information they requested to support the Oban Community Council application submitted to the November meeting. (d) Oban Community Council The Trustees considered the application and additional supporting information received from Oban Community Council. Decision The Chair advised he had a prior engagement and would have to leave the meeting, as the meeting would then be inquorate, it was agreed the meeting would reconvene after the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Meeting concluded on 13th December. Meeting reconvened on 13th December at 1pm by MS Teams when, Councillors Green, Lynch and Martin were in attendance along with Melissa Stewart, Governance Officer. After further discussions the Trustees agreed to award an initial sum of £4000 towards the initial public engagement for the first phase of the project, with the expectation being that they receive regular updates on the progress of the project and funding obtained. The Trustees further agreed the application would be continued and periodically reviewed up to 31 March 2025 with the first review taking place at their meeting on 18 March 2023. Page 26
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1 ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 6 MARCH 2024 AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT – FQ3 2023/24 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 This paper presents the Area Performance Report for Financial Quarter 3 2023/24 (October to December 2023) 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 To improve the response to performance queries, it is requested that either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas are contacted once the Quarterly Performance Report is received with any queries. 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. 1.5 As part of our improvements to performance reporting and making best use of the digital technology available to us, officers have developed new, online scorecards for members to view performance data. If support is required to navigate the online scorecards please contact - lorna.gillies@argyll-bute.gov.uk or sonya.thomas@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 27 Agenda Item 5
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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. b) Upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries. c) Note that work is ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report. 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 (UNCRC): This report highlights examples of how the Council is 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 Page 28
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3 7 February 2024 For further information, please contact: Sonya Thomas Organisation Development Project Officer - Customer Support Services 01546 604454 Appendix 1: FQ3 2023/24 OLI Performance Report Page 29
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Appendix 1 Page 1 All Areas FQ3 2023/24 Overall Performance Summary The information presented is a summary of the agreed measures. Unless stated otherwise, performance is presented at both Area and Council-wide levels. The measures show the performance against target for the current and previous three reporting periods with an explanation of performance trend. The data table for each indicator is colour coded to identify the level of reporting: Area level measures are blue. Council level measures are grey. Corporate Outcome Indicators (COIs) are white. Where appropriate a Trend Line has been added to illustrate movement in ‘Actual’ over the reporting period. Page 31
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Appendix 1 Page 2 Performance Reporting All Areas .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Performance Reporting .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives ............................................................................................................................ 5 COI – Maximise distribution of Scottish Welfare Fund ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives ............................................................................................................................ 6 COI – Percentage of clients satisfied that they are better able to deal with their financial problems following our support and intervention ...................... 6 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................... 7 Number of parking penalty notices issued – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Number of parking penalty notices issued – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................... 9 Car parking income to date – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Car parking income to date – Argyll and Bute ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................. 12 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Argyll and Bute ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start ................................................................................................................... 14 COI – Increase the percentage of our care experienced young people that have the recommended additional tracking and monitoring plans in place .... 14 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start ................................................................................................................... 15 COI – Provide quality meals with cost margins to all pupils ....................................................................................................................................................... 15 Corporate Outcome No.4 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all .......................................................................................................... 16 Maximise the percentage of 16-19 years olds participating in education, training or employment – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ............................................ 16 Maintain the percentage of 16-19 years olds in Argyll and Bute participating in education, training or employment services – Argyll and Bute ................ 17 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 18 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ......................................................................................... 18 Page 32
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Appendix 1 Page 3 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Argyll and Bute ........................................................................................................ 19 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 20 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Oban, Lorn and the Isles .................................................................. 20 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Argyll and Bute ................................................................................ 21 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ............................................................................. 22 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Argyll and Bute ........................................................................................... 23 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 24 COI – Number of new homeless applicants who required temporary accommodation this period ......................................................................................... 24 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 25 COI – Maintain the percentage of local suppliers that benefit from the awards of contracts via the procurement portal .................................................... 25 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 26 COI – Increase the number of community benefits that are delivered through contracts we award locally ........................................................................... 26 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 27 Street lighting – percentage of faults repaired within 10 days – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ....................................................................................................... 27 The percentage of street lighting faults are completed within 10 working days – Argyll and Bute .......................................................................................... 28 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 29 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Lorn ................................................................................................................................................. 29 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Mull ................................................................................................................................................. 30 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Argyll and Bute ............................................................................................................................... 30 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 31 COI – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ................................................................................................................................................ 31 Renewi (formerly Shanks) – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ........................................................................................................... 32 Islands – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered .......................................................................................................................................... 33 H&L – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ............................................................................................................................................... 34 Page 33
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Appendix 1 Page 4 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 35 COI – The number of tonnes of waste sent to landfill ................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 36 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Lorn ......................................................................................................................................... 36 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Mull ......................................................................................................................................... 37 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................... 38 Making It Happen ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39 Teacher sickness absence – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ................................................................................................................................................................. 39 Teacher sickness absence – Argyll and Bute ................................................................................................................................................................................ 40 Making It Happen ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Oban, Lorn and the Isles ........................................................................................................................................ 41 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................................................... 42 Making It Happen ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43 COI – Increase the percentage of all self-service automated contacts ....................................................................................................................................... 43 Page 34
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Appendix 1 Page 5 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives COI – Maximise distribution of Scottish Welfare Fund This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 95.3% 129.2% Green FQ4 2022/23 95.3% 144.0% Green FQ1 2023/24 95.3% 112.9% Green FQ2 2023/24 95.3% 134.3% Green FQ3 2023/24 95.3% 138.2% Green Performance in FQ3 has exceeded the target and actual has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Projected spend for the programme for 2023/24 is £670,000. A paper will be issued to Policy & Resources in February outlining the issue around the level of spend and also asking for support in lobbying the Scottish Government for more programme funding for future years. Responsible person: Fergus Walker Page 35
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Appendix 1 Page 6 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives COI – Percentage of clients satisfied that they are better able to deal with their financial problems following our support and intervention This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ4 2022/23 100% 95% Red FQ1 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ2 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ3 2023/24 100% 100% Green This indicator for FQ3 has met the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 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 2023/24, 11 survey forms were distributed to clients. 6 were returned. Of these 6 returns, 5 responded to the question relating to being better able to deal with their financial problems. Of these 5 respondees, 5 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. Responsible person: Lee Roberts Page 36
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Appendix 1 Page 7 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities Number of parking penalty notices issued – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 153 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 391 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 496 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 427 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 307 No target The indicator for FQ3 shows the number of parking penalty notices has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Free parking two weeks prior to Christmas plus two weeks for Winter Festival. Fairground occupying Corran #1 car park (and street). Amenity Wardens off-work between 24 Dec to 3 Jan (non-essential staff). Lining/signing continuing to deteriorate, which means wardens are unable to enforce. Operations have been made aware and are looking to get the lining redone when lining teams are available and weather permitting. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 37
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Appendix 1 Page 8 Number of parking penalty notices issued – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 1,343 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 1,332 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 1,816 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 1,172 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 1,015 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of parking penalty notices has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Free Parking around Christmas Period, amount depending on location. Lining issues continue. Amenity Wardens (as non-essential staff) not operating at Christmas break. Lining/signing continuing to deteriorate, which means wardens are unable to enforce. Operations have been made aware and are looking to get the lining redone when lining teams are available and weather permitting. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 38
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Appendix 1 Page 9 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities Car parking income to date – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Performance is presented cumulatively for both Area and Council-wide levels. For individual car parks, the income is presented on a quarterly basis. Reporting Period Target (Cumulative) Actual (Cumulative) Status FQ3 2022/23 £554,026 £423,730 Red FQ4 2022/23 £677,416 £493,218 Red FQ1 2023/24 £165,702 £151,185 Red FQ2 2023/24 £413,592 £299,188 Red FQ3 2023/24 £564,477 £514,847 Red This indicator for FQ3 is shows the cumulative amount of income collected is significantly lower the cumulative target. There is no performance trend as this data is cumulative. FQ3 Comment The severe weather has been a factor in reducing traffic movements in certain areas. This is most likely the reason for the drop in income seen over this quarter. Also the free weeks of parking, 2 weeks for the Winter Festival and the two weeks before Christmas has affected income returns. Going forward the Committee are asked to note that the installation of electric charger installs is now complete, however the following factor will affect car parking income in the OLI area: North Pier car park closures for cruise ship visits (FQ1 onwards). Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 39
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Appendix 1 Page 10 Actual Quarterly Income collected in Oban, Lorn and Isles during FQ2 and FQ3. Car Park Location FQ2 Actual FQ3 Actual Corran No.1, Oban £14,632 £13,815 North Pier, Oban £19,825 £31,877 Corran No.2, Oban £11,955 £10,032 Longsdale, Oban £4,401 £6,493 Non-trunk, Oban £38,843 £64,794 Lochavullin, Oban £7,916 £12,955 Ganavan, Oban £2,845 £3,146 Trunk, Oban £2,784 £11,577 Albany Street, Oban £5,420 £7,935 Oban £21,633 £3,492 Tweedale Street, Oban £20,854 £34,182 Market Street, Oban £1,691 £3,042 Esplanade, Oban £746 £1,460 Craignure, Mull -£176 £1,052 Fionnphort, Mull -£5,367 £9,808 OLI (parking permits) £0 £0 Total £148,002 £215,660 Page 40
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Appendix 1 Page 11 Car parking income to date – Argyll and Bute Performance is presented cumulatively for both Area and Council-wide levels. Reporting Period Target (Cumulative) Actual (Cumulative) Status FQ3 2022/23 £812,919 £709,585 Red FQ4 2022/23 £993,968 £817,788 Red FQ1 2023/24 £234,056 £253,705 Green FQ2 2023/24 £584,204 £486,151 Red FQ3 2023/24 £797,331 £807,348 Green This indicator for FQ3 is shows the cumulative amount of income collected is slightly higher than the cumulative target. There is no performance trend as this data is cumulative. FQ3 Comment There were delays in processing income from G4S which has seen parts of the income placed into the wrong cost codes. Officers have worked with Finance to identify this and the extra income has been pulled through into this quarter. We have also fitted new parking machines which are easier to use. This may well have increased usage and subsequently income. Going forward the Committee are asked to note the following factors that will affect car parking income: B&C: No issues. H&L: Glen Loin 2 has (incomplete) electric charger installs (from June), which is affecting 2 bays. MAKI: No issues. OLI: North Pier car park closures for cruise ship visits (FQ1 onwards). Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 41
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Appendix 1 Page 12 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 6 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 18 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 4 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 9 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 4 No target This indicator for FQ3 is shows the number of dog fouling complaints has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment There were only 4 complaints received for the OLI area this quarter, these were received for the Oban area, there were no complaints received for the Isle of Mull. This is very good. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 42
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Appendix 1 Page 13 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 47 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 77 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 60 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 51 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 46 No target This indicator for FQ3 is shows the number of dog fouling complaints has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The number of dog fouling complaints this quarter has reduced from 51 to 46. In order to reduce this further the Warden Service will continue to monitor and patrol. Islay was the only area this quarter to issue a dog fouling fine. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 43
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Appendix 1 Page 14 Corporate Outcome No.3 – 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 This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ4 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ1 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ2 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ3 2023/24 100% 100% Green This indicator for FQ3 is has met the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Each care experienced child and young person enrolled in an authority school has tracking and monitoring plans in place via our SEEMIS database. Data collated includes attendance, exclusion, progress and attainment and wellbeing information. Our systems continue to be refined to ensure data is relevant and supports early intervention. A bespoke tracking and monitoring system is in development. Improvements to date include: programme of data driven dialogue between Designated Managers and the Virtual Head Teacher, discreet identification of CECYP for class teachers and appropriate data sharing with partner agencies. Raising the profile of our CECYP has led to an increased awareness of this cohort, positively impacting on personalised support, including at transition points. Responsible person: Louise Chisholm Page 44
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Appendix 1 Page 15 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start COI – Provide quality meals with cost margins to all pupils This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 +/-5.00% 6.09% Red FQ4 2022/23 +/-5.00% -2.56% Green FQ1 2023/24 +/-5.00% 5.00% Green FQ2 2023/24 +/-5:00% -7.07% Red FQ3 2023/24 +/-5:00% 4.12% Green This indicator for FQ3 is within the +/-5.00% target variance and performance has improved since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The overall food cost percentage for the authority was 4.12%. We will continue to monitor areas and individual schools that have a variance out with the +/-5% target. B&C 0.54% H&L -0.52% MAKI -2.82% OLI 6.92% Responsible person: Christine Boyle Page 45
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Appendix 1 Page 16 Corporate Outcome No.4 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all Maximise the percentage of 16-19 years olds participating in education, training or employment – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 94.00% 95.34% Green FQ4 2022/23 94.00% 95.60% Green FQ1 2023/24 94.00% 95.45% Green FQ2 2023/24 94.00% 97.66% Green FQ3 2023/24 94.00% 95.93% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment As of 1st December 2023, the Participation figure (16-19 year-olds in employment, training or education) in Oban, Lorn and the Isles was 989 young people, which equates to 95.93%. This is 1.93% above target and 0.33% above the annual Argyll and Bute Participation figure of 95.60%, which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2023. The Participation figure of 95.93% for FQ3 of 2023/24 is a decrease of 1.73% on the Participation figure for FQ2 2023/24. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket Page 46
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Appendix 1 Page 17 Maintain the percentage of 16-19 years olds in Argyll and Bute participating in education, training or employment services – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 94.00% 93.90% Red FQ4 2022/23 94.00% 93.62% Red FQ1 2023/24 94.00% 93.75% Red FQ2 2023/24 94.00% 95.94% Green FQ3 2023/24 94.00% 94.37% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment As of 1st December 2023, the Participation figure (16-19 year-olds in employment, training or education) for the whole of Argyll and Bute was 3909 young people, which equates to 94.37%. This is 0.37% above target and 1.23% below the annual Argyll and Bute Participation figure of 95.60%, which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2023. The Participation figure of 94.37% for FQ3 of 2023/24 is a decrease of 1.57% on the Participation figure for FQ2 2023/24. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket Page 47
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Appendix 1 Page 18 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 36 36 Green FQ4 2022/23 27 27 Green FQ1 2023/24 26 26 Green FQ2 2023/24 40 40 Green FQ3 2023/24 0 0 Green This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of completions has met the target for the reporting period. FQ3 Comment No social sector new builds were due for completion in this period. Responsible person: Kelly Ferns Page 48
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Appendix 1 Page 19 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 37 37 Green FQ4 2022/23 67 67 Green FQ1 2023/24 26 26 Green FQ2 2023/24 40 40 Green FQ3 2023/24 4 4 Green This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of completions has met the target for the reporting period. FQ3 Comment In FQ3 - 4 x particular needs units completed by ACHA in Dunoon 1x2bed, 1x3bed, 2x4bed. B&C 4 H&L 0 MAKI 0 OLI 0 Responsible person: Kelly Ferns Page 49
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Appendix 1 Page 20 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75.0% 76.9% Green FQ4 2022/23 75.0% 78.3% Green FQ1 2023/24 75.0% 68.8% Red FQ2 2023/24 75.0% 80.4% Green FQ3 2023/24 75.0% 87.5% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has continued to improve on the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Whilst vacancies across the service have now largely been filled the focus of officer remains geared toward the resolution of statutory casework with the handling of pre-application enquiries afforded lower priority in caseload management. To assist with the management of reduced customer expectations the target for responding to pre-app enquiries has been temporarily extended to 6 weeks. During FQ3 56 pre-apps were responded to within OLI. 92.9% were issued within 6 weeks. This excellent performance is indicative of the more settled position of the OLI DM team. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 50
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Appendix 1 Page 21 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75.0% 52.5% Red FQ4 2022/23 75.0% 55.4% Red FQ1 2023/24 75.0% 47.5% Red FQ2 2023/24 75.0% 49.1% Red FQ3 2023/24 75.0% 55.0% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target however, performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Whilst vacancies across the service have now largely been filled the focus of officer remains geared toward the resolution of statutory casework with the handling of pre-application enquiries afforded lower priority in caseload management. To assist with the management of reduced customer expectations the target for responding to pre-app enquiries has been temporarily extended to 6 weeks. During FQ3 120 pre- apps were responded to across ABC. 62.5% were issued within 6 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 51
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Appendix 1 Page 22 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 8.0 weeks 7.7 weeks Green FQ4 2022/23 8.0 weeks 9.4 weeks Red FQ1 2023/24 8.0 weeks 10.7 weeks Red FQ2 2023/24 8.0 weeks 9.2 weeks Red FQ3 2023/24 8.0 weeks 11.4 weeks Red This indicator for FQ3 is above target (lower is best) and performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment This measure only relates to planning applications received for alterations to existing premises. Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Improving resource availability has allowed the focus of the DM Service to shift from the prioritisation of the most significant applications to addressing the accrued backlog of older applications. The determination of a higher-than-normal volume of older cases has a significant impact on "average time taken" performance measures as a relatively small number of older cases can skew the outcome. It is also noted that these performance measures are based on "raw data" and as such have not been adjusted to take into account delays to determination out with the control of the planning authority. FQ3 has seen the determination of 3 'legacy' applications and an increasing volume of newer case work. This has resulted in a significant improvement with the average time period for determination of householder applications reducing by 3 weeks from FQ2. 87% of applications determined in FQ3 were less than 6 months old; these items were determined in an average time of 12.0 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 52
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Appendix 1 Page 23 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 8.0 weeks 12.0 weeks Red FQ4 2022/23 8.0 weeks 17.3 weeks Red FQ1 2023/24 8.0 weeks 21.6 weeks Red FQ2 2023/24 8.0 weeks 18.1 weeks Red FQ3 2023/24 8.0 weeks 16.8 weeks Red This indicator for FQ3 is above target (lower is best) and performance has improved since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment This measure only relates to planning applications received for alterations to existing premises. Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Improving resource availability has allowed the focus of the DM Service to shift from the prioritisation of the most significant applications to addressing the accrued backlog of older applications. The determination of a higher-than-normal volume of older cases has a significant impact on "average time taken" performance measures as a relatively small number of older cases can skew the outcome. It is also noted that these performance measures are based on "raw data" and as such have not been adjusted to take into account delays to determination out with the control of the planning authority. FQ3 has seen the determination of 3 'legacy' applications and an increasing volume of newer case work. This has resulted in a significant improvement with the average time period for determination of householder applications reducing by 3 weeks from FQ2. 87% of applications determined in FQ3 were less than 6 months old; these items were determined in an average time of 12.0 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 53
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Appendix 1 Page 24 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving COI – Number of new homeless applicants who required temporary accommodation this period This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 41 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 30 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 32 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 36 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 26 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of applicants has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment During FQ3, the housing service provided temporary accommodation for 26 new homeless households. B&C: 16 households (4 x Registered Social Landlord Property, 1 x Private Sector Property, 8 x Serviced Accommodation, 3 x Bed & Breakfast). H&L: 1 household (1 x Private Sector Property). MAKI: 3 households (3 x Private Sector Properties). OLI: 6 households (3 x Private Sector Properties, 3 x Supported Accommodation). 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. B&C: 16 H&L: 1 MAKI: 3 OLI: 6 Responsible person: Morven Macintyre Page 54
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Appendix 1 Page 25 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving COI – Maintain the percentage of local suppliers that benefit from the awards of contracts via the procurement portal This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 20.0% 19.4% Red FQ4 2022/23 20.0% 22.5% Green FQ1 2023/24 20.0% 10.8% Red FQ2 2023/24 20.0% 26.5% Green FQ3 2023/24 20.0% 27.8% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment FQ3 has shown a further increase. From the 18 contracts awarded, 7 local suppliers submitted a bid, 5 of which were successful. The Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team will continue to support local suppliers by providing useful information on the Council's website. Responsible person: Anne MacColl-Smith Page 55
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Appendix 1 Page 26 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving COI – Increase the number of community benefits that are delivered through contracts we award locally This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 No target - No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 43 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target - No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 37 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target - No target This indicator is reported in FQ2 and FQ4. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of community benefits has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Reported on a six monthly basis. FQ3 and FQ4 will be reported in April 2024. Responsible person: Anne MacColl-Smith Page 56
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Appendix 1 Page 27 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Street lighting – percentage of faults repaired within 10 days – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75% 25% Red FQ4 2022/23 75% 43% Red FQ1 2023/24 75% 28% Red FQ2 2023/24 75% 41% Red FQ3 2023/24 75% 50% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target however performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Overall Argyll and Bute performance figure of 46% during a period where annual leave and sickness absence have been prevalent in the small lighting team. This is a slight improvement on the previous quarter but it is still having a negative impact on our performance this quarter. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 57
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Appendix 1 Page 28 The percentage of street lighting faults are completed within 10 working days – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75% 30% Red FQ4 2022/23 75% 32% Red FQ1 2023/24 75% 37% Red FQ2 2023/24 75% 43% Red FQ3 2023/24 75% 46% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target however performance has increased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment We maintain 14,442 street lights throughout Argyll and Bute, including the islands. Some street lighting faults cannot be fixed by the Street Lighting Team and we require assistance from power suppliers (SSE or Scottish Power) or our Roads colleagues/external contractors to repair underground cable faults and power supply issues. These type faults are often reported as single dark lamps but following attendance/investigation they can be identified as more serious problems that will take longer to repair. On average throughout the year approximately 98.8% of our street lights are operating/functioning as designed. Our Maintenance Team comprises 3x Street Lighting Electricians, 1x Clerk of Works/Inspector and 1x Trainee Team Leader. At present around 95% of assets have been upgraded to Energy Efficient and more reliable LED Luminaires. Works are continuing to convert/upgrade the rest of our inventor. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 58
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Appendix 1 Page 29 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Lorn Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 8 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 18 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 8 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 41 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 1 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has decreased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The Lorn area only received 1 complaint this quarter regarding waste collection. Given the number of bins serviced this is an excellent level of service. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 59
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Appendix 1 Page 30 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Mull Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 0 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 0 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 0 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 0 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 1 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The Isle of Mull received only 1 waste collection complaint this quarter, excellent service. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 35 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 53 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 67 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 101 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 18 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has decreased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment For the months of October, November and December only 18 waste collection complaints were received. Given the number of bins serviced, domestic, commercial, recycling, glass and food this is a very good level of service. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 60
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Appendix 1 Page 31 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 45.0% 56.7% Green FQ4 2022/23 45.0% 52.0% Green FQ1 2023/24 45.0% 47.6% Green FQ2 2023/24 45.0% 59.8% Green FQ3 2023/24 45.0% 49.0% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 49.0% recycling, composting and recovery (36.1% recycling/composting plus 12.9% recovery). Renewi sent some general waste to an energy from waste plant as part of a trial during December 23, which has improved recovery figures and reduced landfill during the quarter. Year to date figures are 53.3% recycling, composting and recovery (44.1% recycling/composting plus 9.2% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 61
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Appendix 1 Page 32 Renewi (formerly Shanks) – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 67.4% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 61.9% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 53.0% No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 68.7% No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 55.3% No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 55.3% recycling, composting and recovery (33.9% recycling/composting plus 21.4% recovery). Renewi sent some general waste to and energy from waste plant as part of a trial during December 23 which has improved recovery figures and reduced landfill during the quarter. Year to date figures are 60.9% recycling, composting and recovery (46.5% recycling/composting plus 14.4% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 62
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Appendix 1 Page 33 Islands – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 43.5% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 35.9% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 39.2% No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 35.6% No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 34.2% No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 34.2% recycling, composting and recovery. Year to date figures are 36.4% recycling, composting and recovery (36.4% recycling/composting and 0% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 63
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Appendix 1 Page 34 H&L – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 37.5% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 34.5% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 40.1% No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 41.6% No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 41.5% No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 41.5% recycling, composting and recovery (40.8% recycling/composting plus 0.7% recovery). Year to date figures are 41.0% recycling, composting and recovery (40.8% recycling/composting and 0.2% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 64
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Appendix 1 Page 35 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI – The number of tonnes of waste sent to landfill This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 5,100 3,882 Green FQ4 2022/23 5,000 4,610 Green FQ1 2023/24 5,850 5,075 Green FQ2 2023/24 5,550 5,510 Green FQ3 2023/24 5,100 4,253 Green This indicator for FQ3 is below target (lowest is best). FQ3 Comment Within target. Landfill reduction of biodegradable waste tonnes to landfill is partly due to Renewi sending some general waste to an energy from waste plant as part of a trial during December 23. This has helped reduce landfill during the quarter. Responsible person: John Blake Page 65
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Appendix 1 Page 36 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Lorn (Monthly data combined to show quarterly average) Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 73 88 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 86 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 87 Green FQ2 2023/24 73 87 Green FQ3 2023/24 73 86 Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target with a slight drop in performance since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment A high level of street cleanliness recorded for the Oban area this quarter, October 88, November 91 and December 79. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 66
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Appendix 1 Page 37 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Mull (Monthly data combined to show quarterly average) Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 73 88 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 93 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 95 Green FQ2 2023/24 73 95 Green FQ3 2023/24 73 93 Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target with a slight drop in performance same since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Excellent level of street cleanliness recorded this month on the Isle of Mull, October 91, November 94 and December 93. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 67
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Appendix 1 Page 38 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Argyll and Bute (Monthly data combined to show quarterly average) Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 73 83 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 83 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 84 Green FQ2 2023/24 73 83 Green FQ3 2023/24 73 85 Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has increased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The overall level of street cleanliness this quarter is very good indeed with a score of 85. LEAMS was originally designed to gain a measure of street cleanliness and effectiveness of service provision, to keep land free from litter and refuse, keep roads clean, this includes weeds, graffiti, staining, flyposting and vandalism. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 68
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Appendix 1 Page 39 Making It Happen Teacher sickness absence – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 1.52 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 2.54 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 1.79 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 0.53 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 2.04 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. OLI Teacher absence has risen by 0.52 day per FTE on the same quarter last year. This half a day less than the overall difference between this years quarter and last. The top reasons are mental health, infections and back and neck problems. The top reasons are consistent with the overall top 2 reasons. Quarter 2 absence is traditionally low for Teachers as this is the summer holiday period and an increase against this quarter is traditionally seen. Responsible person: Wendy Brownlie Page 69
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Appendix 1 Page 40 Teacher sickness absence – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 1.70 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 2.48 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 2.15 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 1.25 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 2.82 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. Overall Teacher absence has risen by 1.12 day per FTE on the same quarter last year. The top 3 reasons are mental health, infections and stomach/kidney/digestive reasons. Infections and Stomach issues are characterised by short term absence types such as Covid, flu, cold, upset stomach, vomiting and gastroenteritis. The top 3 reasons are consistent with the same quarter last year albeit in higher numbers of days lost. On the last quarter (Q2) there has been an increase of 1.5 days. Traditionally quarter 2 has low absence rates due to the summer holiday period. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket (B&C and MAK) and Wendy Brownlie (H&L and OLI) Page 70
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Appendix 1 Page 41 Making It Happen LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Oban, Lorn and the Isles Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 4.17 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 4.48 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 3.63 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 3.69 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 4.62 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. OLI LGE absence has increased by 0.45 day per FTE on the same quarter last year. The top reasons for absence are mental health, other musculoskeletal issues and back and neck problems. There has been an increase in absence on the last quarter which follows the traditional pattern as Q2 contains the summer holiday period. Responsible person: Carolyn Cairns Page 71
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Appendix 1 Page 42 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 3.65 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 4.04 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 3.53 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 3.18 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 3.73 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. Overall absence has stayed almost the same as the same quarter last year. It has increased slightly on FQ2 but traditionally we see this pattern with FQ2 being the summer holiday period. The top three reasons for absence were mental health, infections and other Musculoskeletal/back and neck problems. Responsible person: Carolyn Cairns Page 72
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Appendix 1 Page 43 Making It Happen COI – Increase the percentage of all self-service automated contacts This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 70.0% 72.5% Green FQ4 2022/23 70.0% 72.2% Green FQ1 2023/24 70.0% 80.7% Green FQ2 2023/24 70.0% 72.1% Green FQ3 2023/24 70.0% 72.7% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment In FQ3 there was 34,254 transactions dealt with by Customer Service Agents (27.3%) and 91,264 automated or self-service transactions (72.7%) so the 70.0% target was exceeded. Responsible person: Robert Miller Page 73
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1 Education Service Primary Area Attainment Report: Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) March 2024 Argyll and Bute Council 2023 - 2024 ‘Our Children, Their Future’ Page 75 Agenda Item 6
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2 Introduction Within the OLI area there are 25 Primary Schools (Luing Primary School, Achaleven Primary School and Kilchrenan Primary School are 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 2 pupils (Kilchattan Primary School) to 236 pupils (Rockfield Primary School). This report provides a range of key information about school provision from August 2023-January 2024 and reports the National collection of attainment and achievement data from June 2023. Additional and more detailed information about each school can be found in the schools’ Standards and Quality Reports. 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 76
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3 Oban, Lorn and the Isles School Profiles 2023-2024 Cluster Primary Schools 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 % change in Roll over 5 years1 Achaleven Primary School (mothballed) 9 7 0 0 0 -100% Barcaldine Primary School 10 10 13 14 3 -70% Bunessan Primary Gaelic Unit 4 3 11 10 10 150% Bunessan Primary School 19 21 7 10 12 -37% Dalmally Primary School 35 31 29 37 30 -14% Dervaig Primary School 25 22 22 19 15 -40% Dunbeg Primary School 98 90 88 89 94 -4% Easdale Primary School 16 17 20 25 31 94% Iona Primary School 18 17 14 15 11 -39% Kilchattan Primary School 6 8 2 3 2 -67% Kilchrenan Primary School (mothballed Feb 2022) 8 12 6 0 0 -100% Kilninver Primary School 22 29 26 23 22 0% Lismore Primary School 12 11 11 9 6 -50% Lochdonhead Primary School 10 10 10 12 19 90% Lochnell Primary School 114 112 119 118 118 4% Luing Primary School (mothballed) 7 0 0 0 0 -100% Park Primary School 252 240 240 225 216 -14% Rockfield Gaelic Primary School 58 61 56 50 50 -14% Rockfield Primary School 308 276 259 250 236 -23% Salen Gaelic Primary School 48 45 42 31 32 -33% Salen Primary School 35 29 25 26 32 -9% St Columba’s Primary School 103 132 148 169 172 67% Strath of Appin Gaelic Primary School 7 11 12 13 14 100% Strath of Appin Primary School 17 17 16 13 13 -24% Taynuilt Primary School 69 67 70 66 55 -20% Tiree Primary School 31 27 23 16 17 -45% Tiree Primary School Gaelic Unit 38 36 40 38 36 -5% Tobermory Primary School 62 62 68 76 73 18% Ulva Primary School 8 8 16 12 9 13% TOTAL 1449 1411 1393 1369 1328 -9% * 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 2018/19 to 2022/23 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. Page 77
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4 Table shows percentage of pupils residing in each decile of the SIMD in each area of Argyll and Bute. Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Unknown Bute and Cowal 16.6% 12.9% 18.7% 8.9% 21.4% 16.0% 2.3% 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% 1.7% HALCO 2.6% 6.3% 6.0% 3.2% 7.5% 13.6% 16.7% 21.9% 11.0% 8.7% 2.3% MAKI 0.0% 6.8% 8.3% 10.4% 9.2% 42.3% 22.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4% OLI 1.3% 0.0% 0.2% 10.5% 25.9% 17.8% 27.0% 7.9% 0.0% 0.0% 9.4% *SIMD data from September 2023 Footwear and Clothing Grant and Free School Meal Information for AREA 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 2022-20223 data for CFG and Free School Meals (FSM) is to date (end February 2023) 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. During session 2020/21 the Scottish Government introduced ‘Bridging’ payments of £130 per pupil in receipt of FSM under the National criteria (this excludes anyone eligible who receive FSM in P1 to P6 who do not qualify financially). These payments are made 4 times per year (Easter, Summer, October and Christmas).Further information can be found at Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments - mygov.scot. In addition to this anyone eligible for these payments have been paid a FSM payment during the school holiday period. Further information School meals - mygov.scot Page 78
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5 Exclusion and Attendance Information for AREA *2022-23 data taken from previous AC report up to Feb 2023 - Session 2022-23 under embargo by SG **2023-24 Data up to end December 2023 Authorised absence includes bereavement, short – term exceptional domestic situations, religious observance, 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. There have been no exclusions in primary schools in the area last session or from August –December 2023. Please note that attendance & exclusion data for 2022/23 is up to 28 February and not a complete year Due to SG Embargo. Please note that attendance & exclusion data for 2023/24 is up to end December 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, a media campaign highlighting the impact of non-attendance and individual school attendance targets. All of these aspects are working together to ensure a sharpened focus and emphasis on pupil attendance. Page 79
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6 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 Total Autistic spectrum disorder 8 19 23 6 11 17 16 100 Bereavement 1 4 5 Communication Support Needs 4 12 30 11 4 1 5 67 Dyslexia 2 3 2 20 22 49 English as an additional language 8 6 2 7 7 3 4 37 Family Issues 6 6 7 5 7 18 13 62 Hearing impairment 2 4 5 11 6 28 Interrupted learning 3 3 1 4 9 2 22 Language or speech disorder 9 15 29 18 25 18 12 126 Learning disability 8 7 19 10 13 1 7 65 Looked after 10 2 1 1 8 7 1 30 Mental health problem 3 2 5 More able pupil 5 3 8 Not disclosed / declared 8 4 5 2 19 Other 1 1 14 1 2 11 2 32 Other moderate learning difficulty 1 2 10 17 7 36 24 97 Other specific learning difficulty (eg numeric) 2 3 5 6 19 33 26 94 Physical health problem 5 4 6 4 12 17 19 67 Physical or motor impairment 3 6 17 20 13 22 7 88 Social, emotional and behavioural difficulty 7 22 25 25 30 42 36 187 Visual impairment 3 3 3 5 7 21 Young Carer 2 10 10 14 36 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. The table below shows the numbers of care experienced children in our primary schools across each area of the Council. Area Previously looked after Looked after at home Looked after away from home Total B&C 20 12 25 57 H&L 12 4 9 25 MAKI 18 7 4 29 OLI 13 4 9 26 Page 80
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7 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 81
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8 Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels across OLI schools: June 2018-June 2023 NOTES: ER English reading, EW English writing, ELT English Listening and talking N Numeracy GR Gaelic reading, GW Gaelic writing, GLT Gaelic Listening and talking. There was no ACEL collection during session 2019/20 due to COVID Page 82
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9 In English medium by June 2023: In reading, 76% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 76% at authority level and 81% nationally In writing, 67% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 72% at authority level and 78% nationally In talking and listening, 81% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 83% at authority level and 87% nationally. In numeracy, 75% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 78% at authority level and 85% nationally. In reading, 73% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 77% at authority level and 78% nationally In writing, 66% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 70% at authority level and 72% nationally In talking and listening, 80% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 85% at authority level and 87% nationally. In numeracy, 71% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 75% at authority level and 77% nationally. In reading, 71% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 78% at authority level and 81% nationally In writing, 60% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 72% at authority level and 75% nationally In talking and listening, 81% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 87% at authority level and 87% nationally. In numeracy, 64% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 76% at authority level and 78% nationally. In Gaelic medium by June 2023: In reading, 70% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 75% at authority level and 84% nationally In writing, 70% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 79% at authority level and 84% nationally In talking and listening, 60% of P1 pupils in the OLI area achieved early level, this is compared with 71% at authority level and 86% nationally. In reading, 65% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 71% at authority level and 72% nationally In writing, 48% of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 42% at authority level and 64% nationally In talking and listening, 74 % of P4 pupils in the OLI area achieved first level, this is compared with 76% at authority level and 76% nationally. In reading, 58% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 62% at authority level and 73% nationally In writing, 58% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 62% at authority level and 69% nationally In talking and listening, 79% of P7 pupils in the OLI area achieved second level, this is compared with 85% at authority level and 85% nationally. Page 83
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10 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 2024. 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 the progress against the 2022/23 stretch aims based on ACEL collection in 2023 (published December 2023), to the stretch aim targets in place for 2024- 2026. The year-on-year trend in ACEL data has been positive; in the two-year period between 2022 and 2023 the overall proportions of primary school pupils achieving the expected levels in literacy had increased by 6 percentage points, while in numeracy there had been an increase of 3 percentage points. The percentage of Quintile 1 (most deprived) young people who achieved their expected CfE level has increased by 15pp in literacy and 8pp in numeracy between 2022 and 2023. Scottish Attainment Challenge - Stretch Aims 2023-24: 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, therefore achieving our stretch aim by 8.5 percentage points. This is 7 percentage points below the national gap of 20pp. Argyll & Bute’s target is to reduce the attainment gap further to 11 percentage points by June 2024 and to 10 percentage points by June 2026. Page 84
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11 Scottish Attainment Challenge - Stretch Aims 2023-24: 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. This was 3 percentage points below the national gap of 17pp. Argyll & Bute’s target is to reduce the attainment gap to 13.5 percentage points by 2024 and to 13 percentage points by June 2026. The table below outlines the National expectations of when most children and young people may achieve each level: Literacy (P 1/4/7 Combined) Stretch Aim Overall SIMD Q1 SIMD Q5 GAP (Q1-Q5) Stretch aim 22/23 68.4% 60% 81.5% 21.5pp Confirmed Dec 23 68% 68% 81% 13pp Interim Stretch Aim 2023/24 71% 70% 81% 11pp Interim Stretch Aim 2024/25 73.5% 72.5% 83% 10.5pp Final Stretch Aim 2025-26 76% 75% 85% 10pp Numeracy (P 1/4/7 Combined) Stretch Aim Overall SIMD Q1 SIMD Q5 GAP (Q1-Q5) Stretch aim 22/23 69% 58% 87% 29pp Confirmed Dec 2023 76.19% 76% 90% 14pp Interim Stretch Aim 2023/24 78% 76.5% 90.5% 13.50pp Interim Stretch Aim 2024/25 81% 77.75% 91% 13.25pp Final Stretch Aim 2025-26 83% 78.5% 91.5% 13pp Page 85
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12 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 Quality Improvement Approach to writing 7 new schools have taken part in the training and implementation of this approach, impacting on 11 classes. 3 practitioners from 2 schools previously involved have also been trained, implementing the approach in a further 3 classes. 100% of participants believe or strongly believe that the approach will have a positive impact on their pupils. Data on impact to be gathered following the conclusion of the training in February. 9 of the 10 schools involved in the initial stages of the programme are currently implementing some degree of school spread with the approach to reach other stages, led by internal leads and supported in some cases by the Education Support Officer (ESO). Evaluation of process and support with reflection of impact is currently underway. Talk for Writing Since August, 2 schools have been implementing the Talk for Writing approach across the whole school, the approach aims to improve children’s ability to articulate their ideas for writing and support them to ensure that they can then transfer these ideas onto paper. An additional school is implementing this at early level with a clear plan for whole school implementation in August 2024. Clear aims have been set for each class, the achievement of which will be measured following the next tracking and monitoring period. Progression Frameworks Working groups have been set up for early, 1st and 2nd level to create our own Argyll and Bute progressions to support all staff with planning and monitoring progress. Listening and Talking have been completed, with Reading and Writing still ongoing. These will ensure a consistency of approach across schools and the authority and enable schools to further refine approaches to tracking progress of learners through and across levels. Page 86
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13 School Support The ESO continues to support schools on an individual basis. This includes: discussion of current curricular approaches, delivery of training sessions for staff, teaching of model lessons and discussion of data. The aim of this support is to improved experiences for learners, increase staff confidence and knowledge and ultimately lead to raised attainment. Numeracy From August 2023- January 2024 the following work has been undertaken in order to raise attainment in mathematics and numeracy. These include but are not limited to: Creation of a mathematics improvement plan, setting measurable goals and benchmarks to track progress over time. Work is underway to produce a mathematics framework to support mathematics and numeracy teaching in Argyll and Bute schools. Collaboration with colleagues to design and implement a customised professional learning programme focused on the latest pedagogical approaches, research and best practices in mathematics education. Collaboration with members of the central team to analyse assessment data and develop strategies for improving attainment and achievement in mathematics and numeracy, focussing on 2 schools as an initial test of change. Observations in targeted schools with focussed dialogue with practitioners and senior leaders on strengths and next steps. Follow up support is then identified within a given timescale and is coordinated by the numeracy lead. Wellbeing , Rights and Relationships The Glasgow Motivation and Wellbeing Profiling Tool has been introduced to schools as a way of measuring pupil wellbeing. Many schools have begun to use this, helping them to establish a sound understanding of the environment created for learning. A focus on play pedagogy and outdoor learning alongside developments in the health and wellbeing curriculum have also continued to be an important focus within school improvement plans to help support wellbeing. Through the UNICEF accredited Rights Respecting School journey, 36 schools have achieved Bronze, 12 Silver, 6 Gold awards. We will continue to provide support to schools to engage in this award. In taking a rights based approach to education, schools have been developing or embedding pupil voice structures within their setting. Food for Thought grants have been secured by two of our primary schools. This is allowing schools to develop enterprising and sustainable approaches to food with learners. Both schools have developed projects that involve a skills based approach to learning and connect our pupils to their local community Equality and diversity was a key feature of the Head Teacher conference in November. Head Teachers had the opportunity to engage in professional learning with Women’s Aid as part of Argyll & Bute’s work to reduce violence against women and girls. Education staff in a variety of roles have also taken up the offer to participate in the Safe and Together training. Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) have also delivered a session to Head Teachers to develop a stronger understanding of what inclusive education is and raise awareness of the national professional learning that all teaching staff have access to relating to LGBTQ+ issues. Page 87
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14 A large number of our schools are continuing on their journey to becoming a ‘Nurturing School’ supported by our Educational Psychology service through the ‘Our Children, their Nurturing Education’ programme. 22 schools have now achieved bronze accreditation, 6 have achieved silver and 1 school has achieved gold. School Contacts School Contact Position Address Phone No. Barcaldine Primary Bernie McMillan Temporary shared headship with Taynuilt Primary Barcaldine, Connel, PA37 1SG 01631 720391 Bunessan Primary Richard Gawthrope Head Teacher Bunessan, Isle of Mull, PA67 6DL 01681 700283 Dalmally Primary Lynn Sinclair Head Teacher Dalmally, Argyll PA33 1BE 01838 200359 Dervaig Primary Tricia Evans Head Teacher Dervaig, Isle of Mull, PA75 6QW 01688 400227 Dunbeg Primary Marny McCulloch Head Teacher Dunbeg, Connel, PA37 1QF 01631 564781 Easdale Primary Judith Frost Head Teacher (Joint Headship with Luing – currently mothballed) Easdale, Oban, PA34 4RF 01852 300243 Iona Primary Stephen Glen- Lee Head Teacher Isle of Iona, PA76 6SJ 01681 700348 Kilchattan Primary Kim Bentley Head Teacher Isle of Colonsay, Argyll, PA61 7YR 01951 200340 Kilninver Primary Sharon Burt Head Teacher Kilninver, Oban, PA34 4UT 01852 316236 Lismore Primary Debbie Harris Head Teacher Isle of Lismore, Oban, PA34 5UG 01631 760258 Page 88
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15 Lochdonhead Primary Susie Carmichael Head Teacher (Joint Headship with Ulva Primary) Lochdonhead, Isle of Mull, PA64 6AP 01680 812473 Lochnell Primary Donald Feist Acting Head Teacher Lochnell, Ledaig, Connel, Argyll PA37 1QS 01631 720300 Park Primary Shirley Stuart Head Teacher Kerrera Terrace, Oban, PA34 5AU 01631 563941 Rockfield Primary Caroline Fothergill Head Teacher Oban Primary Campus, Soroba Road, Oban, PA34 4SB 01631 568090/5680 91 Salen Primary Mairi Maclean Head Teacher Salen, Isle of Mull, PA72 6JL 01680 300348 St Columba’s Primary Michaelina MacLellan Head Teacher Oban Primary Campus, Soroba Road, Oban, PA34 4SB 01631 568092/ 568090 Strath of Appin Primary Natalie White Head Teacher Strath of Appin, Appin, PA38 4BG 01631 730345 Taynuilt Primary Bernie McMillan Head Teacher Taynuilt, Argyll, PA35 1JE 01866 822343 Tiree HS Primary Peter Bain Head Teacher Isle of Tiree, PA77 6XA 01879 220383/ 220790 Tobermory HS Primary Dept. Julien McKenzie Depute Head Teacher Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6PB 01688 302062 Page 89
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 6 MARCH 2024 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. Page 91 Agenda Item 7
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3.0 DETAIL 3.1 Roads and Infrastructure Services provides Members with weekly briefings on topical service activities which are all available here. 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 Page 92
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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 5.9 Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – none arising from this report. Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads and Transport, Councillor Andrew Kain January 2024 For further information contact: Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services Mark Calder, Project Manager Page 93
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 6 MARCH 2024 SERVICES ROADS CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2024/25 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Attached to this report is a draft programme for roads reconstruction schemes for 2024/25 in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. This programme has been designed using the current Road Condition Index (RCI) which is produced by the national road condition survey data. In addition to the RCI data, information such as road traffic collisions, known development, activities such as timber harvesting and skid condition (of the carriageways surface) which is measured by a separate survey are also considered together with information brought forward from Elected Members during agreed Area Business Days with officers from Roads and Infrastructure Service. This information is considered at officer level when appropriate engineering judgement is also applied to ensure that maximum benefit can be derived from the available investment. 1.2 The Roads Reconstruction Programme has been structured in line with the Roads Asset Management and Maintenance Strategy. The focus has been to arrest the rate of decline and provide an overall improvement in condition as has been demonstrated in the Annual Status and Options Report. In previous years this has been achieved through the delivery of a mix of carriageway resurfacing, edge strengthening, patching/surface dressing and in-situ road surface recycling. These treatments have been designed to seal the road to stop the ingress of water, improve ride quality and reduce the number of reactive repairs. This has resulted in an overall improvement in road conditions. Without this investment and works there would have been a significant deterioration in condition and a detriment to the travelling public, economic opportunity and tourism. 1.3 Following the Council’s Budget Meeting, which took place on 22nd February 2024, £8M has been confirmed for the Capital Roads Reconstruction budget. 1.4 As per previous years any post winter deterioration may result in some adjustment to the programme to ensure that the best rates of return in terms of whole life costs can be achieved. Page 95 Agenda Item 8
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2.0 RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee: • Provide comments on the draft programme that is contained in Appendix 1 of this report. • Note that the programme will go forward to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee on 21 March 2024 for endorsement. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 The focus of the roads reconstruction programme has been to recover the network through the delivery of a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes, patching/surface dressing and in-situ road surface recycling, which follow the principles set out within the Roads Asset Management Plan. 3.2 This Council has approximately £122M of backlog maintenance (based on figures produced by SCOTS) across the road network. This means that over £122M would need to be invested to bring the road network up to an ‘A1’ standard. Most councils are in a very similar position. During these challenging financial times, it is very unlikely we will benefit from the level of investment required to bring the road network up to an ‘A1’ condition. 3.3 As in previous years, the proposed schemes have been selected using the Councils Roads Asset database WDM Payment Management System (PMS) using the information collected from the SCANNER Survey carried out in summer months, other information mentioned above and engineering judgement. The SCANNER surveys are carried out by a single contract for all 32 councils in Argyll and Bute. Unfortunately, this year a small number of councils, including Argyll and Bute, have not received a full network survey. In Argyll and Bute, the majority of the islands have not been surveyed and this means that previous year’s data has been used and qualified from safety inspection intelligence. Whilst this is not ideal, Members should note that full network surveys are not carried out on an annual basis, the frequency of surveys is detailed below: 100% of the A Class roads are surveyed (in one direction) 50% of the B Class roads 25% of the C Class roads 10% of the Unclassified road network 3.4 The survey data will categorise roads from red to green, with red being in worst condition and green not requiring attention. In-line with industry best practice, investment is not necessarily concentrated on all the red roads but instead has been aligned to focus on a combination of red and amber roads to arrest deterioration. This effectively provides a stitch in time approach and ensures that we get the best rate of return from the investment available. Red roads are roads requiring attention currently, amber roads are roads which will require attention in the not too distant future and green roads are roads which require no attention. Page 96
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By progressing schemes which will provide the best rate of return, taking consideration of the survey results and associated data, the Council is able to deliver a programme of schemes which maximises the benefits to the travelling public from the available investment. There is also a consideration applied that reflects route classification and hierarchy together with the Road Condition Index. 3.5 Surface dressing schemes are selected on the basis that, either the skid resistance of the road surface is poor, or the road surface requires sealing before it fails. Surface dressing can range from a standard binder with 6mm chippings through to polymer modified binders with more than one layer of chippings. 3.6 Following a presentation to Members in January 2023 and reports to Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in June 2023, officers carried out Members Business Days in October/November 2023 to enable an opportunity for Members to bring forward priorities for consideration in the 2024/25 Capital Roads Programme. 3.7 As in previous years, the roads reconstruction programme will be delivered by a mixed economy model with the Councils in-house team delivering carriageway reconstruction and patching works. The surface dressing element of the programme will be delivered by an external contractor. This enables the maximum surface area to be covered which will help to seal carriageway cracks, prevent the ingress of water and reduce the amount of reactive maintenance for potholes. 3.8 The table below details the total of the 2024/25 allocation following the 2023 February Budget meeting. The capital budget allocation for 2024/25 has been split in line with the pre-agreed percentage formula which is based on road area and population. There are a number of schemes being carried forward for various reasons including ferry availability to transport materials. These have been shown at the bottom of the area programmes and are in addition to the £8M funding for 2024-25. Area Area Total OLI (35%) £2,800,000 MAKI (31%) £2,480,000 B&C (20%) £1,600,000 H&L (14%) £1,120.000 Total £8,000,000 3.9 In 2023/24 there was also a grant from the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) totaling £387k. This grant was significantly less than in previous years and officers expect this to continue in the current frugal economic climate. This funding was used to match fund existing schemes on the council network where timber extraction was programmed to be carried out. It is officers’ intention to make Page 97
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further bids to the STTS for 2024/25 which, if successful, will provide additional investment for the road network. 3.10 The capital programme presented is based on carriageway condition late autumn/early winter. With the effect of winter this programme may need to be adjusted to ensure that any investment takes into consideration any winter deterioration. 3.11 The programme for each of the administrative areas will be forwarded to Area Committee Members and updates to Area Committees as the programme progresses. The programme will also be available on the Council website with key scheme status and dates. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 This report provides details of the proposed roads reconstruction programme for 2024/25 and seeks comments from Elected Members on the draft programme. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy - works assessed and carried out under the current Roads Asset Management Plan. 5.2 Financial - programme will be based on capital allocation for year 2024/25. 5.3 Legal – None known. 5.4 HR - reconstruction works delivered by a combination of in-house roads operations team and sub-contractors. 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: None known. 5.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – None known. 5.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – None known. 5.5.3 Islands – None known. 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 - completed works will reduce requirement to repair roads and will arrest the carriageway/footway deterioration. 5.8 Customer Service - overall improvement in road surfaces and the quality of driven journeys. Page 98
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5.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – the investment to improve our road network will contribute to a safer environment for young people to thrive in. Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure: Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads and Transportation: Councillor Andrew Kain February 2024 For further information contact: Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Service jim.smith@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix 1 – OLI Proposed Roads Reconstruction Programme 2024/25 Page 99
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APPENDIX 1 – OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES PROPOSED ROADS RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2024/25 OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES SHARE OF £8M Budget 2,800,000.00£ 2024/25 draft schemes based on the historic % split of the current £8M budget OBAN & LORN 55% Scheme Location, Road number/Name Works Type Estimated Cost C29 - Kilmelford-Drissaig - Lochavich Overlay £ 220,000.00 U17 McCaig Road - Oban Inlay £ 112,804.00 C32 Glencruitten Road Overlay £ 63,000.00 U28 - Achnacloich - Connel Overlay £ 25,459.50 U32 Craig Road - Dalmally Overlay £ 16,973.00 U48 Shore Street - Oban Inlay £ 116,582.40 U58 Lower Gylen to Little Horse Shoe Bay KERRERA Overlay £ 84,865.00 U 76 Shore Road - Connel Overlay £ 21,824.00 B845 - Glen Salach Overlays £ 50,000.00 A819 - Accurrach (re-assessed CLADDICH PH 3 North) Strategic Widening £ 115,000.00 U22 Achavaich Road Major Maintenance £ 55,000.00 U 51 Dunuran Road - Oban Inlay £ 25,000.00 U 135 Pulpit Drive -Oban Inlay £ 45,000.00 U 45 High St - Oban inlay £ 45,000.00 U 16 Laurel Road - Oban Inlay £ 63,492.10 2024 laying operations - North Shian - C27 Pt Appin SD 2024 £ 200,000.00 2024 laying operations - North Shian - U42 - Inverfolla SD 2024 £ 160,000.00 U25 Musdale Road Pre-SD 2025 £ 60,000.00 U14 Scammadale Road Pre-SD 2025 £ 60,000.00 District Total 1,540,000.00£ ISLES 45% Scheme Location, Road number/Name Works Type Estimated Cost B8073 Calgary area - Mull Overlay £ 124,865.00 B8035 Gruline North - Mull Overlay 50,000.00£ B8035 Gruline South - Mull Overlay 50,000.00£ B8065 Tiree Overlay 200,000.00£ U14 Grasspoint Overlay 50,000.00£ U16 Croggan Road Overlay 64,148.50£ B8073 Tobermory - Dervaig Overlay 84,865.00£ B 8073 Balligowan Overlay 124,865.00£ B 8073 Killichronan Overlay 84,865.00£ B 8073 Killiemore Overlay 50,000.00£ C 54 Loch Buie Road Overlay 64,148.50£ C 54 Lay-by improvement works Overlay 50,000.00£ A848 Additional Passing Places - Salen - Gulan Dubh construction 99,243.00£ U82 Leiter Road Overlay 25,000.00£ U80 Java Road Inlay 18,000.00£ C46 Glen Bellart / Glen Aros Pre-SD 2025 120,000.00£ District Total 1,260,000.00£ 2023/24 schemes re-scheduled for delivery in 2024/25 Scheme Location, Road number/Name Works Type 2023/24 allocated budget C/F A816 Blaran widening Reconstruction £67,115 C 68 Breadalbane St Tobermory Widen / Wall / FW £249,304 Isle of Coll - B8027 Sorisdale Road ( ferry delays ) Overlay £247,294 Page 100
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 6th MARCH 2024 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:- • Declaration of a Housing Emergency • Argyll and Bute Housing Summit • 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 101 Agenda Item 9
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 6th MARCH 2024 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:- • Declaration of a Housing Emergency • Argyll and Bute Housing Summit • 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 102
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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 Declaration of a Housing Emergency In June 2023, following a report to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, 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 5.3 Argyll and Bute Housing Emergency Summit An action within the committee report was to hold an Argyll and Bute Housing Emergency Summit in response to the housing emergency, and this took place on the 27th November 2023 at the SAMS campus in Oban. The purpose of the Summit was to bring partners together to forge commitments aimed at tackling housing shortage by maximising resources, pursuing innovation, coordinating planning and targeting delivery capacity. An Action Plan is currently being developed and it is anticipated that this will be refined and presented to members in the next few months. Page 103
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5.4 HOUSING NEED & DEMAND IN OBAN, LORN & THE ISLES HOMEArgyll WAITING LIST November 2023 – Active Applicants (excluding applicants with 0 points i.e. no need) Minimum Bedroom Size Required TOTAL 0/1beds 2beds 3beds 4+beds Lorn 351 125 69 32 577 Mull & Iona 45 14 3 6 68 Coll & Tiree 14 4 3 1 22 OLI Totals 410 143 75 39 667 In addition there was a registered demand from almost 315 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 258 applicants for Lorn; 48 for Mull & Iona; and 9 for Coll & Tiree. For the Oban Lorn and Isles area as a whole, the majority of applicants (62%) require one bedroom and 21% require 2 bedrooms.11% require 3 bedrooms and 6% 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. Applicants per available RSL Let (Pressure Ratios) HOMEArgyll Applicants RSL Lets 2022/23 (HOMEArgyll only) Pressure Ratio Lorn 577 137 4:1 Mull & Iona 68 10 7:1 Coll & Tiree 22 3 7:1 OLI Totals 667 150 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. Page 104
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5.5 HOMELESSNESS Homeless applications across the area increased by 31% (90 up to 118) in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area during 2022/23. These applications included 1 homeless application for Mull & Iona and 1 for Coll & Tiree. During 2022/23 there were 103 homeless cases closed in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. 102 of the cases were in the Oban and Lorn and 1 case was on Mull. The figures below illustrate the number of homeless applications and cases closed for the period from 2018/19 to 2022/23. The main reasons for presenting as Homeless last year were “disputes with family/relationship breakdown – non-violent”, and ‘other action by landlord resulting in the termination of tenancy’. 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 2018/19 - 2022/23 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Page 105
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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 13 cases (+6) in total across the area reporting that they slept rough the night preceding their presentation and 17 (+4) 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 2021/22 Night Before Application 3 Months Prior to Application Oban, Lorn area 13 17 Mull and Iona 0 0 Coll and Tiree 0 0 OLI Total 13 17 Argyll & Bute 26 36 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 1. Termination of tenancy/mortgage due to rent… 10. Dispute with household/relationship breakdown: non-… 11. Fleeing non-domestic violence 12. Harassment 13. Overcrowding 14. Asked to leave 15. Other reason for leaving accommodation/household 2. Other action by landlord resulting in the termination of… 3. Applicant terminated secure accommodation 4. Loss of service/tied accommodation 5. Discharge from prison/hospital/care/other institution 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 2022/23 Page 106
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5.6 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 119 new affordable homes in Lorn in 2022/23. RSL PROJECT Units Funding LINK Dunbeg Phase 3 119 £63,687,000 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Total 119 £63,944,362 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. 40 Shared Equity properties are being delivered in Dunbeg as part of the LINK phase 3 development. Further sites/projects in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area which are in early stages of development and may be programmed in the SHIP include: ACHA Mull and Ulva (13 units – at feasibility stage) LINK “Hospital Field”, Oban (50 units – 26/27) Lonan Drive, Oban (44 units by 27/28) Dunbeg, Phases 4,5 & 6 (349 units in total – 26/29) Glencruitten, Oban (100 units – 26/27) WHHA Tobermory, Mull Phase 3 (10 units – 25/26) Port Appin (6 units – on site) Port Appin phase 2/3 (24 units – 28/29) Salen (8 units 27/28) Lochawe phase 1 (16 units – 27/28) Baliscate, Tobermory (12 units – 28/29) Bunessan phase 2 (4 units – 28/29) Craignure (24 units – 28/29) 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. 5.7 EMPTY HOMES In 2022/23 there were 13 private empty homes brought back into use in OLI, with the assistance of the Empty Homes Officer, amounting to 34% all the empty homes brought back into use across Argyll and Bute last year (41). Page 107
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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. 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 212 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 (113); • Class 7A = Dwellings Empty Under Statute – Closing or Demolition Order (12); • Class 1A = New Dwelling (1); • Class 5A= Living/detained elsewhere (14); • Class 2A= Unoccupied-Renovation (2) • Class 6A= Deceased owner (70) Second Homes As at 1st November 2023 there were 862 registered second homes in Oban, Lorn and the Isles. This figure represents 28% of the total number of second homes in Argyll and Bute (3,052). OLI Council tax data as at 01.11.23 Number of properties on Council Tax register Empty Homes Properties subject to 200% council tax levy Total EMPTY Lorn 9,048 126 116 242 Mull & Iona 1,963 28 44 72 Coll & Tiree 702 9 11 20 OLI TOTAL 11,839 163 171 334 Page 108
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Self-Catering Lets As at March 2023 there were 985 self-catering lets on the Rates register in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area 42% of the Argyll and Bute total (2,341). 5.8 PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING GRANT – ADAPTATIONS In 2022/23, there were 17 individual adaptations installed across OLI with PSHG aid. 5.9 PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING GRANT – REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS In 2022/23, there were a total of 26 PSHG repair and improvement grants completed in OLI, (across Argyll and Bute, the total was 57). Total cost of the works was £231,112 of which PSHG covered £96,486. 5.10 ENERGY EFFICIENCY (ENERGY EFFICIENT SCOTLAND: AREA BASED SCHEME (EES:ABS)) There were 158 energy efficiency measures installed across OLI in 2022/23 via the EES:ABS programme. In total, 84 properties were improved across the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area, at a total cost of £638,149. Grant aid in support of this work amounted to £593,897. 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 29% 23% Mull and Iona 30% 25% Coll and Tiree 30% 25% OLI Rates data as at 01.03.23 Number of self-catering properties Lorn 543 Mull & Iona 354 Coll & Tiree 88 OLI TOTAL 985 PSHG ADAPTATION COMPLETIONS 2022 -2023 HMA Grant Value Works Value ADAPTATION INSTALLED Ramp Stairlift Access Bathroom Adaptation Hoist Wash & Dry Unit External Drainage Connection Lorn £ 70,566.40 £ 83,340.20 0 0 1 12 1 3 0 TOTALS £ 70,566.40 £ 83,340.20 0 0 1 12 1 3 0 Page 109
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Argyll and Bute 30% 25% Scotland (SHCS) 34% 23% 5.11 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. The Local Housing Strategy is subject to annual updates and the 2023 update can be found in the Housing Strategy pages of the Council website (https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023LHSupdate ) 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. 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. Page 110
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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 Robin Currie Policy Lead for Strategic Development January 2024 For further information contact: Douglas Whyte Team Lead – Housing Strategy E-mail: douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Tel: 01546 604 785 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 111
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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 112
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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 113
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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 114
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Oban Lorn and the Isles DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 06 March 2024 2023/24 Active Travel Progress Report 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1. This report provides an update to Members on the progress made in 2023/24 in relation to active travel projects in the Oban Lorn and the Isles (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. 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. 1.4. 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). 1.5. In 2023/24 to date, the Active Travel Team secured £2.56M external funding for the development and delivery of a total of 22 projects across Argyll and Bute. These include Argyll and Bute wide projects, valued at £95,000 in 23/24, and projects specific to the OLI area, with a 23/24 value of £130,000. 1.6. 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), Page 115 Agenda Item 10
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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 deliver more projects, than similar staffed teams in other Local Authorities and/or local authorities with similar populations. 1.7. Transport Scotland have informed Officers that, as of 24/25, the funding model for active travel will change. The primary change will be the reallocation of the significant funding currently disbursed via third-sector organisations (such as Sustrans or Paths for All) and, to a lesser extent Transport Scotland (e.g. CWSR), to individual Local Authority block grants and a single Transport Scotland controlled Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). This will be undertaken incrementally over a 2 year transition period. 1.8. Transitional arrangements for infrastructure design and construction are understood by Officers to be: • 24/25 a proportion of the Scottish Government’s active travel funding will be allocated to Local Authority block grants with the remainder remaining as challenge funding, in particular in the PFE Programme (administered by Sustrans) and Transport Scotland’s ATIF fund. Transport Scotland have stated that failure to expend the block grant allocation on appropriate active travel projects will negatively affect the Council’s opportunity to secure additional funding from the ATIF. The Scottish Government’s budget commits a total of £220M to active travel in 24/25. • 25/26, those Local Authorities which chose (in 24/25) to expend the full amount of active travel funding in their block grant on appropriate active travel projects will receive an increase in their block grant allowance for active travel, with a smaller percentage of the overall funding being available via challenge funds following the closure of the PFE programme (forecast for December 2025). The Scottish Government has set an objective of committing 10% of the 25/26 transport budget to active travel, estimated to be c.£320M. • 26/27 onwards the challenge funding available will be solely focused on assisting Local Authorities with the cost of delivering very highly ambitious active travel projects, as active travel infrastructure funding for smaller projects will be included within block grants of those Local Authorities which have chosen in 24/25 and 25/26 to dedicate it to active travel. 1.9. Transitional arrangement for behaviour change is understood by Officers to be the transfer of the majority of the Scottish Government’s behaviour change funding in 24/25 onwards from third sector organisations to the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs). This will enable the development and delivery of behaviour change programmes/activities which are tailored to the specific requirements of each RTP area. A small element of the Scottish Government’s behaviour change funding will be retained to continue campaigns/cycle training Page 116
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programmes which are deemed to be most effective when delivered at a national scale. 1.10. 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. 1.11. Active Travel can offer significant benefits to the area: • Access to essential services and employment: In OLI 21% of households (1,873 households) do not have access to a motor vehicle and are reliant on public transport and active travel modes. • Health benefits: being more active reduces the risk of premature morbidity and death, particularly from diseases related to inactivity. • 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. • Improving safety: reduces injuries from car collisions. 1.12. 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 the main benefits are 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 school transport budget. RECOMMENDATIONS 1.13. It is recommended that the Oban Lorn and the Isles members: 1.13.1. Welcome the progress made to date across a significant number of active travel projects by the small Active Travel Team. 1.13.2. Support the continuation of the projects and the submission of future funding applications to external challenge funds (while these still exist) to continue to develop design and construction stages in order to deliver these projects. 1.13.3. Support the allocation of the active travel funding element in the Council’s 24/25 block grant to the development and delivery of appropriate active travel projects, including those already underway in OLI. Page 117
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1.13.4. Instruct Officers to continue to identify and develop new active travel projects to benefit local residents, businesses and communities. Page 118
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Oban Lorn and the Isles DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 06 March 2024 2023/24 Active Travel Progress Report 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1. This report provides an update to Members on the progress made in 2023/24 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 (while these still exist) to continue to develop design and construction stages in order to deliver these projects. 3.1.3. Support the allocation of the active travel funding element in the Council’s 24/25 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 119
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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 and/or local authorities with similar populations. 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, cycle lanes) and behaviour change (e.g. access to bikes, walking/cycle training, promotional activities). 4.4. In 2023/24 to date, the Active Travel Team secured £2.56M external funding for the development and delivery of a total of 22 projects across Argyll and Bute, including Argyll and Bute wide projects, valued at £95,000 in 23/24 and projects specific to the OLI area, with a 23/24 value of £130,000. Further details of these projects is presented in Appendix 1. Future Funding Model 4.5. Transport Scotland informed Officers on 23 January 2024 that, as of 24/25, the funding model for active travel will change. At the time of writing, Transport Scotland have stated that they are unable to confirm the value of specific funding streams for 24/25 as these are still subject to agreement with COSLA. It is understood the primary change will be the reallocation of the significant funding currently disbursed via third-sector organisations (such as Sustrans or Paths for All) and, to a lesser extent Transport Scotland (e.g. CWSR) to individual Local Authority block grants and a single Transport Scotland challenge fund, the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). This will be undertaken incrementally over a 2 year transition period. 4.6. Provisional transitional arrangements for infrastructure design and construction are understood by Officers to be: • 24/25 the allocation of a proportion of the Scottish Government’s active travel funding to Local Authority block grants with the remainder remaining as challenge funding, in particular in the PFE Programme (administered by Sustrans) and Transport Scotland’s ATIF. The split of allocation the funding is understood to still be in negation between Transport Scotland and COSLA with Transport Scotland expecting to confirm values in early 24/25. Transport Scotland have also stated that failure to expend the block grant allocation on appropriate active travel work will negatively affect the Council’s opportunity to secure additional funding from the ATIF. • 25/26, those Local Authorities which chose (in 24/25) to expend the full amount of active travel funding in their block grant on appropriate active Page 120
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travel projects will receive an increase in their block grant allowance for active travel, with a smaller percentage of the overall funding being available via challenge funds including the closure of the PFE programme (forecast for December 2025). • From 26/27 onwards the challenge funding available (e.g. ATIF) will be solely focused on assisting Local Authorities with the cost of delivering very highly ambitious active travel projects, as the active travel infrastructure funding for smaller projects will be included within the block grants of those Local Authorities which chose to dedicate it to active travel in 24/25 and 25/26. 4.7. Behaviour change funding will be transferred from third sector organisations to the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) in 24/25 onwards. This will enable the development and delivery of behaviour change programmes/activities which are tailored to the specific requirements of each RTP area. A small element of the Scottish Government’s behaviour change funding will be retained to continue campaigns/programmes which are deemed to be most effective when delivered at a national scale. Officers have started to engage with our RTPs (HITRANS and SPT) in order to understand and influence the future plans for the delivery of behaviour change projects. Current (2023/24) Funding Model 4.8. 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. 4.9. 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 23/24, the Active Travel Team secured £1.7M from the PFE Programme. It has been announced that the PFE Programme will by wound down with a final closure date of December 2025. Page 121
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4.10. 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. 4.11. The Scottish Government Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) fund is 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 23/24, the Active Travel Team secured £551,000 from the CWSR fund. It is understood by Officers that the CWSR fund will terminate in March 2024. 4.12. The Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) programme is run by Paths for All and provides funding for behaviour change projects. Behaviour change projects are designed to influence behaviour and choice, rather than provide new infrastructure. In 23/24, the Active Travel Team secured £80,000 from the SCSP programme. It has been announced that the SCSP programme will terminate in March 2024. 4.13. 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 23/24 ATTF, including for the Bowmore – Bridgend Path on Islay, but, while these were shortlisted on the reserve list, were unsuccessful in securing funding in 23/24. The application deadline for 24/25 projects to ATTF is late January 2024 and, at the time of writing, Officers are developing submissions including resubmitting the Bowmore – Bridgend Path project. 4.14. HITRANS Regional Active Travel Fund has previously supported a number of projects in OLI, including £450,000 towards Phase 1 of the Ralston Road Cycleway project in Campbeltown (completed summer 2023). As HITRANS have a relatively small budget compared to the geographical area covered and require to support five local authorities, Argyll and Bute’s 23/24 allocation was substantially lower than in previous years at £25,000. Benefits of Active Travel 4.15. 21% of households (1,873 households) in the OLI area do not have access to any motor vehicles (2011 census) and are therefore reliant on public transport and active travel methods to move around. Page 122
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4.16. 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 OLI, where a higher than Scottish average of the population have low incomes (SIMD, 2020), the cost of travel is a significant 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 (2011 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. 4.17. 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). 4.18. 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, 2018). Improving public realm and routes to shops for pedestrians and cyclists can increase trade by up to 40% (Pedestrian Pound, 2018). 4.19. 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. 4.20. 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 Page 123
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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 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. Design guidance 4.21. It is understood that adherence to the latest design criteria for active travel (e.g. Cycle by Design for cycle projects) will continue to be a requirement. 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. Active Travel Strategy (ATS) 4.22. 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. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1. Significant changes to the funding model in 2024/25 and 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 additional active travel funding allocation in the 24/25 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 SOA outcomes 2: We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and 5: People live active, healthier and independent lives. The project also supports achievement of the Scottish Government’s objectives set out in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) Page 124
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and Let’s Get Scotland Walking - The National Walking Strategy. 6.2. Financial The change in approach to the provision of active travel funding by the Scottish Government from external challenge funding to including it within the Council’s block grant will require Members to decide to allocate the funding to develop and deliver active travel projects. 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 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 Page 125
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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. 6.9 The Rights of the Active travel is the most accessible mode of travel to Child 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: Cllr Andrew Kain 05 January 2024 For further information contact: Colin Young Strategic Transportation Delivery Officer colin.young@argyll-bute.gov.uk 01546 604275 Appendix 1: 2024/25 Active Travel Projects Page 126
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Appendix 1: 2024/25 Projects 1.1. Active Travel Promotional Campaign Creation of a new sustainable travel (walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport) promotional brand “Better Journeys” and develop 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 and prepare to launch the campaign in spring 2024. 1.2. Smart phone app promotion Promotional campaign to raise awareness and use of the five existing active travel smartphone apps (Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Oban and Rothesay). The first year of the campaign in summer 2023 increased downloads of the free to access apps by 74%. 1.3. Pedestrian and Cycle Counters 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. 1.4. Bikes back to the community The Bikes back to the Community bike recycling scheme is delivered in partnership with local community group, ACT Now. While the Bikes back to the Community scheme has focused on Mid-Argyll, it has supported a number of Oban based pupils to access a free bicycle to enable them to learn to cycle. 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. The project returned 65 bikes to the community in 2022/23 and is forecast to exceed this in 2023/24. 1.5. Oban Town Centre North Project This project seeks to identify real and perceived barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling in a key area of Oban town centre that lies to the north of where the previous CHORD improvement works were carried out, and develop proposals that will address these barriers, and facilitate active travel as the most attractive and viable mode choice for everyday journeys in the town. The project focusses on George St and the Esplanade between North Pier and the Corran Halls, while also undertaking a strategic review to identify opportunities for wider active travel links throughout Oban with the aim of making walking, wheeling and cycling the preferred mode choice in Oban Town Centre, thereby increasing access to shops, leisure and essential services while retaining private car access for those who require it. The project will deliver strategies and interventions that reduce the impact of Page 127
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the A85 in the study area by identifying opportunities, through traffic surveys and robust business analysis of travel patters to create proposals that optimise traffic flow and have the potential to reduce local car journeys and non-essential travel through the study area. It will also safeguard Oban’s strategic transport facilities and high street business operations through engagement with local businesses and the identification of intervention to support increase footfall in the town centre whilst ensuring access to Oban ferry Terminal. Page 128
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 6th March 2024 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - Monitoring of Projects Funded 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide monitoring information on the funding given to community projects from the council’s Supporting Communities Fund. 1.2 11 constituted, not-for-profit, community organisations were awarded funding by the Area Committee in 2022/23. Organisations are required to spend their funding within 18 months and submit an End of Project Monitoring Report outlining the project’s projected costs, actual costs and beneficiaries. 1.3 Members are asked to consider the contents of the report showing a summary of the information supplied by organisations in their End of Project Monitoring Reports. 1.4 Members are asked to note the return of unspent funds and that these and that these are made available in future allocations of the Supporting Communities Fund in OLI. Page 129 Agenda Item 11
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 6th March 2024 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - Monitoring of Projects Funded 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report highlights the positive outcomes for communities in Oban, Lorn and the Isles through the allocation of the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund in 2022/23. 2.2 A total of £24,030.29 was awarded to 11 organisations in 2022/23. Organisations have 18 months to spend the funds, and up to two months from the end of the project, to complete and return a project monitoring report. 2.3 A total of £2,617.50 total has been identified as unspent funds and returned. This can be included in the distribution of the SCF in OLI for 2024/25. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Area Committee: 3.1 Note and consider the positive contribution of the Supporting Communities Fund detailed in section 4 and the attached table. 3.2 Note that a total of £2,617.50 in total has been returned, and agree that this be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25. . 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The funded projects supported approximately 20,311 people to participate in a variety of activities including outdoors, sports, music and projects positively impacting mental health. Highlights include: • Argyll Wellbeing Hub – delivering a series of peer support sessions, Page 130
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walking trips and events to support and develop LGBTQ+ awareness and celebration for mental health and well-being for marginalised communities following the pandemic. • The Ardchattan Centre – delivered 2 intergenerational projects for a series of history & heritage, and arts & culture workshops which were delivered to a wide range of participants with the aim of countering the isolation and fragmentation brought about by the pandemic. • Mull & Iona Community Trust – ran a series of guided walks, outdoor events, drop in events and beach cleans, developing a volunteer after school programme and a holiday club. 4.2 The attached table summarises information received from individual projects. 4.3 10 grant recipients have submitted an End of Project Monitoring Report. 4.4 Note that a total of £2,617.50 in total has been returned; £2,617.50 to be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25. The return of funds is a combination of projects under budget or funds unable to be spent. Page 131
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 Argyll & Bute Befrienders 57 sessions of therapeutic and personal development activities for young people, covering fees for the activity and workshop providers and entry fees for sporting and cultural activities £604.00 We met the aims of the project in that we provided opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people to experience a range of recreational and therapeutic activities with the support of their befriender. The main activities undertaken were various sports including climbing, swimming, cycling and minigolf, arts and crafts activities such as pottery painting and felting and several of our young people benefited from horse-riding in small groups to build their confidence and help them learn to regulate their emotions. 19 (A&B wide ) 2 Argyll Wellbeing Hub 24 sessions for Oban Pride peer support meetings, inclusion in scheduled mental health training sessions with refreshments, inclusion in scheduled weekly walking trips and two community events at the Hub, including the Oban Pride event in September 2022, followed by LGBT history month in Feburary 2023 £2,500.00 We are delighted that with the support of this grant and the partnership working and additional support we were able to provide to Oban Pride their capacity has grown. Oban Pride 2023 was their biggest event yet and spanned over 3 days. The Supporting Communities Fund and Argyll Wellbeing Hub have played a small part in this, and we are delighted to have played that part to help the local LGBTQ+ community develop and grow following the negative impact on it from covid. Argyll Wellbeing Hub works to fight stigma and discrimination every day for our marginalised mental health community, and we are delighted to have been able to support another community facing similar disadvantages to ours to develop and flourish. 16,320 3 Aros Park Historic Walled Garden purchase of tools for volunteers to contribute to the repair of the stone wall surrounding the garden, supporting rural skills training which will provide dry stone wall instruction for 50 volunteers. £2,500.00 Project not delivered – funds to be returned Page 132
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding 4 Comunn Gàidhealach an Òbain (Oban Mod Academy) tutors for Gaelic conversation and Gaelic singing, professional tuition and towards official MOD music and song downloads. £1,764.20 The Mod Academy children competed in several provincial mods and the royal national Mod in Paisley winning several 1st , 2nd and 3rd prizes. A primary child who won a 1st prize in a big competition, when being televised said to the reporter, “I just can’t wait until I get to the high school so that I can take Gaelic as a subject”. They were all very encouraged to receive excellent adjudications 40 5 Down’s Syndrome Scotland ( Oban and Area Positive Futures) venue hire for 20 meetings for 11 families. Makaton Training, Sensory and educational play equipment and outings £2,500.00 Offered Makaton training to all parents - huge uptake and ongoing further training by the parents and children. ( and now pressure on local schools to start using and learning it- much better inclusion. Also valuable for their peers in school to have some Makaton abilities. We now have a good support network between the families, and are continuing to strive to support each other. also offering support to new families with a child with Down Syndrome, and hopefully to some of the older adults living in the area. 45 6 Mull and Iona Community Trust Community ranger to work with volunteers on path repairs, visitor liaison and management, a series of community events, develop a volunteer programme and after school/holiday club £2,500.00 We have run a series of guided walks and outdoor events for specialist groups and general member of the community.(22 events). We also held drop in sessions at both out wildlife hides on the island being there for about 2 hours at a time sharing what them what was to be seen from the hide and general chatter about Mull particularly wildlife and walking opportunities. (5 events) We have run conservation work parties for volunteers at various sites around the island including Calgary Bay, Tiroran Community Forest, Bunessan Community Garden and Ardura Community Forest, and beach cleans at several popular beach locations and also beaches that seem to be a magnet for rubbish. 1706 7 Oban Communities Trust - The Rockfield Centre - Dye Garden 54 artist sessions and the development of a space by volunteers for a dye garden of plants harvested and used in artworks. Purchase of seeds, compost, pots and £2,493.90 The workshops included a 2 day natural dyeing course, for local participants to learn the process of how to use the continue to benefit from it and pass on their new found knowledge. As part of this we offered funded places to SAMS design students. We also held a botanical printing workshop and Tatakizome workshop (Japanese hammering method textiles). As part of 'Earth Month' at The Rockfield Centre: a themed programme of activity around April 22nd (Earth Day) every day, with examples of the colours produced from our garden on display. Our lead practitioner and current volunteers techniques, while attracting new volunteers, including those under 30. We also have a permanent display in the centre for people to view. 264 Page 133
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding path surface for horticultural activities 8 Oban Communities Trust - The Rockfield Centre - LEGO & Construction Club Oban hall hire for 18 months, purchase of Lego kits and other toy kits and storage bags £2,412.00 The Lego Club was able to start back up after Covid and to grow it’s numbers back up to those that it had before. The funding meant that equipment that was getting worn down was replaced so that both new attendees and regulars came back time again. I have had parents tell me that the Lego Club is the only out of school activity that their child wants to attend, that it is the activity they always look forward to coming along to and that they feel the environment is comfortable and welcoming. 600 9 Oban FM Community Radio Ltd broadcasting equipment and specialist software, tutor fees to train volunteers on the equipment, volunteer expenses and a project worker to develop and conduct a community survey report £1,764.19 Yes our project was completed and we did manage to complete our move and construct our new studio. 10 Oban Youth Café group activities for 5 groups of 8 young people to have 10 free of charge creative or outdoor sessions, planned and coordinated by youth workers £2,500.00 Because all our sessions are free, it means no one is left because of cost. That impact is massive, especially as some of our young people are coming from low-income families. Our projects also give our young people a chance to make new friends, some of our young people live very remotely and don’t get to see friends out of school. Positive social contact helps with good mental health. Most sessions, our young people are learning new skills and in doing so, it boosts their self-esteem. With our Soundsystem project, some of our young people were very shy about performing but with encouragement from the others, managed to perform in front of parents at a show they put on. With the Oban Pride sessions, having the space to talk through LGBTQ+ issues helped with their confidence. 47 Page 134
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding 11 The Ardchattan Centre costs of two intergenerational family projects: transport and venue hire for 16 History & Heritage workshops and 16 Arts & Culture 16 workshops £2,492.00 We believe so, our aim was to counter the isolation and community-fragmentation brought by Covid (and the closure of our school a few years previously), by engaging all age in a wide range of activities that encouraged intergenerational and family participation around two strands: the rich History & Heritage of the area and a creative and focus on Arts & Culture. Running from June 2022 to September 2023 (16 months) we delivered a schedule of 69 events/activities which brought a wide range pf people into contact with each other, and to make good use of our facilities. 1,270 Page 135
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5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 The project monitoring form has a section asking for comments on the grant process. Not all applicants have completed this section but of those received, the comments have largely been very positive. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy: None 6.2 Financial: The report sets out the expenditure of Oban, Lorn and the Isles 2022/23 allocation of Supporting Communities Fund 6.3 Legal: None 6.4 HR: None 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty/Equalities/Islands: Compliant with policy and noting that 2 of the funded projects were on islands 6.6 Climate Change: None 6.7 Risk: None 6.8 Customer Service: None 6.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC): None Chief Executive – Pippa Milne Policy Lead - Cllr Alistair Redman Communities and Partnership Manager – Rona Gold 31/01/2024 For further information contact: Engagement and Communities Lead Suzanne Mason on 01436 658933 / suzanne.mason@argyll-bute.gov.uk. Page 136
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Area Plans Update COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP/ AREA COMMITTEE FQ4 2023/24 Stuart Green Chief Executives Unit Argyll and Bute Council Page 137 Agenda Item 12
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#abplace2b Area Plans – What, Why and How? What? Creating area-based plans for all our communities, reflecting investment opportunities and local service prioritisation. Why? Increase rate of external investment by improving how we align with growing number of external funding streams (e.g. government). How? Through consensus, forward plan investment opportunities that improve outcomes. Page 138
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#abplace2b Area Plans – Mandate Council Agreed Priorities – November 2022 Corporate Plan 2023 - 2027; Agreed by Policy and Resources Committee – October 2023 Number of locality plans. Purpose & Principles Approach Resourcing and timescales In addition; agreed to reflect any relevant outcomes from the Community Planning Partnership Community Wealth Building Review relevant to the Council in the approach to producing area plans. Page 139
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#abplace2b No of Locality Plans 8 Areas Page 140
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#abplace2b Area Plans – Purpose & Principles Purpose Capture community vision and aspirations for each area. Reflect investment opportunities Identify local projects. Principles 1. The plans will be orientated towards maximising external funding. 2. The plans do not guarantee the provision of funding towards any of the projects contained therein. 3. The plans will seek to promote proposals that are aligned with the Council’s strategic plans and priorities. 4. All projects delivered by the Council will be prioritised and developed using our adopted project methodologies and processes. Page 141
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#abplace2b What is in scope? Projects – planned and proposed by CPP Partners and community groups. Community wealth building opportunities. Housing; needs, demands and opportunities. High level summary on socio economic data. Collating this information provides a baseline narrative and narrative. Page 142
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#abplace2b Community engagement Important to get right. Sense of consultation fatigue (anecdotal). Scottish Government Islands Consultation Community Led Action Plans/ Charrettes ABOIP More to come. Community Planning Group Area Plans Local Development Plans – Local Place Plans Need to coordinate engagement with our communities. Page 143
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#abplace2b Efficient use of resources. Area Plans Community Wealth Building CPG Area Plans Clear synergies to develop in tandem with; Community Planning Group Area Plans. Community Wealth Building. Careful consideration given to; Efficient and optimal use of resources. Co-ordinated consultation. Page 144
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#abplace2b Area plans - Approach Stages Activity 1 Collation of information and data e.g. Scottish Government island consultation data, data from ABOIP place standard consultations, existing community led plans etc. 2 Engage community councils, development trusts and community groups initially to test our findings and identify gaps and update maps and plans. 3 Wider public consultation on draft vision and maps and plans. 4 Publish analysis on feedback from engagement on draft vision and maps and plans. 5 Submit vision and maps and plans to Members for consideration. Page 145
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#abplace2b Governance and Flow of Information Page 146
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#abplace2b Phasing A phased but over-lapping approach is being taken to developing the Area Plans which will allow a) most effective use of resources and b) an iterative approach to learning from the process and identifying optimum methodologies. The phasing will be as follows; Phase 1; two localities – one island(s) locality and one mainland locality. Phase 2; three localities – one island(s) locality, two mainland localities. Phase 3; three localities – one island(s) locality, two mainland localities. Each phase will run for 12 months from start to finish. Phases 2 and 3 will commence 3 months after the previous phase starts. The 3 phases will almost run concurrently with the total programme scheduled to last 18 months (and not 36 months if run sequentially) April 2024 to September 2025. This is designed to expedite the process in the quickest time possible in relation to the available resource. Page 147
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#abplace2b How we will use the information? Area Plans should be viewed as a partnership document. Opportunity to capture all investments and aspirations for all to support development of visions for each area. May support strategic partners in developing future investment decisions and/or demonstrate community support. Plans will inform future opportunity for external funding. Effectively a ‘snap shot’ in time and does not prevent future opportunities. The plans do not guarantee the provision of funding towards any of the projects included but; Should provide clarity on opportunities, prioritisation, and improve matching and opportunities with external funding (which is significant). Page 148
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#abplace2b Your help please. 1. Identify all community groups in your area. 2. Identify all locations in your area suitable for individuals to see and comment on draft proposals. (This is to ensure individuals that cannot or choose not to access plans digitally are not excluded from the consultation process). 3. Encourage Community Councils, Development Trusts and Community Groups to participate in the process. Page 149
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CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS AND TRUST FUNDS – DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are Trustees for a number of Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds. Officers continually seek to simplify and update processes where possible to ensure ongoing compliance with the original terms of the bequests and to reduce the administrative burden of the management and distribution. However, there remains a number of challenges, a number of the funds were established many years ago, and as a consequence of changes in society over time the intended beneficiaries of the bequests are no longer easily identified. 1.2 This paper invites the Trustees of the MacKinnon Ledigham Bequest, Archibald Dow Bequest, Coals for the Poor Oban and Kilmore and Kilbride Bequest to consider distribution arrangements for each of these funds. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are asked to: 1. agree the proposals for distribution arrangements for the MacKinnon Ledigham Bequest, Archibald Dow Bequest and Coals for the Poor Oban, outlined within this report, 2. agree that a review of the updated distribution arrangements for the aforementioned funds be undertaken and reported to the Area Committee following the first 12 months of operation; and 3. agree that the unrestricted funds held within the Kilmore and Kilbride Bequest be made available, in their totality, immediately and that a moratorium be placed on this fund thereafter. ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE LEGAL & REGULATORY SUPPORT 6 March 2024 Page 151 Agenda Item 13a
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CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS AND TRUST FUNDS – DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENT 3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 The Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are Trustees of a number of Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds. This report invites Trustees to consider distribution arrangements for 4 of these funds. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 The Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are asked to: 1. agree the proposals for distribution arrangements for the MacKinnon Ledigham Bequest, Archibald Dow Bequest and Coals for the Poor Oban, outlined within this report, 2. agree that a review of the updated distribution arrangements for the aforementioned funds be undertaken and reported to the Area Committee following the first 12 months of operation; and 3. agree that the unrestricted funds held within the Kilmore and Kilbride Bequest be made available, in their totality, immediately and that a moratorium be placed on this fund thereafter 5.0 BACKGROUND 5.1 Due to the restrictive nature of some funds, specifically the MacKinnon Ledigham Bequest, Archibald Dow Bequest, Coals for the Poor Oban and Kilmore and Kilbride Bequest, difficulties had been faced in establishing suitable distribution arrangements. Consequently, Officers from Legal and Regulatory Support had been in dialogue with both The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and Lord Advocates Office in an attempt to establish appropriate methods of distributing these funds, specifically using provisions within the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland ) Act 1990 and The Public Trusts (Reorganisation) (Scotland) (No.2) Regulations to transfer the resources to charities and trusts that are better placed to meet the terms of each of the funds. ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE LEGAL & REGULATORY SUPPORT 6 March 2024 Page 152
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5.2 Largely as a consequence of the lack of associated documentation of the funds, despite making all reasonable enquiries, very little progress had been made in this regard. Consequently officers are of the opinion that progress can only now be made by preparing bespoke, council administered, distribution models for the aforementioned funds. These arrangements have drawn upon existing models of distribution, which have been working well in other localities, thereby ensuring maximum community benefit. 6.0 ARCHIBALD DOW BEQUEST 6.1 The Archibald Dow Bequest was established to benefit the poor of Taynuilt. At the time of the original bequest the benefactors would have been clear about who the intended beneficiaries would be. This is however, rather more difficult to quantify today, and it may be useful for trustees to refer to appendix 1, which offers some guidance and definitions of poverty which can be broader than simply a lack of funds. 6.2 For the avoidance of doubt only those resident in Taynuilt, specifically those residents with the following postcodes are eligible to access this fund. PA351AG PA351HP PA351HR PA351HT PA351HU PA351HW PA351HY PA351HZ PA351JA PA351JB PA351JD PA351JE PA351JF PA351JG PA351JH PA351JJ PA351JL PA351JN PA351JP PA351JQ PA351JR PA351JS PA351JT PA351JU PA351JW PA351JX PA351JY PA351JZ PA351LA PA351YD 6.3 On the basis that Trustees wish to manage the resources of the Fund, Trustees should establish eligibility criteria that must be met before applications will be considered. 6.4 Care needs to be taken by the Trustees to ensure that the Fund is not unintentionally depleted by broad acceptance criteria. It is proposed that applying ‘is in receipt of means tested benefits’ as the eligibility criteria would be likely to have the effect of increasing both the number of applications and the overall burden on the Fund and therefore more detailed specification is proposed. 6.5 The Scottish Welfare Fund which was established to assist individuals and families on a ‘low income’ use the following indicators: • In receipt of a qualifying benefit (Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support or Universal Credit) • 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). Page 153
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6.6 It is proposed that the same eligibility criteria be applied to those seeking an award from the Bequest. This would ensure that the Fund is only accessible by those individuals and families on a low income. However, the application form will ask for specific details as to why they are facing financial hardship at the time of submitting the application, adding a further layer of assurance that the terms are being fulfilled. 6.7 It is further proposed that in order to be considered eligible applicants must be over the age of 16. 6.8 It is proposed that awards are set at £50 for individuals and £100 for families. It is also recommended that applicants receive a maximum of a single award each calendar year. 6.9 As of 30/03/2023 the balance of the Archibald Dow Bequest stands at £2,049 which comprises of £751 restricted funds and £1298 unrestricted. 6.10 It should be noted that the level of interest gained by the Fund is low. It is recommended that there should be no limit to the amount which can be awarded in each calendar year providing that it does not exceed the amount available in the unrestricted funds. This would be reviewed annually and reported to the Area Committee. 7.0 MACKINNON LEDIGHAM BEQUEST 7.1 The Mackinnon Ledigham Bequest was established to offer relief of aged persons in the Ross of Mull. 7.2 It is proposed that those that are of state pension age and live within the Ross of Mull be eligible to access this fund. i.e. those individuals that are 66 years of and above. Please note that from 6 May 2026, the state pension age will start increasing and will reach 67 by 6 March 2028 (affecting anyone born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977). 7.3 For the avoidance of doubt those that live within the area bounded by the north by Loch Scridain and to the south by the Firth of Lorne, specifically those within Bunessan, Fionnphort, Ardtun, Camas, Carsaig, Knockan, Pennyghael and Uisn, Knocknafenaig, Suidhe and Shiana would be eligible to access this fund. 7.4 It is further proposed that £50 be awarded for each successful application. It is also recommended that applicants receive a maximum of one award each calendar year. 7.5 As of 30/03/2023 the balance of Bequest stands at £6197 which comprises of £2000 restricted funds and £4197 non-restricted. 8.0 COALS FOR THE POOR OBAN 8.1 The Coals for the Poor Oban was established following a collection by Oban Town Council. As of 30/03/2023 the balance of the fund stands at £3378 which comprises of £1334 restricted and £2044 non-restricted funds. Page 154
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8.2 Given the similar nature of the this Bequest and the Archibald Dow Bequest and to ensure a consistency in approach it is suggested that the criteria for the Coals for the Poor Oban be the same as the Archibald Dow Bequest, specifically applications would only be welcomed by those on a qualifying benefit or for those people who are employed/self-employed, they must be in receipt of some amount of Universal Credit. Applicants must be over the age of 16 with awards set at £50 for individuals and £100 for families and limited to one award each calendar year. 8.3 To ensure that the terms of the Bequest are fulfilled applicants would also be asked to confirm that any award made would be used specifically for the purposes of purchasing coal. 8.3 It is suggested that only those that are resident in the Burgh of Oban would be eligible to access this fund, which follows the criteria established for the John of Lorn Bequest, which has proven to be successful since its introduction in September 2020. 9.0 KILMORE & KILBRIDE BEQUEST 9.1 The Kilmore and Kilbride Bequest was established to meet the expenses in keeping the Kilbride Burial Ground in order. 9.2 This fund had been identified for possible transference to an external partner to deliver. However, this approach has proven not to be possible and therefore it is suggested that the unrestricted funds reserves (i.e. monies the fund has available to spend without drawing on capital or restricted reserves) be made available, in their totality, immediately to Roads and Infrastructure. Payment would only be made once it is confirmed that the cemetery is being maintained. The capital will remain as this cannot be distributed. This approach will essentially place a moratorium on the distribution of monies from this fund. 9.3 This approach will lessen the administrative burden, ensuring maximum community benefit. This approach mirrors that of the James McKechnies Fund (For upkeep of family headstones and lairs in Pennyfir Cemetery) and the Miss Mary A McNivens Trust (For the maintenance of her two family lairs in Tiree burial ground) which the Area Committee are also Trustees for. 10.0 CONCLUSION 10.1 This report has outlined the current position in terms of financial and distribution arrangements of funds held in trust by the Area Committees. On approving the recommendations they will provide a clear community benefit while meeting our obligation of ensuring transparent and effective governance. 10.2 Each of the funds have been inactive for a number of years, this report seeks to address this and ensure that it provides a clear community benefit while meeting our obligation of ensuring transparent and effective governance. 11.0 IMPLICATIONS Page 155
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11.1 Policy - Consideration of the questions raised will ensure that the intentions of the original bequests are honoured. 11.2 Financial - None, the Council acts as trustee for the Funds, it does not represent assets of the Council. However, there is a risk that the Council would have to repay each fund if an objection was raised as to the award/use of funds. 11.3 Legal - Area Committees, as Trustees, must ensure that the distribution arrangements comply with the terms of each fund, failure to do so would result in the Council being liable. 11.4 HR - To proceed with reorganisation, in terms of section 10 or 11 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 would require the allocation of Officer time. 11.5 Fairer Scotland Duty - None 11.5.1 Equalities – protected characteristics – None 11.5.2 Socio-Economic Duty – None 11.5.3 Islands – None 11.6 Climate Change – None 11.7 Risk – Recent changes to the benefit system, and low interest rates may result in an oversubscription. If there was an objection raised as to the use of any of the funds in a particular way, there is a risk that the Council could have to pay the costs themselves and repay the Trust the costs. The level of risk is considered to be acceptable. 11.8 Customer Service – None 11.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – None Douglas Hendry Executive Director with responsibility for Legal & Regulatory Support January 2024 Policy Lead - Councillor Alastair Redman For further information contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, 01436 658717, stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk Appendices Appendix 1 – Definitions of Poverty Page 156
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APPENDIX 1: Definitions of Poverty "There are basically three current definitions of poverty in common usage: absolute poverty, relative poverty and social exclusion. Absolute poverty is defined as the lack of sufficient resources with which to keep body and soul together. Relative poverty defines income or resources in relation to the average. It is concerned with the absence of the material needs to participate fully in accepted daily life. Social exclusion is a new term used by the Government. The Prime Minister described social exclusion as "…a shorthand label for what can happen when individuals or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health and family breakdown"." The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee The Definition of Poverty The usual definition of relative low income are households whose equivalised income before housing costs is below 60% of the median ( i.e. midpoint) income in the U.K. in the same year. Income is the income from all sources for all members of the household but after deductions for income tax, National Insurance contributions, council tax, pension contributions and maintenance payments. Equivalisation allows for differences in the size and composition of households, and recognises that a family of several people requires a higher income than a single person in order for both households to have a similar standard of living. It is assumed that all individuals in the household benefit equally from the combined equivalised income of the household. For a couple with no children the U.K. median income before housing costs in 2006- 07 was £377 per week. The relative low income level was therefore £226 per week. The Experience of Rural Poverty in Scotland (Scottish Government 2009) From the definitions above, it is clear that the worst cases of absolute poverty should never occur in Oban, and the trustees will consequently be more likely to be concerned with applicants experiencing gradations of “relative poverty” i.e. using equivalency to the income levels determined above. Using the figures above as a guide, in general, those on mean tested benefits such as jobseekers allowance (£146 per fortnight for a single person) will be likely to fall within the definition of relative poverty. Page 157
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE LEGAL & REGULATORY SUPPORT 6 March 2024 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 December 2023. 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 159 Agenda Item 13b
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3.5 A total of 3 applications have been received since the December 2023 meeting of the Area Committee. Officers, in consultation with the Chair have confirmed awards for a family and one individual application, with a total of £150 being awarded to individuals living within the Burgh. 3.6 A single application has 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 £5.2k. 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 Alastair Redman February 2024 For further information contact: Page 160
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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 (private) Page 161
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Document is Restricted Page 163 Agenda Item 13cNOT FOR PUBLICATION by virtue of paragraph(s) 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government(Scotland) Act 1973
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OLI AREA COMMITTEE COMMERCIAL SERVICES 6th MARCH 2024 COMMUNITY SPORTS HUB, OBAN LORNE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, GLENCRUITTEN DRIVE, OBAN 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The purpose of this report is to update the Area Committee on the significant progress in negotiations with Oban Lorn Rugby Football Club (OLRFC) following the reports to DMT of 10th May 2023, ELT of 23rd May 2023 and DMT of 6th November 2023 setting out their Expression of Interest in extending their current lease and substantially redeveloping the clubhouse building and adjoining sports grounds for both club and community use. 1.2 OLRFC’s current 30 year lease expires on 28th February 2025, with a rent of £1 reflecting the nature of the ground and use. Heads of Terms have now been agreed in principle for a new 50 year lease with a Purchase Option after 10 years, if certain development and funding milestones have been achieved. It is envisaged that between £3.65M and £4.28M will be invested in new facilities for the benefit of the community. 1.3 The new lease provides for a market value rent to the Council based on a percentage of the redeveloped Clubhouse trading profits and a multiplier mechanism to calculate the market value purchase price, should the Purchase Option be triggered. The Council retains an Option to terminate the lease if development targets have not been met. 1.4 RECOMMENDATIONS That the Area Committee: 1.4.1 Notes the significant investment planned by OLRFC in improving this asset for the community along with the potential income and capital receipt to the Council provisionally agreed in Heads of Terms to enable OLRFC’s formal funding process to begin and the project to move forward. 1.4.2 Notes that the project is of a significant scale and if the Club meet all their obligations, it is intended that this will result in the sale of a large area of recreational ground to the Club, reducing the Council’s control of the area. Page 165 Agenda Item 14
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OLI AREA COMMITTEE COMMERCIAL SERVICES 6th MARCH 2024 COMMUNITY SPORTS HUB, OBAN LORNE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, GLENCRUITTEN DRIVE, OBAN 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The purpose of this report is to update the Area Committee on the significant progress in negotiations with Oban Lorn Rugby Football Club (OLRFC) following the reports to DMT of 10th May 2023, ELT of 23rd May 2023 and DMT of 6th November 2023 setting out their Expression of Interest in extending their current lease and substantially redeveloping the clubhouse building and adjoining sports grounds for both club and community use. 2.2 OLRFC’s current 30 year lease expires on 28th February 2025, with a rent of £1 reflecting the nature of the ground and use. Heads of Terms have now been agreed in principle for a new 50 year lease with a Purchase Option after 10 years if certain development and funding milestones have been achieved. It is envisaged that between £3.65M and £4.28M will be invested in new facilities for the benefit of the community. 2.3 The new lease provides for a market value rent to the Council based on a percentage of the redeveloped Clubhouse trading profits and a multiplier mechanism to calculate the market value purchase price, should the Purchase Option be triggered. The Council retains an option to terminate the lease if development targets have not been met. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 That the Area Committee: 3.1.1 Notes the significant investment planned by OLRFC in improving this asset for the community along with the potential income and capital receipt to the Council provisionally agreed in Heads of Terms to enable OLRFC’s formal funding process to begin and the project to move forward. 3.1.2 Notes that the project is of a significant scale and if the Club meet all their obligations, it is intended that this will result in the sale of a large area of recreational ground to the Club, reducing the Council’s control of the area. Page 166
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4.0 BACKGROUND 4.1 Since 1995 OLRFC have leased ground from the Council extending to 0.237 acres (Appendix 1 plan) upon which they constructed a clubhouse building with associated car parking, adjacent to two Council owned grass rugby pitches. This lease expires in February 2025. 4.2 OLRFC have highlighted a number of serious shortcomings with the facilities which are hampering the full participation of the community, including poor drainage and lighting of the pitches, the absence of covered spectating areas and the lack of disabled access to the clubhouse. The applicant seeks a new lease over an enlarged site extending to approximately 6.6 acres which includes the pitches (Appendix 2 plan) to allow them to secure funding for significant improvement works. OLRFC’s proposed Works are estimated at £3.65M to £4.28M and are detailed as to Phasing in the Heads of Terms (The redeveloped site will be known as Oban Lorne Rugby Community Sports Hub. 4.3 Phase 1 of the works covers the first 10 years and centres on the clubhouse and upper pitch, obliging OLRFC to extend the clubhouse with disabled access and parking and to build a new spectator stand with fencing and floodlights. During that initial 10 years, and defined as Phase 2 of their works, the Club will also procure funding and all necessary consents for a running track and wind turbines along with flood management investigations and reports in respect of the bottom pitch. Phase 3 of the works relate principally to the bottom pitch and are dependent on the precise extent of the available site. The bottom pitch boundary is close to the Oban Development Road exclusion zone (Appendix 3) and the Heads have been drafted to provide contingency for current exclusions remaining, or a future release of some protected space, which would allow the bottom pitch to be more easily redeveloped to SRU minimum size standards. Phase 3 envisages flood management works and a new 4G bottom pitch along with storage units and a solar power system. The availability of a functional bottom pitch would also allow the top pitch to be temporarily taken out of service for the introduction of an undersoil heating and drainage system. Further phases beyond the scope of this lease envisage the club engaging with shinty interests in the town to improve nearby facilities for that sport. 4.4 Per the Council Planning Department’s pre-application response to OLRFC’s proposals the property is currently designated an Open Space Protection Area for sports and recreation facilities in the Development Plan, a constraint on alternative uses. It is deemed to be a community asset held in perpetuity with very limited commercial value. 4.5 Notwithstanding that limited commercial value, the Heads of Terms provide for a market value rent to the Council of the redeveloped clubhouse’s trading profits and a multiplier to calculate the market value purchase price, should the Purchase Option be triggered. Mindful that the sale of a Council asset would be irrevocable, the terms also provide an Option for the Council to terminate the lease after 10 years if the Tenant’s Phase 1 works to provide the planned investment in facilities for the benefit of the community has not been completed. 4.6 The potential sale of the land is not without risks in that the Council would lose control over it, with the potential for restrictions on users, conflict with other clubs or issues with maintenance. Where possible the Council will look to draft the Page 167
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Agreement to mitigate these risks. 4.7 It should be noted that through the community asset transfer process, OLRFC have a right to request to buy the asset and the Council would require to have supportable reasons if it was to refuse. Refusal of an asset transfer here would be very difficult to justify given the level of investment envisaged. Dealing with this request through the informal expression of interest (EOI) process has allowed this project to be explored openly in a partnership approach. Consequently, it has been agreed that in line with the current lease the Tenant will operate a booking and hiring system whereby the improved facilities will be made reasonably available to outside parties, protecting wider community interests. All existing public rights of access abutting or through the site will also be maintained at all times under the new lease. The Heads of Terms also include for the retention of Amenity Services grass cutting and line-marking via a service charge. 4.8 OLRFC have engaged architects who have held pre-planning discussions with the Council. Their outline proposals have been positively received and visual images can be accessed via the following link: Oban and Lorne Rugby Club 4.9 OLRFC are aware of the Mossfield Group’s general aspirations to improve their nearby facilities. OLRFC submit that their own proposals are significantly more advanced and they would be happy to mentor the Mossfield Group on the funding process once they are successfully through it. OLRFC are open to considering a future merger if the visions and values of both groups are best delivered in that way – but it is not pursing it at this time. OLRFC also note that they have a Committee member on the Mossfield Group Board which for present purposes, will instil a degree of joined up thinking. 4.10 The instruction of solicitors would serve as the necessary ‘letter of intent’ from the Council for OLRFC to formally engage with funding sources such as the SRU and build real momentum in the project. Agreement of the lease would then allow any funding secured to be released to the club. 4.11 The Club are extremely keen to outline their vision to the wider community. They are ready to engage with the Community Council and to release detailed information via the local press, Facebook and other social media platforms. The Club also intend to hold open events for the explanation of their proposals to the widest section of the population possible. 5.0 CONCLUSIONS 5.1 The facilities at Glencruitten are not currently in a condition that allows for the maximum participation of the community. OLRFC are prepared to seek funding to invest significantly in improving the facilities and Heads of Terms have now been agreed in principle for a long Ground Lease with Purchase Option and Development Obligations. 5.2 The Heads of Terms provide for a market value rent and a mechanism to calculate the market value purchase price on a site deemed to be a community asset held in perpetuity with very limited commercial value. Page 168
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5.3 In the absence of an agreed approach via the expression of interest process, the club would likely succeed with an Asset Transfer request. The current approach allows detailed terms to be put in place that safeguard wider community interests. 5.4 The Committee noting Officers will instruct Legal Services on these Heads of Terms will enable what is expected to be a complex project to move forward. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy – None. 6.2 Financial – Outside investment of £3 - £4+ Million in Oban community sports facilities. Potential sale of asset used for recreational purposes with limited commercial value. 6.3 Legal – The terms and conditions of any lease to follow are delegated to the Executive Director of Customer Services. 6.4 HR – None 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty 6.5.1 Equalities – Protected characteristics – None. 6.5.2 Socio economic Duty – None 6.5.3 Islands – Not applicable 6.6 Climate change – Allows for more intensive use of local facilities, reducing the need for off-site trips. 6.7 Risk – Applicant may fail to procure all funding necessary for the project. 6.8 Customer Service – None. 6.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – None. Douglas Hendry, Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services Councillor Gary Mulvaney – Policy Lead, Finance and Commercial Services 14th February 2024 For further information contact: Frank Montgomery Estates Surveyor The Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre 38 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh G84 7PG Frank.Montgomery@argyll-bute.gov.uk 01436 658791 Page 169
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Appendix 1 – Current Leased Area Page 170
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Appendix 2 – Proposed Leased (and purchase Option) Area Page 171
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Appendix 3 – Oban Development Road – Protected Zone Page 172
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2023-24 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 6 March 2024 6 March 2024 Primary School Update Wendy Brownlie, Head of Education Annual Report 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 Area Performance Report FQ3 23/24 Improvement and HR – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Development and Infrastructure - Jim Smith Quarterly Report 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 Roads Capital Reconstruction Programme Development and Infrastructure – Jim Smith Annual Report 6 March 2024 Housing Services Activity Update- Strategic Housing investment plan Upadate (SHIP) Director of Development and Infrastructure – Douglas Whyte Annual Report 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 Active Travel Progress Report 2023-24 Colin Young, Development & Economic Growth Annual Report 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 Supporting Communities Fund 2022/23 End of Project Monitoring Report Ailie Law & Kirsty McLuckie Annual Report 12 February 2024 Page 173 Agenda Item 15
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2023-24 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 6 March 2024 Area Plans Stuart Green Chief Executive 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 John of Lorn Bequest Applications Stuart McLean Legal & Regulatory Support When required 12 February 2024 Cut off for applications 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 Charitable Trusts, Bequests & Trust Funds – Distribution Arrangements Stuart McLean, Legal & Regulatory Support One off 12 Februrary 2024 6 March 2024 Community Sports Hub, Oban Lorne Rugby Football Club David Allan, Commercial Services One off 12 February 2024 6 March 2024 Area Committee Workplan Melissa Stewart Legal & Regulatory Support For updating 12 February 2024 12 June 2024 12 June 2024 Tobermory Play Park Development and Infrastructure Hugh O’Neill Update on one off funding Spend 20 May 2024 May come to June depending on discussions with Mull Community Council 12 June 2024 Area Performance Report FQ4 23/24 Improvement and HR – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 20 May 2024 12 June 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Development and Infrastructure Jim Smith Quarterly Report 20 May 2024 Page 174
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2023-24 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 12 June 2024 HSCP Bi-Annual Update Report Health & Social Care Partnership – Charlotte Craig Bi-Annual Report 20 May 2024 12 June 2024 Secondary School Reports - Oban High School Head Teacher Peter Bain Annual Report 20 May 2024 12 June 2024 Secondary School Reports - Tiree High School Head Teacher Peter Bain Annual Report 20 May 2024 12 June 2024 Secondary School Reports - Tobermory High School Head Teacher Shelly Carmichael Annual Report 20 May 2024 12 June 2024 John of Lorn Bequest - Applications Legal and Regulatory Support As required 20 May 2024 Cut off for applications 20 May 2024 12 June 2024 Supporting Communities Fund Applications Rona Gold/Kirsty McLuckie Chief Executive Annual Report 20 May 2024 12 June 2024 Area Committee Workplan Melissa Stewart Legal and Regulatory Support For updating 20 May 2024 11 September 2024 11 September 2024 Area Performance Report FQ1 24/25 Performance Management and Improvement Officer Quarterly Report 19 August 2024 Page 175
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2023-24 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 11 September 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Development and Infrastructure Jim Smith Quarterly Report 19 August 2024 11 September 2024 Annual Recycling Performance Report Jim Smith Roads and Infrastructure Services Annual Report 19 August 2024 11 September 2024 Supporting Communities Fund – End of Project Monitoring 22/23 Rona Gold/Ailie Law Chief Executive Annual Report 19 August 2024 11 September 2024 John of Lorn Bequest Applications Melissa Stewart, Legal & Regulatory As required 19 August 2024 Cut off for applications 19 August 2024 11 September 2024 Area Committee Workplan Melissa Stewart For updating 19 August 2024 11 December 2024 11 December 2024 Area Performance Report FQ2 24/25 Performance Management and Improvement Officer Quarterly report 18 November 2024 11 December 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Development and Infrastructure Jim Smith Quarterly report 18 November 2024 11 December 2024 Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean Annual Report 18 November 2024 Page 176
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee Workplan 2023-24 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 11 December 2024 ACHA Annual Update Chief Executive ACHA Annual Report 18 November 2024 11 December 2023 HSCP Bi-Annual Update Report Charlotte Craig/Fiona Davies Argyll and Bute HSCP Annual 18 November 2024 11 December 2024 John of Lorn Bequest Applications Legal & Regulatory Support – Melissa Stewart As required 18 November 2024 Cut off for applications 18 November 2024 11 December 2024 Area Committee Workplan Melissa Stewart For updating 18 November 2024 Page 177
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